Esma Eksi
Esma Eski
Physical Description
Apparel & Accessories
Esma favours clothing that is structured and precise, with clean lines and intricate details. Her wardrobe is a balance of modesty and elegance, showcasing her devotion to her faith while subtly highlighting her status. Her outfits often have subtle embroidery—symbols of Araoni, intricate leaf patterns, or knotwork motifs. These details are not ostentatious but deliberate, reflecting her care for tradition. Esma's clothing is always impeccably maintained—wrinkle-free, spotless, and meticulously arranged. She takes great pride in her appearance, believing it is a reflection of her discipline and her family's reputation.
Esma often wears long, flowing robes with high collars and structured shoulders. The sleeves are usually fitted at the wrist and occasionally adorned with subtle gold threading or embroidery. Her everyday dresses are layered with under-tunics in lighter, contrasting shades. The inner layers are usually softer fabrics, while the outer robes are made of heavier, durable materials. For formal occasions, she wears Glosian ritual garments—elaborately draped robes that cascade gracefully, embroidered with symbols of faith and protection.
Esma’s golden jewellery is an integral part of her appearance, representing both her devotion and her family's prestige. She often wears ornate headbands adorned with delicate, interwoven patterns of leaves or vines, crafted from gold. These headbands are reminiscent of the circlets worn by members of the Earthern Holy Order. They lend her an air of authority and discipline. She prefers dangling earrings that feature small charms—leaves, crescent moons, or spiralling knots. She wears a single, prominent ring on her left hand—a silver band set with a polished, deep green gemstone, a gift from her aunt, Safiye Ata. The ring has protective runes engraved inside the band.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Esma Eski was born and raised on a family estate near Asyn, the capital city of Glosa. Her family held a respected position within the Gathering, and their proximity to the capital allowed them regular access to the inner circles of the Earthern Holy Order. Esma's aunt, Safiye Ata, is the Matriarch of the Order and de facto ruler of Glosa. As a child, Esma was often brought to the capital to participate in ceremonies, listen to sacred orations, and witness the intricacies of Glosian governance. These experiences instilled in her a sense of duty, religious fervour, and a strong conviction in the righteous order of the church.
Esma grew up with a strict but privileged education, expected to uphold the values of the Order and support the family's public image. Her family name carried weight, and her behaviour was scrutinised by the devout citizens of Glosa. This environment fostered both pride and rigidity—a deep loyalty to her faith, but also a rigid intolerance toward those she perceived as disrespecting or undermining it.
Esma's abilities as a wild magic sorcerer emerged unpredictably in adolescence. Her first major surge occurred during a religious procession, when a chaotic flare of magic caused an ethereal, disembodied chorus of voices to echo through the temple, startling clergy and worshippers alike. While some whispered of divine intervention, others saw it as a sign of imbalance—a troubling, uncontrolled energy that defied the carefully cultivated order of Glosa.
Her family chose to present her wild magic as a blessing—a mark of divine favour misunderstood by the unfaithful. However, behind closed doors, Esma struggled with the guilt and fear of her power, especially given her role as a representative of her family's image. She was taught to see her power as both a burden and a privilege, a symbol of divine potential if mastered, and a disgrace if allowed to wreak havoc.
Education
Esma's early education was deeply rooted in religious philosophy, ritual studies, and the sacred texts of the Gathering of Araoni. Her tutors were respected theologians and philosophers, chosen carefully by her family to cultivate discipline and insight.
Esma initially studied at Divina Ahlynia Seminary, a respected institution in Glosa focused on spiritual philosophy and the doctrines of the Eathern Holy Order. Her dissertation explored the concept of divine authority versus free will, comparing the structured, lawful magic of Glosian clerics to the chaotic, unpredictable nature of her own sorcery.
Seeking a deeper understanding of metaphysics and the interplay between chaos and order, Esma chose to attend Sylnan College at Kireth for her graduate studies—a decision that surprised and unsettled her family. Many in Glosa view Kireth as an institution swayed by secular and foreign ideologies. However, Esma gained the support of her aunt, who saw the opportunity as a chance for Esma to deepen her connection to the divine.
Graduate Thesis
Esma's thesis, titled 'The Paradox of Prophecy: Predetermined Chaos or Self-Fulfilling Disorder', delves into the metaphysical tension between prophecy - often seen as a manifestation of divine order - and the chaos it can provoke. Her central question is whether prophecy is a preordained certainty, revealing an unchangeable future, or a chaotic catalyst that influences the very events it attempts to foretell. Coming from a Glosian upbringing steeped in spiritual doctrine, Esma approaches this research with both a devout reverence for divine will and a stubborn curiosity about the mechanics of fate.
