Halcyon 'Hal' Xiloscient

Halcyon 'Hal' Xiloscient is a recent recurring character in the Adventures of Argus and not too much is known about this Oracle of Lore.

History
Hal was raised by Baergus Goldbraid as long as he can remember. Though Baergus Goldbraid is clearly not the biological father of Halcyon Xiloscient, Baergus tried his best to raise Hal given his circumstances of working as a surface dwarf merchant. Regardless of the rough and strict life Hal had to deal with on the trade routes with Baergus, Hal actually grew up better for it and learned the importance of altruism and the value in cooperation for the better good. For a time, Baergus and Hal would live in relative peace as they made their way to Stowtland from Creation's Crescent.

Eventually, when Hal reached the age of 11, Baergus finally talked to Hal about where Hal comes from and how he came to be under Baergus's care. According to Baergus, Hal was born to a High Elf Royal Sage and a Masic sorceress who met at Hyleeuh's capital. Furthermore, Hal's parents would have named Hal "Halcyon Xiloscient" if 'they were not gone at the time'. Last but not least, Baergus told Hal "Since your parents vanished not too long after an arcane experiment and Baergus owed it to them as close friends..." Baergus took it upon himself to raise Hal away from Hyleeuh.

Understandably, the young Hal had questions and tried to learn more despite Baergus's protests that his tale was the end of it. Supposedly, even if Hal wanted to go to Hyleeuh to learn more about his heritage, Baergus argued that the 'True Elves' would scoff at a 'half-blood outsider' and never deign Hal's attempts with the slightest respect. The only consolation that Hal got out of his talk with Baergus, was a set of high elven silken robes that would have been his parents' gift to celebrate Hal's transition into adulthood. Unfortunately for Baergus, Hal would still be haunted by Hyleeuh even in his dreams.

In Hal's sleep that night, he received a very profound and cryptic dream that would go on to define his path in life. In the dream, Hal stood on intricately etched tiles in an ominous observatory surrounded by a circle of eight ancient elves. As Hal wondered what was going on, the elves in unison spoke the following in ancient tongues and was understood as such before an abrupt awakening:

"Child of the Entwined Blood, thou shalt be remembered as Halcyon The Harrowed. Thine purpose is set and shall not be swayed, as foreseen by the Cabal of the Crescent . Though you will walk the paths of an Oracle, all roads shall follow through to the prophecy's scriptures..."

It was then that morning that Hal had awoken to the blessed and cursed powers of an Oracle, as he found his belongings orbiting above him before shortly collapsing to the ground. Alarmed, Baergus took Hal to see Stowtland's most studious scholars and insightful seers to discern why Hal is haunted as such. In spite of being unable to find an expert that could completely explain the enigma, Hal innately learned to harness the oracular powers granted to him over the course of four years.

Subsequently, when Baergus felt Hal could take care of himself, Hal was sent to herd trade route shipments and negotiate on Baergus's behalf when Hal seen his fifteenth winter. From there on, Hal's travels would go uneventfully until he received a letter from Baergus to travel to Argus and lend his assistance there six years later. Further tales of Hal's exploits at Argus will be discussed in detail in session summaries later.

Appearance
Aside from the traits he inherited from his elven father, Hal is pretty unremarkable in appearance and physique. If one wants to notice the unassuming half-elf, one just has to look for Hal's auburn blonde hair, half-elven ears, amber eyes, and his light olive complexion. In reality, Hal can only stand apart if he exerts his force of personality or if he equips himself accordingly.

In regards to Hal's outfit choices, normally chooses to wear the enchanted Hyleeuan silk robes he received from Baergus. When an adventure calls for more protection, Hal's been known to wear a mithral shirt and will always bring his enchanted darkwood shield. To complete Hal's wardrobe, a Headband of Alluring Charisma, a Cloak of Resistance, and a Spell Component Pouch

Personality
Initially, Hal grew up as a meek child that strived to make Baergus proud of him. Of course, as Hal grew up, he became more curious and began to question everything around him (I.E. Why am I here, why does my 'dad' look so different from me, etc.). Though Baergus did a good job of answering most of Hal's questions, Hal never stopped seeking answers. If there was one thing that Baergus taught him, aside from answers to his questions, was the value of hard work, altruism, and the benefits of cooperation. However, Hal would continue to learn more about himself when he realized that he is to be an oracle of lore.

With Oracular insights, Hal's curiosity was only magnified to reveal more about himself. In response to this great surge of power, Hal took it upon himself to use his powers for the good of Xeros, its people, and the deities of benevolence and knowledge. Though Hal pays respects to all non-evil deities of knowledge, Hal feels that his patron deity is Maghfin in honor of his heritage. However, the divine blessings of an oracle are a double edged sword.

As an oracle, Hal is powered by the many sources of divine magic that are drawn by access to the sacred portfolio of Lore. In exchange for being chosen to serve the divine mystery of Lore, each oracle suffers the burden of a curse that serves as a sign of their chosen fate (In Hal's case, his curse is represented by the haunting of ancient Hyleeuan spirits). Aside from this fated blessing and curse, an oracle is free to do as they wish and this is a terrifying thought to Hal. On one hand, such divine power could be used for good or ill intent. On the other hand, being an oracle is not a simple lot in life and is bound to face trials of great importance. Regardless, Hal accepts this destined duty for better or worse and will seek to see Xeros better for it.

