Name: Radaam Esi

Age: 16

Appearance: Radaam has matured quickly, no longer the skinny long-legged boy some of his neighbours are at his age. He stands quite tall, towering over most of his peers, and his frame is solid and muscular, thanks in no small part to his dedication in honing it. The rich brown of his skin has been further deepened by a lifetime either working or training under the scorching sun, and his hands are rough and strong from both. His thick, long hair is black as river mud, and his eyes are dark as well; so dark, in fact, one may very well fail to notice they are actually blue. He does his best to look presentable in simple, loose-fitting clothing that allows him to move without getting in the way, usually made of well-used, inexpensive fabrics.

Background: Radaam comes from modest means. Hailing from a desert-dwelling people called the Chenzira, it was Radaam’s grandparents, along with a number of other members of their tribe, who did the arduous work of gaining Photepi citizenship and thus, leave to dwell within the city. Radaam’s family stayed where they originally settled, in a part of the city that acted like a buffer zone, a place filled with working-class (and often, recently naturalized) citizens separating the shantytowns from the middle class. Like many of their neighbours, Radaam’s parents were general labourers, working particularly as brickmakers helping to supply the ambitious infrastructure projects sanctioned by the Sekhmet. Still requiring some skill, their work was just too freelance to warrant membership in a craftsman’s fellowship. Income was modest and often irregular, but through diligent work and careful management, Radaam’s parents always ensured there was enough to get by.

Always present in Radaam’s community were the Khenetai. Often overlooked or outright ignored by his neighbours, they patrolled his area often, and were a common sight on the street. Their effect was profound; crime in Radaam’s area was rare and severely punished, and its residents thought little of sending their children to school unattended or hawking their wares in the street with minimal supervision. Radaam himself never thought of them as much more than a constant, as much a part of the streets as the lamps and paving stones, until such time that he needed their protection.

That time came one evening when he was about eight years old. It was dusk, and his parents were hurrying to finish their work before they lost the light, with Radaam and his little sister, only six, helping as best they could. When his sister opened the kiln hatch to try and stoke the fire, the sudden rush of air spit the flames out at her, engulfing her clothes and the dry thatch she carried in flame.

Instructed by his distraught parents, Radaam ran to the street and screamed bloody murder, beckoning two Khenetai officers to his aid. They rushed back to help his sister, administering medical aid with expertise the likes of which Radaam and his family could never have hoped to provide. Radaam attributes his sister’s survival to the actions of those two Khenetai that night, and from that day on, came to see them as akin to the heroes of legend.

In the years since, Radaam developed a fierce sense of patriotism in Photep and has dreamed of being selected for the Khenetai to serve the city as his childhood heroes did. He started training his body as soon as he reasonably could, but when he showed an aptitude for magic in school, both he and his parents worked their hardest to be able to send him to a moderately respected academy of sorcery, his parents hoping sorcery would brighten his future and Radaam hoping it would make him stand out in the eyes of the Khenetai. Applying himself diligently, Radaam’s work ethic rose him through the ranks of his school, and he stands now at commencement at the top of his class, a prime candidate for the Cults - provided there’s any room left after the picking from Pesedjet is done.

Personality: With his height, muscular build and oft-present stonefaced expression, Radaam cuts a much more imposing figure than he really is. While some may mistake him for cold or even angry by his usual thoughtful frown, Radaam is actually a kind and gentle soul, happy to keep quiet while others speak and simply do what he can to help. His greatest virtue is his work ethic; Radaam will do any task, no matter how small, as if it were vitally important, and has been known to make up for any lack of innate talent with an abundance of hard work. Above all, Radaam has a strong sense of responsibility, justice, and balance; it’s a small wonder the Khenetai appeal to him so much.

Aptitude: Were Radaam attending Pesedjet, he would hardly be remarkable; however, at his smaller academy, his unwavering dedication placed him at the top of his class. He’s dabbled in all disciplines with the exception of Pyromancy and has taken a particular interest in the mysteries of Biomancy, influenced in no small part by the medicinal expertise he witnessed that fateful night with the Khenetai. Overall, Radaam will admit that he is not interested in researching magic for magic’s sake, but rather to advance how it can be applied to improve everyday life.

Tutelary: Radaam rose to the top of his class through dogged effort, and one of the things that set him apart from his peers was being the first to summon his tutelary - even if he only preceded his classmates by a few weeks. His tutelary is named Toruk, taking the form of a young desert viper in colours much more vibrant than the dusty reds and browns found in nature, with pointed scales that look to be made of obsidian and ceramic. Toruk rarely speaks, but his curious and mischievous nature is abundant in his actions, contrasting his master’s much more reserved demeanour. It is not unusual to find Toruk snooping around in someone’s satchel or a bookshelf high out of reach, and he’s prone to investigating where he shouldn’t. He listens to his master (more or less) but never acts to his detriment; in fact, Toruk is fiercely protective of Radaam, and will do all he can to aid him in his endeavours and further his ambitions - even when his ‘help’ isn’t altogether wise or warranted.

