Part 1: The Basics
1. What is your full name? Selah Medanas
2. Where and when were you born? 2E 312, on the 18th of Sun's Height, in the Telvanni Isles
3. Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.) Gorath and Illul Medanas. They died decades ago, I am not sure any of their traits are currently relevant.
4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like? My only sister died young as well, unfortunately.
5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people. I have a small house in the middle of Mournhold, as reasonably decorated (though certainly not gaudy) as I think fit. I live alone, although my apprentice, whoever they might be at the time, is usually there during the day. My current one is a young female Dunmer named Hlireni.
6. What is your occupation? My day is usually spent performing alchemical and magical research, and the fruits of that tend to be enough to live on comfortably.
7. Write a full physical description of yourself. I stand at slightly less than the average height for my kind, assuming I am standing upright of course, I do tend unfortunatley to bend over a bit thanks to my age. I am also somewhat on the thin side - I have heard "skeletal" used, although I would not go so far as to agree. My skin - wrinkled, naturally - is on the greyer side of blue, my eyes quite red, and my hair white with a bit of yellow to it. There aren't any specific marks to speak of, at least ones that would be visible to others.
8. To which social class do you belong? Firmly middle-class, it would seem. Perhaps on the higher end of that.
9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses? Age, of course! And a lack of musculature that comes from not needing to build it.
10. Are you right- or left-handed? Right by nature, though I make an effort to have as much use of both as possible.
11. What does your voice sound like? I cannot say I have ever heard it properly. If I had to venture a guess, from what I can tell of the altered sound that comes from hearing my own speech, it is slightly deeper than usual and quite raspy.
12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently? Whatever is most correct for what I am describing. I tend to prefer a certain paucity and exactness of speech.
13. What do you have in your pockets? Generally alchemical reagents and other magical aids. If I am specifically travelling to the market I bring coin with me, naturally.
14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics? I prefer not to allow my emotions to be so obviously available and exaggerated as others seem to insist upon.
Part 2: Growing Up
15. How would you describe your childhood in general? The first few years could be considered... standard. Upon the discovery of my magical talents I spent most of my time developing them under the tutelage of a conjurer of House Telvanni.
16. What is your earliest memory? Most of my memories of childhood are quite blurred by my age, although I quite remember from my fifth year a riddle game (quite a silly one in retrospect) I played with my sister.
17. How much schooling have you had? Exstensive. I could say that I have been learning my entire life, and it would be quite accurate to say so, but my time as an actual student under others lasted until I was approximately thirty-five.
18. Did you enjoy school? More or less. My tutors were stern, but that is exactly what I would hope, and their insistence on me learning by my own initiative, while potentially overwhelming at first, did very well to prepare me for life in general.
19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities? In my studies and wanderings after my formal education finished. I cannot say more, they are secrets I would do well to keep as such.
20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them. I happened to have moderately extensive contact with one of the Magisters during my formative years, and her skill in developing power and authority is something I still admire to this day.
21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family? Very well. My parents had little reason to need to provide me with discipline, and the way I took to my studies seems to have pleased them considerbly. My sister, frivolous as she could be, was a good mer regardless, and I do remember her fondly.
22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Magister of House Telvanni, naturally. I am still working to that goal.
23. As a child, what were your favorite activities? Reading, exploration and painting, generally. I never showed much talent at the latter, though, and I have not done so in quite some time.
24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display? I would not say that I showed any. My preference to maintain a calm demeanor seems to be one that comes quite naturally to me. I did tend to be slightly... looser about it, however.
25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like? I always had quite a few, and I made acquaintances faster than one might expect, although the actual circle of my friends did tend to change moderately often as the circumstances of my life did. In any case, I believe all of them have long since passed.
26. When and with whom was your first kiss? To be honest, I don't remember his name. He was a fellow student, that I do remember.
27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity? I believe it was the same person, actually.
28. If you are a supernatural being, tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. That story I do remember very specifically. I was just short of twenty years of age, in the year 331. A representative of Great House Telvanni was looking through our area for those with potential in the magical arts, and my sister and I were among those tested. She showed some small potential, but mine was apparently quite large; the spells I was asked to cast came forth remarkably smoothly. I was immediately marked for further education in the magical arts.
Part 3: Past Influences
29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far? The story I mentioned above, of how my magical ability was properly discovered.
30. Who has had the most influence on you? Most likely the magister I mentioned earlier. My parents' support of my studies may have been this, though.
