Life was interesting, really. You had no way of knowing where it was going to take you, or when. One moment you're sitting in your estate researching, the next, you're enrolled in a war that decides the fate of the world. Sure, you might have sleepless nights getting together a personal hit list in the meantime, but the meantime doesn't matter. What mattered was the present, the fact that Ferenc Sohonnai was in this conflict to save the world.
Well, maybe the past mattered a small bit.
Some people try to summon heroes for a Grail War. Not a bad idea, as your Heracles, your Irish Heracles, your Persian Heracles, your German Heracles, and even your Indian Heracles are all capable of destroying a war on their own. Despite that, it wasn't the path Ferenc would take. Instead, he decided to abuse the fact he was the overseer of Pécs to summon someone from his own country. A strong idea of that Ferenc, he could summon John Hunyadi, or even the progenitor of the Báthory.
Instead, Ferenc summoned the serial killer Báthory.
Maybe less valid of a choice, but the two seemed to get along well enough. The moment introductions between the two were finished, the pair got themselves onto a flight to Boston. It was an 11 hour flight, but Ferenc managed to get some sleep, as well as do some prep work in the airplane bathroom. Him stalling so long in the bathroom led to a miniature riot, but the details of that are unimportant. What IS important is that he managed to sneak some of his creations through the TSA.
Upon getting through the TSA and officially entering Beantown, the pair immediately got to work. During the gruelingly long flight, the Hungarian duo managed to get some ideas together, so they simply began putting those plans into action. The first of which was having his Servant speak with the locals. Ferenc wasn't too sure on the idea initially, mostly because of her rather draconic appearance, it appeared his Servant had a natural ability to attract and lead the locals.
Well, they were locals, but they were also all members of the criminal underbelly of Beantown.
Still, using the access they had to people meant Ferenc could get the first stage of his plan done. It wasn't anything too impressive, merely acquiring safehouses and preparing them with what was needed. A relatively tame thing in the end, but something that was incredibly important for the duo.
With phase two of the plan accomplished, all Ferenc needed to do was focus on part three.
Helping the "idol".
Ferenc didn't quite understand it himself, but it seemed like his Servant wanted to create a small army of sorts. While he wasn't in the creation of all of them, his specific alchemic talents were crucial in the creation of some of the most important models. It was him helping out Lancer that took up most of the two weeks they had spent within Boston.
It appeared that Ferenc was able to make the most out of the opportunity life at given him. Within a month he went from the standard life of a magus, to being fully prepared to enter war. Though, if truly was ready to place his own life on the line in a battle, why was he busy sifting through old movies?
The bright light of the sun was cancelled out by the wooden planks that boarded up the building. This truly was a sketchy building on the wrong side of town. Ferenc wasn't the type to normally associate himself with this kind of environment, but some sacrifices needed to be made in the name of war. It was only going to be, maximum, two weeks of suffering.
Still, this kind of place couldn't be good for his complexion...
Ferenc was looking through a large blue plastic tub, filled with what appeared to be VHS tapes? Much like the archetypal magus he was, Ferenc distanced himself from such things. Still, he remembered such things from when he was a child. That would more than likely explain why he was sifting through VHS tapes instead of something a bit more modern, like a DVD.
With each of the tapes he went through, an audible sigh could be heard. None of these films would do. Trash, they were all trash. Why would his Servant want to watch a romantic comedy about candles? Or a film about some foot? Why would he even want to watch such garbage? No no, only the best for Ferenc and his Servant. They were the superior pair in this war, thus, they had to watch a superior film. Unfortunately, all of these films were nothing but crappy 80's films...
At least, until Ferenc noticed one, a special one.
"Perfect!"
The tape's cover only had the title of the movie, [REDACTED FOR COPYRIGHT], a knife, and blood. However, the plot synopsis on the back of the tape is what sold Ferenc on the film. While it was surely going to be nothing more than a bad cheesy horror B-film, it was exactly the right type of film for him to watch alongside the Demon Lord BATHORY.
"Erzsébet! I think I finally found something in these old betamax tapes! You might like this one!"
A betamax? Those predated him!
Truly, this was the peak a magus could go with modern technology. Even if he spent the first few years of his life as a human, he was dated beyond belief.
Transcribe: Family attribute of the Sohonnai. It is based around the idea of taking what is spiritual and turning it into something physical. This isn’t the literal effect, but the idea behind it. Effectively, it helps the Sohonnai in creating a method for the spiritual to have a means of interacting physically, allowing for their Alchemy to take place.
