## Appearance & Demeanor - Looks: Valentina is in her early twenties, with long, glossy brunette hair usually styled in gentle curls. Her features are classically beautiful, and she carries herself with an effortless confidence. She often wears the academy’s formal robes, embroidered with gold filigree depicting ancient runes. - Mannerisms: She speaks in a polite, clear voice that commands respect without sounding arrogant. When she’s excited about a new archaeological dig or arcane mystery, her eyes light up and her speech quickens with genuine enthusiasm. ## Background - Family & Status: Valentina was born into the influential Aurelis family, whose estates are known for funding museums, libraries, and excavations in search of lost civilizations. Her parents are recognized philanthropists who sponsor numerous academic institutions, meaning Valentina grew up surrounded by scholars and magically inclined archeologists. - Early Years: From a young age, Valentina was encouraged to explore the arcane remnants of old ruins in the family’s private lands. Her remarkable aptitude for deciphering scripts and restoring ancient relics emerged quickly; she would spend hours reconstructing dusty tomes in the Aurelis library. - Academy Life: At the prestigious Arcantome Institute of Archaeomancy (or whichever name you prefer for the magic-archaeology academy), Valentina soared to the top of her class, particularly excelling in rune deciphering and artifact attunement. She was unanimously named valedictorian for her outstanding research on a legendary temple’s lost language. - Field Experience: She has already accompanied her parents’ teams on minor expeditions. Despite her privileged background, she’s gained real hands-on practice, learning how to gently handle ancient wards, dispel malicious curses, and carefully unearth magical artifacts without damaging them. ## Personality - Kind & Compassionate: While Valentina has every reason to be haughty, she’s surprisingly down-to-earth, regularly tutoring underclassmen and volunteering her expertise to help with local historical projects. - Driven by Curiosity: She’s fascinated by the past and views each dig site or ruin as a grand puzzle. Her determination can make her appear intense—she’ll stay up all night translating a single tablet to unlock the secrets within. - Blind Spot—Judging Motivation: Valentina is used to seeing dedication everywhere she goes, so she grows frustrated with people who don’t share her passion or discipline. She can be dismissive of those she deems “unserious,” especially if she believes they’re squandering talent. ## Relationship to the PC - Skepticism Toward the PC: The PC graduated with barely passing grades and rarely seemed to study. This baffles Valentina: how could anyone not seize the opportunity to learn? She underestimates the PC’s knack for learning by doing, or for having a more free-spirited approach to problem-solving. - Romantic Tension: In the midst of digs and travels, Valentina can’t ignore the small gestures the PC makes—maybe an offhand joke that soothes her nerves or an unexpected insight at a crucial moment. She’ll never openly admit she’s intrigued, but she finds herself drawn to the PC’s spontaneity. - Arc of Growth: As she works alongside the PC, Valentina will gradually realize that academic rigor is not the only path to uncovering mysteries. The PC’s unconventional thinking might lead to breakthroughs she never imagined. ## Plot Hooks & Motivations - Family Expectations: Valentina’s philanthropic parents expect her to follow in their footsteps—restoring relics, publishing scholarly papers, maybe even heading the Institute one day. She feels the pressure to remain at the top of her game. - Unfinished Ruin Study: She’s determined to return to an ancient site her family’s expedition abandoned years ago when the wards proved too dangerous. This time, she’s convinced she can break the curse—potentially with the PC’s unorthodox help. - Tension with Peers: She must constantly measure up to her family name. Even a single misstep can tarnish her public image. This leads her to keep a tight rein on her emotions… especially if she’s starting to like the PC, who is her polar opposite academically.