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Ruby City Application
Apr. 12th, 2015 12:35 pmPLAYER
Name: JD
Age: 24
Personal Journal: N/A
E-mail: N/A
AIM/MSN/etc: AIM: DevisedMachinations ; Plurk: therobotking
CHARACTER
Name: Oliver
Age: 27
Appearance: Oliver is awkwardly tall and lanky, with the kind of posture that makes him seem almost apologetic for it. He slouches shuffles quietly around a lot, desperate to stay out of people’s ways. He has a little muscle in his legs from traveling, and in his arms from fighting. Hair is incredibly curly, coiled tight, in long springs that sometimes fall into his face. Oliver wears a tunic, brown pants, traveling boots, and a long red overcoat. A sword hangs sheathed on his belt. He has a tendency to aimlessly speak out his thought process, and is quick to backtrack when he feels he might have spoken out of line, and apologize when he’s offended. His speech pattern is semi-resigned, and matter-of-fact.
Chosen PB: Commissioned Art
Personality: Oliver is a man of infinite patience - a large surprise, considering how his life has been. While most would be driven to tears, ripping their hair out in frustration, Oliver has taken a steady approach, seemingly untouched. Internally, however, is a maelstrom of shouldered guilt and unhealthy coping that manages to convince him, someday, things might turn out okay.
His demeanor is that of a large and tolerant family dog. Oliver is a fiercely loyal man. Raised by his brother, his only remaining family, he has a deep appreciation for community and personal relationships, and the risks of losing your only companionship, the loneliness that follows. This has affected him positively when it comes to matters of his relationship with those closest and fondest. He’s a sweet young man, keen to please. He makes for the sort of friend that would catch cold to give you his coat. This unfortunately makes for somewhat of a double-edged sword. Oliver is prone to sacrifice beyond his capabilities - sacrificing a normal life to bring back his brother, sacrificing personal comfort to try and make up for abandoning Ursula several years ago. He would rather snap his spine bending over backwards than risk losing what’s important to him.
Oliver is also hesitant to jump to violence, preferring to take the path of least resistance. Just because he had interest in being a War Mage did not mean he welcomed War. He rather saw the position as a means of peacemaking. This was more because of the example set by his magic instructor, Ursula, who trained him specifically because she saw this potential. Oliver had seen what war did to people, and there was no good end to it. He is by no means a pacifist - he merely believes that fighting should be a last resort, rather than an immediate solution. He can be a bit squeamish about blood and gore, which certainly contributes to his peaceful approach. It also makes for problems in being a Necromancer, as his teacher prefers very hands-on approaches to teaching anatomy, with the impression that a Necromancer needs to see what he’s controlling. Oliver would prefer to keep said hands clean. Again, however, he wouldn’t hesitate to soil his hands if he needed to protect a loved one (again, a sacrifice of personal comfort).
In general, and in connection to both of these, Oliver is a compassionate person. His loyalty is easily earned - he adopted his extended family quickly, and it makes for a rather bold statement against those who perhaps do earn his wrath. Otherwise, he can be inclined towards sympathy. It’s easy for him to identify goodness and humanity in people - he frequently does so with his companion Ambrose, but it combats with his irritation at Ambrose’s disregard for others. The fact that Oliver and his brother were saved by the kindness of others gives Oliver a certain value for the Golden Rule. This means that while his compassion does not stretch to certain people does not mean he will not remain civil. Again, for those whom he cannot pull up even that bit of decency, there is little good to be said.
In all of this, Oliver has some darker parts to him that he keeps internalized. Oliver doesn’t believe in burdening others with his problems. He can be a coward, running away from problems, just to avoid creating a fuss. This is one point where his usual compassion and thoughtfulness tends to be overwritten. He thinks for others, meekly making the decision for others to isolate himself, as to not upset them by his choices. He deals with his pain in silence, and puts on a mild temperament to disguise it. Oliver tends to also shoulder his own burdens, refusing to speak about them. He houses a lot of guilt over his brother’s death, and has never really spoken to anyone about it. He fears concerning others with his emotions.