Her main research focuses are:
- The Mechanisms of Prophetic Magic: Esma investigates the nature of prophecy from multiple perspectives—divination, religious doctrine, and arcane theory. She interviews scholars of astrology, seers who claim to receive visions, and priests who interpret sacred texts. She analyses how different cultures interpret prophecy and how it has been used historically to create political control.
- Agency and Self-Fulfilling Disorder: Esma explores the concept of reflexive divination—prophecies that create the very conditions they foretell by influencing behaviour. She analyses historical case studies where prophetic declarations led to unrest or rebellion. She uses these examples to argue that prophecy, rather than being a revelation of fate, acts as a chaotic force that destabilises existing structures.
- Ethical and Moral Dimensions: Esma considers the moral responsibility of those who receive and share prophecies. The relationship between prophecy and power—whether rulers use predictions to maintain control or manipulate their subjects. She is particularly interested in the dilemma of if a misinterpreted prophecy still comes true, and whether that validates the prophecy or suggests that the chaos it causes is the result of flawed understanding.
Esma's methodologies include:
- Textual Analysis: Reviewing ancient scripts, religious texts, and seers' diaries to understand the historical context and perceived accuracy of prophecies.
- Field Research: Interviewing seers, priests, and historians to gather multiple perspectives on prophetic interpretation.
- Surveys and Case Studies: Conducting interviews with those who have been subject to prophecies—both fulfilled and unfulfilled—to assess the psychological and societal impact.
- Philosophical Debates: Hosting discussions at Kireth’s Philosophy Department to dissect the ethics of prophecy. These debates are known to be contentious, given Esma's rigid views on divine order.
Esma’s upbringing in Glosa colours her interpretation—her belief in divine order conflicts with scholars who see prophecy as chaotic rather than sacred. Her rigidity and outspoken criticism of interpretations that contradict her views have led to debates and even conflicts in the Philosophy Department. Her own chaotic wild magic also makes it difficult to reconcile her belief in a divinely structured universe.
Taboos
- Rejecting Divine Order: Esma believes that challenging the established doctrine of the Gathering of Araoni is a grave offense. To question divine will or reinterpret sacred teachings is, to her, a display of arrogance. She struggles to respect philosophers who view divine order as metaphorical rather than literal, and she finds it sacrilegious when people interpret prophecies without reverence.
- Reckless Use of Magic: Having seen the chaos her own magic can cause, Esma sees any uncontrolled or irresponsible use of magic as dangerous and disrespectful. She views it as a rejection of discipline and a disregard for divine balance. She disapproves of students who experiment with volatile magic without consideration of consequences, particularly those who see chaos magic as a means of self-expression.
- Defiance Against Authority: Esma's reverence for authority—particularly her aunt, Safiye Ata—means that rebellion or defiance against legitimate power is deeply unsettling to her.
Personality Characteristics
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies
- Theological and Scriptural Knowledge: Esma has an exceptional understanding of the sacred texts of the Gathering of Araoni, their symbolism, and their metaphysical implications. She is known for her ability to quote scripture with precision. She can effortlessly draw connections between philosophical debates and sacred doctrine, using theological arguments to support her stance in discussions.
- Self-Discipline and Focus: Esma has an impressive ability to focus her mind, suppressing distractions to maintain concentration. Her need for control drives her to maintain strict study habits. She maintains a meticulous research journal, organizing her thoughts with painstaking precision.
- Controlling Perception: Esma is highly aware of appearances and maintains a composed, disciplined exterior. She knows how to navigate formal situations with dignity and can command respect through her presence. She rarely shows vulnerability, and when challenged, she maintains her composure—even if she feels conflicted or insecure.
Ineptitudes
- Emotional Flexibility: Esma struggles to understand or navigate emotions that don't fit neatly into her structured worldview. Empathy for perspectives she sees as chaotic or misguided does not come easily. If someone acts impulsively out of emotion, she sees it as a lack of discipline rather than a valid response.
- Admitting Fault: Her need to maintain control and authority means she has a hard time acknowledging her own mistakes. If criticized, she becomes defensive or deflects blame. If a peer challenges her interpretation of a sacred text, she is more likely to assert their ignorance than consider that she may be wrong.
- Overly Judgmental: Esma’s moral absolutism makes her quick to judge those whose actions or beliefs differ from her own. This judgment often isolates her from those who could challenge her thinking in productive ways.
Social
Religious Views
Esma's faith is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Gathering of Araoni, the primary religion of Glosa, and her devotion is strongly influenced by her upbringing within the influential circles of the Earthern Holy Order. Her aunt, Safiye Ata, the Matriarch of the Order, is a figure of immense spiritual authority and a significant role model, whose piety and discipline shape much of Esma's perspective. Esma holds a rigid, traditionalist interpretation of the Gathering's teachings.
