Aethanos
by Sehanbrel
Physical Description
Identifying Characteristics
Three claw mark scars over his left eye. They were from a fight with a demon in his early years as a soldier, which blinded him in that eye, but after becoming the Verith, his vision was restored. Even though he could, he has chosen to never remove those scars, keeping them as one of the few reminders of his origins and the threats that are always waiting just behind the veil.
Special abilities
Having been fundamentally altered by the powers of the Verith, he still retains many of the related capabilities even though he is now mortal. He can do short-range "blink" teleportation, biomancy, healing, and has near-equal control over all elements, barring demonic, death, and holy, with an affinity for fire and darkness. He is also highly resistant to heat, and will not suffer from heat exhaustion or sickness unless temperatures rise well beyond what is natural - that being 170°F or more.
He is an alpha psychic, with equal abilities in all schools, although he lacks the same finesse that either Alberic or Sholto have. He also lacks much of Alberic's creativity.
Specialized Equipment
A pair of twin falchions, both enhanced for psychic resonance. They have an HF feature as backup, in case Aethanos enters a psionic dead zone for whatever reason.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Origins and Early Life
Born in the Italian Empire in 3248 SC, Aethanos grew up during a time of regional tensions between his homeland and neighboring states. Despite his family's modest means, his youth was relatively peaceful until growing border disputes erupted into open conflict. At eighteen, driven by patriotic fervor and the promise of a stable future, Aethanos enlisted in the Empire's military. He served with distinction for several years, rising through the ranks due to his tactical insight and unwavering resolve in protecting his comrades. In 3271 SC, when Aethanos was twenty-three, the Empire entered a devastating war with a coalition of neighboring countries. Despite initial victories, the tide turned against his homeland - even though eventually, the Empire won that war. During a critical border defense, Aethanos's unit was surrounded, and after a fierce battle where he continued fighting despite severe injuries, he was captured by enemy forces. Rather than being treated as a prisoner of war, he and other captives were sold into slavery in the victorious nation's northern territories, where oversight was minimal and cruelty unchecked.Enslavement and First Loss
For seven years, Aethanos endured brutal conditions in labor camps and private estates. The experience fundamentally transformed him, exposing him to humanity's capacity for both extreme cruelty and unexpected compassion. During this time, he formed a deep bond with a fellow slave named Esalia, a woman whose quiet strength and unfailing kindness provided rare moments of solace in their harsh existence. Their relationship blossomed into love, becoming a fragile light in the darkness of their captivity. When Esalia revealed she was carrying his child, Aethanos knew they could no longer wait for circumstances to improve. Using skills honed during his military service and resourcefulness developed in captivity, he planned their escape. On the night they attempted to flee, they were discovered by guards. In the ensuing chaos, Esalia was killed while Aethanos fought desperately to protect her. Grief-stricken but determined not to let her sacrifice be in vain, he managed to escape alone, carrying the double burden of freedom and devastating loss.Return and Transformation
After months of evading capture and slowly making his way across hostile territory, Aethanos returned to his homeland in 19838 NT. He found his home changed by defeat and occupation, its people struggling under harsh peace terms. Though physically free, he remained haunted by his experiences and the loss of Esalia and their unborn child. He took modest work as a security advisor for merchants, his military background providing him one of the few available paths to rebuild his life. Three years after his return, in 3284 SC, while working a routine security shift at his employer's estate, Aethanos experienced a moment that would forever change his destiny. Without warning, a concentrated orb of dark energy—the Verith power newly released from its previous vessel—hurtled through the air and struck him squarely in the chest. The power, having chosen its new successor within moments of the previous Verith's death, infused his entire being in a blinding flash witnessed by several stunned bystanders. The transformation was both instantaneous and profound. His skin desaturated while his blood darkened, his eyes began to glow with ethereal white light, and he developed the characteristic fangs and claws of the Verith. Though he received no memories of previous Veriths, the power came encoded with divine-programmed knowledge of his cosmic role and responsibilities. The use of his new abilities felt strangely instinctual, as though he had always known how to manipulate shadow and darkness. For the first time since losing Esalia, Aethanos felt a sense of purpose beyond mere survival, understanding with perfect clarity that he had been chosen to serve as the next Grand Warden of Darkness.The Uneasy Alliance
