<div class="floatleft"><strong>Nellens Taleda</strong><br/>(https://i.imgur.com/UHoG3vb.jpg)<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name:</strong> Nellens Taleda </td><td>     </td><td><strong>Caste:</strong> Water Aspect</td><td><strong>Concept:</strong> Crippled and blind bureucrat who crushes tyranny/corruption in courts</td></tr></tbody></table><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Anima:</strong> Hypnotic shifting pitch black water sphere with blue edge (where he stands in middle) (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/30/2b/09302bb5c506164ba539ff36f82929f1.gif) </td><td><strong>Limit Trigger:</strong> Conviction</td></tr></tbody></table><hr/><strong>Attributes</strong><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> Strength:        </td><td> 2 </td><td> Charisma:       </td><td> 3 </td><td> Intelligence:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr><tr><td> Dexterity:       </td><td> 5 </td><td> Manipulation:  </td><td> 4 </td><td> Wits:             </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr><td> Stamina:        </td><td> 2 </td><td> Appearance:    </td><td> 3 </td><td> Perception:      </td><td> 3 </td></tr></tbody></table><hr/><strong>Abilities</strong> <br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> Archery:        </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>C</sup>Martial Arts:       </td><td> 5  </td></tr><tr><td> Melee:    </td><td> 1  </td></tr><tr><td> Thrown:    </td><td> 0  </td></tr><tr><td> War:    </td><td> 1  </td></tr></tbody></table></td><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> Craft:Elements        </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr><td> Craft:Magitech        </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>C</sup>Investigation:       </td><td> 4  </td></tr><tr><td> Lore:    </td><td> 2  </td></tr><tr><td> Medicine:    </td><td> 0  </td></tr><tr><td> Occult:    </td><td> 0  </td></tr></tbody></table></td><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> Athletics:        </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>F</sup>Awareness:       </td><td> 5  </td></tr><tr><td> Dodge:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>C</sup>Larceny:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>F</sup>Stealth:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>---<br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> <sup>F</sup>Integrity:        </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr><td> Performance:     </td><td> 1  </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>F</sup>Presence:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr><tr><td> Resistance:    </td><td> 1  </td></tr><tr><td> Survival:    </td><td> 0  </td></tr></tbody></table></td><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> <sup>C</sup>Bureaucracy:        </td><td> 5 </td></tr><tr><td> Linguistics:       </td><td> 3  </td></tr><tr><td> Ride:    </td><td> 1  </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>C</sup>Sail:    </td><td> 1  </td></tr><tr><td> <sup>F</sup>Socialize:    </td><td> 3  </td></tr></tbody></table></td><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td> Specialties:        </td><td> # </td></tr><tr><td> Investigation       </td><td> Secrets<sup>2</sup>  </td></tr><tr><td> Martial Arts       </td><td> Pure Unarmed<sup>2</sup>  </td></tr><tr><td> Awareness       </td><td> Hearing<sup>2</sup>  </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br/>Languages: High Realm (native), Riverspeak, Low Realm, Firetongue<br/><br/><hr/><strong>Essence, Willpower, Limit</strong><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Essence: </td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Personal:  </td><td>15/15</td></tr><tr><td> Peripheral:  </td><td>35/29</td></tr><tr><td> Committed:  </td><td>6</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Willpower: </td><td>10(10)</td></tr><tr><td>Limit Track: </td><td>0/10</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Virtues</strong></td></tr><tr><td> Valor </td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Compassion </td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Conviction </td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td> Temperance </td><td>5</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Health</strong></td></tr><tr><td> -0 </td><td>( )</td></tr><tr><td> -1 </td><td>( )( )</td></tr><tr><td> -2 </td><td>( )( )</td></tr><tr><td> -4 </td><td>( )</td></tr><tr><td> inc </td><td>( )  </td></tr><tr><td> Dying </td><td>( )( )( )</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr/> <br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Background: </strong></td><td>21pts Total</td></tr><tr><td> Artifacts: <div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Robe of Flowing Waters</div><div class="spoiler_body">A exceptionally made silk Armor, as 3th dot, has added soak and hardness values thanks it's enchantments cut down the power of incoming blows like how water tide would push aside a log off course in a river. Was gifted to him by his parents after graduation from Spire Academy (as forewise knowing their sons ambittions they expected him targeted by assassins or other brutes violently).</div></div>, Hearthstone Jade Greaves &amp; Auspicious Secret Seals</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Manse: Jewel of Clever Merchant</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td> Reputation: <em>"Shiaka of Nellens"</em></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Retainers: <div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Details</div><div class="spoiler_body">-A maid <strong>Jolly</strong> (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/akatsukinoyona/images/c/ce/Gi-Gan_Mugshot.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20150211055118), she had been constant presence in Taleda's life. She practically raised Taleda and is mother figure of him, as mother remained distant (at least until he exalted), but she supported him, listened him and even changed his diapers. Albeit many times he had been offered new maids he has refused, wanting keep Jolly so long she is capable of working and has desire to work. So far Jolly haven't asked to retire yet, wanting watch her little lording 'a little further'. Albeit clearly years start get on her but she carries her age with grace and carries much wisdom from her years as dynastic household servant. Her duties mostly involve keeping his residence organized, tidy, clean and safe and overall is second in command when commanding rest of the retainers and they respect her as absolute authority below Taleda.<br/>-Trio of bodyguards; <strong>Jojo</strong>, <strong>Boba</strong> and <strong>Toba</strong> (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/02/e3/a7/02e3a7891c7af8b76bca8d2933e35c2a.jpg), triplet brothers with hyper muscular bodies and clear incestuous and homosexual leanings. Albeit they play 'incest' flair as a joke between each other (just make other folks uncomfortable just sake for laughs), but they are gay and they appraise any men they meet as part of their work. They all three admire and fantasize on their lord (Taleda) but they know his preference and do not intrude on his privacy (unless joking around which Taleda sometimes humors but then using jokingly lordly demeanor dismiss them or ridicule them in public). But three brothers are loyal and skilled in wrestling and unarmed combat, albeit not practice any true supernatural martial art. But if need for weapons they can wield them well as well (Jojo uses chain, Boba a great axe and Toba a spear). When not working they prefer southern style silks and loose clothes, but in workwear actual reinforced buff jackets. Albeit in truth they are little match to exalted but they have skill strike a imposing presence, especially together, to keep the rabble out. That's all what Taleda hopes and expects from them, plus handling mortal tier threats. Also they work very well for manual labor, as all three brothers train their muscles exclusively and are far above average athletic (Jolly exclusively borrows them often when she needs some heavy lifting).<br/>-Personal Spy/Agent <strong>Moya</strong> (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/10/e6/10/10e610a3a9688d26c69840a414ed22a1.png), she was a patrician's daughter, a patrician who got indebted to Guild thanks gambling addiction to point he was forced to sell his daughter to them. However Taleda interfered, he did buy her but gave her freedom in the same token. But she refused accept his benevolence and pity, instead swearing her body and life for him, so using his connections she was send as understudy to learn arts of stealth, spying and assassination. Once she graduated, she became his spy, assassin and agent in the night when need to. Albeit Taleda is competent in such arts as well, but he cannot be two places at once and she may have better training for the actual assassination part. She has cut ties to her former patrician family, disgusted how her father used her, and is entirely devoted to her role serving Taleda and Taleda alone.