Name: Mikhael Zinthys ap Arawn/Mikhael BloodShadow VileRune
Civil Rank: Lord Wizard-Insidiae
Military Rank: Ul Uruk Haiin
Birthplace: Carech Island
Citizenship: City of Glenzor, 3026 (age 16)

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

External Distinguishing Marks:
Left ear pierced, red gem (magical) implanted in right palm.

Internal Distinguishing Marks:
Right arm broken (3019, age 9), lower left ribs cracked (3026, 16) [evidence inconclusive due to Heal in later life], left leg severed and regenerated (3041, 30).

Physical Examination Results:
Subject underweight, poor muscular development, reports chronic respiratory troubles, history of sucseptibility to disease. Recurrent childhood illness interrupted by period of magical immunity to disease, recently lost. Drug addict from age 22; narcotics (opium, laudanum), stimulants (cocaine), cannabis, hallucinogens (ergot extract). Addiction has caused chronic sleeplessness, lack of appetite, paranoia, reduced sex drive (subject denies latter, but cf. Psych Review notes). Forced to end drug usage by U-U H'n Archibald Oct. 18, 3042; maintains only hemp use. Weapons training program implemented by U-H H'n Archibald & supplemented by other party members late 3044 has somewhat improved subject's stamina, balance and fitness. Subject has switched to pipe-smoking, 3044.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Personal History:

Born on Carech Isle. Mother abandoned family on sixth birthday, probably due to marital difficulties. Brother disowned 3023 (subject age 13), for engaging in carnal relations with a minor. Subject moved to Glenzor with father 3026 (age 16) to enroll in Gorgon Group. Declared for illusionry 3028 (age 18). Began adventuring career 3031 (age 21). Granted noble title 3036 (age 26, see Talnick incident). Hiatus from 3037-3040 (age 27-30). Began adventuring again 3040 (age 30). Volunteered for military 3042 (age 32). Political alliance made with High Lord SkinEater 3043 (age 33). Granted high lord title 3044 (age 34). Began working directly for Emperor Chullin 3044 (age 34). Military title confirmed 3044. Adopted into VileRune clan August 12, 3044.

Employment/Civil Record:

Subject has medium to high recommendations from previous employers; mercenary groups subject affiliated with has record of completing jobs, although usually with above-average levels of bloodshed. No arrests, recorded disturbances. Slow rise through guild and circle; subject appears to be politically conservative. Has made numerous comments in favor of government, both in public and private, openly dislikes idea of "a bunch of republican elves" ruling Glenzor. Several noise complaints related to construction of new house; subject out of town. Tapped several times for missions through Flintlock Brotherhood, but FB would provide no comment to add to this file. Subject's peer reports have indicated that subject's greatest contribution to adventuring are his (nonphysical) tactical/combat skills. Military reports give subject high recommendations. Subject's company performed well guarding the Congery and has recently been hired directly by Emperor Chullin (May 7, 3044), pulling company out of the normal military hierarchy. As of war's end, subject's company awarded highest military honors and recognition.

PSYCHOLOGICAL REVIEW

Lived in geographically isolated manor with mother, half-brother, some servants. Childhood illnesses kept subject indoors, in close proximity to mother, who entertained child with illusions. Half-brother treated subject with extreme animosity - taunts, verbal and physical abuse, mental cruelty. Subject specifically remembers partially dismembered animals left in room and manor halls, often still alive and bleeding. Broken arm at age 9 caused in fight with brother. Adventuring father seldom present; but a strict disciplinarian ("domineering bastard") when home. [Addendum: This seems to be supported by Katrina's abandonment and failure to return, see file on Arawn ap Eirias.]

Mother's abandonment on night of subject's sixth birthday left lasting impression; half-brother blamed Mikhael's illnesses/dependence for her departure. Half-brother and subject left with servants for several years while father travelled; subject spent majority of time reading. Half-brother left home in 3021, when subject 11. Returned when subject 13, accompanied by young wood-elven slave, apparently used as sexual partner. Father disowned half-brother for homosexuality and pedophilia ("Father hates fags."). Subject has not encountered half-brother since. Reports no memory of sexual abuse by brother and violently denies possibility of repression. Father began subject's informal training in magic after Peregrine's departure, raising subject as his sole heir.

