"Because I remember, I despair. Because I remember, I have the duty to reject despair."
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Background
Born the spare to the heir of House d'Meloni. Had been, for all intents and purposes, cloistered in the College of Alchemy in Four Corners since her eleventh year. Survived the fall of d'Meloni purely by the luck of being away from their holdings at the time of the Qatunax attack. A member in good standing of the Guild of Alchemists in Four Corners, she has pledged herself to the Vir Sidus Empire in their battle against the Qatunax. Currently serving as Tribune of Auxilliary in the Legio XIII Asterrea, under the command of Praetor Darius Firebrand XXIV.
There are few things more ignoble, for someone of noble blood, than to be born into a House in decline. Except perhaps to witness its fall and to be left to survive in the aftermath.
Alia d'Meloni was born the spare to the heir of House d'Meloni. She was expected, as all spares were, to train and prepare on the off-chance that they would be called on to serve in the heir's stead in the event of tragedy. Obligation on the one hand, but a certain level of freedom on the other. And by the time Alia was a toddler, she had other siblings besides, and that almost guaranteed the family's continuation. Certainly, when she began to grow older, and found herself engaged with and engaged by the world of books, of alchemy, to which she had been exposed on a rare journey to Four Corners, she looked at her younger siblings as a boon. Surely, they would do what she had found she had no desire to do; to care for and steward a House. Politics and noble machinations held no interest for her. And perhaps that cushion that her siblings now numbering one before and three behind presented was a large part of why her parents allowed her to travel to Four Corners to apprentice at the College of Alchemy. That, and the hopes that she might eventually begin to earn an income that would prolong the House's existence and entice the Crown not to remove the House from control of their lands and in so doing turn their holdings over to some more worthy House.
Whether or not Alia understood what her parents hoped for, when they sent her away from their manor, she never said, nor might she have cared. She was free of Cotswold, free to study, free to forget that she had any responsibilities other than learning a trade and losing herself to knowledge and her beloved books. Having found, not only and interest in, but a talent for alchemy, Alia wanted for nothing else but her studies and rarely if ever left the College grounds, unless it was at the request of her masters or to travel when those masters were placed under contract. She was content with the work and contented with the life that she had, by her own will and effort, made for herself. As her knowledge and skill grew, Alia's quick mind and seeming innate ability to understand the most difficult concepts, opened up a world of possibilities to the girl, once she had settled into the college. It was dangerous work, and not without its risks, but she was fortunate to be beholden to a master, Millicent Durant, who, having agreed to take on the girl as her apprentice, now sought to support and encourage the girl to explore possibilities and tap into that innate talent she seemed to possess for the art. In those halcyon days, she had want for nothing more and could not have imagined any other path along which her life might travel.
And then the world changed, and Alia with it. She awoke one morning, her body alight with pain, a brand, or so it seemed, seared into her back. The pain was terrible and the woman terrified. She sought out her master, the only person she thought could have any hope of helping her. The old alchemist was clearly at a loss, but did what she could to temper the girl's pain, feeding her a pain dampening draught which had, as a side effect, calmed Alia and eased her emotions enough to allow her to regain her senses. But from that moment when the draught faded, and the pain returned, and with it a wild flash of fire that nearly set her bedclothes alight, Millicent and Alia knew there was something deeply terrible and deeply important on the horizon.
Sorcery had returned and carried Alia with it. The woman, though, did not go gently into this new future. The idea of possessing such an ability which could not and would not be controlled, of finding that her emotions, usually calm and biddable now seemed prepared to explode into conflagration at the slightest provocation terrified her. She wished, more than anything, in those days, to be free of this gift, to return to the life, the orderly life, the stable, rational life she had built for herself. The world, however, rarely rewards wishes. And Alia, finally coming to accept that she could not be free of this terrible gift, turned to the task of learning to control it, to harness it. She did what she could. Her greatest boon in that time, was her master. Millicent was old and canny, and in the way of those who had spent years developing connections both open and secret, she was able to put out the word, discretely, that she had one who might benefit from the aid of the Sorcerer's College. And so Alia was 'found', escorted under cover of night, and tested to determine the truth of that whispered claim. Millicent had done what she could, but she could take Alia no further along that road. Alia would have to walk the path to mastering her sorcery alone. The woman proved up to the task studying in secret, all the while continuing to pursue her alchemical training. After being deemed to be ready, Millicent supported Alia's application to become a full member of the Guild of Alchemists. Even after her admission, Alia chose to continue working with Millicent, no longer as master and apprentice, but as partners, each sharing resources and knowledge, and the commissions they received for their work. It had been no easy task, but finally, life seemed to be returning to something that could be known and controlled and depended on.
