The International
03-30-09, 04:48 AM
Name: Vespasian Villeneuve
Aliases: Ves, V., Villain
Race: Human
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Height: 5’10
Weight: 140 lbs
Occupation: Covert Operative
Personality: Given his profession, Vespasian is a good actor above all else. It’s his instinct to become what a situation calls for even when he’s not intentionally working an angle. This makes putting a finger on his core personality a very difficult thing for outsiders to do. However, those who know him say his core personality traits leak through even his most thorough cover identities. Even though he often comes across violence during his work, Ves has a generally peaceful nature. He’s charming, diplomatic, easygoing, and sociable. The majority of his earnings go into his pleasure oriented civilian life. Because he is slow to anger, Ves can often shock others with his seemingly sudden outbursts of rage. He is known to be objective and impartial in making judgment calls, and he does not suffer fools gladly and anyone who challenges his decisions or opinions is considered a fool. This is especially so when focusing on the world events as they unfold.
Appearance: Vespasian stands at average height and a fit build. He has a healthy tan and straight black hair. They are a visible contrast to his pure amber eyes. He can groom his facial hair to cater to the age or class he needs to pass off as. Vespasien exudes a certain elegance, charm and fine taste. He is intuitive and very aware of the power of image. In terms of wardrobe, Vespasian has clothing fit for any situation short of posing as royalty.
(This refers to Vespasian’s Human appearance. His Elf and Dark Elf appearances will be explained later)
History: Vespasian was born to Esme and Alix Villeneuve on the high seas aboard their merchant ship named The International. He was the youngest of three siblings, and the only boy out of the three. Esme and Alix were successful merchants, who had earned a name for themselves through years of smart business and keen relations, and they had every intention upon passing their skills and knowledge on to their children. As they traveled the world on The International they taught Vespasian and his two sisters, Maelle and Ludivine, various skills. They learned mathematics as advanced as algebra and geometry, they studied astronomy and nautical navigation, they practiced the primary language of every major country in the known world, and they studied their cultures closely. They even learned how to defend themselves should a pirate or a jealous merchant attempt to take from them, which did occasionally happen. By the time he was eighteen Vespasian was a well rounded young Renaissance man who had seen the world, but his naïve vision of the world, and of his own family would soon change.
One morning, while The International was anchored off the coast of Alerar, Vespasian was awoken to sounds of pleasure coming from his parent’s cabin. He first tried to ignore it as most sons and daughters would, but he soon realized that the male voice wasn’t his father’s. He decided to investigate and ended up walking in on his mother in bed with a Dark Elf. Appalled at what he saw he immediately went to his sisters and told them what he had discovered. Their reaction was something Ves would never forget… Laughter. They went on to explain that Alix was not committing adultery. The man she was in bed with was Esme in Dark Elf form. Ves was in total disbelief until Alix and this Dark Elf came out and explained themselves an hour later. After a long debate where swears and objects alike were made deadly projectiles, the Dark Elf proved himself to be Esme, but then came the real news. Besides Ves, the Villeneuve family was not a family of merchants. The merchant profession was an elaborate albeit financially rewarding cover for their real professions as covert operatives. They operated independently of any nation or agency. Through some clever and powerful magic Alix was able to bestow the powers of shape shifting upon her family, and it just so happened the Esme had assumed the form of an Alerarian Elf.
As that long day went on each member of the family told their own tales of international intrigue and espionage, and the results of their exploits. Some resulted in a city or entire nation able to see another stable day. Others resulted in less fortunate circumstances like civil unrest, riots, and outright rebellion. Most were much smaller than that such as the passing of secret information, the location of a missing person, or the assassination of an important but nameless figure. From the day he was born Vespasian was being reared to become a spy, but he was free to choose whatever path he so desired. His parents stressed repeatedly that day citing he had more knowledge and skill than ninety percent of the people in Althanas, and he could do anything he wanted. It was then that his ambition kicked in. He wanted to make a difference in Althanas… even if it was a difference that only he knew of… even if it was for the worse.
