Appearance

Physical Description

He possesses a stocky build, with a hard, rounded belly portruding from his midsection. He is relatively strong but heavy, loud and not terribly agile.

Body Features

He possesses no identifying marks; he is a rather plain man. One might notice his long, thin fingers however and his thick moustache that dances upon his upper lip.

Facial Features

He is not ugly, but also not quite handsome. He possesses a broad, square face but a charming smile often rests upon his face. Despite this, it never really seems to reach his eyes...

Identifying Characteristics

None, really. Sure, you would recognise him but he's nothing special in appearance. If anything, his mocking smile would be the standout.

Physical quirks

His fingers are long and dexterous and standout from his more brutal appearance.

Apparel & Accessories

His clothes mark him as an old noble; rich waistcoats, elegant pocketwatches and fine leather boots adorn his person but now bear the marks of the road. Stains cling to the velvet, buttons appear missing and the pocketwatch clunks to twelve every hour.
 
He also possesses a fine set of lecturer robes. The back falls to mid-thigh, but on the sides they drop lower still. The sleeves are long and once would have brushed the ground, before Vladislav modified them. The collar is the deep scarlet silk of the Academy. They are quick and work well as a outside coat.
 
They are a light grey, conspicous to anyone who knows the Academy, and mark Vladislav as having obtained Professorship. The very highest rank the Academy offers.

Specialized Equipment

He holds a fine set of tinkering tools, of his own design, and a bandolier that is capable of holding an array of chemical compounds, bombs and other tools.

Special abilities

Vladislav was once a Whisper, a rare supernatural user of the city. This was unknown to himself and use of the Device transformed his powers.
 
Now, Vladislav can teleport in a blast of space bending energy. His range extends to 2 miles and he can go anywhere he can visualise. Perhaps, with the Device's help, he could do more... who knows?

Mentality

Personal history

Vladslav Sokolov, regarded as one of the smartest men alive by many, was born the bastard of a rich man of the city. Unacknowledged by his rich father, he was swiftly thrown into a orphanage in one of the rougher districts in the city.
 
His quick wits and prodigal ability with invention led to the appearance of Mr. Yellow, who offered the young boy an education at the Academy and a life away from poverty. The sponsorship of the technology wing of the government allowed Vladislav to reach great heights indeed.
 
At 23 he was made a Professor of the Academy, where he published many groundbreaking papers (including one that offered an explanation for the supernatural powers of the Whispers). Vladislav became rich, fat and happy! Then Mr. Yellow came to collect on his investment.
 
Far from upset, Vladislav was happy to join the group Mr. Yellow led: the Innovators. A group of the greatest minds in the city, and soon Vladislav was leading them. He met his wife (a government employee) who opened up a small slice of compassion in his heart, had his daughter Eyas, and found a peaceful existence in tinkering with the world around him.
 
Things changed when his wife died, and he created his greatest invention yet. The ability to grant a normal man the abilities of a Whisper. Perhaps it was the death of his wife, perhaps the moral pleading of his daughter. Perhaps it was simple greed. But upon his creation of the Device, Vladislav felt a tinge of regret. Could he give the powerful men in charge, who already held the city in a death grip, superhuman powers? No-one would ever be able to question their authority ever again.
 
Vladislav decided to use the Device on himself. Little did Vladislav know he was a Whisper himself and the abilities of the Device played havoc with his innate powers, transforming them into power space-time powers. The Council of Elders was alerted however and Vladislav had to flee into the night with Eyas, using his new teleportation ability to escape.
 
Mobilising the deadly assassin, Formel, to hunt the wayward inventor, the Council of Elders and the Innovators will have their revenge.
 

• 324: Birth


• 325: Vladislav is given up for adoption by his unnamed mother.


• 333: Vladislav is recruited Mr. Yellow and enrolled in the Academy.


• 340: Vladislav graduates from the Academy. He is employed as a Researcher by the same Intitution.


• 342: Vladislav bcomes a Lecturer at the Academy.


• 344: Vladislav obtains the illustrious Professorship of Theoretical Physics at the Academy.


• 346: Mr. Yellow comes to collect on his investment. Vladislav joins and The Innovators. It is during this time he also meets Maria.


• 348: To top off his 'Year of Twos' as Vladislav calls this period, he marries Maria in a whirlwind romance.


• 349: Eyas Alexandria Sokolova is born on the brightest day of the year. Perhaps an omen hinting towards her sunny disposition and unwavering willpower.


• 357: Maria dies, with some calling is foulplay. She was becoming increasingly outspoken against the Council of Founders. Vladislav becomes disillusioned with the Founders, which slowly builds into resentment over the next three years.


• 360: Vladislav creates the Device and betrays the Innovators. He flees into the city with Eyas. Mr. Yellow requests access to Formel from the Council of Founders. His wish is granted.

Education

Vladislav was educated at the Academy, the greatest centre for education in the known world. Those who attended looked down upon other Universities (like Clear Water University), an attitude encouraged by the elitist establishment.
 
Like any budding nobleman he learnt about all manner of things; art, politics, literature. He also specialised in alchemy and dabbled in medicine. In the latter two, Vladislav proved himself to be quite gifted.
 
His greatest gifts lie in bio-mechanics and theoretical physics. Whether it be allowing something to phase through an object, or placing a living brain inside a robot, Vladislav can do it. This ability is the lynchpin of his genius and sets him far beyond anything his academic peers could whip up.

Employment

For much of his life, Vladislav was employed by the Academy. He excelled there, in among minds that (almost) matched his own. There he published a number of papers, some of which changed the modern field of physics, others that aren't him a sceptical glance. His paper of arrents in particular was one only the Innovators could appreciate.
 
Despite blowback to his employ, Vladislav advanced rapidly through the ranks of the Academy; his gruff but honest manner with his students was well respected, even if many a student feared him. And he did not entirely hate his pupils. Dense though some were, he greatly enjoyed moulding them in his image.
 
Perhaps Vladislav could have stayed there forever, but Mr. Yellow soon came to collect on his investment. From there, Vladislav became one of the Innovators. From here his work was secret but no less impactful to society. When he was still young, Mr. Yellow gave him the leadership of the Innovators, and from here his creativity was free to roam. Many great strides in science were made, even if the poorer people of the city didn't get to experience them.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Vladislav is a man of little awards, per se. This peers hated him at the Academy and his work for the Innovators was top secret. He has, however, published a number of papers and made a variety of advancements in the field of Bio-Mechanics and Theoretical Physics.
 

Failures & Embarrassments

None that Vladislav was admit to. Beyond academic achievement, Vladislav was a tad slower at picking up more physical pursuits. His skill with Philee, for example, was only ever competent at best.

Mental Trauma

None of this moment, though he does harbour an irrational hatred for orphanages as a result of what he went through as a child.
 
It would be wrong, also, to claim Mr. Yellow did not have a way of bringing out the frightened child in him...

Intellectual Characteristics

Vladislav would refer to himself as a genius, a title which even his detractors would find hard to dispute. Incredibly well educated, and gifted to boot, Vladislav delights in finding projects that can test just how far his genius extends.
 
He is well cultured, recognising many noble customs and having a good aptitude at them. Whilst not the most elegant dancer or the most interest art connoisseur, he can play the part if needed. He is a gifted alchemist and talented in medical arts, even if he shows little interest in them.
 
His real genius lies in his almost superhuman understanding of biomechanics and genetics; with this he understood the abilities of a Whisper, and could, in theory, even take a brain and implant it in a robotic body. Playing with the biology of a person, understanding the mechanics of how they function; this is what he was built to do.
 
His other gift is in theoretical physics. Whereas many others see the world as it is, Vladislav sees it for what it could be. He sees an intricate puzzle, brimming with possibilties. Ready to be bent to his will.

Morality & Philosophy

Vladislav is complicated, as regards morality. His whims change like the wind but a streak of cruelty and indifference remain. He is very happy to sacrifice those around him to advance his own goals.
 
However, he also conjured up a philosophy, a theory on society, that advocates for freedom and equality. He now peddles the idea that evil should be punished and the poorer people of the city saved. Vladislav is complex, with a variety of reasons for his own strange bouts of moral thinking.
 
He adheres closely to his own created brand of communist-esque theory called Sokovism. In it it seeks to rip the means of production from the rulers, shatter nationalism, and level the inequal society they live in. Of course, there is nothing wrong with developing a conscience but it seems Vladislav needed to live the good life before he could be capable of reflection.
 
