Thelephora

Thelephora D’Arceneaux, an apprentice of the Order of High Magics, can often be found in the dark corners of the libraries of the Bronze Abbey, on the misty Island of Caligo, off of the southern shores of Erichi. Deep within these high stacks, Thelephora pores over unwieldy tomes, scouring them for magical knowledge whenever she is not tasked with a mission or busy leading or attending classes.

Drawing near, one might hear her muttering formulaically over the worn volumes, unaffected by the dim candlelight, endlessly brushing lengthy, pale-lavender curls out of her eyes. Her eyes, more intensely lavender, are kind, discerning and thoughtful, and a slightly down-turned mouth seems to mark a steady, casual disapproval until it is quickly replaced by a genialbut sometimes mocking smile.

Having gained success in the Order through her magical talent, Thelephora takes great pride in her magical skill. Living in Erichi and studying under Wizards for much of her life, she tries to always hold herself with a semi-imperious self-regard. Though fitting for a member of the Order of High Magics, this self-regard often grates on others, and she sometimes has difficulty working with others. Standing at at 5’8”, her movement possesses some of the grace of a dancer, as she has been trained to never allow herself to be defenseless without her magic. Thelephora well see her as curious, bright, and amiable, but also stubborn, proud, and pragmatic. Thelephora would prefer if her Aasimar nature were more subtle, as her vibrant eyes and glossy, extensive curls betray her celestial nature. She is often apart from other novices and apprentices, as her reputation as Basila Melladis’s favored pupil precedes her.

Thelephora was born at sea on her mother’s merchant ship, Silver Wind, as it sailed up the Strait of Umnenor toward the port city of the same name that was her home. Though her mother, Aludra, was often at sea, managing her family’s small fleet of merchant vessels, her father, Castor, remained on shore as Umnenor’s harbormaster. Thelephora’s early years were spent on the decks of tightly-run ships and in many different energetic harbors, though the richly cosmopolitan port of Umenor was always a welcome sight. The sounds of seabirds, Fishing, playing with local children, and teasing tiger fish with the scraps from fisherman’s catches filled her days.

When she was 10, after battling a fierce storm, pirates set upon Silver Wind off of the Erichi coast. Luckily, Thelephora’s mother was giving passage to an Order Wizard, Basila Melladis, who easily frightened off the marauder ship. This was Thelephora’s first exposure to so much magic, and it resonated within her. That night, Thelephora had her first vision in a dream. A dire warning. She woke, and was compelled to speak of it to Basila.

Sensing the significant newly awakened power within Thelephora, Basila believed her. On Silver Wind’s arrival in Umenor the next day, Basila requested The D’Arceneaux’s permission to train their daughter at the nearest Abbey of the Order, the Bronze Abbey. The day after, Thelephora was on a ship to Caligo.

Thelephora fell in love with Magic at the Abbey. Training under Basila was always harsh but rewarding, and she spent the past nine years being educated in the ways of Wizardry to great success. Now 20, she has become an apprentice in full to Basila, a prestigious position normally held by apprentices at least 5 years older than her, as Basila has gained the high rank of Sitter for her Order, the Order of White. Thelephora is devoting herself entirely to her studies and to the undertaking of important tasks issued by her superiors so she can prove herself to be a valuable asset to the Order. Her dire visions never ceased, and have insisted that she rise in rank within the Order, so she may hold the influence needed to prepare for what may come. If she succeeds in impressing enough full Servants of the Guild with her dedication, she will earn her own her title as a Wizard of the Order of White, should they choose to accept her, as well as the respect and freedom that comes with the rank of being officially raised.

Thelephora is now embarked on a mission provided to her by Basila, accompanied by her celestial barn owl familiar, Euphie, and her white Friesian mare, Aldieb, who was a present from Basila, along with the staff she uses as her arcane focus.

Connections:

Thelephora remains in contact with her two elder siblings, Caelia and Kenshin. Caelia has taken over command of Silver Spray, and Kenshin serves as first mate on their mother’s new ship. The D’Arceneaux trading company has remained consistently successful through the years.

Basila Melladis, a human Wizard and Sitter for the Order of White, has been Thelephora’s tutor, mentor, and Order superior since she was eleven years old. In private, she can be quite warm with Thelephora, and in turn, Thelephora sees Basila as a maternal figure. In public however, Basila can afford no accusations of favoritism. Quick-witted, stern, blunt, and intelligent, she cannot abide lying, bad manners, fools, and being delicate rather than pragmatic. Immediately recognizing Thelephora’s magical talent as a child, Basila made plain to both Thelephora and her parents that she means to hone Thelephora into one of the finest magic users the Order has ever seen, and holds her to standards far above other prospective Servants of the Order.