Part I: The Basics

1. What is your full name?
I am Aryon, Telvanni Master of Tel Vos.

2. Where and when were you born?
I was born in Mar Gaan on the 3rd of Sun’s Height 2E 876.

3. Who are/were your parents? (Their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
My mother was Dionara, a silt strider caravaner who fell ill with what I now believe to be collywobbles when I was six years old. I do not remember much about her, aside from the fact that she was strong, beautiful, and had a lovely singing voice. I never knew my biological father and if my mother knew who he was, she never mentioned him.

4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I may very well have biological half siblings through my father, but I wouldn’t know. I consider Fyr’s daughters to be my sisters.

5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
I live in Tel Vos with my retainers. It’s a unique place – a blend of many cultures and races. It was an experiment – it didn’t quite turn out the way I planned, but then, does anything?

6. What is your occupation?
Telvanni Master. I have a particular fondness for cultural anthropology research.

7. Write a full physical description of yourself.
How detailed do you want it? *winks* I’m Dunmer, with medium grey skin and red eyes, about 6’ tall… just slightly taller than average for a Dunmer. My hair is black, wavy, and I keep it cut to my shoulders. I suppose I would describe my build as slender but athletic – I’m certainly no warrior, but I try to stay in shape. It keeps me healthy and energetic. Besides, Fyr always insisted that we maintain healthy habits and hobbies so we wouldn’t get so bogged down with single-minded research like so many mages do.

8. To which social class do you belong?
I was born lower working class, but rose through society to the top of Great House Telvanni.

9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
No, unless you count a multitude of sleep disorders. *snickers* But I can’t say I’m particularly fond of scrib jerky. It always gets stuck in my teeth and the texture is just… wrong. I’ll eat it if I have to, but I don’t like it.

10. Are you right- or left-handed?
I am right-handed. I’m not particularly ambidextrous, although I occasionally attempt mundane tasks left-handed just to see what happens.

11. What does your voice sound like?
I’m told it sounds quite smooth and sultry for a Dunmer, although it is still quite deep. Perhaps I am part… something else? I like to think daedra, but from what I remember of my mother, that isn’t very likely. I’m probably pure Dunmer, whether I like it or not. But it’s nice to speculate, you know? Maybe I’m the bastard love child of Tiber Septim himself. Wouldn’t that be something?

12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
Mmmm… ‘Fascinating.’ I also wink and laugh rather frequently, I’m told. I consider this healthy. *winks*

13. What do you have in your pockets?
Right now? *checks* Three restoration scrolls, some notes on the book I’m translating from Sload to Dunmeris, a vial of bug musk, keys to my dungeon, two soul gems, an enchanted amulet I promised one of my retainers earlier, and leather handcuffs…

14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
*laughs* I’m told that the way in which I switch from my professional mode of dealing with people to my casual mode is somewhat disconcerting. Social conventions are fascinatingly illogical - Why does it bother people so much if I choose to sit on top of the dining table instead of across from them while eating? Besides, who’s to say that one can’t be professional and have fun at the same time? I’ve heard complaints that I treat people too much like rats in a maze… well, if they think that, they should really stop being so amusing! I have a rather black sense of humor at times, so people often have difficulty determining whether I am going to kill or reward them… Sometimes I just throw them in the dungeon for the sheer fun of it. It’s good for them, really. As for quirks… I can’t sleep if I’m not holding something in my arms, usually a pillow, since most of my lovers find this habit annoying. Otherwise, I’ll stay awake all night running through the tower summoning daedra and hiding interesting things for my retainers to find, especially through the trap doors and secret passageways. They’re all used to it by now, but it’s hilarious when we get thieves.


Part II: Growing Up

15. How would you describe your childhood in general?
It was rough. My mother had a hard enough time feeding us both, and could no longer work by the time I was eight due to illness. I tried very hard to take over the family business to keep food on our table. But who takes an eight-year-old silt strider driver seriously? I made it my goal to become a healer and help her, but our local apothecary refused to take me on as an apprentice because he considered ‘my kind’ a nuisance. I was never a good enough thief to steal from him, but I learned to ask questions of his other apprentices and read over their shoulders when I could before he spotted me and kicked me out of his shop.