Oliver also has an occasional habit for mild self-destructive tendencies. Oliver has an unhealthy craving for companionship. Living alone with just Ambrose, towards whom he’s housed some resentment, has left him slightly desperate. Oliver’s loyalty and compassion can sometimes be wasted, as he tries desperately for a connection. This is also partly due to his being hurt by Bennett’s lack of communication, closing himself off to his younger brother. Oliver has connected with harmful people, in one-off attempts to get a taste for this craving. But all in all, he waits out his own loneliness, letting himself stew in his own emotions. If anything, this harms him more than anything else.
Most of all, even his patience has it’s limits. It’s not a limit he’s aware of, with the way he stockpiles his feelings and emotions away. Despite his sense of heavy self-sacrifice, Oliver is still a human being that can only handle so much. He lets issues build up until they begin to aggravate him. Sometimes, this can lead to a snap, anger that seems uncharacteristic to those that have only seen the quiet-spoken young man that would give up the shirt on his back. His own awareness of how he can get only furthers his attempts to keep these things to himself.
World Information: Oliver comes from a continent known as Discidium - it exists on the same plane as the world we would be familiar with, but acts a sort of Gate to magic. As a whole, the Universe exists on three planes - Heaven, Hell and the Mortal Realm. Discidium is much more in tune with both of these. It’s long been occupied by Demonic Deities that seek to offer riches and gifts to mortals, in exchange for whatever they have that could be seen as valuable. The exact origins of the continent are unknown, but scholars have long considered that it was established by these Deities, known as Idols - beings that have been praised by humans as Gods, faith granting them immortality and immeasurable power. As of these centuries, Idols mostly lurk in shadows and secrecy, waiting for those who stray.
Discidium has been locked in war for a large part of it’s history. It’s split in half by two different Kingdoms: Quassreign and Legemhold. Quassreign largely consists of rural farming towns, and is largely elevated. It’s most notable towns are the northern Aetherforge, a smithing town of great reputation; Ipsia, a small halfway point from the Kingdom and the southern end of the continent; and Tartarus, a town whose fields and farms produce most trade produce. There are also many legends that dwell in the woods between Tartarus and Ipsia. These are said to be the haunting grounds for the Idols Hades and Persephone. Legemhold has always been known for it’s technological developments and booming trade. As a result, it’s been viewed as a viable threat by Quassreign for a considerable amount of time. Notable town include Corvusport, a coastal trading town that is rumored to be exploring previously unheard of technology; Litorelux, an only recently thriving city on the eastern coast, which draws in many visitors; and Elysium, a ghost town to which many natives pay pilgrimage. It has it’s own share of Gods and legends. Litorelux’s rivers are said to hide the powerful river Goddess, Chalchiuhtlicue. Elysium on the other hand, though long abandoned, is said to be protected and haunted by Raven.
Up until the most recent decade or so, Legemhold has stood strongly against the rival Kingdom. Elysium was originally built as a metropolis, that stood strong for many years. It’s people had a strong education and community, and it was relatively peaceful. Eventually, however, Quassreign managed to storm the town. The entire event was a blood bath, building set ablaze, and very few barely escaping with their lives. It was considered wholly to be a terrible mark on the Nation’s history. Refugee camps were set up outside of the building walls, and sympathizers left Quassreign to assist in any way they could. Elysium was taken, and Quassreign’s territory lines heavily advanced over Discidium.
The next few years were filled with strife, and many losses. Eventually, diplomats on both side tired, agreeing that compromise needed to be met. No real resolve was met until a Sourceress of Legemhold was found in Litorelux. The position of Sourceress is a birthright, and is marked by a woman with great magical power. She’s expected to hold a high position in court and their new Sourceress stepped up to this position, tired of watching her home be torn apart. She worked relentlessly to bring peace, despite her youth and only recent establishment of authority.
As of now, Quassreign respectfully has relinquished its control of Elysium, and it’s become a Holy Land of sorts. The two Kingdoms have lived in peace, making trade and keeping up relations. The only shared trouble has been a worrisome increase in rumors of darker magic taking residence in the shadows. Idols run much more freely through it’s lands, seeking glory.
