Gaius Cadere's Questionnaire

Gaius lives in Salem, a city known for its gothic architecture and rich, albeit dark, history. Salem has long been associated with the occult and supernatural, making it a fitting place for the Cadere family to reside. The city has an air of mystery and old-world charm that aligns with Gaius’s necromantic heritage. Despite the urban encroachment, Mortshire still retains pockets of ancient forests and secluded graveyards, which are of particular interest to Gaius in his necromantic pursuits.

Gaius lives in the Cadere family estate, an imposing yet crumbling mansion on the outskirts of Salem. The estate is a multigenerational home that houses not only Gaius but also his parents, grandparents, and several branches of cousins. The mansion, once grand and opulent, now shows signs of decay and neglect.

Gaius works as both a mortician and an actuarial scientist at a local funeral home and insurance agency in Salem. His dual expertise in understanding death and predicting mortality makes him an invaluable, though somewhat morbid, asset to both professions.

Gaius spends his money on basic necessities, including food and contributions to household expenses. Despite his poor health, he buys processed and easy-to-prepare meals. His work requires a constant supply of books and journals related to actuarial science, as well as various office supplies.

A significant portion of his income goes towards his necromancy research. He invests in rare books, scrolls, and artifacts, as well as ingredients for rituals. Occasionally, Gaius indulges in small luxuries like a rare bottle of wine or a special meal to celebrate minor successes. He also buys small gifts for family members who share his interest in reviving the old magics.

Gaius's ambition is to revive the ancient necromantic magics of his family, but with a unique twist. Unlike his ancestors who sought power over death, Gaius wants to harness necromancy to further life. He envisions a world where the dead can aid the living, where the knowledge and experiences of those who have passed can benefit society. He believes that by transforming necromancy into a force for good, he can restore his family's legacy and bring honor to the Cadere name.

Gaius is willing to kill for his ambition. He believes that the ends justify the means, and if taking a life is necessary to protect crucial knowledge or advance his research, he will do it. The weight of such actions weighs heavily on him, but his commitment to his vision outweighs his moral reservations.

The most defining event in Gaius's life was a summer internship away from his family. At the time, Gaius was eager to gain practical experience and prove himself outside the shadow of the Cadere family. He accepted an internship at a prestigious insurance firm in a distant city, hoping to learn from the best and broaden his horizons.

The internship turned out to be a nightmare. Gaius quickly discovered that the corporate world was ruthless and unforgiving. His colleagues were cutthroat, and the work environment was toxic. Despite his skills, he was often belittled and marginalized due to his strange interests and reclusive nature. The long hours, high stress, and constant pressure took a toll on his physical and mental health.

1. Helena Cadere (Mother)

Helena is a strong-willed woman who has dedicated her life to maintaining the remnants of the Cadere family's necromantic traditions. She is both a stern mentor and a protective mother to Gaius. Helena is deeply knowledgeable about necromantic rites and rituals, and she has been Gaius's primary guide in his studies. Despite her tough exterior, she genuinely cares for Gaius's well-being and is proud of his determination to revive their family's lost magics. Helena is the person Gaius is closest to, and their bond is strengthened by their shared passion for necromancy and the family's legacy.

2. Marcus Cadere (Father)

Marcus is a pragmatic and level-headed man who works as a mortician, balancing the family's financial needs with their mystical pursuits. Unlike Helena, Marcus is more grounded and often serves as the voice of reason in the family. He is supportive of Gaius's ambitions but worries about the toll it takes on his health. Marcus has taught Gaius much about the practical aspects of dealing with death and has instilled in him a respect for the delicate balance between life and death. His calm demeanor and practical advice often help Gaius stay focused and level-headed.

3. Alaric Cadere (Cousin)

Alaric is Gaius's cousin and closest confidant outside of his immediate family. He is a few years older than Gaius and works as a historian, specializing in ancient texts and artifacts. Alaric shares Gaius's interest in reviving the old magics, and the two often collaborate on research projects. Alaric is adventurous and has a knack for uncovering hidden knowledge, which complements Gaius's analytical skills. Despite their close relationship, Alaric sometimes questions Gaius's willingness to go to extreme lengths for their cause, serving as a moral compass and occasionally challenging Gaius's more radical ideas. Their friendship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of their family.