16. What is your earliest memory?
Laying in bed with my mother singing. There was fighting outside, and she kept telling me not to be afraid. I wasn’t. I was fascinated. I told her I wanted to go see it, but she wouldn’t let me. I remember she was crying, and I told her that she should listen to her own advice and stop being afraid like she was instructing me. She laughed. I couldn’t have been more than 2 years old.

17. How much schooling have you had?
All of my schooling was done under Divayth Fyr. I was his apprentice for over two centuries during which time I learned all I could. I would probably still be there, but I felt called to give back to the Great House for all she had done for me and so began a life of politics.

18. Did you enjoy school?
I loved it more than anything I had ever loved before. It was a dream come true for me, but even better than I could possibly have imagined.

19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
I learned most everything from Fyr himself, although his daughters taught me many things as well. We were all learning, all of us, even Fyr himself. You never stop learning, not really. The universe is full of surprises.

20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
Divayth Fyr was and is still my role model for most things, although I wish he would be less isolationist at times. The world would be a much better place if only he would decide to join us in it. Alas, he considers politics to be a waste of his time and abilities and prefers to continue his studies in solitude.

21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
My mother was all I had – things were rough for her and I don’t think she really intended to have one more mouth to feed, but I could be wrong. Under the circumstances she did the best she could, and so did I.

22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an apothecary. I suppose I should have had higher ambitions. *laughs*

23. As a child, what were your favourite activities?
I liked teaching the other children about silt striders, or how to read, or about the properties of whatever plant I thought I had discovered the properties of. In retrospect, I was often wrong, about the plants, I mean… but I thought I was an expert on the subject and fancied that I was helping everyone. For some reason, they always listened to me.

24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
My mother would describe me as “bossy.” I had little respect for people who didn’t make sense and weren’t willing to explain themselves, and I suppose the kinds of questions I asked weren’t appropriate in their eyes for my age group. I was generally outgoing, a bit competitive, and highly determined – I don’t think I ever set my mind to a task that I didn’t at least try to accomplish... one way or another.

25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
Was I popular? *laughs* I don’t know about popular so much as tolerated. People seemed to like me well enough. I didn’t much have time for closer friends… having started working at age 8. Before then, I suppose I had friends, but I don’t remember them much now. I was rather isolated, living with Fyr, but I wouldn’t have given it up for anything.

26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
Hmm… I tried to kiss the apothecary’s apprentice, Delen, when I was 9 and he was 14. I was successful in that, by he didn’t appreciate it much. I was rather confused – I thought he liked me. At least, he would make excuses for me when I got in trouble for reading his books. Apparently this is not the same as true love.

27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
No. I lost my virginity to Alphe Fyr. I was 13, she was 22 and already quite experienced by then. I was certainly impressed, but I can’t say she was. She still teases me about it, but what are sisters for? *laughs*

28. Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
Technically, everything in my past has influenced my present. Well, since it isn’t mentioned here, I will mention that Baladas Demnevanni started my interest in politics, if you can believe that. He used to visit with Divayth Fyr from time to time while he was still on the council. I suppose I had something of a crush on him… not that he felt the same way. Probably better that way, in the long run.


Part III: Past Influences

29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Being taken on by Fyr as an apprentice. I was transporting him from Mar Gaan to Ald-Ruhn and we began talking… He followed me home, healed my mother so she could continue working, and took me away to his tower to study the ways of magic and restoration. It was easier for her with one less mouth to feed, and she was grateful to Fyr and excited for me. I would never have dreamed such a thing would happen.

30. Who has had the most influence on you?
Divayth Fyr

31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I advanced to the rank of Master in House Telvanni some twenty years ago and built Tel Vos near a little town I had always admired.

