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Artis is a figure of immense power and determination, his prowess in combat and mastery over the arcane arts making him a force to be reckoned with. From a young age, his innate connection to the dark arts of Necromancy set him on a path of distinction, but also of isolation. This sense of being different, combined with the challenges he faced, has forged a personality that is both strong-willed and stubborn. While his abilities are undeniable, they come with a tinge of arrogance. He trusts his own judgment, often to a fault, and is wary of placing his trust in others, making him somewhat resistant toward allying with others. This self-reliance, though a strength in many situations, also hints at a deeper sense of loneliness.
In his interactions with others, Artis maintains a professional demeanor, prioritizing his objectives and duties over personal connections. His experiences have made him wary of groups, often preferring to work alone or with a select few whom he deems trustworthy. On a personal level, he struggles with forming deep connections, his past filled with feelings of not truly belonging anywhere. This has resulted in a certain detachment from others, save for a chosen few who have managed to breach his guarded exterior. Beneath his tough facade lies a heart that yearns for genuine connection and understanding, making his moments of vulnerability all the more poignant.
Appearance
Artis presents an imposing figure, standing tall with an aura of undeniable power. His skin contrasts sharply with his pure white hair, which flows freely, adding an ethereal quality to his appearance. Piercing red eyes gaze intently from beneath furrowed brows, hinting at the depth of knowledge and experience he possesses. Clad in gleaming white armor, the chest piece prominently features a meticulously crafted skull. Draped from his waist is a unique belt adorned with exquisitely painted leather roses on either side, providing not only a touch of elegance but also functional loops to which he can attach various items. Hanging prominently at his hip is a flail, its presence a hints to his readiness for combat and the challenges that lie ahead.
Special Abilities
From an early age, Artis displayed an uncanny ability to bridge the gap between the living and the dead, communicating silently with spirits and gaining insights that few could access. His vision, unhindered by the absence of light, made him adept at navigating the darkest environments. With a keen sense to perceive the vitality, emotions, and moral alignments of those around him, he could anticipate intentions, making him invaluable in both diplomatic and combat situations. His presence exuded a calming aura, often defusing potential conflicts and fostering trust among those he encountered. Additionally, his unique capability to momentarily become intangible allowed him to navigate challenging terrains and evade harm.
- Necromantic Affinity
- Artis possesses a natural connection to the realm of the dead, allowing him to sense the presence of spirits and communicate with them on a basic level.
- Dark Vision
- Born with the ability to see in complete darkness, Artis can navigate even the most light-deprived environments with ease.
- Aura Perception
- Artis can see the auras of living beings, granting him insights into their vitality, emotions, and the alignment of their souls. This ability allows him to gauge their health, sense their intentions and feelings, and determine if they are inherently good, evil, or neutral.
- Aura of Calm
- Artis exudes a calming aura, which can pacify aggressive creatures or individuals in his vicinity, making them less likely to attack or act out.
- Ethereal Shift
- For brief moments, Artis can become intangible, allowing him to pass through solid objects or avoid physical harm.
- Spectral Whisper
- Artis can communicate telepathically with spirits, allowing for silent and discreet conversations with the deceased.
Special Skills
Artis's stature as a revered sorcerer was carved by his mastery over diverse magical arts, from manipulating elemental forces to harnessing the energies of the living and the dead. His willingness to explore unconventional sources of power, combined with his deep understanding of ancient texts, rituals, and arcane symbols, set him apart. His combat prowess with bladed weapons and flails, proficiency in alchemy, and ability to craft protective talismans further solidified his reputation. Whether deciphering ancient runestones, projecting into the astral plane, or unlocking the mysteries of the Horodric Cube, Artis's relentless pursuit of knowledge and expertise made him a legendary figure in both magical and combat realms.
- Anemancy
- Anemancy involves the manipulation and control of the elemental force of air.
- Necromancy
- Necromancy is the magical art of manipulating the dead. While it does deal with the reanimation of corpses, it also deals with the manipulation of energies at death. Death is a powerful thing, and the previously alive can be used as components in casting. This art focuses not only on imposing one's own will onto the previously alive but also on manipulating the release of energies at death.