History: Oliver once had a promising future as a training War Mage of Legemhold. It was an inherited opportunity that ended through tragic events in his life that have led to his present history as a Necromancer.
Oliver as a child was raised by his brother Bennett. The both of them were from Elysium, though Oliver was incredibly young when it was attacked. He has very little memory of it, with the exception of some recurring nightmares, and a feeling of anxiety when he attempts to recall any details. Bennett was a young adult, who was quick to escape with his younger brother held tight and close to him, and with no clear idea of what fate befell their parents. The both of them made the days-long trek towards the Kingdom walls, seeking shelter. They settled in one of the refugee camps, and received assistance from Quassreign samaritans trying to right the wrongs of their Kingdom - Edward, an elderly gunsmith, and his daughter, Mabel, a spirited older woman who inherited his trade.
Young Oliver grew up with these people, who became like family to him. Bennett quickly developed a steadfast relationship with Edward, and Mabel became a sort of mother figure to Oliver. Oliver had little of the same sort of mourning for home that Bennett had - it was hard for him to comprehend exactly what had happened. He never really processed his parent’s death, and merely attached himself to his new family. He especially clung to his brother, whom he idolized. Bennett made contact with an old friend of his, who was raising her daughter Ursula in Litorelux. They had enough influence to help him become a Knight of the Kingdom. Oliver’s family expanded, as he befriended Ursula, who was close to his own age.
Bennett was gone often on duty, leaving Oliver home alone with Mabel and Ursula. He grew up learning a loyalty to these women in his life. When his brother was home, he urged him to teach him how to use a sword, so that he could fight as well. While it was initially for the sake of self-defense, with home invasion a very prominent concern on their minds, Oliver eventually found himself leaning towards the idea of following in his brother’s footsteps. When he reached his teen years, it was discovered that his friend, Ursula, was a Sourceress. She was enthusiastic to teach him fire magic, and he developed an interest in becoming a War Mage. Oliver found his hours occupied with training, which increased only more as Ursula worked to promote peace, meaning his brother was home more to train him.
Things began to falter when Edward passed - being close to the man, Bennett was devastated. The prominent amount of loss in Bennett’s life began to take an effect, and he became a little distant. Oliver’s sense of loyalty mean that he was patient with his older sibling. Oliver tried his best to help him through his grief, but could only do so much. Bennett began to disappear frequently, on long trips, and he’d come back exhausted. He refused to tell Oliver where he was going, slowly testing Oliver’s tolerance, and gnawing at his concern. This persisted for about a year, in which Bennett would sometimes return scratched and bleeding, always exhausted to the point of collapsing. Oliver did his best to pry one one one of these days, and became frustrated with how dodgy his brother was being. He persisted that they go and train in the forest, and only became more aggravated when Bennett seemed distant and hardly involved. Oliver’s attacks became charged and fast-paced, as if trying to beat out answers. He and Bennett entered verbal argument, as Bennett tried to deflect Oliver in every sense of the word, backstepping his assault. Things took a turn for the worst, when in his exhaustion, Bennett’s foot slipped as he stepped back onto unstable ground - he stumbled back, Oliver watching in shock as his older brother tumbled down a ravine, headfirst. Without thinking, Oliver jumped after him, planting his sword into the side of the ravine to help him slide down. The blade was broken in the attempt, and Bennett was dead, Oliver stuck with his corpse.
A day passed before they were found, by which time Oliver was severely shaken, and inconsolable. He disappeared into his and Bennett’s house, only emerging for the funeral. Ursula tried and failed to make him come out, eventually giving up out of frustration. Mabel continued to care for him as best as she could, dropping off meals and gently persisting to check on him. This did not assuage Oliver's grief and guilt over what he felt was his blame in his brother's death.This carried on until he was approached by a stranger that came to his home - an Incubus named Ambrose, who claimed to be sympathetic of Oliver’s situation. Ambrose offered him a deal - if he would take him as a Familiar, Ambrose would give Oliver a sword, and teach him Necromancy to bring back his brother. Oliver agreed, eager to take any chance to reunite with his family. Ambrose took the liberties of digging up Bennett’s corpse, restoring any damage to it. Afraid of the backlash from those he knew, Oliver snuck away with the Incubus who guided him over Kingdom lines, past Ipsia, and into Hade’s woods. Ambrose brought him to a sheltered clearing in the middle, at the face of a cliff. The two built a home there, to hide away society.
