Arius Vannur

The Half Coin King

Art credit: https://www.deviantart.com/delweissart/art/Kato-Finish-concept-726096350 "Kato / Finish concept" by delweissart

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Thousands of years ago, peace was brokered between the islands of Theotia & Themeria after centuries of ceaseless war. The two states and their two largest houses agreed to a co-rule that evenly split their power among the Sister States leading to the construction of the opposite and equal houses Q'al Cune and Q'al Phassa. Traditions dictate that power pass from elders of the house to their children, and that, if they could bear no children, a suitable noble would be married into the family and their children would assume the role instead.
Such a selection was to occur when Mistress Aidelea Vannur and her betrothed Lord Pollux Cune were unable to produce heirs. Before the selection could be made, Lady Vannur took to the side of an unknown suitor from the mainland of Terisirae. Many speculate as to her intentions and motivation, whether she had grown weary of her husband or simply could not bear to be replaced by another wife. Whatever her reasons, she birthed Arius and his sister Laeyla in the year 955 Y.E. Despite her infidelity, both children were permitted to claim the name Cune, and both were recognized as rightful heirs to the name and position. Whether it was to prevent further shame and mockery from being flung upon his house, or because he truly loved his wife and wanted her to know her children--whoever they belong to--were safe.
The unusual circumstance of their birth was worsened by the twins' strange appearances. Thought to be a kind of physical deformity, both have skin so pale and white the features of their face flatten until they can hardly be seen unless from profile, and inky dark hair as if baptized in squid excretion. As they aged, it also became apparent that they possessed cunning minds that threatened the existing political paradigms of a nation still relatively new into its various treaties and agreements, and pacts.
In the year 999, Arius was adopted into house Phassa by Lady Sionia and Lord Ervyre after the sudden unexpected death of their daughter, Velardonna. From that moment on, he was taught and trained as the next representative of his adoptive house, though he clung to the all-but-forgotten name of his mother. His position was always meant to be temporary, a momentary settlement to prevent either half of the Diarchy from becoming too powerful while a more suitable candidate was located. This transitory period would go on to last more than one hundred years as a string of accidents claimed the lives of any noble who would seek to replace him, as well as a number of well-liked potential up-and-comers who had yet to declare their interest. Now with his position all but guaranteed, he and his sister work together to advance their ideal of the Sister States.

Education

It is said that all the family's aptitude for magic had been gifted to Laeyla, and that everything else was inherited by Arius. He is tremendous talent in the art of war, skilled in all martial weapons. He possesses a preternatural ability for dealing death, a skill that complicated his ability to find capable sparing partners. Ever the capable student of the sword, he has spent his entire life tutoring at the finest dueling academies in the world.
Agreements had to be made with certain churches in Q'al Phassa to provide free resurrection services to those willing to do combat with the young king, and his skills only sharpened with time. He prefers close ranges where he can quickly analyze his opponents and their equipment before finding a devastating weakness to exploit.

Intellectual Characteristics

Arius has a mind for minute details, even those that are easy to overlook--especially those that are easy to overlook. His mind is well-suited for analysis and estimation, and he excels at applying these skills in combat and under pressure. If it were not for his royal station, he would be a fearsome adventurer nearly unmatched in the Sister States.
Aside from his astounding physical skills, he has a pet obsession with the concept of death. Elves live long, especially when they have the luxuries of royalty supporting them. As such, he has taken a peculiar fascination with the lifespans of the shorter-lived creatures that populate his homeland. One such species he has become enamored with is the Aarakocra, who rarely live past the age of 30. He studies their movements, their habits, and their intense desire for freedom and movement, all to learn the intricacies of death--perhaps so he can be more efficient in wielding it.

Morality & Philosophy

According to Arius, death is an escape that frees one to pursue deeper desires unfettered by caste or responsibility. Leaving the mortal plane and becoming one with the endless march of souls was, ironically, the best opportunity in one's existence to make something of themselves, to become what they were meant to become.
Coupled with this belief was a deep disdain for ritualistic rebirth and resurrection. Letting slip your opportunity to grasp eternity was a sleight that Arius did not take lightly, and he would inflict torturous pain on those he had discovered who used such means without righteous cause. Because of this deep-seated belief, he led a campaign to exterminate the native population of Phoenix endemic to the Sister States. By magically harvesting the fire of creation that fueled their rebirth, he and his followers were able to snuff the creatures out permanently.

Age

151

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Dark Umber

Hair

The color and depth of Shiraz Wine

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

White as freshly driven snow

Height

5'11"

Weight

166 lbs

Belief/Deity

Unafiliated