Conversion: Family attribute of the Sohonnai. Strictly speaking, the name covers the concept itself. but it is mostly viewed as a means to greatly enhance the practice of Jewel Magecraft. The capability that allows for the Sohonnai to place magical energy and thoughts into other substances, enduring outside of the body.
Clock Tower Fundamentals: As a proud graduate of General Fundamentals, Ferenc has knowledge of the basics of a magus.
Alchemy: In essence, the art of transmutation, or the changing of one thing into something else. While Ferenc has skill within the traditional Western school of physical transmutation, like basic homunculi production, the family specializes in something closer to the original purpose of Alchemy. Originally born from Egyptian Metallurgy, the original Alchemists sought to transmute the “soul.” While an impossible task on par with the Third, the Sohonnai have taken aspects of this and made it the base of their alchemy. Ferenc himself is particularly gifted in working with “memories.”
Curses: The art of cursing has little to no respect within Clock Tower and the Western techniques of cursing have fallen far behind the East as a result of this. Despite the Clock Tower having a Curse Department, it is generally considered one of the lesser Departments. Hungary’s interesting situation historically has led to the family being proficient in Finnish, Hungarian, and Greek curses. This history, most notably the part about Turkish occupation, as led to the Sohonnai family becoming quite skilled at Cursing. While still not on the level of Middle Eastern magi, their skill in it transcends the average Westerner. When the family was at its peak, the head at the time was an instructor in this Faculty of Jigmarie.
Formalcraft: A method to do Magecraft using Mana instead of Od. A caster make contact with mysteries through processes established in ancient time such as sacrificing a chicken, or praying in a magic circle all night. Since Magical Energy comes from somewhere other than a caster and he only needs to perform rituals, it is popular among Magi who lack power because of weak bloodlines. Knowledge is a strong requirement. Allows for the conversion of Elements.
Something the Sohonnai were forced to pick up. Ferenc began studying Formalcraft before even his circuits had opened up. He had found one of his grandfather’s tomes as a child, and read from it. Of course, it meant nothing then, but upon his circuits opening, it all had meaning.
Jewel Magecraft: The art of utilizing gems as prisons that freeze a flow (storing magical energy) and as mystic codes. What is placed into the gem can be converted to fuel other spells, or be released as a spell itself, the jewel burning out to be a spell that skips the necessity for a long incantation. The same instructor who taught in Jigmarie had also instructed in Kischur. He seemed to play greater emphasis on this department, seemingly because of the general Western skill at curses being subpar.
Mystic Codes:
“Azoth”: Not the literal substance described by Paracelsus and Levi, but an attempt at it. Due to the association of Mercury with this substance, a previous head believed that in using the idea that “Mercury is the Mind of all substances”, Azoth could be achieved. It is said his child managed to actually achieve real Azoth, but descendants have continuously tried to reproduce it, never quite achieving the real thing.
In practice, this Azoth is not the “Universal Solvent” it is said to be. If it truly was universal, it would be able to break down even the untouchable Soul. Instead, it could be viewed as a substance that breaks down something physical or mental, converts it into something akin to data, and records the information.
In alchemy, when mercury and sulfur combine, nature (the physical) is manifested.
It is kept in gold infused glass.
“Azoth” Snakes: Snake familiars made out of the family’s fake Azoth. Snakes were chosen as they’re the animal commonly associated with Mercury. As opposed to the substance itself which breaks down everything indiscriminately, the snakes only begin to breakdown what they are ordered too.
Ferenc can create more snakes, but has a few he has made from previous endeavors. Much like the substance, these familiars are contained in gold infused glass.
Azoth Sword: A Mystic Code used as a tool for performing magecraft, amplifying the user's magical energy to assist with spells and strengthen them. Filling it with magical energy allows for it to be utilized as a magic wand at any time to form magic circles and affect physical divine mysteries.
This was given to him by his grandfather before he had passed. It is generally seen as a running joke within the family. As they have created a false Azoth substance based upon the philosophical idea, the sword being named Azoth despite having nothing to do with the substance is comical to them. There is a jewel in the pommel, but this one is filled with the thoughts of his grandfather.
Ős: A mummified hand belonging to one of the previous heads of the previous heads from several centuries ago. It has been placed at the end of an oak staff with its index finger pointing outwards. The original use of it is lost, but Ferenc personally uses it as a method to fire Gandr. His ancestor would surely be rolling in his grave, knowing that his hand had gone to something like this.
