Saga of the Mythic Castle

Background

Dante was born in Milan in 1192 AD to a moderately wealthy merchant family. His early childhood was much like any other in the city-states of northern Italy. Unlike other children however, Dante had a natural affinity for magic. As the youngest of three children, he was passed off to various tutors to satisfy his rampant curiosity.

Unfortunately, this idyllic existence was soon to end. In 1202, the civil wars that raged between the Italian city-states came to Milan. His family's home caught fire and burned. The entire family was killed (or so it is believed).

Fortunately for Dante, his fate was not to die in the fire. The traumatic experience awakened the boy's latent gift, and the wave of power was felt by Jocasta, filia Mauritus and follower of Tytalus. The maga rescued the lad, recognizing his potential, and wanting to mold him into a loyal servant and ally in the struggles of House Tytalus. (It is possible the Jocasta arranged the fire to take the lad, but the truth is known only to her.)

The next 17 years were tremendously difficult for Dante. Jocasta was a harsh, cruel mistress, molding the young prodigy into a solitary, angry young man. Dante's apprenticeship lasted longer than usual because Jocasta was never sure he was ready to take his place in the order as her pawn.

Dante learned his lessons well, however. In the summer of 1219, he managed to gain a Bonisagus sponsor, who claimed him as apprentice. His gauntlet came very shortly thereafter, and passing easily, Dante was awarded his sigil and became full magus. Despite the assistance of House Bonisagus, he joined House Tytalus so that he could more directly challenge himself and Jocasta, who he has a deep, burning hatred for.

Dante was at Durenmar in the early spring of 1220, when a mysterious magical event transported him (and several other newly-fledged magi) to a regio near Kiev, in the Novgorod tribunal.

Personality

Dante generally comes across as very arrogant. This is a cover for the insecurity he feels about his magical ability. As a result of his master's abuse, he has a great deal of distrust of any authority figure (particularly within the Order of Hermes). He is also vaguely misogynistic, but this is overshadowed by his general arrogance.

His greatest fear is that Jocasta was right, and that he wasn't ready to become a full magus. He covers this up with his self-assured, arrogant attitude, and behaves as if he is the best there is (particularly among magi equal to his station). His objective in most situations is to reveal as little of himself and his weaknesses, while learning as much as he can about others in order to exploit the knowledge to his advantage.

Dante is a very private person, finding it very hard to form any kind of deep relationship with anybody. He fears anybody gaining an advantage over him, and consequently is very close-mouthed about his past. This concern verges on paranoia at times.

Dante is largely unaware of his psychological flaws; he decorates his fears in rationalization and double-speak, and becomes angry with anybody who points out the flaws in those same rationalizations.

Virtues and Flaws

+4 Incredible Intelligence: This reflects Dante's natural brilliance and curiosity, as well as his instinctive gift for magic (reflected in higher spontaneous magic totals).

+2 Subtle Magic: Dante's magic is largely driven by force of will, with no gestures needed.

+1 Fast Caster: Because of his high intelligence and instinctive gift, Dante can cast spells more quickly than your average magus.

+1 Extra Arts: This reflects the extra time Dante spent as an apprentice.

+1 Strong Willed and +1 Enduring Constitution: Dante was hardened as a result of his training under Jocasta, and learned to persevere in the face of pain and adversity.

-4 Chaotic Magic:The trauma of his emerging gift and subsequent painful apprenticeship have made Dante's magic somewhat unreliable.

-2 Common Fear: The destruction of his home as a child has given him a fear of fire. He can generally keep it under control, as long as the fire itself is under control.

-1 Incompatible Arts: Dante is unable to use Creo Ignem effects, a mental block as a result of his childhood trauma.

-1 Tormenting Master: Jocasta is unable to release her pupil. She is particularly incensed that he went behind her back and over her head.

-1 Hatred: Dante loathes (and fears) Jocasta and does not think rationally where she is involved (or where he thinks she might be involved).

-1 Driving Goal: Vengeance on Jocasta. Dante will do anything he can to get back at her for her treatment of him.

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