Malik

Malik

About My Character

Malik comes from a Tsuran family, one that was a bit more well-off and respected among the various groups. Not that it ever did him much good. One of the middle children, Malik was certainly not heir to any great fortunes or leadership roles, nor was he doted on like the younger children. But he received some benefits of his station, nonetheless.

Malik's mother was a skilled wizard, eccentric in her own way and aloof in the manner that wizards often are, more concerned with theory than reality most days. When your primary focus is on how time works (or fails to) in The Vast, the passing of the world around you tends to be a relatively unimportant concern. It's not like you're working on a deadline or anything. And Malik was expected to follow in her footsteps, having access to tutors and teachers from all around the area to teach him all the obscure things that wizards are often expected to know.

None of that took, though. Although Malik had a sharp mind, and dedicated himself to understanding the craft, something vital to the spark of magic simply never manifested in him. Perhaps his wits weren't quite sharp enough. Perhaps his understanding of the underlying techniques was seriously flawed. Whatever the reason, following in that tradition was a dream that he would never fully achieve.

But that's not to say that the teaching he recieved was useless, either. Malik was a natural with a bow -- simple geometry and the dynamics of energy transferance, after all, are foundational for the practice of magic. And his sharp mind and natural charisma won him more friends than enemies -- and the few enemies that he did make, he was either able to con into backing down or pin to the spot with a well-placed shaft.

It's no wonder, then, that most of his friends are from the crowd that his parents might never approve of -- openly, anyway. Thieves, scoundrels, cheats, the reckless and bold who make a living spinning illusions of a non-magical nature to make the world seem a more wondrous place than it might actually be, especially to someone dull-witted enough to buy it? It's still a Tsuran heritage, even if it's a stereotype that his parents would never deign to acknowledge, given their station and public persona.

And so he finds himself in grand Alexandria, making his own sort of magic -- with a skillful bow, a charming smile, and a keen mind. Though every once in awhile, someone might see him praying a bit more fervently to Eluna than to the other gods, and maybe a few whispers begging to get whatever vital spark is missing. There's even a rumor that he's previously looked into alternatives, and might have tried to make a deal once. Or twice.

Some dreams die hard, even while you're looking to make your name in other ways.

Malik is generally easy enough to get along with. Just offer good conversation, or decent entertainment, and you can have a seat at the table. If you've got interesting magical items (or rumors of them), he's even more likely to pay attention. If you've got an idea for a good practical joke, or an easy mark? You're definitely in the right place.

Roleplay Hooks

• Archer - Malik is pretty skilled with a bow. Not as skilled as some of the best in the land, but definitely a cut above your average hunter. His bow even has a name. Ask him about it!

• Failed Wizard - Though not common knowledge, those who run around with the seedier sorts of crowds might pick up a rumor or two about Malik. There's whispers that he was once training for wizardry, but something happened that set him off of that path. The topic might be delicate, but it could lead to awesome RP!

• The Mouth on this One - Malik isn't afraid to speak his mind. While generally easy to get along with, don't expect that he's going to demonstrate discretion when it's called for. He's got a reputation for cutting wit at all the wrong times.

• Magical Curiosity - Got something that has magic on it? Are you a spellcaster? Come talk to Malik. The man might not be able to cast a spell to save his life, and his knowledge is beginner-dabbler at best, but if there's a sure way to get him talking to you, it's to wave some magic around.