tamestray

Independent, private and highly selective Forgotten Realms oc _Vigor Kovach_ — former spy and assassin adopted into a noble house. A study in dog loyalty and self-discovery after abuse. Main verse in Baldur's Gate III, with verses in Dragon Age and Skyrim. Easily adapted to fandomless rp and aus. Plotting and ooc interaction focused. Mun is 25+, GMT(+1)

Introduction

Hi !! My name is Nori. I'm 28 and live in the UK. All I really want to say is don't be shy. Plot, joke around, tag me in things, ask questions. You're never bothering me, I promise ♡ Communication helps me manage my anxiety and motivation, so please, don't ever be afraid to reach out.Always remember that this is a hobby. I will never judge someone for deleting things or taking a break. I ask for the same patience. This place is free of pressure and petty drama.

Navigation

_Prompts_ all prompts, ideal for new mutuals, favourite prompts, ones to steal
_Musings_ headcanons, aesthetic, quotes, study_Other_ open starters, plot wishlist, treasured posts, psas, promos, swear jar

Credits

_Artwork_ Tarot card by point-maitimo, beautiful icon artwork by Fungi ♡ (fvngus)_Graphics_ Garrett Hedlund gifs by himerobyn. Psd by cavalierfou. Other images sourced from Pinterest._Support_ Feedback, line-editing, and emotional support provided by Maple and Bagel ♡

Before following

_Content_ This blog will contain mature themes, including sexual content. Please note that Vigor's backstory includes references to child abuse through manipulation and coercion, as well as brief suicidal ideation. His main verse is in Baldur's Gate III, and as such, themes from the game will be present here. Please, do not follow if you are under 18.I use the tag format ❝_____ tw❞, or ❝_____ mention❞ for vague references to a topic. Smut is tagged as nsft and put under a read more. Please tag for me: rape, animal abuse, and pet death_Following_ This blog is private, meaning I only roleplay with mutuals. It is also, frustratingly, highly-selective, simply because I cannot write with everyone, no matter how awesome. I experience draft anxiety quite easily, and keeping my circle small helps manage this. I promise it's never personal. Please note that it will take me a couple of days to check out your blog ♡

After following

_Asks_ Prompts are the best way to start writing with me! I answer everything I can, though sometimes delete asks when I'm feeling burnt out. If that's the case, I'll mention it on the dash._Threads_ Feel free to drop them no questions asked ♡ I only ask that you inform me if you want to drop a plotted thread, thank you!My muse prioritises plotted threads, though longer replies or certain genres (namely smut) can take me a little longer to write.I'm not fussed about matching length. Outside of banter, a paragraph is fine. As long as I've got something to work with, I'm happy._Shipping_ I love it, as does Vigor. If we start writing and notice chemistry, don't be shy, let's discuss it !!I don't consider sending shippy or smutty memes to be force-shipping. All memes are welcome, just don’t be surprised if Vigor gets too flustered to speak! If I can't answer it, I'll let you know ♡_Conclusion_ Plotting, or just chatting with me, really helps. This is a hobby, so don't worry about the little things. You won't be judged if you need to drop things or take a break; I know I do from time to time. Something not working? We can change it! I'm incredibly unserious and definitely not intimidating, so please, don't be afraid to reach out.

Basics

Personality

❝You can cut a puppet's strings, but they're not free, they're paralysed. Who am I when no one pulls my strings?❞

Art by point-maitimo

Appearance

Family

Introduction

Born outside Baldur's Gate, Vigor was raised by his father until he became unable to support him. To offer the young boy a better life, he gives him away to a patriar in the Upper City who had adopted two other boys before him. Vigor is then groomed into a life of servitude, later becoming his adoptive father's personal spy and assassin.Please note that Vigor's personality changes depending on his age, the scene setting, and established relationships. As an assassin, Vigor was harder to fluster, putting on a more charming show. During his years in hiding, he is suspicious and closed-off, even as he longs to connect. During the events of the game, he tries to discover what parts of him are trained and what parts are true, appearing anxious but honest, whilst slowly developing confidence over time.Any links here will lead to headcanon posts. All links are optional reading and are mainly there for my own reference, or for anyone confused or simply curious ♡

