Josiah Ward

As seen in

Lord, Master, Sir, Lord Guardian (a.k.a. Scholarling, Sunbeam, Son)

Now, listen here, if you're going to talk about history, you have to get it right. So, let me tell you the truth. And the truth of the matter is this...

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Lean, and can sometimes appear to be underweight, especially when he goes long stretches without food because he gets absorbed in the manuscripts he's studying. His postures is slightly stooped from being perpetually bent over books and scrolls. Though not physically imposing, he possess surprising stamina from his travels and a wiry resilience honed by determination.

Body Features

Long, slender fingers that are, more often than not, stained with ink. His arms show faint scars from minor accidents during his travels. His back is often sore from poor posture.

Facial Features

A sharp jawline and high cheekbones give him a regal, intellectual appearance. His eyes, golden and instense, seem to pierce though people. Dark shadows under his eyes betray his lack of sleep, and his mouth is often set in a contemplative frown.

Identifying Characteristics

His golden eyes make him stand out immediately. The ink stains on his fingers and his slightly stoopped posture are telltale signs of his scholarly lifesytle.

Physical quirks

He often rubs the back of his neck when he's thinking deeply or overwhelmed. When nervous, he taps his fingers rhythmically on nearby surfaces.

Special abilities

Before Guardian Solace: What Josiah lacks phyiscally, he makes up for with an exceptional memory and an innate ability to decipher ancient texts. His sharp mind allows him to connect seemingly unrelated historical events, uncovering patterns others might miss.

After Guardian Solace: After he finds the The Doomsday Codex and takes the Oath of Grace, he gets the benefits of being the Guardian of Caelum Prime.

Apparel & Accessories

Clothing Style: Josiah prefers practical, slightly worn noble attire, high-collared shirts, waistcoats, and sturdy trousers. His coat is weather-worn but of fine make, bearing the Hawkport sigil stitched subtly into the inner lining. He always carries a satchel filled with scrolls, notes and other items he needs.

Accessories: A leather cord necklace holding an antique coin, gifted by his mother for protection. His belt crries a simple dagger more suited for utility than combat.

Specialized Equipment

Sword of Infinite Grace: One of many swords found in Guardian Solace.

Scholar's Satchel: Contains essential items needed for his studies and work, such as ink and writing quills.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Josiah is the third-born son of Artemus and Grace Ward, born into the noble Ward family, who's held the lofty title of Earl of Hawkport for many generations. With two older brothers, the oldest of which will inheit the family title and estates, Josiah has largely been left ot his own devices. He spent his childhood in the vast library of Hawkport Mansion, surrounded by manuscripts, dusty tomes, and the intoxicating scent of the in and parechment.

Unlike his brothers, who pursued military and political careers, Josiah developed a deep love of history and ancient prophecy. From a young age, he began experiencing hauniting visions, a Shadowsong Messenger crying "The Night of Lightning", a foreboding omen tied to a crumbling world.

His studies took him across the Commonwealth of Edria, seeking answers to the visions that plagued his dreams. Libraries became his sanctuaries, dusty manuscrips his closet companions. Though he remained largely solitary, he formed a few meaningful friendships, albeit ones where his companions often had to drag him out of his scholarly haze.

When the apocalypse began, Josiah found himself at Guardian Solace, clutching a cryptic manuscirpt and facing a future he was barely prepared for.

Gender Identity

Josiah identifies as a man and adheres to traditional Aurelian masculine ideals. While not overtly concerned with societal expectations, he carries himself with the quiet dignity expected of a nobleman.

Sexuality

Heterosexual. Josiah is shy and awkward when it comes to romance, preferring the company of books to flirtation.

Education

Josiah received a nobleman's education under the guidance of private tutors at Hawkport Mansion. He excelled in history, literature, and theology. Whle he was (and still is) competent with physical combat, he struggled with marksmanship. When old enough, he attended a prestigious academy in the Commonwealth, where he continued to distinguish himself as an exceptional historian.

His education didn't stop after formal schooling: his travels across Edria have been as much about learning as they have been about seeking answers.

Employment

While Josiah has never had traditional employment, he has acted as a historian, archivist, and scribe during his travels. His work primarily revolves around researching ancient manuscipts and prophecies.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Dechiphered ancient texts previously thought indecipherable.
Took leadership at Guardian Solace during the apocalypse, guiding and protecting survivors.

Failures & Embarrassments

Set events into motion by reading The Doomsday Codex without fully understanding the consquences to himself and to Caelum Prime.
Struggles with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy in comparison to his brothers.

Mental Trauma

Recurring nightmares about the Shadowsong Messenger and the Night of Lightning. Josiah carries a deep fear of failure and letting down those who depend on him.

Intellectual Characteristics

Josiah is highly analytical and detail-oriented. He's a skilled linguist and historian. And while he's competent in physical combat, he lacks strategic battlefield knowledge.

Morality & Philosophy

Josiah believes in the pursuit of knowledge as a form of service to Infinite Grace. He carries a strong moral compass but can occasionally be paralyzed by indecision when facing morally gray choices.

Taboos

Descration of knowledge or historical artifacts.
Willful ignorance in the face of truth.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

To uncover the truth behind his visions and prevent the collapse of humanity.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Savvies: Historical research, manuscript deciphering, memory retention.

Ineptitudes: Battlefield strategy, leadership under pressure, marksmanship.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes: Ancient manuscripts, quiet libraries, warm tea, stargazing.

Dislikes: Crowds, senseless violence, wasted knowledge.

Virtues & Personality perks

Compassionate, determined, thoughtful.

Vices & Personality flaws

Overthinking, self doubt

Personality Quirks

Rubs the back of his neck when deep in thought; often hums softly while reading.

Hygiene

Clean, but often unkempt. His hair tends to get wild, and ink stains frequently dot his fingers.

Social

Social Aptitude

Introverted and awkward in large social settings. Among trusted friends, he becomes animated and passionate especially when discussing history.

Mannerisms

Thoughtful pauses in speech, furrowed brows when concentrating.

Wealth & Financial state

Receives a stipend from his father, which funds his studies and travels.

Current Status

Protecting what's left of the human race by being the Guardian of Caelum Prime.

Current Location

Guardian Solace

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Aurelian

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

Kaldera

Currently Held Titles

Guardian of Caelum Prime

Date of Birth

16 (Celesta) Solistice 2974 Apocalypse Shadows

Year of Birth

2974 26 Years old

Circumstances of Birth

Born under the Celestial Convergence.

Birthplace

Hawkport Mansion

Family

Ward

Parents

Artemus Ward

Grace Ward

Spouses

Siblings

Chauncy Ward (Brother)

Gaylord Ward (Brother)

Children

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Gold, reflective and piercing, often described as holding sharp, knowing quality

Hair

Shoulder-length black hair, often unkempt and falling into his eyes when he's deep in thought.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Fair with a sun-kissed tone from occasional outdoor travel during his studies.

Height

5' 7"

Weight

150 lbs

Belief/Deity

Infinite Grace

Aligned Organization

Commonwealth of Edria

Other Affiliations

Eternal Harmony

Related Plots

Main Plot: Josiah

Yes, this is me and I'm leaving a note. Why you might ask? Because once I get going, I tend to keep going.

~ Josiah Ward