pilgrim, theologist, preacher-errant
S A I O P L E S I A N
( a k a "Saio" )
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Ht: 6'5 / Wt: 270lb / Hair: golden / Eyes: green / Age: 40? / Creed: Novathari
APPEARANCE
Saioplesian is a tall, muscular man with dark brown skin, pale green eyes, and a leonine mane of golden hair braided into thick, orderly plaits. He is exceedingly handsome, with symmetrical features and a benevolent gaze. His skin is smooth and radiant, like a polished stone; his face seems ageless, while exuding an air of sage maturity.
He is clad in a raiment of white trimmed with red, resembling those of a Priest of Ka, the old Siiga God of Law - but with only empty ensigns where normally the symbol of Ka would be displayed. His garb is now worn from travel, but clean and well-maintained. Over his robes he wears a ceremonial leather cuirass and pauldrons in a musculata style. The armour is weathered but still splendid, with gold-hued metal inlay.
He carries a peculiar long staff with robust proportions. Its entire length is banded in studded leather, and atop the staff where a holy crest would normally be displayed, there is only a plain metal disk mounted above a crossbar from which dangle a few tiny chimes.
Saioplesian appears to be of the Novathari race, those Ubali exiles who long ago fought the Talumar heretics for the Londais king, and won themselves the kingdom of Athagon in return. Saioplesian speaks with a faint accent that is difficult to place - his voice is sonorous, even-toned, and oddly reassuring.
Little is known of Saioplesian's past. It is unclear what clerical rank he once held, nor exactly why he no longer serves the priesthood of Ka - only that he transgressed the rules of the order, which in the service of the God of Law, cannot stand.
Although he has removed the ensign of Ka from his paraphernalia, he retains his clerical bearing. He is known to travel to holy sites and visit shrines of other faiths to study or meditate. Whether it is due to former station, or simply due to his natural warmth and gravitas, he is usually greeted in these places as a respected guest. Even with his defrocked status, the Grand Magistrado Judex, himself a Priest of Ka, treats Saioplesian with a strange grudging courtesy.
Saio's lifestyle is itinerant, circulating among the high and low folk, acting variably as a healer, scholar, spiritual advisor, and envoy. Although Novathari by creed, he is well-travelled. He knows much of the world, and speaks many language with fluency and decorum.
Saioplesian still appears to be capable of manifesting Holy Power on a level usually reserved for the most blessed clerics. His rituals no longer use any of the specific rites of the Order of Ka, but they may invoke the names of other divinities, or use incantations in unknown languages.
Although the civil and punitive power of Ka is symbolized by a sword, today the priesthood of Ka is not known as a strenuous order. Nonetheless, Saioplesian displays exceptional strength, courage, and fighting prowess when he is roused to battle. His skills and athleticism suggest that he was once a warrior as well as a priest.
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