Bags of jewels which Ferenc had been storing magical energy into for years. Some of these bags are empty, and others contain the memories of dissenting magi the family has met in the past. Despite the declining statue of the family, their many patents have kept them wealthy. This, mixed with their connection to a family in Afghanistan, has allowed them to grow a large jewel collection.
Materials for his alchemy.
Other Abilities:
Like most modern day magi, Ferenc has some skill in physical combat.
Can do calculations at a very fast rate
A championship winning Othello player
Weapons/ Other Belongings:
Absurd amounts of cash
A knife
Changes of clothing
A several hundred year old Ouija board he found during a previous visit to London.
Personality: As being born to a once powerful house would do, Ferenc has pride in his family name. While he harbors resentment towards his parents and siblings, he holds immense respect for every all the deceased members of the Sohonnai. He will do his best to bring this family to glory once more.
However, it is debatable if this is because of a sense responsibility to the Sohonnai, or as an attempt to spite his father. It is likely someplace in between.
While he has several friends cross Europe, including powerful ones such as the sister of El Melloi II, Ferenc only rarely speaks with them. His relationship with his family has given him an immense dislike of heretic magi, and would almost surely begin plotting their downfall upon meeting them.
Something about they perverse magic and need to be eliminated because of it.
A magus who, despite doing his best to be a magus, often struggles with it. As he spent the first few years of his life as a human, he often has issues trying to cut them all away from himself. He will try his best to bury any desire of his that doesn’t fit with his image of a magus, but there is only so much one man can handle.
In some regards, he is an ideal magus. Once determined to do something, there is next to nothing that will get in his way. He has no real sense of morality if it means achieving his goals, and outside of following Mage Law, anything is “fair game.” While is circuits are lacking, his skill in magical theory is much greater than someone of his age. On paper, Ferenc is surely a generic magus.
However, the lifestyle of a magus is something he can’t quite adjust too. The life of a magus is a life of isolation. While magi may marry and have kids, they’re for nothing more than continuing the family line. Plus, once a magus is old enough, it is very common for them to lock themselves in their room and devote themselves completely to research until they perish. This is, simply put, not a lifestyle Ferenc is compatible with.
A strong desire to connect with someone swirls around inside of him. Whether it is the validation he had never properly received, or the standard human desire for companionship is unknown. However, this is something that Ferenc buries deep within himself. A magus can not allow themselves to think like a human. By taking the path he did towards magic, he willingly sealed his humanity away.
Still...Ferenc’s humanity is there, waiting for any chance to erupt.
The Sohonnai started many generations ago. A bizarre family that used a “lesser” form of Alchemy, but one that would quickly rise through the ranks of Clock Tower through the next several generations. A family once regarded as backwater upstarts achieved heights very few families in the Association’s history had achieved. They were regarded as skilled duelers against Clock Tower’s dissenters and heretics.
This fierce loyalty towards the Association led to them being gifted some of the greatest spiritual land in Hungary, Pécs. A city that dates back to Roman times that was valuable for both the Avars and the Magyars. Pécs was a city renowned for their extensive Christian cemeteries, burials of Christian kings, and extensive list of holy orders that made the city their home. While it may not be the capital of Hungary, Pécs is surely the spiritual capital of the nation. With such great magi and land under the family’s name, the Sohonnai were surely destined for great things.
However, whenever one tries to fly towards the sun, they run the risk of burning up.
Following generations after their Brand led to heirs being born with worse circuits. With each new heir, the family began to fall away from their previous grace. To make matters worse, their drop in circuit quality was compiled with stagnation in the family’s magical theory. Little to no meaningful advancements had been made by the family for generations, putting them in a position where they were almost guaranteed to expire.
What had caused this decline? Previous generations had suspected it was a karmic backlash for years of cursing, but in more recent generations, the blame was placed elsewhere. The head before the fall of the family was originally meant to marry a daughter from a noble family. This was to secure the Sohonnai’s place among the Clock Tower’s elite, and usher in an even greater Golden Age for the family.
However, things changed. A betrothal was broken, and the daughter was married into House Habsburg. Of course, marrying into the most powerful family in Europe was an intelligent move on the daughter’s part, but it left a mark on the Sohonnai. While it was initially treated as a most unfortunate situation, over the years, it has festered into something greater. The cause for the family’s decline and ability to never reach the level of the elites. It has been pinned as the inciting incident for the family’s fall. A hatred towards “that” family has been burning within all of the recent Sohonnai.
