[size=150]Life Story[/size]
Ioannes was born the third son to a wealthy noble family in the Empire of Nicaea. He was the sickly child of his family, however his family arranged for him to get an excellent education with the idea he would make a scholar. They got him tutors and later a spot at Salerno. Ioannes took to it rather well actually. Upon his graduation and return to Greece he began looking for teaching jobs. The one that interested him the most was one offered by a magus.
He had only briefly heard of the Order of Hermes before, probably from a Jerbiton. The way he heard it, the Order was essentially a bunch of reclusive scholar-wizards who study for the general betterment of folk, and in particular keep would-be evil wizards from running rampant. They also occasionally do battle with demons and their mortal allies. He was also given the impression magi have a tendency to come across as suspicious and shifty, but this is because of the Church's persecution of sorcery. Magi seem like they're hiding something because they are. He somehow also got the impression that wizardry requires an inherent "gift" which is clearly from God. And completely on his own he came up with the idea that this "wizardry" is more akin to something an alchemist might manage than what's described as forbidden in the Bible, although more impressive in scale.
Needless to say he was pre-disposed to view the Order favorably, and when he learned that his humble self could assist with this endeavor all while getting an opportunity to teach, well he was glad to take it. There would be books to translate and they would pay him to teach one class a year. Order members getting preference on any classes, then the people who worked at the covenant, then people from the nearby villages or paying students.
Which is when his two older brothers decided to up and die. Fighting off bandits instead of corrupted crusaders. He knew it would go against tradition, but he decided to forgo his birthright in favor of his eldest sister, Alexandria, who was much more qualified in basically every way. She would clearly be the better choice for managing the estate as she had a lot more knowledge in that area while being just as mentally talented as him, she had a grasp of tactics and strategy few could match, and to top it all off she was magnetic. She could get a band of cowards to go to the gates of hell for her. If that wasn't enough Ioannes was sickly and weak while Alexandria was large, healthy and strong. Few men would be able to match her in strength, speed, stamina or coordination. While her actual training was lacking it was still better than Ioannes. She was actually competent with a bow and she had (minor) training in melee weapons.
It came as a surprise to Ioannes when his family responded spectacularly poorly. Alexandria was by far the angriest, although with good reason. She had adored her betrothed. It had been a long time getting a groom she would accept, but it worked out in the end. Except, when their father's lord found out Alexandria was set to inherit he promptly intervened, pressured the groom's family and the wedding was called off and then strong-armed their father into arranging a marriage between Alexandria and their father's lord's son. Alexandria and her new groom actually bonded over their mutual hatred of the new groom's father and fell in love, so it worked out. Alexandria is still extremely angry at Ioannes. Plus they all see Ioannes as a potential threat to the inheritance.
[size=150]Virtues and Flaws[/size]
Ever since he abandoned his birth right Ioannes has been a Black Sheep. While he believes he has a Higher Purpose, in the advancement of education and knowledge he is still Humble. Many though would call his humility actually just Low-Self Esteem, especially since he got his Magister in Artibus at age 20. After completing a two mandatory years of teaching his Great Communication and other talents that make him a Good Teacher have actually already made him famous as possibly the best lecturer alive. Despite offering just one lecture/course a year to the general public in a hard to reach mountain retreat he is still wealthy.
Physically he is far less impressive. His Fragile Constitution mean even minor illnesses can lay him low. His motion sickness makes him utterly unsuited to being any sort of knight or rider in battle.
