General Virion Draunus
General Virion Draunus is the revered leader of the Order of Valindria and the sole surviving general from the original Va'len army after the devastating Goluk War. Known for his stoic demeanor and unwavering dedication, he is a figure of profound strength and resilience, embodying both the military prowess and the compassionate spirit of the Order. Despite his stern exterior, those who know him closely understand him to be a gentle soul, one who never desired the position of leadership but accepted it out of duty to his people. Haunted by the curse that binds him and the other 2,000 resurrected warriors of White Company, Virion carries the weight of his responsibilities with quiet grace, driven by an enduring love for I'na Brightstar and a relentless determination to find a way to lift the curse that holds them all in its grasp.
Mental characteristics
Virion was born into the prestigious House Draunus, a noble family known for its military legacy and deep devotion to the elven gods. Though raised with the expectation that he would pursue a career in the military, Virion was a gentle soul at heart. He found more comfort in poetry, music, and the quiet beauty of the forest than in the art of war. Nevertheless, he fulfilled his family’s expectations, entering the military to serve the elven homeland of Va'len.
As a young officer, Virion quickly rose through the ranks, not due to ambition, but because of his natural talent for leadership and his unshakeable commitment to his comrades. He gained a reputation for his strategic brilliance and calm under pressure, traits that earned him the respect of both his peers and his superiors. However, beneath this exterior of confidence and strength, Virion harbored a deep, quiet love for I'na Brightstar—a love he had never dared to reveal, as she was married to another. Content to admire her from afar, Virion kept his feelings close to his chest, focusing instead on his duties and responsibilities.
When the Goluk War erupted, Virion found himself thrust into the center of the conflict. He served as a general in the Va'len army, fighting valiantly to defend his homeland from the invading forces. In the final days of the war, a cataclysmic magical attack unleashed by the Goluk devastated Va'len, annihilating its lands and its people. Virion, like thousands of his comrades, was consumed by the blinding light of the attack and believed himself to be dead.
However, the goddess Valindria intervened. In a desperate act of divine intervention, she resurrected 2,000 souls from the ashes of Va'len, imbuing them with her blessings and returning them to the mortal plane. Virion was among these souls, reborn with a new purpose but also a new curse—functionally immortal, unable to pass into the afterlife, trapped in a state of living death. He emerged from the ashes to find his homeland destroyed and his comrades equally confused and grief-stricken.
As the only surviving general from the original Va'len army, Virion took up the mantle of leadership for the resurrected warriors. Together, they formed the White Company, a group dedicated to protecting the scattered remnants of their people and seeking to understand the nature of the curse that bound them. Under his guidance, they established the Order of Valindria, setting up a base of operations in Va'len and spreading their influence throughout Eos to aid the elven diaspora.
Over the centuries, Virion became a respected and revered leader within the Order. Despite his stoic and stern demeanor, those who knew him best, like I'na, saw the depth of his compassion, his reluctance to lead, and his unwavering commitment to his people. He carried the burden of leadership with grace, always striving to serve the greater good, even as the curse that bound him slowly eroded the lives of those around him.
Virion's personal journey has been marked by his love for I'na Brightstar. Though his feelings for her were never reciprocated in full, they have shared moments of closeness over the centuries, a bittersweet dance between longing and resignation. I'na has confided in him, and he has supported her, even when his heart ached for a love he could never fully claim.
His desire to see the curse lifted has only intensified over time. When I'na relayed the divine message she received from Valindria, revealing that the curse was the work of an ancient entity known as The Atropal, Virion was filled with awe and determination. Understanding the gravity of the task before them, he vowed to stand by I'na's side and lead their people in the search for this entity, knowing it was their only hope of breaking the curse and restoring the connection between the gods and humanity.
Today, General Virion Draunus remains a figure of inspiration and strength for the Order of Valindria. Though burdened by his own longing and the weight of centuries of service, he continues to lead with humility and resolve, ever seeking a way to bring peace and redemption to his people.
Virion Draunus carries the heavy weight of centuries of trauma, both personal and shared with his comrades in the White Company. While he maintains a stoic exterior and is known for his calm, steady leadership, those closest to him understand the deep scars that lie beneath.
Survivor’s Guilt and the Burden of Leadership
Virion is haunted by the memory of the Goluk War and the cataclysmic magical attack that destroyed Va'len, killing thousands and reducing his homeland to a wasteland of ashes. As the only surviving general of the original Va'len army, he has struggled with profound survivor’s guilt, questioning why he was resurrected while so many others, including countless comrades and loved ones, were lost forever. He often wonders if there was something more he could have done, some choice he could have made differently to prevent the annihilation of his people. This sense of guilt is compounded by his role as leader of the resurrected warriors; he feels a constant pressure to protect and guide those who survived, believing it is his duty to make their second chance at life meaningful.