Ferenc’s birth was a miracle.
Quite literally, he was expected to die in the womb, and was born with his cord around his neck.
With the declining state of the Sohonnai family, Ferenc was intend to be born without circuits. While this would be the absolute worst fate for a family of magi, this was something Ferenc’s father wanted. Believing that the family was surely doomed, it was more efficient to just quit being magi and rely on the family’s patents to live comfortably. The family was incredibly wealthy even if you factor in their spending on Jewels, so their wealth without needing to live as magi could only be described as “absurd.”
Ferenc’s grandfather, upon finding out about his grandson’s lack of circuits, was stricken with grief. The once proud Sohonnai was finally at an end. Why was his son such a disgrace? To not only consider quitting the life of a magus, but to actively want the family to end so he could live an easy life? He was not fit to bear the Sohonnai name, not that it would have any meaning anymore. This was the end of the Sohonnai family.
The family would continue to produce children, all of which were born circuitless. It appears marrying a woman without circuits was a good way for this to occur.
As a child, Ferenc had aspirations of being a firefighter. It was the closest the small boy thought he could get to being a hero without getting bit by a radioactive spider. He had severe arachnophobia, so it seemed getting superpowers was out of his reach. Being a firefighter was definitely the second best thing to be! All was looking well for Ferenc’s until he was around seven.
It started as a simple game that he and his siblings would play somewhat often. Well, a game isn’t exactly the right way to define it. You would throw yourself off a hill and try to land on your feet. It was simple, and it almost never hurt any of them. Even when someone got hurt, it was nothing more than a small scratch. This was a relatively standard activity for small children their age to do.
Except, something went wrong this time.
Whether it was an improper jump or something else, Ferenc’s face had smashed against one of the large stones at the bottom of the hill. The pain was immense and if it wasn’t for magecraft, Ferenc could have fairly easily sustained permanent facial damage. The real relevance of this event is that after Ferenc’s father gave him pain killing herbs, he noticed something odd about his son. He was admitting prana, despite the fact he wasn’t born with circuits. Or, at least, that was what Ferenc’s father believed at first.
It reality, it wasn’t that Ferenc was born without circuits, rather, his circuits were closed. When Ferenc had face planted onto that rock, the pain he felt was so intense, his circuits opened up. It appeared that Ferenc had the aptitude to be a magus.
Meaning his parents needed to be rid of him.
Ferenc having circuits ruined his father’s plan. He couldn’t live an easy life of luxury that way, meaning that Ferenc had to be killed. This merciless treatment of one’s child would be his last act as a magus.
Or, was supposed to be. Thankfully for Ferenc, his grandfather had noticed his grandson’s newly opened circuits and saved him. His grandfather had chosen Ferenc to be his new heir. Immediately after being rescued, Ferenc began training with his grandfather. Much to his grandfather’s surprise, Ferenc had the best circuits the family had seen in generations. While they’re still not really impressive, for a family that’s been on the edge of expiring out, this was a great sign.
While Ferenc gained more and more of his grandfather’s attention, his siblings began to resent him. Typical sibling behavior, they were envious that Ferenc got to spend so much time with their grandfather. More than just that, they were jealous in Ferenc’s ability to perform magecraft. Unlike him, they truly had no aptitude for it to begin with. For these reasons, they made Ferenc’s home life a hell.
He endured it and continued his magecraft studies. He had a natural skill towards the family’s magecraft, so things went fairly quick. With his grandfather protecting him, his father could do little to him. For once in Ferenc’s life, things were actually seeming to go really well. Unfortunately, this is not the tale of a magus who has had things easy.
With his grandfather increasing in age and his health decreasing, he was losing the ability to properly protect his grandson. Doing what he believed was best for the boy, Ferenc was sent away towards London and would begin his time at Clock Tower. As the grandfather still had complete control of the family’s assets, Ferenc was given a small apartment onsight to live on while he was attending.
Ferenc’s early days at Clock Tower could best be described as days filled with “awe and discovery.” He was still fairly young, so it was to be expected that this large school would be amazing to him. Even as he became more accustomed to Clock Tower, his days there were generally considered “fun and enjoyable.” He made friends, including the little sister of the Lord of Norwich. Ferenc was actually considered one of the highest ranking eligible bachelors during his time there and went on fairly frequent dates because of it. Nothing ever lasted, not that he really expected it too.
