Tiarnan

Description

Tiarnan has a slight build and fine, almost elfin features. He has a calm, friendly manner, which makes him pleasant company, and he smiles warmly, seemingly finding secret amusment in even the most mundane of circumstances. Though he seldom gets agitated or raises his voice, he is able to state his case with quiet authority when matters become serious. He dresses in rich fabrics dyed in bright blues and greens, some of which are decorated with designs of celtic origin. Though it is clear that he is not strong or hardy, he moves with swiftness and grace. Tiarnan has a river otter named Kai as his familiar.

Personality

Tiarnan's personality evokes the feeling of a cool, bubbling stream on a summer's day. Calm and friendly, he also has a playful, almost mischievous streak, though he rarely means serious harm to anyone. Crafty and pragmatic rather than idealistic, he adapts his view as issues develop, and he is willing to compromise to achieve his aims. Like all those touched by the fae, he has a fondness for bargains, and he sees no reason not to negotiate according to the strength of his position.

Magic

Tiarnan specialises in creating and manipulating images, which allows him to manipulate the unwary. He has some faculty with the Art of Imagonem, but also some knowledge of faerie glamour, which allows him to exceed the boundaries of Hermetic magic on occasion. Aside from Imagonem, Tiarnan favours the Techniques of Muto and the Forms of Animal and Aquam. His Gift manifests through a thin sheen of water that coats his skin as he summons the energies required to cast magic.

Tiarnan's Views on the Magi at 1173 AD

Aelfwin

Aelfwin is an even-handed and fair Pontifex whose friendly, low-key manner belies his insight and strong beliefs. Though I suspect that he does not entirely trust or like me, I can find few faults with the way he has administered the covenant since he took over from Dialectica. He is usually the first to volunteer his time when anything needs doing and, perhaps Theo aside, none of us can claim to have put so much effort into helping the covenant prosper. Despite this, he does not draw attention to his achievements or chide others for not following his example. Given the fractious state of the Council, Aelfwin must continue to steer a careful course, but he is perhaps the only person here who could unite the various factions behind him.

Astrius

Astrius should be deeply embarrassed by the fact that, having spent so long here at Severn Temple, he knows so little about what is going on. He seems to have no interest in, or knowledge of, the various magical and faerie powers that inhabit these lands; indeed, it is almost as though the wider mysteries of the world are irrelevant, save when they pose a direct threat to him or his beloved Order. If he was slightly more self-aware, he might come to realise that his narrow mindedness explains why he is often the last to learn of any matter, but he would rather attribute it to treachery on the part of others. He has yet to grasp the non-too-subtle fact that people often have more than one set of priorities and loyalties, which, at his age, is frankly ridiculous. I shall not forget him quivering in a purple-faced rage as he denounced Theo, not realising that it was his own blinkered views and unwillingness to trust others that meant that Theo felt unable to confide in him. Fie on him, a fine friend indeed!

Cormoran

An appalling man, Cormoran exemplifies the notion of power without reason. Murderous and duplicitous, he cares nothing for others, exudes naked greed and represents a grave threat to any who cross him. Despite only recently finishing seven years of punishment for his misdeeds, he already demands the use of the covenant's resources in an aggressive manner, rather than making requests in the ways others do. His stories about finding magical fish in the Severn are laughable; it is clear that he has been finding food elsewhere, whether in the form of magical animals from another source or something darker. Having already slaughtered members of his own family, there must be few moral ties to hold him back, and I believe him capable of great malice.

Medius

Despite the great changes in his personal life, Medius appears to me to be little different than he was a decade ago. Our Quaesitor was always something of an anodyne man, more interested in procedure and precedent than anything that really matters, and his experiments with the faith of his bloodline does not seem to have altered this. That said, I cannot say he is anything but fair, and he sticks to his moral line despite what surely must be temptations to take an easier path on occasion. His recent attempts to press charges against Theo do not stand well with me, but for now I believe that they are sincerely motivated, rather than prompted by more deeply held prejudices. Despite his faults, Medius is one of the members of the Council most worth listening to, for his insights often illuminate problems and suggest possible solutions, and for that he has my respect.

Theo

The burdens of his position have taken their toll on Theo. He is now far more of a leader than he was once, and he is becoming used to wielding his power and using his influence to direct events. I know that he struggles with the great challenges that face him, and I am resolved to assist him wherever I can. I suspect that many of his court favour Aedan over him, but I will do my best to ensure that he is not simply discarded when his son comes of age. Theo has become more grim and determined due to his many cares, which is a shame, as he used to be fine company. I also believe that this has rubbed off on me - Kai and Kieren have both remarked that I appear more subdued and worried given the difficult road ahead. If I cannot influence future events to a great degree, I shall at least try to help Theo recover something of his old self, as the land needs a bright-hearted King, not a dour leader.

Tiarnan's previous views can be found here.