The International
06-23-11, 05:09 PM
http://i.imgur.com/FsDE6.jpg
Name: Vespasian Villeneuve
Aliases: Ves, V., Villain
Race: Half Human, Half Valinthe
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Height: 5’10
Weight: 145 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. The black sheep of the family, Ludivine, has managed to rub off on the baby of the family. Vespasian has developed a taste for mischief and malice. He has also proven, along with the rest of the family to be completely amoral (Not immoral. There’s a difference.) Traces of his ADHD, which he has mostly turned into an advantage, shine through especially when he isn't on the job or around those he's comfortable with.
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. Due to the physical demands of his most recent missions, Vespasian has gained some weight in muscle, but it is barely noticeable.
(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.
While in Alerar, Vespasian, along with his sisters, Ludivine and Maelle, launched an investigation into their parents' mysterious past. After crossing paths (and swords) with Alix and Esme, they discovered that their parents were more than seven thousand years old via his mother’s Villeneuve Transformation ability, their mother was a member of the ancient Valinthe tribe (same as Thoracis), and that they were on a mission to thwart the reversal of the massive ritual of the Battle of Khu’fein more than seven thousand years ago. The Villeneuves went on to team up with Lillian Sesthal and the Aleraran Armed Forces to stop the return of the Valinthe.
The family then went to the war torn Raiaera, where the information of their exploits in Alerar (in addition to the last twenty six years of their careers as spies) had been leaked. What began as a murder investigation (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777) in which Alix was the suspect, turned out to be an elaborate plot by a Raiaeran spy to imprison her as a tree nymph of the cursed Red Forest. The Raiaeran spy, named Killick, managed to outwit, and outman the Villeneuves at every turn as they desperately looked for a way to keep their matriarch from a spiritual prison of hate. Vespasian, considered to be the most intellectually gifted of the family, sought a solution at the Library of The Sage in the middle of the Black Desert. Much to his surprise he discovered that he had been chosen as Khal’Jeren’s gifted Panexicon, but much to his disappointment, his solution was not there. He and his sisters experienced a range of emotions as their mother began to slip away. Finally, in a confrontation just outside the Red Forest, Alix used one of the predatory plants of her future home to take the soul of the Raiaeran spy, but the victory was bittersweet as she was forced to enter the forest and never return.
Just when all hope was lost Vespasian’s intellect and the charity of the newly founded city of Beinost that saved her. Due to these events the Villeneuve Family is now under the exclusive service of Alerar, and will be working for her interests at home and abroad.
Reputation (spoils of Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777) )
Alerar: The Villeneuves are now exclusive to Alerar and have decided to work for her interests at home and abroad. They also have non-official covers as nobility in Aleraran society, Graf to be exact.
Raiaera: For those who still believe that Raiaera is still a nation, the Villeneuves are as bitter an enemy as Alerar. If it weren’t for them perhaps Alerar wouldn’t occupy half of their lands right now. They are burned spies, but this information has only reached mid level government officials of the destroyed Raiaeran power structure.
Beinost: The movers and shakers of the city that replaced Anebrilith consider themselves above the race war that consumes Alerar and Raiaera. Most of them hold no animosity towards the Villeneuve Family… but they owe Beinost a favor or two.
Everyone Else: The government of Alerar will drag its feet to announce to the other nations that the Villeneuve Family is working for them now, but with information being so loose in the tattered remains of Raiaera it’ll only be a matter of time before other nations find out. There will be a small window of opportunity during which the other nations will be ignorant of the family’s status.
Equipment
The International Rapier:(Broken) 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 Conduit (Earned and approved in Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777)): This is a delyn schiavona. This is a unique sword that deserves a bit of explanation. It is basket hilted, but the basket’s complex design is made to completely cover the user’s hand thus making it almost as effective as a gauntlet for protection. It weighs in at a whopping 2.9 lbs with a blade length of 40”. The blade is of a diamond cross-section and has a single, narrow fuller and an unsharpened ricasso area to allow a finger to be passed over the guard and through the finger-ring.
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.