Despite his days there being an overall positive experience, he can’t help but view it negatively. This was still a place he had to flee to in order to avoid being killed by his own father. Magi generally have a warped view of things and are “alien” when compared to normal people, but it would require a certain kind twistedness to not be bothered by that. Years of positive memories forever tainted by the circumstances in which he had to experience them.
After recently becoming an adult, his grandfather died. It wasn’t a touching scene or anything of the sort. It was the expected result of someone who had lived a long life to die. Still, despite that, it could be said that this was the worst day of Ferenc’s life. The man who saved him had passed and for the first time since, Ferenc was truly alone in the world.
Once he had finished his studies at Clock Tower, Ferenc removed his family from his grandfather’s estate and took the position of Second Owner of Pécs. Ferenc inherited everything from his grandfather, including the land and wealth. His now broke father only wanted to kill him more after this. Not that his father had any meaningful way of killing him, but this was his current family situation.=
Ferenc had lived out his days after graduating from Clock Tower researching and participating within Clock Tower’s politics. He aligned himself within the Barthomeloi faction and has been a staunch supporter since, mostly because he believes this is the best way to restore the Sohonnai’s former glory.. Like the Sohonnai of old, Ferenc has taken part in several duels against dissenters and heretics. This has placed him in a very favorable light to the Barthomeloi. Everything seemed to have been progressing well enough for Ferenc until [they] appeared.
Strange red markings branded themselves onto his hand.
Suspecting this was a curse placed on him, Ferenc began to systemically sift through who would have enough of a grudge to curse him, outside of his father of course. After spending a few days, Ferenc was sure that it was one of the boys under El-Melloi II for having a date with a girl the boy had a crush on. Just as he was about to make his way over, a letter from the Association arrived at his door.
The Holy Grail War.
A ritual Ferenc would have little care for originally, but considering magecraft was on the line, it was something he needed to participate in. Such a task was massive, but Ferenc understood that this was not the time to care. His only option was to win, so save magecraft, and destroy the fool who even thought the idea of destroying magecraft was okay.
Transcribe: Family attribute of the Sohonnai. It is based around the idea of taking what is spiritual and turning it into something physical. This isn’t the literal effect, but the idea behind it. Effectively, it helps the Sohonnai in creating a method for the spiritual to have a means of interacting physically, allowing for their Alchemy to take place.
Conversion: Family attribute of the Sohonnai. Strictly speaking, the name covers the concept itself. but it is mostly viewed as a means to greatly enhance the practice of Jewel Magecraft. The capability that allows for the Sohonnai to place magical energy and thoughts into other substances, enduring outside of the body.
Clock Tower Fundamentals: As a proud graduate of General Fundamentals, Ferenc has knowledge of the basics of a magus.
Alchemy: In essence, the art of transmutation, or the changing of one thing into something else. While Ferenc has skill within the traditional Western school of physical transmutation, like basic homunculi production, the family specializes in something closer to the original purpose of Alchemy. Originally born from Egyptian Metallurgy, the original Alchemists sought to transmute the “soul.” While an impossible task on par with the Third, the Solohonnai have taken aspects of this and made it the base of their alchemy. Ferenc himself is particularly gifted in working with “memories.”
Curses: The art of cursing has little to no respect within Clock Tower and the Western techniques of cursing have fallen far behind the East as a result of this. Despite the Clock Tower having a Curse Department, it is generally considered one of the lesser Departments. Hungary’s interesting situation historically has led to the family being proficient in Finnish, Hungarian, and Greek curses. This history, most notably the part about Turkish occupation, as led to the Sohonnai family becoming quite skilled at Cursing. While still not on the level of Middle Eastern magi, their skill in it transcends the average Westerner. When the family was at its peak, the head at the time was an instructor in this Faculty of Jigmarie.
Formalcraft: A method to do Magecraft using Mana instead of Od. A caster make contact with mysteries through processes established in ancient time such as sacrificing a chicken, or praying in a magic circle all night. Since Magical Energy comes from somewhere other than a caster and he only needs to perform rituals, it is popular among Magi who lack power because of weak bloodlines. Knowledge is a strong requirement. Allows for the conversion of Elements.
Something the Sohonnai were forced to pick up. Ferenc began studying Formalcraft before even his circuits had opened up. He had found one of his grandfather’s tomes as a child, and read from it. Of course, it meant nothing then, but upon his circuits opening, it all had meaning.