31. What do you consider your greatest achievement? I prefer not to boast, but you seem to insist. During a time I spent travelling, I came across a village that had been forced under a cult devoted to Prince Mehrunes Dagon. Naturally, such an abomination cannot be allowed to remain in Tamriel and with the aid of those so oppressed, and by killing their leader in a magical duel, I succeeded in killing most of them and scattering the rest.
32. What is your greatest regret? That I have not risen very high despite the work I have done over my nearly three centuries of life.
33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done? That is... a very unusual thing to ask. Some would say it is the times I have used my power to "bully" others for influence or physical gain, although as far as I am concerned I have earned that right by working to gain power in the first place.
34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind? I do not. Criminal acts tend to cause more loss than gain in the long run.
35. When was the time you were the most frightened? Frightened... I do not feel that very often. Perhaps when I was first taken from my home to begin my studies, the first time I was in an unfamiliar place. Unfamiliar places tend to bother me in general even now, to be honest.
36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you? I find it interesting that you believe I would answer this question. But I will. During my youth, attempting to explore sexuality (this was before I determined it wasn't for me, of course), I could be somewhat too... direct and forceful about it. I remember getting an angry response from some girl I was attempting to do said explorations with. That is probably as close to embarrassment as I have experienced.
37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why? There are a few small missed opportunities in finding magical abilities that I realize in retrospect I should have taken. In general I believe my life has gone well, however.
38. What is your best memory? The day of my sister's wedding. Seeing her so happy, and rightly so, was quite affecting.
39. What is your worst memory? Learning that my sister had died, particularly since it had come so soon after the previous.
Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic? I would say the former. I strongly believe in the ability of a person to end up well if they have made a proper effort at doing so.
41. What is your greatest fear? I suppose that would be the knowledge of my mortality, especially at my age. Ideally I can find some way to prevent that.
42. What are your religious views? Of course I worship the Tribunal, and follow the precepts of the Temple.
43. What are your political views? I believe that those who have gained authority should be allowed to wield it without interference from those who have shown they do not have the will or mental strength to gain such a position themselves. If they wished to have a say in the running of the state they should have worked to put themselves into a position to do so rather than asking for it to be handed to them without effort.
44. What are your views on sex? I have tried it a few times. I don't understand what everyone seems to see in it.
45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable? It is not a decision that should be made lightly, but it often has to be made, and the refusal to kill when it must be done is a failure of will, and I have no respect for it.
46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do? To stand by and allow others to act in a generally destructive manner when they have the power to prevent it. Naturally, I suppose that might apply to those who destroy for no reason as well.
47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love? I have no reason to think not. Some people seem to be more or less compatible, and it stands to reason that some specific pair may be so much so as to be perfect for each other.
48. What do you believe makes a successful life? Working hard to achieve one's goals, and setting high goals for one's self to achieve.
49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings? None of my feelings are usually relevant to the situation at hand. I usually see no need to display them.
50. Do you have any biases or prejudices? I have generally found moral and mental weakness to be stronger in humans and the beast races than elsewhere. It is not a universal truth, naturally, but it is considerably more common with them than Dunmer.
51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it? I could never consider betraying my people or otherwise dishonoring them.
52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)? Only for myself or for the good of the Tribunal.
Part 5: Relationships With Others
53. In general, how do you treat others? I treat them with precisely as much respect and trust as their actions have earned. I tend to give people some slight allowance if I do not yet know them; enough to allow them a chance to prove themselves, though of course not enough to open myself to attack.
54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why? I cannot say I am one to choose favorites in such a way. Whoever is my assistant at the time tends to be quite important, of course, if nobody else.
55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why? I would have to spread that among the three Gods of our people, for they have used their great power to aid our prosperity and defense very well.
56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people. I have a good few, usually of advanced age like myself. They are mostly mages, though a couple are warriors and a few have less glamorous occupations.
57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person. I do not.
58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened. No. I have tried, but it has never come to me.
59. What do you look for in a potential lover? I am not interested in that.
60. How close are you to your family? I make absolutely sure to provide their spirits with considerably more than the necessary devotion. They earned it in their lives.
61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not? I have no interest in it. I would prefer to choose those I am close to rather than have it placed on my by chance.
62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help? I would generally seek the nearest person I have reason to believe I can trust.
63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why? I prefer to protect myself. If I am not strong enough to do so I do not deserve to succeed.
64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you? Most of my friends likely would, I should hope. I will not be so naive as to think they wouldn't get over it fairly quickly, though.
65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why? On my travels I once came across a snivelling rat of an outlaw hiding in the hills of northeast Cyrodiil. He was easy to scare off once he learned I had some power, but it became obvious that he had decided to indulge his cowardice by trying to find the weakest around to take from. His attempts rarely succeded, but the fact that he did so rather than attempt to build real ability is something I find utterly reprehensible.