Sitayamini Under Clothing: While at the Bottomless Pit, Lillian fashioned each of the Villeneuve children a crude but still stylish set of under clothing. Though not full-body, they cover the essential parts of their bodies (similar to the combination of a turtle-necked t-shirt and a pair of shorts). The weavings are made of Lillian’s trademark Sitayamini Silk, which were created at the strengthof steel. This offers them good protection against slashing, slightly better protection against piercing, and no protection against blunt damage. She also tailored similar clothing for Alix and Esme as a gift.
The Diamonds of Queen Valsharess: The centerpieces of the Crown Jewels of Queen Valsharess. Each memberof the Villeneuve Family possesses one now. Using these, they can now communicate with each other telepathically no matter their respective locations on Althanas. They have enough for each member of the family, but spare ones for allies as well.
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 thelanguage 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 a variety of opponents has encouraged him to make use of his left hand. He is now a Master in this field.
Martial Arts (Penseur - Master): Since he began his work as a covert operative, Vespasian has found it more practical to enter battle without his blade in some situations. His sloppy form of jujitsu has evolved into a proven method. He makes use of a tight defensive shape and smashes and opens up the opponent for the finish using all ranges of strikes - punches, hammer fists, kicks, knees, head butts, and the sharp elbows, all at high, middle and low lines on the opponent. Unlike many other fighters he tends to get into extreme close quarters when in combat. From his standard position, which resembles that of a standing fetal position, a variety of counter attacks to vital targets (such as the biceps, kidneys or solar plexus) are often launched. Vespasian also relies on understanding how people typically move or attack in a fight so that when striking, the opponent's body moves to expose further targets.
Abilities
Strength x2
Speed x 2
Villeneuve Transformation: When Vespasian chose to become a covert operative, his mother presented him with a sketchbook with threeof 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.
Intuitive Aptitude:(Earned in Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777)) The first of Vespasian’s abilities as Khal’jeren’s Panexicon - the ability to understand the structure and operation of complex systems without special education or training. This extends to supernatural abilities that are possessed by others. As another demonstrates their ability Vespasian is able to figure out how it works and gain the ability for use himself. The catch A) he must witness the use of the ability at least once, B) he can only store three abilities at a time, C) once he figures out an ability he must decide whether to use it at the other person’s level only once, or store it at his level for unlimited frequency D) the limits of the other person’s abilities are his own as well.
Acquired Ability Slots
Neesal Danfras’ Teleportation Ability – The ability to transfer oneself between two places without it having to traverse the distance between the two conventionally; similar to the concept apport, an earlier word used in the context of spiritualism. He is able to teleport long distances with quiet time and conversation, but in terms of improvisation (battle), he is only able to teleport within a five foot range once per engagement.
Empty –
Empty –
Adaptive Muscle Memory: The second of Vespasian’s abilities as Khal’jeren’s Panexicon – the ability to replicate any physical skill after seeing it performed. Due to his intelligence Vespasian is able to deduce an entire skill set after seeing just one action performed and then apply it to his muscle memory. Unlike Intuitive Aptitude Vespasian can only store one skill at a time, and although he may be able to perform a skill exactly as someone else does, he does not acquire their strength, speed, or other physical demands that allow them to use that skill at their particular level. This often leaves Vespasian to use the skill at his level of strength, speed, and endurance. For example, if he witnessed someone using a longbow, he would need a longbow and arrows himself, and the lack of muscle development (different from muscle memory) would impede his ability to demonstrate it the level of the person in front of him.
Acquired Skill Slots
Empty –
Telekinesis: This mysterious ability has been revealed to be a manifestation of his personality due to his Valinthe heritage. It has grown significantly stronger. He has a range of ten feet without sacrificing his immediate control. He can apply pressure equivalent to that of his entire body weight (press/push), cut with the sharpness of a blade (steel), create a significant gust of wind (aerokinesis), freeze and burn (cyro/pyrokinesis), and create flashes of light that could be temporarily blinding (photokinesis).
Phase: Connecting the knowledge of his father’s Raiaeran Song Magic with his own telekinesis, Vespasian has developed an ability that leaves his assassin sister envious. Vespasian can use his telekinesis to alter the vibratory rate of his body to pass his matter through other matter. During this time they will merge without interacting. In other words he is intangible for a brief moment, and can pass through, or be passed through by other forms of matter without harm. He can only do this for as long as he can hold his breath (one minute without physical exertion, thirty seconds with physical exertion) and he cannot use his other Telekinesis ability while using this. He is also completely harmless during this time.
