Vladixlav
The following is a Castle Falkenstein character I recently made and played for one game. It is written in the traditional diary style.
-----
My name is Vladixlav.
I was born in the lower upper Greater Caucasus, overlooking the Black Sea. I have since moved west and maintain a home on Mount Kazbek, even though I spend much of my time abroad in my scientific pursuits.
In my human guise, I am over six-and-a-half feet tall. My hair white and my eyes milky blue, though my skin is of a fairly dark complexion. Likewise, in my natural form, my body is brown, while my head and back are white, like the snowy cap of Mount Elbrus. Though I have no need for one, I carry a cane of twisted, ancient hardwood with a brass top and tip. I find that it complements my lanky frame, which is only extenuated by the tall hats and long tails I prefer.
As with my kind, my early upbringing was sheltered, but not without a liberal education and access to books and the great thinkers of our time. Though I feel most comfortable speaking the Russian of my youth, I am also fluent in English and (Swiss) German and use Latin in my scientific notebooks. My father has ties the czars and he would bring me on his visits to court. I could go on for great length on the sights and secrets I was privy to during those years, but I have many years remaining to retell those tales.
My early years instilled a burning curiosity about the planet we call home and a meticulous attention to detail. However, these very virtues have caused problems when my drive for knowledge was greater than my prudence or I failed to see the big picture while focusing on some fascinating minutia.
My passion is paleontology and recovering preserved artifacts from eras long past. Not only do they provide great scientific insight into the evolution of our planet and the species upon it, but they provide a physical connection to the memories I inherited from my forefathers and the time before dragons first took flight upon the skies. Over my career, I have amassed, examined, and cataloged the mineralized and fragmented remains of hundreds of plants and animals. The majority are small, no larger than a pence, but I have many drawers of larger specimens as well. Though all are precious to me, the crown of my collection is a skull whose size and general shape matches my own. Whether drake or some close relative from eons past, I know not, but I long to prove which is true. While the short-lived and short-sighted humans argue and bicker over Mr. Darwin's thesis (and the fey smile wryly amongst themselves), of its truth I have no doubt. I have written many letters to my friend and colleague to steel himself against the barrage of criticism he has received, for I suspect it will only get worse once his next manuscript is published. I look forward to the day, even if I will only be there in the memories of my descendants, to when the principles of evolution and natural selection are accepted as the truth.
I am an inquisitive, yet patient soul. I am not given to flights of fancy or impulsiveness. Good things come to those who wait, but one must not only wait. Action must be taken, but haste should always be avoided (usually by proper planning and analysis beforehand).
Of all things, I value truth and that moment of inspiration and genius that has been so eloquently and precisely summed up in a single word: eureka!. While many believe they know the truth of thing, few actually do. Only by careful and proper use of scientific techniques, can the growth of knowledge progress. Even magic, for all its mystical trappings, is a science as much as it is a craft. Religion, where it deviates from proven historical events and wanders into myth, has no place in an rational, enlightened world. Dishonestly, whether deliberate or though self-delusion, is not something I tolerate. Fiction and myth have their place—I enjoy the works of The Bard as much as anyone—but they should never be confused with scientific fact.
Of romance, the less said, the better. The romantic notion of love and longing so valued by humans and the fey simply does not exist with my kind. Though the act of finding a mate can have romantic overtones, it is only useful as an alternative to the violent practices of my ancestors. And thus, I have no romantic aspirations save to find a suitable mate when the time seems right, but I am still far too young and drawn to my own studies to even think of such. Socially, I would like to expand my sphere of correspondence with the great minds of our era, sharing ideas, and collectively uncovering the secrets of our world and how it works. Their acceptance as a peer will naturally follow as a result of my own works and writings. Humility prevents me from dreaming of becoming renown for my work; to be a valued contributor to the process, is enough. Having said that, pride demands that my collection of fossils surpass that of any natural science museum or university, its quality, variety, and value to science unequaled.