Jewel Magecraft: The art of utilizing gems as prisons that freeze a flow (storing magical energy) and as mystic codes. What is placed into the gem can be converted to fuel other spells, or be released as a spell itself, the jewel burning out to be a spell that skips the necessity for a long incantation. The same instructor who taught in Jigmarie had also instructed in Kischur. He seemed to play greater emphasis on this department, seemingly because of the general Western skill at curses being subpar.
Mystic Codes:
“Azoth”: Not the literal substance described by Paracelsus and Levi, but an attempt at it. Due to the association of Mercury with this substance, a previous head believed that in using the idea that “Mercury is the Mind of all substances”, Azoth could be achieved. It is said his child managed to actually achieve actual Azoth, but descendants have continuously tried to reproduce it, never quite achieving the real thing.
In practice, this Azoth is not the “Universal Solvent” it is said to be. If it truly was universal, it would be able to break down even the untouchable Soul. Instead, it could be viewed as a substance that breaks down something physical or mental, converts it into something akin to data, and records the information.
In alchemy, when mercury and sulfur combine, nature (the physical) is manifested.
It is kept in gold infused glass.
“Azoth” Snakes: Snake familiars made out of the family’s fake Azoth. Snakes were chosen as they’re the animal commonly associated with Mercury. As opposed to the substance itself which breaks down everything indiscriminately, the snakes only begin to breakdown what they are ordered too.
Ferenc can create more snakes, but has a few he has made from previous endeavors. Much like the substance, these familiars are contained in gold infused glass.
Azoth Sword: A Mystic Code used as a tool for performing magecraft, amplifying the user's magical energy to assist with spells and strengthen them. Filling it with magical energy allows for it to be utilized as a magic wand at any time to form magic circles and affect physical divine mysteries.
This was given to him by his grandfather before he had passed. It is generally seen as a running joke within the family. As they have created a false Azoth substance based upon the philosophical idea, the sword being named Azoth despite having nothing to do with the substance is comical to them. There is a jewel in the pommel, but this one is filled with the thoughts of his grandfather.
Ős: A mummified hand belonging to one of the previous heads of the previous heads from several centuries ago. It has been placed at the end of an oak staff with its index finger pointing outwards. The original use of it is lost, but Ferenc personally uses it as a method to fire Gandr. His ancestor would surely be rolling in his grave, knowing that his hand had gone to something like this.
Bags of jewels which Ferenc had been storing magical energy into for years. Some of these bags are empty, and others contain the memories of dissenting magi the family has met in the past. Despite the declining statue of the family, their many patents have kept them wealthy. This, mixed with their connection to a family in Afghanistan, has allowed them to grow a large jewel collection.
Materials for his alchemy.
Other Abilities:
Like most modern day magi, Ferenc has some skill in physical combat.
Can do calculations at a very fast rate
A championship winning Othello player
Weapons/ Other Belongings:
Absurd amounts of cash
A knife
Changes of clothing
A several hundred year old Ouija board he found during a previous visit to London.
Personality: As being born to a once powerful house would do, Ferenc has pride in his family name. While he harbors resentment towards his parents and siblings, he holds immense respect for every all the deceased members of the Sohonnai. He will do his best to bring this family to glory once more.
However, it is debatable if this is because of a sense responsibility to the Sohonnai, or as an attempt to spite his father. It is likely someplace in between.
While he has several friends cross Europe, including powerful ones such as the sister of El Melloi II, Ferenc only rarely speaks with them. His relationship with his family has given him an immense dislike of heretic magi, and would almost surely begin plotting their downfall upon meeting them.
Something about they perverse magic and need to be eliminated because of it.
A magus who, despite doing his best to be a magus, often struggles with it. As he spent the first few years of his life as a human, he often has issues trying to cut them all away from himself. He will try his best to bury any desire of his that doesn’t fit with his image of a magus, but there is only so much one man can handle.
In some regards, he is an ideal magus. Once determined to do something, there is next to nothing that will get in his way. He has no real sense of morality if it means achieving his goals, and outside of following Mage Law, anything is “fair game.” While is circuits are lacking, his skill in magical theory is much greater than someone of his age. On paper, Ferenc is surely a generic magus.
However, the lifestyle of a magus is something he can’t quite adjust too. The life of a magus is a life of isolation. While magi may marry and have kids, they’re for nothing more than continuing the family line. Plus, once a magus is old enough, it is very common for them to lock themselves in their room and devote themselves completely to research until they perish. This is, simply put, not a lifestyle Ferenc is compatible with.