Shortly after his transformation, Aethanos sought out the current Fasar, a woman named Zekovia who had held her position for nearly fifty years. Their initial meeting was tense but cordial, as each recognized the necessity of their partnership despite their contrasting natures. Zekovia explained their shared responsibility for maintaining the Aetheric Veil and the balance it created in the Sol System. Over the following decades, Aethanos diligently applied himself to his duties. He learned to channel and control his vast powers, intervening when entropic forces threatened to overwhelm areas of Terra or its colonies. The trauma of his past made him particularly attentive to situations where the powerless suffered at the hands of the strong, and he occasionally used his influence to subtly correct what he perceived as injustices. While these actions sometimes put him at odds with Zekovia, who advocated for stricter non-intervention in human affairs, their disagreements remained philosophical rather than antagonistic. Despite their working relationship, Aethanos maintained emotional distance from Zekovia. His experiences had left him wary of forming close bonds, fearing they would inevitably lead to more loss. Instead, he immersed himself in his duties, traveling extensively throughout the Sol System and only occasionally returning to his homeland. During these years, he gained a reputation among humanity as a serious, somewhat remote figure who nevertheless proved reliable in crises.Finding Balance with Kostis
Nearly seventy years after becoming the Verith, while investigating arcane disturbances in a remote Marsian settlement, Aethanos encountered Kostis, a brilliant young scientist specializing in the intersection of arcane phenomena and conventional physics. Unlike others who treated Aethanos with fearful deference, Kostis approached him with genuine curiosity and an easy warmth that broke through his carefully maintained emotional barriers. What began as professional consultation evolved into friendship and eventually deep love. Through patient persistence, Kostis helped Aethanos process the trauma that had shaped him, encouraging him to embrace the full spectrum of his humanity despite his divine role. For the first time since his transformation, Aethanos allowed himself to imagine a future that included personal happiness alongside his cosmic responsibilities. Their relationship spanned decades, with Kostis benefiting from the advanced medical technologies and age-defying treatments available to those who could afford them. While these treatments extended Kostis's lifespan considerably, the relationship progressed with both aware that the Verith's immortality would eventually separate them. Kostis insisted that the joy of their time together far outweighed the inevitability of their parting. Under his influence, Aethanos became more balanced in his approach to his duties, less rigid in his thinking, and more willing to see nuance in situations he might previously have judged in absolute terms.Zekovia's Corruption
While Aethanos found personal fulfillment, Zekovia underwent a more troubling transformation. The isolation inherent in her role, combined with decades of witnessing humanity's cyclical follies, gradually warped her perspective. Despite humans' considerable advances in longevity and the extension of lifespans up to 600 years through medical technology, she grew to view humanity as fundamentally incapable of responsible self-governance, their priorities and perspectives still too limited by their mortality to properly steward a world containing powers as potent as arcana and psionics. Initially, her interventions were subtle—influencing key political figures during moments of crisis, manipulating outcomes she deemed beneficial for long-term stability. Over time, her actions grew bolder as she positioned herself as a divine authority rather than a guardian. She established a network of devoted followers who viewed her as a goddess incarnate, carrying out her will in exchange for small blessings of power. Aethanos, absorbed in his own duties and personal life, failed to recognize the extent of Zekovia's overreach until reports of her "divine councils" began reaching him through concerned officials who had witnessed her directly commanding planetary governments on matters far beyond the Wardens' mandate. When confronted, Zekovia dismissed his concerns, arguing that their extended lifespans and cosmic perspective not only permitted but obligated them to guide humanity more directly.The Breaking Point
The philosophical rift between the two Wardens widened over several years, with Aethanos advocating for maintaining their traditional observational role while Zekovia pushed for increasingly direct control. Their disagreements remained tense but contained until Zekovia's agents began systematically removing officials who resisted her influence, replacing them with loyal followers. When Aethanos discovered this orchestrated purge, he publicly denounced her actions, creating an unprecedented open conflict between the Wardens. Viewing Aethanos as an obstacle to her vision, Zekovia determined that his relationship with Kostis represented both his greatest strength and his most exploitable vulnerability. Rather than confronting Aethanos directly, she orchestrated a situation that would appear as a tragic accident: a catastrophic system failure at the research facility where Kostis worked, resulting in a destructive explosion when experimental arcanotech overloaded. Aethanos, attending to a disturbance in the Venusian arc of the Veil, received the news of the disaster too late to intervene. By the time he reached the facility, Kostis was among the dozens killed in the explosion. Though the evidence suggested a tragic accident, Aethanos's grief was immediately tinged with suspicion. His investigation revealed subtle energy signatures left by Zekovia's followers, who had sacrificed themselves in service to her cause. Through his enhanced psionic abilities, he was able to extract fragments of their final moments—confirming his worst fears that the disaster had been deliberately orchestrated on Zekovia's orders.Confrontation and Revelation
