Application [Stay Silent]

[relictus]

Player

Name: Aiko
Age: 29
Contact: Orcashark @ plurk, Orcashark#1968 @ discord
Player status: New

Character

Name: Faust Lavinia
Age: 400+
Canon: Mahoutsukai no Yakusoku
Canon point: Post-anniversary
Suitability: Faust has literal centuries of experience with living alone in the wilderness, so he's good on that front- the caveat being he also has magic which can make some tedious tasks easier. But he still has the knowledge and ability to do those things by hand, it just may take some adjusting. He might seem like he doesn't work well with others, but he's actually pretty good at helping and cooperating with other people so long as they don't give him a reason to dislike them. He just has to be coaxed or dragged into it sometimes.

History: The mahoyaku wiki is kind of an incomplete mess, so here's this instead:

General canon info: There are five countries: Northern Country, Eastern Country, Southern Country, Western Country, and Central Country. In this world, being born as a wizard/witch is akin to a random mutation. Due to their great power and extensive lifespans, wizards are often feared or hated by humans. However, another quirk of this world is that the moon, otherwise known as The Great Calamity, descends and attacks the earth once a year. A sage from another world (read: they got isekai'd in from modern day Japan) has the power to summon a group of wizards referred to as the Sage's Wizards, chosen to protect the world by fighting off The Great Calamity. In the most recent battle, the Calamity was much worse than usual and many of the chosen witches and wizards died in the battle. The aftereffects are still being felt throughout the five countries, and the surviving and newly chosen wizards, along with the sage, now must do everything they can to prepare for next year's battle.

Faust's history: Faust grew up in a time of social unrest and upheaval. Alongside his human childhood friend Alec Granvelle, he co-led the revolution that would eventually reform Central Country and establish its current monarchy. Alec led the humans while Faust led the wizards; they envisioned a future where humans and wizards could live together in peace. The wizard Lennox also joined the revolution and became Faust's servant, and Faust studied magic under Figaro during this time.

When victory was close at hand, Figaro suddenly left, abandoning the cause. And when victory did come, Alec's advisors convinced him to have the wizards executed. Lennox came to free Faust from his cell before his execution, but he refused, as he had faith that Alec would retract the order and didn't want to give Alec further reason to distrust him by escaping. He held that faith up until he was tied to the stake and the fires were lit.

Lennox was able to rescue Faust from the verge of death, but not the emotional scars of Alec's betrayal. Faust ran away on his own, eventually coming to the Valley of Storms in Eastern Country. He expected to die there, but instead his wounds began to heal and he built himself a home where he spent roughly the next ~400 years in solitude with only his bitter hatred of humanity, the local spirits, and the occasional cat to keep him company. He directed his hatred into making curses, which by chance wound up becoming his profession as wizards and humans sought him out to make curses for them.

Less than three decades ago, Faust was summoned as one of the Sage's Wizards. After the most recent Great Calamity, Alec's descendent Arthur, as well as Lennox and Figaro were amongst the newly chosen wizards to replace the ones who died, leading to some reunions that Faust was less than enthused about. He generally tries to deny he's the same Faust who is now lauded as a hero who helped found today's Central Country; his execution was erased from history. The Sage's wizards have agreed (some more reluctantly than others) to live together to train for next year's Calamity. Now he's vaguely taken on the role of a teacher to the younger Eastern wizards.

While he's still a shut-in, working with the sage & other wizards to fight off and solve the many problems caused by the Calamity has led him to willingly spending more time in the company of others and settling into his role as a Sage's wizard and a teacher- even if he keeps claiming he's not cut out for it.

Personality: On first impression, Faust is a gloomy, soft-spoken and apathetic shut-in of a wizard who would much prefer to be alone in his room than doing literally anything else. He can seem closed off or borderline unfriendly at times, and he's a misanthrope who is bitter toward humans.

But you don't have to dig that deeply to find that Faust can be very caring and protective as well as a patient and thorough teacher. He may be avoidant of talking about himself and conceal his true feelings, but he is otherwise honest and sensible. His past left him with heavy emotional scars that led to his current withdrawn personality, and his former idealism has been mostly painted over by pragmatic cynicism. But his heart is still fundamentally kind, even if he tries to hide it.

Faust can be self-deprecating and doesn't envision himself as someone with a future, and so doesn't tend to prioritize his own well-being and at times has even welcomed death (though he's gotten somewhat better about this than he used to be). He shows the most motivation and energy when protecting someone he cares about or when fulfilling a role, such as instructing the younger Eastern wizards or going on missions to help solve problems caused by the Great Calamity. Faust is rarely open about it, but he does want to see his friends enjoy themselves and grow, and tries to ensure the best in life for those he cares about despite neglecting his own future.

