Bladestorm Magus
An elven warrior-mage from a distant land, Arandir is a master of magic blades and channeling arcane spell energies through the weapons he carries. Having traveled far in his time, his journeys brought him to the Bay of Omens region, where he currently resides.
Along his many journeys, he has also become the frequent companion of Zelf Coldfall and Alfan Silverwillow, both of whom he has grown very close to, not only as members of an adventuring party but also as close friends and lovers. Whether with his favored companions or on his own, Arandir is a seeker, and a finder, of many adventurers.
Background
In a faraway land lives an ancient family of elves, House Finthalion, which rendered in the common tongue can be read as "dauntless cunning." Many years ago by human reckoning, though not so many to elven thought, a son of House Finthalion was born. He was given the name Arandir, meaning "noble wanderer," since his mother had foreseen that he would one day travel to distant places. From a young age, he was gifted with magic, and as he grew older, he also developed great skill with blades. By the time he came of age, he had learned to combine these talents, allowing him to perform powerful magic through his blade.
True to his mother's visions, Arandir undertook many adventures. He loved to travel, and it was through such travel that he found himself meeting many interesting companions, including a young Frost Elf by the name of Zelf Coldfall, as well as his companion, Alfan Silverwillow, and after Zelf instantly took a liking to Arandir, the three soon became very close. Arandir can now be found often traveling the Bay of Omens region, frequently in the company of Zelf as they explore ruins or strange places, and if they're firm enough in their urging, they can even sometimes coax Alfan out of the library or laboratory. Sometimes, they have to carry him.
Ever and on, Arandir lives a life of magic and adventure.
SIGNATURE ABILITY
Bladestorm
Once per day, Arandir can summon his bladestorm. This allows him to conjure a full half dozen of his flying blades, which will accompany him and fight according to his will but without requiring his active concentration. The blades are still otherwise subject to the limitations of his Flying Blades ability, but while his bladestorm is active, Arandir can channel a spellstrike simultaneously through all of these flying blades at once. The bladestorm lasts for only five minutes, but a well-trained warrior can do quite a lot of damage in that time.
SKILLS
Athletics - Expert Level
Fighting - Expert Level
Intimidation - Competent Level
Knowledge - Competent Level
Notice - Expert Level
Occult - Competent Level
Performance - Novice Level
Persuasion - Competent Level
Riding - Competent Level
Spellcasting - Expert Level
Stealth - Competent Level
Survival - Competent Level
ABILITIES
Innate: Awareness - Enhanced Level
Arandir's senses are all of Enhanced level, and he is generally quite alert and usually attentive to his surroundings, though his particular aptitude tends to lean more toward mystical rather than physical awareness.
Innate: Dexterity - Enhanced Level
As one of elven blood, Arandir's natural dexterity and agility are fairly strong. While he has not focused fully on the physical aspects of training, balancing them with magic, he is still generally very nimble and swift, sure of his footing and in particular very graceful. He is adept at using his agility in combination with his magic.
Elf Heritage
Arandir's elven blood ensures that he does not age past physical maturity, that he is immune to disease, and that he is highly resistant to supernatural forms of darkness and corruption. He enjoys the various benefits of an elven bloodline, balancing magical aptitude and physical agility and resilience.
Magic: Equipment - Enhanced Level
Arandir carries a variety of dependable equipment. In addition to standard survival equipment, he also carries a few specific items of particular use. Key items are described here.
- What may be Arandir's most valuable position is a suit of rare "skin armor," which resembles a minimalist battle harness but, thanks to its magic properties, provides the wearer with the same level of protection as a suit of masterwork full plate armor; however, unlike such plate armor, it weighs very little and does nothing to inhibit the bearer's movement or agility. It also shows off his physique to great advantage.
- Arandir also carries twin masterwork longswords, each of which is light and well-balanced enough to make maximum use of his agility. Of fine elven make, these blades are especially durable, never lose their keen edges, and glow faintly in the presence of truly evil creatures.
- He bears a ring of "feather falling," which ensures that no matter what height he leaps or falls from, he will never be harmed from the fall -- unless, of course, he lands in or on another hazard.
- Another valuable piece of gear is his small "bag of holding," the twin to one carried by Zelf, which allows him to carry quite an expansive inventory without taking up much room or being overburdened by heavy weight.
Magic: Flying Blade - Enhanced Level
One form of magic that Arandir has trained extensively is the ability to summon magical blade constructs, conjured from raw magic and behaving like mundane swords, save that they are wielded by invisible magic and "fly" to strike each target they're directed toward, operating within a 30 foot radius from Arandir. While they are not individually much stronger than an otherwise well-crafted mundane blade with perhaps minor magical enhancement, he is currently able to summon two such blades at once, which act by his will alone, allowing him to keep his hands free to wield his own physical weapons or perform other tasks.
Innate: Mind - Enhanced Level
Born with a keen intellect and a naturally strong will, Arandir has only refined these qualities over time. His studies and the practice of magic have made him quite strong when it comes to the mental virtues, especially when it comes to resisting mental influences and controlling his own magical abilities.
Magic: Spellcasting - Enhanced Level
Arandir is an accomplished magical practitioner. He is most skilled at evocation magics, used for offensive purposes, and he is secondarily capable of standard defensive and utility magic, as well as helpful minor cantrips. He is less skilled in magics of divination, transmutation, illusion, or healing.
Magic: Spellstrike - Supreme Level
Arandir's greatest magical talent is the ability to combine the power of his physical battle prowess with his magical might. He is able to cast spells through his weapons, which in his case is usually his elven longswords, allowing him to deliver spells through the blades, striking a target with both spell and sword at the same time. He often uses this method to imbue his blades with elemental damage. With concentration, he can also channel a spellstrike through his flying blades, allowing him to deliver spells at greater range. This ability allows him to deliver attacks of devastating power, especially if he selects a spell that will be especially effective against a given target.
Innate: Vitality - Enhanced Level
Arandir is quite vital and his health quite robust due to his elvish heritage, making him more resistant to toxins, harsh conditions, and so forth.
WEAKNESSES
Amorous
Arandir has a bit of a weakness for a pretty face or comely physique. He is more susceptible to seduction or trickery that might be used against him by anyone he finds especially attractive.
Heroic
In addition to being very loyal, Arandir is broadly a heroic person. He is generally honorable and fair in his dealings with others, but most significantly, he will not refuse to help anyone who is truly in need, rendering whatever aid he can, especially to those who are weak or helpless.
Loyal
While Arandir does not personally regard this as a weakness, he is a deeply loyal person. He will prioritize the needs of those he cares for over his own, and if those he cares for are ever in any trouble, he will stop at nothing to ensure their safety.