32. What is your greatest regret?
I loved my mother, but after I left with Fyr at age 10 I thought things were going well with her. I was wrong. I should have gone to visit more often… but the time I was 16 and tried to stop by, I found she had been dead two years. She was always sickly, but she should have sent word before then… I would have come back to help her. I think she was afraid of ruining my chances at success by becoming a burden. It took me some time to get over the guilt and resentment, but there is no sense in dwelling on the past now.

33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
Evil? Well, some would consider sending the men who constructed my tower down to the dungeons while the mushroom was still growing to be evil… but I consider it a fitting punishment and in truth I rather enjoyed taking notes on their demise. Sadistic, perhaps… but also fascinating.

34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
*Smirks* The only man who ever dared to give me a criminal record is now dead, and with it any record I may have had.

35. When was the time you were the most frightened?
When Uvirith silenced and paralyzed the girls and me in the dead of night and stormed up to Fyr’s chambers threatening unspeakable torture if we moved… We were completely helpless and I thought he was going to kill us all…

36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
Ahem. Well, a few weeks ago actually… I woke up in a cold sweat screaming in the middle of the night. My guards rushed in and once I calmed down I had to explain to them that I was having a nightmare about monsters storming in from Red Mountain… again… *blushes*

37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
As I said, I would have visited my mother before it was too late. I would also have warned Baladas before his tower was destroyed… but how was I to know any of these things? Still… it could have been different.

38. What is your best memory?
I have many happy memories – it is difficult to pick just one. Perhaps when Uupse was created? I had helped Fyr with the cloning process, just a bit, and I had seen him do it before with Delte, but I don’t think I was prepared for witnessing the birth of a new unique life from my scientific efforts. I was rendered speechless when she opened her eyes.

39. What is your worst memory?
Going home to visit my mother as a teenager, excited with my newfound knowledge of restoration, to find only her grave. The irony…


Part IV: Beliefs And Opinions

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Oh optimistic! The world has no time for pessimism – anything is possible with enough willpower and the ability to use it well.

41. What is your greatest fear?
Failure… of any sort, but especially when it matters. It hurts enough to know that I might let myself down, but knowing that I might let down those I love as well is terrifying.

42. What are your religious views?
I find religion fascinating, of any kind. I don’t see how anyone could pick just one religion or diety to worship though – when you look beneath them, all of the different religions have some grain of truth to them. I’m not religious myself, but I’m open to the idea.

43. What are your political views?
I would dearly love to see House Telvanni restored to her former glory, and I am doing everything in my power to make it happen.

44. What are your views on sex?
I love it! Doesn’t everyone? Well no, I suppose they don’t. I still don’t understand how some cultures can condemn an activity devoted to sharing pure pleasure, but I’m seeking to learn through careful research.

45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
Killing is part of life. If you are not able to do it, you will be killed yourself. It is unfortunate, but often necessary… and frequently interesting.

46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Truly? Destroy numerous lives for no good or moral purpose other than their own purely selfish intention. When death benefits no one and has cascading effects, it is evil.

47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
Not one, no… I have loved many over the course of my long life. Man and mer possess unique traits in unique combinations – many of which are highly attractive. It is unrealistic and unfair to expect one person to fulfill all of my needs, just as I would never expect to fulfill all of theirs. Currently, I suppose my work has left me unattached, or rather, my work IS my current true love… but I am certainly open to other possibilities should they arise.

48. What do you believe makes a successful life?
Creating an atmosphere of peace and prosperity that encompasses as many worthy subjects as possible.

49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
Well, there are often times when I have to play the politician, so to say… it’s rather a necessity of politics to be willing to deceive and manipulate, I believe. But I like to think that it is all for a good cause.

50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
I am intolerant of intolerance.

51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
Betray my House… she has given me everything, and so I owe her more than my life. But she needs a bit of… restoration herself, I think… which will include some necessary destruction beforehand… good thing those two classes are my specialties, isn’t it? *grins*

52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
I would sacrifice my life for House Telvanni… but to be honest, I rather hope it doesn’t come to that. I enjoy living.