If anything, Vladislav is neutral. He is firmly against society as it is and believes in equality. Even if that equality is marked by the idea that one has every right, every equal right, to commit as many sins as they wish. Especially if that person was decidedly unequally advantaged in their mental abilities, compared to their peers.

person.sexuality

Heterosexual.

person.gender_identity

Male.

Known Languages

Vladislav speaks the Common Tongue fluently, with a thick, unknown accent. He can employ academic and noble slang well. He also, along with Eyas, speaks a strange tongue unknown to others in the city. Where he picked this up, one can only guess.

Personality

Motivation

The motivations of Vladislav are shrouded in mystery, as tightly wound as the invention clutched in his hand. What is known however is his desire to repair the Device and to prove his brilliance to those around him. For such a arrogant man, he possesses an incredible amount of insecurity. Then again, perhaps those always went hand in hand...

Quotes & Catchphrases

"Tell me I am brilliant..."

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Vladislav is a savant at intellectual pursuits. However, point him towards a wall and watch as bricks are made loose and loud grunts punctuate the air. Vladislav is not a quiet man, or an agile man either. Whilst not incapable, he would much rather leave physical challenges to others or his inventions.
 
With that said, Vladislav is quite strong and can quite plausibly beat his enemies to death with thundering fist and furious temper.

Likes & Dislikes

Vladislav likes jokes and will happily laugh along to any made. He enjoys small cakes and sweets, which he will gobble up with gusto (if he can get his hands on them). He is particularly attracted to the sound of clockwork, fighting for a hideout in the clocktower. The constant ticking brings his mind relief and allows him to focus.
 
He is often seen smoking his pipe; he is happiest with his sleeves rolled up, oil across his arms, surrounded by a thick cloud of smoke and he tinkers away at something delicate.

Virtues & Personality perks

Beyond his intelligence, it could be (well) argued that Vladislav has few virtues. In fact, he would probably debate you on the nature of virtue itself...
 
Vladislav is not unkind and has been known, rarely, to take those he likes beneath his wing. He is always ready to teach, and if he is shown full respect, he shall even do it in a kind and gentle manner. Morever, his zany, almost bizarre, behaviour at times is a well tuned behaviour meant to ingratiate himself with others. And not always for cynical reasons, it might be added.
 
He is loving to his daughter, Eyas, and would give his life for her. Despite his many flaws, he is a father and would live up to this in every way one would expect.

Vices & Personality flaws

Vladislav is a cruel man. He delights in others misfortune (even if their fortune would benefit him) and has an incredibly low regard for human life. His first relationship with a girl ended with her disfigurement (one wishes they could call it accidental), and only a small pang of guilt ever greeted Vladislav at night afterwards.
 
He has grafted arms to innocents, ripped children from their parents and experimented on any he could find. His past is one soaked in blood and mad experimentation. When you lived as he did, as an Innovator, nothing was off limits.
 
As if this was not enough, Vladislav is addicted to drugs, particularly Silver Dragon. How this dependancy came about, only one could guess. But a stressful lifestyle and nights where demons of the past pound upon memories of times gone... well, one must find relief somehow.

Personality Quirks

A penchant for bizarre statements. Vladislav will also contradict himself often.
 
He is often seen puffing on his dark ivory pipe. The pipe itself features the beautiful face of a woman, carved by a master, clearly. The face is almost too beautiful; a little unnatural in fact.

Hygiene

Covered in oil and grease, with fraying sleeves and missing buttons, Vladislav reeks of lost wealth. His hygiene, watched closely by Eyas, is good enough however.

Social

Birthplace

Memphistopolese

Current Residence

The Clocktower (District 7)

Contacts & Relations

Vladislav has a variety of contacts, some old, some new.
 
People of his past include Mr. Yellow, the secretive benefactor and genius former leader of the Innovators. A man of high class, held in great regard by the Founders, yet very little is known about his life. He inspires fear in those around him and yet had enough mercy that he could pluck an orphan from the gutter (even if that orphan possessed potential).
 
Formel, the assassin of the Founders. Vladislav was lucky enough to be able to employ Formel during his time in the Innovators. Mainly to knock someone off, or collect this and that. Little is known about Formel, but there are rumours abound that he is genetically enhanced, that he fights in a way unknown even to the Cutters in the city. All that is known is that Formel has rarely been sent to hunt, and he never misses his mark when he does.
 