Driven by grief and righteous fury, Aethanos confronted Zekovia at her sanctuary on Olympus Mons. Their encounter quickly escalated from accusation to open conflict when Zekovia, rather than denying her involvement, defended her actions as necessary for maintaining what she called "proper cosmic hierarchy." In her distorted worldview, Kostis's death was merely the removal of a distraction that prevented Aethanos from embracing his true nature as a being above humanity. Their battle raged across the Marsian landscape, their powers so evenly matched that neither could gain a decisive advantage. For three days they fought, causing tremors that registered across the entire planet and forcing emergency evacuations of several settlements. On the fourth day, as both Wardens neared exhaustion, Aethanos managed to pierce Zekovia's defenses with his divine weapon, ending her long reign as Fasar. In the aftermath, as her power coalesced into the orb that would seek out her successor, Aethanos experienced not triumph but hollow vindication. His victory had not restored Kostis, and the knowledge of Zekovia's betrayal of their sacred duty left him profoundly disillusioned. More troubling still was his realization that her corruption had developed gradually over decades—could any Fasar, given enough time, follow a similar path?The Creation of Vampires
In the years following Zekovia's defeat, Aethanos withdrew from active involvement in cosmic maintenance, performing only the minimum duties required to maintain the Veil's stability. His isolation was interrupted by the arrival of Giltera, a former soldier who had lost his family in one of Zekovia's "divine tests" and sought out the Verith not for vengeance but for purpose. Giltera became the first of many who gathered around Aethanos, drawn by his stand against corruption and his genuine concern for those who suffered under Zekovia's manipulations. These followers formed a protective circle around the grieving Warden, offering him community when he most needed it while benefiting from his guidance and occasional protection. Among these followers, some expressed a desire to better serve his cause—to have the power to make a difference in a world where arcane forces could devastate ordinary lives in an instant. Aethanos initially resisted these requests, knowing the burden that power carried. However, after much contemplation, he developed a method to share a fragment of his power in a controlled manner, creating the first vampire in 3339 SC. The gift was not given lightly. Aethanos carefully designed limitations and rules for this new power, ensuring it would not corrupt those who received it as completely as the Warden powers had corrupted Zekovia. The transformation would grant strength, resilience, and extended life, but require consuming blood to maintain these abilities—a constant reminder of the cost of power and the connection to life's fundamental cycles. Giltera became the first to receive this gift, and through him, the ability to transform others under specific conditions. The vampires formed structured clans, each ultimately loyal to Aethanos while developing their own traditions and territories. Rather than an army, they became stewards—protectors of vulnerable communities and watchful guardians against the misuse of power.Herina and Renewed Purpose
As the newest Fasar made herself more known—a young woman named Cyndra with a cautious, observant nature—Aethanos maintained a professional but distant relationship with her. His experiences with Zekovia had left him wary of forming close bonds with his counterpart, preferring to coordinate their necessary duties through intermediaries when possible. During this period of cautious reengagement with his responsibilities, Aethanos encountered Herina, a historian documenting the impact of Warden interventions on human development. Her striking resemblance to Esalia initially caught his attention, but it was her incisive mind and unflinching honesty that eventually won his respect and, later, his heart. Unlike his relationship with Kostis, which had helped him process past trauma, his connection with Herina represented an opportunity to build something new. She challenged his growing cynicism about humanity's potential and reminded him of the possibility of growth and change. Their relationship deepened over several years, and eventually Herina gave birth to their son, Kyrakos, in 3346 SC. The child's birth marked a turning point for Aethanos. Having a son—a miraculous possibility he had never imagined given his transformed nature—rekindled his sense of purpose. He became determined to be a present father despite his cosmic duties, to create a family life that honored both Esalia's and Kostis's memories. For nearly two decades, he achieved a remarkable balance, fulfilling his responsibilities as both Warden and father while maintaining cordial if reserved relations with Cyndra.The Descent
The stability Aethanos had carefully constructed began to fracture as Kyrakos entered adulthood. Although he had maintained his duties faithfully for years, Aethanos occasionally experienced episodes of intense paranoia regarding the Fasar's intentions. These episodes initially passed quickly, with Herina's steady presence helping him distinguish between legitimate caution and irrational fear. However, as Kyrakos grew more independent, eventually leaving to pursue his own path, these episodes increased in both frequency and intensity. Aethanos began to perceive hidden meanings in Cyndra's actions, interpreting routine Veil maintenance as potential preparation for confrontation. He expanded his network of vampire guardians, establishing monitoring systems to track the Fasar's movements across the solar system. Herina watched with growing concern as these security measures became increasingly elaborate. Despite her attempts to provide perspective, Aethanos's periods of paranoia gradually lengthened while his periods of clarity shortened. Medical specialists consulted in secret confirmed Herina's fears: the combined trauma of his early life, the shock of Kostis's murder, and the cosmic burden of his role had created progressive instability in his mind—a condition that might continue to deteriorate without intervention.The Final Decision
