Obituary: It was one of those perfect spring days, where everything is going just right. The Tessere family had scheduled an evening cruise along the coastline and things were going, well, perfectly. The sea was calm, the boat was luxurious. The thirteenth course had just begun when Cosimos noted that those picturesque dolphins were not dolphins, and several of the crew members seemed off. When Nurie and Karadoc noted that the ship was off course, the ruse was up and the mercenaries that had been holding the Captain's son hostage gave up all pretense of this being a pleasure cruise. The Captain was murdered in front of his son, and the boy would have met the same fate, if Count Karadoc Tessere had not valiantly placed himself between the boy and danger, losing his life in the process. Countess Sabine was able to rally the crew and the mercenaries were defeated -- but at what cost?

Description: Karadoc does not mind being known as the man with eclectic tastes, which others derisively refer to him as that weird guy who dresses like a beggar. He will in fact take one step forward to encourage that brand of thinking –- call him a gadabout, call him a cad, call him lazy –- call him anything but late to supper so that he might enjoy a glass of brandy and a good meal while admiring some new piece of jewelry sparkling from his finger. Life’s meant to be lived in the moment, for the moment. And right now? Life’s good.

He possesses a handsome face: high cheekbones, patrician nose, mouth finely molded with a slight wry quality to it. A face that would seem more suited to the somber, thoughtful expressions most often seen carved in marble statuary, Karadoc is rarely without smug grin or warm smile -- as though he’s caught onto the punchline of some private joke. Dark brown hair is left long and loose, nearly to his shoulders. Ruffled by the wind, raked back by his fingers, or left tousled. By far his most arresting feature are his eyes: a piercing blue that, in some incalculable way, can transform what seemed like a condescending smirk into something earnest and genuine. His voice can undergo a similar adjustment -- in one moment a warm drawl that’s taunting in its nonchalance, and by the next cool and crisp and filled with shrewd intelligence.

Karadoc _knows_ how a noble should speak and act, but he doesn’t exactly care.

Personality: Karadoc is a laid back, easy-going, and extremely likeable man. Few, if any, have ever seen him roused to anger, let alone annoyance. In fact, this care free attitude most often tends to engender annoyance in other people who seem to think he should experience emotions as they do.

Like his parents, these people will oft find themselves disappointed.

Background: Karadoc was *that* son. The prodigy, the bright rising star. There was nothing his proud parents could not put before him that Karadoc could not grasp. Logic, history, arithmetic, religion, law - all of it - seen, appraised, and grasped with an aptitude that was stunning. The future was bright for Karadoc Saik.

Was.

To this day, his parents remain frustrated and baffled by their son's sudden drop off the proverbial cliff. At some point after returning from Southport and the two year training regimen there, Karadoc simply ceased to care...about anything. His invitation to attend to prestigious academy in Tor? Ignored. The various offers coming from Southport, those martial and intellectual? Declined. And, to this very day, his mother still cannot talk about the potential marriage contract used to catch cat vomit without flying into an apoplectic rage.

He eventually left home one misty morning, disappearing for a few years before returning suddenly. During that time, Karadoc has less and little to say, though it is widely assumed amongst the family he lived as a half-starved vagrant. Nor did he remain home for long! Almost as soon as he settled in, his uncle the Baron, died. Then, but a few short months later, his cousin the Baron, died. Finally, his cousin the Baroness, summoned him to Arx. To the surprise of all, Karadoc accepted.

Relationship Summary

Frenemy:

Berenice - Princess Brat. Bernie. Brighter than sunlit gold, sharper than alaricite.

Family:

Lucita - Baroness-Regent of Saik, Estaban's Widow, Cousin-by-marriage.

Marcos - Voice of House Saik, The Military One.

Arcelia - Countess-Consort of Escuma, ARRG Manager, The Favorite One.

Neilda - Lady Saik, Estaban's Sister, New addition to the pack.

Nurie - New sister-in-law, Talented seamstress, Dedicated lady's maid.

Patron:

Victus - The Cock of Maelstrom, Something-Something about Otters.

Sibling:

Ennettia - Distant Sister, The Sibling That Ran, Languorous Inquisitor

Acquaintance:

Josephine - Pretty much one of my favorite jewelers.

Juliana - Lady Pravus, Correspondent, Fellow fashion butterfly.

Carita - Countess Darkwater, Platinum and ice, Occasional pen-pal.

Duarte - Count Amadeo, Prawn-Sniffer, Knows How to Partycrash.

Ally:

Caelis - Princess Hawk-Dragon, Battle-scarred Sailor, Admiral and Best Friend.

Spouse:

Sabine - Countess Tessere, New Wife and New Liege, Totally unexpected, Completely welcomed. Iridescite to my stygian. The serpent and the rose.

Friend:

Eirene - Lady Malvici, A Friend of the Family, Striking In Contrasts.

Silvio - Lord Rubino, Prince of Observations, Fine taste in fashion.

Iseulet - Lady Blackshore, Proprietor of the Empyrean, Duskstone and dawstone.

Protege:

Leola - Dame Allenatore, Knight of Southport, Paladin of Groves, Quiet Commoner. Honest - loyal - polite and dutiful. More noble than I am. I probably don't deserve her.

Melody - Messere Mel. Prodigal courtier and way too good for any patron. Warmth and mischief and grace. Sweet like honey with a hidden ferocity that reminds me of the wilderness.