Magister Kel Varnak
Magister Kel Varnak, Lord (a.k.a. The Warlord-Merchant)
Magister Kel Varnak is the undisputed ruler of The Vermillion Harbour, a volcanic port-city at the edge of extinction. Once a tactical compliance officer for the Soul Trade and Realignment Enterprise (S.T.R.E.), Kel betrayed his superiors during an eruption event, seized control of essential supply caches, and established a new order amid the chaos. He is a commanding presence—physically powerful, psychologically sharp, and terrifyingly pragmatic. Kel has no gods, no masters, and no patience for myth. To him, survival is the only doctrine, and control is the only virtue.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
In peak combat shape, but relies increasingly on alchemical support to maintain mobility and durability
Body Features
Arms covered in layered burn scarring
Spine visibly ridged under skin from failed grafts
Left hand reinforced with obsidian-tendon bracing from magma-forged surgery
Facial Features
Hard brow, gaunt cheekbones, perpetually furrowed scowl, Jaw like chiseled granite, lips blackened from toxin exposure
Identifying Characteristics
Ashbrand Sigil burned into his neck—a personal symbol used in sealing contracts
Wears a fireglass monocle for strategic assessment
Physical quirks
Does not blink when speaking
Heat radiates from him constantly—he slightly warms nearby metal without touching it
Cracks knuckles rhythmically when calculating
Special abilities
Ash Command: Once per day, can cause localized seismic vibrations by invoking resonance with the volcanic heart
Burning Verdict: A signature execution ability that marks a target and ignites them from within if they break their word
Heatborne Endurance: Advantage on all survival-based Constitution saves in volcanic terrain
Apparel & Accessories
Ashplate Mantle – a cloak forged from heat-treated plates layered over leather
Steamcore Bracers – release vented gas to deflect or stagger
Always carries The Treaty Blade – a short ceremonial weapon used to mark pacts or execute oathbreakers
Specialized Equipment
Geothermal Rebreather – filters toxic gases and ash
Flareborne Armor Rig – customized plate infused with lava-resistant glyphs
Magister’s Brand – a searing tool used for oath enforcement
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born a bastard to a S.T.R.E. logistics officer and a fireblooded outlander, Kel grew up in waste camps near geothermal drills. He earned his place in the corporate machine through ruthless efficiency, and climbed the ladder by eliminating rivals—not through combat, but by exploiting systemic gaps and psychological leverage. He staged a coup during the “Black Flame Eruption” and declared martial dominion over the only surviving port. Since then, he has held The Vermillion Harbour with a vice grip.
Education
Trained at S.T.R.E. Compliance Academy
Certified in:
Resource Seizure & Civil Control
Threat De-escalation through Dominance
Geothermal Terrain Warfare
Self-educated in flameborne alchemy and governance theory
Employment
Formerly: Tactical Field Enforcer, S.T.R.E.
Now: Magister-Warlord of The Vermillion Harbour
Commander of the Cindershroud
Accomplishments & Achievements
Orchestrated a successful coup under eruption conditions
Unified three rival gangs into a single military force
Invented the Ashmark System: a branded caste mark determining one’s access to rations, weapons, and trade
Established a functioning barter economy based on geothermal quotas
Failures & Embarrassments
Failed to prevent a failed coup attempt by his second-in-command early in his reign
Survived a ritualistic alchemical infusion that was meant to kill him—but left his spine partially fused
Publicly humiliated during a trade deal gone wrong with a desert caravan from the southern strait that turned out to be con artists
Intellectual Characteristics
Hyper-analytical
Capable of memorizing terrain and crowd behaviors with terrifying precision
Lacks formal diplomacy skills—negotiates like a siege weapon
Morality & Philosophy
Order Through Control
Resources Determine Worth
Compassion is a liability; he will kill a man for sharing water without approval
People are tools, or threats
Taboos
Worship of deities (forbidden under his rule)
Use of illusions or enchantment magic (he views it as cowardly manipulation)
Sentimental keepsakes or mourning rituals—he finds them dangerously weakening
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To establish a permanent, unbreakable order in a world where nature itself is chaos. He intends to turn Vermillion Harbour into an empire of fire, and the Ruby Mount into a weaponized resource state. All that he builds must outlast him.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies:
Tactical warfare
Resource rationing
Alchemical enhancement
Social fear manipulation
Ineptitudes:
Genuine empathy
Artistic expression
Divine magic and theology
Delegation of power (he trusts no one)
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
Obedience without question
The smell of molten ore
Ritual branding
Efficiency reports
Dislikes:
Priests
Bards
Ice-based magic
“Inspirational speeches”
Virtues & Personality perks
Unbreakable mental discipline
Absolute clarity under pressure
Loyalty to survivors who prove themselves
Never backs down, even against higher powers
Vices & Personality flaws
Megalomania
Paranoia
Inability to forgive failure
Constant physical pain masked by overexertion and drugs
Alignment
Lawful Evil Kel enforces strict order through personal power. Mercy is a lie. Discipline is survival. The strong make the rules.
Current Location
Species
Conditions
Age
53, yet appears closer to mid 40s
Children
Current Residence
The Vermillion Harbour
Sex
Male
Presentation
Militaristic authority: posture of a tactician, voice of a warlord, gaze of a predator. Wears status like armor and silence like a blade.
Eyes
Pale Bronze
Hair
Coal-black, Worn tightly braided to the scalp, partly shaven on one side.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Charred bronze tone, tough like cracked leather. Latticed with faded heat scars and ritual cauterization markings.
Height
193cm
Weight
109kg
Aligned Organization
Ruled Locations
Character Prototype
Tywin Lannister (Game of Thrones) meets Immortan Joe (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Sprinkled with Stannis Baratheon’s grim self-righteousness, and Franz Kafka’s bureaucratic nightmare logic