<br/>-Personal Chef <strong>Vaadre Malda</strong> (https://data.whicdn.com/images/176329389/original.jpg), Malda graduated from finest dynasty chef schools in Realm and also he has traveled abroad to learn cuisine from north, west, south, and east and mastered dynastic menu as well. However circumstance where he became personal chef to Taleda was when he was given an immense fortune to poison dish which was meant delivered to Taleda who was attending in the restaurant he worked at, he refused, on principle not 'never despoil his dishes with poison!'. However for his deed, he was attacked by assassins later as means to silence him, but thanks to him Taleda had overheard his statement and send Moya guard over him and his bodyguards in shadows joined the skirmish, dealt the assassins and then in gratitude one top chefs ever produced from mortal stock joined Taleda's staff of retainers. He is an absolute perfectionist, loud and demanding in his kitchen and only Jolly matches his resolve and stubbornness. Besides practicing culinary arts, trying new ingredients, he has little interest in his life as he is a workaholic.<br/>-Personal doctor <strong>Shomeya Tay</strong> (https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRxi4jTLfKCbB64QKujnQf96oHKtesIML4jkcS-AASVtX0v-0p9&amp;usqp=CAU), she ran hospital for the poor and she ran into financial crisis and Taleda then created connections how her hospital can be upkept with small business ran aside on it. Not luxurious or well eguipped but still better than nothing as form of free healthcare for the very poor in the Realm. She in gratitude joined his staff, she did graduate from medicine school but she saw her skills most needed by poor of the realm (she herself grew among the poor but got lucky as she got adopted by patrician). Now she had trained some local folks as her protege, not full fledged doctors but nurses able deal most problems and so she is Taleda's personal doctor and she sends most her salary to hospital. <br/>-Courier <strong>Khelp the Salamander</strong> (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c0/d1/94/c0d194ec5e312644537204f337434238.jpg), he was a southern young man who pickpocketed a wrong dynast, he was being beaten to death by offended dynast when Taleda interferred, spoke for his behalf and managed annoy dynast enough give up from the 'entertainment' and Taleda offered Khelp then coin for some food and place to stay. As he knew he would not steal if not for need. Khelp, impressed on Taleda's compassion and being first ever stand up for him (dynast no less) he then devoted to be his conman! Albeit Moya covers that stuff already, but what Khelp is good at he knows the streets, knows how run fast, be sneaky and is loyal. So reliable messenger with bit flair and charisma. So Taleda took him as courier as primary role but he is bit jack of all trades, doing errands for him or go do gather rumors in bars and taverns or what 'streets speaks'. Salamander came from his ability for being swift and quick on feet (and also hide).<br/>-Concubine <strong>lady Misuki</strong> (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/45/12/29/4512299fc596fbf5d877f681e1b60c04.jpg), Misuki was on same age as Taleda was during his accident, she was assigned as his 'eyes' by a highly Nellens loyal patrician family who was trusted. She helped guide Taleda around, read for him, descripe things for him and provide music for him to ease his mind. As he learned move by himself and learn memorize places and things, even develop his sharp hearing, she remained his side as confidant. However in Spire albeit she read study manuals, she grasped and learned only little herself and Taleda quickly adapted to write blindly by himself. As he graduated and started to do his business empire and political career, Misuki had sort chance elope and seek her own path. But she did not, she continued to be his eyes, entertainer and then decided to wholly devote herself to him. Part for duty but also for her feelings for him, she became his personal concubine. She studied the more sensual arts in Cynis brothel, studied music, dance and also higher court and