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Basics

Character Name: William G. Maryblood
Character Age: 17-18 (Solstice years); 16-17 (Earth years)
Canon: The Faraway Paladin
Series Info: Link, although the wikipedia isn't very comprehensive so it can be briefly summed up as follows--

After living an extremely unremarkable life as a shut-in, a man dies and is reborn into a new world of gods, demons, and magic. Determined not to repeat the mistakes of his past, William throws his all into learning from the three undead who raise him: a skeleton warrior (Blood), a mummy (Mary), and a ghostly sage (Gus). The question of why he is the only living human in a city of wandering dead is eventually answered on his fifteenth solstice when an Echo of the God of Undeath, Stagnate, comes to collect Blood and Mary's souls for his eternal army. Refusing to lose his newfound family, William stands against Stagnate's Echo. Yet when all hope seems lost and he is lying at death's door, the Goddess of Flux, Gracefeel, revisits him in the place between worlds bestows upon him her blessing. With her power, William manages to vanquish Stagnate's Echo and save Blood and Mary's souls.

Upon seeing his adopted parents back to the samsara under Gracefeel's guidance, William leaves the city of the dead in Gus' care and makes his way out into the wider world. Thus begins the adventures of the Faraway Paladin, William G. Maryblood.

Canon Point: After triumphing over Valacirca, a primordial dragon living in the Rust/Iron Mountains

Abilities

Character Abilities:
Words of Creation - this refers to the system of magic in which words themselves hold power and are the foundation of all existence. The language which the people currently speak is said to have been bastardised from this original script in order not to accidentally invite destruction. The power of these words is such that people take care to mar any writing with the gods' names so that the word cannot activate through careless speech. There is no inherent strength or power to each word; instead, it is the skill and ability of the caster which determines how effective their spellcasting is. Ridiculously advanced sorcerers such as Gus can cast up to three or even four spells simultaneously. Typically, the average 'good' mage is able to cast two.

There is also technically no limit to what one can accomplish with these Words, although obviously some things are more dangerous (and possibly lethal) to the caster. Loss of focus or imprecision can easily backfire upon the user, particularly if their spell is interrupted mid-Word.

Benediction - this refers to abilities specifically granted by the gods or goddesses upon their followers. In William's case, this includes (but is not limited to) the following:

- Divine Torch - grants repose and guidance to the souls of the dead
- Cure Illness - cures diseases
- Close Wounds - heals cuts and minor injuries
- Sanctuary - raises a huge wall of light around a certain vicinity
- Sacred Shield - a wall of light that negates spells and benedictions
- Full Recovery - cures wounds, curses and diseases alike
- Preservation - prevents rot
- Anti-poison - grants increased resistance to poisons
- Antidote - cures poisoning
- Detoxification - removes alcohol from the bloodstream
- Sanity - recovery from confusion
- Purification - removes impurities and pollutants

Stigmata - a trait he obtained due to constant prayer as well as bread obtained by Mary. It gives him a resistance to miasma and unholy poison specifically. In elemental terms, likely a resistance to 'dark' magic.

"Dragon factor" - something of a curse obtained due to the way he killed Valacirca. The dragon's blood gives him greater skill with Words, immense strength as well as endurance, and also makes him impervious to most minor wounds. Neither heat nor cold will have much effect on him. However, the dragon's violent temperament is constantly present and it is easy to grow complacent with how hardy he now is and forget his humanity.

Character Skills:
Unusual strength - Due to Blood's training, William exhibits greater than normal physical strength. He is able to throw large creatures such as wyverns and giants. (Due to 'dragon factor' however, he may be able to physically wrestle creatures larger or stronger than even those...)

General sword/martial skills - He was trained to wield a variety of weapons. However, he has greatest proficiency in the spear, sword, and shield.

Approach

What interests you most about playing this character in this game?
William is in a unique position where he has been reincarnated from modern-day Japan and remembers his time there. So he has vague memories of technology but has also grown up immersed in more classic style fantasy magic. I plan to have him pursue the technology side of Bios because he'd probably be interested in adding a different skill to his arsenal of abilities.

How do you see your character adjusting to/approaching the game world?
The dragon factor in him means that he is a lot more sensitive to magic, which could make for some interesting interactions with elementals and the like. William already had a tendency to solve martial problems through brute force (many of his friends joke he is a barbarian) but it is also extremely easy for him to overthink situations when pressured. Since I presume his god, Gracefeel, won't be around to help guide him, William will have to muddle his way through happenings in Magisteria on his own whilst staying true to his vow to her, which will be an interesting learning curve for him.

What do you see your character finding most interesting about the setting/game premise?
William has an elementalist friend back home and so he may be curious about how the elementals interact with this clearly advanced world of technology. It may even be knowledge he could bring back home eventually. Besides that, he's always looking for new challenges, especially ones that can test his strength.

Samples

Log-style Sample: https://expiationlogs.dreamwidth.org/30760.html?thread=6666536#cmt6666536
Net-style Sample: https://memeisteria.dreamwidth.org/1483.html?thread=362443#cmt362443

Anything else?

William carries an extremely powerful demonblade called Overeater which basically functions as a vampiric, life-stealing sword. Would this arrive with him or be left behind? I don't mind either way.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

When William next steps outside the door of his quarters, he will find a beautifully crafted lantern resting on the ground, surrounded by soft, glowing light. The lantern, a symbol of warmth and steadfastness, is a gift from the natives of Magisteria, the unofficial welcoming committee. It is made of dark, polished wood, inlaid with silver filigree depicting scenes of valor and compassion. Inside, a gentle flame flickers, casting a serene and calming glow.

The Eternal Flame Lantern is enchanted to embody William's unwavering spirit and his quest for justice. The flame within is not just any fire; it is imbued with the essence of Magisteria’s mystical energies, designed to provide comfort and guidance. It is said that the lantern's light can reveal hidden truths and protect against darkness, both literal and metaphorical.

Alongside the lantern, there is a small, intricately carved wooden box. Inside, William finds a delicate medallion shaped like a phoenix, its wings spread wide, symbolizing rebirth and eternal courage. The medallion is said to resonate with William’s inner strength and can be worn as a pendant or carried as a talisman.

The note accompanying this gift reads:

"To the unwavering warrior of the Faraway Paladin, may this lantern be a beacon of your unyielding spirit. Let its light guide you through the darkest nights and its warmth remind you of the strength within your heart. May the phoenix medallion always remind you that even in the face of adversity, you rise again, stronger and more resolute. Welcome to Magisteria, where every flame of courage finds its place and every soul its sanctuary."

App for @magisteria