And then the Qatunax descended and House d'Meloni, to a one, were lost, butchered, and their lands overrun. As soon as news of the invasion came, Alia departed Four Corners, but even before she managed to make it all the way to Hellmouth, she knew hope was lost. With the Qatunax holding the land, she did not even have hope of finding the bodies of her family to afford them the proper burial rights. She was the last. Lost and bereft of any meaningful title or status or purpose, so far as the ranks of the nobility were concerned. Noble blooded she might still be, and entitled to retain her title, but Alia was, in all of the ways that mattered, a Lady no longer. And now, completely removed from a society that, even if she had not cared to immerse herself in it, had still been the structure on which she had built her life. And so she returned to Four Corners and to her Colleges. No longer Lady Alia d'Meloni, if any asked her, but now only Alia d'Meloni. Better, for the nonce, to shut away that part of her that could serve no good purpose.
But if her life had been laid to ruin, her ambitions had not. A new flame had sparked in her, and Alia returned to her studies determined to push herself harder to learn more, to gain enough knowledge and enough skill to eventually be able to return to Hellmouth and to try to find a way to regain the honour of her House, whether or not that House ever again rose from the ashes to hold land or power again. The girl who had, for so many years, nothing more than to escape Cotswold, to escape a life she had never wanted, was now a woman bound and determined to find a way, no matter how difficult, to return and claim justice for her dead. And now word has come that the Imperial Legions have taken up arms and march to battle for the lands lost, including her own, and Alia has finally departed Four Corners for the second, though, if luck allowed, not the last time, to offer her services to the Vir Sidus Empire. She knows her knowledge is incomplete, and that she still has far to go to fully master her craft and her sorcery, but the time for studying and waiting is past.
On the Grid
- Overview
- Physical Description
- Quirks and Personality
- Hooks
- Equipment
- Loot
- Gallery
- Logs
- Memoirs
- Recent Events
- Alchemical Inventions
- Prophecy
- Alia's Theme
- Darius
- Songs of the Moment
"She had opened a door… and now she was walking with demons. And at the end of her travels, she would have her revenge… Pain had made a sadist of her."
Slim and slight, standing at just on five feet, four inches, with bone straight deep brown hair and brilliantly green eyes, she carries herself with a grace that is all careful poise, as though every movement was thought and considered before impulse became action. Her features are slender and refined, high brow, sculpted cheekbones, full lips and a straight, almost aquiline nose, dusted across with a smattering of freckles. Her current attire is more martial in nature. A sleeveless, heavy weave shirt is overlaid by a leather Imperial-style lorrica, the armor meticulously maintained and dyed in a dark, almost black hue, matching both the shirt she wears beneath and the pair of supple riding leathers she wears in place of a skirt or lighter pants. A dark leather scabbard sits at her right hip, the hilt of a lightsilver and rosegold inlaid gladius set into it.
For adornment, of a sort, she wears pinned from her left shoulder, the blue and black cords of the Vir Sidus Legio XIII Asterrea. The fastener bears a decoration marking her rank as Tribune. She wears no jewelry save an Imperial signet ring on the middle finger of her left hand.
Personality
Alia is a study in contrasts. She is at once entirely preoccupied with her studies, with her craft, and with the seemingly endless need and appetite to acquire knowledge. While not reclusive, she seems to have adopted much of the reticence that is often a hallmark of a scholar who has spent more time pouring over a dusty tome than enjoying the intrigues of court and noble life. And yet, despite that preoccupation with her studies, she handles herself with a poise and grace in social situations which do much credit to her noble upbringing. She is slow to anger, and seems to give no weight to insult or injury, a trait which has served her well in her time in the Empire. 'Water off a duck's back' would be the perfect idiom here. Thoughtful with her words, she exhibits a quick, inquisitive mind, and a natural ability to cut to the heart of the matter in conversation.
