Devon

Devon (aka Sage Daev'hanen of house R'laðana, Arcanus Doctorate) is a well-respected Elven wizard. He has both studied and taught at universities in Alfheim and Glantri. He has also studied in Ylaraum and the Sjoderfjord Jarldoms, and keeps up correspondence with various Gnomish academics in and near Rockhome. Unfortunately, racial politics keep open study with the dwarves of Rockhome a virtual impossibility, for all that Devon has made overtures promising to be as minimally invasive as possible.

In his past, Devon was an eager student, more than willing to put in as much field work as it took to gain as much knowledge as possible. Eschewing schools of study that focused on one school of magic or another, Devon applied himself to understanding the fundamental theory of magic. It was his treatise "Adaptations of Evocative Force" that secured for him an invitation to speak at the university in Glantri, but this work was the product of centuries of research, fieldwork, and experimentation.

It was during the course of his field work that Devon would meet the love of his life, an elf maiden named Brialatha (Bree.) Bree was a lover of the great outdoors and all things natural. Devon first encountered her while tracking down a chimera. Since Bree was also tracking the beast, they formed an ad hoc alliance and hunting party to bring the beast down. Her bow and his spellfire made an effective combination and so, they found, did they.

Together with a few friends, Devon and Bree founded a monster-hunting collective. Devon, as always, was in it for the research. The components harvested from the slain creatures, and his notes regarding the efficacy of certain magics, were more than sufficient to hold his interest. Bree, in addition to serving as scout and archer, handled the business end of things, keeping the company in coin and provisions. Life went on apace, and all was well.

Long association found friendship turning to love, as long nights by campfire are wont to do. Bree and Devon fell in love, and in time were wed. Devon's research in the field had yielded him sufficient data to write his treatise, which was well accepted in magical circles. The life of monster hunting in the country became one of academic research and teaching. With their saved money from monster hunting and Devon's earnings, they were able to build a modest tower in Alfheim and raise a family.

In time, Devon became an old and respected wizard, specializing in applied magical theory. Many apprentices made their way to journeyman and, eventually, became full magicians under his tutelage. Bree did likewise, training the next generation of hunters and huntresses to stalk the forests and maintain the safety of Alfheim. Through it all, Devon and Bree watched their sons and daughters grew up fine and strong, and all their days were golden.

But children, even Elven children, eventually grow and depart, and so it was for Devon and Bree. Bree shook the dust from her bow, while Devon rededicated himself to his research. With his apprentices and journeymen, he delved ever deeper into the fundamental workings of magic, the art and the science of it. Though their paths were parted, husband and wife remained dedicated to each other, and their bonds of love and matrimony held true. Their common home they bequeathed to their eldest daughter, who with a family of her own resides there still.

So it came to pass that Devon renewed his correspondence with the great Gnomish scientist, Igglebitz. Devon invited Igglebitz to his tower, and on later occasions Igglebitz reciprocated by inviting Devon to his laboratory in Highforge.

Together they proceeded to work wonders. In the name of pure research they created artifacts that were mighty, yet of dubious purpose. The effect of any item was of secondary importance; foremost these items were meant to test theories as to how magic worked and what would happen... if. Always if. What would happen -if-?

At times the results were disastrous, at times wondrous, more often both. Both men grew powerful in their arts, Igglebitz creating mechanical wonders, Devon warping existing spells and crafting new ones based on the principle of interchangeable energies. Several experiments ended in disaster, as any true scientist would predict. Both Devon and Igglebitz were disappointed to learn that "Smell" was not a discernable magical energy. (Devon still has ambitions in this regard.)

The inhabitants of Highforge were disappointed to have to evacuate their town for several days while the stench cleared. Devon and Igglebitz were well-advised to relocate their experimentation to the tower for a good while thereafter.

Devon has continued to publish his research in prestigious journals of arcane science, and is a respected figure in those circles. Even in the field, he wears academic robes featuring beautifully embroidered stoles that declare his honors to the world.  He has mainly studied, taught, and researched at Alfheim’s magical university, but has also attended and sometimes lectured at Glantri.