What's the background story to your Arcanist?

Tornaad · June 2023

With the info they gave about how someone becomes an Arcanist in the last Q&A I decided to write a background for my new character and wanted to share it with everyone and see what everyone else wrote.

Here is the background for my Arcanist:

The first-born daughter of Coduthius Prelidius and Idolonia Chenorius. Prior to the fall of the Imperial City to an army of daedra, her father was the last of a long line of men who proudly served as royal guards to the city.
After years of struggling to have children, upon discovering his child was a daughter and not a son, her father slowly descended into madness. He was eventually thrown out of the royal guard and even ended up in jail for a time. Upon being thrown out of the royal guard, her father's supervisor told him the same thing N'tarin's father told her every day of her life up to that point. "You have dishonored our family legacy."
Then after throwing his own son out of the royal guard his family had served for a hundred generations her grandfather ended his life.
From there her father's descent into madness only accelerated.
Her father quickly turned to demon worship and even sacrificed many people to the daedra he worshipped pleading each time for them to destroy the city and drag the stain on his family's legacy down to eternal torment.
N'tarin was 6 when her father was thrown out of the royal guard. She was 12 when the city was invaded and destroyed by daedra. Within a week of being thrown out of the royal guard, her father started to worship daedra, and hardly a day went by without her father threatening to kill her. When she was 11, her mother tried to stand up to her father and then lost her life as his next sacrifice.
Each night during that time, N'Tarin had a dream where she was trying to find a book. And what she had to do to find the book in her dream was what she needed to do the next day in order to escape her father's wrath the next day.
And when those dreams gave her insights into how her father might hurt someone else if she escaped his wrath, she would try to warn them in hopes of helping them too, but no one would ever listen. They would just dismiss her as a little girl and would meet the end she dreamed about the prior night.
She lived on the streets, hiding from her father for the last year before the daedra attacked, moving from one place to another as her father desperately tried to find her and sacrifice her to the daedra he worshipped.
The week before the daedra attacked, the citizens of the city were unusually kind. Many offered her food. Some tried to offer her places to stay. And each day one person would offer her a book, a book like the one she was trying to find in her dreams.
The day before the daedra attacked, she finally took it. That night she dreamed of what she needed to do in order to open a portal to escape and when the daedra attacked she did just that.
N’tarin abandoned the name given to her by her family, took on a new name, and now adventures across Tamriel trying to undo the damage she believes was caused by her father.

Eporem · June 2023

A Fate's beginning..

She awoke disoriented within a Cell on Balfiera Island. Her last memory was that of entering a portal in the Deadlands to escape a Watcher that had appeared before her when she came upon a book that was filled with strange diagrams, lettering and symbols.

She was told by a Direnni mage that greeted her at the Cell door the reasons why she was imprisoned - though they could not fully explain how she came to be there - only that they thought her to arrive through a Rift along with a beast named Shyazzel that had emerged from another. She stayed a while on the Island, fulfilling her promise to help Norianwe rid it of the daedra Shyazzel - utilizing a staff found along the way and majic from the book she had last read and gathered.

When all seemed safe on the Island - the Daedra defeated - she was led to a room full of open gates, a Keywright Gallery the Direnni Mage called it, to choose one of these to travel through. When she placed her hand on the Telvanni Pennisula one images seen and voices heard pulled her within...

She awoke again at the Tomb of the Nameless Master and one named Leramil the Wise greeted her with these words...

........

the images seen and voices heard..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLghRMWZpw4

ZOS_Kevin · June 2023

Oh this should be a fun thread! I'm ready to read backstory Arcanist content.

FeedbackOnly · June 2023

A scholar who enjoys books but unfortunately their pet devourers books...

She became an arcantist at birth. Nirn just new her future and her first story book was a tome. Unfortunately that was her first paper cut too...why do tomes want your blood? Her mother wasn't one to like books afterwards, so she had to make friends with scholars or other eccentric types ...

Now the story of her pet, the pet is from her mother...it devours books in hope her child doesn't get another paper cut. She's tried to get rid of the pet, but at last nothing as scary as a mother's wrath. We won't talk about what happened...

Unfortunately as such, she's currently looking for new friends as her fellow scholars did not approve of her pet. Will you be her friend?

derpy_mushroom · July 2023

Rayri Aranys.

The Wanderer.

A scion of House Telvanni, and seeker of forbidden esoterica.

Raised in Morrowind, she was a common sight in libraries on both the Telvanni Peninsula and Vvardenfell, and would frequently break into the Tel of other Telvanni wizards to peruse their stacks.
That is where she found it. The Book. The moment when her life truly began.