My current circle of acquaintances [Connections]is of a good size, as are my funds [Exchequer], and both have served to complement my fine [Good] Education and good eye for detail [Perception] to make me a great Natural Scientist. I have discovered in my travels that Riding horses, camels, elephants, or any similar beast is not for me, as I am quite poor at it and see no need to improve myself (and I suspect they simply do not like my presence).. With my hardy [Good] Physique, I am more than capable of flying anywhere that a beast might carry me. I am above average [Good] when it comes to Sorcery, though mechanical devices [Tinkering] confound me [Poor]. Perhaps that is why I have gravitated more towards biology and geology rather than physics or engineering.
One cold evening in St. Petersburg, not long after I had left home to make my mark upon the world, I had stepped out for some fresh air while my acquaintances, a cadre of anarchists too fond of their own words and drink-inspired schemes of glory, played cards and smoked smelly cigars (have I mentioned that despite my natural proclivity for projecting fire, I cannot stand the smell of cigars? Pipes are another matter, entirely, but the quickest way to convince me to leave a place is to light one of those vile tobacco rolls). I was in my human guise, lightly tapping my cane against the cobblestones just to hear it echo through the light fog. I was then startled by a racing carriage, its driver whipping the horses madly. The shrill of police whistles soon followed. I paused to watch as the carriage came down the street towards me, but a middle-aged man, no doubt returning home from a long day working in his employer's shop, neither saw nor heard the carriage and stepped into the street. Though I could have should have done something to help, my feet and my lips were still. I used to fool myself into thinking I was just frozen in startlement, but I know the truth of the matter was that I simply did not care. This was the reason why I amused myself with the anarchists: though I held no specific animosity towards them, I cared little for the fleeting lives of humans. The driver, for all his furor and fear, was looking over his shoulder as he barreled down upon the pedestrian. I winced at the impact and the sicking sound of bones snapping. One of the horses stumbled on the blood-slickened street and the carriage quickly toppled over. The driver jumped free and quickly made his escape down an ally. The police, who must have been a block over, never arrived. As the horses righted themselves, I walked over to where the stranger's broken body lay in the street. He was still breathing, and yet I did nothing but stare down at him. Too weak to reach out or even speak, he simply stared at me with pleading, frightened eyes. I think he was dead nearly a minute before I noticed his chest had stopped moving. I returned to the card game, but did not speak of the event. Despite the lies and excuses I made for myself, that incident haunts me to this day, locked in my perfect draconian memory. Though I might not have been able to help that poor man, not trying is a black spot upon my soul. Though I am superior to humans in nearly every way, I must admit at that moment of great shame, I was less than a man.
Two-and-a-half years later, I was on a yacht in Lake Geneva on the kind of hot summer days you only get in the Alps. My companions and I were enjoying a spirited debate on the qualities of French versus Italian wines when there came a great rumbling from below the waters. Just below us, the lake roiled and belched. The boat rocked and was nearly sunk as a great beast, like none I have ever seen since, rose from the waters. Its gaping, toothy maw could have fit a standing man. Its eyes were perched on short stalks and they scanned back and forth, as if searching. The beast thrashed its tail, pummeling those who had fallen overboard with powerful waves. It was with great fortune that I was not in my human guise—a specific request of the ship's captain—and I took flight. From above, the great beast had the form not unlike the frog-fish of the Black Sea, except at a monstrous scale. It snapped at the boat, cracking through the hull as easily as pie crust. Some of the guests continued to cling for their lives while the rest leaped into the turbulent waters. Normally, I avoid firecasting. Not only does it pain and weaken me, it is very often simply the wrong thing to do. But this was clearly a situation where it was warranted and necessary, so I brought myself around and dived toward the beast. Confident that it was preoccupied with the yacht, I allowed myself to come too close before letting loose the flame. It caught sight of me, and leaped at me as if I were a dragonfly on a pond. My fire lead my descent down its gullet. My landing was, as you can imagine, quite inelegant and I landed hard. Already weakened form the firecasting, I momentarily blacked out. I found myself in darkness and I had the distinct feeling we were under water. Studying my surroundings by the light of a trivial spell, I saw that the interior of this monster was finely crafted wood and brass. This was no beast, but a machine! I knocked on the walls and called out. Finally, when I threatened to destroy the marvelous device, I finally received an answer. I was met by a sweaty, annoyed, and very nervous gnome. He was as displeased to find me there as I was to be found there. It was then he made me an offer that he expected me to jump at. In exchange for a rather sizable sum (in gold, of course), I would not destroy their vessel and for an even greater sum, I would aid them in apprehending the Lady Madeline Smalley, who just happened to be the aforementioned captain of the vessel they just attacked. It seems his masters had need of her, but did not expect the interference of one such of myself. I will admit that some part of me was tempted. But another, great part of myself was offended. I just smiled and clicked my teeth. I nearly did not survive swimming back to the surface, but it was worth it. I have no doubt I shall one day suffer reprisals from the Gnomes of Zürich.
