Paradox
09-19-08, 04:48 PM
I know I made a character on here long, long ago, the sheet of which can be found here (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?t=441). However, in retrospect, that sheet seems rather dismally written, and the character it presents appears too bland to be of any use to me. Thus, a fresh twist to an old idea.
Overview
- Full Name - Olbrand Jacius Thorne
- Race - Shylan*
- Gender - Male
- Age - 29
- Height - 6'2"
- Weight - 187 lbs
- Eyes - Hazel
- Hair - Raven black
- Languages - Common, Shylan
- Occupation - Oathkeeper*
(*) Refers to terms that will be expanded upon in the On Shylans section.
Appearance
A pale, leathery skin and features jagged and wrinkled beyond his age give Olbrand a fairly unpleasant look. Messy, black hair encircles his face and lips in scruffy clusters, with streaks of dull grey showing near his ears. Weathered bones and tough-though-unimposing muscles make up a body that's visibly weathered the elements of nature. Even moreso than normal Shylans', Olbrand's twelve fingers are unnaturally long and spindly, perfectly complementing the plethora of leather bands that keep his olive-colored traveller's jacket wrapped tight around his frame. Stiff shoulder pads emerge from under the cloth's yellowed collar, and broad strips of leather protect his upper legs.
Personality
As much as any of his kin, Olbrand knows that talking too much can lead a Shylan into sticky situations. As such, he prefers to keep his mouth shut on matters of personal interest, though not to such an extent that his muteness would attract the wrong kind of attention. He is keen to speak out on everyday subjects and rumors, as long as he can steer the conversation away from topics that he would consider dangerous to converse about. Always ready to learn, particularly through reading and practice, Olbrand never strays from new experiences, but outright refuses to perform any activity that could occlude his mind. Behind the stringent wards he places on his own speaking, he is a rather easy person to befriend, and quite assertive in pointing out the merits and flaws of others.
On Shylans
History
Shylans are a humanoid species often mistaken for simple gypsies of their more mundane kin. Since an exhaustive history of their kind would do little to enhance one's understanding of Olbrand, a short summary will have to suffice. Shylans first appeared in Haidia four hundred years ago, existing in a single nomadic tribe that moved from one edge of the demon-populated continent to the other. They did not mingle much with other Haidians, keeping to themselves as though their camp was an isolated, ever-moving city. Although the reigning demons were aware of the Shylans' presence, they did not care much for it. Of course, the nomads were no true Haidian citizens either, but due to the hardiness of their warriors, raids by groups of opportunistic demons were usually fended off without much problems.
Racial Features
The differences between humans and Shylans are not readily apparent, apart from the fact that Shylans have an extra opposable thumb on each hand. Their complexion is often fairer than that of normal humans, almost Elven, but their wealthy hairgrowth quickly dispels any sign of kinship with the fair folk. Humans are usually burlier than Shylans, with shorter, stouter limbs and broad torsos to carry great loads. Whereas humans are stronger, Shylans are quicker and more dextrous in both thought and movement. In short, it could be said that Shylans stand closer to the Elves, while humans are more reminiscent of Dwarves.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Shylan race lies in their inability to tell lies. Brought about by the event described in 'The Shylan Account', this compulsive honesty have led many to become masters at twisting truth in such a way that they speak no lies, but still leave their inquirers with worthless information. Whereas the handicap of truthfulness can be concealed by skilled speechcraft, however, Shylans suffer from another qualm that requires far more caution in everyday conversation. Whenever a Shylan makes a promise, be it in jest or utter seriousness, she is bound by her word. Effectively, every promise a Shylan commits to becomes a sacred oath that they can't ever violate. It is for this reason that Shylans prefer to be silent, and never indulge in activities that could enshroud their minds, for fear that they will make idiot claims that they will later have to make amends for. The promise of a Shylan weighs so heavily in Shylan society that its fulfillment is guarded by a special warrior sect; the Oathkeepers.
