GALE FORCE-CHILD
AerielsChild (prodigy student)
"The books say this is impossible, but I did the calculations three times. I think the books are wrong.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Academy of Rising Winds, Caelum
- Civilization
- Aeriels
Appearance
• Physical: Small and fragile-looking with downy feathers that haven't begun to mature - they're currently a soft grey that will eventually show their true color. His eyes are too large for his face and hold an unsettling intelligence. He often seems to be looking at things no one else can see. • Clothing: Simple student robes that are slightly too large, hand-me-downs from older students. He carries a worn satchel containing his few possessions and countless books. • Distinguishing Marks: His wing feathers are growing in faster than normal, a sign of his unusual development. He has a habit of floating slightly off the ground when concentrating.
Relationships
- Family - His parents are proud but intimidated by him. They visit monthly but seem relieved to leave him at the Academy.
- Allies - A few teachers who genuinely care about his wellbeing. The Academy librarian who encourages his reading.
- Rivals - Older students who resent his advancement. Teachers who feel threatened by his intelligence.
Personality
- Traits: Frighteningly intelligent, socially awkward, desperately lonely, surprisingly brave when it matters
- Mannerisms: Speaks in technical jargon he doesn't realize others don't understand, fidgets constantly, makes poor eye contact
- Voice: High and clear, with a tendency to lecture. He sounds like a miniature adult.
Backstory
Gale was identified as a prodigy at age four when he accidentally levitated his entire nursery school. He's been fast-tracked through the Academy, studying subjects that students three times his age struggle with. He's brilliant at theory but struggles with practical application and social interaction. The other students avoid him, and the teachers don't know how to handle a child who corrects their lectures.
Daily Life
His days are packed with advanced classes - theoretical magic, celestial mechanics, prophetic theory, and more. He has no time for play or friends. His evenings are spent in the library, reading far beyond his assigned materials. He sleeps little, claiming there's too much to learn.
Secret
Gale has discovered a fundamental flaw in the theoretical basis of Aeriel magic, something that suggests their entire magical tradition is built on incorrect assumptions. He's terrified to tell anyone, afraid of the consequences of being right.
Story Hooks
- 1 Gale needs help proving his discovery without getting in trouble with the Academy authorities.
- 2 He's being targeted by a group that wants to exploit his intelligence for their own purposes and needs protection.
Narrative Value
Gale represents the next generation of Aeriel scholars. His discovery could revolutionize or destabilize Aeriel magic. He needs protection and guidance that the Academy can't provide. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════