Desmond Troy: Headmaster of the Aetheric Arcanum

Standing tall at nearly seven feet, Desmond's lanky silhouette can be an imposing presence. Yet, it was the aura about him that was more remarkable than his stature. This aura was said to be a manifestation of his Nephilim heritage. Some whispered he was the direct descendant of Death itself, a title he neither confirmed nor denied.
His skin is as pale as alabaster, contrasting starkly with the deep black in his sunken eyes. His gaze often distant, as if watching worlds and times others couldn’t perceive. While his appearance can be intimidating, those who knew him admired him for his wisdom and the kindness that lay beneath his austere exterior. To many, he was a mentor, a guide, and a protector.
Rumors say that he hailed from a lineage that predated the creation of Cardinal itself, if that's even possible. His keen understanding of both the elves’ ethereal grace and the dwarves' steadfast determination made him an essential bridge between these disparate civilizations.
Desmond envisioned a world where elves and dwarves lived in unity, benefiting from one another's strengths. It was his diplomacy that helped pave the way for the creation of Aerondor, the skyward city. His friendship with Underkeep's dwarves ensured that the two realms maintained a balance of power, fostering a symbiotic relationship that helped them thrive.
This partnership between elves and dwarves gave birth to the idea of the Aetheric Arcanum. While the world outside often saw magic as a tool, Desmond viewed it as a way of life, a means of understanding. His dream was to establish an institution that would be a repository of all arcane knowledge, a place where one could understand the underlying currents of magic that flowed through Cardinal. So, the Aetheric Arcanum was born. Under Desmond's watchful eye, the academy flourished as they traveled Cardinal bring on new students. It was more than just a place of learning; it was a testament to what unity could achieve. Here, in its hallowed halls, the combined knowledge of elves and dwarves was preserved and passed on to new generations.
As the headmaster, Desmond's daily life was interwoven with the academy. His office, an expansive chamber filled with ancient tomes, overlooked the vast city of Aerondor. Students often saw him standing by the window, gazing out at the horizon with his fingers firmly pressed upon his head, lost in thoughts that perhaps only a Nephilim of his caliber could fathom. Despite his responsibilities, Desmond always found time for his peers. Many a pupil owed their understanding of complex arcane arts to his patient teachings. He believed in nurturing not just the mind but also the soul, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, empathy, and humility.