The Shylan Account
Shylans have little need for history books, but they do possess one text that is preserved by each generation with extreme caution. Written more than two hundred years ago, the Shylan Account spans the legend of the Haidian demon sorcerer Iakthau, and how he met the Shylan tribe in a shroud of amity to cover up the sinister intentions beneath his friendly facade. Again, to tread into detail would be unnecessary, but after several years, the tribe officially allied itself with the sorcerer, offering to provide the demon with warriors to further his quest for, as Iakthau so smoothly put it, an artefact that would bestow peace upon Haidia once and for all - allowing the Shylans to finally settle and live in tranquillity with the continent's other inhabitants.
Needless to say, Iakthau showed himself to be as treacherous as his infernal brethren. As soon as the demon had acquired the relic, he turned on the group of mighty nomads that had made possible his successful journey through the Haidian wastes. It became clear that the artefact was, in fact, a catalyst for the sorcerer's power-hungry motives - a blade, designed to become stronger with each warrior it slew. The strongest Shylan of that age, Eloric the Winterborn, was first to fall prey to its deadly bite in a cowardly sneak attack. The others stood no chance against the combined might of the demon and Eloric's absorbed powers.
News of Iakthau's betrayal reached the remaining nomads through the voices of the wastes - the birds, the wolves. For many days, they mourned the loss of their greatest fighters, but soon after, their grief was replaced by a wave of hate for all things magical. It was from that day onward that every Shylan, from the age of eight, was taught the intricate system of Anti-Magic, a complex school of metamagic designed with the singular purpose of completely rooting out magic of any kind. Very few Shylans are able to perform noticeable counterspells, the Oathkeepers being the most advanced in its use, and never has anyone delved deeper into the school, for fear of debilitating the magic that underlies reality itself.
Olbrand's History
Olbrand's story is far from epic. Although it is not entirely uncommon for a Shylan to travel the world, most tribesmen prefer isolation over mingling, not in the least because such journeys often lead to unexpected situations, and those can easily cause the Shylan handicap in truth and lie to take a turn for the worst. Olbrand, on the other hand, believes that solitude will bring the Shylans nothing but stagnation, and set out five years ago to find a cure for Iakthau's deathly curse. A lofty goal, but one that met with disbelief among his Shylan peers, and especially the other Oathkeepers. Although by no means banished from the tribe, Olbrand is generally considered a lost cause. After all, the final words he uttered upon his depart were: "I will not return before I have found a way to lift the curse. This I swear."
Of course, now that he had bound himself by oath to his purpose, the gruff Oathkeeper had no place to go but away from home. His years as a child in nomadic life had taught him to survive the wastes, and to keep himself out of danger. He did not speak when not spoken to, for although it had not deterred him from accepting his quest for a cure, the fear of making doomful promises was very much alive in him. Much to his relief, the environment of other continents, such as Corone and Raiaera, yes, even Salvar, was far less hostile than the demon-reigned wastes of his homeland. He quickly learned to adapt to the bustling city life - after all, silent types may have been completely ignored back in Haidia, but in these cultures, silence only served to provide you with unwanted attention.
Admittedly, he often found himself sidetracking from his true goal, but he always emerged from his struggles a stronger man, and never has the ultimate goal of his quest left his determined mind.
Skills
Weapon Mastery
Finesse Blades [0] - Though by no means a fencing virtuoso, Olbrand can stand his ground quite capably with a rapier or any other long blade requiring finesse more than strength. Combat between him and a trained soldier could go either way.
Anti-Magic*
Diminish [0] - The most basic of antimagical chants, Olbrand can reduce the strength of purely magical projectiles cast at him by one level, unless the attacker's level exceeds his own by at least two. This skill has no effect on magic cast by level zero characters.
Reflect [0] - With intense focus, Olbrand can infuse the Shylan aversion of all things magic into the weapon he is wielding, provided that there isn't already an enchantment present within. For one post per thread, this technique allows Olbrand to parry magical energies and pierce through weaker magical shields as though they were of a physical nature.
Equipment
Steel Rapier - Although more robust than the wide range of rapiers used for recreative fencing, the sleekness of this weapon's blade makes it unsuitable for blocking all but the frailest of other weapons. Its use requires the practitioner to be quick on his feet, but its nearly invisible edge offers a quickness in puncturing that standard-issue military blades can only dream of.
