Introduction
Be the flame, not the moth.
Appearance
Notable Features
❥ Mid-length golden blonde hair, catching the light with every step❥ Sharp and calculating gaze, always with a hint of mischief
❥ Full, generous mouth, often curved into a knowing smile, inviting intrigue and offering promises without words
❥ Melodic, lilting Dubliner accent that has been both softened and hardened by years in England's streets
❥ Thin, inch-long scar from near her left eyebrow horizontal across her temple toward her hairline; a reminder of a debt owed
Personal Style
Skye's style is an outward reflection of the person she wants to be — polished, refined, layered, complex. Her gowns are impeccable, tailored to fit her frame perfectly and made from rich fabrics that speak to both her ambition and her taste. Her golden curls are carefully styled, framing her face with precision, while every accessory is chosen to enhance her look without overpowering it. Each piece of clothing is a deliberate statement, speaking to control, sophistication, and the quiet power Skye seeks to wield.Skye McDaniels
Like a moth, seek out the flame of lanterns
Like a moth, seek out the flame of lanterns
Circumstances
Currently
Since 1884, Skye has been running an all-female boarding house in Whitechapel commonly known as the Back Church Boarding House, but to those who have gained entry past its front desk, it is known as "The Moth & Lantern". Behind its scrubbed, Georgian façade, the large renovated residence discreetly operates as an exclusive gaming club through the ground floor after dark, while its tiers of taboo offer more personalized services upstairs on the first floor. Occasionally, both of these floors are transformed for VIP events.Since 1886, Skye has been gainfully engaged to Mr. Evelyn Shelley, a delightfully romantic and ever-grinning "former" client who keeps his kept woman's purse as full as his heart. A successful young banker who believes he has found the perfect woman, he does not mind waiting a year (or two) for them to meet with the priest and set a date for their wedding.
Since 1887, Skye has been giving her brother and other-half the silent treatment (for the millionth time). Like every time before, Skye regrets her impulsive decision to ban Eoin from the Lantern (and her life), but she's still too stubborn to admit it. Nevertheless, the distance is torture for her, and she relies on her trusted man, Jeremiah, to keep her informed of her brother's whereabouts (unaware that Eoin pays Jeremiah to look the other way when he drops by in her absence in order to partake of the Lantern's services).
Since early 1888, Skye has been particularly busy with a few new schemes, including exploring a way to undermine the underhanded threats of her landlord through a spiritual awakening, and luring the leader of the Greenstreet Gang himself to the club's notorious Night of Sin as a means of figuring how he intents to exploit her brother (and more).
Health & Capabilities
Skye strongly believes that she is in relatively good health, despite the years of hard living and stress that come with running a brothel in Whitechapel. She keeps herself physically active, whether it's managing the daily chaos of her business or handling personal matters that require hands-on attention. Her endurance is impressive, allowing her to maintain a bustling schedule without showing signs of fatigue; at least to those who don't know better.Yet while her mental resilience is her greatest strength, she also struggles with severe anxiety, often triggered by her ambitions and overpowering need for control. She would, of course, say, "Oi 'ave it under control," relying on moments of solitude and a little too much smoke to steady her nerves.
Socioeconomics
Skye's current position is built on years of struggle and hard-won experience. She started with practically nothing — an Irish immigrant, thrust into a life far removed from the comforts of middle-class London. Her early days in Whitechapel were shaped by necessity, her body a tool for survival as she worked her way into the brothel trade. Over time, her sharp wit and entrepreneurial spirit saw her rise from a mere worker at The Gilded Cage to the owner of The Moth & Lantern. While she's not wealthy, her brothel brings in a modest income that keeps her ahead of the game; far from destitute, but not yet living in luxury. The brothel itself isn't a palace; it's practical, maintained, with care, and tailored to specific clientele. Her wealth is the kind that speaks to hard work, strategy, and the willingness to go further than most would. She may not have grand estates, but she does have the beginnings of influence, a fragile semblance of control, and a fierce determination to climb higher — always with her gaze on something bigger, something beyond the limits of Whitechapel's streets.Skills & Talents
❥ Can sing like a siren, watch out; both sultry and melodic, she'll captivate anyone in the room.❥ Particular talent with letters and figures, she manages her finances with precision and has an innate sense for profitable ventures.