Listening to The Book, she learned forbidden magicks, spells of such nature that both terrified and astounded her. Magical Ink to coat her weapons with mystic sigils, beams of energy from The Book itself. With Apocrypha and Mortal magicks at her side, she quickly rose through the ranks of the Telvanni as an adult, where she now frequently seeks out more forbidden knowledge in Oblivion.

Thus she adopted the name "The Wanderer" For true names are power, especially amongst the denizens of the realms beyond the Mundus.

The Book brought her to Apocrypha finally, to whit she conversed with Mora, and with a contract signed, she now seeks and stores knowledge for both her own gain, and her patron's

Soarora · July 2023

Oooh, I love this. Here’s mine:

Nerios Xermus… a loner Sarpa* born under the sign of The Atronach. As there’s lacking lore for Sarpas, I headcanon them as the eyes and ears of the Hist in the sky… and that’s just what Nerios was. They’ve always had an interest in magic, particularly illusion magic, but their sign means they cannot generate magicka on their own, relying on the alchemy of Murkmire… which all the magicka potions can get expensive. This is a prime opportunity for Hermaeus Mora, offering the magic of an Arcanist in exchange for information about the depths of Black Marsh.
* https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Sarpa

But even the most powerful mage can be caught off-guard. A Telvanni wizard had an idea to utilize Black Marsh-born Argonian slaves to capture tribes of Argonian unknowable to Dunmer due to the harshness of the swamp, dangling freedom over the heads of the slaves and enchanting them so that they cannot run from their goal. Unfortunately, the first casualty of freedom was Nerios; caught while they were asleep.

Their wings were of great interest to the Telvanni wizard, often plucking them and other feathers to compare to other argonians and test for alchemical or magical properties. Nerios sat through, no matter what was done to them, because they knew no Dunmer could stand against them… at least that’s what they were convinced of. The wizard made a fateful decision: remove Nerios’ wings completely to observe any bodily changes and sell them to see if anyone can tell the difference between them and any “normal” Argonian.

The removal of their wings made them snap. Something so important to their identity, taken away from them. A different Telvanni Dunmer helped Nerios escape before they were able to be sold, inadvertently causing many murders. Not just any murders, Nerios disguised as a Dunmer and used the power of the Arcanist to create illusions so beyond human understanding that it wrecked the brains of any who viewed them. They did this to not only take the lives of the Dunmer but destroy their ghosts too. One ancestor for every feather stolen from them.

This behavior was quite intriguing to Hermaeus Mora: the reactions of the Dunmer, the despair and rage of Nerios, and the mixing of Arcanist spells into illusion spells rather than conjuration or destruction. What’s also of interest is despite the rampage… there is just one Telvanni Dunmer untouched. One that has wormed himself into Nerios’ heart with his strength and compassion… maybe it will be enough for Nerios to learn not all Dunmer are evil, many are innocent… maybe it’ll be enough for Nerios to learn to accept their wingless self. Time will tell, for this thread of fate contains many strands.

Erissime · July 2023

Much as I enjoy rp and all of my characters have a story, I decided it's best to let the characters grow through the play rather than write some backstory I may end up changing due to new circumstances and encounters. On that line, here are a few words about that one sour old mer I sport as my arcanist:

Arylavon Fellen is known for his scholarly endeavours, as is the case with many of the Telvanni mages. He climbed that particular social stair until the level of Master, but thereabouts something took him off the map of renowned names and achievements specific to that title.

Speculations are plenty, for such is the way of mysteries. Some say he had a terrible argument with other Telvanni masters and he was excluded from those circles. Others say he made a major discovery he wishes to conceal. More so think he strike a bargain with Hermaeus Mora and is now being forced into the life of a cast out.

Be that as it may, he certainly lives out of reach into a very special house only a few have knowledge of, let alone access. To be sure his Telvanni Tower goes wherever he goes, and these days it happens to be spotted in some secluded area in Bankorai. Whispers have it that the house is alive and has a heart of its own.

Despite this utter seclusion and avoidance of the world though, Arylavon is not without his connections. His knowledge is not something to be ignored, as proven by a certain epistle sent his way by another Telvanni master, requesting his services as a tutor for a very young ( and very annoying) apprentice of house Indalor. One would think someone with Arylavon's disposition could easily refuse such a request, but there he is putting up with the whims of a spoiled brat inclined towards arts and music (oh the horrors!) as he tries to set her on "the right path" of a Telvanni master.

Another apprentice of his is known to roam the fields of Cyrodiil, and not unsuccessfully at that! (And if you consider being alive is about as much hope one can have for a day in that field, enough said that he is alive and well in ever so long!).

And to top it all up, chances are his name will pop up again from no less than the mouth of one of the Pact's generals when that time is right. Fate has it for this arcanist to put right some wrongs in the brewing which left too long unchecked may lead to the very disturbance of the Aurbis.

