Aros

Aros is an archmage and member of the Circle of Eight.

Appearance
Aros is a medium-sized man of unknown origin whose face is shrouded by an illusory red haze at all times. This illusion cannot be dispelled unless he retires from his position in the Circle of Eight.

Personality
Aros has currently spoken little during the Circle's meetings with the Champions Valoris. Therefore, his personality remains something of a mystery. However, he has an academic interest in the Vrinian Empire, along with most of his colleagues, and his comments on Ashara's encounters with Rendor suggest that he has a sense of humor.

Background
Aros is a powerful mage who rose through the ranks of Atemcester's wizards to become a member of the Circle of Eight. Upon ascending to the Circle, Aros consented to remain anonymous and have his face hidden with illusion magic as long as he served as an archmage. His true name is unknown. Initially, he was known by his title and favored school of magic. However, this was deemed cumbersome by many and, upon the discovery of a tablet in ruins from the late Vrinian Empire, the archmagi decided to adopt the names of ancient wizards for their seats. He selected the name Aros for his seat. Before the Champions Valoris arrived in Atemcester, the Circle held a vote on whether or not to entrust the Bands of the Archmagi to them, pending the results of a test of ability administered by the Crest's current guardian, Esbat. The vote was marginally in favor of allowing the adventurers to take the Abyssal Crest. It is unknown how Aros voted on the proposal.

Atemcester Arc
Aros was present for the party's initial meeting with the Circle of Eight. He was the one who explained that the Circle had been aware of the Bands' true nature the whole time. Upon the party's return from Esbat's temple, Aros was seemingly consulted on performing a memory wipe on Rendor, the halfling receptionist who guided the Champions Valoris to the Circle Tower. He stated that he would have suggested such a measure even if the party had failed Esbat's trial. He expressed great interest in Ashara's knowledge of the Vrinian Empire, saying that with her help, it would not be forgotten. However, he was also the archmage who observed that they all had other duties to attend to and cut Ashara's first meeting with the Circle short. During Ashara's second meeting with the Circle, Aros responded to Ashara's revelation that she had intentionally knocked over a trash can earlier in the day by saying that she at least owned up to it.

Goals
Aros's wider goals are unknown to the Champions Valoris. However, he presumably wants the Bands of the Archmagi to be protected against agents of the Burning Knight.

Abilities
Aros is an extremely powerful wizard, considered a master of his craft. While the Champions Valoris currently do not know his favored school of magic, he may be responsible for performing memory modification when the Circle deems it necessary. Currently, the Champions Valoris have yet to see his spellcasting in action.

Quotes

 * Name: "Quote."

Trivia

 * Considering that he seems to be capable of performing memory modification, Aros could possibly be the Archmage of Enchantment. However, this is speculative and has not been confirmed within the campaign.