Mikhael remained introverted throughout apprenticeship and journeyman coursework in Gorgon Group (3026-3030). Took up cigarette smoking as apprentice - possible unconscious emulation of pipe-smoking father. [Addendum2: In 3044, subject began smoking a pipe, perhaps coincident with his becoming a father, himself.] First sexual encounter with prostitutes during this period ("figured I'd learn from a professional"), visited regularly for several months, then stopped ("found out all I wanted to know"). Little to no sexual activity since; subject claims risk is too great of being betrayed or blackmailed. Misogynistic tenor runs throughout testimony. Refused to answer further questions regarding this issue ("I have to save something for my memoirs"). Lack of interest may be connected to subject's extreme drug use and resultant physical debilitation; members of his company have suggested subject is impotent. [Addendum: However, subject's commander, Daniel Archibald (see file) - a known homosexual - recently (Nov. 13, 3043) moved into subject's house. While it is not conclusive evidence, this psychiatrist suspects subject may be a latent or now active homosexual. If so, this psychiatrist still wonders what influence subject's half-brother may have had on the development of this perversion.] [Addendum2: As of war's end 3044, internal sources report subject openly cohabiting with Archibald, confirming psychiatric suspicions. Subject is almost certainly engaging in perversions, possible result of self-destructive tendencies, see below.]

Declared for illusionry against father's wishes ("he calls it effete"). Apparently hoped for several years that mother would return if he became illusionist like her, but has since abandoned this fantasy. Began adventuring at age 21, fell in with group through usual random hiring practices. Drug use began at 22 while undercover on drug smuggling case; led to work in alchemy to support habit. Claims to feel no guilt over addiction ("only person it affects is me"), but tries to avoid drug use while adventuring. Intermittent clean periods followed by renewal of usage. Subject currently claims he has broken all habits except cannabis use, but takes drugs on case-by-case health basis and has occasional, decreasing flashback episodes from early hallucinogen use. Addictive personality fits subject's introverted, escapist tendencies. [Addendum: Although the subject recently (3043) gave up most drug use, his subsequent interest in dream research is another indicator of his escapist tendencies. His occasional suicidal depressions also indicate the ultimate in escapism]. [Addendum2: Wishing a daughter into existence may also indicate flight from responsibility of a mature and normal marital relationship.]

Subject has suffered recurrent nightmares since childhood, with most frequent dreams currently based on events of adventuring career. In particular, being attacked by a red dragon's breath weapon at the bottom of a volcano; rescuing tortured adventuring companions from draconian prison cells; having leg severed by lizard king's trident and regaining consciousness to see D. Archibald's severed head. Themes include personal danger to subject, but also danger to subject's companions or friends, possibly indicative of a neurotic fear of loss or abandonment. This may be the result of his mother abandoning him when he was a child. Subject reports occasional use of laudanum in order to sleep throughout the day as a result of these nightmares. [Addendum: Although laudanum use has ceased, the nightmares apparently continue, incorporating more recent events.]

Mikhael claims to have no friends, but secondary reports and his own statements in other contexts indicate otherwise. [Addendum: This denial pattern has faded since subject joined the Scintillating Company, possibly coincident with subject's pattern of alignment shift?] Tries to avoid overt expressions of affection, but covertly expresses friendship through gifts or favors. Has history of hot temper and arrogance, decreasing over last few years ("I've been led astray by good examples"). [Addendum: However, subject has lost his temper several times during briefings and in Company interactions - these episodes are likely a result of stress that had not been present while subject had been retired.] Subject's paranoia and temper combine to make him emotionally sensitive and likely to take offense at careless comments. Subject eager for praise and enjoys flattery ("I admit, the way to my heart is through my ego"), but affects a cynical and self-deprecating air. While highly concerned with maintaining his personal honor, history indicates Mikhael is not above using deception to gain a desired end as long as the letter of his word is not compromised. Subject refuses with almost fatalistic demeanour to take more than elementary self-protection while in Glenzor, despite demonstrated paranoia in other aspects of life. [Addendum: Subject's latest manifestation of paranoia has been against his government, with - unfortunately - some due cause (see The Concordant Affair). Subject seems willing to work with the emperor directly, but may no longer be willing to work with other government members without taking a higher level of precautions]. [Addendum2: Subject has most recently turned his paranoid fantasies on the Flintlock Brotherhood, openly declaring a mistrust and dislike for the policies established by this highly respected guild of archmages. The effect this will have on his career as a mage remains to be seen; rumors of an incipient "illusionist's rebellion" against the Flintlock Brotherhood are likely just that - rumors.]

