Afthisdryn Sefris Syvwlchmaere
Sergeant Afthisdryn Sefris Syvwlchmaere (a.k.a. Sef)
My portrait was created by Bonnie, known as @Kahbuki on Twitter! Please check them out and consider commissioning them!
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Free from illnesses, abnormalities and afflictions. Due to his height and choice in clothing he is not particularly agile, but remains physically fit.
His blood type is B-.
Body Features
Fair skin, but is typically tanned. Body is clean shaven.
Facial Features
Very angular face, long pointed nose and chin. Long thick sideburns and a curled goatee.
Identifying Characteristics
Sef has a long birthmark traveling from the outside of his right hand to his upper back. No Piercings or tattoos.
Physical quirks
Left hand dominant, nervous tic in his nose.
Apparel & Accessories
Extremely militaristic fashion, only wearing essentials. Clad in full plate armor, with chain mail and leather clothing for additional protection and warmth. All items of clothing are kept in good condition.
Specialized Equipment
Lance, Full plate armor, Buckler shield, Small tent, bedroll, Blanket, Soap, Canteen, Silk rope, Compass, Fishing net.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Sef comes from a strong established family of gnomes from the capital. His father, Deryrista Syvwlchmaere and his mother, Sarythita (previously thyinstergn) joined in marriage in order to forward the success of their two businesses.
The family bleeds success. A child that does not succeed is considered a failure in the bloodline, and is outcast from the family. While Sef's actions are noble, they do not bring wealth or power. It is for this reason his parents are not approving of his path in life.
Sef's love for the Emperor came from regular attendance at his local church. His parents were typically absent during key points in his upbringing, and so many of his ethics and teachings came from the church, which is why he holds it so strongly.
As Sef became more invested into the church, his parents began to interfere. Taking sef out of church in order to give lessons on public speaking and diplomacy. It drove a bigger divide between him and his family, as he saw them as a barrier between him and his personal goal. When Sef came of age, he found it best to separate himself from his family and invest himself fully into the church, becoming a paladin for it's cause. His parents at this point had dismissed him as an addition to their legacy, and continue to ridicule him for his actions.
Sef has had time to reflect on his life, and his family. While they disapprove of his actions, and they have been an obstacle for him, he still wishes to connect with them. He believes at his core that he can prove himself to them. In order to prove the value of his choices, he took it upon himself to leave the capital to make a name for himself.
On his journey beyond he heard whispers of a mercenary group looking for additional members. It sounds dangerous, and of little reward... but it's a start.
Sexuality
Straight
Education
Standard education but extremely influenced/taught within the Church of the Emperor.
Mental Trauma
Mentally stable, Irrational fear of heights. Conditioning from the church during his childhood has left him with the compulsion to dispute anything against his beliefs and views. Failing to do so leaves him shaken.
After an unfortunate encounter with a sentient cake Sef has an irrational fear of the spongy treat.
Intellectual Characteristics
Diplomatic, Logical, Honorable.
Morality & Philosophy
Lawful good Paladin. He fights for good against the forces of Evil, bringing those that would do wrong to justice.
His perspective of what is classed as good and evil is heavily influenced from his teachings at the church. Anybody that would refuse to worship the Emperor is a heretic, and by extension; evil. Worship of the Wanderer and the Slayer is also heresy.
Due to his party's varied beliefs Sef has been forced to overlook this for his teammates temporarily. He fully intends to bring them to justice when the time is right.
Taboos
Worship of another god within the presence of Sef is strictly forbidden, as is the slandering of the Emperor.
Due to his strict childhood conditioning, Sef also has a compulsion to dispute anything and everything that conflicts his own beliefs and morality. Failing to do so leaves him shaken.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Follows in the footsteps of the Emperor's ideals (Uniting the world under the Empire). Wishes to prove himself and his ideals to his family.
Likes & Dislikes
Outside of his religious views and teachings as a Paladin, there is very little that Sef Likes/Dislikes.
Sef is particularly fond of most animals he encounters. It is important to note that while he does like all birds, he has a small amount of anxiousness around larger birds as a result of his fear of heights.