Following a particularly severe episode where Aethanos nearly attacked a delegation he mistakenly believed carried assassins sent by Cyndra, he experienced a moment of devastating clarity. Sitting alone in the aftermath, surveying the fear he had caused in people who had served him loyally for decades, he recognized the danger he now posed to everything he had sworn to protect. This realization prompted him to summon both Kyrakos, now a respected leader among the vampire clans, and Cyndra. When they arrived, they found not the paranoid figure of recent years but a man of clear mind and heavy heart. Aethanos acknowledged his deteriorating condition and proposed a solution that would protect both the cosmic balance and those he loved: voluntary containment. Working with Cyndra, Aethanos designed a sealing chamber that would contain his physical form while still allowing his power to maintain its portion of the Veil. The chamber would include safeguards to prevent both external tampering and the possibility of escape during episodes of irrationality. Kyrakos, though devastated by the decision, recognized the courage it required and promised to oversee the seals, maintaining both their integrity and his father's dignity. In a solemn ceremony attended only by Herina, Kyrakos, Cyndra, and Gilterra (representing the vampire clans), Aethanos entered voluntary confinement in 3363 SC. His final request was that Herina live her life fully rather than waiting for a cure that might never come. Though heartbroken, she honored his wish, eventually establishing a historical foundation that preserved accurate accounts of the Wardens' roles throughout human history. Kyrakos established a dedicated order of guardians drawn from the most loyal vampire clans, who maintained constant vigilance over the sealing chamber. He himself visited regularly, speaking to his father through the seals, sharing news of the outside world and developments in their extended family. Whether Aethanos could hear these messages remained unclear, but the practice provided comfort to his son and maintained the connection between them. For decades, this arrangement maintained a delicate balance. The Verith's power continued its cosmic function while its vessel remained safely contained. However, as with all seemingly permanent solutions in an ever-changing universe, unforeseen factors would eventually test the strength of those seals.Intellectual Characteristics
Cannot be deceived by most illusions, too old and too infused with the residual power of the Verith. He can learn quickly, and compensate for changes in any situation. While not the best tactician, he does know something of how to negotiate deals, and he understands manipulation and subterfuge.
He also has developed an appreciation for the arts, and has begun studying art history and painting techniques. He's also slowly learning good taste in fashion, thanks to several people in his life.
Morality & Philosophy
Let me be your light.Aethanos' morality is a bit in the grey area. He'll do what he believes needs done, but he also tends to believe that the ends justify the means. However, he also understands he's not always correct in this, and so lets Reid be his moral compass when he is unsure of himself.
Personality Characteristics
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
- His family and friends
- Rare meat
- Art
- 'Boring' days
- Home
- Bugs
- People who are annoying (sometimes, this is Alberic)
- Enslavement
- Gross idiocy
- Freezing weather
Virtues & Personality perks
Observant, adaptive, impossible to deceive, honest with those he cares about, works to better himself and get over his issues. Very clean; doesn't expect others to pick up after him.
Vices & Personality flaws
Has a fairly short fuse, and so gets angered easily, but usually not without good cause. Possessive of his spouses. Sometimes he's rude when he shouldn't be. Somewhat socially inept.
Social
Family Ties
Spouses:
Step children:
- Luxifer Brandr
- Áedán Brandr
- Nadina Brandr
- Raine Brandr
- Iolanthe Brandr
- Eluria Brandr
Religious Views
Despises most deities on principle, though he likes that Yalasran gods actually respond to their people.
Social Aptitude
Stern, stoic, a little crass, easily provoked into rudeness. Has violent tendencies, though he's gotten good at controlling himself regarding any outbursts. Doesn't display much emotion to anyone he's not very close to, making him come across as very aloof to most, and intimidating to many.
Hobbies & Pets
Having not been free of his life as the Verith for very long, and with so little downtime between major world crises, he's had little time to pursue personal interests. However, he's discovered joy in reading fiction novels, and playing video games with his husbands. He also likes basking in sunlight and going swimming, and has recently taken some interest in painting, though he's not very good at it yet.
Speech
Has a deep bass voice, with an almost gravelly edge to it. His tone is typically neutral, but can easily fall into cockiness or aggression when provoked. He speaks somewhat slowly and enunciates each word adequately, never slurring, so he's almost never misunderstood - unless for some reason he's faltering or at a loss for words.
Species
Conditions
Date of Birth
August 18th
Year of Birth
3248
Birthplace
Italian Empire
Children
Pronouns
He/him
Gender
Male
Eyes
Green, with a teal spot in his right eye.
Hair
Dark brown, black in some light, reaches his shoulderblades.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Desaturated, somewhat pale and dusky.
Height
6'4"
Weight
190 lbs
