Gwydion Jarlath

Divine Traits

Alignment: LE

Portfolio: Arcane magic, forbidden knowledge, wizards

Domains: Charm, Evil, Knowledge, Law, Magic

Subdomains: Arcane, Captivation, Corruption, Legislation, Thought

Favored Weapon: Dagger

Holy Symbol: An unblinking eye, cloaked in shadows or veils

Tenets

1. Do not destroy sources of knowledge: there is wisdom to be gained from all sources.

2. Preserve written works or all kinds, but especially arcane spells

3. Knowledge is power; never give away your power for free

Mortal Life

Once there was a young elf, in an small, unremarkable elven community. This young elf studied history and biology, geography and politics, herbalism and magic. Especially magic, though it was still only theoretical when he began studying it.

And he was obsessed with one question: "Why shouldn't I?"

It guided his every interaction, and it was his answer to moral lessons: we shouldn't steal, we shouldn't lie, we shouldn't try and prove that we're smarter than our teachers - why shouldn't I? It also guided his arcane studies. Why not raise the dead? Why shouldn't we tamper with minds? Why must we avoid learning forbidden lore?

He quickly outgrew his home, and moved on to larger cities, prestigious universities. He studied illusion in Thurin Bardh (meaning “secret home” in ancient elvish), and learned enchantment from elder fey others were too scared to even approach. He moved across the continent to study necromancy at the new university in Mald'ryin, then demonology in Cyrilla. He gained political power as fast as magic power, and had a seat among the magisters before the Exalted had even met.

All the finest magical education in the world, and it still wasn't enough. Others warned him not to go too far, pursue too much, to which he answered "Why shouldn't I?"

And so he went in search of a greater source of knowledge. He sought out a woman going by the name of Nausicaa, who he knew to be so much more. Gwydion had long been aware of the Demon Queen's presence and actions, and entered into a covenant with her.

He became her eyes and ears in Alethea in return for knowledge, but she only ever offered a trickle. When he decided she wouldn't willingly tell him all he needed to know, he turned all of his powerful magic on her. She shrugged it off and left him alive but with scars down his face as a reminder.

When the Exalted dealt with Johanna Jackson by converting her to their side, rather than killing her, Gwydion realized he had an opportunity. He waited for them to come to him, and made sure they were as strong as they were made out to be. Then he offered them a partnership: in return for their help preparing a ritual, he would bind the demon to their will.

But the Exalted took matters to their own hand, and the moment Nausicaa (or Beatrice, as they called her) was magically bound, they slew her outright.

And so the Betrayer was himself betrayed, and Gwydion took leave of the group. He stayed far away from them and their dealings, focusing on building up his powers and private domain.

Mental characteristics

Gender Identity

Male

Divine Classification

Greater Deity

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Curator of the Great Library, Knower of the Unknown, The Betrayer