But until such times come, he contents himself with his research, argues almost daily with that (other annoying) creature known as Azandar, and enjoys his tea in the company of his only friends: the rooster (long since dead, currently haunting his kitchen), the crab ( also dead, but so attached to that fountain in his yard that its ghost lingers by still), and some old friend nobody knows the name of and which sometimes is produced from one of his pockets as a skull. All of these dear souls have their altar in the best spot of his house, and fresh offerings are being set upon it daily. Sharp makes sure of it!

In the free time, he enjoys fishing. Needless to say that Sharp is a valuable companion for such endeavours, and most importantly - silent!

The rest of the world may very well sink into Oblivion and beyond, so long as it doesn't cross the threshold of his sanctuary of research and solace he calls home. The few annoyances will soon go away, such as that one Lirelia Indalor, mentioned above, Azandar the liar ( al-Cybiades and poppycocks! Hah! When need strike him, he knew fine and well to share his Kozanset origins!) and generally, anyone coming his way with ill-intentions of .... noise (be it music, talk or other social disturbances!).

There is only one regret after a lifetime of research and study: Never to have shared one's feelings with that one brilliant beauty in Shad Astula: Eldryna Nathriin. Still, there is the comfort of that occasional scholarly argument she is so good at even after all this time.

MentalShadow · July 2023

Name:
Lirelia Indalor

Short Biography

Born into the distinguished Indalor family, Lirelia Indalor holds the honor of being the granddaughter of a respected Magister of Vvardenfell. The Indalor family is esteemed for their expertise in the arcane arts, political acumen, and their influence that stretches across the breadth of the realm.

Lirelia displayed an exceptional knack for the arcane arts from a young age. Her relentless curiosity and hunger for knowledge were the hallmarks of her character, pushing boundaries and encouraging debates with her tutors. She was a curious student, always eager to learn and hungry for knowledge beyond her years, often challenging her tutors with unending questions.

Raised in a world of wealth and privilege, Lirelia had her every whim catered to. This upbringing shaped her into a spoiled young woman, her demeanor sometimes tainted with brattiness and arrogance. However, despite this seemingly harsh exterior, Lirelia was never cruel, her haughtiness a mere product of her upbringing, not her heart.

Despite her comfortable existence, Lirelia's ambition drove her to strive for more. She desired to explore the depths of her magical prowess and fully embrace the path of an Arcanist. This yearning for further knowledge inspired her to depart from the grandeur of her ancestral home, seeking new experiences and broader understanding of her abilities. (edited)

Apart from her dedication to the arcane arts, Lirelia also harbors a deep appreciation for music and art. She takes pleasure in learning new musical instruments, finding the harmonious notes a welcome respite from her intense magical studies. She also enjoys lending her voice to songs, her enchanting melodies ( at least that's what she thinks of it despite the many opinions around her that they are not as enchantic as she thinks... ) often resonating within the grand halls of her home.

Lirelia's affinity for art extends beyond appreciation. She is an avid collector of diverse art pieces, delighting in the uniqueness and beauty they represent. She counts many artists among her friends and takes great pride in showcasing her collection to them, often sparking lively discussions on art and creativity.

Physical Appearance and Traits:

Lirelia, boasts an enticing beauty that is hard to ignore. Her ash-grey skin contrasts starkly with her fiery red eyes, a distinctive trait of her race. Her figure exudes an elegance that is a mirror of her noble heritage.

Her raven-black hair, falls in waves past her shoulders, adding to her allure. Her face, a combination of delicate beauty and resolute determination, is a testament to her strong will and intellect.

Lirelia's arcane attire is both fashionable and practical, the intricate patterns on her dark robes a testament to her societal status and magical prowess.

Her intelligence is Lirelia's most formidable trait, with her deep understanding of magic marking her as a force to be reckoned with. Her spoiled upbringing often results in displays of impatience and a sharp tongue, leading to clashes with others. Yet, beneath the tough exterior, Lirelia has a strong sense of justice and loyalty, driving her ever forward in her quest for knowledge and power.

Heydan_Seegil · November 2023

Mine is a place holder for the name because I like my main more. That being understood Arithesuss Illyduss is an Altmer from Summerset who became fast friends in school with two other artist: a Bosmer art collector named Andriel Forestwind from Woodhearth and a Nede (Imperial) Musician named Heydan Seegil who is as nomadic as the Ashlander but was born in Anvil. Andriel and Arithesuss paired up and began writing an art history book to catalog the various movements of art in Tamriel. Every painting in game was done by an artist who was influenced by another who painted one earlier after all. Heydan just liked to party and play music but he also was tuned in and had a perspective on pieces the other two could never see until he pointed it. The three were awesome friends!