Though she was not born into the Empire, since pledging herself to the Legion and to their cause, Alia has served with absolute commitment and unfailing resolve. Her commitment, however, is not blind, and she is well aware of the dangerous political waters that the Empire must tread in order to gain victory in their mission to eradicate the Qatunax. In many ways, she has found herself serving as a bridge between the Kingdoms of the West and the Empire of the East. First, as a Tribune of the Legion, then as the Voice of the Princeps. Most recently, Alia has accepted the signet of the Princeps Darius, and has risen to the rank of Princepsa, greatly increasing her power and influence. Her work, however, has not changed. She toils ever for the betterment of the Empire, for the good of its citizens, and the defeat of their great enemy.
Alia's commitment to her husband is unfailing, unflinching, and she is entirely devoted to his safety, well-being, and security. His causes are hers, and they stand always together, equals equally dedicated to the cause of the Empire.
Traits
Alchemical Aid: Since coming into her power, Alia has taken to using alchemical draughts which help to temper her emotions, and keep herself under control.
- Pro: While she is under its effects, her dampened emotions reduce the risk of her sorcery being triggered by sudden, volatile situations. Great for working in the lab.
- Con: While the draught is in full effect, drawing on her magic is much more difficult. If the draught wears off at the wrong time, or she has not used it, then all of the downsides to fire sorcery definitely apply.
Calm-Minded: Alia displays a particular calmness of mind. Slow to anger, she seems to give no weight to insult or injury. She conducts herself with an air of meticulous thought and her words and deeds are both astute and well-reasoned, if seen, perhaps by some, as ruthless.
- Pro: Alia's calm, logical mind makes her unlikely to react on impulse and she is extremely difficult to goad into doing something rash or unwise. Indeed, she always seems to be thinking three steps ahead.
- Con: Such calmness of mind and application of logic has created in her a level of disconnection from emotion, and moral consideration, sometimes leading her to to do what is necessary and not what most would consider right. Victory is not without cost.
Inquisitive: Alia is most comfortable being in a library or repository of knowledge; being a child of privilege (but not too much privilege) has allowed her to become widely educated.
- Pros: Tends to read and digest new information quickly.
- Cons: Alia consumes books like fire consuming a paper mill, and can get lost in an interesting tome for days.
Maverick: Sometimes, you have to run before you can walk.
- Pro: Eager to experiment and a quick study of incomplete magical knowledge.
- Cons: Way too eager to experiment on dangerous or incomplete magics or technologies.
Stunts
Alchemist: Guild-Trained, Four Corners. Member in good standing.
Bookworm: Gain a relevant piece of knowledge you could have encountered whilst reading OR a +2 to Lore/Academics where the storyteller feels that being well read is an advantage.
Linguist: Able to learn languages at a prodigious rate. When fully immersed in a language, can learn the rudiments of that language in two weeks. Partial immersion time to be decided on a case by case basis by staff.
Sorcery: Fire
Mark
Alia's sorcerer's mark is on her back, just above her right hip. It looks like a tongue of flame and is textured as scar tissue from a burn or brand would be; smooth, shiny, raised, and more pink than the flesh surrounding it. It feels fevered and hot to the touch. The more she taxes herself, the hotter the mark becomes and may begin to hurt if she does not manage to keep herself and her emotions under control.
Signet
Alia bears the signet of Darius Tobias Firebrand XXIV. In the traditions of the Vir Sidus Empire, the wearing of his signet signifies something between a betrothal and a defacto marriage. She is, for all intents and purposes, his wife, and bears the title of Princepsa of the Empire, with all of the rank, power and influence that bestows. By the laws of the Empire, the actual marriage cannot occur until such time as Darius leaves his military service, however, the bonds and responsibilities of marriage are as real now as they will be when the actual marriage ceremony takes place. Despite the defacto nature of their marriage, any child born to Alia will be recognized as Darius' heir, and heir to the Empire after their father.