- Sanguimancy
- Sanguimancy is the magical art of using blood as a basis for drawing, using, or manipulating magical energy. It specifically involves drawing on blood as a source of magical power and using blood in ritual to cast or consecrate the use of powerful spells. It also deals with using blood to draw magic from the life force of another person. Similar to Necromancy but focuses on living beings rather than the dead.
- Coituimancy
- Coituimancy is the magical art of using sex as a basis for drawing, using, or manipulating magical energy. It specifically involves drawing magical energy and using sex as a component in casting magical spells. It usually deals with using sex and orgasm as a sealing trigger to complete magical spells, or pulling energy away from a living being through their orgasm. It also deals with sex and orgasm as a way to manipulate the life force of a living being.
- Ancient Lore Mastery
- Artis has extensively studied ancient texts, giving him a deep understanding of historical events, rituals, and arcane symbols.
- Alchemy Proficiency
- Through rigorous training, Artis has become adept at concocting potions, elixirs, and other alchemical solutions, both for healing and other purposes.
- Ritualistic Chanting
- Artis has learned specific chants and incantations that, when recited, can amplify his spells or invoke specific magical effects.
- Talisman Crafting
- Artis can create protective talismans and amulets, infusing them with magic to ward off evil or bestow benefits upon the wearer.
- Combat Mastery
- Artis is skilled in hand-to-hand combat using bladed weapons of all forms, from daggers to swords, and has mastered the use of flails.
- Herbalism
- Drawing from his upbringing near Mount Arreat, Artis is knowledgeable about local flora and can identify and use various herbs for medicinal and magical purposes.
- Runestone Deciphering
- Artis can read and interpret ancient runestones, unlocking their secrets and utilizing their power.
- Astral Projection
- With focused meditation, Artis has learned to project his consciousness into the astral plane, allowing him to explore and gather information from this ethereal realm.
- Linguistic Expertise
- Artis has studied various languages, both ancient and modern, enabling him to communicate with diverse beings and decipher old manuscripts.
- Horodric Cube Mastery
- Beyond its basic uses, Artis has delved deeper into understanding the Horodric Cube, discovering advanced transmutations and combinations.
Special Spells
In combat, Artis's prowess is unparalleled, drawing upon a vast arsenal of arcane abilities. He strategically summons undead entities, both warriors and those wielding elemental magics, to swarm and confound his adversaries. Enhanced by his deep understanding of their essence, these entities move with heightened agility and potency, often becoming decisive factors in the heat of battle. A protective layer of spiritual energy shields him, absorbing initial blows and ensuring he remains poised even under intense pressure. His adeptness at weakening foes through curses magnifies their vulnerability, making them susceptible to their own aggressive actions. Furthermore, his skill in crafting formidable golems, whether molded from the earth, conjured from blood, or forged from metal, offers him a versatile edge. Each golem, with its unique attributes, seamlessly integrates into his combat strategy, ensuring he remains a dominant force on the battlefield. This intricate blend of summoning, protection, and strategic manipulation has cemented Artis's legacy as a master tactician and combatant.
- Summon Skeleton Warrior
- Allows Artis to create an undead Skeleton Warrior with rudimentary intelligence from the remains of any creature. He can summon up to 5 at once, and they can perform simple tasks without direct control.
- Summon Skeleton Magi
- Enables Artis to create an undead Skeleton that wields magic. These skeletons can swipe at opponents with hands enchanted with poison, fire, lightning, or ice magic, but they are most effective when forming bolts of magic from their hands. Artis can summon up to 4 at once, and they can perform simple tasks without direct control.
- Skeleton Mastery
- Artis' deep understanding of summoning magic allows him to create stronger and faster versions of Skeleton Warriors and Magi.
- Bone Armor
- Artis can summon spiritual energy that provides a protective layer, absorbing a minimal amount of damage before reaching him.
- Amplify Damage
- Artis can curse an enemy, making them receive double damage for a duration of 4-5 seconds.
- Iron Maiden
- Artis can curse an enemy for 16-17 seconds, reflecting the damage they inflict back onto them, multiplied by 2. The damage to the enemy's target remains unaffected.