Then the racist of Summerset came into fashion and Andriel fled to the Valenwood while Heydan returned to an apartment he was subletting in the Imperial City. Months later Arithesuss Illyduss would receive news of the turmoil in the Imperial City and assumed the worst. The Worm Cult probably killed both his friends. Seeking a way to save them he began studying as a Psijic, a Mage, and an Arcanist only to become soul shriven himself and shattered so that in each era (game) he lives another life during times when Nirn is darkest. However before he was slayn he joined the Ebonheart Pact and sent letters to Andriel Forestwind and Heydan Seegil advising them of some Nords trying to start a new type of College a Bard's College before leaving his notes, writings and everything else to his friends having no real family of his own.

Now Andriel is my Warden and he was first but is also soul shriven lost and shattered across time. Heydan is a Necromancer and my main and is a Vestige. From Arithesuss's notes he figures out that while there are many more soul shriven the break between Nirn and Cold Habor shattered many souls and so there are also many Vestiges locked away behind dimensional echos wherein the also fight Molag Bal creating a time paradox. Essentially this who ordeal in the 2E is never ending. It is as if a snap shot in time of it will always exist but the flow of time never truly stops and so it has also already ended. Since Heydan is the Vestige he has the power over death as someone who once had no soul and survived but he is a good person so I have never put any points into any of the criminal skills from the class. Instead I just made him a super tank and took skills from other guilds and stuff.

Arcanist is fun and it gave me the RP for my man's story as Vestige but I just cannot get over being unkillable as a Necro-Knight even if my DPS is trash.

Elsonso · November 2023

When I hired her, I didn't ask about everything regarding her background. Mainly, I asked whether she was willing to go off and die in long forgotten places in exchange for being able to use my private House resort. As she was the only one who responded, and agreed, I quickly hired her before she changed her mind.

Minerva said that she was born on a small farm in Stormhaven to a farmer, Stephan, and his wife Carmyne. They were rather poor, so when King Emeric announced that any family raising a child to be an Arcanist would be rewarded when the child graduated, they were immediately interested in the reward. They had no idea what an Arcanist was, but figured that they could at least sell off whatever trinkets that King Emeric was handing out. They got busy, and the result was Minerva.

Minerva was trained in fighting by her mother, who was handy with a bucket and broom stick, but not much more than that. Despite this, she managed to get into M’raajih's Arcanist Prep School, in an exotic place called Midden. She rushed off to Apocrypha after forwarding all the gold they could gather as tuition. When she got there, she found out there was no such place and a con artist had stolen the gold they had sent ahead to get into the school. Fortunately, one of the local residents, a woman named Cipher Gilse, took pity on her and taught her the ways of Apocrypha.

A few months into her training, her parents were rewarded for the effort. The rewards included a few magical scrolls, useful for adventurers but not farmers, a coupon to get some free tattoos in Wayrest, and a torchbug, for some odd reason. The torchbug flew out an open window and was never seen again, and Minerva's parents misplaced the coupon, having no use for tattoos. Her mother, Carmyne, ran off with the magical scrolls and made a name for herself as a Warden on Vvardenfell. Stephan received one letter from her about how wonderful everything was, and then Carmyne was never heard from again.

Minerva has since moved on from Midden, and was hired by House Jannus. She continues to explore Apocrypha, working to become the House expert in the geography and history of that strange land, and those linked to it. Currently residing in the city of Necrom, she can often be seen in the trading plaza.

gwenthebard · April 13

nym crux (yes they insist lower case only) is a dark elf from house Telvanni. They have great magical power and knowledge, however they want nothing to do with the politics of house Telvanni. nym wishes to experience & learn about magic in the way it was created, out in the world & not in some mushroom.
Upon cataloging one day they discover a book, or it discovers them. A faint green glow coming from a shelf upon finding it & keeping for themselves nym learns some new magic. However it is draining which is new, exciting.
nym comes to learn they are physically drained not magically drained & continues to read and practice the teachings of this book using it to ignore the traditional use of magic.
Already as an avid bow & sword user. Yet another way in which they snub their ancestors wishes.
nym receives a letter one day from their old friend Mirri asking for assistance in Blackwood with a new daedeic find.
Accepting the call to adventure nym leaves the annoying life their parents set up behind in favor of taking their own path and weaving thwir own fate.

Backstort bits. nym crux is the name they gave themselves & not what their parents refer to them as. nym is non-binary though born a girl. Her and Mirri were childhood friends along with their brothers. Wjen nym's brother was assassinated as unfortunately what happens to Telvanni nym lost faith in the system & refused to use magicka which is what statted their use of blades & bows.