❥ Was once known for doing that "butterfly thing" with her tongue, her ability to seduce and charm is legendary
❥ Skye isn't afraid to defend herself when necessary, whether with words, or a well-placed punch (or shank).
❥ Though she didn't have formal schooling, Skye has picked up a variety of skills along the way, from street smarts to reading and writing, and has an eye for learning whatever will help her advance
❥ Her attentiveness makes her an ideal confidante for both clients and staff, often gaining her valuable information that she uses to her advantage
❥ Skye has a natural sense for style, knowing how to dress to impress and choosing clothing that accentuates her best features and exudes authority
Present Relationships
❥ Twin brother, Eoin, complicated, troubled. Older than Skye, barely. They used to be incredibly close, but he harbors an "on-again/off-again" relationship with opium and other vices, which has led to him stealing from her on more than one occasion. Skye has not seen him since she banned him from the Lantern a few months ago.❥ Currently engaged to Mr. Evelyn Shelley, who is at least 87% convinced their love is genuine and that their relationship has Nothing to do with the income he receives or the doors it will open for her from a business perspective. Wanted ad upcoming.
❥ Trusted man, Jeremiah Cohen, has been with Madame Skye as a bouncer going on four years, although their history dates back to the 1870s and The Gilded Cage, former place of employment for them both. Wanted ad on the server.
❥ Aunt Niamh Bolten, nee McDaniels, their ma's older sister. A widow twice over, she moved to Birmingham after the death of her second husband, Dal, the closest thing the twins had to a father.
Identity
Hobbies
❥ Smoking; Skye always carries a slim, silver case of hand-rolled cigarettes, a habit she picked up from some of the older girls at The Gilded Cage. It's both a break and a ritual; lighting one up between clients or after a particularly difficult negotiation, savoring the way the smoke lingers in her lungs, the scent hanging in the air.❥ People watching; Whether from the window of the Lantern or perched in a corner at a local tavern, Skye has a sharp eye for details. She takes note of the small tells that other people miss — the way men walk, the way women glance sideways, the nervous twitch of a hand. It's all information, and she's constantly collecting it and storing it away in her mental palace.
❥ Flirting; Skye flirts as easily as she breathes. A tool and a game, she strives to make anyone feel like the center of her attention, just to keep them coming back for more, but never enough to let them think they're in control. It's all part of the dance — and Skye knows how to lead.
❥ Singing; She has a real soft spot for old Irish ballads her mother used to sing, and she is constantly filling the halls of the Lantern with her lilting hums as she is tending to business.
❥ Dancing; Skye's feet move like she was born to the rhythm of music. At any local event, whether it's a pub gathering or a more lavish affair, she can be found leading the dance with a kind of wild confidence. It's freedom for her, a moment of losing herself in the music, spinning with the crowd, and letting go.
❥ Reading; Self-taught in her youth, Skye has always had a particular taste for practical books — everything from business guides to the more racy, forbidden novels that whispers about the same world she navigates. She particularly enjoys a well-written piece of scandal, a little drama between the pages, and finds herself drawn to stories that stretch the limits of both fantasy and reality.
Habits & Routines
Between managing her exclusive "gentlemen's club", The Moth & Lantern (often shortened to "the Lantern"), and working toward her dream of opening a music hall, her days and nights are spent trying to carve out a sliver of something that can be hers. In the moments during which she can catch her breath, she has a habit of taking it away again with smoke, anxiety, and nail-chewing.Personality
Skye is the type of woman who owns every room she glides into. She's unashamedly bold and enjoys making people sit up and take notice. Running the Moth & Lantern with a mix of charm and authority, she's a master of the art of persuasion, whether she's closing a deal or keeping her staff (or her family) in line. She's relentless in her pursuit of what she wants, and that includes both business and pleasure.Her cunning mind and sharp instincts are formidable tools, and she has a way of reading people and situations with almost unnerving accuracy, making her very good at negotiating what she wants out of people; of course, there's a very fine line between negotiating and being manipulative, and mother, does she walk it.
On the other side of this silver-tongued armor, Skye's got a playful side, especially when she's grown comfortable. She loves to tease, enjoys a good challenge, and has an appetite for fun that is matched only by her ambition. With clever quips and throwing parties for her clients, Skye knows how to enjoy herself.