Appearance

All at once feral and formal, he appears a man at odds with himself. Surviving the nautiloid, Vigor has untamed blond hair that is trimmed to a gentleman's undercut at the first opportunity, albeit with a few stray tuffs at the back where he cut it himself. He has a full beard, kept at a manageable length, with a flick to his moustache that lifts his often weary face. Eyes heavy with grief yet carry an innocent to them, lighting up at the faintest sign of hope, revealing a ray of light foraged through the left eye, pale as a tear.Well-worn boots with proper lacing. Tailored clothes with quality stitching that has started to fray. Tall, but not imposingly so, standing upright with shoulders back and arms folded behind him, even when his head hangs low with shame.Despite his storied life, Vigor does not have many scars, but the largest of which is one thick cut across his collarbone that trails down towards his chest. He is embarrassed by the scars he got as an assassin. His brothers all have a cut along the palm of their sword-hand, which is on the left for Vigor.

History

Vigor was unwanted. At the first opportunity, his mother left, leaving him in the care of his father Dmetry, a man who had little to offer the boy. His father was a poacher, able to hunt just enough for the two of them with little to spare to trade for bread and vegetables. Vigor grew into his clothes until they fell apart. When the hunting shack started to rot, he was barely old enough to hold a bow, let alone make use of it. The boy clung on to blankets for warmth as if they were his own mother.There was nothing left to give, so Dmetry made a choice. He found a nobleman living in the Upper City of Baldur’s Gate willing to offer the boy a home. There he could learn to read, to fight, everything he desperately needed and more.Vigor was the last of three boys taken in by Irnvar. The children earned their keep through daily chores and rigorous education. Hobbies were only permitted in the pursuit of making the boys seem like children of noble birth. They did not know why they had to become men so young, but they owed Irnvar everything.As the boys got older, they knew that Irnvar had plans for them, they just didn’t know what until the oldest turned eighteen. Cain was first, and with it the plan was revealed. Irnvar required the loyalty that only family could provide for the tasks he demanded of them. Vigor, the promising alchemist and archer, with a love for dancing and romance, would become Irnvar's personal spy and assassin. How could he refuse? He'd likely be dead if not for his mercy.For over ten years, Vigor did what was demanded of him. Irnvar would lie to him more than the others, often telling Vigor that certain targets were corrupt, or beat their staff. It is only when Vigor meets Gortash^✶ that he finally accepts that he has been used and misled. Enver, despite being a putrid man rotten to his very core, did not deserve to die. None of them deserved to die.Vigor spares Gortash before quickly gathering his belonging and fleeing the city. At age twenty-nine, he is deep in hiding, surviving almost entirely on his own whilst being hunted by his brother Cain, looking to return Vigor back into his father's embrace.The years pass but the pain lingers. One day he wakes up on a nautiloid and into an uncertain future.^✶ Can easily be another target. Always happy to plot something ♡

Personality

If you were to ask Vigor what kind of man he is, he wouldn't be too sure himself. He cannot consider himself kind, given all the pain he's caused. Nor can he consider himself honest, trained to be masterfully charming at the expense of genuine connection. Time away from the Upper City has gifted Vigor the opportunity to learn, but he still finds himself falling into old habits from time to time, and that scares him.Noble manners and formalities provide an ideal mask for his unsettled spirit. High-strung, he relies on a certain eloquence that flows naturally from him, helping him appear more infallible than he actually is. However, Vigor is easy to fluster, and the act falls quickly when not coming from a genuine place. Often times it is not even clear to him what's an act and what's himself, especially since he does enjoy being polite and classically romantic.He endeavours to see the good in everyone that he hopes others will see in him. He is no dashing hero, but he will always attempt to find a peaceful solution when others won't. Vigor is also extremely protective of those he holds dear and is always longing to connect, even with the wrong people.With time and support, he learns to become more confident. He longs to be free from his past and enjoy a quiet life. When he is comfortable around someone, a more playful side emerges; with his childhood restrained and restricted, Vigor enjoys the freedom to let loose.

Loyal Bloodhound

tl. 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 { assassin era }

Aged 18-28, Vigor works as an assassin and spy for his adopted father, the patriar Irnvar Shieldbearer. Most of his time is spent gathering information in Baldur's Gate, but he occasionally travels for missions. In the Upper City, he plays the role of a romantic bachelor, but when travelling, he is easy to mistake for a ranger. He is more consistently charming and formal during this time.

Feral Beast

tl. 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒏 { runaway era }

Aged 29-35. After confronting Irnvar, Vigor flees the city to try to make a new life for himself. Location flexible. Vigor survives on hunting and botany skills, but struggles to live comfortably. He will be incredibly paranoid and suspicious of any muses he meets during this time.

During (Main Verse)

tl. 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 { main era }

Aged 35. Vigor can be found gathering poison ingredients, terrified by the illithid infection. He is initially scared of people, but soon recognises the need for allies. Progress will be slow, but he becomes less anxious over time.
_act. 𝑰_ Paranoid, but choosing to trust others in order to survive. Soon opens up about his past, mentioning that his brother, Cain, is hunting him.
_act. 𝑰𝑰_ Inspired to pray to Lathander following their visit to Rosymorn Monastery. Confronts Cain in the Shadowcursed lands.
_act. 𝑰𝑰𝑰_ Confronting Irnvar, with Cain either acting as an enemy or ally, depending on earlier choices. Vigor will not want to kill Irnvar, but may be forced to do so.

Post -game I

tl. 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔 { ranger ending }

Post-game. Vigor embraces the life of a wandering adventurer, returning to the forests of Faerûn. He continues the adventure, possibly alone or with a companion. May work with or for the Harpers. Keeps a humble home in the Ardeep Forest. Primarily worships Mielikki, with some dedication to Lathander and Chauntea.

Post-Game II

tl. 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏 { homestead ending }

Post-game. Finding the courage to pursue the life he always dreamed off, Vigor settles down into a cozy homestead, cooking food from his garden, and brewing and selling potions. He will occasionally help the Harpers from the comfort of his home. Worships Lathander and Chauntea.

Royalty

au. 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 { royalty }

Vigor is Irnvar's bastard son. He does not work as an assassin, but can earn his place in the noble family by helping Irnvar spy on other houses. Cain is his older half-brother and legitimate heir to Everguard. Forgotten Realms/D&D based by default, but easily adapted for other verses.

Modern

au. 𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 { modern }

A heavily divergent verse for comfy, casual writing. Vigor is the adopted son of the wealthy Irnvar. He attended a private academy in his youth, where he now works as a gardener and runs the fencing and dance societies. Lives in a small apartment and drives a hideous beige Volvo, using what spare money he has to save for a degree that Irnvar refuses to fund or subsidise. Enjoys Bruce Springsteen, Stardew Valley, and TikToks of camper van renovations that get reposted to Facebook.

Bordello

au. 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒔 { bordello }

Alternative version of Vigor's runaway era in the previous tab. Rather than fleeing to the forests after escaping Irnvar, Vigor uses connections he's built in Sharess' Caress to secure himself a job, either there or at another bordello. Baldur's Gate 3/ Forgotten Realms by default, but fandom, location, and details are flexible. Includes threads at the bordello and afterwards.

Vampire

au. 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅𝒔 { vampire }

This au contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation, including in the description below. References will be kept as minimal and as vague as possible, but please be aware of this. Tag is suicide tw, or suicide cw for minor reference to his ideations. Please continue with caution.
Dmetry knew something was wrong when he approached Lord Shieldbearer's castle. However, he believed that anything was better than having his son freeze to death. Unfortunately, there are fates worse than death.
Irnvar was quick to reveal his vampiric nature to the young Vigor who acted as a servant around the castle, occasionally running errands into the village. After an escape attempt lead to the deaths of a few concerned villagers, Vigor was returned to the castle and imprisoned within its walls, now used as an occasional food source.
Eventually, Irnvar would see it fit to educate Vigor so that he might entertain his guests (both mortal and undead alike.) Now passing as a boy of noble birth, Irnvar allowed Vigor brief moments of normalcy in aid of helping Irnvar appear more approachable to mortal lords who might want to align with him. When Irnvar hosted his vampire kin, Vigor was either a novelty to toy with or a part of the evening's feast.
During the day, Vigor would guard the castle, since Irnvar's spawn could not, killing a few keen vampire hunters in the process, and earning Irnvar's respect.
When a Lathanderian noble visits the castle, they note Vigor's state, and find a private place to talk. The noble teaches Vigor about the gods whose names were stricken from the castle library, along with a simple prayer to try. That evening, Vigor attempts to pray to the Morninglord, but only a whisper can pass through the veil that surrounded the unholy castle.
Having earned Irnvar's respect after saving him, the lord decides to make Vigor one of his spawn. He has no chose in the matter. Confined to the dungeons whilst the transformation occurs, Vigor makes one last plea to the gods. Feeling his soul slip away, Vigor makes a hasty and fatal error that he would come to regret.
There was no escaping his fate, but Vigor returned to the realm as a twisted form of undead. Whilst appearing as a typical vampire spawn, Vigor retained his free will and morality, whilst still being subject to the same hunger as all vampires.
After many years of continuing to endure Irnvar's treatment, Vigor gathers his strength and overthrows him. Now lord of the castle and protector of the local village, the locals know not to question the sudden change in their fortune as fewer people are stolen away in the night.
Vigor maintains a fragile peace between himself and other vampires. He makes spawn out of ambitious mercenary bands, selected and gathered over the centuries, many of whom are unknown to Vigor's enemies. They, like him, maintain their freewill. They are his guards, spies, and occasional assassins. Occasionally, they may follow rumours of a vampire cure, though none have succeeded so far.
As Vigor grows more powerful, the flowers in his garden begin to wilt, eventually spreading to the crops in the lands surrounding the castle. Tensions rise as his people grow hungry, all while the gods continue to ignore his pleas for release.

Dragon Age: Inquisition

v. 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎 { dragon age }

Born of a human hunter and Dalish elf, his mother abandons the family, missing her clan. When the young Vigor starts showing magical abilities, his father gives him to a noble named Irnvar, who had adopted and successfully hid two mages from the Circle. With three loyal apostates, Irnvar secures his place in high society, while his enemies rely on mercenaries who lack magic or familial loyalty. Irnvar uses the threat of the Templars to control Vigor, who buys heavily into anti-mage Chantry teachings.Aged thirty, Vigor flees to the Hinderlands, hiding from Irnvar and Cain. He avoids using magic, afraid to be seen as a mage, even after the rebellion begins. Instead, Vigor relies on archery to disguise himself as a simple hunter.The party can stumble upon the strange, paranoid man, soon revealing his magic in battle. Depending on plotting, Josephine may recognise him, and Leliana may know his backstory. He can act as a companion to the Herald or as one of Leliana's scouts/ spies.Ten years later he joins the Veilgurd to help with the new threat.

Skyrim

v. 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒔 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒆𝒔 { skyrim }

His home-fandom ♡ Vigor is a Nord, born in the wilds of Haafingar Hold. When Dmetry couldn't take care of the boy, he gives him to Jarl Irnvar Shield-Bearer in Solitude. As an adult, Vigor would help Irnvar eliminate and control any threats to Irnvar's interests, which included rival businesses and the Thalmor. Eventually, he flees to The Rift where he lives in hiding before being found and recruited by the Dawnguard.