Monday, November 29, 2010

Character: Marius Vandez

Marius' original name, while in my RPG campaign was Gustave, but that was too close to Guthlaf. I'm not sure where the name Marius came from, but I thought it fit this conniving arch enemy who was thrown at Tarkil and his friends.

Marius is the fourth son of Lord Vandez and Lady Isabella. His mother has always groomed him to become a Black Wizard of Shaniko. She, herself, is a Wizard in the organization and wanted her son to rise higher into the organization. He studied hard, went to the Mage College in Weatherworn, then was apprenticed to a high ranking Wizard in Last Stand, (though his father thought the man was a mage). When Marius finished his apprenticeship, he killed his master and took over his manor and ascended to the rank of Grand Wizard. From there he gained contacts and took over the Wizards running of the Kin. He eventually became the ambassador to the Emperor of Ariella and has been working with them ever since.

Marius is human, 37 years old, five foot eight and 140 pounds. He is rail thin, dandy like in shape. He is not well muscled, but could hold his own in a physical battle for a bit. His face is chiseled, narrowing at the chin. He is incredibly handsome and has the face of a prince. His complexion is pale porcelain in color, as if he is delicate and doesn't get much sun. His black eyes are dark and beguiling. His hair is so black it has a blue sheen and he keeps it pulled back in a short pony tail.

Marius dresses in heavy black robes covered in arcane symbols and fallen God Kahalla, (though when he returns home he always wears proper attire for a son of a House). He speaks with elegance that only people in court are known to carry. Even in the middle of battle he speaks in a calm, collected manner. He is a gentlemen in any situation, even to his enemies. He is used to court life and knows how to get what he wants with words, but can use force if necessary.

Marius hates those of lower classes, those who seek to aid the world and those who do not hold power. He is well spoken, well groomed and very powerful in his chosen craft, not quick to anger. He loves fine wine, fine women and magical power of any kind.

Marius is a background character in the first book, Van being my main "bad guy" there. But his presence is alluded to. He becomes more of a force in the second book, bringing pain and troubles to our would be heroes. I love throwing him up against my heroes and in a book it is so much easier to write the direction things should go with a bad guy. If you have ever GM'd you know how hard it is for your main bad guy to not die on the first encounter, since players are a lot more unpredictable then what you are writing them in a situation.
Tomorrow: Temple to Pezuta

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