While he may act like he doesn't enjoy much, there are two things in particular that Faust enjoys: Solitude, and cats. Wizards in general tend to have unique relationships with solitude due to their long lives, each in their own way. While he isn't immune to loneliness, Faust became very comfortable with solitude- possibly to a fault as it has prevented him from growing as a person, which he has acknowledged himself. But he also just prefers being alone with himself over spending too much time in the company of others. As for cats, he has always loved cats (though don't expect him to admit as much if asked), and they seem to show a preference for him as well. And much like a cat himself, Faust may seem standoffish and avoidant when others try to be friendly and coax him into joining in on activities with them, but the more they try, the more likely he is to eventually approach on his own terms. (Using cats to bribe him also works.)

While he avoids overtly showing or acting out based on his feelings, Faust can experience some feelings very deeply, and in line with that he can hold deep grudges. But just as it's hard to let go of his hatred, Faust struggles to fully let go of his old friendship with Alec, and it can be a source of inner turmoil for him. His hatred of humans for their fickle treatment of wizards is more of a lingering bitterness than any desire to actively seek to harm them (beyond selling curses). He could easily be much more wrathful or cruel after what he's been through, but in the end he can't help but be who he's always been at heart- a kind, sincere, and supportive person.

Powers: Wizards in Mahoyaku don't have a set list of spells or abilities. Magic is very broad and malleable, only bound by certain limitations (the dead technically can't be revived and time can't be rewound) and varying weaknesses and strengths depending on a wizard's country of origin, innate affinities, and level of training in/understanding of magic. So all wizards theoretically have the potential for using any and all types of magic- but their actual ability levels differ based on those factors.

Faust is now an Eastern wizard but was originally from Central Country, and the wizards there are all-rounders so he presumably can handle a bit of everything. But his specialization lies in manipulation of luck, which nowadays he uses to make curses. He also has a strong sixth sense/sensitivity to magic and spirits (both the dead and the kind that are just part of nature), and the ability to purify curses and negate magical effects.

While some magic can be used passively or without any extra tools, standard spellcasting is performed using two things: a magic tool, and a spoken word/phrase unique to each wizard. Magic comes from the heart, so the tool is an object of some personal significance that has absorbed the wizard's magic power over time, and the phrase is also something personally significant chosen by the wizard. So one phrase is used to cast any type of spell. Faust's magic tool is a mirror and his spell phrase is "Satillquinart Mullcreed."

That said, some non-exhaustive examples of magic Faust seems to show a preference for are:

• Purification (of a cursed object/location, or to protect an object/location from malignant influence)
  
• Healing (primarily making potions to this effect but he can do it through magic as well)
  
• Protective barriers
  
• Minor transformation (one object into another, fabric into clothes, etc)
  
• Dulling or enhancing of the senses, including pain
  
• Curses (tbh this is mostly left up to the imagination and can be pretty broad. Makes bad things happen to people who have it coming to them in one way or another. Potentially lethal.)
  
• Flight (on a broom)
  
• Levitation

tl;dr Faust could do a lot with his magic if he wanted to which makes it useful in scenarios that might require some creative thinking, but he generally sticks to his strengths and whatever is useful at the time.

Other notes because why can't mhyk powers just be simple i'm so sorry:
- Wizards each have a mana area which is a location that helps them focus and recharge their magic. Faust's is next to a fire deep in a forest. They can use amulets as a substitute when away from their mana area; his is a lit candle.
- Something unique that wizards can do is create a special sugar, which has general restorative properties.
- When a wizard dies, their body essentially turns to stone and shatters, leaving behind mana stones. (These stones can be consumed by other wizards to gain power or used as a source of power for technology).
- If a wizard makes a promise and then breaks that promise, they lose their magic.
- Not so much a power, but Faust's injury from the Great Calamity causes his dreams to manifest around him when he sleeps, in the form of illusions and projections. He has no control over this.

Luonto: Cat. I mean, is anyone surprised at this point. It's a cat. A black one, probably.

Immunity: Going with yes.

Inventory: Aside from the clothes on his back, Faust has a few things he'll have in hammerspace:
- An antique mirror (technically infused with magic but he just uses it as a tool for general spellcasting, so it doesn't have any particular special properties beyond that)
- His training clothes
- His broom
- A candleholder + candle

Questions:

How well does your character work in a group? Explain their position in a small group: do they take up the lead? Do they follow other's orders? Do they provide reasonable counter-arguments, or do they just go along with the majority?
This can vary based on the dynamics of the group. In general Faust isn't going to willingly take on a leadership role, preferring to stay on the sidelines and only speak or act when he feels it's necessary. That can include providing counter-arguments if he disagrees or feels some important detail is being overlooked or not taken seriously; he may not love being around people, but he's pretty pragmatic and willing to be blunt. Now, if everyone else in the group is very young and/or inexperienced compared to him or otherwise not suited to leading, he may reluctantly take on more of a leadership role without overtly claiming as such, providing clear instruction and feedback on whatever they're trying to do. He will easily give up that role if someone qualified moves to take over, though.

