Post by Josh on May 9, 2017 11:24:23 GMT -5
Player: Josh
Best Contact Method(s): The Bat Signal
Have you read the General Rules?: Yep
Are you adopting a character from the Open for Claims List?: Nada
If so, have you discussed the required character elements with the contact person?:
Character Name: Rodrigo Borghese
Age: In his 40s
Gender: Male
Birthdate: Unknown
City / Region: Duefuemi, Seravino
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable ]: N/A
Played by: Michael Shannon
Appearance:
Rodrigo is a man of average height and build, but nonetheless strikes an imposing figure. The staid if not stern expression seems permanently etched his features. Indeed, no one seems to recall ever seeing the man smile. The only trace of humanity visible are the crystal blue eyes. Even then, the man bear such a piercing gaze that many are forced to look away from him.
The man's clothing befits his station. Frequently, he wears the robes of the Chosen, though he prefers to bear the signs of Filios rather than the whole of the Trinity. He chooses to wear the finest quality robes only during the most pertinent religious ceremonies. Otherwise, his robes are simple and functional. It is not his clothing that conveys the message of Filios, but his voice and conviction. Everything else is immaterial.
Personality:
During his tenure as the High Priest of Filios, Rodrigo Borghese was the living will of that face in the Triune. The man took to heart intent of Filios, strongly believing that it was through this face that the people of the world be strengthened and defended. Without Filios, the world would fall to destitution. Thus, Rodrigo has taken it upon himself to ensure that does not happen by any means necessary. Weakness of the soul, he argues, is the greatest threat to all of humanity.
To that end, Rodrigo is a man of burning convictions. The man has been through many trials throughout his life, suffered agony and loss that would no doubt cripple a man’s soul for all eternity. Yet, thanks to Filios, Rodrigo overcame and was stronger for it. That he went through those trials made him the man he is today and as such, he does not regret what happened. If he were given the choice to go back and prevent that agony, he would he flatly decline. Pain is what builds the soul. Pain is what lends to strength and only those with the right spirit, the right soul, shall endure. Anyone lesser deserves to be wiped from the world.
People in his life are given two chances to prove themselves worthy. Humans are flawed, yes, but they can learn. Rodrigo learned many painful lessons from his many flaws, but one by one, they were burned away by Filios. Rodrigo believes in giving people that same opportunity. He will help them as he can, especially in understanding the trials people endure and overcome.
To give into vice, temptation or other capricious desires was a sure sign of a weak soul. Rodrigo shuns most pleasures that others enjoy. The man eats and drinks to sustain himself. The offers of flesh mean nothing to him. Games and other distractions are annoyances to him. Time is spent proselytizing and in study of Filios’s will. The world must be saved and he is the man to do it. To do so, he must be the perfect example of Filios’s vision of the world.
Rodrigo sees a world on the brink of chaos. The various deaths and political machinations are testimony to this. Endlessly does he sermonize to his flock and those priests under him. The man is a passionate and effective speaker, even he does lack certain social graces and charisma. Rodrigo can turn from austere to heated in the blink of an eye when need be. The flames of Filios burn hot within him and those around him will either be warmed by it or scorched from existence.
As the new Chosen of the Triune, Rodrigo is on a holy crusade. The world must be saved from itself and he knows there will be those that stand in his way. Through his conviction (and no small number of followers), he will be successful. Glory to Filios.
Specific Skills or Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of scripture
- Leadership
- Oration
Character History:
The Chosen’s history has been a topic of quiet speculation among the clergy. Some say that he was an orphan raised by the church. Some say that he was a criminal in his younger years who learned the error of his ways. Still others say that he is a disgraced minor noble that had nowhere else to turn. Regardless of the rumors, Rodrigo’s answer to the question is always the same: Filios put him through the Trial and he emerged a better man for it.