socializing skills. Where her lord may miss visual clues, she can inform him of those. Also to be his eyes, she was trained well to spot things and details for him and learn many languages and writing as well. In carnal capacity Taleda have used her few times before political career, but as his growing frustrations grew more intense and regular, he relieved stress he experienced on her body but even then he did not slash out (despite other veteran concubines and prostitutes warned potential violent bursts which may come from as part of relieving stress and taught how hide bruises from such events). She is duty bound to enjoy regularly night tea, ensure she does not pregnant as pregnancy would complicate things between her and her lord. Incovenience him, but same time, she hopes lord would care more for her besides being his eyes and concubine, as they grew together since start of primary school and academy years. But Taleda has once told her; "If I take wife, I wish she lives long besides me, as already I am preparing face funeral of my mother before I reach my first century." So he has already shot down chances taking a mortal wife, like his father had done but it sort was forced on him while Nellens no doubt plans a actual marriage with another exalted dynasts to improve breeding rate of the house. But still, she is perhaps, besides Jolly, dearest to his heart.<br/></div></div></td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td> Breeding: Very good blood</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td> Resource: Running a entire southern family small business network</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td> Henchman: Soaring Iron Sky</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Connections: The Thousand Scales</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td> Connections: Finances</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td> Connections: The Deliberative</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td> Connections: Inteligence</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td> Connections: Merchants</td><td>1</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Merits: </strong></td><td>8pts Total</td></tr><tr><td> Special Sense: Echo Location </td><td>2pts</td></tr><tr><td> Enchanting Features </td><td>2pts</td></tr><tr><td> 2xExtra Favored Ability </td><td>4pts</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Flaws: </strong></td><td>-10pts Total</td></tr><tr><td> Code of Honor: Always honor your promises/agreements </td><td>2pts</td></tr><tr><td> Obligation (Sesus Nagezzer 'The Slug') </td><td>2pts</td></tr><tr><td> Missing Arm (right) </td><td>2pts</td></tr><tr><td> Diminished Sense (sight; complete blindness) </td><td>4pts</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Intimacies: </strong></td></tr><tr><td> Make justice and laws and trials in court fair both exalted and mortals alike despite social status (Motivation) </td></tr><tr><td> House Nellens (family/positive)</td></tr><tr><td> Sesus Nagezzer 'The Slug'  (Shady man, dangerous in shadows/negative)</td></tr><tr><td> Other dynasts (blood kin, but not family and thus dangerous/negative)</td></tr><tr><td> Commoners/Mortals (often downtrodden, need protected/positive)</td></tr><tr><td> The Deliberate (a broken and disappointing institution/negative)</td></tr><tr><td> Business (a fascinating game played by silver tokens/positive)</td></tr><tr><td> Parents (love/positive)</td></tr><tr><td> Retainers (Devoted, loyal and beloved subordinates/positive)</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr/><strong>Combat</strong><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Join Battle:  </td><td>6   </td><td>Dodge:  </td><td>7   </td><td>Parry:  </td><td>5   </td><td>Soak:  </td><td> 8L/8B   </td><td>Hardness:  </td><td> 6 </td><td>Mobility Penalty:  </td><td> -0 </td></tr><tr><td>MDD:  </td><td>8   </td><td>MDP:  </td><td>3   </td></tr></tbody></table>---<br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>Attack  </td><td>Spd  </td><td>Acc  </td><td>Dmg/Overwhelming  </td><td>Def  </td><td>Rate  </td><td>Range  </td><td>Tags  </td></tr><tr><td> Punch  </td><td>4  </td><td>+1  </td><td>+0B</td><td>+2</td><td>3</td><td>-</td><td>Natural</td></tr><tr><td> Clinch  </td><td>5  </td><td>+0  </td><td>+0B</td><td>--</td><td>1</td><td>-</td><td>Natural, Piercing, Clinch</td></tr><tr><td> Kick  </td><td>4  </td><td>+0  </td><td>+3B</td><td>-2</td><td>2</td><td>-</td><td>Natural</td></tr></tbody></table><hr/><strong>CHARMS</strong><br/><br/><strong>Excellencies;</strong> <em>First Martial Arts Excelency</em>, <em>Second Bureucracy Excelency</em>, <em>Terrestrial Bureucracy Reinforcement</em>, <em>Second Investigation Excellency</em><br/><br/>Martial Arts:<br/>-Swallowing the Lotus Roots, permanent (reduce cost and time to learn terrestrial arts)<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Terrestrial Hero Style</div><div class="spoiler_body">-Currents Sweep to Sea, 1m/Sup (allows do knockdown on target, no dmg, penalty equal MA, if do follow up clinch, add that many dice to do clinch)<br/>-Pounding Surf Style, 1m(+1WP)/Sup (allows reduce armored soak -1 per hit by an attack or clinch, stacking, burning WP allows ignore hardness)<br/>-Flow From the Rocks, 2m/Sup (clinch or grapple control check enhanced by this gets victim on hold, extra successes reduce armor and effective until clincher's next action, but if continue using charm, reduction continues to apply/stack)<br/>-Blade Deflecting Palm, 1m/Scene (allows parry lethal attacks/ranged attacks without stunt)<br/>-Become the Hammer, 1m/Tick (allows UA attacks count as lethal<br/>-Disarming Strike Prana, 3m+1wp/Simple (allows perform disarm action without penalties, not take/break, but throw weapon 5 + 1 yard per additional success) <br/>-Dragon-Claw Elemental Strike (water), 1m/Sup (upon hitting UA attack, the target gets +3 to tick before they can act again)<br/>-Terrestrial Hero Form, 5m/Simple (allows use MA score split between increasing soak 1L/2B or add +1 dice to grappling/clinch attacks, can reflexively change by -1 DV penalty, either focus to offense or defense change appearance between rolling violent tide to calm appearance)<br/></div></div><br/><br/>Bureaucracy:<br/>-Benevolent Master's Blessing, Indefinite (boosts reinforcement apply entire organization and ignore double of target's dice cap limit)<br/>-Finding Water's Depths 2m/scene (learns exact price other is willing to pay in negotiation, add essence to Wits+Bureucracy roll and target MDV and check is unblockable, +1 success over MDV learns is present offer half or more a target's maximum or minimum, +2 success lands on 10% range and +3 know the exact price, and if during charm duration exalt presents the exact price needed, the target must accept it or else burn 2 WP to resist this UMI effect)<br/>-Thoughtful Gift Technique, 8m+1wp/Simp (allows roll perception+bureucracy roll know the perfect gift to give to target, difficulty 1 + external penalty equal 1/2 manipulation+socialize, if succeed, then know perfect gift and if able offer it and target accepts it, creates unnatural servitude/loyalty, if exalt breaks/takes back what was given effect ends or when target has spend 5 WP to act disloyal manner, doesn't work on targets 1 or higher essence than user)<br/><br/>Investigation:<br/>-Scent of Crime Method, 2m/Simp (reveals people who feel guilt regarding crime/event, based on personalities/virtues in intensity, manipulation+investigation roll needed)<br/>-Tampering Detection Technique, 2m/Simp (instantly tells if the targeted object has been tampered withing last year, reveals when it tampered and also how, works once per object and needs roll off if any tampering involved charms, even if an excellency)<br/><br/>Larceny<br/>-Observer Awareness Method, 1m/Ref (perception+larceny success x 10 radius detect anyone who is observing/eavesdropping, 1 success needed to be aware and more success helps pinpoint locations of observers/listeners, supernatural concealment prevents pinpointing but still allows detection being observed by unseen/unwanted party)<br/><br/>Presence:<br/>-Auspicious First Meeting Attitude, 2m/Scene (gain +3 specialty to target to any social abilities targeting it, -1 reduction per interval)<br/><br/><hr/><strong>THAUMTURGY&amp;SORCERY</strong><br/><br/>Degrees:<br/><br/><hr/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong><strong>BONUS POINTS 43/43</strong></strong></td></tr><tr><td>(8) Improve Attributes: </td><td>Dexterity 3&gt;5</td></tr><tr><td>(5) Improve/Purchase Abilities/Specialities: </td><td>Awareness 3&gt;5, Dodge 1&gt;3, Investigation:Secrets+2</td></tr><tr><td>(10) Improve/Purchase Backgrounds: </td><td>Connections:Finances 1&gt;2, Connections:Inteligence 0&gt;1, Connections:Merchants 0&gt;1, Manse 0&gt;1, Reputation 0&gt;3, Retainers 