Guild Alchemist
Despite her Imperial allegiance, Alia remains a full member in good standing of the Guild of Alchemists in Four Corners. This serves as something of a calling card, as the guild is quite prestigious and its members are known to be some of the best in the Western Kingdoms. Membership also provides a certain level of assurance of quality in her work for any who hire her.
Humble Endings
In the years since she came to the Alchemists' College, Alia has, unless absolutely necessary, simply gone by her given name, and has foregone her title, excepting in those circumstances when a noble title might be useful to grease wheels, or palms. This has been made easier by the fact that it is rather uncommon for nobility to serve as Guild Alchemists, eschewing the political connections of their Houses, and by the fact that she has done little to dissuade people from the notion that she is common born. Given the general dislike of the nobility in much of Four Corners, this has usually worked to her advantage.
Crutch
Ever since Millicent first treated Alia with a soothing draught to calm her, and she discovered that it had the ability to dampen the volatility that comes with fire sorcery, Alia has kept some always on her person. She uses it both as a way of tamping down her power, when the situation requires it, but also, as a way of protecting herself and those around her when she works with volatile reagents. While the draught is not physically addictive, she has developed a form of psychological dependence on it, and like most addicts, always wants some with her, as a sort of security blanket. Just the feel of the vial, tucked into a pocket where she can hold it, is comforting. As her knowledge and control of her magic has increased, Alia has found herself needing to use the draught less and less, but she still carries it with her regularly.
Instructors
In addition to her lessons with Darius, Alia's training and education in sorcery is being overseen by Juliana Petreius, a fire sorcerer attached to the Legio XIII. A jovial woman in her middling years, Juliana is nevertheless a hard taskmaster and accepts nothing less than perfection from her student. In addition to overseeing Alia's training, she also provides her access to such tomes of sorcerous learning as the legion has available for her to study and learn from.
Aurora
In Avril 1875, Alia was gifted by Ludovic with a grey elementi named Aurora. She is about three years old, and is well-blooded, being of al'Mordran stock. Aurora was originally intended to be used solely as a breeding animal. However, Alia and Darius have welcomed Aurora into their home, and they are working on socializing, training and bonding with her.
Martial
Weapons
Lightsilver and rose gold inlaid gladius. (A gift from Princeps Darius Firebrand.)
Armor
Armored Corset(s) (Armor +1)
Sorcerer's Lorrica (Armor +2)
Shield (Armor +1 when used)
Alchemical
A full alchemist's workbench, including all of her required chemicals, powders, ingredients, equipment, supplies etc. Also a smaller traveling bag in which to store prepared potions and a small handful of ingredients.
Sorcerous
A coin of pure lightsilver. (A gift from Princeps Darius Firebrand.)
Political
The signet of Darius Tobias Firebrand XXIV.
Alchemical Oddities
Devil's Tongue: Gathered on the slopes of Mount Tharsis, Marse, 1875.
Ash Serpent Skin: Acquired from Margrethe the Crone, Avril 1875.
Ergonian Goblin Skin: Acquired after the attack on Cotswold, Avril 1875.
Ergonian Goblin Blood: Acquired after the attack on Cotswold, Avril 1875.
Pickled Ryaltan Goblin Corpse: Acquired as a gift from Zmeya Myrana Armaz, Juin 1875.
Ryaltan Goblin Skin: Acquired while adventuring on Ryalta, Août 1875.
Ryaltan Goblin Blood: Acquired while adventuring on Ryalta, Août 1875.
Pickled Ergonian Goblin Corpse: Acquired after attack on Cotswold, Août 1875.
Ash Serpent Skin: Acquired via hunt. Marse 1876. (Approved by Snoopy)
Sundry
A Qatunax-crafted axe, once belonging to War Chief Tavat. Gifted by Ludovic.
