Name: Josse Valée
Clan - Bloodline: Toreador
Demeanor: Courtier
[SECRET="Starship Tical"] Nature : Confidant[/SECRET]
Sire identity & concept: Hélène la Juste, Queen of Champagne
Physical Appearance:
[IMGR]
https://i.postimg.cc/MT27Wn1G/IMG-1553.jpg[/IMGR]
Personality: Josse is very congenial and mannerly in the appropriate situations. His well purchased tutoring and his time growing up at court taught him not only the rules of etiquette, but the nuances of personal interaction as well. Among a more relaxed atmosphere, Josse is a friendly sort, given to a good laugh and keeping up the cheer of those around him. In quieter moments, he is often a sympathetic ear. Although he may hear his share of gossip, he is not known for spreading the same.
History (both past life as a mortal and present life as a Cainite): When your family is among the richest merchants of Normandy, it is a small thing for them to purchase a minor noble title for themselves, even if it is only a hereditary knighthood. Growing up under said title opens the doors to the finest of tutors and a welcome at court. And when one is endowed with a handsomeness that is often remarked on as true beauty instead, one finds his way into several bedchambers. But when one is caught with the daughter of the Count of Troyes, no amount of money can spare one’s life.
But having caught the eye of Hélène la Juste, one finds their way into a new life that is unlife. The story is that Josse Valée was rescued just before his demise, but the truth was that he was embraced instead. To appease the Count of Troye and hide his embrace, Josse was banished from the Courts of Champagne for as long as the count remained alive.
Josse traveled from land to land, learning from his Toreador kindred and pleasing them with his courtly manner and gift of diplomacy which was in much need given the current age. But given his known state of exile and that diplomats are best kept stored away until needed lest a familiarity with them mute their gifts, Josse was not surprised to be assigned to the kingdom of Castile and León, although it was a land that was new to him and he was not sure what awaited him there.
[SECRET="Starship Tical"]Agenda : Josse realizes that he is something of a novelty. To be a(n) (un)living work of art to be passed around among the Toreador to see if they can mold and sculpt him into a consummate artist himself. A master of masterpieces as a masterpiece from the masters. And he does his best to grow in the vein that his Clan desires, but he secretly already considers himself something of an artist. Except that his art is in personal interaction, and while the others see his role as diplomat and courtier only as a ruse for his education in the arts, Josse is busy honing his craft at every step. Perhaps even someday he may hold reign over his own demesne to rival that of the Courts of Love from which he has been banished.[/SECRET]
Writing sample : Danger abounded in this unknown land. Josse was not able to rely on the celebrations of court life to allow him to move with the flow of others’ actions. Every thing he did could and would be scrutinized not only by those who were suspicious of this unique grouping of Kindred, but from within the unique group itself. Ostensibly they had gathered together in unity to accomplish a common goal to benefit each of their Clans, but there was always suspicion within the Kindred. And with good reason, the histories of betrayal were long and diverse.
It would be harder for Josse to gain any of their trust without the trappings of good fortune and festivities to surround them. Instead they were relegated to the shadows where danger could come at any moment, from any direction. This would be the true test of Josse’s ‘art’ as he perceived it. So far no overt strife had broken out among them. Josse attributed this to Paavo’s own demeanor. He was cautious but as forthright as possible given his situation. He was also extremely intelligent and very well spoken. He had a gift for putting others at ease, and this made Josse’s own job much easier. Still, Josse needed to help shape the impressions that others formed about the group lest some mischance befall them.
“I think it is not a matter of IF we will acquire notice, but WHEN and by WHOM.”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Thu 27 Apr 2023.