To Esma, fate is a guiding force shaped by Araoni’s will. Mortals have limited agency, but their purpose is to act within the boundaries set by divine design. Attempts to alter fate or reject divine order are seen as arrogant and foolish. She believes that discipline, control, and devotion are the highest virtues. Her reverence for the Holy Order and its structure shapes her view that spiritual leaders like her aunt are closer to divine truth. She often struggles to accept that others, particularly those outside of Glosa, may interpret Araoni’s will differently. She has a strong sense of moral absolutism—wrongdoings are not merely mistakes, but sins against divine balance.
Esma maintains a disciplined, ritualistic approach to her faith, driven by her desire for control and redemption. Esma begins and ends her days with structured prayers, reciting verses from the Tablets of Araoni. These prayers are meant to center her, granting her strength to control her own chaotic power. When her wild magic surges unexpectedly, Esma conducts ritual cleansings—symbolic acts meant to restore balance and seek forgiveness. She reads sacred texts regularly, annotating them with interpretations and reflections. Her room is filled with worn, heavily marked religious books, and she occasionally gifts passages to others as attempts to guide them.
While Esma's convictions are firm, there is a deep, unspoken conflict between her belief in order and the reality of her wild magic. Her power is unpredictable and chaotic, a contradiction to her ideals that leaves her feeling ashamed and guilty. Esma views her wild magic as a flaw, a disorder that contradicts her belief in divine balance. She interprets it as a test from Araoni—an opportunity to demonstrate control and discipline, or a sign of her own unworthiness.
Esma struggles to accept perspectives outside of the Gathering of Araoni, especially those that embrace individualistic, secular, or divergent philosophies. Her interactions with students at Kireth often bring her into contact with people who challenge her rigid beliefs. Esma often assumes her beliefs are more enlightened or legitimate than those of her peers. When confronted with ideologies that emphasize subjective morality or chaotic interpretations of the arcane, she can become defensive or dismissive.
Social Aptitude
Esma is a complicated person to interact with—her intelligence and conviction draw admiration, but her rigid views and quick judgment can create tension. Her upbringing among the devout and powerful in Glosa has made her confident, articulate, and assured of her beliefs, but also opinionated, dismissive, and intolerant of ideas that contradict her worldview.
Esma prefers intellectual discussions and debates over casual, lighthearted conversation. If someone tries to engage her in small talk, she might seem disinterested or impatient, eager to shift to more substantial topics. She speaks with an intensity that can be intimidating. While she doesn't intend to be cruel, her blunt honesty often comes across as harsh or condescending.
Esma gravitates toward individuals she sees as intelligent, disciplined, or morally grounded. She struggles to respect those she views as reckless, overly emotional, or disrespectful of her values. Quick to judge, Esma has little tolerance for perspectives she sees as "misguided" or "irresponsible." She struggles to separate people's ideas from their character, which can lead to strained relationships.
Her tendency to express her opinions authoritatively can alienate people who feel talked down to. She’s often unaware of how intense or intimidating she appears. Deep down, Esma desires the respect of her peers, particularly those whose intellect she admires. When faced with genuine, thoughtful challenges to her ideas, she can become frustrated—caught between defensiveness and intrigue.
Mannerisms
- Steady Eye Contact: Esma maintains intense eye contact, especially during debates. She sees wavering attention as a sign of weakness or disinterest.
- Measured Movements: Her gestures are deliberate—she rarely fidgets or makes unnecessary movements. When she does become flustered, her magic may react subtly—small flickers of light or a whispering breeze.
- Clenched Jaw: When frustrated or offended, Esma clenches her jaw tightly—a habit that has earned her a reputation for appearing perpetually unimpressed.
- Tight Posture: Esma tends to sit with a straight back and crossed legs, projecting control. When she lets herself relax, it often feels like a conscious effort.
- Self-Soothing Gestures: When anxious or frustrated, Esma rubs the silver ring on her left hand—a gift from her aunt, Safiye Ata.
Hobbies & Pets
- Debating Societies: Esma attends philosophical debates and discussion groups at Kireth, where she can test her ideas against others. She enjoys the structure and rules of formal argumentation, though she can become combative when her beliefs are challenged.
- Writing Essays and Journals: Esma has a collection of essays and reflective journals where she critiques philosophical theories and records her thoughts. These are intensely personal, but she occasionally shares them with mentors she respects.
- Chess and Strategy Games: Esma enjoys games that require forethought, strategy, and calculated decision-making. She approaches these games as intellectual challenges and struggles to play "just for fun."
- Poetry: Esma occasionally writes introspective, critical poetry, exploring her doubts about fate, divine will, and her own power. These writings are private and rarely shared.
Speech
- Formal Speech: Her tone is often formal, bordering on preachy, even in casual settings. She rarely uses slang, and her vocabulary is meticulous and precise.
- Uncomfortable Laughter: When she attempts to relax or engage more casually, her laughter feels measured, as if she's forcing herself to match the mood. It makes her seem guarded and out of place.
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