Oliver Midwinter - Brown Owl

[Oliver]

Oliver Midwinter

The stars shine on all but me.



Gender: Male
Race: Human
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 139lbs
Eye Colour: Green
Hair Colour: Brown
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Intelligence Quota: 95

History: Oliver Midwinter is the product of a witch mother and a sorcerer father. Born into a matriarchal society, his potential as either was denied him. Eternally in the shadow of his sisters, he became disheartened and desperate. At the age of twenty one, when men traditionally come of age and join a coven in Albion, Oliver’s resentment and foolishness came to fruition.

He looked into the Divining Pool. Forbidden action to all save the High Mother, Oliver saw a future where he was alone and the tenements of faith were shattered. That night, when the Coven entered the Realm of Heaven to help Oliver claim his Spirit Animal, the Angels came for them. As punishment, they tore apart his family and spared no one save for the Boy Who Dreamed.

Oliver fled in a grief stricken rage. His homestead lay abandoned. The villagers would surely fear him. His future spent, burnt, and broken. Exiled from faith, his home, and his upbringing the sorcerer fled to the city of Radasanth. A year passed. Grief subsided. The sorcerer Pastel took him as his apprentice. Oliver soon found himself engrossed and all thoughts of sin and angels disappeared.

One year quickly turned into two. Thinking the boy ready, Pastel gave Oliver the first trial of Initiation. He had mastered the basics and practised his sorcerous abilities gifted to him at birth. Soon enough, he abandoned his patterned vestments. He buried his book of shadows in the corn beyond the city limits. He passed the trial and became an initiate in the Guild of Magic.

Despite his success, Pastel refused to tutor Oliver further. He was too young and too foolish. Oliver did not give up. He washed floors. He scribed books. Relenting, Pastel instructed Oliver to attempt the second trial. If he succeeded, then Pastel would allow Oliver to wield his own sorcerer name. He would be an apprentice no longer, and be free to pursue his own ideals.

The second trial is to free oneself of one’s past. Oliver, fearing he will encounter the Angels believes his father can help lift the curse. Gideon Midwinter left the village of Albion before Oliver was two years old, his whereabouts unknown. Pastel believes that, if he is still alive, then someone in the Guild of Magic will know. Perhaps he can once again see the stars of the Realm of Heaven…

Skills:

Knowledge (Herbalism): Oliver has adept knowledge of cultivating and preparing herbs to cure mild ailments: stomach bugs, fevers, and light wounds.

Knowledge (Magic): Adept understanding of the principles of magic. He can apply logic and reason to understand magic of a sorcerous nature.

Literate: Oliver is highly literate, able to read text far above his speaking and writing ability. He can speak common, Tradespeak, and Arcane.

Abilities:

Touch the Heavens: Oliver can telekinetically manipulate objects that weigh less than 5lbs. He can spiral petals, stir tea, snap twigs, rip paper, and warm water.

Ignite the Heart: Oliver’s soul’s element is fire and is channelled with two hands. It is unpredictable magic fuelled by emotions and physical condition.

• A strong fireball that causes moderate burns and a sphere of bright light on impact. Ineffective against heavy armour.
• Oliver can re-light sources of flame by blowing a wick or embers provided they are not wet and the source is suitably sheltered.

Stir the Winds: Oliver can always locate north. He can ‘catch’ natural winds and thermals and manipulate them, but cannot yet increase their momentum.

Exiled: Oliver is cursed. He cannot use witchcraft, nor return to Albion on pain of death. Whilst a curse, the freedom to pursue sorcery has unexpected boons:

• Oliver is prohibited from using circles or witchcraft spells. If he does, the Angels will haunt him and kill him.
• Focussing on sorcery and his heritage, Oliver has released his true potential. His spells are cast one level higher than his current level.
• Oliver’s affinity with sorcery is emotive and raw. Though a potent spell caster, he cannot dispel magic or develop resistance against it.

Inventory:

Sorcerer’s Will: A jet ring used to focus a sorcerer’s mind. Once per thread, Oliver can move twice as much with Touch the Heavens.

Sorcerer’s Heart: A clay ring that allows Oliver to store a Heart Spark. Twice per thread he can cast the spell instantly with one hand.

Ecclesiarch Tomes: Two large tomes resistant to water, light, fire, and time. Only Oliver can read the contents. They appear blank to anyone else.

[Hysteria]

Does 'Focussing on sorcery and his heritage, Oliver has released his true potential. His spells are cast one level higher than his current level.' have a practical impact, or just plot-based?

[Mordelain]

It's primarily plot-based, unless another character has an ability that counters/reduces the effects of spells from X level character.

Character Update Archive.

[Hysteria]

Roger roger,

Approved!