The burden of leadership weighs heavily on Virion's mind. He never desired to be in command, preferring a quieter, more contemplative life. Yet, he understands that his strength and experience make him uniquely suited for this role. This conflict between his desire for a simpler existence and his sense of responsibility creates a deep-seated tension within him. He feels a constant need to remain strong and composed for the sake of those he leads, even when he feels overwhelmed and exhausted by the weight of his responsibilities.
The Endless Cycle of Immortality
Virion is also deeply affected by the curse of immortality that binds him and his comrades. Unable to pass into the afterlife, he and the other members of White Company are trapped in a cycle of existence that often feels like a living death. He has witnessed countless comrades struggle with the curse in their own ways: some have gone mad, others have lost themselves to despair, and many have simply disappeared, wandering away into the wilderness, never to be seen again.
This endless existence is both a gift and a curse for Virion. While he is grateful for the chance to continue serving his people and fulfilling his duty, he is also painfully aware of the toll it has taken on his mind and soul. He longs for peace, for an end to the constant battle between duty and desire, but knows that as long as the curse remains, he must continue to lead and fight. The thought that he may never find rest, that he may never be free from the burdens he carries, is a source of deep anguish for him.
Unrequited Love and Emotional Isolation
Virion's love for I'na Brightstar, a love that has persisted since before the Goluk War, is another source of emotional pain. He remembers clearly how he loved her from afar, respecting her bond with her husband, content to simply be near her and admire her strength, grace, and compassion. When he was resurrected and saw her again, alive but changed, his feelings were reignited with an intensity that has never diminished.
However, his love for I'na has been fraught with difficulty. While they have shared moments of closeness and intimacy over the centuries, I'na has never been able to fully reciprocate his feelings, haunted as she is by the memory of the life and the family she lost. Virion is acutely aware that, while he may have moments of physical closeness with her, he will never truly have her heart. This unrequited love is a constant ache for him, a wound that never fully heals. It has left him feeling emotionally isolated, as he knows he cannot move on or seek solace in the arms of another while his heart remains tied to her.
The Struggle with Hope and Despair
The recent divine encounter with Valindria has filled Virion with a renewed sense of hope, but also a deeper anxiety. Knowing that the curse can be lifted by confronting The Atropal, a twisted child of the gods corrupted by the Primordial, has given him a clear goal—a mission that could finally bring peace to his people. But it has also brought new fears: the enormity of the task, the danger they will face, and the possibility that they may fail.
He is torn between hope and despair. On one hand, he is bolstered by the knowledge that their goddess still hears their prayers and is guiding them. On the other hand, he knows the risks involved in pursuing such a formidable adversary. The idea that he could lead his people into a battle that may cost them everything weighs heavily on him. He fears for the lives of those he commands, and he fears that, even if they succeed, it may come at a cost he is not prepared to pay.
A Silent Battle Within
Virion does his best to hide these fears and struggles from those around him, maintaining his stoic demeanor and fulfilling his role as a leader. However, the weight of his trauma is always present—a silent battle that rages within him every day. He draws strength from his faith in Valindria, from his love for I'na, and from his dedication to his people, but the wounds of the past run deep, and the road ahead remains uncertain. For now, he pushes forward, driven by duty, hope, and the faint promise of redemption. But he knows that until the curse is lifted, until he can finally lay down his burdens, the battle will never truly be over.
Morality:
General Virion Draunus embodies a complex moral code shaped by a life of duty, sacrifice, and unending love for his people. At his core, Virion is a man driven by an unwavering commitment to justice, honor, and compassion. He believes deeply in the ideals of the Order of Valindria: to protect the innocent, uphold righteousness, and stand as a beacon of hope in a world shadowed by suffering and uncertainty. His decisions are guided by a profound sense of responsibility not only to his comrades in the White Company but to all who are in need of protection or guidance.
Virion is highly empathetic, understanding the fragility and pain that come with mortal life, particularly given his own immortal state and the curse he bears. He is slow to judge others harshly, especially those who have suffered or struggled under the weight of the same curse that binds him. He believes in the power of forgiveness and redemption, viewing every soul as capable of growth and change. This empathy extends even to those who have lost their way, such as the members of White Company who have succumbed to despair or self-destruction. He sees their actions as tragic outcomes of their curse rather than as unforgivable sins.