0&gt;3</td></tr><tr><td>(5) Improve Willpower: </td><td>5&gt;10</td></tr><tr><td>(7) Improve Virtues: </td><td>Conviction 3&gt;5, Temperance 2&gt;5, Compassion 2&gt;3, Valor 2&gt;3</td></tr><tr><td>(8) Purchase Merits: </td><td>+2 Enchanced Features, +4 2xExtra Favored Ability, +2 Special Sense: Echo Location</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br/><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong><strong>XP 131/130</strong></strong></td></tr><tr><td> -35 </td><td>Master Terrestrial Hero Style up to form + 4 DB native MA charms</td></tr><tr><td> -25 </td><td>Raise Abilities; Stealth 1&gt;3, Larceny 1&gt;3, Presence 1&gt;3, Investigation 1&gt;4, Integrity 1&gt;3</td></tr><tr><td> -20 </td><td>Raise essence; 2&gt;3</td></tr><tr><td> -40 </td><td>Purchase Charm; Second Investigation Excellency, Thoughtful Gift Technique, Scent of Crime Method, Observer Awareness Method, Tampering Detection Technique</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Background</div><div class="spoiler_body">Nellens Taleda was born into dynastic house Nellens (https://thirdexalt.fandom.com/wiki/House_Nellens), his father, Nellens Daran (https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/31a92255-861d-40f4-ad78-a2efd309b0d2/d318lqc-d36f84b0-a884-4f63-9ca7-cc7457a4ed51.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpc3MiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwic3ViIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsImF1ZCI6WyJ1cm46c2VydmljZTpmaWxlLmRvd25sb2FkIl0sIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiIvZi8zMWE5MjI1NS04NjFkLTQwZjQtYWQ3OC1hMmVmZDMwOWIwZDIvZDMxOGxxYy1kMzZmODRiMC1hODg0LTRmNjMtOWNhNy1jYzc0NTdhNGVkNTEuanBnIn1dXX0.WH9Mnb5nRT9i1X2Pa8lEPbqKgHkRuEwXY6dlr6mv03E) being one adopted lost eggs from threshold a three decades ago. He was mercenary and had become house general of the few troops what house Nellens sport (mostly made from mortals and trained by his father). After half a decade in house service, he married into the house; marrying Nellens Theryss (https://i.pinimg.com/236x/fc/fe/d7/fcfed74e1cb287397592f33bf1754c16--game-character-chinese-style.jpg), an unexalted scion of the house and renown for running a tailor imperium in capital and renown for fashion sense and designs and having even exalted clients for her stores. However, she had exalted ancestors so the house hoped for fruitful union; and they succeed in two years give birth to Taleda.<br/><br/>His early childhood was filled with lots of mentors and retainers, however as his father was not dynast he spends more time than usual with him and mentored him on basis of melee combat, archery and warfare personally. Albeit his strongest skills were clearly on martial arts which his father did not know at all. Mother was 'dragged' to these meetings as well but she was more distant to him. In entering primary school she designed excellent clothes for him, she personally tailor-made clothes for Taleda and he was happy! At an age of nine, he was the graduation ceremony and till then he had been raised in Nellens family household (which was also manse). He had not known his house reputation nor status; it became brutally clear as he became a target of bullying by other dynastic kids who viewed his house as 'dropout' house. Worst bully was Sesus Rama, he was the ring leader of the bullies and he had already exalted <em>before</em> entering the primary school! So his status, along with his powers, made him besides annoying a dangerous boy to anger even among teachers.<br/><br/>But during the first weeks of school as Rama purposefully dirtied Taleda's clothes with ink, clothes which his mother had loving care made for him.....he smacked him across the face hard! Of course, a fight ensued, Sesus Rama's anima was about flux before an exalted instructor cooled him down but told Taleda is temporally suspended for <em>his</em> behavior. Rama got verbal slap on wrist about his actions, but he was not settled on the issue! After school, he stalked on Taleda, once home Taleda was lectured by his parents and go to Nellens farms to learn some humility. He was transported there on the same day, but Rama learned where he was going and he already made plans come to do a 'visit' during free weekend days on the farm.