Bananark Valo

Do not ask 'Will training my fists make me a better spellcaster?' and instead ask 'Am I at the point where training my fists will make me a better spellcaster?' - Master Crail

## History

Bananark was born and raised in Argov, a small wooded settlement in Serira, to his parents Ubhalark Valo (father) and Craoban Valo (mother). He was their first and only child. In his youth, his father and mother tilled fields for them and their neighbors and operated a small lumber mill. He would assist with necessary handicrafts at the age of 4, learning to make baskets, how to sew, and carve dinnerware from wood. The life in Argov was simple, but isolated, so it was important to learn how to make everything from scratch, but as a result Bananark found a love for working with cloth. By the age of 7, he had made clothing for everyone in his family and a large part of his neighborhood.

When he was 10, he and his father made a trip out to Freinalb to deliver a shipment of lumber. There was a large project in the works at the time that called for so much lumber they even looked to Argov for supply, it may have been the construction of a new fleet, but Bananark never learned one way or the other. There, Bananark was exposed to the marvels of trade, seeing his first gold coin ever change hands. He witnessed a boy his age handing a gold coin to a market vendor in exchange for a chicken skewer. When Bananark asked his father, he learned that a gold coin was the worth of about 5 days of labor in Argov. The idea that a child could be so wealthy to spend gold so frivolously intrigued him to no end, and would stick with him for the rest of his days. The following year, he would apprentice with a clothier in Freinalb to learn the clothing trade.

After a year of apprenticing as a clothier, Bananark had graduated to journeyman, much younger than most would expect. He was a fast learner having already sewn clothes at home in his childhood. He became a close partner to Welgman Franks, his Master Clothier and a shrewd businessman. Welgman recognized his talents but knew he could not work alone at such a young age. Bananark continued to work with Welgman until the age of 15 when he would at least be taken more seriously within the industry.

When he was 12, his shop had been commissioned by the Church of Abadar to provide bandage cloth after a shortage following a failed expedition. Numerous soldiers and mercenaries returned bleeding and maimed. Bananark witnessed first-hand the skills of an accomplished surgeon as his sewed wounds shut with ease. He had never seen so many injured and never so grievously, but the sense of comfort the doctors and healers left each patient in despite their circumstances resonated with him. Welgman had offered the cloth free of charge, as a donation to Abadar. For the first time, Bananark saw him putting profit second. The moment was immediately ruined, "For our generosity now, we'll be looked favorably upon when they contract us for new physician's clothes and holy garbs next month." From then on, Bananark would save up for textbooks and study medicine in his spare time.

When he turned 13, Welgman had called Bananark back from a return visit to his family. There was apparently a very valuable contract that Welgman needed assistance with. A very wealthy client had commissioned a commemorative tapestry for an apprentice of theirs. The client went by Master Crail in the community and was fairly well known around Freinalb. Bananark was tasked with directly consulting with Master Crail over the finer details of the design, ensuring that the depiction of his apprentice was faithful. As such, Master Crail spent a lot of time in the shop, watching Bananark and Welgman work. Bananark would make minor additions to the tapestry and split off to finish smaller orders. Something about the needle work he was doing drew Master Crail's attention. As the project went on, Bananark and Crail spent more time chatting, casual pleasantries and other small-talk. But at some point, the topic was breached "Would you like to learn magic?"

At the end of the season, the grand tapestry was finished. It was 10 feet in length, 3 feet in width. When Bananark and Welgman delivered it, it was stood along-side three others in Crail Manor. The first depicted a bald Oread man wielding a staff above his head and smiling valiantly, wearing only a pair of purple pants and shoes. The second depicted a lanky Tengu woman wielding a wand in each hand and crackling lightning from their tips. Her feathers were a deep black and she wore a flowing silken dress with a cloud pattern. On the third, the tapestry they'd just completed, was a young Human boy, wielding lightning in his hands. He wore a martial artist's gi and had a number of crystals floating about him, each depicting a different element. Above his head, there was a halo that was added partway through the craft. When asked, Master Crail mentioned that his most recent apprentice been killed shortly after his graduation, during the months of our contract.

In the years to follow, Bananark and Welgman regularly worked with Master Crail on supplying him with base clothing for his enchanting work. More and more, Bananark was exposed to the world of magic through Master Crail. Eventually, on his 15th birthday, Bananark reached out to Master Crail and requested an apprenticeship.

Bananark's journey through magic was a long one. From his humble beginnings, he lacked a deep connection with a source. Master Crail saw potential in him, but it was locked behind an unfit vessel. He could accumulate only enough magic each day to cast simple tricks and minor marvels, but nothing more. Additionally, though he was born of hardy parents, Bananark was weak and frail. The first six years of his training prepared his body. Lessons included activities such as track running behind the estate, planking for hours, and laying on rocks at very uncomfortable angles. There wasn't anything magic related in his regiment throughout this time. Each time a new exercise was added to his regiment, Bananark would ask "Will doing this make me a better spellcaster?" and Master Crail would answer with a question "Are you at the point where doing this will make you a better spellcaster?" Trusting in Master Crail's judgement, he bore with the training, but his answers were never satisfying.