Skye is also fiercely loyal to those who can keep up with her energy and respect her hustle. She's quick to laugh with those she trusts, and can even be tender — but don't cross her. She can be incredibly demanding and she does not forgive easily; once you've lost her trust completely, it's nearly impossible to get it back.
Furthermore, her drive for success is unmatched, and she's always got her bright eyes on the future. She is always considering ways of expanding the services of the Lantern or plotting her next move in a world that does not make things easy for her. And she's always hungry for more, with a hunger that comes with a deep protectiveness for the people she has brought into her fold. She might play hard, but she plays for keeps.
At her core, Skye is a survivor, but she doesn't want to just survive: she wants to thrive. She's got dreams, she's got schemes, and she's not afraid to push boundaries to make them happen, burning down anything and anyone who stands in her way.
Background
History
Old Year's Night, Dublin 1855 (Birth through 12-year-old)Skye's ma couldn't have told you who it was put the babies in her, but as the new year loomed over Dublin, she gave birth to a boy, and a few minutes later, a girl. Eoin and Skye she called them, and she didn't have anything in the world to give them, but she would give them as much love as she could until she died from consumption in the spring of '68.
Dublin 1868–Whitechapel 1870 (12-years-old through 14-years-old)
Their aunt, Niamh, took them in after that. Although she couldn't offer them much more than their mother could, she managed to catch the attention of a businessman visiting from England. They married in the spring of 1869, and he moved her and the twins to live with him in the city of London. He doted on their made family until he passed of a stroke in 1870.
Whitechapel 1870–1871 (14-years-old through 15-years-old)
His death was overwhelming for the twins, who had never known a paternal figure before that. Each grieving in their own way from the short-lived but long-impacting family, Skye and Eoin ran away, turning to the streets of the city for comfort and solace.
Whitechapel 1872 (16-years-old)
Skye was sixteen when she became a woman as the world knew it. She didn't know his name, but she can still remember his breath, and the feeling of comfort in sleeping in a coffin box that night, straight on her back for the first time in weeks, hand tightly curled around the spare penny she had leftover.
Whitechapel 1873 (17-years-old)
She had always been a quick learner; she'd had to be, hadn't she? Soon enough, however, the skills she was picking up — the survivalism, the bargaining, and the art of using her body to make ends meet — became more than just a means of survival. She quickly gained a reputation at The Gilded Cage — a brothel notorious for its cruelty, where women were treated as commodities and forced to sell their flesh at the whims of those with money. Skye was no stranger to manipulation or the harshness of the business. But her sharp wit, her ambition, and her ability to endure pain in all forms made her a favorite among the patrons. Despite the degradation and abuse she endured, her resilience and desire for something greater began to solidify her as a woman to be reckoned with.
This reputation among the Golden Girls led her to more than one complicated and dangerous encounter, and one night, one of her clients wanted to indulge a little too much, wanted to make a point, wanted to own something; wanted to own her in a way he couldn't afford. Lines were blurred, and blood was drawn; some of it her own, some of it not. At the end of that night, it was one of the housemen, Jeremiah, who sat with her, not the other girls, not Madame Vera. Stoic, understanding, the bouncer stitched up her brow without a word of judgment or spite for the money lost the house that night. Skye never forgot his kindness that night. And she never forgot what it was like to be at the mercy of the world.
This kept her focused on one goal: to own something, too; to build something of her own. She would not be owned; she would do the owning. She would own a name for herself.
She would own her fate.
Whitechapel 1874–1877 (18-years-old through 21-years-old)
Skye spent her late teens and early twenties at The Gilded Cage, slowly working her way up in the ranks. Though she was never treated with the respect she deserved, she was too clever to let the system break her. Her sharp tongue, her ability to manipulate, and her eye for business helped her stand out. She became involved in the inner workings of the brothel, working closely with Madame Vera and learning about how the business ran. This period of her life was marked by immense pain and occasional triumph. The Gilded Cage was a world of constant exploitation, but it was also where Skye discovered her power and how to wield it. She learned how to navigate the grueling and violent dynamics between brothel workers and their clients, and she saw how women like her could be elevated — or utterly destroyed — by the system.
