Gaf Bhytear
Province Keeper Gaf Lluthurien Bhytear
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Gaf Bhytear was born in Thellur, Qosid, as the oldest son of a priest dedicated to Llorix, the sun god. Together with his brother Pethek, Gaf was taught from a young age that creativity is an intellectual skill that could be trained and could be placed in the service of the common good. Where Pethek took these lessons in a culinary direction, Gaf was instead captivated by literature and scripture. He helped his father write sermons, spent long years reading and reciting holy texts and was on his way to follow in the footsteps of his father.
Yet his father himself had different plans. He recognized the talent of his sons and encouraged them to spend time in Dathyll, where the possibilities for learning were endless. In 659 LC, both brothers left to Prydisyrr, although Gaf would regularly return to visit the love of his life Alyanes, whom he would marry in 681 LC.
Gaf enjoyed his time in the capital and found himself studying literature, poetry and history from many traditions. His enthusiasm about non-Qosidian traditions, however, soured the relations he had with friends back home, as the relationship between the Laeryllian Crown and the communes in Qosid soured. In 699 LC, the situation exploded as Qosid seceded from the Kingdom of Laeryll and Dathyll responded with terrible force. Bhytear was in Prydisyrr when he received the news that this force had cost the life of his beloved Alyanes.
At this time, Bhytear had become somewhat of a celebrity, known for his witty lectures on ancient mystical poetry and the things elves can learn from them. At first, the death of Alyanes brought him to isolate himself in anger, and to turn his back on the audience of high elves he was beginning to hate. However, he then realized that he was in a unique position to mend the broken relationship between the wood elves and the high elves.
He started giving talks again, and they became increasingly political. He managed to express the values of the wood elves in such a way that the high elves in Dathyll could make sense of them. When he was back home, he fiercely argued against the exaggerated stereotypes that Qosidians peddled about Prydisyrr. Bhytear managed to earn the trust of commune representatives in Qosid, as well that of Dathyllian elites. In 862 LC, he became Province Keeper of Qosid, tasked to advise King Olyxx III on policies that affected Qosid and to bring the opinions and grievances of the wood elf communes to him.
Education
As a result of his interest in literature and poetry, Gaf Bhytear initially studied Art History with the Prydisyrr Historical Society. His work focused on Wayan mystical poetry, and he contributed greatly to a new appreciation of this tradition in Dathyll. Bhytear's talks about the topic became a bit of a sensation and soon he found himself working on his oratory skills in bardic salons.
Employment
Gaf works as the Province Keeper for Qosid, serving the communes of the wood elf province.
Mental Trauma
Gaf lost his wife during the Secession of Qosid and is distrustful of military plans and strongly pacifist.
Intellectual Characteristics
Gaf has a thoughtful, reflective spirit. He is a good listener and takes care to be precise in his phrasing.
Morality & Philosophy
Gaf seeks universal truths, which he believes can be found by studying poetry, literature and other forms of expression. He is convinced finding universal truths is the necessary, but not sufficient condition to reaching moral maturity and it is for this reason that he actively promotes the study of culture in the Kingdom of Laeryll. Gaf is strongly pacifist, and is of the belief that violence is the most primitive and therefore immoral form of communication.
Social
Religious Views
While he is deeply immersed in the scriptures of Llorix through his upbringing, Gaf believes that Waye's descriptions and celebrations of growth are the most valuable to live a good life. In recent years, he has been exploring the Divine Twins, Ildan and Forx, as for Ildan life and creativity are intertwined, while in Forxian philosophy, the moment something is perfect is the moment it starts deteroriating. Bhytear believes there are political consequences to these ancient wisdoms that he is keen on exploring.
Mannerisms
Gaf will always pause for a while before answering any question, to ensure he has considered the answer from several perspectives and to carefully think about the possible interpretations his interlocutor may have.
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