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Profile: Ossien of Sunhold

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  • Member
    March 14, 2016

     

    In dusty catacombs, beneath cold earth and blackened stone, a torchlight brings order to the long, deep dark. Breathing air made fetid by the wasted guardians lurking in the gloom, a tall figure in black follows the scuttling of spiders into the antechamber. It was no ordinary chamber; a hall of carved walls bearing the history of the world, the progression of time immemorial leading up to an enormous circular door—a puzzle to be solved—as if the king or conjurer or unsung hero entombed on the other side were another chapter of history.
    Just waiting to be discovered.

    The torchflames glimmered on the polished surface of a jeweled claw, the talons being carefully inserted into three openings in the door, each hole no bigger than a septim. With a turn of the three pictogram tiles above and a final twist of the key, the puzzle was solved.

    Working such an ancient mechanism could not be done without noise; the grating drag of stone against stone and decrepit metal echoed through the Hall of Stories.

    He was no elf of the forest, but as the great circular door began its sluggish descent, inch by shuddered inch, the shuffling of rotten feet in iron boots reached sharp elven ears.

    It was almost amusing, how fast a ‘shambling horde of undead’ could move when there was a chance of cornering their prey.

    Ossien glanced back as he stepped over the threshold, and deathly cries slithered upon the stones near the Hall entrance.

    A rusty boot connected with the lightning rune Ossien had laid in his wake, and then another, and another, illuminating the hall with cobalt-and-white flashes of magic. The last of the draugr were reduced to ash, volts of shock-magic still cackling over the remains, fading as the energy in the air fizzled out.

    Ossien smiled.

    Believe it or not, this was what he considered ‘a normal day’.

     

    Meet Ossien of Sunhold.

    Neither bandit nor pirate, mercenary or scholar. Ossien of Sunhold is the incorrigible knight mixed with the swashbuckling rogue; to put it in his own terms, he is a relic-hunter. To say that wandering into draugr-infested crypts is normal for him would be an understatement. It’s his entire reason for traveling to Skyrim.

    A fastidious dresser, his sense of style matches his personality, giving off the impression of a well-put-together gentlemer belonging to a noble family or accomplished scholar. Ossien is neither, but that’s somehow part of the charm; being exceptionally well traveled, he has knowledge of many different subjects though considers himself an expert in nothing specific. If you ever had need of a ‘random trivia expert’ for those tavern games, he’s your mer.

    His first love is relic-finding, a term he prefers to the unsavory ‘gravedigging’ and ‘crypt-robbing’, which, let him assure you, is not what he does. Though his motivations are kept to himself, Ossien adheres to a strong moral code, and views his treks into Tamriel’s crypts and legendary vaults as a necessary evil, an unpleasant but mandatory step in bringing these legends into light.

    Any man or mer who has spent an hour with him tends to come up with the same assessment. A captivating speaker—with a perfectly delivered witticism here and an amiable chuckle there—he communicates easily with members of all races. His vanity speaks for itself, but it isn’t often held against him. Most would describe him as intelligent and chivalrous, and carrying a certain air of confidence that can rub people the wrong way.

    Those who are not fond of Mer to begin with tend to find Ossien ‘foppish’ and ‘haughty’, and undoubtedly there’s some truth to these claims. (His soft spot for well-made capes and coats has resulted in a closetful of clothes he can’t wear to anything.) But this merely scratches the surface.

    Despite being at home in a social setting, Ossien is a private individual, and presents to the world a calm, carefully crafted mask. His true personality eked out only in the company of those he considers genuine friends. Ossien has nothing against companionship, it’s simply a matter of being introverted and traveling too often to forge long-standing relationships.

    To those that do know him better than the rest, Ossien can be prideful, manipulative, superficial. Likewise, he can be compassionate and hospitable, with a strong mind for decisiveness and leadership. He is enamored with the knightly customs of High Rock, and his behaviors reflect this.

    However, there are times when he can be moody and prone to snap. His temper is nothing on the level of a Nord’s, but his rough edges can show if the right amount of frustration and obstacles converge.

    He is far from a simple mer, but really, what Altmer is?

    Additional things to note:

          • A bad meat experience in Hammerfell has turned Ossien into a semi-vegetarian. He would prefer not to talk about it.
          • He’s a believer in the Altmeri pantheon, with a special fondness for Xarxes, Auri-El’s scribe.
          • He has a permanent place of residence in Whiterun Hold; a spacious homestead called Thornrock. What it lacks in decoration it makes up for in storage capacity.
          • With a long black overcoat on close-fitting black armor, he is mistaken for being a Thalmor agent often. It’s at the point where he expects it every time he walks into a town or city, and it still annoys him every time.

