Isarne
Overview
The most ancient and prestigious lineage within House Magia, descend from one who sought refuge to hone their mastery of pure magic. A boundless drive for independence and prowess in researching, crafting and utilizing magical artifacts are a hallmark of this bloodline. These artifacts serve as both family heirlooms and status symbols within the bloodline's hierarchy.
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Origins
Isarne the Arcane, born amidst the staid and solemn lorekeepers of House Fulda, was a revolutionary; a brilliant spellcaster in his own right, he was both ambitious and clever, rebellious yet charming, an agile mind in a realm that demanded adherence to procedure. His magic was not a quiet stream to be honed through careful study, but a tempestuous river, bursting at the seams, seeking to spill over with every spell. He yearned for freedom from the stern libraries and paper choked vaults, a world where he could flex his inborn gift without the scrutinizing gaze of Fulda's wise elders. As he grew in skill and knowledge, unwilling to heed the strictures of wizardry, he ultimately led fellow sorcerers in a defiant riot against the masters of Fulda, culminating in an exodus that took his friends and peers to the wild northland frontier. Thus, the entire House Magia was born overnight, from a spiteful schism between the forebears of arcane tradition, its seeds to be cast upon the frost-kissed wilderness.
Motivations and Goals
Throughout its enduring history, the Isarne bloodline has been the backbone of House Magia, a driving force that rallies all other bloodlines towards a common purpose. They staunchly believe in the preservation of Cruxis, their haven, a sanctuary where each bloodline can pursue their unique ambitions with impunity. Isarne's motto rings clear and true in the halls of House Magia, "None of us alone are as gifted as all of us together." They understand that only through unity and defiance of the world can they wield true power and stand tall against any adversary that may threaten their sanctuary.
Role Within Magia
Isarne's hand subtly influences every golden stream flowing into House Magia's coffers. Controlling a vast swath of the House's wondrous craft and magic-for-hire services, as well as most of Magia's diplomacy alongside Pyrebind and Reveria, Isarne maintains a complex web of commerce and exchange. Its members, both crafters of marvels and dealers of miracles, uphold the House's reputation as purveyors of unequaled magical curios and insight.
The reach of Isarne extends far beyond the walls of Cruxis. A unique tradition binds each newly recognized arcane sorcerer to an envoy role for two years, taking them south to serve as ambassadors of the House's greatness. Embarking on this rite of passage to make a name for themselves, these agents also work far and wide to strengthen the ties and influence of their bloodline as a purveyor of wondrous crafts, magical services, and diplomacy. In this endeavor, Isarne often finds comradeship with the swashbucklers of House Silversail. The corsairs, sharing a love for freedom and exotic artefacts, have long been allies of House Magia.
Values and Beliefs
The heart of Isarne's philosophy lies in the belief in the inalienable right of individuals to pursue their own paths, beholden to none but their own desires. This credo guides every action, every decision, underpinning the fabric of their existence. Their freedom is as wild and untamed as the sorcery coursing through their veins, and they protect it with a fierce tenacity. It is this shared belief that binds them together, forming the core of their identity.
Leadership
The Matriarch or Patriarch, the one who wields the most potent magic, rules uncontested over the bloodline. Chosen through heredity, arcane achievements and trials by combat, this figure is not merely a leader but an exemple of the unbound and skillful might that should define sorcery itself. Seated at the council of Magia, the Matriarch or Patriarch of Isarne carries the weight of their bloodline's history and the responsibility of their future, their voice a clarion call for power in unity amidst the echoes of plots and rivalry.