Oliver has lived the past seven years here. While things started as quiet and subdued, it didn’t take for Ipsia to take notice. Being such a small town that thrived on rumor, they were captivated by this mysterious Necromancer that lived in the monster-filled woods, untouched. They became excited by his trips to town for supplies, everyone craning for a look. Outside of these encounters, his life has revolved around Ambrose’s needs. The Incubus’ novelty wore off quickly, his habits and neediness wearing thin on even Oliver’s patience. He has resigned to Ambrose’s presence as a necessity for his end goal. His days are largely filled with sleeping, studying anatomy, practicing Necromancy, and doing his best to make ends meet and stay alive. His relationship with Ambrose is a complicated back and forth, as he is not hesitant to be intimate to feed him, and for the sake of something resembling human warmth - but otherwise expresses distaste. His life has recently come into more trouble as he has recently been refound by Ursula, who was unhappy with his unannounced disappearing, and is determined to put herself back into his life. All that’s left now in his life is an attempt to balance the double lives he’s made for himself, between normalcy and darker arts.
Abilities: Semi-skilled in Necromancy - he’s accompanied by his deceased brother, who’s also one of the few corpses he’s gotten to actively move around. Bennett has no personality of his own, only following to Oliver’s mental suggestion. Oliver is more skilled with a sword, as well as proficiency with fire magic. He’s also incredibly learned, mostly through text, having directed his own studies for many years.
Network/Actionspam Sample: [It’s taken awhile for Oliver to adjust to these… devices. They felt like something Corvusport would have turned out. But he’d gotten enough instruction to get the basics. When the screen flickers out, he stretches his arms out further in surprise, tilting to be sure everyone else can see him. The device is so small, he doesn’t understand how much it can really catch.] … hey, everyone can hear me right? Listen, I promise I won’t be too much of a bother. Gotten pretty used to taking care of myself. I’m not here to hassle anybody. Just, well…
[He seems hesitant to ask what’s on his mind. An arm stretches to scratch sheepishly at the back of his head.] Anyone know where I could get some good apples? I used to keep a bushel back home, and I’ll be damned if I’m not getting a craving. [At this, he laughs - a hesitant and quiet noise, as if finding something funny about that.] Imagine that.
If I don’t get an answer, though, I won’t go dying. I’m sure Bennett and I can dig something up. But if someone wants to help, I can make it worth their while. Learned something about baking the past few years. Or I can translate texts, do some manual labor…
… [He trails off, as if thinking, before just shrugging.] Well, we’ll figure something out. I’m not too difficult of a customer.
Prose Log Sample: Oliver is late to awake, his schedule of sleep long skewed by hours of late studies, and by no obligation to stir before sunrise. One thing is different, though - he is alone. No Ambrose curled by his side, having snuck to his side late in the night. No sound of water rushing over the rooftop, crashing to the lake below his home. As he sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and looking around in drowsy confusion, he begins to realize - this isn’t home. The night before rushes back to him. The festival, the Prophet - oh.
The Necromancer has to hesitate, before sinking his head forward to rest on his propped hand, wincing. The Prophet. He was an idiot. But the man had been absolutely charismatic, eager to feed him convoluted words and compliments. Oliver’s wrists hurt from being bound, and he sat up to rub sorely at them. Getting up from the Inn bed, Oliver hunted for his clothing, shivering. There were no more Caravans outside in the town square - Job had left. Not that Oliver particularly cared. He was just embarrassed. There were a few coins on the bedside table, enough to cover the night. How thoughtful.
Securing the belt around his tunic, and pulling his boots up, Oliver composed his face into a faultless, stony expression, keeping back all emotion. He breathed in deep, ignoring the dull ache in his body. He had a long hike back into the woods, and likely another offering to carry with him. He would hate to disappoint the Villager’s impressions with his weakness.
