Caspius
Scholar of Aetherial and Astrological Phenomena
A researcher at the First Dicasterial Observatorium in Coerthas, Caspius was brought to Ishgard nearly fifteen years ago, as a near total amnesiac, with the hope that information from the Holy See's study of aether might aid in recovering his memories. Although their efforts proved sadly unsuccessful, Caspius chose to remain in Ishgard as a student in the Scholasticate, eventually becoming a researcher himself.Today, as Senior Researcher in Aetherology, he studies aetherial and astrological phenomena alongside his colleagues at the Observatorium. He is the author of an extensive study titled The Elemental Aspects of Transatmospheric Aetherial Phenomena, a specialist work well-known in his field, even to the point of being studied by the Archons of Sharlayan, but not much read except by experts.
Biography
Bio: Age unknown, but he seems to be a young, adult male Miqo'te.
Citizenship: Ishgard
Occupation: Senior Researcher in Aetherology, Observatorium
Themes: Academics, Politics, The Church, Noble Houses, Magic
Music: "Promised Grace" from Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles
Caspius was brought to Ishgard nearly fifteen years ago in hopes that the First Dicastery's study into aetherology might help to treat his amnesia. Although their attempts proved unsuccessful, Chief Astrologian Forlemort and Ser Noudenet of the Heavens' Ward were moved by Caspius' situation. They sought from Archbishop Thordan a generous bequest, which saw Caspius given a place in the Scholasticate, where he focussed on aetherology. After his graduation, he given an assistant researcher's position at the Observatorium. There, he has slowly distinguished himself over the intervening years. Ishgardians have probably heard rumours of him, given how unusual his case was.
Caspius is devoted to the Holy See: it has provided him with a new life, a purpose, and a reasonable living. However, the Holy See (and particularly his benefactors: Archbishop Thordan, Ser Noudenet, and Chief Astrologian Forlemort) may not have been entirely altruistic, either: Caspius has a natural ability to use black magic connected to his peculiar aetherial state, and the Holy See has directed him to conduct secret research on its aetherial properties. For relatively little expense, they have filled the blank slate of his mind with their teachings and values—above all, a sense of duty—thereby obtaining a black mage over whom they have almost completely willing control, no matter the cost to himself or his own well-being.
Despite his starry-eyed admiration of the Holy See, Caspius privately struggles with the disparities he observes in Ishgardian society. He sees that the lofty moral and ethical principles that he learned in the Scholasticate are too often disregarded in Ishgard; and his sense of justice sometimes conflicts with the immense debt that he feels that he owes to the Holy See. His own experience of its generosity to him has made it difficult for him to accept that other people may not ordinarily be treated with such benevolence.
It is all rather a lot for a slightly befuddled and bookish scholar to handle. But as his star has continued to rise amongst the learned, Caspius has not been able to escape the notice of the noble Houses and the political powers that move within the Holy See. With his research now read by the Archons of Sharlayan, and his role in the Observatorium's operations becoming increasingly important, Caspius has attracted the attention of the great and the good—and some whose designs are not quite so benevolent. Perhaps bigger and darker things await than a life of making aetherological observations and drafting skywatcher forecasts.
Story
These are the major events in Caspius' story so far. A Spotify playlist is available with a music chosen to represent each of the major events below.Chapter 1: Discovered without identification or memories, Caspius is taken to Ishgard for aetherial examination by their aetherologists. (Philip Glass, "I'm Going to Make a Cake," from The Hours.)Chapter 2: His memories deemed irrecoverable, Caspius is offered admission to the Scholasticate, where he studies aetherology and learns the ways of Ishgardian society for four years. (J.S. Bach, "Fugue in Gm," BWV 578.)Chapter 3: Upon graduation from the Scholasticate, Caspius becomes a researcher at the First Dicasterial Observatorium, distinguishing himself and rising in prestige over the course of a decade. (Alan Hovhaness, "I. Allegro Moderato," from Symphony No. 22, "City of Light," Op. 236.)Chapter 4: Encouraged by his confessor to try and foster relationships beyond his research, Caspius befriends the behorned Ser Azael and meets the strange and otherworldly entertainer Alastor. (David Arnold, "Three Card Switch," from Good Omens.)Chapter 5: Having taken rooms with a young noble, Caspius has his first experiences with love, betrayal, and heartbreak, redoubling his focus on his work to the exclusion of all else. (Ludovico Einaudi, "Giorni Dispari," from Eden Roc.)Chapter 6: Learning of Alastor's true, demonic nature, Caspius resolves to drive him out of Ishgard, and they fight a duel to an inconclusive draw. (Edouard Lalo, "Scherzo in Dm.")Chapter 7: On a mission in Amdapor with Azael, the group is attacked by a voidsent, causing Caspius to lose control of his magical abilities in an apocalyptic release of ice aether. (E.S. Posthumus, "Ashielf," from Cartographer.)Chapter 8: In the aftermath of recovering from Amdapor, Caspius' newly-assigned assistant, Riva, introduces him to Lottie, who becomes his companion and confidant. (Elena Kats-Chernin, "Eliza Aria," from Wild Swans.)Chapter 9: Lottie and Caspius pursue Alastor to a country music festival in order to get an aetherial reading, adopting the undercover aliases Jesse and James. (Henry Mancini, "Theme from A Shot in the Dark.")Chapter 10: With Riva playing matchmaker, Lottie and Caspius attend the fire festival at The Tusk where the heat of the evening sun at last encourages them to admit their feelings to each other. (Noriko Matsueda and Takahito Eguchi, "Eternity: Memory of Lightwaves," from Final Fantasy X-2.)Chapter 11: Taken by Lottie to Sharlayan, Caspius visits the Aetherfont, where the proximity of the Mothercrystal briefly causes him to be overcome by his light aether. (Sam Dillard, "Omen's Wish," from XenoCross.)Chapter 12: Ser Azael reveals that the mission at Amdapor has confirmed dark tidings about his true nature, leaving Caspius deeply conflicted over how to feel about his best friend. (Arvo Part, "Trisagion.")
Roleplay HooksI'm always looking to expand Caspius' network of RP connexions, particularly in the Church and Ishgardian politics, although all RP is welcome. Please feel welcome to send a /tell to ask for more information, or to suggest how Caspius might engage with your character!
Graduated from the Scholasticate roughtly ten years ago.
Often may be found praying in the churches of the Holy See.
Frequently attends musical and theatrical performances in Eorzea.
Well-known amongst aetherologists, and in Ishgard more generally.
Occasionally travels to Limsa Lominsa and Ul'dah on business.
Holds an honourary officer's rank in The Malestrom.
Can smell aether, although he does not understand this ability.
Speaks Ancient Elezen bookishly but fluently.
OOC Information
I love walk-ups! If I'm nearby with my RP flag up, you can safely assume that I'd be delighted to be approached or otherwise involved in your RP. Please feel welcome to reach out via /tell, or just say hello IC!Even if my RP flag is not up, don't worry: sometimes I forget to put it up, and often I'm willing to switch over to 'RP mode' if asked—or, to schedule a better time! I'm usually up for non-RP stuff in-game as well, for those interested in statics and other gameplay content.I do have a few important RP boundaries. Please do not try to enforce your actions on my character without my permission. I'm generally willing to work with people who want to RP confrontations, scuffles, and the like, but we should first speak OOC to agree the boundaries and conditions.Finally, I prefer only to engage with adult players. Thank you for your understanding and respect! I hope we can RP together soon!