n the outside, the weathered stone tower
looks to be easily defensible, if not overly comfortable. Ivy has rooted
itself between the stones, and wind whistles between the cracks in the walls.
Still, once the door is opened, a comfortable room is revealed. Tea, warm
with scents of local herbs, brews on the fire in the corner. The furniture,
while crude, is well arranged, and Julian has obviously done all he can
to make this a welcome resting place from the wind and rain. A handmade
rack on the wall contains several books, Julian's personal library, and
nearby a small table holding a candle stands by the rude bed. Straw litters
the floor, softening the hard stone underfoot. A winding stairwell leads
upwards, apparently to another chamber.
The stairwell ends in an archway, where a maroon curtain hangs to block your view into the room beyond. As you push it aside, you come into a round room at the top of the tower, with narrow slits designed for arrows marking the walls. At the far side of the room is a long worktable, which is relatively clean at the moment, save for some few pouches and bottles of unknown ingredients. There is some sort of apparatus half-constructed, at the center of which is a large green turquoise, apparently under study. In the corner is a straw mattress, lit by the flickering light of candles attached to the stone walls. Julian's ordered mind is reflected in the order and cleanliness here. Everything has its precise position, and even the floor is swept. Woe to the intruder who brings trouble here, as Sir Uwe did in the past.
[forthcoming]
The Chirurgeon's Healing Touch (CrCo 20), Vision of the Yeoman's Last Breath (InCo 20), Lifting the Dangling Puppet (ReCo 15), Aura of Ennobled Presence (MuIm 10), Panic of the Trembling Heart (CrMe 15), Posing the Silent Question (InMe 20), Tongue of the Folk (InMe 20), The Call to Slumber (ReMe 10), Loss of But a Moment's Memory (PeMe 10), Mind's Thought Made Far (ReMe 15).
*Mastered spells
Baron Julian of Falksburg, Magus of Jerbiton | |||||||||
| Strength (indolent) | -2 |
Dexterity (clumsy outdoors) | -2 | ||||||
| Stamina (inner drive) | +1 |
Quickness (ungainly) | -2 | ||||||
| Intelligence (discerning) | +3 |
Presence (regal manner) | +2 | ||||||
| Perception (careless) | 0 |
Communication (orator) | +3 | ||||||
| Virtues & Flaws: The Gentle Gift +1, Well-Travelled +1, Hermetic Prestige +1, Self-Confident +1, Books +1, Deft Art (Mentem) +1, Knack (noble courts) +1, Mentem Affinity +3, Major Deficiency (Ignem) -3, Enemies -1, Vis Obligation -1, No Familiar -2, Weak Writer -1, Deep Sleeper -1, Sensitive to Disrespect -1, Affinity with Shadows -1 | |||||||||
| Abilities: Brawling (avoid blows) 2, Speak German (inspiration) 4, Speak Latin (rhetoric) 4, Scribe Latin (persuasion) 3, Magic Theory (spells) 3, Hermes Lore (intrigue) 2, Hermetic Law (mundane relations) 1, Artes Liberales (rhetoric) 1, Parma Magica (Ignem) 3, Play Lute (romantic ballads) 2, Mentem Affinity (probing) 3, Finesse (Mentem) 2, Penetration (Mentem) 2, Awareness (soft words) 1, Charm (swaying opinion) 3, Certámen (Mentem) 2, Guile (excuses) 3, Intrigue (gossip) 3,Single Weapon (dagger) 1, Thrown Weapon (daggers) 1, Styria Lore (nobles) 1, Etiquette (Church) 2, Leadership (loyalty) 2, Stealth (outdoors) 1, Games (chess) 1, Church Lore (Canon law) 2, Legend Lore (Styria) 1, Occult Lore (demons) 1, Spirit Lore (Celtic spirits) 1 | |||||||||
|
|
Year Born | 1178 | |||||||
| Age (in 1213 A.D.) | 35 | ||||||||
| Decrepitude | 0 | ||||||||
| Gender | Male | ||||||||
| Size | 0 | ||||||||
| Height | 5'7" | ||||||||
| Weight | 160 lbs. | ||||||||
| Hair | Black | ||||||||
| Eyes | Green | ||||||||
| Handedness | Right | ||||||||
| Twilight Points | 0 | ||||||||
| Physical Description: 5'7" tall, 160 pounds. Noble face, lean and gawky in motion. Black hair, green eyes. | |||||||||
| Personality Traits: Optimistic (future) +3, Cunning (intrigue) +2, Arrogant (questioning authority) +2, Reliable (crisis) +1, Calm (under pressure) +2 | |||||||||
| Reputations: Hermetic Prestige (respected master) 3, Doctor (Bruck) 1 | |||||||||
| Magical Arts | |||||||||
| Creo | 5 |
Animál | 0 |
Ignem | 0 | ||||
| Intéllego | 7 |
Aquam | 0 |
Imáginem | 6 | ||||
| Muto | 0 |
Auram | 0 |
Mentem | 10 | ||||
| Perdo | 3 |
Corpus | 5 |
Terram | 0 | ||||
| Rego | 6 |
Herbam | 0 |
Vim | 3 | ||||
| Soak: +1 | Armor Worn: none | ||||||||
| Skill |
Weapon |
Scr |
Init |
Atk |
Dfn |
Dam |
Fat | ||
| Single weapon | dagger |
1 |
+1 |
+0 |
+12 |
+0 |
+2 | ||
| Brawling | fist/kick |
2 |
+1 |
+0 |
+0 |
-1 |
+2 | ||
Julian was apprenticed at Castellemare, a bustling and important covenant high in the Tyrol. He longed for the training that would bring his fledgling Gift under control, and Jacob encouraged him, recognizing his potential and ruling him with a kind hand. After only a few years, basic concepts of magic yet unlearned, the young noble showed an impressive ability at diplomacy, seeming to nearly always win his way, whether it was talking a cook out of an extra dessert or bartering with those who brought grievances to the covenant. This ability was encouraged by the many Jerbiton at Castellemare, and soon Julian was being brought with them on delegations to other covenants and missions to the local nobility, using his native charm and guile, if necessary, to make peace. The result of this was that though Julian thrived, coveting the respect these missions brought him, his magical talents often went laggard. At the end of his apprenticeship he was left with a weaker grasp of basic magical theory than others his age, though his talents with Mentem were obvious.