Despite his compassion, Virion is also deeply committed to the principles of honor and duty. He believes that those in positions of power must act with integrity, courage, and wisdom. For him, leadership is not a privilege but a burden, a call to serve and protect others at all costs. He does not shy away from difficult decisions when they must be made, but he always strives to balance justice with mercy.
However, there is one line he will not cross: the shedding of innocent blood. Virion holds a firm stance against needless violence and abhors any action that harms those who are defenseless or innocent. This principle is non-negotiable in his eyes and serves as the moral foundation of his leadership within the Order.
Philosophy:
Virion's philosophy is shaped by his experiences as a leader, a warrior, and a man caught in an eternal struggle against forces beyond his control. He views life as a series of tests—trials of character, faith, and endurance. For him, every challenge, every hardship, is an opportunity to prove one's commitment to the greater good. This belief is rooted in the teachings of the Order of Valindria, which call for courage in the face of adversity, steadfastness in the pursuit of justice, and selflessness in the protection of others.
At the heart of Virion's philosophy is his deep faith in Valindria, the goddess of flame and pyromancy. He sees her as a guiding light, a symbol of hope and renewal in a world darkened by despair. Valindria's intervention in his own life and her recent revelation to I'na have reinforced his belief that the gods have not abandoned their followers, even in the darkest of times. He draws strength from this faith, believing that their mission—to lift the curse of Va'len and restore the connection between the gods and mortals—is a divine mandate that must be fulfilled, no matter the cost.
Virion also believes in the power of perseverance. He knows that the road ahead is long and fraught with danger, but he holds onto the conviction that there is always a way forward, always a path to redemption and peace. This resilience is at the core of his leadership style; he encourages his comrades to hold fast to their beliefs, to fight for what is right, and to never lose sight of their purpose.
He is, however, a realist. He understands the complexity of the world and the moral ambiguity that often accompanies hard decisions. While he strives to be just and honorable, he knows that not every situation is black and white, and sometimes, difficult choices must be made for the greater good. His wisdom lies in his ability to balance idealism with practicality, to navigate the gray areas without losing sight of his core values.
Above all, Virion is guided by love—love for his people, his comrades, and, most profoundly, for I'na Brightstar. This love shapes his every action, every decision, driving him to protect, to lead, and to serve, even when it means sacrificing his own desires. His love for I'na, while complex and often painful, fuels his determination to find a way to lift the curse that binds them all, to free them from the torment that has haunted them for centuries, and to restore the peace and harmony that once existed in their homeland.
In essence, Virion's morality and philosophy are defined by a relentless pursuit of justice tempered by compassion, a deep and abiding faith in his goddess, and an unyielding commitment to the people he serves. He believes that every soul is capable of redemption, that hope must be kept alive no matter how dark the path, and that love, in all its forms, is the greatest strength one can possess.
Superior Officer/Lover (Vital)
Subordinate/Lover (Vital)
History
Before the Goluk War: Silent Love from Afar
Long before the Goluk War, when the elven homeland of Va'len was still a land of beauty and abundance, Virion Draunus first laid eyes on I'na Brightstar. Even then, in a time now shrouded by centuries of pain and uncertainty, Virion’s feelings for her were unwavering, intense, and undeniable.
Virion admired I'na from afar, captivated by her beauty and grace, her quiet strength, and the compassion she showed to all who crossed her path. She seemed to embody everything he revered—an unyielding spirit, a gentle heart, and an unwavering sense of purpose. But there was a complication: I'na was already in love with another, a man whose name and face have long since faded into the mists of time. Virion respected the bond she shared with her husband. He saw the love in her eyes when she spoke of him or when they were together, and he never dared to intrude.
Virion’s love for I'na was silent, a secret he kept close to his heart. He was content to simply be near her, to cherish her from a distance, knowing that she was happy, even if it was not with him. He found solace in her presence and in the knowledge that, in some small way, he could be a part of her life.
The Goluk War and the Curse of Immortality
Then came the Goluk War, and everything changed. The blinding light of the cataclysmic final attack obliterated their homeland, and both Virion and I'na were caught in the devastation. They died, like so many others, but they did not remain dead. Valindria, the goddess of flame, intervened, bringing them back to life along with 1,998 of their comrades, imbuing them with her divine blessing but also binding them with an unknown curse.