Name: JD
Age: 24
Personal Journal: N/A
E-mail: N/A
AIM/MSN/etc: AIM: DevisedMachinations ; Plurk: therobotking
CHARACTER
Name: Oliver
Age: 27
Appearance: Oliver is awkwardly tall and lanky, with the kind of posture that makes him seem almost apologetic for it. He slouches shuffles quietly around a lot, desperate to stay out of people’s ways. He has a little muscle in his legs from traveling, and in his arms from fighting. Hair is incredibly curly, coiled tight, in long springs that sometimes fall into his face. Oliver wears a tunic, brown pants, traveling boots, and a long red overcoat. A sword hangs sheathed on his belt. He has a tendency to aimlessly speak out his thought process, and is quick to backtrack when he feels he might have spoken out of line, and apologize when he’s offended. His speech pattern is semi-resigned, and matter-of-fact.
Chosen PB: Commissioned Art
Personality: Oliver is a man of infinite patience - a large surprise, considering how his life has been. While most would be driven to tears, ripping their hair out in frustration, Oliver has taken a steady approach, seemingly untouched. Internally, however, is a maelstrom of shouldered guilt and unhealthy coping that manages to convince him, someday, things might turn out okay.
His demeanor is that of a large and tolerant family dog. Oliver is a fiercely loyal man. Raised by his brother, his only remaining family, he has a deep appreciation for community and personal relationships, and the risks of losing your only companionship, the loneliness that follows. This has affected him positively when it comes to matters of his relationship with those closest and fondest. He’s a sweet young man, keen to please. He makes for the sort of friend that would catch cold to give you his coat. This unfortunately makes for somewhat of a double-edged sword. Oliver is prone to sacrifice beyond his capabilities - sacrificing a normal life to bring back his brother, sacrificing personal comfort to try and make up for abandoning Ursula several years ago. He would rather snap his spine bending over backwards than risk losing what’s important to him.
Oliver is also hesitant to jump to violence, preferring to take the path of least resistance. Just because he had interest in being a War Mage did not mean he welcomed War. He rather saw the position as a means of peacemaking. This was more because of the example set by his magic instructor, Ursula, who trained him specifically because she saw this potential. Oliver had seen what war did to people, and there was no good end to it. He is by no means a pacifist - he merely believes that fighting should be a last resort, rather than an immediate solution. He can be a bit squeamish about blood and gore, which certainly contributes to his peaceful approach. It also makes for problems in being a Necromancer, as his teacher prefers very hands-on approaches to teaching anatomy, with the impression that a Necromancer needs to see what he’s controlling. Oliver would prefer to keep said hands clean. Again, however, he wouldn’t hesitate to soil his hands if he needed to protect a loved one (again, a sacrifice of personal comfort).
In general, and in connection to both of these, Oliver is a compassionate person. His loyalty is easily earned - he adopted his extended family quickly, and it makes for a rather bold statement against those who perhaps do earn his wrath. Otherwise, he can be inclined towards sympathy. It’s easy for him to identify goodness and humanity in people - he frequently does so with his companion Ambrose, but it combats with his irritation at Ambrose’s disregard for others. The fact that Oliver and his brother were saved by the kindness of others gives Oliver a certain value for the Golden Rule. This means that while his compassion does not stretch to certain people does not mean he will not remain civil. Again, for those whom he cannot pull up even that bit of decency, there is little good to be said.
In all of this, Oliver has some darker parts to him that he keeps internalized. Oliver doesn’t believe in burdening others with his problems. He can be a coward, running away from problems, just to avoid creating a fuss. This is one point where his usual compassion and thoughtfulness tends to be overwritten. He thinks for others, meekly making the decision for others to isolate himself, as to not upset them by his choices. He deals with his pain in silence, and puts on a mild temperament to disguise it. Oliver tends to also shoulder his own burdens, refusing to speak about them. He houses a lot of guilt over his brother’s death, and has never really spoken to anyone about it. He fears concerning others with his emotions.