Then one day, it came to a head. Master Crail cleared a room and laid out mats for a point-spar. Bananark was to fight Master Crail in hand-to-hand combat. The rules were simple: Bananark need only land a punch on Master Crail to score, while Master Crail would only score if Bananark was knocked prone. Bananark started with wild punches, then grew hesitant as Master Crail scored point after point. Nearly every inch of his body had become intimately familiar with the floor, he had fallen so many times. When the 50th point was scored, Bananark was fuming. "Tell me, Master, honestly. Will training my fists make me a better spellcaster?" Master Crail pondered cautiously:

"When I say 'Are you at the point where doing this will make you a better spellcaster?', what do you think I mean by this? Do you think I mean to dismiss your question and leave you confused? No. I truly want you to ponder this. What good is teaching the weaving of spells to one with the hands of a weaver? To one whose mind can already envision grand tapestries made of simple thread? You already have many things that make a great spellcaster, so giving you those things now will not lead you to progress. You are missing something far simpler, a core principle most have found before the beginning of their journey. When you punch, you seek to effect a change in the one you strike. It is not unlike a spell in that regard and it shares that same core principle. Unlike a blow dealt by a weapon, a punch's strength comes entirely from within you. Magic is equally personal and you must find its source in the only place it can be. This is why we are training your fists. Do not ask 'Will training my fists make me a better spellcaster?' and instead ask 'Am I at the point where training my fists will make me a better spellcaster?'"

Bananark taken aback by the lecture looked to his hands, bruised and callused. He looked about the room as he took it in, deep in thought. Then he noticed, that this was the memorial room for Master Crail's apprentices. The tapestries hung on the wall, behind him on his way in. With all the furniture pushed aside, he hadn't noticed it at first. Closest to him was the tapestry of the haloed boy, with lightning in his hands. Bananark looked to his hands again and back to Master Crail. "Master, allow me one point if I can at least touch you with my bare palm." Master Crail took up a guarded stand to reciprocate the new challenge and for the first time, Bananark saw him smile.

Bananark had passed the point at which training his fists would make him a better spellcaster.

Six years later, Master Crail was finally satisfied with Bananark's progress. He was able to cast spells of the first level proficiently and reliably, and he had learned a number of skills that would help him travel the world safely. Trained in a number of combat magics with the principles to develop new spells as he gained experience. Welgman had already been working on a commemorative tapestry with Master Crail in secret for the occasion. Bananark had graduated from his apprenticeship. When they mounted the tapestry, it depicted Bananark standing on-guard with a spiked metal gauntlet. Bananark unsure what it meant asked, and Master Crail produced a small box from behind his back. "To protect your hand." In the box was the same spiked gauntlet from the picture. "The way you cast your spells seems so reckless, while I trust in your skills, I trust in this gauntlet's make more than your knuckles'." Master Crail and Welgman let out a loud chuckle together. Afterwards, they went out for a round of drinks.

That night, Bananark was attacked on his way back to the inn he was staying at. A caped assailant slashed at his face with a dagger. Bananark was still a little tipsy from drinks, but he was just cognizant enough to dodge when he saw the blade's sheen. The blade still reached him, cutting a long gash across his face from cheek-to-cheek, through his nose. It burned unimaginably, more than a cut that deep would. In that moment, he caught a glimpse of the assailants face, but he ran off since a guard patrol had rounded the corner. Bananark tore a strip from his shirt and bandaged his face while he called out to the guards.

It was later confirmed from the description Bananark gave that the assailant was Gawain Enchiron, an ex-apprentice of Master Crail. Harboring bitter resentment for Master Crail, Gawain sought to maim Bananark as revenge for his expulsion. The blade he used was cursed and while it was difficult to lift the curse-wound, it was lifted. However, despite all attempts to treat it, the scar remained. Gawain is still at-large to this day, and he may not be alone in his revenge efforts. Master Crail has made a number of enemies, and being his student had made Bananark a target.

Now, Bananark explores the world as an adventurer. He has made his way to the Kingdom of Inverden and seeks to make a name for himself in this distant land.

## Appearance

Bananark most striking features are his deep red side-swept fringe hair, thick dragon-like eyebrows, and wild horseshoe mustache. Once he catches your attention, the next thing that meets your eyes is his pensive hazel eyes. Across his face is a wide horizontal scar from a deep gash that cheek-to-cheek across the ridge of his nose. He stands fit and with toned muscles at 5'11", but upon closer inspection he seems quite frail. Often sports a white tank-top and deep blue vest when out and about, adding to it a tan hooded cloak and backpack when traveling. When adventuring, he sports a spiked gauntlet which he wears at all times, a crossbow that he hangs off of his backpack when not in use, and a chainmail belly-sash with an armored kilt.

## Personality

Bananark is a clumsy blend of stoic and easily excited. He keeps a calm head in dangerous situations and gets to work immediately on finding solutions. The scar across his face itches when he lies and he scrunches his face, making it difficult to deceive those who know him. He makes it a point to be honest as a result, simply since he knows he has trouble getting away with it. However, this hasn't stopped him from cleaning house at the gambling parlor back home.