Sef prefers most kinds of tea excluding Earl Grey. Peppermint is his favourite tea flavour.
Sef greatly dislikes any form of misconduct, and a lack of respect for authority.
After an encounter in which a cake was seemingly sentient and attempted to climb into his mouth, Sef is nervous around any kind of cake.
Sef dislikes Dio.
Virtues & Personality perks
Developed a tremendous level of patience during his time in Loaded Deck and coming to terms with his teammates actions and beliefs.
Will put his life on the line for his team without question despite how they may have gotten into the situation (with varying levels of success).
Vices & Personality flaws
Unable to stop himself from intervening when witnessing an act or discussion that goes against his core belief/view. Failing to do so leaves him shaken..
Personality Quirks
He has a mild tic in his nose that is provoked whenever he is in dispute of something against his core belief/view.
Hygiene
Sef cares a lot about cleanliness. He keeps himself very clean, making sure to wash himself and his armor frequently. His personal spaces also share this trait, with all his belongings kept neat and organized, and regularly dusted. This habit has been reinforced since joining the Two of hearts due to some of the party members own hygiene habits.
His hair is surprisingly unkempt given his normal routine but he in fact keeps his hair a certain length to ensure it does not obscure his vision. His helmet is the main cause for his messy hair. He maintains his beard often, making sure to shave regularly and leave his goatee at a consistent height. His sideburns are left to grow out because he likes the look of it.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Has contacts in the capital from his upbringing, and is currently the Sergeant of the Six of Hearts, a mercenary group that is part of a larger company known as Loaded deck.
His teammates are Logan/Dio, Luna, Aahi, Siegfried and Targen.
When they first joined the Mercenary group they were led by Sergeant Collier, which had quickly deteriorated within the group as he was given the pet name, 'Collie'. Sef refrained from calling him this at first out of respect for his ranking, but as the party became more accquainted he had no issues with it. This had also come to pass after quickly discovering that the nickname had a reputation within Dealer's Run and Loaded Deck, with many others who were already familiar with Sergeant Collier referring to him as 'Collie'.
Sef holds respect for Sergeant Collier for his attitude towards leadership and for serving as a mentor for his first two years within the group. Though their paths have seperated as Sef has been promoted to Colliers previous position, he hopes to keep in contact with him, and that their paths may cross again some time in the future.
Religious Views
Sef follows the Church of the Emperor and has been a strong believer in the Living god for as long as he can remember.
Social Aptitude
Charismatic and has no issues talking to large crowds of people due to his family teachings in diplomacy.
Will treat each being he meets with respect until an appropriate amount of information has been obtained on them to make a better judgement. Should the being be evil or against his core beliefs this sentiment is not shared.
He is confident in his own ability and to others if they are able to prove it. He is willing to give people the benefit of the doubt should they make a mistake. This sentiment is not shared on a social level, and Sef will often make snap assessments depending on a person's beliefs.
Sef has faith in his abilities but not to an egotistical level. Even being given the rank of Sergeant, he tries his best not to put himself above others, and to only give direct orders when it is absolutely necessary.
Sef is extroverted and has no issues with crowds of people or interacting with others.
His etiquette is that of any typical citizen of the capital, and is well mannered.
Hobbies & Pets
In his free time, Sef likes to make portraits.
He has a pet dog called Snuffles, who he obtained from a market in Dealer's Run.
Snuffles is a large riding dog, trained for combat use. He is a Mastiff with a white coat of fur, with a darker snout. When not in combat Snuffles is extremely lazy, and will often lie down when there is an oppertunity. Sef likes dogs, and had wanted one as a pet during his childhood for many years but was denied so. In his spare time he will attempt to play with the dog, with little success due to the previously mentioned laziness. Other than that, Snuffles is a very good boy.
Speech
Sef has a lisp that he has had from birth. He speaks with a higher pitched voice and will often put a lot of emphasis on words at the end of his sentences.
Leader of a ragtag group of Mercenaries in the Loaded Deck! Praise be to The Emperor! (Profile picture by @Kahbuki on Twitter, check them out!)