Part V: Relationships With Others

53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
As test subjects or pets… or so I am told. *laughs* But I love my pets – I really do! As any good Master should… Still, I suppose this changes slightly when they earn my genuine respect and begin to relate to me on a level befitting an equal.

54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I suppose it would be selfish to say myself… but currently it is my own willpower that is keeping me going.

55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
Divath Fyr, of course. How could you meet the man and not respect him?

56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
My retainers are typically on friendly terms with me, and so are my subjects in Vos. I try to keep things down to earth… after all, any one of them could wind up in my position some day, although thus far I kind of doubt it. You never know with people – they might surprise you.

57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
No. I will likely never marry, but to be honest, I love being in love – in all its illogical, frustrating incarnations. Who doesn’t? Alas, I’m a bit too busy for it at the moment… but perhaps if the right person or persons came along things might be different.

58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
Oh, many times. And I regret none of them.

59. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Hmm… Well, first off, they must be fun, interesting, and unique – perhaps a bit of an anomaly... I seem to be attracted to eccentricity. Probably better that way, if they want to be able to put up with me for more than a night. *laughs* I love to expect the unexpected. They must be brutally honest – nothing will turn me off faster than deception – but flexible in their opinions and willing to listen to reason. I am most attracted to those willing to surrender… for it takes a great strength to do so and without it the relationship becomes a battle of wills – a battle which I will inevitably win, but we both will lose.

60. How close are you to your family?
Quite close… well, to the Fyr family, that is.

61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
I don’t have children of my own. Not yet anyway. I certainly don’t have time for that, and I can’t think of who I would want to have them with. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone involved.

62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
That depends on the nature of what I required for assistance, of course. I have a variety of contacts spread across the island and beyond.

63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
I prefer to think that I can do it all on my own… but since I know I cannot, I trust my personal bodyguard Turedus Talanian with my life.

64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
I am sure my retainers and subjects would miss me… at least, I hope they would…

65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
The local apothecary growing up in Mar Gaan… one simple potion might have cured my mother, and he wouldn’t give it to me, or even help me to diagnose her so I knew WHAT to give her. At that age, I didn’t know these things. Who denies such a simple request of a six-year-old whose mother is dying? I exacted my revenge later though… although it wasn’t as satisfying as I had always hoped. Currently, I suppose I hate Archmagister Gothren the most of those still living – the worst remnant of Uvirith’s legacy, in my opinion.

66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
Oh, I argue. And I win, too.

67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Of course I do. I always have… but now I like to think that I’m actually somewhat good at it. *laughs*

68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
I don’t mind it, if that is what you are asking. And to be honest, I rather enjoy being in front of an audience. I get a strange adrenaline high from the experience. I have to retreat to calm down alone afterwards though.

69. Do you care what others think of you?
More than I should… yes. But I am my own worst critic, really.


Part VI: Likes And Dislikes

70. What is/are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?
I like to read, study, have deep philosophical discussions, and play nasty tricks on visitors to my tower… Or my own retainers, if I get bored enough. *snickers*

71. What is your most treasured possession?
I try not to become too attached to material objects, although I admit I am rather proud of my tower at Tel Vos. It’s a grand example of creation through destruction.

72. What is your favourite colour?
Blue, although I am also fond of green.

73. What is your favourite food?
Strawberries *licks lips*

74. What, if anything, do you like to read?
Anything from theoretical discourses to historical accounts to folklore.

75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, art, etc.)?
Intellectual discussion, witty banter, good food, good drink, good company, good sex…

76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
I tried skooma once, and raw moonsugar as well… it was horrible – I have no idea why people do that sort of thing voluntarily. I prefer to be in control. I do drink, but not to excess.

77. How do you spend a typical Loredas night?
Sleeping, if I’m lucky… if not, reading until I feel the need to get up and run around the tower. I don’t sleep enough, I’m told. Unfortunately, I know it’s true, but my body still isn’t very cooperative at times.

