Vervain Saavius

[Azrayel Kolasi]

Vervain Saavius Race: Human. Gender: Male. Age: 20 Birthday: 15th of Winter, 492 AV Birthplace: Avanthal, Taldera Appearence There a look of fatigue about Vervain's Heterochromia eyes, one red and one blue, adorned by dark shadows around the outside. His hair, dark blond and medium length, is usually pulled into a tight but formal looking short tail, which most times can be found resting on his shoulder. His chin is adorned with a roughly tamed beard, attesting to the limited amount of time or worry he gives to his more basic physical appearance. Standing at six foot, his body is athletically built, not particularly large or small, a testament to disciplined life he led as a child. Adorned in a pale green cloak which is trimmed in fur and comes complete with a hood, he carries himself lightly, as if his every step might shatter the ground beneath him were he not careful. Under his cloak he wears loose fitting black clothes which aren't particularly stylish but are easy to move in; as Vervain values function over form. A scar runs over his left eye, a painful reminder of a hard learned lesson in humility. He is generally reserved in nature, and the most prominent emotion would could discern from him at most times, if it even qualified as an emotion, was fatigue. This fatigue does not necessarily seem to be physical, as he moves with enough vigor to indicate his vitality. Rather, there is a keen distance and annoyance somewhere in his eyes, as if he tolerates the world around him out of sheer necessity, and finds little joy in anything. A sheathed cutlass sits at all times at his hip, partially obscured at most times by the folds of his cloak. Character Concept It can be difficult for those around Vervain to truly understand him. He is a man that only speaks when he feels it serves a purpose; a man that makes allies and assets, but never truly makes friends. This is not, however, out of some pitiful sense of self loathing or a misguided attempt to garner attention and sympathy, Vervain simply believes his purpose far too important and grandiose to allow him time for the distractions of fraternization. It wouldn't be correct to call him antisocial, either - he simply has little tolerance for the pageantry of normal social interaction. He is sickened by insincere smiles and false words of comfort or pity, and feels a strongly repugnant about anyone who expects him to behave in such a way. He doesn't necessarily hate people of any race or creed, but he views them on the whole to be misguided, willingly ignorant slaves who toil away under false promises of safety and security. To say that Vervain has an inflated Ego would not be entirely correct. He has been accused of narcissism, but in truth he is a man who is ever aware of his own limitations. His skills as a mage are somewhat lacking; And he is well aware of this fact. Yet even his mediocre skills enable him to feats that are far beyond the average human, who stand slack jawed and in awe of his ability to muster flame on a whim. Keeping this in mind, he is always careful to observe the company he is in before deciding to let his true nature shine, or to tone that attitude down and come off as someone with more humility. While Vervain is much more prone to viewing others as tools and pieces in his overall agenda, he isn't incapable of recognizing when someone is worthwhile - but believes people of such quality are rare. In essence, Vervain's attitude makes him slow to warm up to people and unlikely to make friends easily, yet those who he feels bonded with will find in him an unfaltering ally. From a moral perspective, Vervain is quite careful to maintain an outward appearance in which his moral compass matches that of the greater human society. While those who knew his true nature might label him as evil, cold, or even sometimes cruel, Vervain rejects such notions as being silly. Through his eyes morality is purely subjective, and as such holds very little bearing - the word evil is thrown around as a pejorative term for things that people simply do not like or are uncomfortable with. If you label yourself or your deeds as either good or evil, Vervain will think you at best hopelessly naive and at worse downright foolish. Vervain does not think in terms of good or evil, black or white, believing the world to be more grandiose and complex than this. This is not to say he lacks a moral code, he just doesn't feel the need to project his morals on to other people, and would greatly appreciate if society at large would reciprocate that small kindness. Valuing self-determination above most anything else, Vervain is not particularly religious - in fact, he posses an outright disdain for the very idea of gods, if not viewing the individual deities with any particular reverence. He views the Valterrian as the logical outcome to humanity living under the thumb of what he sees as an oppressive, all-powerful elite caste, and believes that rebuilding Mizahar is a worthless endeavor as long as the gods continue to hold such sway in the mortal world. The old world was wrought asunder primarily by the fury of one being, whose power to do so speaks volumes about the nature of the relationship between mortals and the gods they revere so much. He isn't naive enough to deny the positive and necessary impacts the gods have on the mortal world, but views their continual presence and interference in the affairs of mortals as intrusive and stifling to growth of humanity, particularly when many of the gods, he feels, see all mortals as mere tools and pawns to be used and discarded. While Vervain doesn't necessarily despise any particular deity, he doesn't hold them in high esteem either, and is prone to avoiding the subject altogether. Above all else, Vervain seeks to understand. He dreams of things impossible, and longs for things beyond the scope of imagination. Knowledge is power, and power, in all forms is the key to the