Varlan

Rank: Grand Master

Prime Earth Caster

Partner: Atma

Descended from the clan's oldest and strongest, Varlan suffered from excessive pride in his youth. This attitude resounded through the clan until one day--amused at his temerity--The Earthshaker decided to confront him with a shadow of the god's true being. The fight lasted for three days and exhausted Varlan to the point of death. At its height, Varlan at last realized his peril and unthinkingly reached for The Earthshaker's life-essence, replenishing himself with its power.

The Earthshaker was not at all diminished by the act, but Varlan gained strength beyond anything he'd imagined. Horrified at his own actions he yielded, immediately submitting to the god.

But rather than killing or exalting him, The Earthshaker's amusement was colored by respect and released him from any penance, compelling him to Vilya's obedience.

Alarmed that one of her clan would violate their collective honor in such a way, she assigned him only the most dangerous duties for many years, only grudgingly accepting him as a Grand Master in the end.

Varlan's elemental power remains unequalled in the clan, yet his instruction at the hand of The Earthshaker rattled him to the core of his being. He remains humble and withdrawn to this day.

Vilya's apologies to The Earthshaker were accepted, although her doubts were only quieted when he spoke. "Thy charge will one day defend that which he challenged. When the world finally falls, thy clan will be the instrument of the gods. Thy honor will be unparalleled, though it will cost thee everything."