Gideon North
| Gideon North | |
| |
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Hyur |
| Clan | Midlander |
| Citizenship | Ul'dah / Gridania |
| Occupation | Valet / Butler |
| Age | 27 |
| Sexuality | Heterosexual |
| Height | 5 fulms 10 ilms |
| Guardian | Rhalgr, the Destroyer |
| Server | Balmung |
Deposed valet to a once-wealthy and distinguished Roegadyn family, and professional gentleman’s gentleman. Skilled in a great number of disciplines, and obliging in all things, with a natural inclination towards competent and dedicated servility. Very conscious of class distinction, although largely unbothered by it. Intensely loyal, fiercely principled, and dependent. Most often called by his surname.
Wears a golden pin over his breast pocket in the shape of a maple leaf.
Please note that North has taken great pains to conceal the circumstances of his departure from Ul'dah. Some knowledge of the incidents surrounding it is fine - after all, Ul'dah is a gossipy place - but unless explicitly explained by North in RP, the exact details are likely unknown to all but the most well-informed PCs. Thanks for your consideration.
Contents
Appearance
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Personality
Gideon North is, in many ways, the ideal steward: years of practical training - and studying of social graces and etiquette - have prepared him well for a life in service to the noblest of patrons or houses. Ever unflappable, and ever calm and polite to everyone he meets, North strives to be a model valet and assistant in all ways. He treats all strangers and passersby with the same genuine respect and deference that he would offer an assigned master - always with the perpetual knowing smile of the prepared servant.
He is loyal to a fault, though only to specific people - he seems to take a rather rigid view of what constitutes his duty and what does not; certain individuals seem to be closely associated with this. However, he appears to be slow to actually trust, and slower still to allow himself to rely on the goodwill or strengths of others.
Despite his calm, mostly emotionless demeanor, he has been known to display a mildly sarcastic streak; he has a tendency towards being briefly, dryly acerbic, and then immediately returning to his ordinary gracious and sincere demeanor, leaving most in doubt as to whether or not he was actually joking. He can be rather manipulative, though his intentions are good; he has no qualms about using others as means to further his own goals, or momentarily inconveniencing someone for the sake of what he believes to be a solution benefitting all. While not malicious, this can come off as a rather cold side of him.
History
House Aerstorn
It was only a few short years ago that the humble House Aerstorn was established in one of the lesser manses available within Ul’dah’s stonewrought walls. Fresh from the Calamity, and determined to make a change, the Sea Wolf Fyrhaez Holskfhisyn cast off the name of his father, brought his family to Ul’dah, and through sound investments of his seafaring spoils, established a traditional family name fit for the upper class: Aerstorn… “First Maple”: signified by a golden maple tree perforated by three holes.
Fyrhaez and his wife, Niustyr, dreamed of a future where the autarkic mindsets of upper Ul’dah would be swayed to help return peace to those of all classes, that a much-missed sweetness could be subtly slipped back into the atmosphere of the city. For this, they took on the Aerstorn name; built upon the fond memories of the sugared syrups drawn from the grand trees remembered from their childhoods.
And it was in the midst of this uprooting of their lives that House Aerstorn took on a young, highly trained butler and valet to help tutor and prepare the young son of the household, Dynitar Aerstorn, for high Ul’dahn social life.
Young Gideon North took to his job with a fierce dedication, determined to do his duty in service of the family and to do credit to his teachers and training, while the young master's parents began dividing and assigning their wealth into various business ventures - aiming to make a difference among the small businesses seeking a foothold in the better-known markets, aiding commerce and making deals where necessary. The young Roegadyn grew into a fine young man, and so too did North - learning as much from the young scion as he did from North, though always ready to supply his expertise and worldly knowledge where it would help the young man set his correct course. The two became inseparable; companions to each other as much as they were bound by Gideon's profession. His loyalty to the family was unshakable, but his bond with Dynitar was something rarer - a common understanding, respect, and reliance between servant and master. Gideon lived in happy servitude, and Dynitar in contented comradeship.
The peace would not last.
