Virda'ak the Scorned
Appearance
Whatever he used to look like, Virda'ak can now be described as little more than a husk; his scales were torn from his body, leaving dry, grey, mutilated flesh behind, his clothes are torn and battered, and his right arm was ripped clean off above the elbow. A black sash marking him as an exile is permanently fused to his grey skin, and always seems to find a way to be seen underneath the arcane bandages that otherwise cover his torso.Personality
Those that knew him before his fall describe the grey dragonborn as affable in the company of mages, but obsessed with power and eager to use his authority over those lesser than him. These two traits seem directly responsible for his ruination, though the fact he has survived his ordeal shows remarkable willpower as well. What little has been seen from him after his transformation revealed him to be greatly fearful for his life, and more than willing to betray his supposed leader to protect his own hide.Abilities
Once considered one of the greatest sorcerers of the era - so much so that he was directly sponsored by The Dragonlord from a young age - he previously claimed mastery over many different forms of elemental magic, as well as the ability to conjure forth draconic spirits to aid him in battle. Yet after being torn apart and banished, he still shows considerable skill with the pact-based power granted to him by his new masters, able to call forth potent acidic and poisonous magics, and even momentarily cage the Hammer of Serpents himself.History
Sorcerous Beginnings
The power within Virda'ak was discovered early by his parents, who contacted a local mage and asked her to take care of their son. From then on, whatever natural talents he had were improved upon by experiments, study, and training, until he could stand proud beside others twice his age in The Capital.Glory & Triumph
His rapid progress and achivements would not go unnoticed, and soon he would be taken under the wing of Zarligantír Kerrhylon! He disappeared from the common public's eye for many years afterwards, but was more active than ever following his Immortal master across the world, and achieved stardome in certain halls. In archaeological circles he became well known as a hero for protecting draconic dig sites from bandits, thieves, and monsters alike until the remains could be properly recovered and transported. With Olsíri's dueling fans he gained some brief fame for almost managing to touch High Lord Protagoras by thinking quick on his feet and using innate dragon's breath instead of any spells. In the far reaches of Détras he even helped to send a fleet of barbarian ships back to the north with his might. For an entire decade, it seemed he could do no wrong in the eyes of his betters.Hubris & Greed
Far too often the cause of a mage's downfall is themselves, and Virda'ak was no exception. Ever-seeking greater strength, he began to take - by extortion or by stealth - the odd fragement or two from dig sites he saved, and occasionally used his master's name to intimidate or bully other mages into doing his bidding or keeping his secrets. More damning, though, were the times he grew bold enough to steal from Zarligantír's Draconic Museum directly, declaring to the custodians he needed components for vital missions or that he was under orders from the very Immortal he was stealing from. Coin, reputation, and more were won with dishonesty, guile, and violence in those days, until eventually he was caught.Exile
Word finally reached the ears of The King of Scales, and the retribution was seemingly a fate worse than death. Every shred of power Virda'ak had cultivated over decades was ripped from him like a scab from a wound. His scales torn from his flesh, his magic torn from his very soul. In fear and desperation, apparently he made a foolish attempt to fight back, and lost an arm in the attempt. Yet for reasons unknown, Zarligantír let him live. A black sash, used to brand traitors, murderers, and worse as exiles, was burned into his skin and bone, before Virda'ak was dropped from the sky and left to slither off into some far corner, pathetic and alone.A New Master
With no power, no connections, and a brand that meant he would be killed on sight if he ever again attempted to walk amongst civilised folk, the now-grey dragonborn disappeared from public record for years. Assumption would say he sought ways to regain his power and claim vengeance for his disgrace, and that he would eventually find comfort in the promises of Godslayer Fidain.Cultists in Katarn
The next time Virda'ak would be seen again would be far below Katarn in the company of yuan-ti cultists. With the aid of two Consuls and The Mirror Of Revelation The Exotics found a secret stairway underneath the ruins of Kiderha's temple. A battle ensued during which Virda'ak wounded several of The Exotics and briefly trapped Demonslayer Behzad, but ended in victory for the forces of good after Virda'ak turned on his allies to save himself. In the aftermath he slunk away into the caves, and has not yet been seen again.
Children
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