Well, it looks like I didn't make the time cut-off (since I haven't previously posted in this thread), but in the time it took me to read this thread I've come up with a brand new character.
When Morganatic mentioned it would be best if our character was related to a faction and, thus, had a legitimate reason to go on this expedition, it made me think what faction I would naturally associate with. Therefore, I came up with:
Name: Sebastian Leroux
Race: Breton
Sex: Male
Age: 116 (Sort of)
Faction: Psijic Order
Appearance: Sebastian stands five feet eight inches tall with a slim build. He has dark brown, short cut hair and light blue eyes. He appears as if he’s thirty years old.
Equipment: While the Psijic monks are traditionally known for wearing grey robes, Sebastian primarily wears the yellow, hooded-robes that Quarinir wears in Skyrim. Leather gloves and boots with silver plates adorned with red filigree (which match the shoulder guards) complete the set. He also carries a leather haversack filled with various objects.
Skills: Highly skilled in the now-defunct school of Mysticism (for those who don’t remember the spells: Absorb Attribute, Absorb Health/Fatigue, Detect Life, Demoralize, Detect Enchantment/Key, Dispel Magic, Almsivi/Divine Intervention, Mark/Recall, Reflect Spell, Soul Trap, Spell Absorption, Telekenesis), also knows Bound Weapons from the Conjuration School, and Rune spells from the Destruction School.
Combat Style: The Psijic Order is a monastic order that focuses on magic, primarily Mysticism. As such, its members are not naturally skilled melee or ranged combatants. Thus, the monks’ style of warfare very unique. Its members rely on the Mark and Recall spells, as well as the Intervention spells, to quickly retreat from battle. When close to a combatant, the monk will use the Absorb Attribute spell to temporarily drain the target's, and increase their own, proficiency in said attribute. Telekinesis is a popular spell to use at a distance to manipulate the enemy’s movement, or just to fling things in their general direction. When faced with other magic users, Reflect Spell, Spell Absorption, and Dispel are used to negate their opponent’s power.
Personality: Sebastian is a fairly easy-going individual. He is very devoted to the Old Way and its ancestors, and—like all Psijics—extremely close-mouthed when it comes to his Order. He is skilled in mediation and will offer advice and guidance when needed.
Backstory: Sebastian was born in 4E 90 in High Rock. During his tenth year, he was chosen by the Psijics to train on Artaeum. Shortly after his arrival on Artaeum, the island mysteriously disappeared, like it did at the end of the first era. He grew and trained on the island, for what seemed like twenty years. However, time affected Artaeum differently than Tamriel. While only twenty years passed on the island, over a hundred passed on Tamriel. The island was not cut off completely from Tamriel, as the monks could observe what was happening on the rest of Nirn, and intercede when necessary. However, even the Psijics lost sight of Morrowind and Blackmarsh as they went to war, so they sent Sebastian to observe first-hand the events going on.
I understand that I didn't make the deadline, so if you don't want to let me in, that's fine. No hard feelings. I just wanted to share my character idea because I thought it was fairly unique and interesting.