Overview
Severin is a high-ranking Lumerian noble from Avalon and an ally of Alistair around the source at Zarephon. He wields temporal, cosmic, and earth magic, a combination that lets him survive source dives, operate inside the dense essence of the Plains of Eternity, and train Maric and Nero to do the same. After nearly succeeding in the source lake, he agrees to work beside Alistair on the condition that Alistair fake his death in Lumeria.
Appearance
Severin has blue eyes, a slightly angular face, a larger nose, and mixed brown-and-silver hair. He is long-lived and mortal.
Abilities
Severin can reach the bottom of the source lake, a feat few mages survive. A young man's body lies near the tear, where the body remains while essence from the rift weakens. He also catches an essence-hardened fish from the lake for study; prolonged time at the bottom exposes him to static that interferes with his magic.
As a teacher, Severin trains Maric and Nero to adapt their magic to the Plains of Eternity. The breach survives the later destruction of Zarephon's mountain, matching Severin's assessment that a mountain collapse would leave the breach open; for his own closure attempt, he concludes that a shard is the missing requirement. In combat, he combines earthwork and cosmic defenses, creating monoliths of earth, starfield barriers, and cosmic shields. He also uses a cylindrical spellblaster that fires red projectiles capable of disrupting spells mid-cast.
History
Alistair's agents bring Severin from Lumeria while Raphael is searching for powerful temporal mages who can shield themselves and close the source. Severin answers directly to Lumeria's imperial regent. He has long wanted to leave Lumerian politics behind. Alistair recruits him after a successful source dive, and Alistair's side fakes Severin's Lumerian death as pressure-crushing and drowning.
Severin remains in Zarephon with Alistair, Doss, Boss, and Rahmavir's chosen. He works near the source, keeps Gabriel's body and the weakening rift secret with Alistair, and operates beside Alistair while Alistair uses the Alice persona. When Raphael returns to retrieve Gabriel from the lake, Severin accepts the possibility of Raphael's death if Nero stays out of it, then reassures the group after Alice disappears through the source.
After the failed source closure and the destruction of Zarephon, Severin carries and heals Myrelia. Alistair later has Doss impersonate Alice and take Severin to Cyndarel, preserving Alice's alibi. During Aldar's darkness trap over Cyndarel, Severin argues that Lumeria's strict rules around essence depletion give him a way to survive the darkness. Raphael stops him from testing it. Severin also offers to teach Rahmavir mages to break through and considers digging under the veil.
During the Battle for Cyndarel, Severin fights beside Kjeldan while they shield a fourth man against Zayren, Lythariel, and Remus. Zayren's singularity overwhelms their position and kills Kjeldan. Severin, Myrelia, and Torukhan survive. Severin and Myrelia emerge from underground near Therendros, and Boss dies in the Battle for Cyndarel.
Relationships
- Alistair: Severin becomes Alistair's ally after faking his death and keeps Gabriel's body, the source lake, and the weakening rift secret with him.
- Doss and Boss: Severin operates beside them in Alistair's organization and Raphael's coalition.
- Maric and Nero: Severin trains them in the Plains of Eternity and discusses the limits of closing the source.
- Myrelia: Severin heals and protects Myrelia after she is knocked unconscious, then survives the Battle for Cyndarel with her.
- Eira: Eira asks Severin about Avalon after learning he is from Lumeria and wants him to take her there after the Battle for Cyndarel.