Since then, Vespasian has been a spy of exceptional skill having built a vast network of low to mid level government officials in every major country of Althanas, even Fallien. Many of his missions have been successful, but he has failed to be a part of every major even in recent history. When Xem’zund first attacked Raiaera he was in Corone gathering information on a corrupt Baron. When Valesheress was assassinated, he was in Raiaera looking into the whereabouts of Devon Starslayer (who he failed to locate). When Salvar descended into civil war, he was in Fallien trying to maintain a sensitive relationship with an asset. Last but not least, when Raiaera was attacked by the necromancer for the second time in recent history he was in Dheathain, and he was too intoxicated to remember what the hell he was doing there.
Equipment
The International Rapier: A rapier is a basket hilted sword with a blade made primarily for thrusting. This one was personally designed for Ves with a slightly wider and thicker blade more so resembling that of a conventional sword so that he could thrust and cut. The steel blade is forty three inches long and has a stainless steel finish to it. The swept steel fittings and wire wrap with turk's head knots make it a stunning and deadly weapon. Weighing in at two pounds and fifteen ounces it’s a little heavier than the normal rapier. Ves keeps it at his side in a plain black scabbard.
The International Bracer: Vespasian originally wore this leather bracer on his left hand while he was training with the International Rapier in his right hand in order to keep his left side strong. When it failed he added steel plates to add to the weight of the bracer, and began actively using it as a defense mechanism in his training. Not only does it help him defend but it adds velocity to an already mean left hook. If he can’t keep it hidden under a long sleeve he won’t wear it at all.
Skills
Linguistics: Common is Vespasian’s native language, but he’s fluent in Alerarian, Salvic, Raiaeran, and Akashiman. He’s quickly catching on to Fallien’s native tongue, and with such a background he’s able to pick up on other languages faster than other individuals. As long as the language has a connection to one of the languages he’s already learned he can start to pick up at least a few fundamental phrases within thirty minutes. Writing is a different story. It would take him weeks worth of study to be able to write well in an unfamiliar language.
Culture: In addition to the language of the major countries of the world, Vespasian is well versed in their culture, traditions, and current events. This is mostly due to first hand exposure.
Mathematics: Because of his family background Vespasian is able to make quick and effortless calculations as advanced as college level algebra and complex geometry without paper and pen. Percentages, measurements, and scales come to him instantly as well. He uses this talent not only to count money, but also to navigate at night, with a rare skill of navigating the stars without the use of an astrolabe.
Swordsmanship: Vespasian has a unique style of combat that has evolved over practice and real situations. With the International Rapier in hand he uses a technique known as stesso tempo or single time. Ves is apt at using speedy calculations and movements to quickly react to his opponent(s). His average build and his quick movement are an intentional rouse as the International Rapier is heavier than the average rapier and can do much more damage than the eye usually predicts. He uses his bracer as both a defense mechanism and a blunt force. Since it’s often hidden under a long sleeve it is often used as a secondary element. His experience against pirates and jealous merchants make him above average at swordsmanship.
Martial Arts: Since he began his work as a covert operative, Vespasian has found it more practical to enter battle without his blade in some situations. He's developed a sloppy form of jujitsu. He specializes in pressure points and quick neutralization of a target, but this is best used with the element of surprise, when he's sneaking up on someone, when said target doesn't suspect him at all, ect. He would be considered average at this skill.
Abilities
Villeneuve Transformation: When Vespasian chose to become a covert operative, his mother presented him with a sketchbook with three of her drawings in it. One was of an Alerarian Elf of olive complexion, dark eyes, and black hair. The other was of a Raiaeran Elf of pale complexion, bright blue eyes, and golden hair. The third was a drawing of him. Before sleeping Vespasian can look upon one of these drawings and when he wakes he will have transformed into that respective race. This is not just ‘shape shifting’. This is a total biological transformation. His skin pigmentation, his bone structure, even his voice undergo change, but he must enter deep sleep at least once during his rest. This can take two to six hours. In fact it may never happen depending on how well Vespasian sleeps. Only Alix Villeneuve’s portraits have this effect, and they can only affect Villeneuve family members.
Telekinesis: This mysterious ability to move things through though has been manifesting itself in Ves lately. It’s quite weak for now, but it’s undeniable. He has a range of five feet. He can do little more than tip over a cup (press), cut through warm butter (cut), create a breeze around himself (aerokinesis), create cold and warm spots (cyro/pyrokinesis), and create inconsistent flickers of light no brighter than a candle (photokinesis). All of these things have proven useful in everyday life, but in a world filled with magic he’s nowhere near making this ability a tactical asset. Some have suggested it’s an arcane manifestation of his adaptable personality.