Subject is frank about his political ambitions; records indicate potential, but subject's arrogance works against him. Mikhael has an open dislike of being ordered, often challenging authority figures in probable reaction to domination by father and brother. However, records show that subject can be intensely loyal once his respect has been earned. [Addendum: Records also indicate that, for some reason, subject is given a great amount of respect and trust from his Company, making him its de facto leader. Subject has also shown a certain level of politcal acumen. Perhaps his political goals are not so unlikely to be achieved]. [Addendum2: As of 3044, subject brought into VileRune clan. This move will greatly facilitate subject's political goals, and indicates that he has learned to work with authority instead of against it. Mikhael may be the highest-ranking human in the history of Glenzor, and this psychiatrist expects he has higher goals, yet.]

[Addendum 2: Mikhael's decision to Wish for a daughter rather than a son indicates several things. First, it seems a further sign of his decadent and unmanly pursuits. Second, it may be read, especially given his tendencies, as a subtly subversive act against Glenzoran custom and authority. It must also be noted that although his daughter has her father's brown eyes, she also has blonde hair; as does Archibald. This psychiatrist suspects that there is more that is unnatural about the child than just her birth.]

Examiner's Conclusions:

Mikhael has the typical psychological profile of a professional adventurer, unusual only in that he evidences neurotic rather than the more usual psychotic tendencies. Most of his personality traits seem to be rooted in a deep-seated inferiority complex, leading to an obsessive fear of vulnerability, failure and loss that clearly manifests in various aspects of his behaviour. Otherwise, subject's history and overall profile is normal for one in his profession. While his health is abysmal, it has obviously posed little problem for him in the past, and is unlikely to affect his military career. Given his political beliefs and mental state, he poses no danger to the state, and acceptably little to himself. [Addendum: Subject has had two near-suicidal bouts with depression recently, one around the Retriever Mountain episode and one after his death in Kara-Tur. His mood swings seem to be intensified by active duty, but - as expected - he has avoided actually taking his life.]

I don't believe there is any question as to whether or not we admit this subject; the Flintlock Brotherhood has already entered his name on the list, and if he is not formally enlisted he will probably travel to the line with a freelance mercenary unit, anyway. He claims to have volunteered for the military to further his own political ambitions; however, his specific petition to serve in D. Archibald's unit suggests personal motives behind the request. [Addendum: See earlier comments for possible reasons.] I believe that refusing this request will only lead to disciplinary problems later; given subject's overall profile, he is best placed with an individual he already respects than with a stranger whose authority he is likely to challenge.

I consider this subject fit for military service.

[Addendum: After this two-year reevaluation of subject's file, I still concur with this judgment, but as subject has recently been taken out of normal military channels, my opinion may be irrelevant.]

[Addendum2: As of 3044, subject's military file has been updated and closed.]

1.0-3.9 = Unacceptable; subject must improve under threat of dismissal.
4.0-5.9 = Acceptable; promotion under weak review.
6.0-7.9 = Commendable; promotion under moderate rview.
8.0-10.0 = Heroic; promotion under strong review.

1. Innate Loyalty to Glenzor: 8.4
2. Current Loyalty to Glenzor: 8.6
3. Combat Contribution: 9.4 (group high)
4. Noncombat Contribution: 8.6 (group high)
5. Put Mission Goals Before Own Life: 6
6. Put Group Goals Before Own Life: 7
7. Mental Stability: 6.2
8. Physical Stability: 3 (group low)
9. Function in Command Structure: 6.4
10. Discipline in Command Structure: 6.2
11. Ability to Take Orders: 6.8

A. Primary Mental Strengths: Immune to illusions. Suspicious and paranoid (almost precognitive with regard to traitors and traps). Conniving. Intelligent and effective use of potent magical ability (inventiveness in spellcasting; never casts ineffective or useless spells; decisiveness in spellcasting). Strong determination (relentless pursuit of foes in face of defeat). Creative. Dedication to Magus Archibald. Brave when working toward group goals.