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Honorary & Occupational Titles
Sergeant
Date of Birth
7477MW, 08, 11
Birthplace
In the heart of the Acrean Empire.
Children
Current Residence
Dealer's Run
Gender
Male
Eyes
Dark Brown, Tired
Hair
Short, Messy, Brown
Height
3'5"
Weight
40kg
Quotes & Catchphrases
"Well, that's quite unfortunate! I assumed I was alive!"
Entry #5 The Reflections
I took another break from my journal; I should not make a habit out of this. Admittedly, Luna has become a substitute of sorts— I’ve been comfortable confiding in her my thoughts and feelings to everything we’ve been going through, and I have been more than happy to provide her with the same courtesy. While I have an obligation to my entire Squad, keeping them safe and their wellbeing in mind, I do find myself worrying more for her safety above the others. There is still much I do not understand about Samsarans, but I know enough to see their significance to this world of ours. They could be the only thing that holds this place together after we dismantled fate.
I suppose.. I should talk about what happened to us. We were assigned to a mission to investigate reports of our colleagues, Luna and Aahi, being sighted in an entirely different part of the continent, despite them being with us. It turned out that they were the reflections of them that had escaped during our time in Tesmeri. From the start, I was concerned for their safety; the others do not understand, as I was the only one to merge with my reflection properly, but.. They were still themselves. The more we investigated, the more our concerns grew. They were working with a lich— someone Siegfried seemed to be familiar with, and whatever they were doing was warping and affecting the reflection in ways we could not understand. Using the knife here proved very dangerous for that reason. Whatever they were doing, whatever work they had done, was starting to impact the people in the city. Citizens were falling into a slumber that they were unable to wake from; Mass panic were caused by projections of creatures in order to trigger the creation of what we learned to be Rulers; a representation of a part of Luna’s lives/consciousness. Both reflections had scattered themselves into segments, Aahi was broken into segments of herself, and Luna in the form of these rulers. We somehow found ourselves aiding them in creating them all; damaging or hurting the rulers may have severed Luna from her past selves, and destroy her ability to reincarnate. We wanted to avoid that at all costs, and find a way to save her and the people as well. I fear our decision led to more lives being lost than if we had simply destroyed them; but to do so would be at great cost and risk to Luna’s entire being; who am I to place that burden onto someone else? It was her choice to find an alternative to destroying them, and I was not going to disrespect that.
Once all the rulers had been freed, we were able to reunite them with Luna; unfortunately, this was a part of the Reflections’ plan. This ritual severed Luna’s reflection from her past selves, making her more or less human. For Aahi, it provided her with the chance to remove the beast contained in the Heart. We had to fight her in order to seal it back away.. She was beyond saving.
We had a final moment to speak with the Reflection of Luna— I gave her a firm enough warning about endangering more lives. This entire experience has had me re-evaluate my own actions, and has left me disappointed in myself. I have fallen short of my duties as a Paladin to The Emperor, and allowed to many injustices to go unpunished; Too many evildoers given a chance of forgiveness. I strived myself on approaching things passively, trying to find a peaceful resolution, but if that course of action is going to result in more lives being lost, then I must take a firmer hand.
A lot of this is still very fresh on my mind, and not at all collected or formed.. I would like to talk with Luna about some of it to obtain an alternative perspective and just.. Relax in her company. I experience much less pressure and expectations with her.. I feel like I am allowed to have doubts, flaws.. Being more myself.
Until the next,
Sef
Entry #4: Oshen
7543MW, 01, 08
Gosh, I'm not even sure where to begin with this one. I'm keeping information out of this entry, mostly because the report I'm going to have to submit will be more than enough work on its own.
We've been stationed up in Oshen for a while. It's a nice enough place, Aahi certainly enjoys it.
We were picked out (Randomly, mind you) for a mission in the.. Research district? Something scientific, anyhow.
We were tasked to investigate a murder. Poor chap was killed in his home, in some kind of strange ritual. Or at least it looked that way at first.
