Éogan MacSíthig

**Éogan MacEibhir**, born in County Meath, Ireland in 1007, was raised amidst the wisdom of the land and close-knit familial bonds. At 13, his mother's mysterious illness and subsequent passing left an indelible mark, sparking his pursuit of healing remedies. He devoted himself to herbal remedies, seeking solace in alleviating suffering.

Around age 25, Éogan's burgeoning reputation as a healer caught the attention of Sir Aedan, a local lord navigating political challenges. Éogan's clandestine aid not only tended to Sir Aedan's ailments but also subtly shifted loyalties in the lord's retinue, showcasing his knack for influencing power dynamics.

In 1042, Mairead, a Salubri elder, discovered Éogan's exceptional healing and manipulative skills. Impressed, she revealed vampiric society and offered Éogan a path beyond mortality, aligning his talents with the Salubri's goals. Éogan hesitated but accepted, undergoing the Embrace and delving into the Via Consuasor.

The destruction of the Salubri in 1113, including Mairead, fueled Éogan's fury towards the Tremere usurpers and clans that abandoned the Salubri. He covertly disrupts rival vampires' schemes while supporting the kingdom's stability, walking a fine line between vengeance and duty.

## History

### Mortal Life

Éogan MacEibhir was born in the lush greenery of County Meath, Ireland, in the year 1007. Raised in a tight-knit family of farmers, his childhood was imbued with the wisdom of the land and the close bonds of familial ties. His penchant for learning and his gentle, caring nature were evident even from a young age.

When Éogan was 13, a shadow fell upon his family's homestead in County Meath. His mother, Brigid, fell gravely ill with a mysterious ailment that baffled the local healers. Despite their best efforts, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Éogan, torn apart by helplessness, watched his mother's vitality wane until her eventual passing. It was a harrowing experience that left an indelible mark on him.

Desperate to understand and alleviate the suffering he witnessed, Éogan delved into herbal remedies, seeking solace in the healing arts. He spent countless days poring over scrolls and seeking counsel from wandering healers who passed through their village. His pursuit of knowledge was driven by a fervent desire to prevent others from enduring the same agony his mother had faced.

Years passed, and Éogan's reputation as an aspiring healer began to spread beyond the confines of his village. Around the age of 25, he encountered a local lord, Sir Aedan, who had fallen into disfavor at the royal court due to political maneuvering by his rivals. Aware of Éogan's burgeoning reputation, Sir Aedan sought discreet aid from the young healer.

Éogan's clandestine assistance to Sir Aedan was multi-layered. He employed his healing expertise to tend to the lord's ailments, but beyond that, he subtly maneuvered behind the scenes. Through carefully chosen words and discreet alliances, he influenced key individuals in Sir Aedan's favor, strategically shifting loyalties within the lord's retinue. His efforts led to a subtle but impactful change in the lord's standing, earning him the gratitude of Sir Aedan and demonstrating Éogan's adeptness in navigating power dynamics.

This experience further fueled Éogan's fascination with the intricacies of influence and manipulation, realizing the power of words and actions beyond the realms of traditional healing. It became a pivotal moment where he recognized the overlap between his healing craft and the delicate threads of power that governed the mortal world. This event marked the beginning of Éogan's understanding that healing wasn't just about mending wounds but also about subtly manipulating the course of events to bring about desired outcomes.

### Embrace

In the twilight of an autumn evening in 1042 CE, Éogan's abilities drew the attention of Mairead, a revered Salubri elder, during one of her covert visits to the mortal realm. Her initial interest in Éogan was sparked by rumors of a healer whose uncanny wisdom and gentle influence extended far beyond the confines of his infirmary. Mairead, a master practitioner of the Via Consuasor, had long sought someone with the potential to master the delicate art of manipulation and healing, seamlessly entwined.

Observing Éogan discreetly for months, Mairead witnessed his subtle yet profound impact on the local dynamics. His knack for healing went beyond mere physical remedies; it resonated with the underlying currents of power within the mortal world. Sensing a unique potential in him, she orchestrated a meeting, subtly revealing her true nature and the existence of vampiric society.

Éogan's reaction was a tumultuous mix of disbelief, fear, and a strange sense of revelation. The realization that his subtle influence and healing abilities were recognized and valued on a level beyond mortal comprehension was both overwhelming and intriguing. Mairead delicately explained the Salubri's existence, offering Éogan a path that transcended mortality and promised to hone his talents to new heights.

Initially hesitant and grappling with the enormity of this revelation, Éogan harbored reservations about abandoning his mortal life. However, as he comprehended the vast potential that lay before him and the chance to continue his pursuit of influencing power structures, he eventually accepted Mairead's offer. His Embrace wasn't just an induction into vampiric society; it was a calculated decision borne from his unique abilities and the promise of guidance from Mairead.

Under Mairead's tutelage, Éogan gradually acclimated to his vampiric condition. He embraced the teachings of the Via Consuasor, delving into the intricate dance of manipulation, subtle control, and healing that the Salubri prized. The transition from mortal healer to a wielder of both physical and metaphysical influence was a journey fraught with introspection and adaptation. Yet, Éogan found solace in Mairead's guidance, navigating the complexities of his new existence with a fervor tempered by the memory of his mortal aspirations.