Oliver also has an occasional habit for mild self-destructive tendencies. Oliver has an unhealthy craving for companionship. Living alone with just Ambrose, towards whom he’s housed some resentment, has left him slightly desperate. Oliver’s loyalty and compassion can sometimes be wasted, as he tries desperately for a connection. This is also partly due to his being hurt by Bennett’s lack of communication, closing himself off to his younger brother. Oliver has connected with harmful people, in one-off attempts to get a taste for this craving. But all in all, he waits out his own loneliness, letting himself stew in his own emotions. If anything, this harms him more than anything else.
Most of all, even his patience has it’s limits. It’s not a limit he’s aware of, with the way he stockpiles his feelings and emotions away. Despite his sense of heavy self-sacrifice, Oliver is still a human being that can only handle so much. He lets issues build up until they begin to aggravate him. Sometimes, this can lead to a snap, anger that seems uncharacteristic to those that have only seen the quiet-spoken young man that would give up the shirt on his back. His own awareness of how he can get only furthers his attempts to keep these things to himself.
World Information: Oliver comes from a continent known as Discidium - it exists on the same plane as the world we would be familiar with, but acts a sort of Gate to magic. As a whole, the Universe exists on three planes - Heaven, Hell and the Mortal Realm. Discidium is much more in tune with both of these. It’s long been occupied by Demonic Deities that seek to offer riches and gifts to mortals, in exchange for whatever they have that could be seen as valuable. The exact origins of the continent are unknown, but scholars have long considered that it was established by these Deities, known as Idols - beings that have been praised by humans as Gods, faith granting them immortality and immeasurable power. As of these centuries, Idols mostly lurk in shadows and secrecy, waiting for those who stray.
Discidium has been locked in war for a large part of it’s history. It’s split in half by two different Kingdoms: Quassreign and Legemhold. Quassreign largely consists of rural farming towns, and is largely elevated. It’s most notable towns are the northern Aetherforge, a smithing town of great reputation; Ipsia, a small halfway point from the Kingdom and the southern end of the continent; and Tartarus, a town whose fields and farms produce most trade produce. There are also many legends that dwell in the woods between Tartarus and Ipsia. These are said to be the haunting grounds for the Idols Hades and Persephone. Legemhold has always been known for it’s technological developments and booming trade. As a result, it’s been viewed as a viable threat by Quassreign for a considerable amount of time. Notable town include Corvusport, a coastal trading town that is rumored to be exploring previously unheard of technology; Litorelux, an only recently thriving city on the eastern coast, which draws in many visitors; and Elysium, a ghost town to which many natives pay pilgrimage. It has it’s own share of Gods and legends. Litorelux’s rivers are said to hide the powerful river Goddess, Chalchiuhtlicue. Elysium on the other hand, though long abandoned, is said to be protected and haunted by Raven.
Up until the most recent decade or so, Legemhold has stood strongly against the rival Kingdom. Elysium was originally built as a metropolis, that stood strong for many years. It’s people had a strong education and community, and it was relatively peaceful. Eventually, however, Quassreign managed to storm the town. The entire event was a blood bath, building set ablaze, and very few barely escaping with their lives. It was considered wholly to be a terrible mark on the Nation’s history. Refugee camps were set up outside of the building walls, and sympathizers left Quassreign to assist in any way they could. Elysium was taken, and Quassreign’s territory lines heavily advanced over Discidium.
The next few years were filled with strife, and many losses. Eventually, diplomats on both side tired, agreeing that compromise needed to be met. No real resolve was met until a Sourceress of Legemhold was found in Litorelux. The position of Sourceress is a birthright, and is marked by a woman with great magical power. She’s expected to hold a high position in court and their new Sourceress stepped up to this position, tired of watching her home be torn apart. She worked relentlessly to bring peace, despite her youth and only recent establishment of authority.
As of now, Quassreign respectfully has relinquished its control of Elysium, and it’s become a Holy Land of sorts. The two Kingdoms have lived in peace, making trade and keeping up relations. The only shared trouble has been a worrisome increase in rumors of darker magic taking residence in the shadows. Idols run much more freely through it’s lands, seeking glory.