Whitechapel 1878–1882 (23–27 years old)
By the time Skye was 23, she had worked tirelessly for years and had saved enough to attempt her first venture. She partnered with another woman to open a brothel of her own, but the attempt ended poorly. The project was sabotaged by rival brothel owners who didn’t want another competitor in the area, and Skye found herself back at square one. This failure had only made her more determined, but when she and her partner had a falling out over Eoin, everything else fell apart, too, and Skye was forced to start over, returning to the only thing she knew best, and relying on the reputation she had built over the years to reclaim some stability.
Whitechapel 1883–1887 (28–31 years old)
After the disastrous failure of her first brothel venture, Skye didn't let the setback break her. She took what she learned, bided her time. Reconnecting with Jeremiah, she offered him a job and he left the Cage without hesitation. Together, they began rebuilding her reputation, and by 1884, she opened The Moth & Lantern, a brothel that quickly gained a reputation for discretion and quality. Her sharp business acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to form relationships helped her regain her standing in Whitechapel's tightly-knit world of brothels and vice.
Her relationship with Eoin, however, remained a constant source of tension. His addiction was an ongoing strain, and while Skye still felt a sense of responsibility for him, she was growing increasingly unwilling to let his destructive behavior derail her progress. She gave him money when needed, but over and over again, she tried to distance herself from him. In 1887, after a series of events that threatened the stability of the Lantern and her own tightly-wound sanity, Skye made the hard decision to ban Eoin from the brothel (again), marking the end of any public involvement with him (for the umpteenth time). Of course, that doesn't stop her brother from bribing Jeremiah on occasion ... A fact of which she's currently unaware, and if she found out, who knows how many shades of red she could see.
Luckily for Eoin, Skye's been a bit distracted with a beau: Mr. Evelyn Shelley — he's still convinced they’re in a genuine relationship, even if he used to pay her, and even if he ... still ... technically .. pays her. To him, they're in love! But to Skye, he's an adorable and well-off means to an end: a key for unlocking doors, both in business and society, in a way that Jeremiah and the other men in her life can only hope to be.
Plotting
Romance
Skye is a woman who understands the value of desire, how it can be shaped, wielded, and sold. But she also knows that beneath the dance of seduction, there's something far more dangerous: the risk of truly being seen. She lives in a world where intimacy is currency, where love is a myth for the naive, and where the safest place to stand is just outside of reach. She is no stranger to passion, nor is she immune to pleasure, but she plays by her own rules, setting the terms, ensuring she is always the one dictating how close someone is allowed to get.Her engagement to Mr. Evelyn Shelley is proof of how well she has learned to balance the personal and the pragmatic. To the world, she is a kept woman: adored, secured, and spoken for. In truth, she remains untamed, the strings of her heart knotted tightly behind layers of wit, ambition, and caution. But for all her careful maneuvering, she isn't immune to tension, the kind that lingers in the space between words, in the brush of a hand that lingers too long. She enjoys the pursuit, the challenge, the heat of a game well-played, but she is not in the habit of letting anyone catch her.
The question is, what happens when someone does?
Friends
Skye thrives in the company of those who can keep up, whether through quick wit, sharp ambition, or sheer audacity. She surrounds herself with people who understand the unspoken rules of survival, who know that loyalty is a rare commodity, but one she values above all else. Friends, for Skye, are not just drinking companions or confidants; they are allies, business partners, and occasionally, co-conspirators. She has an eye for talent, a soft spot for the clever and the bold, and a keen understanding of when to extend a hand and when to let someone fend for themselves.She is drawn to people with fire in their veins; those who refuse to settle, who crave more than what the world has handed them. But friendship with Skye is never without its complications. She does not trust easily, and even those she holds dear will find that her walls do not come down without reason. She is fiercely protective of those she considers her own, but she expects the same in return. Cross her, and there are no second chances. But earn her respect, and there is no better friend to have in your corner.
Antagonism
Skye has never been one to step lightly, and the path she's carved for herself has left more than a few bruised egos in its wake. She is a woman who does not bow, who refuses to be owned, and who knows precisely how to cut a person down without ever raising her voice. That alone is enough to make enemies. But more than that, she operates in a world where power is a currency, and every gain she makes is a loss for someone else. The Moth & Lantern is a disruption to the old ways, a deviation from the deeply-entrenched trade of flesh-debts, a carefully controlled empire built by a woman who does not play by the rules of a world that was not made for her or her dreams. There are plenty who would like to see it fall, whether out of greed, jealousy, or sheer spite.Some might call her ruthless. Skye calls it survival. She does not suffer fools, and she has no patience for those who believe they can shake her without consequence. But she is not reckless: her battles are chosen carefully, her grudges kept close to the chest, and her retribution, when it comes, is always well-earned. Rivals, rivals in business, old ghosts from the Gilded Cage, those who find her ambition distasteful, her methods unconventional, or her success an insult—Skye has room for all kinds of enemies. And the thing about enemies? They keep life interesting.