Although his pater suggested a place with a prestigious covenant, Julian wanted to see the world. So, he began to travel, dressed either as a noble Baron (for his father had passed during his time at Castellemare) or a humble bard, playing his lute in return for hospitality. He traveled for a few years this way, all over Germany and even to France, enjoying what he learned of the ways of nobles as well as using his magics in applied situations, when called for. In time, he began to long for a more settled life, and when he heard of Rabenstein, a raw Spring covenant in a somewhat backward district, he believed that here was his chance to settle down, to establish roots in a place that might someday, in part with his help, achieve a great reputation in the Order. So far he has not been disappointed, though he has often clashed with the other Magi over how to approach a problem. He likes most of the Magi of Rabenstein, or at least can tolerate them, and is pleased with the way they work together to improve their own covenant and position.
Recently, in the battle with the King of Shadows, Julian entered a prolonged Twilight as a result of his contact with the shadow demon. He has now regained consciousness, but seems altogether strange. It remains to be seen exactly what happened during his experience, but it is certain that the other magi approach the new, shadowy, Julian with some caution.
Relations with other Magi
Cynric- Julian liked the fiery Cynric from the start, feeling that though he was often rash, he is a good judge of situations. They have been the closest among the Magi, often falling into long conversations when not disturbed by other matters. Though there have been sources of contention (Tatyana, Loretta, among others) Julian values Cynric's judgement in matters not involving women. Of course there is also the dark secret from Samo's castle, which is usually expressed only in nervous glances and frowns. This binds them together somewhat, though it is yet to be seen if it will ever be exorcized. The closest to Julian, trusted above others.
Merento - The studious Bonisagus has Julian's respect for his art in crafting spells, if not for his cowardly behavior in dangerous situations. Though sometimes piqued by Merento's superior manner, Julian knows that Merento wishes to support and protect Rabenstein above all. If given time, Julian wants to make a careful study of how Merento makes decisions, for he believes that the older magus often contradicts himself. Not to be relied upon for defending your back, but very good for the covenant if left to do the work that he does best.
Lassitor - Julian has relatively few dealings with the cave-dwelling Magus, and questions his motivations. Not fully understanding his desire to seek Twilight or his obsession with the shifty Fae, Julian mostly leaves Lassitor alone, though he does not question his ability. In the future, perhaps they will draw closer, though what sort of explosive arguments that might lead to is better left unquestioned.
Magda - When the Bjornaer first arrived at the covenant, Julian was very unimpressed. Her rustic manners and inability to understand proper etiquette made her a target for Julian's ire. But now that several years have passed, Julian has come to accept her, and recognize that her abilities are valuable ones. Her shifting has done the covenant great service in the past, and she makes few demands on those who demand much of her. He honors her bravery and loyalty, and he would trust her with his back if necessary.
Nicolaus - The Polish magus is somewhat of a question for Julian. At first, their interests seemed to coincide, and Julian thought that another friendship might result. But that has never happened, though they have been thrown together in many a strange situation. Instead, arguments seem to result from their pairing, especially those about Nicolaus' "put my interests and those of the covenant before all else" philosophy. Julian has been left distrustful of Nicolaus, analyzing him closely to see what self-serving decision he might make next.
Relations with Others:
Gundulf - The tragic lad without a tongue is probably the closest to Julian of anyone in the covenant. After rescuing him from Passau and bringing him home, Julian essentially adopted the lad, shielding him from many of the dark doings that surround Rabenstein. For some years Gundulf has lived in Julian's tower, and Julian treats him like a son. Now that Gundulf has attained something close to manhood, Julian wishes to see him grow closer to others in the covenant, though the inability to heal the tongue may prevent this. Julian feels this as a personal failure, and wishes to heal Gundulf's tongue, almost no matter what the price.
Upon Julian's awakening from Twilight, he has failed to recognize Gundulf, and the boy has avoided his presence, preferring that of the priest Eusebius. No one is sure of the meaning of this, but all agree that it can't be good.
Laszlo - The mysterious Hun, arriving at Rabenstein sometime after their encounter with the fallen star, is Julian's preferred custos. At first, when only Julian could speak his tongue (through Tongue of the Folk) Laszlo stayed close to him, in this strange new world. After a time Julian came to rely on him, respecting his combat abilities and his loyalty. When Laszlo vanished, assumed captured or killed by the Cumans (see the story Law of the Polovtsy), Julian felt it deeply, and wants to get him back. Now that it appears that he may be alive, but mystically captured, Julian is eager to work with the others to retrieve the brooding warrior.
Tatyana - In the early days of Julian's time with the covenant, he and Tatyana fell to quarreling with each other. After one particularly bad experience, involving spells cast, boots maimed, and blades drawn, he began to avoid the Russian girl except when necessary. As years have passed, they are better able to get along, and especially since she has married, Julian feels that she has finally "settled down" and can perhaps be trusted, though he still resents her presence on expeditions, not placing much value on her pyromancy that has shown such mixed results in the past.
Illustration by Jason Buss.
This page last modified 2/26/98.
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