Cerphi Lis

chronomancer ✦ cartographer ✦ chirurgeon

"The slave is doomed to worship time and fate and death, because they are greater than anything he finds in himself, and because all his thoughts are of things which they devour."

Preface

Beneath the gentle smile and the half-whispered words is a woman of terrible luck. Suffering through one horrific event after another - despite her do-good nature and selflessness - Cerphi is a fine example of how cruel karmic forces can be to the virtuous and she is a living testament to the inevitability of a sun rising after the darkest of nights.

About

A bleeding heart, a textbook introvert, and neurotic to a fault.Upon meeting strangers, the mage is quiet while she gauges their company. Though she can be hilariously naïve, she is far from a fool. Eyes and horns of the distant observer are ever-watchful for how one treats her and even though she is blessed with saint-like patience and empathy, a woman still has her limits. For one who prioritizes diplomatic solutions, it comes to no surprise that she checks her wording three times before she speaks - and it shows.Around close companions, few as they are, warmth is generously offered along with a dash of jaded snark and an endless desire to see them thrive. For them, she promises protection, her aid, and a scolding when necessary! Picking up her friends' pieces is one matter but seeing them better their behaviours is the ultimate goal. Cerphi wants nothing more than to support others to the best of her ability, may they be criminals or just lost sheep.Cerphi is diligent in her work, whether it be cartography, astromancy or mending. In professional settings, she is one to play well with others to strive towards a common goal - no matter how abrasive or foolish her other collaborators may be. Due to pride and passion alike, she is one to slave over tasks that fall within her realms of expertise and attempt to go up and beyond the standards set. Should tasks intersect with the fate of the star or the protection of Her children, one would find her dutiful to the end.When it comes to matters of faith, Cerphi will always state that she observes The Twelve. To those closest to her and in her prayers, she will confess that she observes a curious Thirteen. It is unclear if her vows of pacifism are derived from her faith or from personal principle but they are ironclad even when facing adversity* and never thrust upon others. By her actions, she is a sort to intervene; to tug at a sleeve, to curb a path, to offer insight. While she will avoid regurgitating scripture, her intent is always to guide others towards an ideal path.The stories of how she came to be in Eorzea are not openly shared with those she meets. In fact, little of her past is shared or alluded to but the hint of scars beneath her modest collar or atop her arms all point towards a time of strife. Deeming her 'guarded' is an understatement and to have her lower said guard would take no small amount of time and care. But it is with that glimpse into her history that one may glean the reason behind the immense amount of empathy and apprehension that she bears.


Hooks

The Armoury of Lunatic Pandora An entity whispers to her, bidding her to knit together the threads of fate between her and others of great potential to balance the scales of the star. Sources of power of all sorts interest her: strength & skill, knowledge & wisdom, and even material wealth & political pull. Benevolent and malevolent leanings both are weighed equally. The ties she forms may be as simple as friendships or as significant as positions of political council. She actively seeks to collect these individuals to assist her with her noble calling and (should they humour her) will tie herself to them as tightly as a dead man's noose.Have We Met Before? You're certain that you haven't but she looks upon you not as a complete stranger but as a acquaintance, maybe even as a dear, old friend, or perhaps someone who had wronged her severely. As one who may have an unhealthy habit of dabbling with time magic (and various other unorthodox magical practices) it is very possible that you may have crossed paths before. You just don't know it yet.Searching for a Successor After a long and grueling process, she is now a Sharlayan-approved practioner and is able to pursue her lifelong dream to teach others the craft of Astromancy (and more). However, she will not accept just any willing student and will carefully vet aspirants through a handful of trials. Those that successfully clear the trials will be taken beneath her wing and shown secrets beyond the practical scope of Astromancy. Inquire within.Vow to the Dawn Driven by an old Oath, she is sworn to assist others whose needs fall into the realm of the study of forbidden magicks or the containment of dangerous creatures or artifacts - voidsent included. When it comes to the star's salvation, one can count on her to help save it. That being said, she views all voidsent as enemies and those touched by the void as colossal liabilities.An Overseas Insider After spending three years in Sharlayan, she has a plethora of resources to delve into... and leak to old and new friends in need. Knowledge from the lower floors of the Noumenon can be accessed. Research and experimental gadgets from the Isle are also available to be tested through her and her connections. Most of the time, it feels that she is just looking for an excuse to act out of spite of the Forum and the Bibliothecs; Sharlayan-based characters may be privvy to hearsay about the mage's history with them.Looking For: Fencing Lessons! This is more of a hobby-want than a lifestyle-want. She has a great interest in learning how to fence out of appreciation for it as an artform, rather than for combat purposes; she is a pacifist first and an art connoisseur second.

Abilities


Magical Knowledge 
Aetherology★★★★☆
Astromancy★★★★★
Conjury★★☆☆☆
Familiars★★★☆☆
Ishgardian Astrology★★★★☆
Thaumaturgy★★☆☆☆
Voidology★★★☆☆
Magical Prowess 
Aethersense (Focus)★★★★☆
Aethersense (no Focus)★★☆☆☆
Aether Manipulation★★★★☆
Astromancy★★★★☆
Chronomancy★★★☆☆
Conjury★☆☆☆☆
Divination★★★★☆
Enchantments★★★☆☆
Ishgardian Astrology★★★★☆
Reparative Healing★★★★★
Warding★★★★☆

Details

Pronunciation — SUR-FEE LEES
Race & Clan — Au'ra - Raen
Gender — Female
Age — 29
Alignment — Neutral Good
Citizenship — Eorzean
Residence — Ishgard
Occupation — Celestial cartographer & chirurgeon
Voiceclaim Irina of Carim

Height — 5 fulms, 10 ilms
Eyes — Black, usually dim & hooded
Hair — Light, warm grey, short & neat
Skin — Fair and tanned with rosiness over her cheeks
Scales — Pristine white overall, however a large patch is missing from her right hip down to her mid-thigh with no hope for regrowth
Build — Hourglass, low muscle mass, soft & plump
Bearing — Straightbacked, fingers laced over her stomach
Style — Modest, cute, fashionable and usually with stockings




Out of Character

Thank you for stopping by and reading Cerphi's carrd!
I operate within EST and prefer in-game RP. My availability can be sporadic but I'm willing to schedule RP to accommodate us both.
- 21+ interactions only.
- Averse to AI usage for writing and art generation.
- Zero interest in interacting with fetish characters.
- Do not bring OOC into IC. Do not blend IC and OOC.
- Attempt to 'slip into my DMs' and you will perish. 🔪
- The character's views are not the same as the writer's.
- Excellent RP etiquette is key.
The writer reserves their right to walk away or avoid interactions with characters that blatantly break lore or writers that godmode, powergame, or metagame. The writer is very lore-conscious, the character is lore-abiding but often interacts with other lore-bending characters. Interactions with both lore-strict or lore-bending characters are welcome!Cerphi is a character best involved in heavy plot regarding the preservation of the star but is also open to misadventures or slice-of-life! She may be a delusional zealot but she is still a person that wishes to make the most of the days that she has left. Light and dark themes are perfectly fine as long as they are handled respectfully. Her past includes dark themes that may be extreme to a sensitive audience. Be mindful, if prodding.Much about her is very intentionally unspoken here to avoid undesired meta but I am always willing to yap and plot in Tells/DMs about The Things That Are Relevant with my dubious little mage. Thank you for understanding!restfulrespite.bsky.social