"Marvin" Mal'vindores Character in The Chronicles of Evalaw | World Anvil

"Marvin" Mal'vindores

Work in progress

In a cupboard, wrapped tightly in an old worn orange cloak among Marvins merger possessions is a sword, with a pendant coiled around the hilt. It is all that he has left in the world of the one person he truly loved, and a solemn vow to never fail those he cares for again. No matter the cost.
 
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Marvin, bedecked in the "traditional" inilani servant garbs.
Devoted companion, stoic protector and tormented caretaker, Mal'vindores, commonly going under his moniker "Marvin", has lived a long life serving under various noble families and prestigious individuals within the city of Rie'shae. His most recent charge, the rambunctious and wayward Olarae Inilani, has tested his patience's time and time again, giving the aging retainer nothing but trouble during his years of service to the Inilani household. Having thwarted numerous attempts to sneak out Inilani compound, fended off endless hordes of undesired male suitors and being a reliable pillar during Olarae's moments of emotional turmoil has whittled Marvin down to his last nerve. No moment more so when he was forced to embark upon a daring rescue after a young, naive, Olarae found herself up to her neck in trouble, branded and placed on auction at a slavers market.   Despite his ward's mischievous temperament and proclivity to take him along on her adventures, episodes of wanderlust, and foolishly seeking out trouble, Marvin has developed a fondness for Olarae and would do anything to assure her safety, even if it meant placing himself in danger. Dedicated himself in protecting the life of Olarae with all that he has in the hopes of keeping her from suffering the same fate of his former master...
  While evidently bored of dealing with other people's turmoil, seemingly grumpy and unenthusiastic in nature. Marvin holds everything about himself a close guarded secret, having carried the weight of his past alone for centuries. He is a man who has already been broken and put himself back together more times than he would care to remember. A past of trauma and suffering haunt the shadows that seem to surround the ever vigilant body guard, as the old and forgotten memories of the pain, betrayal, and suffering serve to only further cement his bitter disposition.  
He's been a faithful retainer and most... patient companion for our darling Olarae. Poor man.
Tarraen Inilani
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Background.

Servitude is something Mal'vindores was born into, never knowing his mother or family, with no name, identity or memory of who he was or where he came from. Only the Skartus Slavers Tattoo on his chest is any indicator of his origins. His formative memories were of the pens, and the instructors that broke him down and trained him to serve. In his young mind at the time he had no idea of his status, no comprehension that he was not free like the others he served alongside. It would take years to truly grasp the reality that he was merely a property to be sold.   In time, Mal'vindores would find himself serving house Lough'na, attending to the young and boisterous Barish Lough'na, later to be known as the renowned blade of Rie'shae.. In the short years, Mal'vindores served house Lough'na he had watched Barish grow from an eager boy to a respected noble. Through this period, he had come to idolize his young master and even see him as a kind of surrogate for the brother's he could scarcely remember. He even took a measure of pride in the fact that the young noble would seek his counsel over his parent's or elder sister. The two would quickly develop a genuine bond that was practically indomitable.   For a time, all seemed fine, with Mal'vindores eagerly accepting the obligations of being Barish's servant. This all would change, Barish awoke Mal'vindores in the middle of the night and instructed him to grab his belongings since they were leaving and not to tell a soul. Barish had gone rogue, rebelling against the wishes of his family and escaping the underworld onto the world above, there he joined a free company for over a decade and set about adventuring, making a name from himself and discovering the alien world above with Mal'vindores in tow. It was there that Barish would gain the title of Blade of Rie'shae. During these perilous adventures, the two grew closer and more faithful companions than friends or brothers.  
Marvin's full name, "Mal'vindores," proved to be a tongue-twister for his human companions during their time on the surface, who struggled to pronounce it correctly. In time, they settled for the simpler, more endearing moniker of "Marvin." Surprisingly, even Barish himself adopted the name, cementing it as a symbol of their unwavering bond forged through countless adventures and trials.
[WIP...]
I care about you, I just have better things to do than stand here and listen to your endless whining.
— Marvin.
Current Location
Species
Year of Birth
27472 TW 754 Years old
Children
Height
6'2

Personality.

World weary and bitter with his lot in life. Marvin has a somewhat complex personality, to most, Marvin comes across as a stubborn and deeply suspicious man who does not suffer fools gladly. His biting comments, snide remarks, and almost wistfully sarcastic nature often leave him estranged from others. Though not inherently mean-spirited or malicious, Marvin carries around a vast well of distrust, particularly toward the nobility, the wealthy and those who serve them, deeming the lot a group of soft, cowardly, selfish idiots without a single redeeming quality. It makes matters worse, that his loyalty and obligation as a retainer, has been bound time and time again to members of their rank, leaving a foul taste in his mouth as he is forced to submit. He holds his contractors in low regards and views those like his former friend, a rarity among a corrupted and soured whole, that despite their best intentions, cannot see the harm that has been wrought.  
  However, Marvin's attitude and disposition do not fully encompass the complex and troubled individual that he is. He is not a cold hearted or emotionless individual, and is still capable of experiencing happiness, sadness, love and anger. But he is very selective of the people with whom he feels comfortable enough to express these feelings. As a result, those who do manage to win his trust and loyalty will find him to be a stalwart and reliable friend who will never abandon or betray his closest companions. Marvin's emotions are simply a bit more subtle, and he prefers to express his feelings in more subtle and nuanced ways. Despite his cynical outlook, Marvin is an inherently compassionate and caring individual.

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Comments

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Sep 23, 2023 18:50 by Melissa

What a great character, already falling in love with Mal'vindores!

Sep 24, 2023 11:08 by Olarae & Astaroth Arcaine

Awh thank you! we're pleased our grumpy man has endeared another fan!

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