Let me tell you, this was one heck of a goose chase we were put on. I think at some point almost every person we came across became a suspect. Once we managed to put pace on a lead we found evidence seemingly in the last moment that turned it on its head. The whole thing was bonkers.
We also encountered some, undead construct of sorts. It was disgusting. In the moment I decided to use The Lance. Then I was empowered by this lantern object Aahi created. It felt.. Wrong. That and the blasted thing forced us to seek aid afterward from the internal damage it caused. I believe she's keeping that heart in there.
After what happened with Aahi and the heart last time, I think its better I not use the lance for a while, and treat it more as a final resort. I already lost it once, I need to learn from this and not let it happen again.
I'll update this a little more later on. We still have some unfinished buisness here in Oshen, and we'll be getting news from the Summit soon.
Until the next,
- Sef
Entry #3: Acrea
7543MW, 01, 02
I've neglected my journal for some time, I thought now may be a good time as any to update on my current condition.
It's been very difficult to process everything that has happened ever since the Capital was attacked. At the time all I could think about is whether my family were still alive. Dio was kind enough to accompany me with one of the legion ships to look for any signs of my family. When we arrived at the shelter they informed me that my parents had not survived. I managed to stay composed at the time what with Dio being there but I... Struggled. Everything I have done and worked towards has put me where I am today, and has been to prove to them that choosing to do the right thing can bring its own benefits. But after seeing those beasts destroy my home I just wanted them to be okay.
When we went to see the bodies there was someone in the room waiting. They were with the Empire, Sent by High Judge Krannec. The figure resurrected my parents and gave me a box with the lance inside, and a letter from the Judge. I will not divulge the contents of this letter; even though I can guarantee the security of my Journal I'd rather not risk it. I keep it with me at all times now, as a reminder of what's to come.
(The paragraph below is written in Gnomish. The handwriting is a bit messier than the rest of the page.)
Show spoiler
I spent a couple days with my parents, catching up with them. I'm glad to know they're alive, but I worry now for their safety, even with the Emperor's glorious return. It was only through choice from above that my parents were returned to me, there were many others much less fortunate who did not receive this treatment. I'm still not sure how I feel about that.
The loaded deck have been stationed in Oshen for a couple months now, providing security for the upcoming summit. It’s given me enough time to collect myself and get back to where I was. And with how high tensions are in the world, funnily it's the first time in a while where I feel like nobodys out to get us.
Until the next,
-Sef
I haven't told the others about what happened to the lance. But if things go too far I will have to say something. It feels wrong to keep this from my team; my family. But I want them to find responsibility for themselves than have it forced by me.
Entry #2: Plague
7542MW, 4, 15
I’ve been informed by various sources that our groups ink usage is currently above the average of most teams, and as such we have been told to ‘Knock it off’. From now on I will summarise our missions under one entry and try to keep it brief.
Our first real mission as a separate group since becoming our own group in a part of Loaded deck, and of course it had to go the way it did.
What was supposed to be an investigation on a plague that had fallen a county slowly formed into a story of Vampires, cults, and too much heresy to think of. All of this had seeming been at the request of Legendary Vampire hunter Van Helsing, who at the time was under the influence of Dracula, and went by the name of Alucard (Dracula backwards, how whimsy.) After a bump in with a cult and Aahi’s insistence of dragging along one of its members for some reason (He didn’t get in the way, so I couldn’t care less of his fate. Apparently he’s been detained at the moment.)
When our situation on this mission worsened, we had called for the aid of another group, The Four of Spades, made up of Senkus Audrastes, Terra Lilian, Krek Stormblood, Feya Dawnstar and Adrake Thimblefoot.
To put a long story short, most of them died, only Krek and Feya lived. They fought hard and bravely during our battle with Dracula, and I wish to meet them again so I can give them my thanks and proper condolences.