Aliases: Ves, V., Villain
Race: Human
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Height: 5’10
Weight: 140 lbs
Occupation: Covert Operative
Personality: Given his profession, Vespasian is a good actor above all else. It’s his instinct to become what a situation calls for even when he’s not intentionally working an angle. This makes putting a finger on his core personality a very difficult thing for outsiders to do. However, those who know him say his core personality traits leak through even his most thorough cover identities. Even though he often comes across violence during his work, Ves has a generally peaceful nature. He’s charming, diplomatic, easygoing, and sociable. The majority of his earnings go into his pleasure oriented civilian life. Because he is slow to anger, Ves can often shock others with his seemingly sudden outbursts of rage. He is known to be objective and impartial in making judgment calls, and he does not suffer fools gladly and anyone who challenges his decisions or opinions is considered a fool. This is especially so when focusing on the world events as they unfold.
Appearance: Vespasian stands at average height and a fit build. He has a healthy tan and straight black hair. They are a visible contrast to his pure amber eyes. He can groom his facial hair to cater to the age or class he needs to pass off as. Vespasien exudes a certain elegance, charm and fine taste. He is intuitive and very aware of the power of image. In terms of wardrobe, Vespasian has clothing fit for any situation short of posing as royalty.
(This refers to Vespasian’s Human appearance. His Elf and Dark Elf appearances will be explained later)
History: Vespasian was born to Esme and Alix Villeneuve on the high seas aboard their merchant ship named The International. He was the youngest of three siblings, and the only boy out of the three. Esme and Alix were successful merchants, who had earned a name for themselves through years of smart business and keen relations, and they had every intention upon passing their skills and knowledge on to their children. As they traveled the world on The International they taught Vespasian and his two sisters, Maelle and Ludivine, various skills. They learned mathematics as advanced as algebra and geometry, they studied astronomy and nautical navigation, they practiced the primary language of every major country in the known world, and they studied their cultures closely. They even learned how to defend themselves should a pirate or a jealous merchant attempt to take from them, which did occasionally happen. By the time he was eighteen Vespasian was a well rounded young Renaissance man who had seen the world, but his naïve vision of the world, and of his own family would soon change.
One morning, while The International was anchored off the coast of Alerar, Vespasian was awoken to sounds of pleasure coming from his parent’s cabin. He first tried to ignore it as most sons and daughters would, but he soon realized that the male voice wasn’t his father’s. He decided to investigate and ended up walking in on his mother in bed with a Dark Elf. Appalled at what he saw he immediately went to his sisters and told them what he had discovered. Their reaction was something Ves would never forget… Laughter. They went on to explain that Alix was not committing adultery. The man she was in bed with was Esme in Dark Elf form. Ves was in total disbelief until Alix and this Dark Elf came out and explained themselves an hour later. After a long debate where swears and objects alike were made deadly projectiles, the Dark Elf proved himself to be Esme, but then came the real news. Besides Ves, the Villeneuve family was not a family of merchants. The merchant profession was an elaborate albeit financially rewarding cover for their real professions as covert operatives. They operated independently of any nation or agency. Through some clever and powerful magic Alix was able to bestow the powers of shape shifting upon her family, and it just so happened the Esme had assumed the form of an Alerarian Elf.
As that long day went on each member of the family told their own tales of international intrigue and espionage, and the results of their exploits. Some resulted in a city or entire nation able to see another stable day. Others resulted in less fortunate circumstances like civil unrest, riots, and outright rebellion. Most were much smaller than that such as the passing of secret information, the location of a missing person, or the assassination of an important but nameless figure. From the day he was born Vespasian was being reared to become a spy, but he was free to choose whatever path he so desired. His parents stressed repeatedly that day citing he had more knowledge and skill than ninety percent of the people in Althanas, and he could do anything he wanted. It was then that his ambition kicked in. He wanted to make a difference in Althanas… even if it was a difference that only he knew of… even if it was for the worse.
Since then, Vespasian has been a spy of exceptional skill having built a vast network of low to mid level government officials in every major country of Althanas, even Fallien. Many of his missions have been successful, but he has failed to be a part of every major even in recent history. When Xem’zund first attacked Raiaera he was in Corone gathering information on a corrupt Baron. When Valesheress was assassinated, he was in Raiaera looking into the whereabouts of Devon Starslayer (who he failed to locate). When Salvar descended into civil war, he was in Fallien trying to maintain a sensitive relationship with an asset. Last but not least, when Raiaera was attacked by the necromancer for the second time in recent history he was in Dheathain, and he was too intoxicated to remember what the hell he was doing there.