I am currently on a personal expedition to the Americas, by way of Asia. My plan, as I sit in this Singapore cafe, is to island hop to the Galapagos until finally reaching South America. All the while, I will be broadening my knowledge of the natural world and perhaps make a few discoveries in the name of science along the way. I then plan on moving up into the wilds of North America, where I expect to uncover great things.
Lord Vladixlav
Abilities
Connections: Good (6)
Education: Good (6)
Exchequer: Good (6)
Natural Sciences: Great (8)
Perception: Good (6)
Physique: Good (6)
Riding: Poor (2)
Sorcery: Good (6)
Tinkering: Poor (2)
Health: O O O O O O
Dragon Abilities
Animal Attack: Very Large
Carrying Capacity: 150 lbs.
Strength Feat: Bend bronze bars
Wingspan: 20 ft.
Body Length/Weight: 10 ft. / 150 lbs.
Armor: Stops 1 pt.
Firecast
Effective Range: 30 yards
Wounds (Partial): 6
Wounds (Full): 7
Wounds (High): 8
-----
My name is Vladixlav.
I was born in the lower upper Greater Caucasus, overlooking the Black Sea. I have since moved west and maintain a home on Mount Kazbek, even though I spend much of my time abroad in my scientific pursuits.
In my human guise, I am over six-and-a-half feet tall. My hair white and my eyes milky blue, though my skin is of a fairly dark complexion. Likewise, in my natural form, my body is brown, while my head and back are white, like the snowy cap of Mount Elbrus. Though I have no need for one, I carry a cane of twisted, ancient hardwood with a brass top and tip. I find that it complements my lanky frame, which is only extenuated by the tall hats and long tails I prefer.
As with my kind, my early upbringing was sheltered, but not without a liberal education and access to books and the great thinkers of our time. Though I feel most comfortable speaking the Russian of my youth, I am also fluent in English and (Swiss) German and use Latin in my scientific notebooks. My father has ties the czars and he would bring me on his visits to court. I could go on for great length on the sights and secrets I was privy to during those years, but I have many years remaining to retell those tales.
My early years instilled a burning curiosity about the planet we call home and a meticulous attention to detail. However, these very virtues have caused problems when my drive for knowledge was greater than my prudence or I failed to see the big picture while focusing on some fascinating minutia.
My passion is paleontology and recovering preserved artifacts from eras long past. Not only do they provide great scientific insight into the evolution of our planet and the species upon it, but they provide a physical connection to the memories I inherited from my forefathers and the time before dragons first took flight upon the skies. Over my career, I have amassed, examined, and cataloged the mineralized and fragmented remains of hundreds of plants and animals. The majority are small, no larger than a pence, but I have many drawers of larger specimens as well. Though all are precious to me, the crown of my collection is a skull whose size and general shape matches my own. Whether drake or some close relative from eons past, I know not, but I long to prove which is true. While the short-lived and short-sighted humans argue and bicker over Mr. Darwin's thesis (and the fey smile wryly amongst themselves), of its truth I have no doubt. I have written many letters to my friend and colleague to steel himself against the barrage of criticism he has received, for I suspect it will only get worse once his next manuscript is published. I look forward to the day, even if I will only be there in the memories of my descendants, to when the principles of evolution and natural selection are accepted as the truth.
