Etross Gilder
Honorary Professor of Cosmic Anatomy Etross Gilder (a.k.a. Master of Many Things)
Physical Description
Apparel & Accessories
Often dressed in common travel clothes with some notably expensive pieces, such as a cloak from the College of Ackra and a deep blue, impossibly lightweight scarf of unknown origin. He is also known to often wear a magical set of leather armor and other magical items and artifacts.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
At the outset of his life, Etross Gilder was set to live comfortably in the upper echelon of Ackramorian academic society. Tragedy befell Etross in the year 12 ABA, however. His parents, well respected members of the Ackramorian elite, both vanished suddenly, their whereabouts, and their ultimate fates, remain unknown. Etross found himself alone in the world, but is known to have had interactions with the individual he'd only ever refer to as "Nowell," as early as 16 ABA. Further information on this individual has never surfaced, but he is believed to have taken over guardianship of the young Etross, as he remained financially stable from this point going forward without the assistance of relatives and family friends.
Etross showed an aptitude for learning and the arcane rarely seen. His penchant for books and magic was further honed in his schooling at the prestigious College of Ackra. Records from the College indicate that he was admitted in the year 19 ABA, at the age of 13 or 14 years old, whereas human applicants are typically accepted between the ages of 17 and 27. Older applicants, particularly from other places of learning are known to be accepted into the College's curriculum, but it is exceedingly rare for one as young as Etross to be accepted. It is clear that his scores and aptitude fell within acceptable parameters, but ordinarily one as gifted as Etross would simply receive a tutor from the college until an age where it would be more appropriate for them to be fully admitted. It is unclear what or who caused this exception, but the world of Academia more than suited Etross.
It is believed that Etross Gilder struggled socially, having lost his parents at a young age and having repeatedly experienced loss after then. First hand accounts from instructors and peers indicate that Etross refrained from becoming close with anyone. The only consistent name that was associated with Etross throughout his education was one "Briana" believed to have been a student attending the College at the same time as Etross. Etross officially concluded his education at the university in the year 29 ABA at the age of 23 or 24, he was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of Cosmic Anatomy as he decided to leave the college to further his own research.
Sporadic sightings of Etross have been recorded and it is believed that he is in the possession of powerful and dangerous magical artifacts, it is for his mastery of one of these artifacts, the Deck of Many Things, that he is known, the Master of Many Things. He periodically returns to the college where he has an office but mostly lives out of his portable tower.
Etross was deeply involved with the Final Hour during the events of the Second Coming of the End and Horizonguard from the years 36-38 ABA, but it is unclear exactly how he impacted events as they unfolded. Most recently Etross has resumed his search for artifacts including another Deck of Many Things, as well as the ultimate fate of his friends and pupil.
Education
Educated at the College of Ackra, Etross Gilder was an exceptional student, to say the least, in his decade at the college. Etross still holds the title of Honorary Professor of Cosmic Anatomy.
Employment
Although Etross maintains an office at the College of Ackra and has ties to the Imperial Government, he is not regularly employed by either. Despite having a role in founding Horizonguard, Etross has rejected all attempts to directly tie him to the organization in any leadership capacity. Officially he is both an Honorary Professor at the College and an Arcanist in Horizonguard. Etross has been financially stable regardless of employment status since the age of 10 thanks to a mysterious benefactor.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Holds the title of Honorary Professor of Cosmic Anatomy at the College of Ackra.
Earned the title of "Master of Many Things" for his work in taming the Deck of Many Things.
One of the founding members of Horizonguard.
Morality & Philosophy
Etross' motivations and beliefs are largely a mystery, but his actions would seem to answer these questions.
Etross had a productive and fruitful career in Ackramorian academia and with the government of Ackramor, he could have easily been the next Archwizard of the College. But Etross threw that all away, it is unclear if this speaks to a wanderlust within him, some greater task that he still aspires to, or perhaps he still seeks answers to the many mysteries present in his life.
Etross always maintained a level of decency for everyone that he met on his travels after the completion of his education. His humility would often fool many into thinking that he was just some back country hedge wizard. Etross seems to have an equal respect for the life of the common townsman to the highest court lady. However, Etross appears to be a very goal oriented individual, and has been known to put the lives of others as well as his own in danger in the pursuit of goals he deems important. Even in these cases, he has been known to warn those who would be at risk of the dangers present and to offer payment as compensation.
Social
Family Ties
Etross has become estranged from most members of his family, his relationship with them only became further dissolved following the disappearance of his parents.
Religious Views
Etross is known to carry a locket depicting two stars offset from one another on a circular adamantine locket. The stars glow with otherworldly light, and are speculated to represent Saints Kelira and Lovira, the saints of Zeyer, the God of Sparks. It is believed that Etross is not a particularly dedicated follower of Zeyer, but that the locket was given to him by a loved one at some point in his life. Etross is famously not forthcoming with information regarding the locket's creation, origin, or the status of his religious devotion.
Alignment
Neutral Good
Current Location
Species
Conditions
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Master of Many Things
Honorary Professor of Cosmic Anatomy
Arcanist of Horizonguard
Currently Held Titles
Year of Birth
6 ABA
35 Years old
Circumstances of Birth
Etross Gilder was born to prominent academics in Ackramor. He was set to live a comfortable life in Ackramorian academia.
Birthplace
Southern Ackramor
Children
Current Residence
Etross' Magnificent Moving Tower
Gender
Male
Eyes
Light brown
Hair
Cropped short light brown with a few streaks of nearly white hair.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tan from extensive travel
Height
5'9"
Weight
165 lbs
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Comments