Other:

• As stoic as he is, one might not expect that his sister's ordeal eight years ago actually made Radaam afraid fire. He won't turn heel and run from the cookfire, but he gives torches a wide berth, and Pyromancy is off the table.

Name: Khaemtir Maryatum

Age: 16

Appearance: Preferring to wear flowing, colorful silks over cotton, Khaemtir dresses to his social standing in a flashy style. His accessories are usually gold, and he wears a lot with his piercings that his mother has been trying to dissuade him from keeping, but rarely display any sort of gem unless the occasion demands it. He stands just under 5’ 10”, a little shorter than his father and average for his classmates, but he is broad shouldered and muscular, the result of hard training and an athletic nature. HIs cheerful disposition is easily apparent, between the perpetual sparkle in brown eyes and the smile he keeps most everywhere he goes.



Background: Stretching back to the founding of Phetop, the Maryatum family considers themselves a pillar of the great city. They fanatically keep their lineage well documented back to the days before the Crimson King and a list of the achievements of each member. They drill their history into each generation, ensuring the traditions that made their family so great endure unchanged through the centuries. While this makes them come off as rigid and old fashioned, the Maryatums consider it preserving history in a world where progress threatens to consume it. They’ve maintained Lordship over the same trade district since the founding of the city and their influence is obvious; although modern building materials have been admitted, buildings and stalls are still required to replicate the original architecture of the city as closely as possible.

The early matriarchs of the family helped establish the Red Orders under the direction of the Crimson King and they’ve maintained a presence in them ever since, prompting the family to teach combat and math through private tutors in addition to their children’s regular education. The call of service is the highest honor, with Lord Pimay Maryatum commanding a position of some authority in the Order Sehkmet, but it isn’t the only path for the family to take. Those who aren’t called serve under the current matriarch, Lady Kiya Maryatum, and focus on maintaining the family’s business and social standings. They’re known for hosting large charity events in traditional Phetopian style that benefit educational and low income housing social services.

Khaemtir is the youngest of three, two sisters older than him by ten and eight years respectively. His eldest sister is a double of their mother, focused and determined and set in the past. She serves at their mother’s side faithfully and loves the city beyond most Lions. His other sister serves one of the Red Orders but Khaemtir has learned to stop asking about her work. The last time he did, she’d taken one piece from every game set he owned and it drove him insane. The expectations for Khaemtir were blessedly low; all of the required roles are filled which left him far more flexibility than his siblings. He grew up slipping away from tutors and lessons with little repercussion but with low expectations also comes little attention despite fulfilling the youngest sibling role perfectly. His grades were satisfactory, his mother far too fearsome for anything less, but they rarely held his interest, disappearing to his friends instead. He was permitted the freedom so long as his grades stayed up and his actions didn’t bring shame to the family name.

That changed when his affinity for magic made itself known. Only three other Maryatums ever became Sorcerers and none of them were living. The expectations suddenly exploded as his parents threw him head first into the Pesedjet. The change was jarring and he struggled with the adjustment to the stifling requirements but the fact that it was magic made it a little easier. Going from the extra child to something unique present quite a challenge as his carefree personality clashed with his studies.

But it was also the motivation he needed. Going from nothing to somebody in the family changed the entire dynamic and he took to magic like a fish to water. He learned and consumed everything he could and, while he could never be considered a great scholar by far, his passion for the subject couldn’t be denied.

Personality: Carefree, attention seeking, and mischievous, Khaemtir is a younger sibling through and through. He’s flirty and social, flitting from one conversation to another in an unbroken chain through the day. He’s energetic and upbeat which lends him to preferring physical activities over his studies. Most of the time when he isn’t pouring over his magical studies or when he’s avoiding the boring ones, he’s practicing his family’s sword techniques, playing some game in the sun with his friends, or working out. His devotion to magic is an anomaly as any of his family tutors would tell you but it’s clear he is dedicated to his craft as it’s a topic of discussion that he could go on for hours if someone lets him.

Unfortunately, his cushioned lifestyle makes him come off as insensitive sometimes. His upbringing was dedicated to the matters of the old aristocracy and he surrounded himself with them. He often fails to understand issues outside of that scope which leads to poor conversation with those outside of his social class. More than once he’s stepped on someone’s toes and struggled to give out an apology for something he didn’t understand.

Aptitude: Surprising everyone, including himself, Khaemtir’s potential for magical practice has shown itself stunningly. Khaemtir’s aptitude and passion has seen him excel in nearly every Pesedjir curriculum except one glaring, failing exception: Biomancy, something that makes him retch at the thought of it. Pyromancy has had his heart from day one and the eve of his commencement has done nothing but stoke the passion.