When Virion emerged from the ashes, one of the few clear memories he retained was the ache in his heart when he saw I'na again. She was alive, but changed—her eyes distant, haunted by memories she could not fully grasp. They were both altered, resurrected into a world they no longer fully recognized, bound by a curse they did not understand. Virion's love for I'na remained, but now it was laced with a deep sadness, a longing that had been complicated by their shared fate.
Centuries of Conflict and Unspoken Affection
Over the centuries, as the surviving members of White Company navigated their cursed existence, Virion's feelings for I'na only grew stronger. He continued to love her quietly, patiently, even though he knew she did not fully reciprocate his feelings. He understood that I'na was still bound to the memories of her previous life—of her husband and their daughter, of the love she had lost but could never truly forget.
Their relationship was complicated by the roles they played within the Order of Valindria. Virion, as the sole surviving general of the original Va'len army and a key leader of the Order, often sought I'na’s counsel and wisdom. I'na, for her part, respected Virion immensely and saw him as a guiding figure for the Order, a man who had remained steadfast in his duty despite the burden of immortality.
There were moments when the unspoken tension between them flared into something more. Occasionally, they found solace in each other's arms, seeking comfort in the shared pain that only they could truly understand. Yet, these moments were always fleeting, tinged with regret and the knowledge that they could never fully have each other. I'na’s heart remained divided, still caught between the love she had lost and the man who stood before her, offering his own heart with quiet devotion.
The Quazad-Leona War and I'na's Withdrawal
During the Quazad-Leona War, I'na gave her life in a decisive battle that allowed her comrades to retreat. She knew that her soul would return to Va'len, but she was unprepared for the mind-maddening pain she would endure upon her return to the ashen wastes. The trauma of her death and subsequent resurrection pushed her to the brink of insanity. When she was brought back to the living by the clerics of Red Company, she was deeply shaken.
In the aftermath, I'na retreated to the Church of Valindria in Al'ean, where she served as a cleric, distancing herself from the front lines and, by extension, from Virion. She needed time to heal, to find some semblance of peace amidst the chaos of her mind. Virion respected her decision, though he continued to visit her, seeking her counsel and support as he had so often done before. Each visit was a mixture of hope and heartache for him. He wanted to be close to her, but he knew she was hurting, and he did not wish to add to her pain.
A Rekindling of Hope: The Divine Revelation
It was during this period of withdrawal that the miraculous event occurred. I'na, at her lowest point, was visited by Valindria herself during a fire that swept through the church. The goddess comforted her, reaffirmed her love and guidance, and gave her a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time in years, I'na felt the burden on her soul lighten, though the memories of her lost family remained a sacred treasure she would always carry.
When I'na shared her divine encounter with Virion, the revelation was earth-shattering. Virion was filled with a renewed sense of awe and reverence, and he felt his own faith deepen as he listened to her speak of Valindria’s kindness, patience, and unwavering devotion to her followers. He saw a new light in I'na’s eyes—a light that he found breathtaking. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, to hold her, but he held back, realizing that her renewed faith had given her a strength and beauty that left him awestruck.
A Fragile and Complex Bond
Their relationship has always been defined by its complexity—a mix of deep respect, shared pain, and unfulfilled desire. Virion has always loved I'na with a devotion that borders on the eternal, but he knows he can never fully have her heart. He has come to accept this, understanding that to love I'na means to embrace both the joy and the sorrow of their bond.
I'na, for her part, cares for Virion deeply. She respects him as a leader, admires him as a man, and finds herself drawn to him in ways she does not always understand. Yet, the memories of her lost family still haunt her, and she feels a sense of guilt whenever she finds herself too close to him. She knows how much he loves her, and a part of her loves him too, but she cannot let go of the past, cannot move on from the love she lost.
Acceptance of a Shared Path Forward
After her divine encounter, I'na finally agreed to return to the front lines, accepting Virion's offer to rejoin the Order’s active efforts. She understood the importance of being a beacon of hope, especially in a time when their people needed it most. The path ahead was long and uncertain, but with Valindria’s guidance and a renewed sense of purpose, she felt ready to face it once more.
For Virion, this decision brought a mixture of relief and joy. He was proud of her strength, her courage, and her renewed faith. Yet, he knew their relationship would remain what it had always been—a beautiful, tragic dance between two souls bound by love, pain, and a shared duty that transcended even the bonds of life and death.
They move forward together, knowing their relationship will forever be marked by the unspoken words and the desires that remain just out of reach. They are bound by their shared history, their duty to the Order, and a love that is as enduring as it is impossible. And in their hearts, they both know that they will continue to walk this path side by side, for as long as their eternal lives will allow.