    Like most of his race, Ossien is highly proficient in magic, and can boast of large reserves of magicka on par with the rest of his kin. He favors destruction magic above all, with a preference for lightning-based offensive spells and runes. He is mildly proficient in Restoration, Conjuration and Alteration.

    An accomplished swordsmer, his confidence in his swordsmanship is seconded only to his grasp of destruction magic. Duel-wielding, however, is not something he’s tried or studied. Ossien’s more of the ‘strike from a distance and impale the ones you missed’ type of fighter. He wields a beautiful, enchanted Altmeri blade by the name of Skycutter. Skycutter was a present from his parents on his 30th birthday.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Image credit goes to FavoredSoul.

     

    If a certain trek into a certain ruin requires armor, Ossien takes to light armor like a fish to water. His sense of vanity won’t allow him to wear heavy variants, not for all the wealth in Tamriel. While not as fast as a Bosmer, the penalty of stronger armor is slower movements, and he’s loath to give up his nimbleness for added security. Besides, what is life without a little risk?

    Unsurprising to anyone, Ossien’s natural charm combined with having met and bartered with enough Khajiit throughout his lifespan to really excel in persuasion, has gifted him with a silver tongue. Whether it’s for the best prices or to convince someone to give up their obstinacy and see his point of view, most find it difficult to argue with him. Understandably, his charms seem to work better on females than males, and he knows it.

    Of the lesser known talents Ossien possesses, he comprehends foreign and ancient languages very well, having learned at his parents’ side from a young age. He is a skilled puzzle-solver and a semi-decent cook with a fondness for exotic spirits.

     

     

    In the year of 149, 4E, in Alinor’s glittering city of Sunhold, Saulas and Vinwe were discovering how ill-fitting they were as parents. As any Altmer well knows, pedigree and genealogy are of deep interest to a society that places so much importance on lineage. Thus, Saulas and Vinwe had done their duty, carrying on their family lines more out of obligation than any real desire for children.

    They had only one. A boy with raven-dark hair and luminous green eyes. They named him Ossien after a notable ancestor on Vinwe’s side, and embarked on the inextricably disorienting journey of parenthood. This wasn’t to say they were deliberately neglectful or in any way scornful towards their boy, but if compared to other families—families in which both parents were not acclaimed researchers and relic-hunters—their treatment of him hovered around lukewarm for much of Ossien’s childhood.

    Of the two parents, Ossien was able to relate to his father more, though the subjects they discussed were broad and at times quite complicated, it wasn’t until Ossien aged into a young mer of 18 to 20 that he would finally be able to contribute. His mother, Vinwe, was brilliant in no exaggeration of the word, and this special brand of genius came with more than one downside. The biggest being a certain coldness towards children, whom she found difficult to talk to, unable to bring her thoughts and her vocabulary down to a level they would understand.

    As awkward and unusual the family unit could be at times, this isn’t to say Ossien’s childhood was nothing but neglect and emotional emptiness.

    Vinwe and Saulas traveled far and often, bringing their young son with them as soon as he was old enough to read a compass. Ossien flourished, and his life was soon thereafter filled with exciting locales, wondrous architecture, thought-provoking cultures and interesting cuisine. His education came less from books (though he visited many a glorious library in his time) and more from worldly experience, though he considers himself well read in comparison with most humans, though not so much compared to his kin in Alinor.

    With a lack of attention from his parents, Ossien learned to appreciate the attention given to him by his ‘peers’ in whatever country they so happened to be in. He developed a natural charm and agreeable disposition, but maintained detachment if anyone tried to dig past this. His pride, too, developed into something to contend with as he reached his mid twenties, and it would teach Ossien a hard lesson in the approaching years.

    Fourth Era, second century, the year 171.
    Emperor Titus Mede rejects an ultimatum from the Thalmor, and Tamriel is plunged into war.

    The Great War made travel difficult, and as a race, Altmer were now finding themselves the subject of scorn and loathing from races they had once been on decent terms with. More than once the family was accused of being Thalmor spies, which they took great offense to; neither Saulas or Vinwe had any political affiliation with the Aldmeri Dominion, and did not agree with the extreme ideology motivating the powerful group. Unable to return to their beloved Alinor for fear of getting caught up in power struggles, the family took refuge in High Rock.

    In the land of the Bretons, their position on the westernmost side of the continent made the Great War a bit understated. In the sprawling countrysides and amidst the lofty, knightly courts of High Rock’s social elite, it was easy to forget the strife and woe occurring in other parts of the world. High Rock, of course, took part in the Great War, but a majority of the country tended to ‘rest on their laurels’, more interested in personal petty feuds with neighboring provinces then what was occurring on the global scale.

    That suited this family of researchers just fine.