Adventuring Treasures
(Retrieving a Sidhe Steel Sword for the Queen)
1 Bottle Ryaltan Summer Wine
10 Bottles VG Ryaltan Rum
100 Crowns
(Repelling Goblins from Cotswold)
25 Crowns
(Recovering a Tablet from the Age of Heroes)
1 Scroll, Legible. Not Forbidden Lore (Teenager's Diary)
1 Rubbing of Tablet (Dark Alchemy, alternative recipe for Fleshknit)
25 Crowns
(Retrieving an Ancient Book)
15 Crowns
(Defending Against Qatunax)
10 Crowns
(Preparing the Way to Rykers)
30 Crowns
(Obtained from an Ancient Ruin of Libraries)
2 historical scrolls.
1 alchemical scroll containing a recipe for a powerful healing draft.
(alia brennart cervantes dacian darius endings event firestorm log ludovic powerfulman ramius tavat teleko)
(adriono alia cervantes darius elian endings event ivo jarret log myrana powerfulman thomas)
(alia darius dcs event firestorm gauvain log ludovic powerfulman ramius tavat teleko)
~ (Dates for each event link to the relevant log. Other logs linked as needed.)
- 12th Juillet, 1874 - Alia departs Four Corners to seek conscription by the 13th Legion, lead by Praetor Darius Firebrand. She is taken into service as a member of the auxiliary, serving as an alchemist.
- 24th Juillet, 1874 - Alia participates in the battle for a Qatunax-held fort near Steven's Pass. In the aftermath of the battle, Alia is promoted by Praetor Darius to the Rank of Tribune of Auxillary, and given command of the small keep, which she renames Candeo, an Imperial word meaning, loosely, 'I shine', in honour of Darius. During the battle, it is revealed that she possesses fire sorcery.
- Juillet, 1874 - Alia begins her Imperial training in sorcery, studying under Praetor Darius, as well as Juliana Petreius, a fire sorcerer attached to the Legio XIII.
- 3rd Août, 1874 - Alia begins training in swordfighting and combat with Centurion Maximus Olympicus.
- 22nd Janvier, 1875 - Alia begins a project to create a fireproofing lacquer for armor and weapons.
- 5th Fevrier, 1875 - Alia is named by the Princeps Darius as his official liaison between Paras and the Kingdoms of the West. Empowered to speak with his voice in matters related to the West when he cannot be present.
- 5th Fevrier, 1875 - Alia is charged with the creation of a school to train and instruct new and existing sorcerers in the Empire. The school is based in Candeo. (Exact rules and restrictions TBA)
- 10th Marse, 1875 - Alia articipates in the Battle of Cotswold in support of the XIIIth Legions' successful march to reclaim the d'Meloni lands.
- 26th Marse, 1875 - Alia accepts the signet of Princeps Darius Firebrand, becoming his wife in the traditions of the Vir Sidus Empire, and rising to the rank of Princepsa.
- 6th Avril, 1875 - Along with Princeps Darius Firebrand, and Archduchess Evae Arkanin, establishes the Vir Sidus/Wayston accords, binding the two nations together as allies.
- 13th Avril, 1875 - Upon meeting with Chancellor Mattias Thynne, established an increased alliance between Four Corners and the Vir Sidus Empire, to include the skilled Guilds of Four Corners, as well as the sharing of martial technologies, and increased mercantile presence within the Empire.
- 20th Avril, 1875 - Alia attains partial success in her alchemical research into a lacquer with which to fireproof armor. This strain improved fire resistance but offers only two bouts of protection.
- 14th Mai, 1875 - Alia is elected to serve as the first Praetor (Judge) of the Colonia Senate.
- 22nd Juin, 1875 - Alia perfects her fireproofing lacquer. Having only enough ingredients to protect one set of armor, Alia selects Darius' field armor. (A Crime Uncovered).
- 7th Juillet, 1875 - Alia participates in the Battle of Rogers, in which the Qatunax engage the Legio XIIIth. In the aftermath of the battle, she assumes command of the legion as a stopgap while Darius recovers from his injuries. (A Command Meeting).
- 9th Septebre, 1875 - Alia is injured in a Qatunax raid and is carried from the field. Darius takes an even more grievous wound, losing an eye during a duel with the Qatunax Warchief.
- 14th Octobre, 1875 - Alia meets with Ivo d'Armaz and the plottings of the man calling himself The Powerful Man are revealed to her, as well as the demonic possession of Myrana d'Armaz. Alia begins to expand on her research into the sealing of magic, as well as the Seven Holy Swords.
- 23rd Octobre, 1875 - Alia's world shifts when a raiding party from the Legion liberates a group of prisoners, one of which is revealed to be her younger sister, Elisha d'Meloni, thought to have been lost during the Qatunax sacking of d'Meloni.
- 30th Octobre, 1875 - During the Spirit Day Ball, Alia meets a revealed Goblin King, who warns all those in attendance of the dangers of the Powerful Man. He offers clues, both direct and indirect to Alia's role and purpose in the coming battle, and reminds her of the prophecy she dreamed a year ago to the day.
- 13th Decembre, 1875 - Alia leads the first in a campaign to weaken the forces of the Qatunax entrenches at Rykers.
- 22nd Decembre, 1875 - Alia leads the second of three battles against the Qatunax. Zmeyarch Ramius Arran lends his aid to the Empire.
- 1st Janvier, 1876 - The third battle to bring the Empire into proximity of Rykers. Praetor Darius returns from the field to assist in the battle. Once again, Zmeyarch Ramius Arran lends his aid.
- 1st Fevrier, 1876 - The Legio XIIIth reaches the walls of Rykers, and encounter a force lead by an unknown Commander whose tactics seem eerily familiar to the Zmeyarch Ramius Arran. In the wake of the battle, the siege of Rykers begins.
- 17th Avril, 1876 - Alia receives a True Dreaming. Creation charges her to obtain the Eye of Darius from Elder's Eye. She binds the souls of Alia and Darius together.
- 26th Avril, 1876 - After long months of siege, the allied forces of the Empire, Arkanin, and Tarris, aided by Zmeyard Ramius assault the city of Rykers. They face the forces of the Qatunax and the undead in the form of Vampires. The Ancient Master Vampire Teleko takes the field. After an apocalyptic battle, Teleko is destroyed by Duke Sir Brennart Tarris. With the fall of Rykers, the battle for the West is won.
- Mai 1876 - With the Qatunax defeated in the West, the Legio XIIIth rests and recuperates before the return to the East and the return to war. Alia begins preparations to secure the Colonias.
- Fire Resistant Lacquer: When applied, allows two bouts of fire protection. Although this was originally an intermediate step as Alia worked on full fireproofing, she keeps this particular recipe in her arsenal as it is easier and faster to produce than the full fireproofing lacquer.
- Fireproof Lacquer: When applied to an item, renders the item completely fireproof.
- Fleshmend: An ancient formula for a healing draught recovered by Alia. When applied, it heals fatigue as well as deeper wounds. (Removes 10 Stress or Heals 1 Temp Wound). 10 crowns worth of ingredients per draught.
Winter Moon regards this Firebird. "I know you." She says as she comes up to Alia. She places a finger on the woman's shoulder and walks around her, leaving the finger where it is as she does regarding her. "This one's fate is …. " She closes her eyes and makes a little noise of pleasure. "Delicious."
The Goblin King steps closer and regards the woman. "She's done much, lost much, and borne much for one so young. She seeks where others dare not, and I dare say she is one of," he clears his throat. "Yours."
"Indeed she is." Winter Moon says. She looks Alia over carefully and then gazes deeply into the girl's eyes, a gaze that is intimate and usually the type of gaze lovers give each other. It's a hunger, a lust that runs deep in the soul. "Ah. I see you child. I see who you really are." She smiles mischievously, "Oh yes. She is one of mine indeed." She closes her eyes and makes a … hunger .. sound before she speaks again. "Betrayal. Betrayal and fear and fire. So many prophecies deal with fire but yours … You embrace it. You ARE fire. The price of this fire is your loyalty, but you can't choose can you? You THINK you have chosen the Empire, forsaking your Oaths, but in your heart, where the fire lies, so too lies your Oath, burned and crisp. Find your heart, and find your true Oath, but never forget that fire burns, caring not who touches it."