Fervan Wanderlin

Art by Dire

**Fervan Wanderlin** is the ringleader of the Skagzag Extravaganza festival. In the spirit of the festival's namesake, Fervan is a flamboyant showman with a penchant for grandeur and spectacle. With golden cane in hand, he leads the festival around Northern Ishtar, intent on bringing joy and wonderment to its people.

## Description

### Appearance

Fevan Wanderlin is a tall well-built human man with dark brown skin. He appears to be bald, with the only hair on his head being his black eyebrows, with the left one having a cut shaved out of it. A mole also adorns his left check and is usually accompanied by a painted pink diamond just above it. A broad smile with very white teeth is often seen on his face.

In terms of dress, Fervan outfits himself in a very glamourous and flashy ringleader's ensemble. He wears a purple ringleader's jacket with gold embroidered diamonds and gold epaulets. Large white cuffs can be seen at the end of his sleeves, implying a white shirt beneath. Underneath the jacket is a bright turquoise high collared waistcoat with silver stars and a high collar. A white silk cravat wrapped around his neck, accented by a purple crystal brooch. He wears a pair of purple slacks and purple and white cap-toed Oxford shoes. A purple top hat completes his outfit.

Fervan is also usually seen with his ringleader's can, a gold staff bearing the head of the festival's mascot, Skagzag. The head possesses the exaggerated nose of the famed goblin, with both ruby eyes on one side of the face. A purple jester's hat with gold bells and a white frilly collar are present on the head of the cane, emulating the fools and merry-makers of yesteryear.

### Personality

Fervan, as a professional showman, is flamboyant and bombastic. He carries himself with a confident air, instilling excitement into the masses from the stage. It is worth noting that Fervan's stage manner may not necessarily reflect his true nature, but nothing has been seen of him outside of this environment.

## History

### Background

Nothing is known of Fervan Wanderlin's early life. At some point in his life, he joined the famous wandering circus, the Skagzag Extravaganza. After some time, Fervan became the ringleader of the travelling festival. Under his leadership, the Extravaganza continued to tour Io.

## Phase 3 Story

### Opening the Festival

Fervan led the Skagzag Extravaganza to Northern Ishtar, where they travelled all around the Ark. They eventually arrived in Lindow in the north of the continent and, with the permission of its elder, began to set up the festival. Fliers and pamphlets were sent out to attract all kinds of people to attend. On the day of the festival's opening, Fervan got up on stage in the center of town to address the festival-goers. With characteristic aplomb, he loudly welcomed them to the Extravaganza, accompanied by multi-colored fog and dancing lights. When the fog cleared, the various tents and stalls had simultaneously opened up.

Bowing, he introduced himself and promised them all a fantastic show. He also announced that a talent show would take place that night, just as they had done on previous shows. He promised that the winners would win 100 Skagbucks, the festival's inhouse currency. Letting the crowd finish applauding, the ringmaster reminded them that during the day a plethora of games and challenges could be undertaken to win more Skagbucks. He then pointed out to the gift shop, revealing an assortment of magical items on sale for the coveted currency. With a coy smile, he claimed that the souvenirs would likely sell out before nightfall, noticing the rapt interest of the voyagers in the crowd. He then drew out a plush of the Extravaganza's mascot and demonstrated its abilities, throwing it into the crowd and causing it to erupt in fog. He also informed them Skagbucks could buy food from world-famous chefs as well. Pointing out the exchange tent for any wishing to buy Skagbucks rather than accept the circus' challenges, he concluded his address with an elegant bow to another round of thunderous applause.

### The Talent Show

After a busy day at the festival, the stage was once again put into use to host the promised talent show. Fervan acted as the host of the show, introducing the acts and inviting the audience to engage with their performances. Part of the way into the night, he introduced the next act, a young bard by the name of Pandora Amberoise. Using his cane to amplify her voice, Fervan asked Pandora what she would be doing for her performance. Pandora brought out her violin and announced she would play a song dedicated to her new friends under the title "Pandora's Pride". Fervan then yielded the stage to her and watched as she delivered a spectacular musical performance. Upon the end of the song, Fervan sent her off with high praise.

Fervan continued to host the remainder of the show, introducing several other acts. Some were just drunkards, while others were just up on stage for the fun of it. Fervan gave each of them their time, but did not consider them worthy of the prize. Three more acts stood out as the nigh went on: another musician, a illusionist of passing skill and a dancer with a unique interpreted dance routine. Once the talent show had concluded, Fervan then stepped into the role of judge. He claimed the competition had been tight, but only one of the acts stood above the rest. The ringleader then announced that Pandora Amberoise had won the competition. He invited the excitable elf back on stage, presenting her with her reward of Skagbucks. Pandora, in her victory speech, began to curse out her ex-girlfriend Angelica for leaving her for a vampire. Fervan expressed some slight exasperation at this, though some of the crowd were pretty receptive. With her victory speech done, Pandora rushed off stage to exchange her Skagbucks for prizes. Fervan then closed out the talent show, officially ending the first day of festivities.

### Havoc from Faewunder

Later that night, the inhabitants of Lindow were enjoying the festivities. It is unknown where Fervan Wanderlin was at this time but it is likely he was also out on the town. However, the merriment soon turned to panic, as strange blue energy began to manifest all across Lindow. From the blue energy, several floating luminous goblins emerged and began to cause chaos all over town. The goblins fired bolts of energy, harassed festival-goers and caused damage to buildings and property as they went. After some time, a loud horn echoed out to the west, drawing the attention of all the creatures. As one, the creatures transformed into blue energy and began to shoot off towards the sound, where a large blue light could be seen in the distance.

Once the commotion had ceased, the village elder announced that the Skagzag Extravaganza would be cancelled for the coming days in light of the damage done by the creatures. Fervan Wanderlin assented to her instructions, having likely suffered similar damages to his tents and staff. Under his direction, the crew of Skagzag Extravaganza packed up their things and prepared to leave Lindow, estimating they would not return for another five years at least.

## Powers and Abilities

* **Professional Showman:** Fervan Wanderlin, as the mastermind of the Skagzag Extravaganza, shows great aptitude in stagecraft and theatrics, leading the festivities without missing a beat. He also is skilled with special effects and timing, effectively using the signature fog of Skagzag to accentuate the opening of the festival.

## Etymology

"Fervan" appears to be an original name created for the Ioverse setting.

"Wanderlin" is derived from the English word "wander", which means to aimlessly or leisurely travel from one location to another.

## Trivia

* Fervan Wanderlin's status as the ringleader of the circus is considered ironic, as the circus' namesake Skagzag hated all humans with an unrivalled passion.