Machiavelli Lyssome (Ma-kee-uh-vell-ee)

(a.k.a. M, Lys)

Machiavelli is a supporting character in ASCOMYCOTA. He is the father of Avan Lyssome and a dentist in the Intermediate. Machiavelli is depicted as an intelligent but somewhat secretive figure, though the true extent of what he wants is not shown to many people.
Major spoilers ahead, as well as depictions of poor mental health, (internalized) ableism, and body horror.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Major Spoilers!

Machiavelli is actually a Zombie, but the line between his humanity and Undeadhood is blurred by his associated narrator, Yasu. It is assumed that Machiavelli became a Zombie either directly before or right after Avan became one, but the exact timing is unclear.

Social

Family Ties

As mentioned above, Machiavelli is the father of Avan Lyssome. He is a single father, though it is hinted that Machiavelli once had a partner who helped raise Avan. Whether they were married to Machiavelli, if they are still alive, and if they are Avan's other parent is left vague.
Machiavelli's name is a reference to Machiavellianism, hinting at the darker aspects of his personality.
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While Machiavelli's character arc does have him improve as a person and repent from his earlier ways, the reference still stands when Machiavelli's actions are portrayed as good by Yasu.

Avan and Machiavelli's surname, Lyssome, is a portmanteau of 'lyssophobia' and 'lysosome'. Lyssophobia is the intense fear of rabies or of going insane, with a root associated with wolves. Lysosomes, meanwhile, are a type of enzyme that breaks down many molecules in a cell.
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This etymology is reflected in Avan's Stage 4 (see Zombie or Avan's page for details) having canine traits, Machiavelli's fears that he is going crazy or turning into a Zombie / becoming ill, the rapid metabolism of zombies, and (in a play on words) how both Avan and Machiavelli break down mentally and physically upon reaching Stage 5.

Originally, their last name was Jyssome as a play on the term 'Just some (guy)', as I (the author) noted how ordinary Machiavelli was in his initial design.

Current Status

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Wandering in The Corridor

Species

Human

Age

Mid 60s to mid 70s.

Pronouns

he/him/his

Sex

Male.

Presentation

Somewhat androgynous, leaning towards masculine.

Eyes

Red and tired.

Hair

Long, pale mint color.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Desaturated ashy brown.

Height

Tall compared to most humans (around 6'6")