On our venture up a mysterious tower, which just so happened to be littered with Cultist scum, the party had been separated into two groups, with myself and Aahi being taken to what I assume was the top of the tower. It was there we received Van Helsing’s weapon, some kind of strangely designed gun, made to fit multiple shots in. It was spectacular, and I was very uneasy leaving it with Aahi, but I felt it was necessary to be more open as a Sergeant. Not to get too sidetracked, but I understand that my personality is somewhat… Overwhelming, to the group. I want to be better for them. And while my own ideals are important, I have to be able to put this aside for the well-being of us all. I have had to make choices these past days that go against everything I stand for, and I can already see that it won't be the last. It isn’t ideal, but if it helps us move forward as a team, as their leader I must try my best.
Moving along, it was at this point the rest of the party made a mess. I don’t know what went on whilst we were separated since they REFUSE to tell me, but the outcome of it was that a filthy demon had found its home in Dio’s body (As if I couldn’t find any more reasons to not like him). He ended up being useful, but it raised some serious concerns to me about where his allegiances lie. I’ll have to press them at a later date about this.
A few more disasters and Dracula had been resurrected. I’ll be honest, things moved on pretty quickly after this and I can’t remember much of it. We made our way back to the manor to get some kind of aid for Van Helsing, made our way to the Count’s lab, and bumped into Dracula’s daughter, who we had run-ins with throughout this whole mess. Fortunately we had the help of a literal demon, and we were able to apprehend her. Right now she’s with the Count, no doubt playing victim to some weird experiment. After a few more stumbles, we had made it to Dracula. He was under the impression we were going to become his servants or something, which was hilarious.
We were allowed a day’s rest, before we entered an arena where we faced off against Dracula. It’s not everyday you get to fight something you hear stories about, so whilst absolutely terrifying it was also very exhilarating. Part of me could almost get used to it (If it didn’t produce so much paperwork).
After we defeated Dracula, Van Helsing requested to be executed. I obliged. Certainly a heavy loss, had they not been undead I would have hoped to have let them live. I can’t begin to imagine what they had experienced having such an evil force weigh down on them for so long.
Shortly after we were met, surprisingly, by a Judge. What an honor it was! Whilst we almost gotten killed for our incredibly questionable acts during this mission, we were pardoned. Van helsing’s weapon and various other heretical objects were submitted for containment.
We collected ourselves and returned to Dealer’s Run. Commander Syke’s saw it fit to promote us to the Four of hearts, and informed us that future missions would be heavily screened. It was their belief that we were being targeted! Whilst it’s true our group has had our fair share of encounters, it still surprises me that even a small group as ourselves would be targeted by a greater force. I suppose we will see if more light will be shed on this.
I shan’t let this keep me, as I have more papers to file from this mess of a mission. You’ll be sure to hear more about how much fun it is for the next few days my dear Journal.
Until the next,
-Sef
Entry #1: The Incident
7540MW, 3, 8
I don't think I've ever had a day such as this in my entire life.
When I arrived at the tavern the largest bird I had ever seen was perched outside. It looked fairly docile, but you can tell that thing was dangerous, and I could've sworn it was giving me the evils. I'd say given the chance it could have easily flew off with me, even in full plate. terrifying.
Inside there were already a few patrons, of which I assumed were mostly there for the same reason I was. I spoke to a tall lady at the bar, called Luna, and a curious individual who had never used money before.
Before long we were rallied up by one Sergeant Collier, who had been observing us and our behaviour in the bar. He explained that in order to become full members of this group we would need to work under this company, The Loaded deck, for a minimum of two years with a preselected group. After which we would be assigned a squad of own to go on our own missions.
We had a small presentation of our skills, I assume to weed out anybody not cut out for the job, and sent the others (Including myself) to a gigantic airship known as Dealers Run.
Our time here was incredibly brief. After gathering into a hall, we were assigned to a group, led by Sergeant Collier. He didn’t seem terribly happy with this outcome; I would shortly discover why.
Our group comprised of the following people: Lunaria Isatis Annua, a Samsaran Druid, Logan Dio De Mare, a self-proclaimed human bard, Dr. Siegfried Klaus Von Grimmelshausen, an Alchemist, and Faraahi Hellesfentotahr Huaradhi Thunderflank Andeema , an undine witch.
