rolling around a Fallen London OC who lacks empathy, doesn't feel emotions in the same way as most humans, goes by it/its pronouns, and is always vaguely disconcerting

feeling very much like "wow, this is the kind of character most fandoms would have absolutely garbage takes on" but I am hoping that most of those sorts get weeded out by FL's whole deal

(more info on this character under the cut! gets into Parabola lore a bit for those avoiding spoilers. mention of suicidality/egocide)

A scuffle from the other room, and a high-pitched yelp. Rafael immediately clambered to their feet, the cards forgotten. They made it two steps before the source of the commotion made itself known.

"Rafael."

Their adoptive sibling was holding an especially bedraggled urchin by the collar, with the air of a sunbathing snake inconvenienced by a cloud. The urchin was notably less calm.

"I found this one" --Felix gave the urchin a little shake, causing another yelp-- "trying to steal from us. What punishment would be appropriate for this transgression?"

Rafael breathed a sigh of relief. "None. Put them down."

Felix tilted its head. The light glinted silver upon - within - its pupils. "Is there a reason to allow a trespass to go unpunished?"

Others would have mistaken its words as a threat. Rafael understood them as simply an expression of curiosity. "To avoid the wrath of our Lady Lemures. Urchins are dear to her, as you'll recall."

Felix put the child down. (And rather quickly too, Rafael noted, amused despite themself.) "The continued goodwill of an indispensible ally. I understand."

they are good friends except that neither of them know how to be friends with people anymore, so "good" is not the right word here

Dr. Ashveil is so full of contradictions.

He's a doctor, but he's a wet cat around the idea of death. He'll dash into a fire to rescue someone without a second thought. He'll leave someone trapped in a nightmare for eternity because that's better than killing them. He's reckless in his research and methodical in his caretaking. He entirely supports the Liberation, and he dreads the day it comes.

He craves knowledge. He yearns for ignorance. He cares for people. He keeps them at arm's length. He's compassionate. He does what he needs to do. He thinks he can do anything. He's afraid he can't do anything. He plays the long game. He lives for the moment. He won't eat rats.

also on the topic of Dr. Ashveil, I've been trying to figure out ways to make him A Lil More Terrible in ways that I find interesting. (I respect the folks with mad doctor OCs who experiment on their non-consenting patients but that premise doesn't interest me for him)

currently rolling around the idea that he's part of a scheme where his more overtly revolutionary/criminal associates beat up cops/politicians/people of interest and he treats them, while using the opportunity to gather information and/or manipulate them into something