Abilities
In terms of Hal's beginnings, the only thing that set Hal apart from everyone else was his steadfast personality. With time, Baergus trained Hal in the use of simple weapons, armor, and the vigilant skills necessary to aide a militant merchant on the trade routes. With Baergus's help, Hal would have made a fine career as a merchant if he was not chosen as an oracle.

With Hal's destined fate as an oracle of lore, he has all the spells, revelations, and curse that comes with being an oracle. With oracular revelations, Hal is able rely to rely on his force of personality to avoid attacks, and to call up more knowledge than he is normally able to (Thanks to the revelations of Sidestep Secret, Lore Keeper, and Mental Acuity) In addition, Hal has taken to divine casting with great skill and has acquired a selection of spells that is even improved upon by the Hyleeuan spirits haunting him. Among the selection of spells Hal has, he tends to favor spells of healing, summoning, utility, and protection. A few examples of favored spells include Pilfering Hand, Spiritual Weapon, the Cure Wounds line of spells, and the Summon Monster line of spells.

In addition to the racial traits commonly possessed by half-elves, Hal is able to cast a unique spell that can only be utilized by half-elf spellcasters called Paragon Surge. The spell Paragon Surge causes a surge of ancestral power through Hal, allowing him to embody all the strengths of both elves and masics. As a result, this allows Hal to tap into the dexterity and intelligence elves are known for and the prodigal feats of masics. It is with this particular spell that Hal is able to handle a wide range of situations, as Hal relies on the spell to grant a 'feat' of expanded arcana and spells known.

Furthermore as a result of magical expeditions undertaken by the Adventurers of Argus, Hal had acquired even more knowledge and gained the ability to cast Legend Lore as a spell-like ability.

Equipment and Magic Items
Enchanted Silken Ceremonial Robes - Hal's only connection to Hyleeuh, these robes were often a sign that an elf has transitioned into adulthood and ready to venture forth outside of Hyleeuh's borders. Though high elves are able to make heavier armors for the martially inclined, many spellcasters rely on these robes to protect themselves when they are not relying on spells to do so.

Masterwork Silvered Light Mace, Enchanted Darkwood Heavy Shield, and Dagger - This mace, dagger and shield was a gift from Baergus to help Hal protect himself when forced into melee. Though the mace and dagger rarely sees use, the shield has served well as a light bulwark against physical attacks.

Headband of Alluring Charisma - It did not take long for Hal to discover that it required a strong force of personality to be an effective oracle. Henceforth, Hal and Baergus acquired a Headband of Alluring Charisma while working the trade routes of Stowtland. Though in recent events, Hal was able to commission Jerebi to amplify the headband to be at its most powerful state.

Cloak of Resistance - Another boon acquired by Hal while working the trade routes, this humble cloak provides resistance against adverse effects against Hal. Though its enchantment is meager, any resistance is better than none.

Wand of Cure Light Wounds - As a means to conserve his spell power, Hal makes it a point to have such a wand on hand to heal injuries over the course of an adventure. Even though his trade route travels have not required wand use in the past, Hal was thankful that he heeded Baergus's advice when he started needing the wand in Argus.

Spell Component Pouch - Regardless of Hal's abilities to cast divine spells without a divine focus, a spell component pouch is necessary for the occasional spell that needs materials or other spell foci. Luckily for Hal, most of his spells can be performed without material components and those spells are enough to settle most encounters.

Mithral Shirt and Dragon Slayer's Shield - Though this set of armor and shield were once used by a hero formerly known as 'Silverlight', Halcyon now holds on to the armor and shield for use in spells cast later on.

Allies
Nut-nut and Chris Gray - As the first employers of Hal while in Argus, Hal did his best to help them in regards to the Devil at the Crossroad.

Reginald and Gloria - The two spellcasters proved to be instrumental in fighting back against the Lich formerly known as Silverlight and Hal could not refuse any call for aide. Though Hal does not approve of Reginald's use of Soul Artes, he knows that the such magics are not outright forbidden in spite of the dangers posed. Unless given reason otherwise, Hal will have to wait to lecture on or discipline the use such dark magic.

Nezir and Kram, Adventurers of Argus - Though he has only known the Adventurers of Argus for so long, Nezir and Kram serve as particularly useful allies. While Nezir serves as a enterprising patron, Kram is a particularly stalwart companion. Hal has great hope for future cooperation with the Adventurers of Argus, but he has concerns that Nezir might be a bit too fervent in rallying people against the enemies of Argus.

Jerebi and The Swamp - Though Hal has not been familiar with Argus for long, he was told the Swamp is a great place with fine people. In particular, Jerebi has proven himself a fine exception amongst undead. It was thanks to Jerebi that Hal was able to upgrade his magic headband.

Enemies
Zatch the Bloodmoon and his devil minions - It does not matter if Zatch helped the Adventurers figure out the identity of the Lich, Zatch is sure to be working for infernal motives and will not simply let them succeed in destroying the Lich. Even if Zatch hands the enemies of Argus on a silver platter, Hal will have to discern a means of banishing the devil when the time is right.

The Lich and the Silverlights - Though not all Silverlights are evil yet, the ones that are have to be stopped. It's sad that the Silverlights seem to be fated to evil, but Hal needs to do what he can to protect Argus. Once the Lich is stopped, maybe Maniikyna has what it takes to give the Silverlights a good name.