Steeleye Sungazer

By HigurSan

• August 25, 2012




Age: 26

Gender: Male

Species: Unicorn

Cutie Mark: Steeleye's cutie mark is a sunburst with wavy rays transposed over an oak tree. Though he was initially unable to discern its meaning, after years of study he has decided that it represents his pursuit and mastery over the art of sorcery. Therein he is not powerful on his own, but is able to become a conduit for the power of others.

Personality: Steeleye is a relatively simple pony when such things as other ponies are involved. His manner his straight forward while remaining tactlful, and his speech is short and accurate. When alone or in the company of the few ponies he trusts, he is less reserved. However, he still seems to have his mind elsewhere, and needs to be drawn out if a long conversation is desired. As most ponies do not have the dedication or patience required to put up with his reserved nature, he has few that he trusts and even fewer friends.<br /><br />One particular social oddity regarding Steeleye is that he is one of the few ponies who is not glad to see the return and arrival of the Princesses other than Celestia. In fact, he seems to regard the new arrivals with something approaching polite disdain and Luna with barely restrained hostility. If asked, he seems to consider the other Princesses as part of the causes for many of Equestria's problems and preferred the stability under Celestia's singular rule.

Backstory: Steeleye was born to a metal smith and a mare who has yet to be identified by him or any other. In a manner of speaking he showed up on his father's doorstep with a stark resemblance and no introduction while only a foal. With no memory of where he came from or what he was, he always felt like his father was not his own. In time he grew up, and moved on to the spartan lifestyle he lives today.<br /><br />He came to discover his special talent later in life when compared to his peers. While others pursued their own desires, he seemed content to help others when asked and remain alone otherwise. It was only when he showed a spark of particular magic potential that he began on the path to learning his true talent. With his potential recognized, he was sent to Canterlot's School of Magic, entering a few years before Twilight.<br /><br />Therein he was seemingly an average student, scraping by with decent grades but nothing worthy of distinction. Meanwhile all his classmates excelled in their particular specialties. Eventually it was discovered that part of his peer's success was due to Steeleye assisting them with their practice and assignments. After much study, it was discovered that he could act as a magic focus for those casting spells.<br /><br />Thus while he had little power of his own, he could amplify the power of other ponies spells far beyond the capability of even trained mages.<br /><br />Upon graduation he was inducted into the Equestrian Royal Guard, serving as magical liaison to Princess Celestia with the responsibility of both maintaining and bolstering the magical wards around Canterlot. At times he and a squad of lesser unicorns he commands have been sent out to deal with crises in the kingdom and have earned a number of honors for their continued success.<br /><br />He has watched the recent events with annoyance, becoming increasingly somber as more and more threats assault both his home and his Princess.