Bananark finds friendship to be a core human need, but doesn't let too many people get close. He keeps many secrets not for lack of trust, but because "it simply isn't their business". That's not to say he doesn't have close confidants, but he's very picky about who he lets in.

Due to his vast encyclopedic knowledge, he often tries to leverage what he knows in every situation. This doesn't necessarily mesh well with companions who prefer the action-first approach so he makes an effort to temper himself.

He has little patience for Zen platitudes as they were numerous through his training with Master Crail.

## Loves

Bananark loves good food, preferably chicken and beef dishes. His favorite chicken dish is a chicken sandwich in a long roll with a butter and chili sauce. His favorite beef dish is ground beef, cheese, and noodles blended together in a casserole.

He has a deep appreciation for quality goods due to his history in the textile trade and will stop at nothing to get high quality bolts of fabric for his own work. He loves the feel of high thread count cotton on his skin.

Bananark doesn't have a romantic interest and hasn't been pursuing one.

## Fears

Bananark is afraid of the deep ocean and moderate heights, as isn't all that uncommon. However, he is extremely afraid of bears. His most recent encounter with a bear instilled this fear in him as he saw it crush the trunk of a tree as it approached. The bear didn't ending up attacking him, but it left Bananark truly humbled by its strength.

## Hobbies

Bananark is fairly proficient with tailoring. Before undergoing the tutelage of Master Crail, he sought to make a living as a clothier. As such, he's mastered the arts of knitting, crocheting, quilting, and embroidery. This hobby is actually what led him meeting his magic instructor. Master Crail was seeking a tapestry to honor his previous pupil and Bananark was lucky enough to work on it. To this day, he still makes time to practice the craft while he makes a better living adventuring.

Bananark also spends much of his time studying medicine. He at one point considered training to become a surgeon due to his deft skills with a needle, hoping that he could leverage his talents for a greater purpose. He still nurtures his medical skills as they've been quite helpful in his travels. Along side the knowledge he has unlocked as a spellcaster, he has managed to do well in providing care to companions throughout his journey. From time to time, he will visit local churches and clinics to help treat the sick and wounded so that he can further expose himself to the pressing needs of the field.

Bananark, less notably, is proficient in various card games and table games.

## Family

Bananark is an only child, succeeding his father Ubhalark Valo and his mother Craoban Valo. Ubhalark is bald but sports a magnificent mountain beard, with a body made for logging. Craoban has lush green hair, a mean face, and strong frame to match her husband.

They are currently retired to Argov, where they live out a humble living. Bananark left at a young age but made annual visits home until the age of 25. Last he knows, they've been doing well.

## Friends

Master Crail, his magic instructor. Master Crail has dark blue eyes which is one of the only features that can easily be gleamed from his attire, a thick blue robe that masks his form and a wide-brimmed hat that shades him all-around. No one has seen much of his face, but he is quite difficult to mistake. Master Crail is a Human Mystic Theurgy with Ninja training. He specializes in elemental magic, however he is rumored to be a master of magic assassination techniques. Unfounded, supposedly. He is directly affiliated with the church of Abadar as a devout follower, so he would never commit such a violent crime, unless sanctioned by a higher authority. He lives in a manor out in the north-end of Freinalb.

Welgman Franks, his textiles master from when he worked in Freinalb. He was a lanky human short-brown hair and wore suspenders even when he slept. He owns a textiles business out in Freinalb called "The Ties that Bind", at which Bananark was an assistant until the age of 15. Welgman considered himself a "prophet of profit" and truly personified trade itself. Every thing he did was in some way motivated by profit, though he worked so closely with the Church of Abadar that they tempered his morals. Even so, Welgman saw more profit in acts of good than evil; he called it a 'network effect'. "When everyone suffers, it makes everyone's suffering that much worse. Suffering becomes contagious and cripples any chance at solid coin. When everyone flourishes, it makes everyone's flourishing that much better. Flourishing becomes contagious and makes profit unavoidable."

## Enemies

Bananark has made few enemies of his own, but his affiliation with Master Crail has drawn some dangerous attention. Many of Master Crail's ex-apprentices were vile and bitter people, qualities that drove him to expel them in the first place, and their resentment towards him is projected onto Bananark. Bananark is Crail's weak spot and being the weaker mage, Bananark is the easier target.

One such apprentice, Gawain Enchiron, is responsible for the scar across Bananark's face. In public, Gawain attacked Bananark while he was returning to the inn he was staying at in Freinalb. Gawain intended to take Bananark's eyes with a hidden cursed blade to permanently blind him, but the strike was evaded at the last moment. A guard patrol rounded the corner, forcing Gawain to flee, but not before Bananark caught a glimpse of his face. The cursed scar still marks his face to this day.

## Aspirations

Bananark wants to make a name for himself, one way or another. He hopes to rise up to the level of Master Crail, but he worries his journey may lead him elsewhere, or nowhere at all. Fame, power, and legend, he seeks them all to an extent, but he will be fine with leaving any real legacy behind.

Forgoing leaving a legacy, he at least wants to die rich and luxuriously comfortable.