Taylor Fyshe

Taylor Fyshe, The Bardcore Infiltrator (Self imposed)

Taylor Fyshe, nestled within the scarred city of Zriegast, embodies the bittersweet symphony of victory and neglect. Let's delve into the echoes of his past and the discordant notes of his present:
The Infiltrator, Unsung:
Taylor's name whispers in the alleyways, not sung in grand halls. He was a shadow in the Resistance, the silent blade that slipped through cracks, the cunning mind that unraveled Zriegast's defenses from within. Yet, when the ballads were penned, the bards sang of grand heroes, overlooking the meticulous planning and whispered secrets that paved the way. A gnawing bitterness festers within Taylor, a melody of resentment that colors his every smile.
Haunted by Zriegast:
The ruins of Zriegast are both sanctuary and torment for Taylor. He rebuilds a bard college amidst the rubble, hoping to nurture new voices, new stories. But the weight of the past hangs heavy. Every crumbling wall whispers of battles fought, every shard of stained glass reflects eyes that never saw liberation. Taylor's lessons are as much about navigating the shadows of war as they are about mastering an instrument.
The One-Sided Rivalry:
Neurion the Mogg, basking in the hero's glow, is the living embodiment of Taylor's silent scream. While Taylor meticulously laid the groundwork for victory, Neurion's flamboyant charge captured the audience's hearts. Their paths rarely cross, but when they do, the air crackles with unspoken tension. Taylor sees in Neurion everything he craves, the recognition, the accolades, and Neurion simply doesn't notice the shadow behind him.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

The Gaunt Melody: The years, etched by nicotine and regret, have carved their lines upon his face. A perpetual shadow haunts his eyes, a hollow cavern where youthful enthusiasm once danced. His cheeks, once plump with youthful fervor, now hang hollow beneath his cheekbones, like the unstrung chords of a forgotten lute.
The Coughing Counterpoint: Each drag of his ever-present cigarette adds a rasping note to his already gravelly voice. His chest, a chamber that once resonated with rich melodies, now coughs a discordant chorus with every inhale. His fingers, once nimble on lute strings, tremble slightly, the ghosts of forgotten passages fluttering at their tips.
The Faded Chords: His clothes, once flamboyant and colorful, now echo the muted tones of decay. They hang loose on his gaunt frame, a stark contrast to the vibrant costumes he once adorned. His lute, once his constant companion, now sits gathering dust in a corner, its gleaming wood dulled by neglect.
Glimmer of a Forte: Yet, beneath the layers of smoke and disillusionment, flickers a spark of the man he once was. In the glint of his shadowed eyes, when he speaks of music or a forgotten hero's ballad, a fleeting melody of passion rises. His hands, despite their tremor, still possess the ghost of their former grace, a whisper of forgotten dexterity.
A Work in Progress: Taylor Fyshe is a symphony of dissonance, a man in desperate need of a new tuning. His physical state reflects the internal discord, the war within him between cynicism and potential redemption. Whether he rises above the ashes or succumbs to their suffocating embrace depends on the music he chooses to play next.

Physical quirks

Smoking Scars: The ever-present cigarette has left its mark not just on his voice but on his skin. Perhaps he has a distinct burn mark on his finger from accidentally holding the cigarette too close while lost in thought. Maybe a constellation of faded scars on his hand betrays years of absentmindedly flicking ashes.
Phantom Fingering: Even when his lute sits untouched, his fingers often twitch and dance, mimicking the movements of forgotten melodies. This could be a subconscious habit, a longing for the music he's neglected, or even a physical tic born from the tension of his suppressed passion.
Eyes in the Ruins: As he walks through the decaying remains of Zriegast, his eyes might linger on fragments of past lives. He might have a habit of picking up a chipped piece of pottery, tracing the faded pattern with his thumb, lost in thoughts of the hands that once crafted it. This quirk could highlight his connection to the city's history and his role in rebuilding its cultural tapestry.
The Bard's Gaze: When Taylor recounts an old ballad or shares a personal story, his eyes change. They might flicker with the sparks of remembered laughter, soften with a wistful glint of lost dreams, or harden with the steely edge of war memories. This quirk could be a powerful tool for conveying his emotions and drawing listeners into his world.
Hidden Melody: Perhaps Taylor has a secret way of expressing himself even without his lute. He might hum under his breath when lost in thought, tap out rhythms on his desk, or even whistle forgotten tunes while tending the college gardens. This could be a hint of his artistic spirit, a flicker of music that refuses to be entirely extinguished.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