<br/><br/>Then on the farm, he was introduced to one Nellens retainers, a simple old man with son who is married and runs a family farm for Nellens one agricultural operations. As a side business, they distill spirits, pure as possible, for Immaculate ceremonies or other medical purposes (and privately old man enjoys sip now and then warm his bones). Taleda was sad being on the farm but he learned lessons indeed in humility, learn to turn another cheek in face of insults, and not lose his cool. But he also learned family and old man were happy working for Nellens for a simple reason; they weren't arrogant, they cared for simple mortals like them and valued their work and contribution for the Empire.<br/><br/>Unawares, Sesus Rama came during late Friday night to the farms, Taleda was working late night in a distillery on spirits as he had to keep watch on the boiling process and keep boiler warm. Sesus Rama then appeared and activated his anima and intended to burn Taleda good! Intending not just beat him; to ruin him! However, Sesus Rama was not aware what fire along with fumes of high alcohol can do when you kick down boiler in a fight....it caused a <em>massive</em> explosion! Where Taleda covered his face with arm, but the explosion tore off his arm with debris and fire reached on his face and eyes and send him flying and tumbling, barely alive. Sesus Rama was alive, conscious but horribly scarred. He now moved from merely ruining Taleda to kill him! But before Sesus Rama had chance to even reach unconscious and injured Taleda, the old farmer impaled Sesus Rama from behind! Killing him in the process!<br/><br/>Nobody knew what made simple old farmer so foolish, as Taleda came conscious a couple days later, his face mostly healed with not even scars. But his arm was gone as were his eyesight. But hearing what was going on he told what happened. He heard the old man had already been arrested and executed by a magistrate for treason and the rest of the family was on investigation about involvement, Taleda told what occurred and the rest of the family was excused from charges. So was the old man who was given a proper immaculate funeral, as even if he slew exalt but he, in essence, prevented the murder of a dynastic heir by another heir (and as he was house Nellens retainer he was viewed having every right protect house member from harm). Nellens house even got compensation from Sesus from reckless unforgiven behavior from their prodigy.<br/><br/>As blind Taleda was guided to the grave of the old man, feel the carvings with the palm of his hand he swore in name of dragons not allow such injustice happen again.....and at that moment he exalted. His strong emotion sworn oath had awakened blood of dragons in him! He felt no different but his retainers all gasped and knelt as he glowed in pure azure colors as he made his pledge. His house celebrated, but the same time mourned, that he had exalted perhaps too late in regards to avoiding the crippling injuries he took. Since then he had to study and learn live with an only left hand in use, live on as blind, and as he was unable to read he was assigned a young patrician girl (older than him) as his aid to help walk around and study by reading for him. He was determined however to live, be successful. Careers in House of Bells not possible, nor in Hepthagram, so the only place left was in Spire for him.<br/><br/>At the age of fifteen, he graduated among top grades in primary school and joined on Spire on studies, naturally, his assistant followed. However, his father had found a mentor, a blind martial artist, who taught privately Taleda how to fight blind. Learn listen, hear, and use sounds bouncing around as means navigate and move. It took years, but for exalted, they can master what takes mortals lifetime a just a few years. Soon Taleda walked and moved just fine blind around buildings and managed even identify people by their smells or frequency of footsteps. He learned the simple martial arts; most basic of brawling styles available as he fights bests when close and able clinch on his foes. But he could not read, so his assistant had to read for him still as there was no manuscript for blind people, yet another renovation that Taleda believes needs to be fixed in the society. Already in Spiral Academy his ideals for 'equality' between mortal commoners, patricians, and exalted alike were viewed 'outlandish' or even 'heretic'. He was not liked as Nellens but more so for his ideals which made him quite alienated from fellow dynasts. So unlike many dynasts he did not attend many social gathering parties, despite many thought him brilliant and charming company on a personal level. But he grew extremely popular among the still mortal patrician students in Spiral Academy and formed a solid network with them than fellow dynasts.