Name: Vespasian Villeneuve
Aliases: Ves, V., Villain
Race: Half Human, Half Valinthe
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Height: 5’10
Weight: 145 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. The black sheep of the family, Ludivine, has managed to rub off on the baby of the family. Vespasian has developed a taste for mischief and malice. He has also proven, along with the rest of the family to be completely amoral (Not immoral. There’s a difference.) Traces of his ADHD, which he has mostly turned into an advantage, shine through especially when he isn't on the job or around those he's comfortable with.
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. Due to the physical demands of his most recent missions, Vespasian has gained some weight in muscle, but it is barely noticeable.
(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.
While in Alerar, Vespasian, along with his sisters, Ludivine and Maelle, launched an investigation into their parents' mysterious past. After crossing paths (and swords) with Alix and Esme, they discovered that their parents were more than seven thousand years old via his mother’s Villeneuve Transformation ability, their mother was a member of the ancient Valinthe tribe (same as Thoracis), and that they were on a mission to thwart the reversal of the massive ritual of the Battle of Khu’fein more than seven thousand years ago. The Villeneuves went on to team up with Lillian Sesthal and the Aleraran Armed Forces to stop the return of the Valinthe.
The family then went to the war torn Raiaera, where the information of their exploits in Alerar (in addition to the last twenty six years of their careers as spies) had been leaked. What began as a murder investigation (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777) in which Alix was the suspect, turned out to be an elaborate plot by a Raiaeran spy to imprison her as a tree nymph of the cursed Red Forest. The Raiaeran spy, named Killick, managed to outwit, and outman the Villeneuves at every turn as they desperately looked for a way to keep their matriarch from a spiritual prison of hate. Vespasian, considered to be the most intellectually gifted of the family, sought a solution at the Library of The Sage in the middle of the Black Desert. Much to his surprise he discovered that he had been chosen as Khal’Jeren’s gifted Panexicon, but much to his disappointment, his solution was not there. He and his sisters experienced a range of emotions as their mother began to slip away. Finally, in a confrontation just outside the Red Forest, Alix used one of the predatory plants of her future home to take the soul of the Raiaeran spy, but the victory was bittersweet as she was forced to enter the forest and never return.
Just when all hope was lost Vespasian’s intellect and the charity of the newly founded city of Beinost that saved her. Due to these events the Villeneuve Family is now under the exclusive service of Alerar, and will be working for her interests at home and abroad.
Reputation (spoils of Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777) )
Alerar: The Villeneuves are now exclusive to Alerar and have decided to work for her interests at home and abroad. They also have non-official covers as nobility in Aleraran society, Graf to be exact.
Raiaera: For those who still believe that Raiaera is still a nation, the Villeneuves are as bitter an enemy as Alerar. If it weren’t for them perhaps Alerar wouldn’t occupy half of their lands right now. They are burned spies, but this information has only reached mid level government officials of the destroyed Raiaeran power structure.
Beinost: The movers and shakers of the city that replaced Anebrilith consider themselves above the race war that consumes Alerar and Raiaera. Most of them hold no animosity towards the Villeneuve Family… but they owe Beinost a favor or two.
Everyone Else: The government of Alerar will drag its feet to announce to the other nations that the Villeneuve Family is working for them now, but with information being so loose in the tattered remains of Raiaera it’ll only be a matter of time before other nations find out. There will be a small window of opportunity during which the other nations will be ignorant of the family’s status.
Equipment
The International Rapier:(Broken) 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 Conduit (Earned and approved in Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777)): This is a delyn schiavona. This is a unique sword that deserves a bit of explanation. It is basket hilted, but the basket’s complex design is made to completely cover the user’s hand thus making it almost as effective as a gauntlet for protection. It weighs in at a whopping 2.9 lbs with a blade length of 40”. The blade is of a diamond cross-section and has a single, narrow fuller and an unsharpened ricasso area to allow a finger to be passed over the guard and through the finger-ring.
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.
Sitayamini Under Clothing: While at the Bottomless Pit, Lillian fashioned each of the Villeneuve children a crude but still stylish set of under clothing. Though not full-body, they cover the essential parts of their bodies (similar to the combination of a turtle-necked t-shirt and a pair of shorts). The weavings are made of Lillian’s trademark Sitayamini Silk, which were created at the strengthof steel. This offers them good protection against slashing, slightly better protection against piercing, and no protection against blunt damage. She also tailored similar clothing for Alix and Esme as a gift.