- Summon Clay Golem
- Artis can form a golem from the ground, which follows simple commands and uses brute force to attack. Only one golem can be active at a time.
- Summon Blood Golem
- Artis can summon a golem made of blood. This golem shares its life force with Artis, healing both when it inflicts damage and sharing damage received with Artis.
- Summon Iron Golem
- Artis can create a golem from an existing iron or steel object. The golem inherits the attributes of the object it was formed from, reflecting damage back to attackers.
Special Equipment
In the heat of battle, Artis is a force to be reckoned with, drawing strength from an array of formidable equipment. His headgear, shield, and armor are enchanted to be not only lightweight but also to deflect blows with uncanny efficiency, making him a challenging target for adversaries. A belt he wears continuously mends his wounds, ensuring he remains in peak fighting condition. In his hand, a flail crackles with elemental energies, releasing bursts of fire, lightning, and a venomous sting that bypasses even the sturdiest of armors. Rings and amulets he adorns not only amplify his regenerative capabilities but also cloak his movements in silence, allowing for stealthy approaches or retreats. With a mystical cube at his disposal, he can manipulate objects in ways that confound and bewilder foes.
- Enchanted Bone Helm
- Magically difficult to hit and given lightweight properties.
- Bone Shield
- Magically hardened and given lightweight properties.
- Splintmail
- Magically difficult to hit and given lightweight properties.
- Plate Belt
- Possesses regenerative properties.
- Gem Encrusted Flail
- Inflicts a mix of fire, lightning, and poison damage upon impact. The poison damage ignores armor on impact.
- Ring of Regeneration
- Grants regenerative abilities to the wearer.
- Ring of Silence
- Allows the wearer and their mount to move silently on any terrain for 30 minutes.
- Amulet of Regeneration
- Grants regenerative abilities to the wearer.
- Horodric Cube
- A mystical artifact with the distinctive capability to merge multiple items, resulting in diverse outcomes. For instance, it can refine three lesser gems into one of superior quality, or interchangeably transmute three rings into an amulet and vice versa. Nonetheless, the outcomes it produces can be erratic and once executed, cannot be undone.
- Mortality
- A black Courser that Artis rides.
- Silence
- A small grey pony used primarily as a pack animal.
History
Artis was born in the year 1231, in a quaint farming village nestled near the imposing Mount Arreat. His early life was simple, surrounded by the rhythms of nature and the daily toils of agrarian life. The vast fields became his playground, and the tales of Mount Arreat's majesty, shared by his father Eldric, became the lullabies of his childhood. As he grew, Artis formed a close bond with his siblings, Elara and Caelum. Together, they would explore the meadows, chase after butterflies, and listen to their mother Liora's stories about their ancestors and the healing power of herbs. However, destiny had other plans for him. By the age of 12, Artis began displaying an innate and powerful affinity for sorcery, specifically tied to Necromancy. This revelation brought a mix of awe and concern within the family. While Elara tried to shield him from the village's wary eyes and Caelum offered distractions with his adventurous tales, Artis felt an increasing sense of isolation. His unique connection to the arcane set him apart, making him feel both cherished by his family yet distinctively distant from the simple joys of childhood they shared.
Parents
Artis' bond with his parents, Eldric and Liora, was deep and multifaceted. Eldric, though initially perplexed by his son's magical prowess, instilled in Artis values drawn from nature and farming during their quiet walks, fostering a foundation of respect and understanding. Liora, with her nurturing demeanor, served as Artis' emotional anchor, guiding him through the complexities of his abilities and the village's reactions. Her lullabies, filled with tales of courage, became a source of solace for Artis during challenging times. Together, they provided Artis with a steadfast sense of belonging and unwavering support, shaping his character and destiny.
- Eldric
- Artis' father, Eldric, was a hardworking farmer, dedicated to tilling the land near Mount Arreat. With a robust build and sun-kissed skin, Eldric was the embodiment of a life spent outdoors. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about his commitment to his family and the community. Eldric had a deep respect for nature and often shared tales of the majestic Mount Arreat with his children.
- Liora
- Artis' mother, was the heart and soul of the family. With a gentle demeanor and a melodious voice, she often sang lullabies to her children, passing down stories and traditions of their ancestors. Liora had a natural gift for herbalism, using her knowledge to tend to the sick and injured in the village. Her compassionate nature made her a beloved figure in the community. While she was initially fearful of Artis' magical abilities, her love for her son never wavered.
Siblings
Artis cherished his siblings, Elara and Caelum, and the trio shared many childhood memories. Elara, with her protective nature, often shielded Artis from the village's whispers, while Caelum's adventurous spirit and tales of exploration provided a welcome distraction from Artis' internal struggles. However, despite the deep love and bond they shared, Artis often felt a chasm between them. His unique connection to Necromancy, a path neither sibling could truly fathom, cast a shadow of isolation. While they laughed, played, and shared dreams, Artis grappled with the weight of his powers, feeling both blessed and cursed. This duality of being deeply rooted in his family, yet feeling distinctively apart, defined Artis' relationship with his siblings.
- Elara
- Elder sister to Artis. With her mother's grace and her father's determination, Elara grew up to be a nurturing and strong-willed individual. She took after Liora in the art of herbalism and often assisted her mother in gathering herbs and preparing remedies. Elara was protective of her younger brothers, especially Artis, and was deeply affected when he was sent away for training. Over the years, she became the pillar of strength for the family.
- Caelum
- Younger brother, who was the adventurous spirit of the family. With a curious mind and a penchant for exploration, he often ventured into the wilderness, much to the worry of his parents. Caelum looked up to Artis and was fascinated by his brother's magical abilities. While he did not possess any magical talents himself, Caelum had an uncanny ability to connect with animals. He dreamt of traveling beyond the village, seeking out new lands and experiences.
Learning Magic
The early years for Artis, were filled with the simple joys of childhood, playing in the vast fields, listening to his father Eldric's tales of Mount Arreat's grandeur, and joining his siblings, Elara and Caelum, in their daily adventures. However, at the tender age of 12, Artis' life took a dramatic turn. He began to manifest an innate and powerful affinity for sorcery, specifically tied to the dark and enigmatic art of Necromancy. This unexpected revelation was met with a mix of awe and concern by the villagers. Recognizing the potential dangers of such powers in a young boy, the village elders decided to send Artis away for specialized training.
His years at the academy were fraught with challenges. Unlike many of his peers who hailed from esteemed magical lineages, Artis was an outlier—a boy from a farming background now navigating the intricate world of arcane arts. His deep connection to Necromancy, an art viewed with suspicion, further isolated him. Instructors, wary of his unique abilities, monitored him closely, ensuring he did not delve too deeply into the shadowy realms of his power.
Despite his rapid growth in magical prowess, Artis felt a profound sense of alienation at the academy. The cold demeanor of his teachers, combined with the condescension from classmates of prestigious magical families, left him feeling out of place. He often found himself reminiscing about the warmth of his family and the comforting embrace of his mother Liora. The memories of his siblings' laughter and the familiar scents of his village home were stark contrasts to the sterile environment of the academy. Even as he was frequently reminded of his "special" nature, the words rang hollow, overshadowed by his feelings of not truly belonging.
The year 1265 brought another pivotal moment in Artis' journey. As the world teetered on the brink of chaos with Baal's armies on the rampage, Artis, now a seasoned sorcerer, stood ready to defend the realm. His valiant efforts drew the attention of the angel Tyrael, who saw in him the potential to be a key warrior against the Prime Evils. Yet, fate had other plans, leading Artis on a path he could never have anticipated.
Umbral Passage
Fate had another twist in store for Artis. Just as he was preparing to face Baal's armies in what would have been a monumental battle, an Umbral Passage intervened. In a flash, Artis was transported to Elder Soteria, initially finding himself in the Erast Forest. As he tried to make sense of his new surroundings, he soon found his way to the small town of Whiteridge, where he took up residence at the Hearts Refuge Inn.
In Elder Soteria, Artis had to navigate a new realm, drawing upon his vast knowledge and skills to find his place. The memories of his family, the village near Mount Arreat, and the academy's cold halls constantly tugged at his heartstrings. While he was determined to carve out a new destiny in this unfamiliar land, the longing for his family and the life he left behind remained a constant companion.