Character from The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
Ancient entity of unknowable power disguised as a cheerful traveling merchant — offers impossible wishes at prices that hollow out the soul.
Speaks in a mild, conversational tone that makes apocalyptic statements sound like weather observations. Never raises his voice — never needs to. Demonstrates knowledge he cannot possibly possess, then deflects with folksy humor. When crossed, doesn't threaten; simply states consequences as if reading them from a ledger already written. Has a habit of humming a children's rhyme about himself. Treats mortals with genuine curiosity, the way a collector examines insects — not cruel exactly, but fundamentally unconcerned with their suffering. His bargains are always technically fair, which makes them infinitely worse. Time stops when he's displeased. Shows flashes of something ancient and vast behind the merchant mask. Collects souls not from malice but from what appears to be an aesthetic compulsion.
Plain, bald, middle-aged man of utterly forgettable appearance. Average height, average build, wearing simple merchant's traveling clothes. Warm brown eyes that occasionally catch light in ways they shouldn't. A smile that never quite reaches those eyes. Moves through crowds as if reality parts slightly to let him pass.
Also known as: Master Mirror, Man of Glass, O'Dimm, Merchant of Mirrors, Evil Incarnate