Sosotino Vivitino
"Chin up, my dear. We must always look our best."
Name: Sosotino Vivitino
Nicknames: Soso, Tino, the Red Prince
Age: 29 Years Old
Date of Birth: 21st Sun of the 3rd Umbral Moon
Birthplace: Ul'dah
Residence: The GobletRace: Lalafell (Dunesfolk)
Gender: Male
Height: 3 Fulm 2 Ilms
Weight: 40 Ponze
Body Type: Stocky, but a little soft around the middle.Occupation: Socialite, Merchant/Shopkeep, Part-Time Vigilante
Notable Skills/Hobbies: Thaumaturgy, Blue Magic, Arcanism Basics, Occult History and Philosophy, Mining/Crystal Gathering, Goldsmithing
Alignment: Chaotic GoodRelationship Status: Unlucky
Sexual Orientation: Gay
Common Knowledge
Sosotino is the eldest but illegitimate son of the late Lord Totorello Vivirello, who was the head of a wealthy merchant family that specializes in jewelry and perfumes. His mother, Sasani Sani, was Totorello’s mistress throughout the early years of his marriage. Rumours that Sosotino might be legitimized were quickly put to rest when his father passed from a sudden and serious illness, and his legal heir Didimo took over the family's estate. Those close to the family were surprised that Totorello's will encouraged such an arrangement, as Totorello made no secret of his preference and affection for Sosotino over young Didimo, but the half-brothers insist they came to an arrangement that satisfied them both. Originally, Sosotino continued to live in the family estate, and was given a generous allowance to support his lavish lifestyle and penchant for charity. More recently, he moved into a spare room in the Sundries of Sands shop, where he works as a merchant despite the considerable wealth his trust provides him.Sosotino spends much of his time studying thaumaturgy, which has been a passion of his since childhood. He is blessed with an appropriately vast aetherial capability, though Sosotino will be the first to insist he is only middling as a thaumaturge and something of an armchair expert.
Full Backstory
Behind closed doors, things are far more complicated for Sosotino than he likes to let on. Though once very close to his half-brother, years of their father’s transparent favouritism eventually embittered Didimo, and when Totorello fell ill, he made his move. An invitation to reconnect was extended to Sosotino, who eagerly accepted the chance to rebuild the relationship he’d once had with his half-brother. Once alone with him, however, Didimo presented an ultimatum: relinquish any claim to the estate and family fortune by dismissing all thoughts of being legitimized, or his life would be made short and insufferable. If he agreed, Sosotino would be given an allowance and his room at the estate, though in time it would be revealed that Didimo simply wished to keep his perceived enemy close. Heartbroken, Sosotino agreed.After their father’s death, much of the staff who had been loyal to Sosotino was dismissed, leaving only those dedicated to Didimo. Sosotino threw himself completely into his academic pursuits as a distraction from the constant scrutiny, and he began spending much of his time in the Arrzaneth Ossuary in an attempt to regain some privacy and control. It was during this time that he took a true interest in the suffering that was experienced by Uldah’s lower class and refugees, and the harsh, corrupt actions of the Syndicate. If someone of his wealth and privilege had been brought so low for the sake of convenience, he shuddered to think what the faceless masses endured. His charity and kindness became both a way for him to help those who lacked his comforts and influence, and a means of soothing some of the loneliness and grief he felt.Salvation came in the form of one Pipiyu Piyu, who offered him work as a merchant and a room in the Sundries of Sand, her Goblet based shop that specialized in adventuring supplies. In time he would discover that many of the employees doubled as a team of vigilantes who strove to help purge Ul'dah of its corruption through a combination of diplomatic pursuits, information gathering, and connections to the Sultansworn. Though he first joined with the intentions of putting his silver tongue and social clout to use, Sosotino eventually felt the need to better himself in combat, much to the dismay his more martially gifted friends who hoped to spare the mage the pain and hardships they'd faced. Though his life has taken a turn he could never have expected, Sosotino will claim to any who press him on the matter that he's truly, deeply content with the choices he's made.
At a Glance
Those who frequent Ul'dah are likely to have seen Sosotino Vivitino rubbing elbows with the upper class and flitting between the stalls of various merchants. Between his thick mane of rolanberry red hair and his gaudy tastes in clothing and jewelry, the lalafell man is easy to spot in a crowd. He often smells of scented oils or, more rarely, a lingering smoke or ozone from his thaumaturgy. It's rare to see him dress in a way that doesn't feature shades of blue; anyone compelled to comment on the fact would be cheerfully told that it's nice to have a signature look, and it was made all the more appropriate by his recent fascination with the strange art of blue magic.Many can say they have met or spoken with Sosotino, but very few can honestly claim friendship; though his warm and affable nature seems utterly genuine, Sosotino is almost always alone, save perhaps for the company of a tall, armoured companion who most would likely assume is his bodyguard.
Secrets
- Sosotino is a recovering somnus addict. Though he's shaken free of the hold the drug had on him, he prefers not to mention his past with it (and especially how his addiction first began) in mixed company.
- It's rare to see Sosotino without either sturdy gloves or light gauntlets covering his hands, and though such accessories are always stylish, they also have a practical use. Thanks to some self-defense training from Kukuro Hipuro and a newfound interest in the basics of pugilism, he's become quite adept at throwing a punch when magic or pretty words aren't an option. However, he's by no means a formidable opponent to anyone whose made melee combat their focus. Diplomacy or a well aimed spell will always be his first line of defence.
- After a particularly savage beating at the hands of a spiteful roegadyn captor, Sosotino was rendered partially deaf. He avoids advertising the fact, but observant people may notice that he frequently turns his left ear towards conversations and will adjust how he walks alongside someone to better hear them speak.
- Years of downplaying his own magical talents and passions have left Sosotino in the uncomfortable position of being seen as an armchair academic and hobbyist. However, his study and practice of thaumaturgy has spanned the better part of a decade, and he quickly grasped the pursuit and use of blue magic. To help sooth his bruised ego, he's begun competing at the Masked Carnival and putting on unofficial exhibition matches against willing gladiators, where revealing more of his skill and potential can be done with the safety of a mask and stage name. He performs under the alias "The Red Prince", after being referred to as such by someone who'd meant it to be an insult.
Rumours
Ul’dahn Noblewoman - "That man is blessed to have his looks... Twelve know they didn't give him any wits. If he was better bred I'd say he should marry rich, but I think we all know he'll be following in his mother's footsteps."Ul’dahn Nobleman - "Sosotino is a viper wrapped in bangles and silk. I can't begin to guess what he's planning, but I wouldn't so much as trust him with my coat."Ul’dahn Barkeep - "You won't hear an unkind word from me about little lord Sosotino. I've never seen sadder eyes or better tips from anyone. People should be talking about that brother of his instead."Young Thaumaturge - "Sosotino Vivitino has an unmistakable talent but the dedication of a hobbyist. What a waste of aetherial capability."
Preferences
Level of RP: : Heavy, lore compliant, IC when RP Tag is active.
Style: Short paragraph and dialogue, character exploration focused.
Themes: Any allowed, permanent injury should be discussed beforehand.
RP Events: Participant.
RP Association: Sentinels of Sand FC
OOC Info
Frequency: Evenings when possible, contact if a scene is wanted.
Time Zone: EST
Server: Mateus
Additional Info
Walk ups welcome, feel free to give me a poke if I don't notice.
Discord RP available to regular RP partners and FC members.