Hamish the Determined

Hamish of Westmoor, otherwise known as Hamish the Determined, was the first Archmage of Tiefling and Malicious descent. Beyond being the first of his heritage to hold the prestigious title, he is famous for rediscovering troves of pre-War artifacts within Malice, and is infamous as one of the few archmages to be assassinated
Although he is remembered fondly in academic circles for his significant contributions to archaeology and archaeomancy, his legacy is divisive. His decision to move the administrative capital of the Spellweavers' Circle from the Stormborn Isles to Malice triggered a golden age for Circopolis, transforming the backwater town into a cosmopolitan destination connected to the Stitch. His tireless efforts to reconnect with the Dark Cities of Moria, Semata, and Gnossos led to the first diplomatic ties between Moria and the outside world since before The Great Aether War. Beyond his accomplishments, he is remembered as a handsome and charming figure, and for many provided a welcome break from the stuffy academics who preceeded him as archmage. However, some critics decry his expeditions into the midlands and blightlands of Malice as academic imperialism, an effort to colonize the denizens of Malice.

Early Life

Hamish was one of many orphans within Westmoor of indeterminate parentage. His turquoise skin and elven ears betrayed Gnossian heritage and beget a natural affinity for magic. According to his memoirs, he spent most of his childhood working as a dockhand, waiting until he saved enough gold to travel to Circopolis (then known as Limani) and to enroll into classes offered by the Spellweavers. Through determination and natural talent, he rose through the ranks.

Contributions to Archaeomancy

As a professor of archaeomancy, the academic study of pre-War artifacts, he revolutionized the niche field. Prior to his discovery, archaeomancy was predominately studied in the Kingdom of Vern by the occasional academic who happened upon an artifact recovered by adventurers who dared to delve deep underground into ancient dwarven cities. In an incredible stroke of luck, he uncovered an ancient dwarven map that pre-dated the War. His interpretation of the document was harried due to the Loss of the Language of Malice and the catastrophic reshaping of Malice by The War. But, by cross-referencing the document with folklore collected from villages in the blightlands, he predicted the location of a hitherto unknown fallen city. From there, he began a dogmatic campaign to petition the Circle for funding to launch a full expedition into the blightlands to investigate.
His efforts rewarded when he received a grant large enough to cover his first archaeomancical expedition into the blightlands. The chartered company plunged deep into the dangerous land and found the fallen city. Although it had limited ancient technology, to this day the site remains the largest and most complete collection of pre-War artifacts. An immense archaeological camp was constructed and remains in function today. Once believed to be a dangerous land forsaken by the gods, Hamish's expedition demonstrated Malice to be a land full of untapped ancient resources.
From there, it was a short path to fame. His affiable nature served him well as he networked within the Circle and his lectures captivated audiences, earning him many allies and admirers. When his successor passed away, he was swiftly nominated and ratified as the next archmage. His first act was to re-christen Limani into Circopolis, and to bring the bulk of the Spellweavers' Circles resources and attention to bear upon Malice. The land has never been the same since, and his assassination robs the world of an exceptionally bright intellect.