Tutelary: Udjebten’s summoning was unexpected. Khaemtir was ready for the spell to take some work but instead Udjebten appeared as if she had always been there and was just waiting to be seen. She took the form of a baby hippo with three eyes, one made of ruby, one of sapphire, and one of emerald, and is a delicate balance of maternal instinct and aggression. She dotes on him, insisting he take care of himself and demanding he keep better habits, but her advice on most problems are usually straightforward and violent. Someone insulted you? It’s hard to talk without a jaw. Someone forgot to do their part for a project? A little fire never hurt anyone. Udjebten has taken a liking to his mother and her advice sounds more and more like her everyday, much to Khaemtir’s chagrin.

Name: Anatu Taauth

Age: 16



Background: It is said that Anatu's great-grandfather was cursed with daughters. He himself only had five, but each of them had only daughters as well, as did each one of those daughters. Anatu and her sisters failed to break this "curse," but by this time it's only referred to as something of a joke.

Her mother, Bilit, is a sorcerer herself, from the Cult of the Serpent. Her father, Sekh, "works for the Rehati," but Anatu isn't sure what this means. Two of her sisters are in the Fellowship of Quiet Companions, and the third is in the Fellowship of Stellar Philosophy.

Bilit Taauth is a powerful and ambitious sorcerer. Her skill with biomancy is such that political rivals have. Begun to spread rumors that her family deliberately altered themselves to produce only beautiful daughters. Though probably untrue, this rumor has directly affected the lives of her daughters, who have been forced to fend off suitors from an inappropriately young age. This has led half of them to join in the fashion of cover themselves. The other half became prostitutes instead.
All three of Anatu's older sisters, as well as her mother are well respected members of their various fields.

Anatu, the youngest of her siblings, is the first to show any aptitude for magic. Bilit made sure her youngest daughter went into the Presedjet to further her education, with the hope that she would join her in the Cult of the Serpent. Anatu's father, for his part, encouraged this development as much as he did anything in her life. Which is to say, he consented to his share of the cost.

Personality: Sociable and charming. Anatu is a people pleaser, and her greatest weakness is that she can't stand it when someone doesn't like her. She is kind and helpful, but will attempt to befriend even those who clearly don't want it.

Aptitude: While attending Presedjet, she showed herself remarkably teachable, and thus far no avenue of magical study has proven too difficult for her. She is, however, particularly adept at the more concrete and physical studies, such as pyromancy and particularly telekenisis.

Tutelary: A sardonic calico cat called Amontu. A bit of a foil for Anatu, Amon is distant and reserved, but loves Ana in her own quiet way.

She has a peculiar quirk in which her mismatched pattern often changes from day to day.

Name: Sirvan Nouzari

Age: 16

Appearance: Short black hair with gray eyes and with coffee-colored skin. He is an average height for his age with an above-average build. Sirvan dresses modestly but, a bit minimal based clothing due to his clan's culture. Along with having a tattoo of his clan's symbol on his right shoulder which he keeps bare of clothing to show it proudly.

Background: Sirvan's family used to be a clan of nomadic horsemen called the Nouzari that had decided to live in Phetop decades ago. It was his grandparents and others of his clan that made the effort to gain citizenship and integrate into Phetop's society. Where his clan would settle in a district in the southern part of the city, near the southern gate of the city.

When it became known that Sirvan had the potential to be a sorcerer was met with mixed reception from his clan. For after an incident with a magic-user before the clan moved to Phetop. The clan has seen magic with disdain and which after moving to Phetop. This has lessened somewhat but, the stigma remains. Thus, some of the clan started to stop seeing Sirvan and shunned him.

Sirvan himself thought of being a Sorcerer was one with distinction and was excited to learn more and to use magic. Sirvan found that he excelled at and earn high marks with his teachers. Ever curious about magic, he read as much as he could about the magic disciplines while learning to use the different disciplines. Which his proudest moment was when he managed to summon his tutelary ahead of his classmates. Now he hopes to be inducted into one of the Cults and continue his path to becoming a Sorcerer.

Personality: Sirvan growing up has always been an inquisitive person. Curious about the world both inside and outside of Phetop. He tends to like to study alone though he does enjoy the company of others. Along with being rather kind and friendly to the people around him. He holds his clan in high esteem and is proud of his heritage but, won't preach about it likes some of his clanmates. Also, once he sets his mind on something, it can hard for people to dissuade him from that task or idea.

Aptitude: While at Presedjet, he has experience and has daddled with all of the magic disciplines. He shows most promise with pyromancy, favoring controlling lighting over fire. Also shows promise in telekinesis.

Tutelary: Being named Amata and taking the form of a large falcon with kyanite gemstones for eyes. Since Sirvan summoned her, Amata has treated him like a loving sibling. Making he does not forget important things and likes to spend time with him. Also, the occasional teasing to get a rise out of him. Amata also so hates cramp rooms as they restrict her ability to fly and sometimes rests on Sirvan's shoulder while he is walking.