I am an inquisitive, yet patient soul. I am not given to flights of fancy or impulsiveness. Good things come to those who wait, but one must not only wait. Action must be taken, but haste should always be avoided (usually by proper planning and analysis beforehand).
Of all things, I value truth and that moment of inspiration and genius that has been so eloquently and precisely summed up in a single word: eureka!. While many believe they know the truth of thing, few actually do. Only by careful and proper use of scientific techniques, can the growth of knowledge progress. Even magic, for all its mystical trappings, is a science as much as it is a craft. Religion, where it deviates from proven historical events and wanders into myth, has no place in an rational, enlightened world. Dishonestly, whether deliberate or though self-delusion, is not something I tolerate. Fiction and myth have their place—I enjoy the works of The Bard as much as anyone—but they should never be confused with scientific fact.
Of romance, the less said, the better. The romantic notion of love and longing so valued by humans and the fey simply does not exist with my kind. Though the act of finding a mate can have romantic overtones, it is only useful as an alternative to the violent practices of my ancestors. And thus, I have no romantic aspirations save to find a suitable mate when the time seems right, but I am still far too young and drawn to my own studies to even think of such. Socially, I would like to expand my sphere of correspondence with the great minds of our era, sharing ideas, and collectively uncovering the secrets of our world and how it works. Their acceptance as a peer will naturally follow as a result of my own works and writings. Humility prevents me from dreaming of becoming renown for my work; to be a valued contributor to the process, is enough. Having said that, pride demands that my collection of fossils surpass that of any natural science museum or university, its quality, variety, and value to science unequaled.
My current circle of acquaintances [Connections]is of a good size, as are my funds [Exchequer], and both have served to complement my fine [Good] Education and good eye for detail [Perception] to make me a great Natural Scientist. I have discovered in my travels that Riding horses, camels, elephants, or any similar beast is not for me, as I am quite poor at it and see no need to improve myself (and I suspect they simply do not like my presence).. With my hardy [Good] Physique, I am more than capable of flying anywhere that a beast might carry me. I am above average [Good] when it comes to Sorcery, though mechanical devices [Tinkering] confound me [Poor]. Perhaps that is why I have gravitated more towards biology and geology rather than physics or engineering.
One cold evening in St. Petersburg, not long after I had left home to make my mark upon the world, I had stepped out for some fresh air while my acquaintances, a cadre of anarchists too fond of their own words and drink-inspired schemes of glory, played cards and smoked smelly cigars (have I mentioned that despite my natural proclivity for projecting fire, I cannot stand the smell of cigars? Pipes are another matter, entirely, but the quickest way to convince me to leave a place is to light one of those vile tobacco rolls). I was in my human guise, lightly tapping my cane against the cobblestones just to hear it echo through the light fog. I was then startled by a racing carriage, its driver whipping the horses madly. The shrill of police whistles soon followed. I paused to watch as the carriage came down the street towards me, but a middle-aged man, no doubt returning home from a long day working in his employer's shop, neither saw nor heard the carriage and stepped into the street. Though I could have should have done something to help, my feet and my lips were still. I used to fool myself into thinking I was just frozen in startlement, but I know the truth of the matter was that I simply did not care. This was the reason why I amused myself with the anarchists: though I held no specific animosity towards them, I cared little for the fleeting lives of humans. The driver, for all his furor and fear, was looking over his shoulder as he barreled down upon the pedestrian. I winced at the impact and the sicking sound of bones snapping. One of the horses stumbled on the blood-slickened street and the carriage quickly toppled over. The driver jumped free and quickly made his escape down an ally. The police, who must have been a block over, never arrived. As the horses righted themselves, I walked over to where the stranger's broken body lay in the street. He was still breathing, and yet I did nothing but stare down at him. Too weak to reach out or even speak, he simply stared at me with pleading, frightened eyes. I think he was dead nearly a minute before I noticed his chest had stopped moving. I returned to the card game, but did not speak of the event. Despite the lies and excuses I made for myself, that incident haunts me to this day, locked in my perfect draconian memory. Though I might not have been able to help that poor man, not trying is a black spot upon my soul. Though I am superior to humans in nearly every way, I must admit at that moment of great shame, I was less than a man.