History: Oliver once had a promising future as a training War Mage of Legemhold. It was an inherited opportunity that ended through tragic events in his life that have led to his present history as a Necromancer.
Oliver as a child was raised by his brother Bennett. The both of them were from Elysium, though Oliver was incredibly young when it was attacked. He has very little memory of it, with the exception of some recurring nightmares, and a feeling of anxiety when he attempts to recall any details. Bennett was a young adult, who was quick to escape with his younger brother held tight and close to him, and with no clear idea of what fate befell their parents. The both of them made the days-long trek towards the Kingdom walls, seeking shelter. They settled in one of the refugee camps, and received assistance from Quassreign samaritans trying to right the wrongs of their Kingdom - Edward, an elderly gunsmith, and his daughter, Mabel, a spirited older woman who inherited his trade.
Young Oliver grew up with these people, who became like family to him. Bennett quickly developed a steadfast relationship with Edward, and Mabel became a sort of mother figure to Oliver. Oliver had little of the same sort of mourning for home that Bennett had - it was hard for him to comprehend exactly what had happened. He never really processed his parent’s death, and merely attached himself to his new family. He especially clung to his brother, whom he idolized. Bennett made contact with an old friend of his, who was raising her daughter Ursula in Litorelux. They had enough influence to help him become a Knight of the Kingdom. Oliver’s family expanded, as he befriended Ursula, who was close to his own age.
Bennett was gone often on duty, leaving Oliver home alone with Mabel and Ursula. He grew up learning a loyalty to these women in his life. When his brother was home, he urged him to teach him how to use a sword, so that he could fight as well. While it was initially for the sake of self-defense, with home invasion a very prominent concern on their minds, Oliver eventually found himself leaning towards the idea of following in his brother’s footsteps. When he reached his teen years, it was discovered that his friend, Ursula, was a Sourceress. She was enthusiastic to teach him fire magic, and he developed an interest in becoming a War Mage. Oliver found his hours occupied with training, which increased only more as Ursula worked to promote peace, meaning his brother was home more to train him.
Things began to falter when Edward passed - being close to the man, Bennett was devastated. The prominent amount of loss in Bennett’s life began to take an effect, and he became a little distant. Oliver’s sense of loyalty mean that he was patient with his older sibling. Oliver tried his best to help him through his grief, but could only do so much. Bennett began to disappear frequently, on long trips, and he’d come back exhausted. He refused to tell Oliver where he was going, slowly testing Oliver’s tolerance, and gnawing at his concern. This persisted for about a year, in which Bennett would sometimes return scratched and bleeding, always exhausted to the point of collapsing. Oliver did his best to pry one one one of these days, and became frustrated with how dodgy his brother was being. He persisted that they go and train in the forest, and only became more aggravated when Bennett seemed distant and hardly involved. Oliver’s attacks became charged and fast-paced, as if trying to beat out answers. He and Bennett entered verbal argument, as Bennett tried to deflect Oliver in every sense of the word, backstepping his assault. Things took a turn for the worst, when in his exhaustion, Bennett’s foot slipped as he stepped back onto unstable ground - he stumbled back, Oliver watching in shock as his older brother tumbled down a ravine, headfirst. Without thinking, Oliver jumped after him, planting his sword into the side of the ravine to help him slide down. The blade was broken in the attempt, and Bennett was dead, Oliver stuck with his corpse.
A day passed before they were found, by which time Oliver was severely shaken, and inconsolable. He disappeared into his and Bennett’s house, only emerging for the funeral. Ursula tried and failed to make him come out, eventually giving up out of frustration. Mabel continued to care for him as best as she could, dropping off meals and gently persisting to check on him. This did not assuage Oliver's grief and guilt over what he felt was his blame in his brother's death.This carried on until he was approached by a stranger that came to his home - an Incubus named Ambrose, who claimed to be sympathetic of Oliver’s situation. Ambrose offered him a deal - if he would take him as a Familiar, Ambrose would give Oliver a sword, and teach him Necromancy to bring back his brother. Oliver agreed, eager to take any chance to reunite with his family. Ambrose took the liberties of digging up Bennett’s corpse, restoring any damage to it. Afraid of the backlash from those he knew, Oliver snuck away with the Incubus who guided him over Kingdom lines, past Ipsia, and into Hade’s woods. Ambrose brought him to a sheltered clearing in the middle, at the face of a cliff. The two built a home there, to hide away society.
Oliver has lived the past seven years here. While things started as quiet and subdued, it didn’t take for Ipsia to take notice. Being such a small town that thrived on rumor, they were captivated by this mysterious Necromancer that lived in the monster-filled woods, untouched. They became excited by his trips to town for supplies, everyone craning for a look. Outside of these encounters, his life has revolved around Ambrose’s needs. The Incubus’ novelty wore off quickly, his habits and neediness wearing thin on even Oliver’s patience. He has resigned to Ambrose’s presence as a necessity for his end goal. His days are largely filled with sleeping, studying anatomy, practicing Necromancy, and doing his best to make ends meet and stay alive. His relationship with Ambrose is a complicated back and forth, as he is not hesitant to be intimate to feed him, and for the sake of something resembling human warmth - but otherwise expresses distaste. His life has recently come into more trouble as he has recently been refound by Ursula, who was unhappy with his unannounced disappearing, and is determined to put herself back into his life. All that’s left now in his life is an attempt to balance the double lives he’s made for himself, between normalcy and darker arts.
Abilities: Semi-skilled in Necromancy - he’s accompanied by his deceased brother, who’s also one of the few corpses he’s gotten to actively move around. Bennett has no personality of his own, only following to Oliver’s mental suggestion. Oliver is more skilled with a sword, as well as proficiency with fire magic. He’s also incredibly learned, mostly through text, having directed his own studies for many years.
Network/Actionspam Sample: [It’s taken awhile for Oliver to adjust to these… devices. They felt like something Corvusport would have turned out. But he’d gotten enough instruction to get the basics. When the screen flickers out, he stretches his arms out further in surprise, tilting to be sure everyone else can see him. The device is so small, he doesn’t understand how much it can really catch.] … hey, everyone can hear me right? Listen, I promise I won’t be too much of a bother. Gotten pretty used to taking care of myself. I’m not here to hassle anybody. Just, well…
[He seems hesitant to ask what’s on his mind. An arm stretches to scratch sheepishly at the back of his head.] Anyone know where I could get some good apples? I used to keep a bushel back home, and I’ll be damned if I’m not getting a craving. [At this, he laughs - a hesitant and quiet noise, as if finding something funny about that.] Imagine that.
If I don’t get an answer, though, I won’t go dying. I’m sure Bennett and I can dig something up. But if someone wants to help, I can make it worth their while. Learned something about baking the past few years. Or I can translate texts, do some manual labor…
… [He trails off, as if thinking, before just shrugging.] Well, we’ll figure something out. I’m not too difficult of a customer.
Prose Log Sample: Oliver is late to awake, his schedule of sleep long skewed by hours of late studies, and by no obligation to stir before sunrise. One thing is different, though - he is alone. No Ambrose curled by his side, having snuck to his side late in the night. No sound of water rushing over the rooftop, crashing to the lake below his home. As he sits up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and looking around in drowsy confusion, he begins to realize - this isn’t home. The night before rushes back to him. The festival, the Prophet - oh.
The Necromancer has to hesitate, before sinking his head forward to rest on his propped hand, wincing. The Prophet. He was an idiot. But the man had been absolutely charismatic, eager to feed him convoluted words and compliments. Oliver’s wrists hurt from being bound, and he sat up to rub sorely at them. Getting up from the Inn bed, Oliver hunted for his clothing, shivering. There were no more Caravans outside in the town square - Job had left. Not that Oliver particularly cared. He was just embarrassed. There were a few coins on the bedside table, enough to cover the night. How thoughtful.
Securing the belt around his tunic, and pulling his boots up, Oliver composed his face into a faultless, stony expression, keeping back all emotion. He breathed in deep, ignoring the dull ache in his body. He had a long hike back into the woods, and likely another offering to carry with him. He would hate to disappoint the Villager’s impressions with his weakness.