    Ossien’s mother Vinwe suffered the most over their self-induced confinement to High Rock, her research into the Snow Elves had her eying Skyrim before the War broke out. But those plans had been unapologetically dashed by the Great War, and dashed again when the War ended and the outlawing of Talos worship threw Skyrim into further disarray.

    The trip to Skyrim would be postponed indefinitely.

    While his parents lamented lost opportunities, Ossien was finding happiness and humility in Camlorn. Six years in High Rock was the longest ‘still’ period Ossien had ever experienced, and as such he was able to make longer lasting friendships than normal. The layers of his carefully woven detachment began to peel back, as he soon began to count young Duchess Lielle Argent, Emeric Gaustien the Scroll-Crafter, and Bosmer/Breton mixed, goatee’d Sir Ferdinand Lavigne as his closest friends.

    Being just as cultured (if not more) than the elite of High Rock’s courts, the 24 year old Ossien of Sunhold grew contented with his newfound friends and the lofty stature of his own ego. He was quick-witted and very magically talented, two things his peers seemed to hold in high esteem, and so he allowed it to go to his head.

    Until he was cruelly, deservedly, put in his place by Sir Robent of Daggerfall.

    Dueling was incredibly popular in High Rock, especially between the nobles. Competitions were frequent and tutors in high demand. There was always a prime opportunity for the young lords and ladies to show off their sword prowess.

    Duchess Lielle’s betrothed was the leading champion in Glenumbra, the very same Sir Robent of Daggerfell. He was tall (not nearly as tall as Ossien) and disciplined and haughty; he was also little known amongst Ossien and his circle of friends, Sir Robent having spent much of the last five years fighting against the Thalmor. When Sir Robent returned, however, the social dynamics of the group began to shift, and Ossien noticed Lielle’s attentions going to Robent instead of him. The jealousness he felt was petty, he’d admit it, but it was there nonetheless, and he was unused to losing the limelight. Soon enough, the opportunity to steal it back was presented.

    After thrashing Sir Ferdinand to an impressed and cheering crowd, Sir Robent stood victorious before his fluttering bride-to-be; Ossien challenged him on the spot, convincing himself it was to avenge Sir Ferdinand’s pride and had nothing to do with Lielle.

    Sir Robent accepted.

    Ossien, who had studied swordsmanship in a number of countries, was not so experienced with the rapier like Sir Robent was (it was the preferred choice for leisure duels), but he had a secret weapon. With Emeric’s help of enchantments, Ossien had his weapon enchanted with a scorching spell. Just a little something for Sir Robent to remember him by. The goal of dueling was never to kill your partner, but some injury was allowed.

    The duel began like any other, and with Lielle looking concernedly on the pair of rivals, they put their prowess and their prides to the test.

    Ossien underestimated Sir Robent. Though holding his own, Sir Robent disarmed him with a twisting maneuver that strained Ossien’s wrist and flung the enchanted blade up into the air. Sir Robent caught it, and delivered the two perpendicular scars on Ossien’s face that he still bears today. It had seared like oblivion-fire, and cauterized immediately; for a mer as vain as Ossien, to have his face scarred in such a way was more disgrace than he could stand.

    To have it happen before a shocked (and soon cheering) crowd was almost too humiliating to bear.

    Safe to say, the group dynamics grew tense enough to break. Lielle married Sir Robent that summer, and despite it being arranged and knowing full well he deserved what he got, Ossien stopped communicating with her.

    By the year 180, Ossien had been changed by his experience fighting Sir Robent, and when the family set sail from Jehenna early that spring, aiming for Dawnstar, Ossien was eager to put High Rock behind him.

    The rest of Ossien’s lifespan was not nearly so eventful:

    In the year 182 while ruin-delving in the northern parts of Skyrim, Saulas and Vinwe could not shake a strain of Red Fever transmitted through skeever-bites, and they died in Dawnstar.

    Ossien, who had not been with them at the time, returned from a trip to Lilmoth to pick up their remains, and brought his parents back to Alinor to be entombed in the family crypts.

    He stayed in Sunhold for a year, before taking up the family business of relic-hunting. Despite traveling alone now and with no one to share his findings or his research with, Ossien’s love of ancient artifacts and experiencing new cultures has not waned.

    For the next 19 years, Ossien has continued globe-trotting, from Hammerfell to Valenwood, to Elsweyr and Morrowind. Black Marsh and High Rock.

    Perhaps because the lives of Saulas and Vinwe were lost in Skyrim, he saved this war-torn country for last.

    Uninterested in Skyrim’s Civil War and perfectly aware ‘his kind’ are not welcome on these icy shores, Ossien has his eye set on a few unique artifacts to either add to his personal collection or ship back to Alinor to interested parties.

    His first target: the Gauldur Amulet.

