Hahn

Basic Info

Name: Hahn
Player: NPC
Caste: Twilight
Concept: Chief Cartographer
Political Affiliation: Mage's Guild, Haltan Kingdom
Anima: Fox
Motivation: Re-build the bridges that once connected all societies in Creation

Weapon of Choice: Quarterstaff ('Singing Staff')
Armor of Choice: Unknown
Fighting Style: Unknown (Rumored to be a master martial artist)

Background

Hahn was born and raised in the Kingdom of Halta 200 years before the disappearance of the Empress. His parents had carved out for themselves a respectable position in Halta's middle class as skilled metalworkers. To their disappointment, Hahn had little interest in helping them out at the forge as a child and adolescent, preferring instead to immerse himself in lost literatures and poetries of ages long past.

His years of youth came to an abrupt end when he was called into his required service for the Haltan military. His sharp wit saw his promotion to an officer quickly. His command was at the head of a team of scouts, and he established himself an expert in reconnaissance. After his four years of service had run their course, Hahn intended to return to his hometown and pursue a position in government while continuing his historical research. Plans changed, however, when he was approached by an official from the Haltan government, who had seen promise in Hahn's capable scouting. He offered Hahn the chance to conduct guerilla missions deep within Linowan territory. Hahn, despite his desire to return to more scholarly pursuits, was always a man possessed of a sense of duty, and felt obligated to serve his kingdom. He accepted, and spent two years training in the Far East, where he became familiar with a variety of martial arts.

He returned under the cover darkness, entering the Linowan kingdoms, where, for four years, he would carry out political assassinations under the alias of Relikh (Haltan for 'cobra'). He was extracted from the Linowan lands on the order of the same official who'd approached him six years ago, and this time, offered the chance for a more permanent assignment: He was to conduct espionage in the Linowan kingdoms, aiding the Haltans in understanding the rituals conducted by their shamans.

He again returned to the Linowan territories and initiated himself into many of their religious orders; his aptitude at interpreting historical texts served him well, and he rose quickly through their ranks, becoming close with many elder shamans. It was through their instruction that Hahn was finally able to understand their magic, and as a reward for his insight, he was chosen then for another mission -- to carry out the work of the Unconquered Sun. Their mortal thaumaturgy quickly became second-nature to him, and he longed for deeper understanding. Hahn returned briefly to Haltan to bid his final farewell to his parents and siblings (he had never borne children with a lover), and spent the next fifty years traveling Creation (it was during this time that he completed Brigid's trials, and gained understanding of Exalted Sorcery).

Though he'd answered many questions, he'd found that he'd asked even more. Deciding that sorcery held within it the power to unearth Creation's deeper mysteries, Hahn sought out Amadeus, and under his tutelage, had initiated himself into the highest circle of sorcery by Realm Year 768. At this time, Hahn had become a cartographer and prominent instructor in Amadeus's Mahalanka stronghold, where he had a pupil of his own, Kevik. At present, he devotes most of his efforts to teaching and exploring Creation's further reaches, though he does occasionally return to Halta, where is a trusted political advisor to the monarchy (It is worth noting that out of respect for the Linowan shamans who helped him to Exalt, he did not divulge their thaumaturgical secrets, though he genuinely aids the Haltan kingdoms in any way he can).

Hahn's personal goals focus largely around cartography. His time as a scout and spy taught him the value of geographical knowledge, and he believes that before the world can reach a greater state of enlightenment, they must first be interconnected. The first step towards this lofty goal is produces maps adequate for navigation of all locales in Creation, and Hahn gears his sorcery towards accomplishing this task.

Personality

Hahn's is a mind sharpened by years of espionage and reconnaissance. He approaches most things, including sorcery, with a practical slant. Though he has gained an appreciation for its ritual nature from his Linowan mentor, he has long since shed the belief that sorcery comes from religious foundations. He prefers not to show his age, and goes to considerable lengths to avoid using ancient terminology or dating himself with historical references. He keeps up with fairly current slang and events, and his easy-going sarcasm provides an additional layer of ambiguity to those trying to discern his history. Hahn also prefers to portray himself as something of a slacker; he almost always works alone, and usually appears to be loafing around whenever approached by companions and pupils. By default, he is rather guarded in his knowledge, but is usually happy to explain if asked. Few can spot Hahn's burning passion, but it is frightfully clear to those who incur his wrath that he is not a force to be trifled with when angered.

Defining Quote

"You have ventured across the Threshold, yes, but I wonder, what journeys has your mind made?"

Virtue Flaw

Hahn, seeing a need to remove himself further from transient worldly affairs, shuns his material wealth and retreats into an unbroken meditation. Even the gravest of threats to himself or allies will not disturb him, as his drive for enlightenment remains firm. In the face of losing control, he prefers instead to withdraw completely, and re-establish his grounding with Gaia and Creation. (Temperance)