A strong desire to connect with someone swirls around inside of him. Whether it is the validation he had never properly received, or the standard human desire for companionship is unknown. However, this is something that Ferenc buries deep within himself. A magus can not allow themselves to think like a human. By taking the path he did towards magic, he willingly sealed his humanity away.
Still...Ferenc’s humanity is there, waiting for any chance to erupt.
The Sohonnai started many generations ago. A bizarre family that used a “lesser” form of Alchemy, but one that would quickly rise through the ranks of Clock Tower through the next several generations. A family once regarded as backwater upstarts achieved heights very few families in the Association’s history had achieved. They were regarded as skilled duelers against Clock Tower’s dissenters and heretics.
This fierce loyalty towards the Association led to them being gifted some of the greatest spiritual land in Hungary, Pécs. A city that dates back to Roman times that was valuable for both the Avars and the Magyars. Pécs was a city renowned for their extensive Christian cemeteries, burials of Christian kings, and extensive list of holy orders that made the city their home. While it may not be the capital of Hungary, Pécs is surely the spiritual capital of the nation. With such great magi and land under the family’s name, the Sohonnai were surely destined for great things.
However, whenever one tries to fly towards the sun, they run the risk of burning up.
Following generations after their Brand led to heirs being born with worse circuits. With each new heir, the family began to fall away from their previous grace. To make matters worse, their drop in circuit quality was compiled with stagnation in the family’s magical theory. Little to no meaningful advancements had been made by the family for generations, putting them in a position where they were almost guaranteed to expire.
What had caused this decline? Previous generations had suspected it was a karmic backlash for years of cursing, but in more recent generations, the blame was placed elsewhere. The head before the fall of the family was originally meant to marry a daughter from a noble family. This was to secure the Sohonnai’s place among the Clock Tower’s elite, and usher in an even greater Golden Age for the family.
However, things changed. A betrothal was broken, and the daughter was married into House Habsburg. Of course, marrying into the most powerful family in Europe was an intelligent move on the daughter’s part, but it left a mark on the Sohonnai. While it was initially treated as a most unfortunate situation, over the years, it has festered into something greater. The cause for the family’s decline and ability to never reach the level of the elites. It has been pinned as the inciting incident for the family’s fall. A hatred towards “that” family has been burning within all of the recent Sohonnai.
Ferenc’s birth was a miracle.
Quite literally, he was expected to die in the womb, and was born with his cord around his neck.
With the declining state of the Sohonnai family, Ferenc was intend to be born without circuits. While this would be the absolute worst fate for a family of magi, this was something Ferenc’s father wanted. Believing that the family was surely doomed, it was more efficient to just quit being magi and rely on the family’s patents to live comfortably. The family was incredibly wealthy even if you factor in their spending on Jewels, so their wealth without needing to live as magi could only be described as “absurd.”
Ferenc’s grandfather, upon finding out about his grandson’s lack of circuits, was stricken with grief. The once proud Sohonnai was finally at an end. Why was his son such a disgrace? To not only consider quitting the life of a magus, but to actively want the family to end so he could live an easy life? He was not fit to bear the Sohonnai name, not that it would have any meaning anymore. This was the end of the Sohonnai family.
The family would continue to produce children, all of which were born circuitless. It appears marrying a woman without circuits was a good way for this to occur.
As a child, Ferenc had aspirations of being a firefighter. It was the closest the small boy thought he could get to being a hero without getting bit by a radioactive spider. He had severe arachnophobia, so it seemed getting superpowers was out of his reach. Being a firefighter was definitely the second best thing to be! All was looking well for Ferenc’s until he was around seven.
It started as a simple game that he and his siblings would play somewhat often. Well, a game isn’t exactly the right way to define it. You would throw yourself off a hill and try to land on your feet. It was simple, and it almost never hurt any of them. Even when someone got hurt, it was nothing more than a small scratch. This was a relatively standard activity for small children their age to do.
Except, something went wrong this time.
Whether it was an improper jump or something else, Ferenc’s face had smashed against one of the large stones at the bottom of the hill. The pain was immense and if it wasn’t for magecraft, Ferenc could have fairly easily sustained permanent facial damage. The real relevance of this event is that after Ferenc’s father gave him pain killing herbs, he noticed something odd about his son. He was admitting prana, despite the fact he wasn’t born with circuits. Or, at least, that was what Ferenc’s father believed at first.