### Recent History as a Vampire

Éogan's seamless transition into the vampiric world didn't come without its trials. The destruction of his clan in 1113 cast a haunting shadow upon him. Witnessing the annihilation of the Salubri, including those he cherished and respected, was a harrowing experience that left him reeling in grief and rage. Among the fallen was Mairead, his revered mentor and guide into the realms of vampirism. Her fate weighed heavily upon Éogan's heart, leaving an indelible mark of sorrow and a thirst for retribution against those responsible for their demise.

The emergence of the Tremere usurpers, their diablerie of Saulot, and subsequent slander campaign against the Salubri fueled Éogan's resentment and righteous fury. To him, the Tremere were not only dangerous usurpers but also desecrators of ancient lineage. The betrayal by other clans, who turned their backs on the Salubri, further stoked his sense of injustice and abandonment. Their willingness to sacrifice principle for immediate gains left a bitter taste in Éogan's mouth.

Driven by a potent mix of vengeance and a desire to protect what remained of the Salubri legacy, Éogan channeled his grief into action. His infirmary became not just a center for physical healing but also a bastion of strategic influence. He dedicated himself to unraveling plots by rival vampires, particularly the schemes of the Ventrue seeking to disrupt the kingdom's balance in favor of Norman invaders. His astute maneuvering and clandestine knowledge became shields protecting the delicate fabric of the kingdom from potential threats.

Within Salubri circles, Éogan's actions garnered respect and admiration. He became a figure of influence, using his skills to shield what remained of his clan's ideals and legacy, standing as a testament to their prowess and the tragedy of their downfall. His loyalty to the memory of his fallen kin and his tireless efforts to thwart those who sought to extinguish their heritage became the cornerstone of his existence as a vampire.

### Current Situation

Éogan's residence within the halls of Castle Ennis served as more than a mere haven; it became a strategic nexus in his intricate web of plans. His infirmary, cloaked in the guise of a healer's sanctuary, concealed his true identity while affording him unparalleled access to those entangled in the kingdom's political tapestry.

His goals, veiled behind a serene countenance, pulsed with determination and subtle vengeance. With meticulous precision, Éogan orchestrated disruptions within the Ventrue Norman ranks, threading non-violent but impactful obstacles into their schemes. By subtly steering alliances and whispering veiled warnings, he sowed discord among the Norman invaders, frustrating their machinations without raising suspicion.

The betrayal by other clans lingered as an ever-present ache within Éogan's immortal heart. To those who had abandoned the Salubri in their hour of need, he weaved a complex tapestry of subtle repercussions. Through carefully planted whispers and skillfully crafted misdirection, he subtly undermined the interests of those who had forsaken his kin. His maneuvers aimed not at destruction but at unraveling their plans and tarnishing their reputations, using the intricacies of courtly politics to erode their influence without shedding a drop of blood.

Amidst these clandestine vendettas, Éogan stood as a silent but steadfast pillar beside the kingdom's ruler. His allegiance wasn't solely born from duty but also from a deep-seated desire to safeguard his homeland. Through discreet counsel and artful manipulation, he supported the King, ensuring that the realm remained shielded from both overt and covert threats. His actions were a delicate dance on the edge of loyalty, balancing the interests of the Salubri with the stability of the kingdom.

## Appearance

In his mid-30s, Éogan possesses an uncanny knack for becoming one with his environment. His shoulder-length sandy blond hair, a soft frame around his features, retains a hint of youthful roundness, lending an air of innocent charm to his face.

Clad in unassuming robes that whisper as he moves, Éogan's attire mirrors the hues of Gaelic landscapes. The fabric, woven from local materials, drapes over him with an understated elegance, its earthy tones seamlessly merging with the natural surroundings. Delicate embroidery traces intricate patterns, echoing the whispers of the land in every stitch.

The headband he adorns, discreetly concealing his Third Eye, complements his attire without disrupting his seamless integration into any scene. Its subtle design, bearing the ancient symbols of his lineage, harmonizes effortlessly with his ensemble, adding to his ability to dissolve into the backdrop.

Éogan’s countenance, with serene eyes emanating understanding, reflects a thoughtful demeanor. His voice, a melodic timbre laced with a gentle Gaelic lilt, carries a calm assurance. His movements are unhurried and deliberate, each step a graceful glide that betrays a quiet confidence. Subtle physical tics—a faint tapping of fingers or a barely noticeable tilt of the head—reveal his observant nature, though these nuances fade seamlessly into the background noise of any setting. In gatherings or amidst landscapes, Éogan is an unassuming observer, his presence blending effortlessly into the tapestry of the scene, leaving an indelible yet discreet mark.

## Relationships

### Éogan and Sorcha

At a glance, Sorcha and I rarely interact in the outside world. But beneath this façade lies an intricate dance of rivalry. Sorcha's origins with the Setites draw her towards chaos and the veiled desires of individuals, a stark contrast to my calculated approach to stability. I strategically align myself with Sorcha, recognizing the potential for upheaval she holds and using it to my advantage. Our relationship is a nuanced blend of collaboration and manipulation, leaving us both constantly deciphering the other's true motives in this intricate game we play.

### Éogan and Aoife

Aoife and I share a relationship built on a foundation of mutual respect and caution. She acknowledges my skill, appreciating the strategic insights I offer. However, beneath her respect lies a keen awareness of the manipulations in my actions. From my perspective, Aoife represents a stabilizing force, a link to the traditions that I align myself with. Yet, I am wary of her influence and the potential threat she poses to the intricate plans I've laid out. Our interactions are a delicate dance of cooperation and covert plotting, each of us endeavoring to maintain our influence without falling victim to the other's intricate schemes.