B. Primary Mental Weaknesses: Values political reputation over spiritual reputation. Overly proud (pride fosters unnecessary tension among group members, especially Sindaraen). Underconfidence with regard to self-worth. Squeamishness. Pessimism and doomsaying breaks morale. Overcompensates for lower intelligence (and potentially failing memory).

C. Primary Physical Strengths: High chemical tolerance. Good personal hygiene. Handsome. Ability to promote physical weakness image to foes. Recognizes physical weaknesses (see below).

D. Primary Physical Weaknesses: Small build. Weak constitution. Weak stomach. Low stamina. Physically incompetent to the point of being unable to endure physical demands of tough adventures (e.g., travel, lack of sleep, combat). Smokes too much. Getting old for an adventurer. Reliance on drugs to compensate for physical weakness. Potentially sterile.

E. Valued Items Other Than Self: Magus Archibald. His house. Power. Extremely large sums of money. His own personal and political reputation. His word/promise (might only pertain to his own personal/technical promise, as opposed to the spirit of the group promise).

F. Major Achievements of Mission: Reconnaissance. Suspicion uncovered Mandelbrock's treachery. The most potent spell support in the party. Presence meant difference between success and failure. Provided intelligent orders and action planning. Single-handedly rooted out the ettercap. Delivered killing blow to manscorpion. Survived.

G. Major Failures of Mission: Inability to hold party together in thick of battle (party suffered due to undue separation). Brought down party morale. Didn't figure out how to close off the Underdark. Fought poorly against Travellers (gave up? quit?)

Commander's Rating: 9. Subject indispensible. Needs to improve physical conditioning. Subject needs to learn ways to boost morale.

1.0-3.9 = Unacceptable; subject must improve under threat of dismissal.
4.0-5.9 = Acceptable; promotion under weak review.
6.0-7.9 = Commendable; promotion under moderate rview.
8.0-10.0 = Heroic; promotion under strong review.

1. Loyalty to Glenzor: 7.8
2. Combat Contribution: 9.0 (group high)
3. Noncombat Contribution: 9.2
4. Put Mission Goals Before Own Life: 8.8
5. Put Group Before Own Life: 8.2
6. Function in Command Structure: 8.0
7. Mental Stability: 7.0
8. Physical Stability: 6.2 (group low)
9. Member Willing to Put Life in His Hands: 10.0 (group high)

A. Major Achievements: Abating (temporarily?) his drug use. Loyalty to commander. Superior strategy, planning, and command attributes (reports indicate that while he and Cmmdr. Archibald make an efficient command duo, he may be less capable of solitary command. Superior use, and level, of spell contributions, especially teleport. Coming up with idea to deport the kobolds from the mountain to his own island, rather than committing wholesale slaughter. Personally voyaging into the retriever's nest to recover the dragon's egg.

B. Major Failures: Consistent death wish (possibly due to drug hiatus?), including most prominently his desire to teleport bodily into the retriever, which distracted the focus of the party. Attempt to use sword - or, at least, carry a sword - for which he has no skill or stomach to use. Lack of diplomacy with Ambassador Yamalia.

Commander's Rating: 9. Subject indispensible. Subject improved (with further improvement necessary) with regard to maintaining group morale. Subject improved with regard to personal, physical conditioning, including beginning to learn HTH self-defense and abstinence from drug use.

Mikhael has been promoted to Ul Uruk Haiin. His military awards are: Sash of Honorable Service. Three Special Force Mission patches for the derro stronghold, retriever mountain, and Great Shaboath. One battle patch for Great Shaboath. Two Field Hammers of Melee. One Gauntlet of Honorable Service. One Shoulder Spike of Valor. The Emperor's Cloak. Subject's statue will join that of the rest of his military company in the Glenzor War Memorial Park.

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