Other Plot Requests
Skye moves through Whitechapel like she owns it, and in some ways, she does; or at least, she's carved out a corner of it that answers to her. But she knows better than to think she can do it all alone. The Moth & Lantern thrives on the people who keep it running, from her diverse range of performers who each play a special kind of game, to those who ensure its doors stay open and its clientele remain well-behaved. She's always looking for new hires, whether it's someone with a sharp tongue and a sharper wit, a bouncer who can keep their mouth shut, or someone who knows their way around ledgers and books. If you've got a skill worth paying for, Skye might just have a place for you—provided you know how to follow her rules.Beyond the Lantern, Skye's reach extends into Whitechapel's tangled streets, where business isn't always legal but is always lucrative. She's got dealings with smugglers who bring in shipments, barkeeps who let slip valuable secrets, and the occasional gang leader who knows better than to cross her. She might not be a crime lord like Rosie Wilkes or Sean O'Donoghue, but she knows how to operate in that world, whether through quiet negotiations or well-placed threats. Maybe you've got a proposition for her, a deal to strike, or a debt to settle. Maybe you're someone who owes her, or someone she owes.
And then there's the Irish community, a tether to the past she hasn't quite shaken. Skye left Dublin behind long ago, but the East End is filled with familiar faces and voices, for better or worse. Maybe you knew her back home, or maybe you're part of the same world now, trying to make your way in a city that doesn't want you. Maybe you're a priest who once tried to save her soul, or an old friend from the days when she and Eoin ran wild. Maybe you remember her mother, or maybe you just see another Irish woman trying to claw her way up.
Kinks
Skye is a chameleon with a deep-seated need to maintain a certain level of control over her life, both personally and professionally. Her expertise as the Madame of the Lantern lies in pushing boundaries and exploiting weaknesses; the more complicated the challenge, the more invested she becomes.
97% Exhibitionist
96% Dominant
93% Brat tamer
88% Experimentalist
81% Sadist
77% Voyeur
77% Non-monogamist
71% Switch
71% Rigger
70% Master/Mistress
68% Degrader
68% Owner
63% Masochist
61% Primal (Hunter)
44% Rope bunny
36% Submissive
25% Vanilla
21% Degradee
15% Pet
13% Daddy/Mommy
13% Slave
13% Primal (Prey)
11% Brat
97% Exhibitionist
96% Dominant
93% Brat tamer
88% Experimentalist
81% Sadist
77% Voyeur
77% Non-monogamist
71% Switch
71% Rigger
70% Master/Mistress
68% Degrader
68% Owner
63% Masochist
61% Primal (Hunter)
44% Rope bunny
36% Submissive
25% Vanilla
21% Degradee
15% Pet
13% Daddy/Mommy
13% Slave
13% Primal (Prey)
11% Brat
Moth & Lantern
A large boarding house sits tucked between merchant residences and warehouses, rising from the crooked little street known as Back Church Lane in three scrubbed stories behind a Georgia facade (not counting the attic or the sub-street levels). It is modest in its exterior, with floral and lace curtains draped over the parlor windows to allow a view the boarders folding laundry or working on needlepoint, and occasionally, the sounds of feminine laughter or the sweet chords of a piano can be heard.
A small brass sign over the door.
Back Church Boarding House
- Women Only -
- Inquire Within -
As the sun sets, however, the scene changes: the curtains are drawn closed, the music shifts into something bright and alluring, and a world of wagers awaits. The main floor houses gaming tables and more, while the second floor promises exquisite torture in rooms with labels such as Silk, Red, or Mirror.
A small brass sign over the door.
Back Church Boarding House
- Women Only -
- Inquire Within -
As the sun sets, however, the scene changes: the curtains are drawn closed, the music shifts into something bright and alluring, and a world of wagers awaits. The main floor houses gaming tables and more, while the second floor promises exquisite torture in rooms with labels such as Silk, Red, or Mirror.
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