<br/><br/>He graduated top grades in from Spiral Academy, specializing in business and marketing. His parents gave an exquisite gift; a custom made silk armor that both looks astonishing stylish on him but also provides potent yet subtle protection for a bureaucrat. Taleda wanted to make a difference so he boldly struck out plan form several chain small businesses that would benefit him but also his house (as money is influence and power), but he lacked capital at a time. As elders of Nellens viewed him 'too young' and 'too reckless and naive' still thanks his dangerous idealogy. However, one man was fascinated by his ideas; Sesus Nagezzer (https://thirdexalt.fandom.com/wiki/Sesus_Nagezzer). However despite his honeyed words of sympathy he further impressed him with 'seeing' straight through his ploy, he wanted someone well-connected person in Thousand Scales, an informant, and influencer for his needs. Taleda agreed to be either one of those, help or aid Sesus Nagezzer with a major favor, undisclosed otherwise in method or date, in future if he provides capital and contacts needed for Taleda's plan. Sesus Nagezzer agreed on the proposal and he provided what Taleda needed to get started, perhaps years ahead in his age in making trade imperium made from small businesses that work alongside Nellens and provide house additional income but mostly give <em>him</em> wealth as well.<br/><br/>What it ends resulted? He gained more contact, luxury, retainers, and his deeds were rewarded with artifacts provided by Nellens house and also manse for his personal residence. He knows someday he needs to return the favor to Sesus Nagezzer but so far he has remained quiet. So far Taleda has made his own personal quest in Thousand Scales to drive revolutionary ideas and improvements for regards to how laws affect and work on mortals and dynasts alike, he tries to make law fair and just to all people despite their social status! <br/><br/>During Scarlet Empress rein he was strictly assigned to lesser chambers under a senator who was a senile old patrician who was set on his ways. He was merely assistant to an old man (and considering the amount of paperwork he would have started developing cramps on his wrist if not keeping up his martial art routine). He used his income and wealth to bribe several senators' assistants, forming contact networks in the system to get even proposals far as into chamber debate should any of his outlandish law proposals get through! It appeared a hopeless battle (he was not aware of the true design of The Deliberate), but he was making a progress and for his efforts, which included also some ruthless threats and back deals. But despite his influence, wealth, and knowledge of the law, he was not <em>allowed</em> to become senator to present his house! He sensed some greater force interfered but was not sure.<br/><br/>For his ruthless business acumen, the way how he carried himself in court devouring all information, secrets, and enemies alike he earned monicker as <em>"Shiaka (Shark) of Nellens"</em>, which he wears as (intimidating) badge of honor. As thanks to his contacts and influence, he had grown into a rather dangerously influential charismatic influencer in the lesser chamber with a lot of power. As Scarlet Empress disappeared, he gained just kick of enough influence to get him promoted as senator (and go rite of passage arrive in time for an appointment, using disguise avoid interference for his journey). However, once he became a senator and believed he could make sense...he then truly saw how at a mess The Deliberate is now that Scarlet Empress is gone! He joined chamber meetings and in end saw entire affair boring and pointless shouting match as each house representatives could not get agreement even on the simplest of things!<br/><br/>After years of struggle, Taleda felt drained on the endless political ocean (and the fruitless and powerless struggle in there) and sought to relax in doing more mundane and simpler things; like starting a new business or do bit scouting opportunity. So thus it leads him to set sail to the satrapy of Visayan to seek new opportunities, whether trade or political or simple couple weeks break from debates in Great Chamber.</div></div></div>