Living on an island in the middle of nowhere means working hard to survive. There's food to be grown, construction to be done, livestock to manage, clothes to be made, cleaning to be done, and many, many other tasks that will need to be done on a daily basis. What kind of work is your character naturally inclined towards? Additionally, what kind of job would your character be terrible at, and why?
Faust isn't unfamiliar with getting his hands dirty to survive, though having magic means he can normally skip some of the more tedious steps if he feels like it. With that no longer an easy option, Faust is knowledgeable enough about how to obtain food and shelter, and he'd likely be best with tasks that require deft hands, attention to detail, and that can be done alone, such as sewing or crafting, e.g. carving wood, weaving baskets, working with clay, etc. or just general cooking and cleaning. He may end up with some sore hands and blisters at first, but hey, healing some blisters takes way less magic than conjuring everything.

He's also good at gardening on the level of keeping himself fed at least; he'd have less experience with farming on a larger scale, but he knows how to grow some backyard vegetables. He'd also have knowledge of fishing and trapping/hunting, though I'd say he's more inclined toward the former- wouldn't want to accidentally hurt any cats. Speaking of which, since he's naturally good at getting along with cats, he could also theoretically help people with acquiring and raising their own.

He did build his own house, but like, once, hundreds of years ago. Still, he does have some DIY knowledge in that regard, and while he may rely on magic for most things these days he did used to wield a sword once upon a time as well. So he can handle physical labor, though he may not be the most physically strong. But he'd be less inclined toward construction, if in part because here it'll likely involve working with other people. Truthfully though, for construction he'd likely be better suited in a management role, directing those doing the heavy lifting to ensure everything comes together smoothly and safely- he'd just be reluctant to take on that role, as he is to take on any type of leadership role these days.

As for what he'd be terrible at? Even if he can reluctantly work with other people or even lead, it's easy enough for him to decide to just leave in the middle of something if he feels insulted or threatened, or just doesn't get along with someone he's working with. Too much socializing or working with others exhausts him and he's likely to skip social gatherings or parties altogether if left to his own devices, so don't expect him to get involved in organizing anything like that unless he's dragged or guilted into it. His gloomy attitude can also be off-putting to those who don't know he's just Like That which could also lead to communication problems, not to mention he can be outright sarcastic or bitter if he gets annoyed or angry. So generally, while he's perfectly capable of being a good team player, getting him to actually do so consistently can sometimes be akin to herding cats, and he wouldn't be well suited to roles that involve a lot of active social engagement with his fellow islanders.

That aside, he also will have some catching up to do when it comes to technology. Mahoyaku's world seems to at least have some steampunk-ish levels of tech here and there, powered by clockwork or mana stones, but electronics will be new to him. I don't think he'd have too much trouble learning how to use electronics like the radio etc if someone shows him/explains how to use them without fully understanding how they function, but reading is his favorite pastime and he'd be interested in reading more on the theory and history behind how electronics actually work if he can get his hands on any books like that.

Your character is part of a group of 4 (which is comprised of them, a young farmer, a middle-aged ship navigator, and a retired soldier in their 70s) that needs to get from one island to the next before sunset. While there are no trolls currently pursuing them, your character knows that they could potentially attack anyone left on this island. The next island over is a safe one. The canoe they have can fit a maximum of three people in it, and you have just enough time for one trip to the safe house before sunset. A second trip to get anyone remaining can be done, but it will be during nightfall, when the risk of attacks is high. Your character gets to decide who goes on which trip with the canoe. How do they arrange everyone for trips, and what is their reasoning for their decision?
Faust would low-key take charge in this situation to direct the other three to head over on the initial trip while he stays behind, as time is of the essence and they can't waste it debating. He knows that he has the power to protect himself in the event of an attack, or to make an emergency escape via magic if need be, though it would be best to not exhaust his powers on this in case they're needed for something more important later. That aside, ensuring their safety is more important than his own, plus he's immune, hence sending them all over first.

He'd ask the ship navigator to be the one to return for him. No more than one person is required to make the return trip, and the young farmer and retired soldier are more vulnerable in dangerous situations due to their respective lack of experience with dangerous situations and old age. The navigator is the most reasonable choice who he expects will be able to make quick decisions under pressure if needed because of his profession and relative life experience. They need to be able to move swiftly and efficiently more than they need strength in numbers or battle experience. Ideally they can all make it to the other side before any trolls appear, but if push comes to shove, Faust can provide any defense or support needed until/while they make their return trip. If his choices are challenged by the others, he would fully explain his reasoning to them, as well as offer the navigator the chance to refuse.

Now, if all these NPCs are his friends and insist he value himself more, they might just be able to convince him to expend his magic for his own sake to fly over on his own, avoiding the danger entirely- so as not to cause them so much worry.

Links:
Stay Silent TDM toplevel
Imeeji 4th wall
Camping meme (journal name changes in the middle)
TFLN

Other: