Eldheim

There are two kinds of mages in this world. Those who are freely born with the essence of magic in their being, and those who forcibly break the seal that binds their essence. The stronger their potential for magic, the longer it takes and the more painful it is to break their seal.

Eldheim was only twelve when he became a mage. Born a blacksmith's son in a large southern village in Nivet, he was raised around forges and soot. His father possessed a natural talent for smithing, and often had clients travel from the distant kingdoms to request his work.

Eldheim however, seemed to have little skill in forging. Often his creations turned out to be more of a comedic mess than a functional weapon or piece of armor that could be used in battle. This depressed his father greatly, for the family name would rest on Eldheim's shoulders once he passed.

When his father hired a group of mages to make Eldheim into one of them, he had hoped to awaken his fire spirit so that he would have better control over his smithing. Breaking seals was forbidden in the Kingdom of Nivet, and in order to protect the ritual from the guards, the mages took the boy down into the underground caverns.

For four days, screams sounded through the water channels as the mages branded him with ancient runes. There was no rest for Eldheim, only blinding pain that burned into him and left him mentally vacant.

Finally on the fifth day, his body boiled with magic. As the final rune sizzled into his skin, Eldheim's markings flashed white hot, then he erupted into a massive explosion that rocked the Kingdom. The city above had been blown open into the night sky, leaving only a giant molten hole down into the caverns. Eldheim emerged from the pit, the runes on his body glowing bright, and everything he had ever known burning away from him forever.

Now a man, Eldheim still barely has control over his spells. His life has been a sad tale of fire storms and burnt remains. Whoever is victor in the grand arena may ask for one gift of the Gods. Eldheim seeks to have the Allfather reseal his essence, and make him a mage in the natural way.