CANON/SOURCE: Friends at the Table
CANON POINT: Before fleeing Velas, approx episode 10 of Winter in Hieron
PRONOUNS: he/him or they/them
GENDER/SEXUALITY: Non-binary/male ; bisexual with a leaning towards men
Alyosha is a high ranking priest in the Creed of Samothes, but unlike a Prelate, an Exarch has no parish of their own and instead travels between parishes in their given region (Northern Hieron, in Alyosha’s case). He traveled ever since he was young, raised by a priest among other orphans in the Grand Tour, a semi-magical wandering nation of refugees in Eastern Hieron. His faith, intellect, and way with people showed early on, leading him to a life as one of the Creed. However, he was always interested in narratives that challenged the dogma of the Creed, and tolerant of other ways of life, shown most notably in his relationship with the wizard Tutor Arrell.
Arrell was Alyosha’s mentor, then peer and even lover, though they rarely spent time together. Most of their relationship took place over letters, visits only occurring in the brief moments when their wandering paths crossed. After several years, Arrell’s emotionally abusive and neglectful behavior, combined with his obsession with stopping an entropic event/being called the Heat and the Dark, drove Alyosha to finally cease their relationship and reduce contact.
Before he was taken, Alyosha had been staying in Velas to lead the parish after the sudden death of Prelate Lucius in the year prior. As Ordennan warships traveled up the coast and approached Velas, he was working with civil leaders to prepare the city for evacuation.
Alyosha is of middling height, thin and sickly appearing, but with boundless warmth in his expression. His eyes are a clear glassy blue, and his skin is a neutral to olive brown. His hair is curly and frizzy, a mix of blonde and premature grey. He normally keeps it tied back or in a simple plait. He rarely wears anything other than his vestments, which are modest with creams and ochres and worn from travel. The insignia on his ring is the only indication of his rank. He uses a cane to walk, which is made of polished wood with various plants and flowers carved into it.
MORAL ALIGNMENT: Neutral Good
TRAITS: quiet, idealistic, compassionate, generous, academic, self-sacrificing, uncertain, exhausted, naïve, loyal
SUMMARY: Alyosha has the manner of a therapist, full of compassion and understanding. He can see the good in anyone, and often times is able to help others see that good in them as well. However, as is often the case, he does not often extend that same compassion to himself. He frequently over-works and has suffered from burnout many times in his life. He has been working to find a balance between valuing himself and remaining humble.
Alyosha is also highly skilled, knowing multiple languages and able to translate ancient texts in Hieron. He has a flexible, abstract way of thinking that allows him to think in new ways and find patterns he wasn't able to before. However, he is anxious around others and easily discouraged, which is why he does much of his academic work on is own or through letters.
Much of these traits are what kept him from pushing back against Arrell on the things that meant the most to him until recently. Leading in Velas as well as establishing his independence from Arrell has started a chain reaction of self-discovery. He has never been so sure of himself. With the long winter, many sunless months, and the approach of Ordenna, though, he has also never been more tired and afraid.
POWERS/ABILITIES: Minor healing and divination abilities granted to him by Samothes
INVENTORY: Iron pendant in the shape of a sun, a cane, a few medicinal teas and tinctures (for personal use), two small holy texts, several letters
OTHER: Alyosha's illnesses are described in Hieron terms as pain, weakness, and fatigue. In modern western medicinal terms, it would be described as chronic pain and fatigue due to spinal nerve damage, with some additional fatigue caused by ADHD (inattentive type) and resulting sleep disorders.
CONTACT: ronnieronlinn on tumblr