His history past adolescence has more basis in fact. Rodrigo arose from the ranks of the church in Cesena. A priest by the name of Zenone was both a father figure and mentor to Rodrigo. Many cite this man as the driving force that made Rodrigo the man he is today. Zenone was a man of strong convictions, firmly believing that the world was on the path to ruin if it did not correct its ways. However, many of his fellow clergymen found his views too controversial, divisive and even destructive. It was for this reason that Zenone was never named vicar of Cesena’s church.
Nonetheless, Rodrigo was enthralled by Zenone’s sermons, especially having gone through Filios’s great Trial himself. It was from Zenone that he learned scripture, learned the truth of Filios’s role in the world, and how he would ultimately heal it by burning it. Many of the clergy tried to warn Rodrigo that he was venturing down a dangerous path, rather than a righteous one. By the time he was ordained as a priest, Rodrigo was almost persuaded. Until, that is, the vicar was caught performing sexually deviant acts. Even worse, many of the clergy in Cesena had been involved in supporting and covering up the vicar’s vile actions.
The church in Cesena was practically upended overnight. The Chosen himself came to investigate the matter. Many priests were banished from the order, if not imprisoned for their foul deeds. The vicar himself was found stoned to death, no doubt by an angry mob. Rumors swirled that a certain priest had stoked the crowd, but it was never proven.
The Chosen selected a new vicar. In the absence of the supposedly ‘moderate’ priests, Zenone and Rodrigo’s influence grew. The crimes of the vicar and his cronies was clearly evidence to support Zenone’s assertions. Younger clergy flocked to the man. However, Zenone was growing old and weak. After being Rodrigo’s mentor for the better part of two decades, Zenone passed the mantle to him. Shortly after, the vicar resigned for reasons that are still unclear today. However, several servants reported Rodrigo visiting him privately. The vicar was seen leaving the room, visibly shaken and ashen.
Rodrigo was selected as vicar of Cesena. His tenure lasted eight years. During that time, he made it his mission to convert the city into one of piety and purity. Vices were shunned. Addicts, drunks and other vagabonds were shamed into correcting their ways. The nobles tried in vain to combat this tide of change, but in the end, they too converted to Rodrigo’s ways. It was either that or face dire consequences indeed.
The influential vicar’s deeds did not go unnoticed and those higher in the church hierarchy saw his potential. They imagined his influence spreading past Cesena, throughout Seravino and perhaps even Archades itself. The prospect was too enticing to pass. As such, the Chosen selected Rodrigo to be the High Priest of Filios upon the passing of its former holder.
Rodrigo received a true taste of politics. Cesena was a small backwater compared to the cosmopolitan Duefuemi. Convincing the people of Filios’s place in the world was far more challenging, especially since people were not so keen to give up their vices. Nonetheless, Rodrigo persisted. The man started small in Cesena and there was no reason the same tactics would not work here. Thus, he began with the devoted circle he had brought with him to Cesena. Over the years, their influence grew and spread. However, the Montefiore family would only tolerate so much of Rodrigo’s convictions. Part of Seravino’s wealth and prosperity, after all, was the indulgence of vices.
In the end, Rodrigo could repeat his success of Cesena. The actions of the Montefiore family curtailed his efforts, especially since several in his flock gave in readily to temptations offered. However, his influence within the church itself grew steadily. Now all he needed was for the weakness of the people to reveal itself… and after ten years, it finally did.
The illness of the king, the attacks on the Montefiores and Deliambres, the raids by the Rohari, the death of the Romanovs, the kidnapping of Mariette, the plague in Vasile, the rash of illegitimate pregnancies and many more events were all the evidence that Filios’s Final Trial had begun. Filios was putting the people to his flame, to burn away impurity and weakness once and for all. Rodrigo’s sermons repeatedly cited scripture and recent events. How could anyone deny what was happening?
When the Chosen died quite suddenly, the clergymen and many devoted followers demanded that Rodrigo be named successor. He was. Now with the power and wealth of the Church behind him, Rodrigo could at long last begin his true crusade to save the people of Archades… no matter the cost.