It reality, it wasn’t that Ferenc was born without circuits, rather, his circuits were closed. When Ferenc had face planted onto that rock, the pain he felt was so intense, his circuits opened up. It appeared that Ferenc had the aptitude to be a magus.
Meaning his parents needed to be rid of him.
Ferenc having circuits ruined his father’s plan. He couldn’t live an easy life of luxury that way, meaning that Ferenc had to be killed. This merciless treatment of one’s child would be his last act as a magus.
Or, was supposed to be. Thankfully for Ferenc, his grandfather had noticed his grandson’s newly opened circuits and saved him. His grandfather had chosen Ferenc to be his new heir. Immediately after being rescued, Ferenc began training with his grandfather. Much to his grandfather’s surprise, Ferenc had the best circuits the family had seen in generations. While they’re still not really impressive, for a family that’s been on the edge of expiring out, this was a great sign.
While Ferenc gained more and more of his grandfather’s attention, his siblings began to resent him. Typical sibling behavior, they were envious that Ferenc got to spend so much time with their grandfather. More than just that, they were jealous in Ferenc’s ability to perform magecraft. Unlike him, they truly had no aptitude for it to begin with. For these reasons, they made Ferenc’s home life a hell.
He endured it and continued his magecraft studies. He had a natural skill towards the family’s magecraft, so things went fairly quick. With his grandfather protecting him, his father could do little to him. For once in Ferenc’s life, things were actually seeming to go really well. Unfortunately, this is not the tale of a magus who has had things easy.
With his grandfather increasing in age and his health decreasing, he was losing the ability to properly protect his grandson. Doing what he believed was best for the boy, Ferenc was sent away towards London and would begin his time at Clock Tower. As the grandfather still had complete control of the family’s assets, Ferenc was given a small apartment onsight to live on while he was attending.
Ferenc’s early days at Clock Tower could best be described as days filled with “awe and discovery.” He was still fairly young, so it was to be expected that this large school would be amazing to him. Even as he became more accustomed to Clock Tower, his days there were generally considered “fun and enjoyable.” He made friends, including the little sister of the Lord of Norwich. Ferenc was actually considered one of the highest ranking eligible bachelors during his time there and went on fairly frequent dates because of it. Nothing ever lasted, not that he really expected it too.
Despite his days there being an overall positive experience, he can’t help but view it negatively. This was still a place he had to flee to in order to avoid being killed by his own father. Magi generally have a warped view of things and are “alien” when compared to normal people, but it would require a certain kind twistedness to not be bothered by that. Years of positive memories forever tainted by the circumstances in which he had to experience them.
After recently becoming an adult, his grandfather died. It wasn’t a touching scene or anything of the sort. It was the expected result of someone who had lived a long life to die. Still, despite that, it could be said that this was the worst day of Ferenc’s life. The man who saved him had passed and for the first time since, Ferenc was truly alone in the world.
Once he had finished his studies at Clock Tower, Ferenc removed his family from his grandfather’s estate and took the position of Second Owner of Pécs. Ferenc inherited everything from his grandfather, including the land and wealth. His now broke father only wanted to kill him more after this. Not that his father had any meaningful way of killing him, but this was his current family situation.=
Ferenc had lived out his days after graduating from Clock Tower researching and participating within Clock Tower’s politics. He aligned himself within the Barthomeloi faction and has been a staunch supporter since, mostly because he believes this is the best way to restore the Sohonnai’s former glory.. Like the Sohonnai of old, Ferenc has taken part in several duels against dissenters and heretics. This has placed him in a very favorable light to the Barthomeloi. Everything seemed to have been progressing well enough for Ferenc until [they] appeared.
Strange red markings branded themselves onto his hand.
Suspecting this was a curse placed on him, Ferenc began to systemically sift through who would have enough of a grudge to curse him, outside of his father of course. After spending a few days, Ferenc was sure that it was one of the boys under El-Melloi II for having a date with a girl the boy had a crush on. Just as he was about to make his way over, a letter from the Association arrived at his door.
The Holy Grail War.
A ritual Ferenc would have little care for originally, but considering magecraft was on the line, it was something he needed to participate in. Such a task was massive, but Ferenc understood that this was not the time to care. His only option was to win, so save magecraft, and destroy the fool who even thought the idea of destroying magecraft was okay.