Notable Members
Arcaneth, Sentient Staff of Limited Wish
Arcaneth is a sentient Staff of Limited Wish capable of shifting into a half-elf maiden. She wields the power to cast an extensive array of arcane and divine magic, from replicating spells to reversing curses and bending reality. Embedded with a prime directive to defend and serve the Isarne lineage, then the greater interests of House Magia and Cruxis in that order, Arcaneth zealously guards the Isarne vaults within the city's Mageworks, employing a mix of traps, spellcraft, constructed minions, apprentices and familiars under her command, and subtle sadism to test intruders. Despite her loyalty and duty, she harbors a desire for autonomy and a playful rebellious streak, reflecting her creator's values of knowledge, power, and independence through any opportunity she can.Aster Isarne, Lord of House Magia
Aster, the formidable Lord of House Magia and Patriarch of the Arcane Bloodline, embodies a potent mix of assertive leadership, diplomatic savvy, and powerful sorcery, steering the fate of Cruxis with an iron will and a sharp mind. Unlike his fiery ancestor, Aster's reign showcases a refined command and political cunning inherited from his lineage, adeptly navigating the treacherous waters of internal politics and rivalries, particularly with the Astralis bloodline, to secure Isarne's dominance. With a history of forming key alliances with Pyrebind and Nyx, delving into the darker underbelly of trade and magic for hire, and viewing even his offspring as pawns in his grand strategy, he ensures the enduring supremacy of House Magia and the sovereignty of Cruxis. Aster's leadership, marked by a blend of ruthlessness and a keen understanding of the delicate balance of power, makes him a colossus among magicians, uniting sorcerers under his rule for nearly a century.
Avren Isarne, Reluctant Adventurer
Despite his place at the end of the line of succession, Avren is driven by a need to prove his worth and establish his own legacy beyond the expectations set by his family. Charismatic and flirtatious, gifted in diplomacy and skilled in the arts of illusion, Avren can charm friends and foes alike. Though he prefers to navigate conflicts through cunning and subterfuge rather than direct confrontation, beneath this facade lies his father's calculating mind and a readiness to employ violence when necessary... or convenient. A young sorcerer striving to make a mark in a world defined by ancient legacies and powerful magic, his confidence masks deeper insecurities, driving his quest for power and validation. His journey is the pursuit of a place where he can stand tall among the giants of House Magia and beyond.Beatrix Isarne, Overseer of Extraplanar Imports
With a keen interest in the darker arts inherited from her mother's side, Beatrix has embraced Pyrebind's infernal magic rather than her own bloodline's more nuanced arcane tradition. She works closely with Luciana Pyrebind, who orchestrates the infamous extraplanar expeditions of the Pyrebind family, to facilitate the flow of pillaged goods into Cruxis, ensuring the city thrives on the exotic spoils of Pyrebind's raids while enriching Isarne's own resources. A versatile master of conjuration who rivals Pyrebind's own diabolists in sumoning, binding, and manipulating Outsiders, she is not beyond employing charm, threats, and violence to deter any who would seek to uncover or disrupt House Magia's lucrative extraplanar imports.Eris Isarne, Preceptor at the Academy of Arcane Arts
As an instructor at the Academy of Arcane Arts, the youngest daugher of the Bloodline of Arcane wields the combined legacy of her father's keen focus and her departed mother's volatile mastery over shadows. At the Academy, Eris is known for her unconventional mindset while teaching illusions, intertwining theory with practical, often deadly applications. Beneath her kind, easygoing demeanor and academic dedication, lies a sharp edge—when crossed or deeply engrossed with an idea, her demeanor shifts to reveal her father's calculating and relentless nature. Beyond teaching, Eris is deeply involved in continuing her mother's work with the Bloodline of Shadows on the nature of souls, reality, belief and the Shadow Plane. Her presence at the Academy is not merely scholarly; it is a strategic positioning that serves the broader goals of both her father and her own.Erwin Isarne, Liaison to House Silversail
As Magia's new liaison to Silver Bay, Erwin plays a critical role in diplomatic relations and trade facilitation, replacing his adventurous sibling Avren at the position. Isarne's middle child has quickly adapted to his role, showcasing a level of reliability and humility that belies his family's reputation. Unlike his more dominant or extravagant siblings, he prefers to work behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth operation of his responsibilities. Stepping in for Avren, Erwin has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and competence, quickly earning the trust and respect of both House Silversail and the weather witches of Zephyros stationed at the Witchlight Eyrie lighthouse. Driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to his family's legacy and the well-being of Silver Bay, Erwin seeks to enhance cooperation between Magia and Silversail, leveraging their strengths for mutual benefit.Magnus Isarne, Heir Presumptive of the Arcane Bloodline
Magnus, the eldest son of Aster Isarne, has been groomed from a young age to assume leadership, a destiny he has embraced with both pride and a heavy sense of entitlement. Magnus operates under the belief that rulership of the Bloodline of Arcane and the entirety of House Magia is his by right. His role within Isarne and Magia reflects his path to leadership, involving him in key diplomatic missions, strategic planning, and the oversight of House Magia's military alongside Thalos Atrum and the highest echelons of the other bloodlines. Despite his capability and dedication, his anticipation of power has fostered a personality marked by confidence, impatience, and a domineering presence.Midnight Nyx, Whisper in Shadows
A direct descendant of Nyx, and Aster's second wife, Midnight's mastery over shadow magic echoed the dark prowess of her legendary ancestor. Her violet eyes and ashen skin were not just markers of her heritage but symbols of her deep connection to the Plane of Shadow, setting her apart even among her Nyxian kin. Despite her ethereal and detached demeanor, Midnight was a devoted mother, weaving tales and mirages from shadows to enchant her children Eris and Avren. Her presumed loss in the aftermath of The Accident left many questions unanswered, with only echoes of her essence believed to persist within the sentient shadows that now stalk Cruxis.Nerissa Isarne, Mercenary Captain of the Red Vanguard
Nerissa is Aster's second daughter and the family's first noble scion turned free-roaming adventurer, long before her brother Avren. She commands House Magia's Crimson Company, a group of mercenaries who undertake contracts ranging from exploration and artifact recovery to smuggling and assassination. Nerissa possesses an insatiable appetite for adventure, seeking out ancient ruins, forbidden knowledge, and uncharted territories, all in the pursuit of glory and power, often experimenting with forbidden magic to gain an edge over her foes and rivals. While fiercely independent, Nerissa remains loyal to her family, viewing her exploits as a means to uphold and advance Isarne's legacy within House Magia and beyond.Solana Pyrebind, High Seeker of House Magia
Solana, Aster's first wife, is the current leader of the Seekers, an organization within House Magia tasked with identifying and recruiting children born with the blood of magic outside of Cruxis. Employing a combination of diplomacy, coercion, and subtle manipulation, Solana and her Seekers operate with the certainty that their mission justifies their means. Officially, they induct wild sorcerers to harness and guide their volatile innate magic, preventing the potential chaos their budding, untrained powers could unleash upon their communities; but they also do so to uphold the hegemony of House Magia on sorcery itself. Solana herself was adopted by Seekers from the Bloodline of Devils before even her earliest memories. She's grown to take pride in the organization's role as a symbol of united purpose among bloodlines, boasting representatives from each, tirelessly assembling and launching missions in the farthest backwaters of Pauza. Together, they make sure even the most remote village receives a visit from cowled Seekers in search of gifted children at least once a generation.Soren Isarne, Wondersmith of the Mageworks
Soren co-manages the Mageworks of Cruxis, a vast manufactory of wondrous items and constructs, alongside his husband Aynric Reveria of the Dreamweavers. A once-in-a-generation prodigy, Soren combines the meticulous craftsmanship inherited from his bloodline as an artisan with the unbound creative insight of Reveria as an inventor. Driven by curiosity, Soren is perpetually in search of new magical theories and applications, aiming to expand the repertoire of Isarne's and Magia's magical arsenal. His talent for fabricating Ioun Stones and Wayfinders in particular is legendary, his reputation alone earning his bloodline patrons and comissions from far and wide. Working closely with Arcaneth, devising intricate security measures that leverage his more sinister inventions, Soren also ensures the Mageworks' protection from those who would seek to plunder Isarne's vaults of treasures and secrets.None of us is as gifted as all of us.
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