Alexander Tophet

From GURPSworld Wiki

Born in Rome, Italy during the mid-1930s, Alexander Roman Tophet is the only son of Solomon Tophet, a noted magician of the 1930s and 1940s, Alexander has been raised from birth to be a magician. For most of his life he traveled extensively with is father, studying magic and mysticism around the globe. He also holds advanced degrees in Linguistics and Anthropology. Tophet is an associate of the Promethean Foundation and an instructor that the Promethean Institute when his travels permit. Tall, dark, handsome, and usually fashionably dressed, he is the very image of the debonair scholar-magician and bears a remarkable resemblance to actor Vincent Price.

Biography

Solomon Tophet left the United States during the "Fire Magic Wars" of 1926-1930. He traveled extensively in Europe, finally settling in Rome as a base of operations for his archaeological expeditions. In 1932 Solomon Tophet married Contessa Ismaila Rossi, who later gave birth to their only son Alexander. The couple later had four daughters, all younger sisters to Alexander.

The boy was with his father almost constantly from birth. Solomon made no secret that he intended to train the boy not only as an anthropologist and archaeologist, but also a magician. In 1940 the young boy developed asthma and could not accompany his father on desert excavations or many of his travels for several years. During this time he developed an interest in languages, spurred by his father's letters, each of which was written in a different language. He also placed himself on an intense reading and self-study program, under the direction of both his father and longtime family friend Joseph Campbell.

At the age of fifteen Alexander was admitted to Harvard University, where he completed undergraduate studies in literature in just three years. He then accompanied his father on a three year expedition to the Middle East where he developed his interest in Persian and Arabic cultures. Alexander returned to the US briefly but then moved to England where he studied art for two years under the tutelage of Austin Spare. He then enrolled in graduate studies, transferring to three different graduate programs before settling on Stanford University in California, where he completed his doctoral studies in both anthropology and linguistics in just four years.

In 1965 Bellatrix Publications published The History and Practice of Magick, Tophet's magnum opus, which he had begun writing at the age of 14.

Tophet as Teacher

Alexander Tophet has a genius IQ and is educated in a number of subjects. His father was a polymath and autodidact who insisted his son meet high standards. As a workaholic himself, Alexander is not averse to spending long hours teaching and studying. He is a loner, but is really only put off by social activities more than the physical presence of others, as he considers most conversation a waste of time.

Relevant Skill Level

Teaching-16

Subjects Taught

Tophet is willing to teach any of the following skills, which he possesses at 16 or better.

Occult/Magical

  • Alchemy
  • Exorcism
  • Hidden Lore (Any)
  • Occultism
  • Ritual Magery
Path of Body Control
Path of Gate
Path of Knowledge
Path of Mind Control
  • Thaumatology

Mundane

  • Anthropology
  • Autohypnosis
  • Languages: Arabic, Italian, Latin, Persian. (Classical and Modern versions of all.)
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Meditation