The Midlife Meltdown: Taylor wasn't always the jaded bard of Zriegast. He was once a promising young musician, fingers dancing across lute strings, composing melodies that spoke of youthful adventure. But somewhere along the road, the music died. A comfortable office job replaced the thrill of the open road, his wife's smile faded alongside his dreams, and the wrinkles deepening on his face became a constant reminder of time slipping away.
The Siren Song of Rebellion:
The Resistance's whispers seeped into the cracks of Taylor's ennui. They promised danger, purpose, a chance to recapture the adrenaline rush of his forgotten dreams. He joined not with idealistic fervor, but with the selfish hope of reliving his lost youth. His skills as a musician served him well, his words and melodies rallying recruits while masking the hollowness within.
The Embellished Feat:
The mission to rescue the Aasamir children, while daring, played a smaller role than Taylor would have you believe. He might have aided in securing a safe passage, perhaps composed a diversionary song, or even charmed a guard with his wit. But in the retelling, the shadows grow longer, his role morphing into a single-handed rescue, a swashbuckling hero defying danger with a lute in one hand and a wink in the other.
Facing the Mirror:
Taylor's embellishments may earn him fleeting admiration, but they also chip away at his already fragile self-worth. The guilt of exploiting hope for his own ego gnaws at him, the dissonance between his true actions and his inflated legend eating away at his soul. Perhaps a confrontation with a rescued child, a glimpse of the genuine terror he helped alleviate, sparks a flicker of true heroism within him.

Employment

1. The Music Weaver: He uses his vast musical knowledge and experience to teach aspiring bards the fundamentals of melody, harmony, and rhythm. He may have a signature teaching style, perhaps infused with his cynical wit or drawing from historical ballads and forgotten songs. He might even weave personal tales of the war into his lessons, offering practical advice alongside somber reflections.
2. The Performance Master: He mentors young bards on stage presence, storytelling through music, and captivating audiences. He shares his experience in composing emotionally charged tunes and crafting lyrics that resonate with listeners. He could even organize student performances within the ruins of Zriegast, using the environment as a backdrop for powerful storytelling.
3. The Unmasking Bard: With his knack for manipulation and understanding of public perception, Taylor might also teach bardic trickery, the art of persuasion through music, and influencing emotions through carefully chosen chords and lyrics. This could be a controversial element, raising questions about the ethics of using music for manipulation, but it would also add a layer of complexity to his character.
4. The Archivist of Lost Melodies: Haunted by the forgotten stories of Zriegast, Taylor might dedicate himself to collecting and preserving traditional music, lost ballads, and even oral histories passed down through generations. He could scour the ruins for fragments of sheet music, interview survivors, and document their stories, creating a living archive of Zriegast's cultural heritage.
5. The Reluctant Hero: Despite his cynicism, Taylor's past actions suggest a latent potential for heroism. He could occasionally be called upon to use his skills for practical purposes, such as composing rallying songs for reconstruction efforts, mediating disputes within the community, or even venturing out on small quests to retrieve forgotten artifacts or uncover vital information.

Intellectual Characteristics

• Charisma and Manipulation: Taylor's ability to sway people with his words and performances is undeniable. He likely possesses a sharp wit, quick thinking, and an innate understanding of human emotions. He can use these skills to charm his way out of difficult situations, manipulate public perception, and build a loyal following. However, this charisma can also be a double-edged sword, easily blurring the lines between truth and embellishment.
• Strategic Insight: While his motivations for joining the Resistance may have been selfish, Taylor demonstrated capable strategic thinking during the Aasamir children's rescue. He likely possesses a good eye for detail, the ability to assess risks and opportunities, and the cunning to come up with creative solutions under pressure. However, his focus may tend towards manipulating situations for his own benefit, rather than pursuing the greater good.
• Artistic Intuition: Despite his jadedness, Taylor has a clear talent for music and storytelling. He possesses a strong understanding of rhythm, melody, and the power of narrative to evoke emotions. This artistic sensitivity could manifest in his songwriting, teaching abilities, or even his embellishments, which might hold poetic truth even if factually inaccurate.
• Emotional Suppression: Taylor's bitterness and jadedness suggest a tendency to suppress his emotions. He likely avoids introspection and focuses on maintaining a detached, cynical facade. This could be a coping mechanism for past disappointments or a way to distance himself from the trauma of the war. However, this emotional suppression may also hinder his ability to connect with others authentically and find true redemption.
• Growth Potential: While Taylor's current mindset is largely shaped by his midlife crisis and the disillusionment of war, he has the potential for intellectual growth. He could develop a deeper understanding of himself and his motivations, learn to value genuine heroism over self-aggrandizement, and even rediscover the passion for music that initially fuelled his dreams. This growth could be triggered by confronting his past, forming meaningful relationships, or even rediscovering the power of his own music to inspire others.