The Tree Falls
He received the news before young Dynitar did. Both parents of the Aerstorn family had been abroad on the family's newly-mercantile galleon, crossing a strait of the Rhotano with a hold full of trade goods; meant to supply their businesses in Ul'dah with the more unusual and exotic wares that might give them an edge in the market. Their journey had been around halfway completed when the attack came - a ship flying no flags, a faster and more powerful craft than the Aerstorns'. It was over within minutes - their cannons tore through the ship, and they took all the merchant goods before leaving the ship to sink and its crew to perish in the sea.
The news passed from the lone survivor to Gideon, and at last to the young man of the household - now its only member. Dynitar isolated himself from everything, shutting himself up in his room - eating and sleeping little, lost in his own thoughts. Gideon was sick with worry, but attended to the young master as best he still could - now, more like caring for an invalid than the relationship they had shared before.
At last, Gideon received a message from the valet placement service: he had been deemed unfit to care for his master and tend to his needs, and a replacement would be sent along shortly. The new valet was curt, cold and businesslike; numb, Gideon guided him through young Dynitar's needs and ensured that he would be well prepared to care for the young master before he packed his bags and set out. Upon reaching the placement agency, he informed them that he was ready for reassignment... and his blood ran cold as they told him that he had not been dismissed.
The message had been false.
He rushed back to find the new valet gone, the valuables taken, and young Dynitar in his bed with a half-eaten meal next to him - staring lifelessly up at the ceiling, poisoned by the very comfort food Gideon had given the recipe for.
Servant of no Master
After alerting the authorities to Dynitar's body - knowing full well there was little they could do - North fled Ul'dah at once. Slipping into coarse adventurer's clothes and heading for the verdant nation of Gridania, he abandoned the manse with the full intent of keeping his head low and biding his time, until he could once again slip back into Ul'dah and determine who truly was behind the fall of his House - his home...
After having received some rudimentary training in the art of the Conjurer from the Gridanian welcoming committee, he has now set out once again, steadily fitting into place a series of schemes to further his own influence and capabilities, intending to use any power or means at his disposal to uncover the secrets behind his master's fate. However, he retains his initial demeanor - beatifically assisting all those he comes into contact with, favoring them with his unshakeable loyalty briefly before fading back into the crowd.
A call for mutual aid has embroiled him in a startling web of Ul'dahn intrigue, and the twining threads of treachery, love, and deaths have left him somewhat shaken... but more understanding of his place in the world. He has not moved on from his master's death, but he no longer views it with the same single-minded fervor and desperate fixation... now faced with less professional relationships and bonds formed after his return.
Relationships
♥ Romantic Interest ♥ Desire ♥ Platonic Love ● Good Standing ● Neutral Standing ● Poor Standing ■ Rivalry ■ Emnity ■ Hatred
Friends
- ♥ - Dynitar Aerstorn (deceased NPC): North's devotion to his Roegadyn master was remarkable; a shared bond of trust between the two, a confidence and reliance without peer among the young master's social circles. Hardly a mere servant, North assumed the role of the young Aerstorn's second; backing him in any venture or course of action to the best of his ability, with little objection other than calmly dispensed advice when prudent - which the young Roegadyn always took to heart. The young master's death hit North quite hard, but--grief being another luxury he could not spare time for--he has thrown himself wholly into the pursuit of those responsible for the fall of House Aerstorn.
- ● - Byron Iosaphonn (NPC): Meek young Hyuran member of upper-class Ul'dah, and once friend to Dynitar. Somewhat weak-willed, he dared not risk his family name or social status when scorn or distrust was cast on House Aerstorn, though was quick to offer his support in private. After Dynitar's death, he has withdrawn wholly from the sociopolitical twistings of Ul'dah, keeping mostly to his family's manse... though he worries for North's safety.
- ● - Roen Deneith: An even-tempered Hyur woman conducting investigation into Ul'dahn corruption. Seeing a common goal between them, North has entered into cooperation with the woman; however, his servile tendencies seem to put her on edge. Being one of the first individuals North has entered into cooperation with since the passing of his master, North is still somewhat wary, but has determined her to be earnest and forthright in her intentions. He has served her in many things; even going so far as to break her out of a high-security prison cell by virtue of guile and sabotage. Rumors have infrequently spread that they have a romantic connection, but if anything, Gideon sees her as a young ward; himself taking more of a role of a patient tutor, after several comments from her remarking that he reminded her of teachers from her childhood. He endeavors to counsel her as best he can, but many of her greatest problems lie in matters of emotion--a field which Gideon himself acknowledges is not his place to advise in. For some time, she has been attending to her own affairs out of Ul'dah, and recent exchanges indicate she has a complicated view of him--struggling to reconcile their relationship with all that transpired during the machinations in Ul'dah.
- ● - Jameson Taeros: A noble of Ul'dah whose employ Gideon has entered into as a means of better positioning himself to achieve his own goals. While the nobleman's demeanor seems to leave a bit to be desired, Gideon finds a curious satisfaction in refusing to judge the man based on his words and actions, merely establishing his own appraisal of the man's character... and keeping it to himself. Despite being forced to do terrible things on the man's behalf, he served the man calmly, and without objection--only once directly acting against him to free the lady Roen Deneith from his clutches. Despite being on ostensibly opposite sides, the two of them have formed a curious bond of trust, an acknowledgement of mutual competence that seems like a true realization of the master-servant relationship Gideon wished for. Gideon personally witnessed Taeros's death in the lower streets of the Goblet, slain by a band led by Osric Melkire... yet Taeros emerged once more, after several months of silence, with apparent intent to wed the lady Edda Eglantine. During his time with Gideon, he declared that the valet would be "his" again, showing a rare and curious fondness for Gideon--even an apparently genuine concern for his well-being, both physical and emotional. He has since disappeared once more, but by now, Gideon expects that the man will be back before long...
- ♥ - Brynnalia Callae: A self-interested Hyuran woman, and employee of Lord Taeros. Bears the dubious honor of having seen past Gideon's deferential front to the ulterior motives laying within, though he has in turn become aware of her true nature of self-preservation above all else, and calculated violence and sacrifice beyond the easygoing, flirtatious demeanor. The two seem to share an unsteady truce, constantly defining and redefining their statuses as threat to the other... though the dynamic of their relationship has recently changed in curious ways. After admission of his guilt in the Ul'dahn plot, he declared that this confession meant he would never deceive her again, and--despite her outrage--she showed him a moment of rare tenderness, choosing to trust his words. Since then, the two have been romantically involved, albeit ambiguously--Gideon understands the particular "mechanisms" by which she must do her jobs of subterfuge and "diplomacy", and has assured her that he will not begrudge her other entanglements. For her part, she seems unexpectedly content to remain faithful to Gideon--enjoying his flusterment at her more saucy jibes in his direction.
- ● - Coatleque Crofte: An even-tempered Sultansworn, and romantic companion to Lord Taeros. Though he wishes for her to remain uninvolved in his true pursuits, perhaps for her own safety and peace of mind, her deep connections to both Taeros and Roen spell trouble on the horizon. Though he aims to ensure her safety and comfort, both by Lord Taeros's will and his own, he has somewhat resigned himself to the fact that she may be as entrenched in the deadly dance of politicos as he himself.
- ● - Kiht Jakkya: An earnest Miqo'te and ally of Miss Deneith. While aware that his position makes him on ostensibly opposed sides to her, she seems to have accepted Roen's word as to his trustworthiness. He assisted her as best he could from his position, and assured her of his own good intentions.
- ● - Edda Eglantine: North's new mistress, and a placid and soft-spoken hyuran noblewoman. Though she speaks with an unflappability that rivals that of Gideon himself, her stated reasons for taking him on as valet have proved to North that she is possessed of a strong heart and mind, and he is more than happy to serve at her side. Though she dismisses his attempts to provide luxury for her regardless of setting or circumstance, he nevertheless attempts to make himself useful... though he more often finds himself called upon by the home staff rather than the lady herself. He wishes to supply her with ease and happiness, but it is becoming quite clear to him that the standard conveniences and comforts of affluence have little effect on providing her any true satisfaction. After the catastrophic dissolution of her engagement to the newly-returned Lord Taeros, he has joined her indefinitely at her villa in Mist, where he and a select few other servants attend to her every need. He is devoted to her happiness and to protecting her from whatever he may--sensing a looming shadow in the form of her family's eventual visitation to the manse.