Eyas Alexandria Sokolova - His daughter, a sweet, intelligent child who is well aware of her father’s twisted life. She, however, is a beacon of light, a moral compass who is untarnished by the world and her father. Most of her character comes from her, much sweeter, mother. Her willpower is absolute, and she can even twist the arm of her father into doing the right thing. She often helps her father with small inventions but only if they are not going to be used as weapons. She is around 11, small, dressed in rich yet worn clothes that are oversized. She wears a protective coat designed by her father. She is the splitting image of her deceased mother.
 
His new contacts consist of Horatio, the obese, jovial fence and Twitch, his drug dealer. For the latter, his name pretty much describes his personality.

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Professorship of Theoretical Physics.

Wealth & Financial state

Once quite well off, now entirely destitute. On the run, the only resources he has are his mind and his merciless attitude.

Family Ties

None; Vladislav has only his daughter left and he has burnt any 'family' ties he had to Mr. Yellow when he betrayed him. His wife, Maria, was killed a while ago.
 
His workshop in the heart of the Clocktower's gears is a space for both himself and Eyas. His daughter's drawings hang from twinkling gears, he has constructed a little room for her (little more than a small bed he has made and a screen) and he makes sure there is a vent for the smoke that comes from his pipe. There both he and his daughter work on his inventions together (as long as they are no lethal, as Eyas insists). The girl is brilliant like her father and can happily be left with small items to put together; such is her father's trust in her that he will quite happily take the items from offered hand and throw them straight into whatever he is creating.
 
He has no connection to his mother or his noble father and has no intention to establish one.

Religious Views

Cynical and questioning, he holds no real spiritual views, though he can't quite shake the hope there is something else.

Social Aptitude

Vladislav is brusque, uncharismatic person. When it comes to a duel or words, Vladislav is likely to lose unless he can bamboozle his opponent with academic subjects.
 
With that said, he is not entirely incompetent. Having been raised as a noble since he was 9 years old, Vladislav is well cultured, being able to dance, comment on classical music and art, and cite great works of literature. Whilst not his areas of expertise, Vladislav has an incredible memory; he forgets nothing with his mind palace. As such, he easily absorbed a great deal of information.
Therefore, when dealing with nobles he knows the language, the way to act, and the social expectations. He is currently hoping to coach his fellow companions about the noble arts. How easy this will be will soon be seen...
With the lower classes, Vladislav could rightfully be accused of misunderstanding. Whilst he remembers his time as one (especially since he is back in a similar situation), he also has a habit of downplaying their turmoil. As such, he can appear arrogant and dismissive. His perceived genius, in contrast to their lack of, helps to contribute to this.
In short, he can fit into a variety of social situation but very few would ever call him charming. Friends are not coin to Vladislav; hard to make and easy to lose.

Mannerisms

Vladislav conducts strange behaviour to make other feels comfortable around himself, and to dismiss him. For such an arrogant man, he is happy for others to think less of him, as long as he can wow them once he reveals his true prowess. Therefore, Vladislav will take time to stare at a wall as if it is a window, he make rambling points that make little sense and he will happily interrupt others if he feels he has a better point to make.
 
His fingers twitch, as if they wish to grasp something. He mitigates this by puffing on his pipe; he is often at a loss without it, having it gripped between his teeth as he thinks. When not smoking it, his fingers dance across his surface as he tries to pull his thoughts together. He often appears in a cloud of smoke. With that said, his lungs still appear strong and he does not cough often, for which there is a reason. Vladislav has long been making his own tobacco; one could never call it healthy, but it is much cleaner than that sold to the fellow poor in the city. It is also why you will see him shun cigarettes (though not cigars, as they are of a higher quality). His alchemical knowledge, honed in the Academy, is the reason he can do this.

Hobbies & Pets

Vladilslav's hobbies are his craft, though he does possess an interest in Escrime, the eclectic fencing style of the nobles. He takes the time to hone this skill. Though not a fighter, Vladislav is aware enough to realise that defending oneself is of utmost importance in the rat race of a city that is Memphistopoles.
 
He has no pets and he doesn't trust cats, for whatever reason.

Speech

Strangely, his speaks with a thick accent. No-one, even himself, knows where this came from. It is funny though.