gateway of human actualization. Character History Vervain was born in the frozen reaches of the bitter north. His father Jacynth, a wandering bard and trader who eked out a living by roaming with the seasons and preforming songs and occasionally a minor magic trick fell in love with a young girl by the name of Lylith during a business venture in Syliras. She was enamored of the free lifestyle he led, wandering from place to place with the caravans, and eagerly left the crowded and restrictive streets of Syliras behind for the adventure and the dangers of life on the road. Nine months later they found themselves in Avanthal, a miscalculation on Vervain's father causing them to be snowed in during the last stages of Lylith's pregnancy, forced to take up lodge in Avanthal during the harsh winter. It was here that Vervain was born, though he never was to know the embrace of his mother, who died due to complications at the time of his passing into existence. Jacynth grieved for his loss, but found hope in the love of his son, and elected to stay in Avanthal for a least a few years to give Vervain time to develop naturally. It wouldn't last long - Jacynth had trouble sustaining his enterprise in but one place, the constant ebb and flow of trade goods being vital to maintaining the style of life he craved. That, and a lifetime of constantly wandering had caused the notion of staying in one place for far too long to weigh heavily on his mind, as the road called louder and louder to him with each passing day in the uncomfortably cold northern city. So in only four short years, Jacynth took his son and left with the caravans, resuming his life on the road with son in tow, leaving his wife's soul to rest peacefully in the north. This would be the life Vervain would grow into. His father was abnormally strict for a wandering minstrel and parlor magician, rigorously drilling Vervain on everything from social etiquette to history and philosophy. Jacynth augmented his prestidigitation with a notably small array of magical skills, and passed both these talents along to Vervain, going so far as to induct him into Reimancy at a very early age - an experience that Vervain would never forget. They never stayed in one place more than four weeks, and Vervain never got but the slightest glimpse of what social interaction with children of his own age was like - seldom were their other children in the trade caravans they traveled with, and even if their were, Vervain's time was occupied with study and practice, never allowing him the time for fraternization or play. However, Jacynth did not consider himself a cold or abusive father. The world they lived in was harsh, and you were just as likely to be stabbed in the back by a Syliran Knight whilst in the supposed safety of the city then you were to be eaten by a feral beast in the desolation of the wilderness. Jacynth died an old and somewhat happy man, who spent the last years of his life missing his Syliran lover but well traveled and otherwise content. Vervain took a final trip with the Caravans to Avanthal, determined to lay his father to rest next to the only woman whom had ever claimed his heart; and then left for Zeltiva. In his heart, a growing ambition burned at his heels, and it drove him forward. Skills and the Like   Skills Skill EXP Total Proficiency Hypnotism 10 SP 10 Novice Auristics 10 SP 10 Novice Summoning 5 SP 5 Novice Intelligence 5 SP 5 Novice Acrobatics 10 SP 10 Novice Cutlass 10 SP 10 Novice Reimancy 15 RB, 2 XP 17 Novice   Languages Fluent Language: Common. Basic Language: Vani. Poor Language: Nader-Canoch   Lores History of the Zeltiva University The Importance of Showmanship Reimancy: Feels like being a monster Induction into Reimancy   Possesions 1 Set of Clothing -Simple Shirt, Black -Simple Pants, Black -Simple Undergarments, Black -Simple Cloak, Green and hooded with fur trim. -Simple Boots, Black -Steel Cutlass 1 Waterskin 1 Backpack which contains: -Comb (Bone) -Brush (Bone) -Soap -Razor -Balanced Rations (1 Week’s Worth) -1 eating knife -Flint & Steel 100 Gold Mizas   Family Heirloom Jacynth's Cutlass Housing Location: Zeltiva, Sylira region. House: None at the moment. Staying in the dormitory at the University. Ledger Purchase Cost Total Starting +100 GM 100 GM Cloak with Fur Trim -7 SM, 50 CM 99 GM, 92 SM, 50 CM Fall University Classes -90 GM 9 GM, 92 SM, 50 CM Housing Cash Out 500 GM 509 GM, 92 SM, 50 CM Summer University Classes -60 GM 449 GM, 92 SM, 50 CM Seasonal Expenses, Fall 513 AV -45 GM 404 GM, 92 SM, 50 CM Thread List

[Azrayel Kolasi]

To be, or not to be, that is the question— Whether 'tis Nobler in the mind to suffer The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune, Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die, to sleep— No more; and by a sleep, to say we end The Heart-ache, and the thousand Natural shocks That Flesh is heir to? 'Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep, To sleep, perchance to Dream; Aye, there's the rub, For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. There's the respect That makes Calamity of so long life: For who would bear the Whips and Scorns of time, The Oppressor's wrong, the proud man's Contumely, The pangs of despised Love, the Law’s delay, The insolence of Office, and the Spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, When he himself might his Quietus make With a bare Bodkin? Who would these Fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovered Country, from whose bourn No Traveler returns, Puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have, Than fly to others that we know not of. Thus Conscience does make Cowards of us all, And thus the Native hue of Resolution Is sicklied o'er, with the pale cast of Thought, And enterprises of great pitch and moment, With this regard their Currents turn awry, And lose the name of Action. Soft you now, The fair Ophelia. Nymph, in all thy Orisons Be thou all my sins remembered.

[Azrayel Kolasi]

Musings of an Avaricious Sorcerer General Information : 1. What is your Name? Vervain Saavius. 2. Do you go by a nickname or pet name? Certainly not. 3. How old are you? Twenty. 4. What is your height? Six Feet. 5. What is your weight? One hundred and eighty pounds. Aesthetics : 1. Describe yourself as you see yourself. There are powers at my command that would terrify most normal individuals. Yet, there are many in this world whose powers dwarf mine by an order of magnitude. Regardless, I have been granted this strength for a reason, and I have no intention of letting my potential squandered. 2. Describe yourself as others typically see you. Others can see me in whatever way they so choose. I am not here to impress people, save for when it is absolutely vital that I do so. 3. What is your favorite body feature? The eyes, in particular the eyes of the Vantha. They remind me of my childhood. 4. How physically fit are you? I keep myself practiced with my sword, and in balance and maneuvering. This has kept me lean, fit, and agile. My father always taught me that, though the mind is a Wizards most potent ally, it cannot reach its maximum potential if its shell has been allowed to whither and rot. 5. How do you typically dress and what is your style? I will admit that the cloak I wear over my clothes is a tad bit flashy, but it keeps me warm. Of course, underneath this my garments are simple, form fitting, and wont get in my way if I have to fight - or run - my way out of a tough spot. Family : 1. Who are your parents and what are they like? I never knew my mother, such as it was. I feel no grief at this; it is impossible for me to grieve for a person I never truly knew. My father, Jacynth Saavius, was an interesting man to say the least. He granted me many powerful and timeless gifts, and I am grateful for them, but he was weak willed individual, and none shall truly mourn his passing, either. 2. Do you have any brothers or sisters? No. My father had enough trouble raising me on the road, I can seldom imagine what it would have been like to try and raise a second of me. 3. What is your extended family like? I haven't the foggiest idea. 4. Do you consider close friends as important or more/less important than family? I do not typically make friends, there are seldom people worth the effort that entails. That being said, as I have no real family anymore, I would consider any friends to be much more important than a family member. 5. Do you treat animals like family? What an absurd notion. An animals worth is limited entirely by its usefulness to the humans around it, one cursory glance at the world around you should clue you in on this fact. Treating them like family would be irrational. Location : 1. Where were you born? To the far North, in Avanthal. 2. Where do you live now? Zeltiva. I am studying at the University in hopes to expand my knowledge of the world. 3. If you could live anywhere in Mizahar where would that be? Location is the name of the game, isn't it? Especially given how tiresome and expensive traveling can be. I suppose I wouldn't mind moving to Sahova, if I wasn't so nearly certain I would be turned into a zombie in my sleep. 4. Do you have a favorite place to vacation or spend leisure time? I don't generally afford myself time for such luxuries. I guess if I was going to take any me time, it would be a library. The larger and more ancient, the better. 5. Where do you fear to be? I will admit that I find the thought of spending a night in Sahova somewhat unnerving. Traits : 1. Do you have any physical weaknesses (disease, scars, and missing limbs?) There is a scar over my left eye, though I wouldn't really consider that a weakness, per se. 2. Are you right handed or left handed? Right handed, though anyone who thinks they have the upper hand on me for disabling my sword hand has clearly never seen what a Pyromancer can do with his left. . 3. What languages do you speak? What do you sound like? Do you have an accent? I speak common, mainly, from many years growing up in a trade caravan. In my early formative years I picked up a fair bit of Vani, which I have tried to keep polished enough that I can use. My studies have also led me to a very bare bones understanding of Cader-Noch. I don't speak superfluously, and I take care when choosing my words, as words can be used to great power, for good or ill. 4. Do you have any odd mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics? I'm not terribly comfortable in large social gatherings. Mostly because I like to speak quietly and to take the time to gather my thoughts before doing so, and so large gatherings make me uncomfortable. I'm quick to judge and slow to admit when I am in error, regardless of my general commitment to knowledge and to understanding. 5. Do you have (or want to get) any tattoos or piercing? Why do you have them (or will get them) ? I can't imagine. Occupations : 1. What is your occupation? Currently, I am just an incredibly broke college student. 2. Do you like/dislike your work? Why? Learning is one of the few things I can genuinely derive enjoyment from. I just wish it wasn't so expensive. I suppose I must be viewed as an investment. 3. If you could be anything you wanted to, what would you be? A career wizard, delving into the lost secrets of wizards from past ages. My own lab, my own library, and maybe someday, sharing what I've learned with a select few pupils. 4. What occupation do you admire the most? Why? Wizards. Magic is the most potent force a human can wield. When properly used it can unlock avenues for human achievement otherwise impossible. Wizard's can touch the same powers and forces the gods themselves wield. 5. What occupation do you lest like? Why? Caravaners. A necessary profession I feel, but I feel nothing but pity for the poor souls caught in it. Why anyone would volunteer to lug heavy objects through dangerous wild lands it beyond me. Childhood : 1. What sort of child were you? Melancholy, I suppose. My father was quite determined that if I was to live as a peasant, I would at least be somewhat more educated than most. I spent my time on the road, constant study and practice keeping me far too busy to enjoy what most would consider a normal childhood. I don't particularly begrudge my father this, as the gifts he granted me far outweigh anything he might have taken from me as payment. 2. What is your favorite memory from childhood? 3. What is your worst memory from childhood? 4. What sort of relationship did you have with your parents? 5. Who was your most influential rolemodel? Education : 1. What sort of education do you have? 2. Do you like/dislike learning? 3. Where or how did you learn most of your skills/abilities? 4. How do you learn best? 5. What are your educational goals for the future? Relationships : 1. Do you form close bonds with people? Why? Why not? 2. Do you trust people easily? If not, why not? 3. Do you consider yourself straight, gay, bi, or something else? 4. Have you ever been kissed? If so, describe the first time. 5. Have you ever had sex? If so, describe the first time. Drugs and Alcohol : 1. Have you ever been drunk? If so, describe your first time. 2. Do you like to drink on a regular basis? 3. What sort of alcohol do you prefer? 4. Have you ever tried drugs (mood altering substances)? If so, which kinds and what did you think of them? 5. What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Be specific. Likes and Dislikes : 1. What are your hobbies? 2. Do you like to read? 3. What annoys you more than anything else? 4. What do you find the most relaxing activity to do? 5. What kinds of things embarrass you? Why? Favorites : 1. What is your favorite color or colors? 2. What is your favorite time of day? 3. What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? 4. What do you like to eat? What do you hate to eat? 5. What is your favorite type of weather? Does any kind scare you? Outlook : 1. Are you optimistic or pessimistic? 2. What are your religious views? 3. Would you be able to kill? 4. What are your views on sex? 5. What, in your opinion, makes a successful life? Actions : 1. What is the worst and best thing you’ve ever done? 2. What is your greatest regret? 3. What is your best/worst memory? 4. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be and why? 5. What are you the most proud of doing in your life? Emotions : 1. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings with others? 2. Do you have any biases or prejudices? 3. What makes you happy? 4. Who or what, if anything, would you die for? 5. What makes you angry? Relationships : 1. In general, how do you treat others? 2. Who is the most important person in your life, and why? 3. Who is the person you respect the most, and why? 4. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If not, describe an ideal lover. 5. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why Group Situations : 1. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict? 2. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations? 3. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not? 4. Do you care what others think of you? 5. What do you think of others, in general? Self Image : 1. What is your greatest strength as a person? 2. What is your greatest weakness? 3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 4. Are you generally introverted or extroverted? 5. Are you generally organized or messy? Beliefs : 1. What God or Goddess do you find most appealing, if any? 2. Which God or Goddess do you fear, if any? 3. Do you have any Gnosis Marks? If so, how did you receive them? 4. What lengths would you go to to please your deity? 5. Where do you draw the line at pleasing your deity? What is too much? Life & Death : 1. What do you absolutely live for? 2. What is the best part of life? 3. What is the best part of death? 4. If you could choose, how would you want to die? 5. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?