Writing Sample:
Best Contact Method(s): The Bat Signal
Have you read the General Rules?: Yep
Are you adopting a character from the Open for Claims List?: Nada
If so, have you discussed the required character elements with the contact person?:
Character Name: Rodrigo Borghese
Age: In his 40s
Gender: Male
Birthdate: Unknown
City / Region: Duefuemi, Seravino
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable ]: N/A
Played by: Michael Shannon
Appearance:
Rodrigo is a man of average height and build, but nonetheless strikes an imposing figure. The staid if not stern expression seems permanently etched his features. Indeed, no one seems to recall ever seeing the man smile. The only trace of humanity visible are the crystal blue eyes. Even then, the man bear such a piercing gaze that many are forced to look away from him.
The man's clothing befits his station. Frequently, he wears the robes of the Chosen, though he prefers to bear the signs of Filios rather than the whole of the Trinity. He chooses to wear the finest quality robes only during the most pertinent religious ceremonies. Otherwise, his robes are simple and functional. It is not his clothing that conveys the message of Filios, but his voice and conviction. Everything else is immaterial.
Personality:
During his tenure as the High Priest of Filios, Rodrigo Borghese was the living will of that face in the Triune. The man took to heart intent of Filios, strongly believing that it was through this face that the people of the world be strengthened and defended. Without Filios, the world would fall to destitution. Thus, Rodrigo has taken it upon himself to ensure that does not happen by any means necessary. Weakness of the soul, he argues, is the greatest threat to all of humanity.
To that end, Rodrigo is a man of burning convictions. The man has been through many trials throughout his life, suffered agony and loss that would no doubt cripple a man’s soul for all eternity. Yet, thanks to Filios, Rodrigo overcame and was stronger for it. That he went through those trials made him the man he is today and as such, he does not regret what happened. If he were given the choice to go back and prevent that agony, he would he flatly decline. Pain is what builds the soul. Pain is what lends to strength and only those with the right spirit, the right soul, shall endure. Anyone lesser deserves to be wiped from the world.
People in his life are given two chances to prove themselves worthy. Humans are flawed, yes, but they can learn. Rodrigo learned many painful lessons from his many flaws, but one by one, they were burned away by Filios. Rodrigo believes in giving people that same opportunity. He will help them as he can, especially in understanding the trials people endure and overcome.
To give into vice, temptation or other capricious desires was a sure sign of a weak soul. Rodrigo shuns most pleasures that others enjoy. The man eats and drinks to sustain himself. The offers of flesh mean nothing to him. Games and other distractions are annoyances to him. Time is spent proselytizing and in study of Filios’s will. The world must be saved and he is the man to do it. To do so, he must be the perfect example of Filios’s vision of the world.
Rodrigo sees a world on the brink of chaos. The various deaths and political machinations are testimony to this. Endlessly does he sermonize to his flock and those priests under him. The man is a passionate and effective speaker, even he does lack certain social graces and charisma. Rodrigo can turn from austere to heated in the blink of an eye when need be. The flames of Filios burn hot within him and those around him will either be warmed by it or scorched from existence.
As the new Chosen of the Triune, Rodrigo is on a holy crusade. The world must be saved from itself and he knows there will be those that stand in his way. Through his conviction (and no small number of followers), he will be successful. Glory to Filios.
Specific Skills or Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of scripture
- Leadership
- Oration
Character History:
The Chosen’s history has been a topic of quiet speculation among the clergy. Some say that he was an orphan raised by the church. Some say that he was a criminal in his younger years who learned the error of his ways. Still others say that he is a disgraced minor noble that had nowhere else to turn. Regardless of the rumors, Rodrigo’s answer to the question is always the same: Filios put him through the Trial and he emerged a better man for it.