Morality & Philosophy

Taylor Fyshe's morality and philosophy are a complex tapestry woven from the threads of his past, his experiences, and his current disillusionment. Here are some potential ways to explore this aspect of his character:
Lost Idealism: In his youth, Taylor might have held idealistic views about art, music, and the potential for good in the world. However, his midlife crisis, the sacrifices of war, and the reality of his own opportunistic actions have likely eroded these ideals. He now may view things with a cynical lens, questioning the meaning of heroism and the value of selflessness.
Pragmatic Opportunism: Driven by his midlife crisis, Taylor joined the Resistance not out of conviction, but for the thrill and perceived rejuvenation it offered. This suggests a pragmatic, self-serving outlook, where personal benefit often takes precedence over moral considerations. He might justify his actions by arguing that even selfish acts can have positive consequences, or by downplaying his own motivations and highlighting the overall success of the rebellion.
Moral Relativism: Taylor's embellishments of his role in the Aasamir rescue mission blur the lines between truth and manipulation. This could indicate a relativistic view of morality, where the value of an action depends on its outcome and personal perception. He might argue that his embellishments inspire hope and unity, even if they are factually inaccurate.
Glimmer of Potential: Despite his jadedness, Taylor's past actions suggest a flicker of moral decency. He did ultimately participate in the rescue mission and contribute to the success of the Resistance. This could be a hint of his buried idealism, waiting to be rekindled under the right circumstances. Perhaps witnessing genuine heroism, experiencing the gratitude of those he helped, or facing the consequences of his embellishments could trigger a shift in his moral compass.
Evolution Over Time: Taylor's morality and philosophy are not static. Depending on your vision for the character, they could evolve over time. He could slowly move away from his pragmatic opportunism and rediscover a sense of purpose driven by genuine altruism. Alternatively, he could embrace his cynicism and become a disillusioned manipulator, further distancing himself from his idealistic past.

Taboos

Exposure of His True Role: The biggest taboo for Taylor might be the public unveiling of his inflated role in the Aasamir children's rescue mission. This would shatter his carefully constructed image of heroism and expose his underlying insecurity and opportunism. It could lead to ridicule, loss of respect, and damage his relationships with those who admire him.
Confronting His Midlife Crisis: Examining the root of his past decisions, his lost dreams, and the emptiness that led him to the Resistance could be another taboo for Taylor. It would force him to confront his vulnerabilities and accept responsibility for his choices. This could be a painful and emotional process, one he might actively avoid to maintain his cynical facade.
Questioning Neurion's Heroism: While Taylor harbors a one-sided rivalry with Neurion, openly criticizing his achievements or exposing any potential flaws in his character might be a significant taboo. Neurion symbolizes everything Taylor craves but feels he lacks, and challenging his status could lead to conflict, isolation, and potentially damage the Resistance's public image.
Emotional Vulnerability: Sharing his true feelings about the war, his regrets, and the emotional toll it took on him might be another taboo for Taylor. He prefers to maintain a detached and jaded exterior, keeping his emotions buried to avoid feeling the pain and disappointment. Opening up, especially to those he cares about, could leave him feeling exposed and vulnerable, something he might actively resist.
Genuine Selflessness: Acting truly selflessly, putting the needs of others before his own, could be a difficult and unfamiliar territory for Taylor. He is accustomed to viewing everything through the lens of personal gain and manipulating situations to his advantage. Taking genuine action without expecting something in return, especially if it involves sacrifice or risk, might challenge his core worldview and sense of self.

Current Status

Trying to get his version of the Fall of Zreigast published

Current Location

Zriegast

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Zriegrasion

Age

68

Sex

Male

Eyes

Blue

Hair

Receding silver

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Wrinkled White

Height

5'9"

Weight

150lbs

Aligned Organization

Zriegast Bard Academy