Cenric Leian
Cenric was born to two fourth level Dreadlord parents. Seeming to be entirely unremarkable, both with minor gifts, Cenrics mother and father graduated using trickery rather than power. Gaining only the rank of Fourth, both settled in Vel Acan as researched. Studying various magical artifacts brought home to Vel Anir over the years.
It was through their work that the two met, and it was not long before they were wed. Just a few years later, Cenric was born.
Though he did not display any magic openly for quite some time, Cenric's upbringing was unusual compared to many other Dreadlords. His parents studied him, utilizing him almost as though he were a control subject. Both could tell that he had magical potential, but this ability simply had not manifested itself.
For years and years they poked and prodded at him. Attempting to teach him college magic, putting him in situations of immense pain and stress, even going so far as to inject him with poisons to bring forth his abilities.
It was only on the day of their reckoning that Cenric revealed his true magics however. Pushed two far by the relatively weak Dreadlords, the young boy, only the age of nine at the time, lashed out. Finding a use for his magic as he raged against his parents, taking them from his world, and finding within the morning...that their eyes had become his.
Shortly after, The Proctors came. Collecting the boy and bringing him to the Academy where he was trained alongside others. There his talents became widely known, and within a short time Cenric became not just one Initiate, but many within the class. Taking up the identities of his now dead classmates, and haunting those left behind. Easily graduating, Cenric found his place within the ranks of the Dreadlords quite easily. Swearing to House Virak, and taking on Erodin Valentos as his mentor.
It was there, within the Ghost General' grace, that Cenric found his first true acceptance.
Though their magics were founded in an entirely different basis of the magical spectrum, Cenric and Erodin formed an odd sort of bond. Both of them capable of forming bonds with that which was long gone, the recently graduated Initiate took to tutelage under his new mentor incredibly well. Quickly rising through the ranks of the Dreadlords and winning himself much acclaim.
This fame now follows him, though several years after graduation it is rare that anyone remembers his true face. The Dreadlord having taken so many bodies and stolen so many identities that even his classmates struggle to recall whom he once was.
During the Revolution, Cenric took the side of the Republic. Setting his considerable strength to defending the Virak Estate during the initial fighting, and then eventually going on to loyall serve the Republic as it began to establish itself. It is in fact rumored, that Cenric serves the Vigilite. His magics perfectly suited for the duties of a spy.
The Many Faces
Though initially not that powerful, Cenric's magic has something that not many others do; the potential for exponential growth.His own magical abilities revolve almost entirely around a singular 'mark'. Cenric is capable of applying this sigil upon any living creature. The symbol is a strange esoteric etching, a language that no one is capable of deciphering. However, those who wear it are inextricably linked to Cenric. He is capable of finding them, telling their general status, and even glimpsing a sense of their emotional state.
Though perhaps these abilities could be useful for a squad leader, most would consider them relatively weak. Hardly even worthy of a Dreadlord, but it is not these abilities which make Cenric unique.
The true crux of Cenric's magic takes on an alltogether far more brutal form. Those who bear his mark, once murdered by his hand, become little else but vessels for the Dreadlord's will. Though no one is quite sure how this works. When those who bear Cenric's sigil die by his hands, their bodies become a part of a sort of 'hive mine', one controlled entirely by Cenric himself.
Each body that he takes retains it's abilities, memories, and magics. Not joining the afterlife, but instead folding into Cenric's dominant consciousness as though it were nothing but a novel to be plucked from the shelf.
The price for each of these bodies Cenric takes is exacting. Taken from the very soul which he severs from their corpse. Though this 'cost' of magic is paid by the victim, many Proctor's speculate that there is an upper limit to the amount of bodies Cenric may possess at one time. Specifically if those bodies bear the burden of powerful magics.
Despite this, Cenric's abilities have marked him as an exceptionally important Dreadlord. With many organizaitons in Vel Anir vying for his employment. A fact he takes full advantage of.
Those Often Seen
Although Cenric inhabits a multitude of bodies, there are several which he commonly and openly favors.
Einhardt Richter: Once a young Dreadlord sworn to House Weiroon, Einhardt came up in the exact same class as Cenric. The two were very close throughout their years at the Academy, with Cencric's odd magic often leading to him being used for strange missions that required a powerful guard alongside him. More often than not Ein turned out to be that guard.Throughout the years the two boys formed a fast friendship, and surprisingly they made it through the Academies Graduation project without murdering one another. Once graduated, the two swore to separate great Houses but kept in tight contact. Aided by the fact that House Weiroon and Virak maintained close relations. Both of their leaders having long standing friendships.
Surviving the revolution, Cenric and Ein found themselves thrown from the laps of luxury. Ein's magic, that of the Phoenix, making him far too valuable for the Republic not to use. Cenric's own magic falling into the same position as he was very nearly forcibly recruited by the Vigilite.
Unfortunately, now working for the Anirian Guard, the two were forced to go on many more dangerous missions. It was during one of these missions that Ein and Cenric met a foe they could not match. Though he still refuses to speak of it publicly, when 'Ein' and Cenric returned it was quickly known that the former was no longer himself. Instead, a only a memento carried by his best friend.
The face he most often chooses to share with the world.
Kesper: Perhaps the only reason that Cenric managed to graduate at all. Kesper was the third friend within the triumvir of Cenric and Ein.Gifted with a powerful magic which allowed him to peer just a brief few seconds into the future. Kesper was easily considered one of the most gifted members of their class. Though the use of his magics were intensely difficult, once training for years and years Kesper was able to more carefully 'read' the possibilities which lay ahead of him.
Though this magic was not foolproof, and did never spoke of a 'certain' future. The sight instead offered Kesper a look into possibilities, and as he became better with his own magics it became easier to see which possibilities were more likely. Though this magic was almost entirely useless in day to day application due to the brodness of possibilities. During fighting, battles, and even the early stages of war this magic is incredibly powerful and useful.
It is also with his magic, that Kesper came to realize that one day he would sacrifice himself for his friend.
Though he had taken the bodies of his parents, fourth levels both, the stolen vessels had long since been mutilated and broken down during training. The Proctors having found an odd 'shame' in Cenric wearing the corpses of his parents. Thus, when the time for the test came, it was almost certain Cenric would fail.
That was, until Kesper made him an offer; one Cenric ultimately chose to take.