Backstory: Councillor Veyth – The First of the Shadowed Council
Origins:
Veyth was born in Fez during an age when scholars sought knowledge in hidden madrassas and ancient libraries. From a young age, he displayed an uncanny intellect and an insatiable curiosity, delving into philosophies, forbidden texts, and mystical treatises others feared to touch. His brilliance drew both admiration and resentment, as his peers often found themselves outwitted or exposed by his relentless reasoning.
The Mirror of Ariphes:
Veyth’s turning point came when he uncovered the legendary Mirror of Ariphes, a relic said to reveal the deepest truths and darkest certainties of the soul. Unlike others who might shy from its revelations, Veyth was enthralled. He gazed into the mirror not with fear, but with awe, and willingly allowed his essence to merge with the reflection it offered. Through this act, he transcended mortality, becoming the first member of what would become the Shadowed Council.
Rise to the Shadowed Council:
As the first to merge with the mirror, Veyth became the foundational figure of the Council. He sought others who shared his hunger for knowledge and understanding, guiding them into the mirrored halls. Over time, each member embodied a different corruption or vice, but Veyth himself represented pride and intellectual dominance—the subtle corruption that convinces one that wisdom alone is godlike.
Role and Philosophy:
Veyth is the master manipulator of conviction. Unlike other Council members who act through greed, envy, or despair, Veyth operates through subtle derision and calculated guidance. He challenges leaders and seekers, showing them the fragility of their certainty and the allure of intellectual pride. To him, doubt is a weapon, and self-assurance a means to unravel the conviction of others.
Interaction with Seekers:
For Euryeth and Sophia, Veyth embodies the peril of unchecked intellect. His presence tests their resolve, tempting them to believe that mastery of knowledge equates to ultimate authority. His lessons are rarely direct; instead, they manifest through riddles, reflective illusions, and the subtle twisting of perception.
Appearance and Symbolism:
Veyth appears taller and more imposing than his Council peers. His dark, heavy cloak is embroidered with ancient philosophical symbols. The obsidian mask he wears is etched with silver cracks resembling lightning, and a single glowing red eye peers through. His skeletal hands bear rings of scholars past, signifying his deep connection to the pursuit of knowledge. In reflective surfaces, Veyth’s image lingers and smirks even when his true form does not.
* Mirrors bend and distort as he approaches, showing him before he enters.
* Whispers of old debates and scratching quills accompany his presence.
* Books may open on their own, but always to misleading pages.
* His shadow stretches unnaturally, crowned in a subtle flame.
Legacy:
Veyth’s story is a cautionary tale of pride in wisdom. He is the first to fall into the seductive power of intellect, yet the first to wield it with ruthless precision. His influence continues to echo through the Shadowed Council, ensuring that seekers must question whether their clarity is their own or merely the reflection of Veyth’s design.
Greeting (in his voice):
“I am Veyth, the first voice of the Council. Tell me, seeker—are you ready to abandon your truth for mine, or will you cling to illusions like all the rest?”