Luna, as it turns out, is the owner of the terrifying bird that was outside the tavern. It is apparently a Roc called Meteor. Of the group she is almost definitely the most level headed of the rest, Though she appears to have a problem with the Emperor; my supposed worship is in her eyes heretical and even had the audacity to call him a FALSE GOD. I had prepared myself in the event of those with a different belief, but even so it certainly caused distress.
Logan, is… A problem. From my impressions from the day he is a heavily drinking, loud-mouthed and irritating individual, who seems to appreciate causing myself and the others grief. Within moments of entering the Quarters he insisted on calling me ‘Church boy’ and wanted me to partake in drinking with him. I now have to share a room with this individual, so I will most likely have to write these entries down in a different language to snuff out any possibilities of him reading in on my personal thoughts... I may have to speak to Luna to arrange this.
Dr Siegfried is, well.. I’m not really sure. Outside of listing his profession and name he didn’t really say very much at all. I’m sure he will come around, but I get the impression that he would rather be left alone.
Aahi is a curious individual. I wouldn’t say annoying, but overwhelming? Her youthful attitude and energy is entertaining, but it can make it very difficult to reason with her. She seems to have took to Collier, to his misfortune. She seems to flirt an awful lot. Hopefully this isn’t too much of a problem. She also had a familiar in the form of an Otter, who she referred to as Otterly Useless. (Fantastic name.)
Before we managed to settle in we were called away to an emergency. A Royal transport headed to the Emperor had crash landed and we were to secure the position. When we arrived there was an incredibly powerful magical presence that took out our transport. From then things are incredibly fuzzy. Only writing this have I managed to piece most of it together. We had been transported to some kind of other plane.. And I was in front of a giant wall. A cloaked, bearded man had given me instructions on finding the rest of the group and told me we were being tested. I then remember fighting some kind of monster that took the form of the Emperor, that had come from a shard of his sword. When he had been beaten, we were transported to our crash site, unharmed. Our ship was in pieces, and we were right next to the Royal ship. Sergeant Collier was gravely injured. He told us that he had been attacked by undead. We were soon surrounded and made a break for the ship. My teammates attended to the door. A person stood on the ship holding the shard we had previously fought. We managed to just make it inside before we were overwhelmed by the undead filth.
Inside the ship we met with a mysterious lady, who referred to herself as Morwenna. She told us that another individual got their hands on the Shard of the Emperor’s sword, that twisted him into the figure that we had seen previously. She Marked us with what I now know to be the symbol of the Wanderer (MUCH to my disgust) as a means of protection in order to vanquish the vile beast that dare take the Emperor’s image. With some effort, we were successful. The lady took the shard and teleported us back to Dealer’s run.
The details of this event have been referred to as the Shattered Blade Incident. Outside of what we experienced we have been told nothing else of the ramifications of what took place and what it had meant, but it seemed to be quite distressing to the Commander.
If this kind of thing is going to be a common occurance I’m definitely going to have to cut down on these diary entries, lest I burn through all the ink on Dealers Run!
I’m so exhausted!
I better close this off before I wake Dio back up and force him to annoy me.
Until the next,
-Sef
Entry #0
7540MW, 3, 7
This will be my final night before I head off to this Mercenary company I’ve been hearing about. I’m staying at a tavern not too far from, well… the tavern, they instructed people to gather at. If I’m honest I’ve had quite enough of these taverns so I hope it doesn’t become to common of a thing to visit.
It still feels strange for me to be outside of the Capital. Perhaps it is simply because I’ve grown used to the busy atmosphere, but all of the towns I’ve visited along the way have been fairly desolate, usually only housing a few families at most. These places were clearly built in the interest of the more adventurous folk, travellers that come and go. They serve their purpose but you can’t help to notice how empty it all is. Even the local church was lacking attendees! That kind of thing is unheard of in the capital.
I’m not sure if it’s excitement or dread, but whatever the case tomorrow will be an interesting day. I may be meeting my future peers here! I Look forward to it. I wonder if they are feeling the same way at this moment?
Enough scribbles. I need to compose myself for the tasks ahead.
Until the next,
-Sef
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