The Diamonds of Queen Valsharess: The centerpieces of the Crown Jewels of Queen Valsharess. Each memberof the Villeneuve Family possesses one now. Using these, they can now communicate with each other telepathically no matter their respective locations on Althanas. They have enough for each member of the family, but spare ones for allies as well.
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 thelanguage 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 a variety of opponents has encouraged him to make use of his left hand. He is now a Master in this field.
Martial Arts (Penseur - Master): Since he began his work as a covert operative, Vespasian has found it more practical to enter battle without his blade in some situations. His sloppy form of jujitsu has evolved into a proven method. He makes use of a tight defensive shape and smashes and opens up the opponent for the finish using all ranges of strikes - punches, hammer fists, kicks, knees, head butts, and the sharp elbows, all at high, middle and low lines on the opponent. Unlike many other fighters he tends to get into extreme close quarters when in combat. From his standard position, which resembles that of a standing fetal position, a variety of counter attacks to vital targets (such as the biceps, kidneys or solar plexus) are often launched. Vespasian also relies on understanding how people typically move or attack in a fight so that when striking, the opponent's body moves to expose further targets.
Abilities
Strength x2
Speed x 2
Villeneuve Transformation: When Vespasian chose to become a covert operative, his mother presented him with a sketchbook with threeof 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.
Intuitive Aptitude:(Earned in Alix & Esme (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?20824-Alix-amp-Esme&p=184777&viewfull=1#post184777)) The first of Vespasian’s abilities as Khal’jeren’s Panexicon - the ability to understand the structure and operation of complex systems without special education or training. This extends to supernatural abilities that are possessed by others. As another demonstrates their ability Vespasian is able to figure out how it works and gain the ability for use himself. The catch A) he must witness the use of the ability at least once, B) he can only store three abilities at a time, C) once he figures out an ability he must decide whether to use it at the other person’s level only once, or store it at his level for unlimited frequency D) the limits of the other person’s abilities are his own as well.
Acquired Ability Slots
Neesal Danfras’ Teleportation Ability – The ability to transfer oneself between two places without it having to traverse the distance between the two conventionally; similar to the concept apport, an earlier word used in the context of spiritualism. He is able to teleport long distances with quiet time and conversation, but in terms of improvisation (battle), he is only able to teleport within a five foot range once per engagement.
Empty –
Empty –
Adaptive Muscle Memory: The second of Vespasian’s abilities as Khal’jeren’s Panexicon – the ability to replicate any physical skill after seeing it performed. Due to his intelligence Vespasian is able to deduce an entire skill set after seeing just one action performed and then apply it to his muscle memory. Unlike Intuitive Aptitude Vespasian can only store one skill at a time, and although he may be able to perform a skill exactly as someone else does, he does not acquire their strength, speed, or other physical demands that allow them to use that skill at their particular level. This often leaves Vespasian to use the skill at his level of strength, speed, and endurance. For example, if he witnessed someone using a longbow, he would need a longbow and arrows himself, and the lack of muscle development (different from muscle memory) would impede his ability to demonstrate it the level of the person in front of him.
Acquired Skill Slots
Empty –
Telekinesis: This mysterious ability has been revealed to be a manifestation of his personality due to his Valinthe heritage. It has grown significantly stronger. He has a range of ten feet without sacrificing his immediate control. He can apply pressure equivalent to that of his entire body weight (press/push), cut with the sharpness of a blade (steel), create a significant gust of wind (aerokinesis), freeze and burn (cyro/pyrokinesis), and create flashes of light that could be temporarily blinding (photokinesis).
Phase: Connecting the knowledge of his father’s Raiaeran Song Magic with his own telekinesis, Vespasian has developed an ability that leaves his assassin sister envious. Vespasian can use his telekinesis to alter the vibratory rate of his body to pass his matter through other matter. During this time they will merge without interacting. In other words he is intangible for a brief moment, and can pass through, or be passed through by other forms of matter without harm. He can only do this for as long as he can hold his breath (one minute without physical exertion, thirty seconds with physical exertion) and he cannot use his other Telekinesis ability while using this. He is also completely harmless during this time.