Meng Tao, the First Searcher

Searcher Meng Tao

Meng Tao became the first Searcher after his visit to Stechtis in 491 I.A.
In 503 I.A., to mark his 40th birthday, Meng Tao took on his first apprentices, and this small group quickly grew into what would soon become known as the Xingfa School, notable for offering the same education to everyone who could afford it, regardless of gender.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Short and slender, with a wiry build.

Mental characteristics

Gender Identity

Male (he/him)

Sexuality

Known to have taken lovers of different genders, but rumoured to have been impotent; he never married or started a family

Education

Almost nothing is known of Meng Tao's childhood, although he is believed to have come from a wealthy family. He claimed to have received little education, despite his intelligence as a child: he did not learn to read until the age of 12, and never attended any formal schools or institutions of learning.

Intellectual Characteristics

Although extremely intelligent and quite personable, Meng Tao was frequently hindered by extreme mood swings. According to his students, he would have "noon weeks" in which he was energetic, talkative and generally productive, if prone to distractions and risk-taking, and "midnight weeks" in which he would slip into bouts of misery, sleeping for most of the day and avoiding other people, as well as intermediate "dusk and dawn weeks". Each period could last for any amount of time from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Taboos

Meng Tao is said to have avoided public baths or exercise, and to have worn several layers of clothing at all times, even in extreme heat.

Personality Characteristics

Vices & Personality flaws

Prone to overindulge in alcohol.

Personality Quirks

Meng Tao is said to have been a very private person. He shared very little information about his childhood and family life, even with those close to him, and regularly secluded himself in his private quarters for a few days each month, even during "noon weeks".

Wealth & Financial state

Most of Meng Tao's wealth went into supporting the school, but he is also known to have occasionally indulged in extravagant suits, high-quality alcohol and ornaments for his private quarters, and the legacy left to the school on his death was not as substantial as it might otherwise have been.

Life

463 I.A. 529 I.A. 66 years old

Circumstances of Death

Assassinated, with his Amulet of Symsight stolen; the Nakhani later claimed credit for his death

Eyes

Dark brown, almost black; after his first visit to Stechtis, he wore a patch over his left eye

Hair

Black, cropped very short; no facial hair

Height

5'5"

Weight

Around 8st

Known Languages

Buyu (native speaker), Naranambru (fluent), Sayakatchi (conversational)