66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict? The latter. General conflict rarely does anyone good, and if someone is not currently causing me trouble I rarely hold a grudge.
67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations? If at all possible.
68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not? It depends on the situation. Most of the time they tend to be more of a bother than a help, and I prefer more direct personal conversation, but there can be much to be learned from the general crowd.
69. Do you care what others think of you? I naturally prefer others to think well of me, but I will not misrepresent myself to bring that about. If others think so poorly of me, it is likely their own failings that cause them to do so.
Part 6: Likes And Dislikes
70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes? I am quite the devotee of card games, as well as more serious cartomancy. In my spare time, when I have no experiments to perform, I might write on the subjects I am studying. I am proud to say that some of those have been published, though they tend to be forgotten quickly.
71. What is your most treasured possession? Upon learning she was dying my sister left me an emerald amulet, that I keep in a very safe place.
72. What is your favorite color? That strikes me as an exceptionally frivolous thing to have a favorite of.
73. What is your favorite food? I have been taught a very good recipe for a cake that includes comberries, and I particularly enjoy making that for special occassions.
74. What, if anything, do you like to read? Technical works, for the most part.
75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit? I partake in alcohol occasionally, but not any other such things. I certainly hope I would be able to end such a habit if I began it!
77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night? You mean Loredas, I believe? There is an old soldier at the end of my street who organizes card games every Loredas, and I usually attend.
78. What makes you laugh? Very little
79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you? Equally as little.
80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself? I thankfully do not suffer from that very often, but if it does happen I merely spend the time in contemplation.
81. How do you deal with stress? I find it tends to disperse on its own if I allow it to.
82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan? The latter. Plans, in my experience, always bring about a far better result.
83. What are your pet peeves? Cowardice and pettiness.
Part 7: Self Images And Etc.
84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted? Upon awakening, at six, I prepare wickwheat pastries for myself and my assistant, who tends to arrive about an hour after. Between that and eleven we prepare the equipment and perform some preliminary activities, and if possible begin the experiments or production I have scheduled for that day. Between eleven and half to twelve we eat lunch. From then to five the main body of our daily work occurs. Depending on the apprentice - Hlireni, for instance, is quite sociable I have found - they may stay for a bit of time after to catch up on our separative lives. Once said apprentice leaves, if we have not decided to both attend some activity that evening, I eat supper. I usually have already decided on some evening activity, which varies day to day. I will then go to sleep at precisely nine-thirty if possible. If my daily work schedule is interrupted, for instance if an experiment requires my apprentice and they are not available, it can be difficult to find something to do in its place.
85. What is your greatest strength as a person? I like to belive that I have that strength of will and devotion to my goals that too many others lack.
86. What is your greatest weakness? I seem to miss opportunities a bit more often than I like, often due to being distracted by other obligations or preferences.
87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I perhaps could use a little more spontaneity, as my tendency to be set in my habits can have its problems.
88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted? The difference between the proper meaning of those words and their usual understanding makes it difficult to say. I do tend to enjoy spending time with others whenever I can, even if I am not as skilled at it as I would like to be. But by the technical definition of the term, finding gratification from myself, I would properly be an introvert.
89. Are you generally organized or messy? I have found those who are messier tend to be less upstanding people and therefore I am quite glad to be very organized.
90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at. I am highly skilled at alchemy, spellcraft and technical writing. I seem to have considerable difficulty with physical exertion, persuasion and, sadly, painting.
91. Do you like yourself? Naturally.
92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? Both are very much the same. I adventure to find new possible sources of power and knowledge, and ensure that the proper order of the world is preserved.
93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime? To become a magister of House Telvanni, and thereupon to keep said position and lifetime going as long as possible.
94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Likely in a similar place as now, though hopefully with some advancement in my goals.
95. If you could choose, how would you want to die? Not at all, or, at least, of old age some centuries from now.
96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left. I would ensure my inheritance is in order, finish or leave in as finishable a state as possible any lines of inquiry I was working on, and, unless I had some way of preventing the event immediately available, calmly and patiently await the end.
97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death? Assuming that proves to be necessary, I should hope I will be remembered as devoted to my people and my gods.
98. What three words best describe your personality? Calm, upstanding and deliberate.
99. What three words would others probably use to describe you? Cold, uptight and boring, at least to many.
100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice…) I... don't think she takes advice that doesn't agree with her own world view very well in general, no matter how it's given. <_< I could try to tell her that allowing her emotions to come through more often can be perfectly well to her benefit, and she might accept that, but I wouldn't hold my breath.