Post by Théodore Holbein on Aug 25, 2011 17:53:51 GMT -5
Character Played By (the person in your avatar): Nicholas Hoult
Name: Théodore Holbein
Title: Court Artist
Age: 20
Race (Lineage Origin): D'Angeline
Gender: Male
Height: 6' 3"
Home Province/Country: Azzalle
Appearance (1-2 Paragraphs): With jet black hair and startlingly blue eyes, it has been speculated that Théodore is of Shahrizai stock, though he himself cannot confirm or dismiss that rumour. He is more lean than muscular and wears a signature navy blue coat, the collar always worn high to hide a scar on the right side of his neck.
Personality (1-2 Paragraphs): With a critical eye for detail, Théodore is extremely perceptive and meticulous, qualities which are considerably helpful in his trade as an artist. As such, he has access to all echelons of society and possesses a knack for fading into the background, which means he is usually present to hear loosening tongues. He is a slave to his craft, and often people take his quiet obsession for achieving perfection as a sort of arrogance, though in reality he finds the forced conversation and banter of court awkward, prefering to avoid it when he can. To all appearances he is an upstanding citizen, if a little aloof at times. However he has participated in dubious activities before gaining his post, a past that no one is aware of save himself, his mentor and a handful of others.
History (At least 2 detailed Paragraphs): Théodore's childhood was troubled, to say the least. His earliest memories are of himself and his friend Aldric, another abandoned urchin, sprinting through the backstreets of Azzalle, running underground errands and pick-pocketing anything they could. It had been a simple life and always, they had managed to get away with things until Théodore was in his twelfth year.
At Aldric's urging, they set their sights on a wealthier target than usual, waylaying a rich looking carriage on the way to the city. Unluckily for them within it was Johannes Holbein, a renowned foreign artist travelling with an escort provided by one of the greater peers. Théodore received a slash to the neck for his efforts, while Aldric escaped. Taking in the age and state of his attacker, Holbein took pity on Théodore and made a deal with him, that if he agreed to be his apprentice then no charges would be laid. Seeing no other options, Théodore reluctantly agreed, though in time he came to appreciate and respect Holbein. Under his tutelage, Théodore lost his street urchin mannerisms and, as though making up for learning to be literate late, became skilled at drawing and painting, surpassing even Holbein as a portraitist. They travelled around, not only in Terre d'Ange but the Caerdicci Unitas and Aragonia, taking commissions for the peers of the realm, and even House Royal itself. However, shortly after Théodore's nineteenth natality, Holbein passed away, leaving the young man to take up the mantle of responsibility left to him by his teacher.