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thatsreallygreat) wrote2021-07-12 05:51 pm
apocalypse how application
Character Name: Caduceus Clay
Age: 100-120
Canon: Critical Role
Canon point: Episode 111
History: here
Personality:
Faithful: Caduceus believes that everything happens for a reason, and connects every small event to a greater force in the world. He is a big believer in destiny and mentions it often in regards to his place within the group and the Nein's journey through the world. He communes often with the Wildmother through meditation and he picks up on every sign that she leaves for him. This faith is what allows him to move forward on his journey, even when facing incredible odds or obstacles: he is sure that what he is doing will lead him toward achieving his goals.
Compassionate: During the years he spent tending the Blooming Grove, Caduceus met many people grieving the loss of those close to them. He is able and willing to treat those who come to him with compassion and he soothes their frustrations when he can in order to help them to move on. Caduceus is warm, caring, and easy to talk to, and his sympathetic nature is a much-needed influence on the Mighty Nein. He is shocked to realize the low opinion most of the Nein have of themselves. During a group deliberation, he says, "Am I the only person here who doesn't instantly assume that they're the bad guy? Has anybody else here actually had any experience being just trusted and doing the right thing?" He strives to help the others see the good in themselves and everyone in the Nein tends to along with him. He tries to maintain a sense of community in the group. It should be noted that this compassion is occasionally limited: Caduceus can be moved to intense anger, especially when someone has violated a sacred space or has hurt one of his friends.
Inexperienced: This isn't exactly the right word. Caduceus is an expert in what he does and he is good at reading people and situations. However, with an intelligence score of 9-10, Caduceus knows exactly what he needs to get by, and not much else. He forgets things easily, doesn't understand idioms, and is unfamiliar with the wider world. Sometimes he has trouble following other people's trains of thought. In these cases, he needs things spelled out. He admires people like Caleb, who are wildly intelligent, but he never feels envious of their abilities. While the rest of the party might be smarter than him, Caduceus has watched all of them make very questionable decisions.
Judgmental: While Caduceus is generally understanding and open-minded, he can be judgmental with a self-righteous streak that is not always helpful. Early in his days with the Mighty Nein, they end up temporarily allied with a very questionable pirate captain, Avantika. Fjord sleeps with her, and tries to sneak back into the cabin he's sharing with Caduceus. Having been awake the whole time, the cleric says, "Sleep well with your bad decisions." He doesn't shame Fjord further, but the comment is cutting enough to have an effect and at no point does Caduceus even consider apologizing for it. He also attempts to force another person to experience the world the way he does. After witnessing the atrocities that Trent Ikithon has committed, Caduceus attempts to cast command on him. The command is simple: empathize. He feels that everyone ought to live with the same compassion he does and is willing to attempt to force it on a person who doesn't feel it at all. It doesn't work, but that doesn't stop Caduceus from trying every day.
Insightful/Observant: Caduceus is patient in his approach to the world and he analyzes everything that happens around him. He often picks up on details that others would easily miss and has a wildly high passive perception score. He immediately knows when someone is acting strange. even if he hasn't known them for very long. He is able to tell when something looks unnatural or whether someone is hiding something or being evasive. Cad is highly aware of his surroundings, and it is very uncommon for anything to sneak past his keen eyes. He feels a deep connection with nature, and strengthens it through meditating and focusing on his senses. Unfortunately, during unexpected and chaotic scenarios, he can be easily overwhelmed.
Suitability: Caduceus is inclined to help people. As a cleric dedicated to the Wildmother, he's charged with ensuring balance and to fight against corruption, especially in the natural world. He wouldn't feel right just disappearing when there are clearly people here that need help - and that are asking for it. And, after meeting some of the other arrivals and learning even a little about them, he would feel obligated to make sure none of them come to harm, if he can. There is clearly something very wrong in this world, he'll try to help put it to right, if he can.
Powers/Abilities: Caduceus is a grave cleric who serves the Wildmother and, by the lineage of his family, the Raven Queen. He has access to magic through his connection to his god(s) and the natural world. Details of his abilities are here.
Entity Affinity: Caduceus serves the End. Though his patron goddess is the Wildmother, who watches over nature on land and in the sea, the Clays were first servants of the Raven Queen, the goddess of death: they are descendants of one of her original champions. In being servants of her, the Clays believe that death is the natural end of life and there is no need to pity those who have fallen. As a grave cleric, Caduceus's purpose is to protect life from those who would pervert the very nature of death. Like other clerics, he can step in to save others from death when it isn't quite their time; while this might seem to go against the nature of their domain given their respect for death as a necessary function of life, grave clerics don't see sparing the dying or revivifying those who have just died as the same thing as a Lich or other undead entities. Cheating death completely is an abomination. To this end, a few of Caduceus's spells involve encouraging decay and decomposition. Caduceus himself is not afraid of death or dying, as it is a natural part of the world and there is no need to fear what is natural.
I think this is the most appropriate choice for Caduceus. If the mods have any further suggestions I'm definitely open to them.
Inventory:
A bag of tea leaves and flowers cultivated from the Blooming Grove grave garden
Blightstaff: A knotted wooden magical staff topped with a large uncut amethyst*
Tea set
Herbalism kit
Cooking set
Halas's book on plant corruption
Cookbooks on mushrooms and pastries
Amulet of Proof against detection and location*
*(these are magic items and I'm not quite sure how to curse it, so I am open to suggestions!)