78. What makes you laugh?
People… they don’t even know how amusing they are sometimes.

79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
I’d be rather impressed if something shocked me, actually. I would consider being offended after I left my state of shock and had time to consider the situation objectively.

80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
Well, I do have insomnia, but I think the answer to that is in Arachnia’s story “Waking Day.” But really… I tend to wander the tower until I find something or someone to amuse myself until the night passes.

81. How do you deal with stress?
Work harder. I work well under pressure.

82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
Oh, I always have a plan, if you must know… but it comes off as rather spontaneous to others. Sometimes the plans are quickly formulated, and I never go in without a backup option… or three or four…

83. What are your pet peeves?
I have something of a ‘live and let live’ policy… but I become enraged when the same courtesy is not extended to myself and/or those I care about.


Part VII: Self Images Etc.

84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
Drag myself out of bed, wander in half-dressed to eat breakfast with my retainers, discussing any pressing business they might need me for, assign tasks as fitting, stretch and run around the tower, study until I am needed for a meeting or two, eat lunch, go over trade agreements, villager concerns, and other political squabbles and such during the afternoon, enjoy dinner either alone or with one or two chosen people, relax with brandy and hopefully good conversation until the hour gets late, and then think of how to amuse myself at night if I find I cannot sleep.

85. What is your greatest strength as a person?
Willpower.

86. What is your greatest weakness?
Love – but I wouldn’t change it, even though it IS a weakness.

87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d prefer not to lose my sense of reason when I am upset… strong emotion leads to poor decision-making.

88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Extroverted, I suppose… although I do require a good deal of down time to re-energize on my own. Still, I hate the feeling of being completely alone. It is quite unnerving.

89. Are you generally organized or messy?
Very organized, of course. But sometimes others consider my organization to be… disorganized. Not that I’m ever messy. Does that make sense? To each their own – to me, it is all perfectly logical, and that is all that matters.

90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
I’m very good at negotiating, spellcasting, and I like to think I’m good in bed. *winks* I’m not at all good at following rules, figuring out when to stop arguing, or being as sensitive as I should be to other people’s emotions… I tend to notice them, but unless I really care about the person, their emotions don’t tend to affect me.

91. Do you like yourself?
Of course I do, although I’m always seeking to improve. It’s a never ending task, really.

92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)
Well, I’m not much of an adventurer, by the standard definition… I have retainers to do those sorts of things for me. But I like to think that I’m “adventurous.” I am always happy to try new things.

93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
Currently, I would like to put the Telvanni council back on the right path and bring her into the 3rd Era. It’s a big task, but after it is done I am sure that there will be all sorts of new daunting tasks ahead of me.

94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Probably still in my chambers in Tel Vos, I would imagine… I have no desire to move elsewhere – it’s perfect here.

95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
I would prefer not to die. It is so much fun being alive.

96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
Write down as many detailed instructions as possible, call a meeting of my retainers to assign final tasks, and write letters to Fyr and his daughters. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that though…

97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
I like to think that I’m making a difference in many people’s lives for the better, and I should like to be remembered for that… even if my retainers are still telling stories about how I locked them in the dungeon and read Curio’s plays to them until they agreed not to slack off in their performance ever again.

98. What three words best describe your personality?
Eccentric, self-confident, and determined

99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Cocky, bossy, and unpredictable

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100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character?
You’re good at what you do and you know it … Sometimes other people don’t want perfection – they just want someone care about them for who they are. Seeing superiority makes them feel inferior, even if it does command great respect. But you know that perfectly well, I’m sure – other people just don’t have the same standards we do. Sometimes you’ve got to fake “down to earth” when you don’t really feel it because you’re surrounded by idiots. But you’re already better at that than I am, so what am I talking about… Seriously, what is an INTJ supposed to say to an ENTJ? “As you well know, people are really stupid and illogical… I’m glad you learned how to deal with and manipulate them better than I ever will. Good for you.” *retreats back into dark corner to watch the interesting proceedings*