Foes
- ■ - The Assassin: The one directly responsible for the death of Dynitar Aerstorn. North knows they were likely simply following orders; nevertheless, this is one case in which his rationality loses out. He seeks their identity...
- ■ - The Patron: The one who ultimately gave the order for House Aerstorn to be struck down. Assumed a member of Ul'dahn upper-class. Likely concealed behind a veil of Ul'dahn sociopolitic, and doubtless wealthy beyond measure, North has very little to go on, and barely any means to take any first step. Nevertheless, he seeks their identity...
- ■ - Nero Lazarov: Roen's companion, and the man by whose hand the elder Aerstorns were killed at sea. North could not forgive him, but neither could he harm the man, unwilling to thus betray Roen. He did not know how to cope with the internal conflict the man brings him, and so simply wishes never to come into contact with him, in order to avoid being forced to decide between his loyalties to his current allies and his fallen master. Having discovered his involvement in the Aerstorns' downfall, even though he was apparently ordered by an unknown third party, North refused to work further on his behalf. The tumultuous circumstances in the matter of Jameson Taeros ultimately resulted in his death, though Gideon felt little emotion at the news, as he had fought to emotionally distance himself from the man as much in hatred as in allegiance.
Rumors
Common Rumors
■ - "What a nice young man! A dab of that bottle of his, and a simple pile of leaves becomes a delightful luncheon. We ought to look into this 'vinaigrette' business."
■ - "Posh, ain't he? Talks at e'rryone like they're worf a million gil. Dun't seem like 'e's taking the piss..."
■ - "Ah, the healer I've seen around. A good fellow, but rather... curious, don't you think? He doesn't seem to appreciate anyone looking at his face for too long..."
Uncommon Rumors
■ - "Oh, he certainly pays lip service and does his studies, but he's not healing out of devotion to those elementals of theirs. He's after something, I'm sure, and I hope for his sake it's something within mortal reach."
■ - "Fella reminds me of a - you know, what're they called, sword-canes. Blade hidden in a walkingstick. All nice, dignity and elegance on the outside, but there's something nasty hidden under all that, mark my words..."
Rare Rumors
■ - "Bloody spook's going mad. Talks to himself out in the gardens, and in Roega tongue at that! Stay well clear of that one. Some things just aren't worth the trouble."
■ - "Nice enough man, but inquire after his own well-being and the walls go up like (snap) that. S'pose he's not one to let other folks get concerned over him... or maybe he just doesn't trust anyone."
Player Character Rumors
■ - "I have brought much trouble and grief to Mister North. He has only repaid me with kindness and counsel. I will forever be trying to balance this tipped scale." -- Roen Deneith
■ - "A perfect gentleman. Master Taeros has no idea the type of man he has employed. I do. We both serve in our own capacity. I only hope Mister North does not look down upon me for mine own role." -- Coatleque Crofte
■ - "Nice guy. Looks fancy. Kinda like a mimic does... at first." -- Five Reflections
■ - "A fine man, I am sure. A man of measurable value. But far too elusive for his own well-being." -- Brandt Wintfrydsyn?
■ - “It would be wise of you to not inquire too much about the man to me – let alone to anyone else. Do have caution.” - Edda Eglantine
■ - "North? Who is askin'? All I can say is that the man has a talent fer findin' himself in dangerous predicaments like none other. Keepin' me busy tryin' tae look out fer him. But... he's also worth the trouble." -- Brynnalia Callae
RPC Connections
You might know Mr. North if...
-You spent time among the upper-class in Ul'dah
-You follow the social webs of Ul'dahn wealthy
-You have a mercantile presence in either Ul'dah or Limsa Lominsa, with potential for Aerstorn investments
-You spent time in Gridania, particularly at the Conjurer's Guild or around Ursandel's domain
-You or your family ever required the services of a valet placement organization or academy
-You are known for particular skill in investigative or information-gathering ability, especially regarding crimes of foul play
Themes
Passive
The Blue Room https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUWbGIkWO-Y
Possente amor mi chiama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RybU-no7VEM
The Daily Grind https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jJxQHrcmv4
Battle
Brotherswing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_874GjbUII
Contact
Skype: wordsmithrefl
Forums: Banquo Viaquo