Two-and-a-half years later, I was on a yacht in Lake Geneva on the kind of hot summer days you only get in the Alps. My companions and I were enjoying a spirited debate on the qualities of French versus Italian wines when there came a great rumbling from below the waters. Just below us, the lake roiled and belched. The boat rocked and was nearly sunk as a great beast, like none I have ever seen since, rose from the waters. Its gaping, toothy maw could have fit a standing man. Its eyes were perched on short stalks and they scanned back and forth, as if searching. The beast thrashed its tail, pummeling those who had fallen overboard with powerful waves. It was with great fortune that I was not in my human guise—a specific request of the ship's captain—and I took flight. From above, the great beast had the form not unlike the frog-fish of the Black Sea, except at a monstrous scale. It snapped at the boat, cracking through the hull as easily as pie crust. Some of the guests continued to cling for their lives while the rest leaped into the turbulent waters. Normally, I avoid firecasting. Not only does it pain and weaken me, it is very often simply the wrong thing to do. But this was clearly a situation where it was warranted and necessary, so I brought myself around and dived toward the beast. Confident that it was preoccupied with the yacht, I allowed myself to come too close before letting loose the flame. It caught sight of me, and leaped at me as if I were a dragonfly on a pond. My fire lead my descent down its gullet. My landing was, as you can imagine, quite inelegant and I landed hard. Already weakened form the firecasting, I momentarily blacked out. I found myself in darkness and I had the distinct feeling we were under water. Studying my surroundings by the light of a trivial spell, I saw that the interior of this monster was finely crafted wood and brass. This was no beast, but a machine! I knocked on the walls and called out. Finally, when I threatened to destroy the marvelous device, I finally received an answer. I was met by a sweaty, annoyed, and very nervous gnome. He was as displeased to find me there as I was to be found there. It was then he made me an offer that he expected me to jump at. In exchange for a rather sizable sum (in gold, of course), I would not destroy their vessel and for an even greater sum, I would aid them in apprehending the Lady Madeline Smalley, who just happened to be the aforementioned captain of the vessel they just attacked. It seems his masters had need of her, but did not expect the interference of one such of myself. I will admit that some part of me was tempted. But another, great part of myself was offended. I just smiled and clicked my teeth. I nearly did not survive swimming back to the surface, but it was worth it. I have no doubt I shall one day suffer reprisals from the Gnomes of Zürich.
I am currently on a personal expedition to the Americas, by way of Asia. My plan, as I sit in this Singapore cafe, is to island hop to the Galapagos until finally reaching South America. All the while, I will be broadening my knowledge of the natural world and perhaps make a few discoveries in the name of science along the way. I then plan on moving up into the wilds of North America, where I expect to uncover great things.
Lord Vladixlav
Abilities
Connections: Good (6)
Education: Good (6)
Exchequer: Good (6)
Natural Sciences: Great (8)
Perception: Good (6)
Physique: Good (6)
Riding: Poor (2)
Sorcery: Good (6)
Tinkering: Poor (2)
Health: O O O O O O
Dragon Abilities
Animal Attack: Very Large
Carrying Capacity: 150 lbs.
Strength Feat: Bend bronze bars
Wingspan: 20 ft.
Body Length/Weight: 10 ft. / 150 lbs.
Armor: Stops 1 pt.
Firecast
Effective Range: 30 yards
Wounds (Partial): 6
Wounds (Full): 7
Wounds (High): 8
Labels: Character
posted by Patrick at 7:43 PM
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