His history past adolescence has more basis in fact. Rodrigo arose from the ranks of the church in Cesena. A priest by the name of Zenone was both a father figure and mentor to Rodrigo. Many cite this man as the driving force that made Rodrigo the man he is today. Zenone was a man of strong convictions, firmly believing that the world was on the path to ruin if it did not correct its ways. However, many of his fellow clergymen found his views too controversial, divisive and even destructive. It was for this reason that Zenone was never named vicar of Cesena’s church.
Nonetheless, Rodrigo was enthralled by Zenone’s sermons, especially having gone through Filios’s great Trial himself. It was from Zenone that he learned scripture, learned the truth of Filios’s role in the world, and how he would ultimately heal it by burning it. Many of the clergy tried to warn Rodrigo that he was venturing down a dangerous path, rather than a righteous one. By the time he was ordained as a priest, Rodrigo was almost persuaded. Until, that is, the vicar was caught performing sexually deviant acts. Even worse, many of the clergy in Cesena had been involved in supporting and covering up the vicar’s vile actions.
The church in Cesena was practically upended overnight. The Chosen himself came to investigate the matter. Many priests were banished from the order, if not imprisoned for their foul deeds. The vicar himself was found stoned to death, no doubt by an angry mob. Rumors swirled that a certain priest had stoked the crowd, but it was never proven.
The Chosen selected a new vicar. In the absence of the supposedly ‘moderate’ priests, Zenone and Rodrigo’s influence grew. The crimes of the vicar and his cronies was clearly evidence to support Zenone’s assertions. Younger clergy flocked to the man. However, Zenone was growing old and weak. After being Rodrigo’s mentor for the better part of two decades, Zenone passed the mantle to him. Shortly after, the vicar resigned for reasons that are still unclear today. However, several servants reported Rodrigo visiting him privately. The vicar was seen leaving the room, visibly shaken and ashen.
Rodrigo was selected as vicar of Cesena. His tenure lasted eight years. During that time, he made it his mission to convert the city into one of piety and purity. Vices were shunned. Addicts, drunks and other vagabonds were shamed into correcting their ways. The nobles tried in vain to combat this tide of change, but in the end, they too converted to Rodrigo’s ways. It was either that or face dire consequences indeed.
The influential vicar’s deeds did not go unnoticed and those higher in the church hierarchy saw his potential. They imagined his influence spreading past Cesena, throughout Seravino and perhaps even Archades itself. The prospect was too enticing to pass. As such, the Chosen selected Rodrigo to be the High Priest of Filios upon the passing of its former holder.
Rodrigo received a true taste of politics. Cesena was a small backwater compared to the cosmopolitan Duefuemi. Convincing the people of Filios’s place in the world was far more challenging, especially since people were not so keen to give up their vices. Nonetheless, Rodrigo persisted. The man started small in Cesena and there was no reason the same tactics would not work here. Thus, he began with the devoted circle he had brought with him to Cesena. Over the years, their influence grew and spread. However, the Montefiore family would only tolerate so much of Rodrigo’s convictions. Part of Seravino’s wealth and prosperity, after all, was the indulgence of vices.
In the end, Rodrigo could repeat his success of Cesena. The actions of the Montefiore family curtailed his efforts, especially since several in his flock gave in readily to temptations offered. However, his influence within the church itself grew steadily. Now all he needed was for the weakness of the people to reveal itself… and after ten years, it finally did.
The illness of the king, the attacks on the Montefiores and Deliambres, the raids by the Rohari, the death of the Romanovs, the kidnapping of Mariette, the plague in Vasile, the rash of illegitimate pregnancies and many more events were all the evidence that Filios’s Final Trial had begun. Filios was putting the people to his flame, to burn away impurity and weakness once and for all. Rodrigo’s sermons repeatedly cited scripture and recent events. How could anyone deny what was happening?
When the Chosen died quite suddenly, the clergymen and many devoted followers demanded that Rodrigo be named successor. He was. Now with the power and wealth of the Church behind him, Rodrigo could at long last begin his true crusade to save the people of Archades… no matter the cost.
Writing Sample: