Tyrnen Monaghan (
path_to_the_world) wrote2012-03-23 10:34 pm
Imperial Saga App
Player Name: Nica
Contact Info: AIM: Yume no Kakyou
Other Characters Played:
Character Name: Tyrnen Monaghan
Canon: OC
Canon Background: N/A
AU Background:
Tyrnen was born into a noble house in the Imperial City as the son of the lord's mistress. His mother carried faerie blood in her, though deluded and not even worth mentioning, however Tyrnen was born with recessive traits; specifically his ability for magic which was higher than anyone had seen in a human child. It was quickly figured out that his magic aptitude was on part with any elf. Seeing the potential in a gifted child like this his father did not shun him, in fact he did not treat him like a bastard at all, he took him in as a proper child with all the benefits of any other of his legitimate children. This did not mean Tyrnen had an enjoyable life though, it was difficult and if anything he felt more like a tool than a child. Everything was about his potential and shaping him into what his father wanted him to be, not about him growing naturally on his own. All things were measured by what they would gain his father, not if Tyrnen was suited or enjoyed it. Tyrnen had little time for his own devices and no encouragement for his own decisions.
Tyrnen was never able to spend much time with his mother, having been taken away from her early on. Not long after his father stopped keeping her as a mistress and her fate and whereabouts were completely unknown to Tyrnen. Deep down inside he held a fantasy that he would meet her one day, but this is not something he holds much faith in. The only thing he knows of her is what he could remember as a small toddler, she had similar coloring to his, which was a rather exotic pale complexion, extremely light hair and bright violet eyes. He never dared ask but he always assumed this was an aspect of the faerie blood they had running through their veins, but after he started studying and learning more of the world decided it would not be a good thing to mention that too much.
Magic was not Tyrnens only notable skill, he was also a fast learner and was able to retain a great amount of information. It did not take long for his father to get all the finest tutors he could buy to teach Tyrnen. With each subject he mastered two more were added, the attention from their father caused his siblings to become jealous, but for Tyrnrn the attention was not enjoyable. There was no fatherly pride as much as there was pride in an investment that would pay out soon. He never had the heart to speak up about this and he quickly became alienated from his siblings and spent little time with them outside formal events.
When Tyrnrn was old enough he was sent to a prestigious school in Dalaran that specialized in magic study, along with diplomacy, art, history, science, math, and about any other subject the rich and affluent might need. It was a favored place for the noble families of the empire to send their children for a rich education, even though Dalaran as a whole was impartial to the politics of the Empire, the school itself played an important role in the politics of the new generation. Why not go with a system that families willing to pay appreciated?
The goal of attending this school was to make Tyrnen the perfect ambassador or possibly a member of the court. However Tyrnen was not the most social and preferred to avoid others. Though he was good at faking a good face to others and had all the manners one could need. The only people who noticed his less than social behaviors were other students who never spoke up much about it.
The school was his savior, he was able to have time to himself pick his own extra classes and spend time in the immense library the school boasted about. For the first time he was able to focus on things he enjoyed rather than have his father make all of his decisions for him. There was still a pressure though, he could not fall in his studies and he was expected to have top marks in all subjects. This pressure was what contributed to his anti social tendencies the most. But Tryrnen also slowly grew a dislike for the politics the school promoted, students were encouraged to make connections, allies, and build the framework that would be the future for their houses. Tyrnen of course was expected to do the same, but he only ever put a minimal effort into it. What he gained he gained purely on the fact he was the top student in his grade.
Tyrnen's time at the school was from the age of 10 to 15. While there he found a book hidden in the depths of the library as if long forgotten that would change his life. It was covered in dust and would not open. Something about it drew Tyrnen to it and he could not help but be curious. Since no one seemed to know it was there he ended up taking the book from the library and keeping it on his person at all times. However he could never open it. He found it odd that no one ever noticed the book missing, but then he wasn't sure anyone had known it had been there to begin with. It didn't take long for him to decide they didn't deserve it if they didn't even know it was gone.
As time went by Tyrnen grew more aware of the fate he was headed towards, that the path he was on would lead him no further than his own fathers puppet, however he did not know how to stop it, and was almost inclined to accept his ill fate. It was when he became a crystal bearer that it all changed. His father knowing a great opportunity when he saw one devised to find an arranged marriage for him as soon as possible. That way he would have a long term tie to a powerful family, and could create a good relationship beforehand while they wait for Tyrnen to be of an appropriate marriageable age, possibly after Tyrnen graduated school. Tyrnens new status as one with a crystal gave him more clout than his father's title could offer which gave the potential to rise higher. This was not something Tyrnen could bare, being used so blatantly as a tool and more or less sold off to the highest bidder to live a life with someone he did not know and did not care for. Instead of accepting his fate like he had previously been willing to do, he took the advice of the tarot card he obtained in the prophetic dream that had come with the crystal. The Fool, a journey, he took it literally and used it as a sign to leave.
It was after this decision that the book he had found a year before opened revealing the spirit inside which he nicknamed Ira. Ira had taking a liking to Tyrnen at his decision to make his own path and allowed him access to the book and all that was within it. Tyrnen used it to continue his magical studies after he left the school on his journey, however Ira never explained the full history of the book, mostly because he never asked, so he is unaware of it's potential and true power.
With Ira, the Book of Words he felt more confidence in fleeing his father and the school he had come to love. He decided to go to The Nameless States where he was sure he could find freedom away from his father and anyone else who might try to use him, as well as the future he was meant to embrace. From what he understood of it through books and travelers it was an open place that would give him the potential to find his path. It was a hard journey, especially sneaking out of school without being caught, but Ira assisted him by offering spells that could aid in distracting those on guard or hiding his presence. It helped that Tyrnen did not need much and thus did not try and take much with him. All he needed was the Book of Words Ira and food, a change of clothes and some money. Traveling light and with a magical book made the distance simpler.
Even though he was knowledgeable in many things, it was all academic. It was a bit shocking but he was determined to push through anyway.
Personality:
Though Tyrnen is completely capable of being polite, cordial and everything a proper noble should be, he tends not waste the effort. He did it for his father, for his siblings, for his tutors and for most his teachers at school, however students who came upon him outside of class never got that side of him. He tended to be more sarcastic or blunt in those situations usually with the intent of running people off. This wasn't so much because he's a grouch, or even grumpy as much as he isn't good with dealing with others his own age, or really others much at all. It's easier for him to avoid people and read than it is to socialize, even if he has all the skills to pretend like he can. But this side is not all of him, he is still young and has much room to grow.
Due to his Fathers efforts Tyrnen tends to try and appear more adult than he really is, trying to be serious when it is appropriate to be so, not indulging in frivolities and staying focused on the matters at hand. However, this is easier attempted than accomplished. He can easily be distracted and when in a relaxed situation likes to play. When he is comfortable with others it's easy to see a young easy going and playful boy. But to those he just meets he tries to put up the front of a stern and hard person, as if a shield against attacks.
Tyrnen values intelligence and knowledge above all else and will be disdainful of others who do not value those principals. The worst offenders are those who do not value books and do not read. In situations where he is "suffering fools" he is more prone to sarcasm and will pull "status", even if status has no baring on where he is. Despite his shaky relationship with his father he was still raised as a noble's son who had a lot of potential laid out for him, and it is hard to separate himself from that life.
Where he holds great contempt for the ignorant he holds great respect for the informed. If someone is knowledgeable in something he will question them eagerly, those with stories to tell he will listen with open ears. Those willing to teach especially he will be drawn to and if they are good he will do what he can to be a student of them. If he likes the person enough it doesn't even matter what they teach, he will try it at least once.
He is quite aware of his abilities and knowledge, he will never brag about it, but he will correct people if they assume he doesn't know something he does. Most the time he will wait for people to fail before saying anything though.
Tyrnen has a soft spot for those in need, if he witnesses suffering he will want to fix it. Even in situations where he can do nothing he will feel a type of guilt and sadness. Bad situations will leave him slightly depressed for a while and he has a specific fondness for children and animals.
Tyrnens relationship with Ira the Book of Words is rather interesting, she's half instructor and half friend and nowhere is she a tool. He respects her and admires her and feels comfortable with her. He will even ask her suggestion and opinions about matters he is unsure of. However most the time she is indifferent and will leave him to make his own choices. The only times he will usually get suggestions and advice is when it comes to magic, she is a magic book after all and that is where her specialties lie.
Combat Style: Tyrnen uses a staff, he is not very good with it as he is not very strong. He knows a few moves but melee combat was never a considered skill so his use with it is more like flailing and hoping it hits a target. He is also not above using Ira the Book of Words like a shield of blunt object.
His magic combat however is extensive. He knows quite a bit of combat magic including area of effect skills. However the larger the area the longer it takes to prep and the stronger the magic the longer it takes. Quick fire spells are not as powerful and require more of them to defeat an enemy. He is really a character best suited to being behind others.
The unique thing about him is his magic aptitude, he was borne with it and it was always high, he is not limited to one or two elements, but can use several, though he is still a student and not all of them come easily to him. His best are Water, Air, Wood (as in plants) and light. His worst are Earth, Dark, Electricity and Fire. He is also rather skilled with none elemental magic. However skilled is a loose term as things he is skilled with are easier for him to cast from memory, he is still what would be considered a student and is far from a master at anything, he is a child prodigy.
Quick fire spells are spells that do not require an incantation, or can use simple words to trigger. They can either be quick projectiles or quick defenses or bindings. A properly trained mage can cast stronger magic quicker, however Tyrnen is still young and despite his education still needs more hands on experience.
