Callum Giles

The Giles family is the most recent in a long line of mages with great power: from Druids to elementalists, healers to renders, to illusionists, most were allied with one of the Great Covens and endowed with might and prestige in mage society. Enter Callum Giles: the youngest member of the clan, born to two very powerful mages. He lived a relatively normal early childhood, considering his unique family. Callum always liked playing hide-and-seek with his older brother in the corridors of the family manor, frolicking in the woods, or absconding baked goods from the kitchens.

The power started with just a few flickers: the light in the room would dim or brighten in the midst of one of Callum's tantrums. Concrete objects seemed to go translucent for just a moment. Even he would distort, fingers lengthening, facial features contorting. Callum was five.

His older brother, Caius, was eleven at the time, and had yet to show any signs of magical ability. To have even one Barren in a family of mages, let alone two, was a source of shame for generations to come. Thus, Callum's hints at being an illusionist were welcome in the Giles clan. Immediately, he began being tutored by his mother, Ophelia, who was a gifted elementalist. Later, he gained admission to an elite magic school. Callum's power grew.

Caius, meanwhile, became frustrated by the lack of attention given to his own achievements. No matter how good his grades were, they couldn't compare to the disappointment he caused his family by being unable to spit sparks. So, he began hanging out with the wrong crowd.

The straw that broke the camel's back came on a cool fall night, with a gentle breeze and clear, dark, skies. Save for the smoke pouring out of the windows of the Coven Sanctum. Save for the flames dancing up the marble facade. Save for the panicked yells of those attempting to quell the fire, calling for the nearest fire mages. And Caius stole into the night, accelerant in hand, matches in pocket. When he was found, laden with incriminating evidence, he was disowned right then and there. Cast out from the family, Callum hasn't seen his brother since. He was twelve.

Meanwhile, the pressure on Callum to preform increased tenfold. His power had grown to rival those twice his age, though sacrifices had to be made: his parents had forbidden him from speaking to many friends, saying they only distracted him from his studies. So, he toiled on.

Thus, his story begins. The die is cast, and fate has been written. Alea iacta est. Nickname: Cal, if close.
Age: 19-25
Gender: Cisgender Male (he/him/his)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Height: 6ft
Body type: Tall, thin, and lean, with mild muscle definition.
Complexion: Pale in the winter, more tanned and freckled in the summer.
Hair: Curly and sandy brown.
Eyes: A light hazel with gold around the pupils.
Voice: Baritone.
Scent: Mostly of a mild, neutral soap, occasionally of a light sandalwood cologne if he's feeling fancy.

Callum has always been one to hold himself to high standards. If he falls short of those, he will beat himself up mercilessly, then attack the task at hand with a renewed vigor. In his quest for perfection, Callum often pushes those around him away; he often sacrifices his hobbies and interpersonal relations in his pursuit to the top. Along with this, it has been instilled in him from an early age that friends, if not for personal gain, are simply tools that will slow you down. Thus, in his daily life, he is slow to trust, and tends towards being a loner. His serious attitude and lacking sense of humor may make him difficult to be around for some. However, he can also be - unintentionally - hilarious.

Underneath this serious exterior, Callum has always felt his and other's emotions quite strongly. Deep down, he hates being alone, and longs to be able to form close relationships with others, especially since his familial unit is cold, formal, and devoid of love and affection. However, there is quite the disconnect between his sensitive side and the one he puts out. When faced with interaction, Callum is easily flustered, and sometimes finds it challenging to voice his thoughts; he has always preferred to write things down, instead, where he can carefully think.