Equipment
The International Rapier: A rapier is a basket hilted sword with a blade made primarily for thrusting. This one was personally designed for Ves with a slightly wider and thicker blade more so resembling that of a conventional sword so that he could thrust and cut. The steel blade is forty three inches long and has a stainless steel finish to it. The swept steel fittings and wire wrap with turk's head knots make it a stunning and deadly weapon. Weighing in at two pounds and fifteen ounces it’s a little heavier than the normal rapier. Ves keeps it at his side in a plain black scabbard.
The International Bracer: Vespasian originally wore this leather bracer on his left hand while he was training with the International Rapier in his right hand in order to keep his left side strong. When it failed he added steel plates to add to the weight of the bracer, and began actively using it as a defense mechanism in his training. Not only does it help him defend but it adds velocity to an already mean left hook. If he can’t keep it hidden under a long sleeve he won’t wear it at all.
Skills
Linguistics: Common is Vespasian’s native language, but he’s fluent in Alerarian, Salvic, Raiaeran, and Akashiman. He’s quickly catching on to Fallien’s native tongue, and with such a background he’s able to pick up on other languages faster than other individuals. As long as the language has a connection to one of the languages he’s already learned he can start to pick up at least a few fundamental phrases within thirty minutes. Writing is a different story. It would take him weeks worth of study to be able to write well in an unfamiliar language.
Culture: In addition to the language of the major countries of the world, Vespasian is well versed in their culture, traditions, and current events. This is mostly due to first hand exposure.
Mathematics: Because of his family background Vespasian is able to make quick and effortless calculations as advanced as college level algebra and complex geometry without paper and pen. Percentages, measurements, and scales come to him instantly as well. He uses this talent not only to count money, but also to navigate at night, with a rare skill of navigating the stars without the use of an astrolabe.
Swordsmanship: Vespasian has a unique style of combat that has evolved over practice and real situations. With the International Rapier in hand he uses a technique known as stesso tempo or single time. Ves is apt at using speedy calculations and movements to quickly react to his opponent(s). His average build and his quick movement are an intentional rouse as the International Rapier is heavier than the average rapier and can do much more damage than the eye usually predicts. He uses his bracer as both a defense mechanism and a blunt force. Since it’s often hidden under a long sleeve it is often used as a secondary element. His experience against pirates and jealous merchants make him above average at swordsmanship.
Martial Arts: Since he began his work as a covert operative, Vespasian has found it more practical to enter battle without his blade in some situations. He's developed a sloppy form of jujitsu. He specializes in pressure points and quick neutralization of a target, but this is best used with the element of surprise, when he's sneaking up on someone, when said target doesn't suspect him at all, ect. He would be considered average at this skill.
Abilities
Villeneuve Transformation: When Vespasian chose to become a covert operative, his mother presented him with a sketchbook with three of her drawings in it. One was of an Alerarian Elf of olive complexion, dark eyes, and black hair. The other was of a Raiaeran Elf of pale complexion, bright blue eyes, and golden hair. The third was a drawing of him. Before sleeping Vespasian can look upon one of these drawings and when he wakes he will have transformed into that respective race. This is not just ‘shape shifting’. This is a total biological transformation. His skin pigmentation, his bone structure, even his voice undergo change, but he must enter deep sleep at least once during his rest. This can take two to six hours. In fact it may never happen depending on how well Vespasian sleeps. Only Alix Villeneuve’s portraits have this effect, and they can only affect Villeneuve family members.
Telekinesis: This mysterious ability to move things through though has been manifesting itself in Ves lately. It’s quite weak for now, but it’s undeniable. He has a range of five feet. He can do little more than tip over a cup (press), cut through warm butter (cut), create a breeze around himself (aerokinesis), create cold and warm spots (cyro/pyrokinesis), and create inconsistent flickers of light no brighter than a candle (photokinesis). All of these things have proven useful in everyday life, but in a world filled with magic he’s nowhere near making this ability a tactical asset. Some have suggested it’s an arcane manifestation of his adaptable personality.