     

     

    It would take an age to list all of the beings he’s met throughout Tamriel, so we’ll stick to Skyrim’s population for now.

    Taarie & Endarie: Being an Altmer who cares greatly about appearances, and considering Solitude is one of his favorite cities in Skyrim, it’s no wonder he’s gotten himself on good terms with these tailoring sisters. Truth be told, they’re quite smitten with him, and he’s about the only customer save Queen Elisif they neglect to take a haughty tone with.

    Niranye: When you’re in the business of dealing in ancient relics of the past, having a ‘fence’ to eke out potential buyers is an important part of the job. Ossien prefers to deal with reputable individuals, but a certain amount of secrecy is required to get the items he finds back to Alinor without too much fuss. Wouldn’t want anything he unearths to fall into Thalmor hands.

     

    Inigo of Cyrodiil: Easily the strangest creature in Ossien’s life right now, he met this blue-furred Khajiit in Riften’s prison, after hearing a rumor about his oddly-colored fur in the Bee & Barb. Curious about Inigo’s appearance, he had sought him out just for a glimpse, but when Inigo leapt from his seat, crying out that he deserved to die for what he’d done to Ossien, the relic-hunter found himself as baffled as he was intrigued. Inigo is a recovered skooma addict hailing from Cyrodiil, and though his past is shrouded in mystery (for now), Inigo has turned out to be an excellent foil for Ossien. Whereas the Altmer is withdrawn, cerebral and courteous, Inigo is amicable and optimistic, and at times just a little bit mad.
    How so? He has a live dragonfly in a jar, which he talks to and addresses as Mr. Dragonfly.

    (Yes, I know. It perplexed Ossien at first too.)

    But as fate would have it, Inigo was the perfect companion to bring crypt-delving, the blue-furred khajiit a helpful combination of obedient and skillful. What started out as a manipulated partnership (rather than kill Inigo like he’d requested, Ossien offered the khajiit the chance for redemption by tagging along on a few adventures) quickly became genuine friendship.

    Photo & Character copyrighted to Smartbluecat on Nexus

    Inigo quickly showed his merit when they went to Reachwater Rock to repair the Gauldur Amulet.

     

    "The history of Skyrim is vast, predating even the most ancient records of man and mer. Much has been lost, fallen to the ravages of war or the turning of the ages. But nothing is ever truly forgotten. Where no records exist, legends and folktales offer us a key to the past, a way to piece together truths half-remembered in the minds of men." — Lost Legends

     

     

    This seems to be the start of a beautiful friendship.


    And as for their next adventure…

    “A NEW HAND TOUCHES THE BEACON.”

     

     

     

     

     Relationship section will be updated as I keep playing and Ossien meets new people. :)


    Featured Mods:
    The Hermit armor by NewerMind43 (on Ossien)
    Wanderer Cuirass by Frank and Cabal (on Inigo)
    Skycutter by FavoredSoul
    Inigo by Smartbluecat
    Seasons of Skyrim ENB
    A bunch of appearance mods Which I can actually list if anyone cares to know.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    I somehow managed to hit the character limit with this. Oops!
    I'd include a warning about it being image heavy and also long, but I can't! Thank you to anyone reading.

    Ran out of room, so I couldn't mention Lissette. Thank you for tolerating my PM about Altmer ages. Now you get to know what it was for!

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    Holy crap Fawn, this is an awesomely presented profile, congrats

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    Thank you! I always have to cycle through the initial terror of 'oh no, what if it's terrible?' with everything I post, so your comment took some of the anxiety away. Whew.

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    A bad meat experience? Is this a euphemism?

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    I knew somebody would think that. Let's just say Ossien didn't know Hammerfell had cannibals until he was invited for dinner.

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    As former RP co-host, I'm gonna give this my now defunct Seal of Approval 

    Also, did you take those screenshots yourself? If so, you got talent. I might just ask you to make me screenshots 

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    ^^ Yes I did! Edited them in photoshop. (hence the silly border I like adding to everything) The only two screenshots I did not take is the one of Skycutter by itself, that's from the mod author's page, and the image of Inigo with Mr. Dragonfly. :) Also from the mod author's page. Proudest of the first one of Ossy.

    Yay! Thanks for the approval, defunct or not!

  • March 14, 2016

    Dear gods, Fawn, this is excellent! I love the attention to detail, the story telling, the presentation, all of it! I'm glad to hear this isn't the last we'll see of Ossien and Inigo :)

  • Member
    March 14, 2016

    Thank you! I love your avatar, btw. It's beautiful! I hope this wasn't too long a read. I may enter a second profile if my additional idea pans out. And after all the work I put into this profile, I realize that I need to completely redo Tavareth Redvale's. His profile looks so neglected!

    Your discussion about crafting profiles really helped me out.