His signature combat spell is Death of Obsidian Butterflies, which is the summoning of butterfly shaped obsidian that has razor sharp edges and will shred all within it's path, after it has stopped the pieces will still litter the ground making walking hard. This takes a long time to cast however.
I am basing his magic abilities on traditional fantasy style magic as well as using Exalted's spell list for content that could be found in the Book of Words. The reason he can use spells from the Book of Words is because he is reading them and his aptitude allows him to use spells by recitation passingly well, however without properly learning a spell he must have them written, take them out, and read them each time he wishes to cast. If the scroll, paper or book were taken away from him, or he was prevented from reading while casting the spell would dissipate unfinished. Learned spells on the other hand only need the users concentration to cast and when properly memorized and mastered take little effort to execute.
Learning spells is hard and time consuming, it should take three or so days to learn a new spell enough to cast it, it will take longer to cast it effectively. A lot of the spells he has access to he does not properly know, so his pool of knowledge on specific spells drops dramatically if he is not in possession of the Book of Words.
Kingdom or Faction:The Nameless States; Passive
Primary Role: None for now.
Soldier or Siege Company:
Tarot Cards:
Past: The Hanged Man
Present: The Fool
Future: The World
Title:
Artifacts:
Item: Book of Words
Properties: The Book of Words is a spell book that holds infinite pages for the addition of spells to it's vast library. It has a sentient spirit that can be called as a search system as well as a transcribing system. The spirit is capable of communication and periodically can "activate" spells from the book, but this is very rare and can only happen in certain circumstances such as the books owner's life being in grave danger. The spirit also works as a lock and key and tends to seek out suitable owners for the book, the main requirement being how high the magical aptitude of the potential owner is.
Potential Plot Hooks: The book has a vast library of spells dating back centuries, it is said to house spells from some of the greatest mages in history, both beneficial magic as well as destructive. It would be a useful item for someone with the ability to use it and could easily change the flow of a battle depending on which side had access to it.
General Intent: Tyrnen uses it like a diary, reference book and note book. He has no idea of it's greater potential and finds it a useful study aid and a means to always have something to write in.
Setting Considerations: I think it would be interesting somewhere down the line for someone to seek out the Book of Words, or it's potential influence in history known as legend under many names.
Notes: (This section is optional. If your character requires any special exceptions or other mod rulings or additional information, it goes here.)
Sample Post: There are three acceptable sample posts, and one is required as part of the application process. The first is to make a post with at least 3 threads of 5 or more comments from your character [15 total] in the Testrun box [ http://testrun-box.dreamwidth.com/ ] or a similar musebox/dressing room (Dear_Mun is NOT an acceptable sample post). The second is to answer at least 10 of the questions on the Tarot page [ http://imperial-mods.dreamwidth.org/5308.html ]. Finally, if you are active with the character in another RP, you may link to posts and threads or the character's journal as a sample. Should you have a sample that doesn't quite fit, you may supplement it with a second sample (a few threads in a testrun and 5 questions on the Tarot page, for example).
The Fool
Question: You are about to embark upon a grand journey. What do you carry in your satchel?
Ira, she is more important than anything else.
The World
Question: At the end of the journey, what remains in your satchel?
Ira will still be there, but hopefully her pages will have been filled in more.
The Sun
Question: What do you need to know that you do not know already?
I need to know everything because only a fool claims they already know it all.
The Tower
Question: Everything you love and held dear has been taken from you in the blink of an eye. What do you do?
Rebuild and move on, or think of a way to take it back.
Death
Question: What do you want people to remember about you after you are gone?
That I lived my life my own way and no one else's.
The Hanged Man
Question: For what cause are you willing to sacrifice yourself?
Sometimes you don't have a say in your sacrifices, sometimes they come up willingly and you know them to be the right choice, sometimes they come up unwillingly and you know them to be the wrong choice but have no means to stop it. If I get to have a choice I want a worthy cause and something that makes a difference in the long run.
The Hierophant
Question: What is god to you?
I'm not really sure anymore. There are a lot of thoughts and ideas that range rather wildly depending on how far and back you want to read. I think I'm at a point where I still need to find that answer.
The Emperor
Question: Why do you deserve to rule this land?
I don't and I never said I did. I have no interest to rule anything, but if I head down a path that leads to such a fate hopefully that meant my deeds and actions earned such a place.
The Hermit
Question: The pressures of court have become too much for you to bear, what do you do?
Run, that's what I did after all. I'm not going to deny that, I ran away, and I don't mind running away from the things I can't handle until there's a time I can.
Wheel of Fortune
Question: You are given the opportunity to bet everything you have for great fortune, should you win you will be granted the wealth of kings but should you lose you will lose everything. What do you do?
Not bet anything. I don't need to gain that much if the price is losing everything I already have. It's better to wait and seek out safer means to get what is wanted. But that really depends on the reward, I have no interest in fortune, but if it's something I really want I might risk it.
Extra sample: Thread
