Merkaré
"An undeniably brilliant scholar and an unprecedentedly gifted enchanter, Merkaré remains perhaps the greatest blessing and curse to ever walk Revne's shores."
Mental characteristics
Personal history
While Merkaré's coming of age is lost to the ruins of Anathema's Akatemia, his meteoric rise through the ranks of his contemporary scholars is a well-known tale told to children as a lesson in the value of hard work and diligence. Though none question his natural brilliance and intellect, more knew of Merkaré's incredible determination and relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Even more so, Merkaré's legacy remains his transformative work in the realm of geology and the arcane applications of various gem's innate properties. While Revne's mining operations had provided stable work and income for the region throughout the kingdom's history, Merkaré's means of enchantment and empowering the excavated gems led to exponential economic growth.
As the figurehead of this new realm of study which soon became Vauraus' primary source of income and security, Merkaré was selected as the Right Hand of the Golden Flame, a title held previously by nobles and those with political allegiances to the throne. In this unprecedented role, Merkaré continued his research while also acting as a visor and providing council to the Golden Flame on matters of state. He served in this role until the last days of the kingdom.
Education
An early graduate of the Akatemia, Merkaré quickly mastered the mundane scholarly endeavors of history, linguistics, mathematics, economics, and cartography. He then set his sights on the arcane and religious topics, delving into ancient lore of the creation of the realm, the ways of Mystra and the metaphysical nature of the Weave. Finally, Merkaré coalesced these various schools of study into his life's work of gemology and enchantment.
Employment
Merkaré served as a teaching professor of the Akatemia for exactly four days before being offered a researcher-in-perpetuity position following handfuls of complaints by students and other professors alike.
After a decade of his research, he served as the Right Hand of the Golden Flame up through the Days of Decimation in Anathema.
Accomplishments & Achievements
As one of his final acts as Right Hand of the Golden Flame, Merkaré created his crowning achievement - the Heart of the Golden Flame. Rumored to be imbued with the divine magic which flowed through the veins of each ruler of Vauraus, this enchanted gem has never been discovered nor recorded. Speculation and secrecy perpetuate the myths of this artifact, inspiring many bands of brave adventurers to set sail for the ruined kingdom's remains in search of the gem in hopes of the power or at least immeasurable wealth which would soon follow.
Mental Trauma
It is said Merkaré suffered from vivid, recurring nightmares and occasional bouts of sleep paralysis.
Social
Family Ties
Records indicate Merkare was a twin, but his sister died in their youth. It is well documented Merkare bore no successors. Any other details are presumably lost to the Kirottu Desert.
Religious Views
One of the most widely known and devout follower of Mystra, Merkare served faithfully as a cleric to the goddess of magic throughout his life.
Social Aptitude
Though meticulous in his academic writings and parchment correspondences, contemporaries considered Merkare a rather poor orator. Some attributed this to his oft isolating studies, while others believed Merkare's thoughts simply moved too quickly for his tongue to keep track. In either case, it was not uncommon for Merkare to write speeches or presentations and hire bards to speak on his behalf.
Mannerisms
Secondhand accounts of Merkare describe his near-constant fidgeting and restless hands. These subconscious habits were recorded as if "rehearsing somatic spell components, but for incantations not recognized by those around him."
Hobbies & Pets
Merkare was quite fond of Tressyms, often keeping a pair of them as his pets and companions throughout his life.
Speech
Envious peers of Merkare would often mock the seemingly perpetual inquisitive tone of his voice and his tendency to repeat "yes" or "no" numerous times in quick succession to reflect how strongly he felt towards a particular answer.
Wealth & Financial state
Merkare kept little of the wealth accumulated from his various projects throughout his life, instead preferring the resources fed back into the institutions and individuals who led to his incredible success. In addition, several publications celebrate Merkare as a philanthropist who supported several orphanages with Anathema thanks to his position of prominence within the kingdom.
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Right-hand of the Golden Flame
Birthplace
Anathema
Children
Current Residence
Unknown
Aligned Organization
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