Leather Armor - Utilising a style that relies more on dodging than on shrugging off enemy hits, Olbrand generally prefers not to wear any armor at all. Still, his travels have shown him that light protection such as this leather armor has its benefits. The incomplete set consists of a pair of bracers, pauldrons, greaves, and hip protectors.
Overview
- Full Name - Olbrand Jacius Thorne
- Race - Shylan*
- Gender - Male
- Age - 29
- Height - 6'2"
- Weight - 187 lbs
- Eyes - Hazel
- Hair - Raven black
- Languages - Common, Shylan
- Occupation - Oathkeeper*
(*) Refers to terms that will be expanded upon in the On Shylans section.
Appearance
A pale, leathery skin and features jagged and wrinkled beyond his age give Olbrand a fairly unpleasant look. Messy, black hair encircles his face and lips in scruffy clusters, with streaks of dull grey showing near his ears. Weathered bones and tough-though-unimposing muscles make up a body that's visibly weathered the elements of nature. Even moreso than normal Shylans', Olbrand's twelve fingers are unnaturally long and spindly, perfectly complementing the plethora of leather bands that keep his olive-colored traveller's jacket wrapped tight around his frame. Stiff shoulder pads emerge from under the cloth's yellowed collar, and broad strips of leather protect his upper legs.
Personality
As much as any of his kin, Olbrand knows that talking too much can lead a Shylan into sticky situations. As such, he prefers to keep his mouth shut on matters of personal interest, though not to such an extent that his muteness would attract the wrong kind of attention. He is keen to speak out on everyday subjects and rumors, as long as he can steer the conversation away from topics that he would consider dangerous to converse about. Always ready to learn, particularly through reading and practice, Olbrand never strays from new experiences, but outright refuses to perform any activity that could occlude his mind. Behind the stringent wards he places on his own speaking, he is a rather easy person to befriend, and quite assertive in pointing out the merits and flaws of others.
On Shylans
History
Shylans are a humanoid species often mistaken for simple gypsies of their more mundane kin. Since an exhaustive history of their kind would do little to enhance one's understanding of Olbrand, a short summary will have to suffice. Shylans first appeared in Haidia four hundred years ago, existing in a single nomadic tribe that moved from one edge of the demon-populated continent to the other. They did not mingle much with other Haidians, keeping to themselves as though their camp was an isolated, ever-moving city. Although the reigning demons were aware of the Shylans' presence, they did not care much for it. Of course, the nomads were no true Haidian citizens either, but due to the hardiness of their warriors, raids by groups of opportunistic demons were usually fended off without much problems.
Racial Features
The differences between humans and Shylans are not readily apparent, apart from the fact that Shylans have an extra opposable thumb on each hand. Their complexion is often fairer than that of normal humans, almost Elven, but their wealthy hairgrowth quickly dispels any sign of kinship with the fair folk. Humans are usually burlier than Shylans, with shorter, stouter limbs and broad torsos to carry great loads. Whereas humans are stronger, Shylans are quicker and more dextrous in both thought and movement. In short, it could be said that Shylans stand closer to the Elves, while humans are more reminiscent of Dwarves.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Shylan race lies in their inability to tell lies. Brought about by the event described in 'The Shylan Account', this compulsive honesty have led many to become masters at twisting truth in such a way that they speak no lies, but still leave their inquirers with worthless information. Whereas the handicap of truthfulness can be concealed by skilled speechcraft, however, Shylans suffer from another qualm that requires far more caution in everyday conversation. Whenever a Shylan makes a promise, be it in jest or utter seriousness, she is bound by her word. Effectively, every promise a Shylan commits to becomes a sacred oath that they can't ever violate. It is for this reason that Shylans prefer to be silent, and never indulge in activities that could enshroud their minds, for fear that they will make idiot claims that they will later have to make amends for. The promise of a Shylan weighs so heavily in Shylan society that its fulfillment is guarded by a special warrior sect; the Oathkeepers.
The Shylan Account
Shylans have little need for history books, but they do possess one text that is preserved by each generation with extreme caution. Written more than two hundred years ago, the Shylan Account spans the legend of the Haidian demon sorcerer Iakthau, and how he met the Shylan tribe in a shroud of amity to cover up the sinister intentions beneath his friendly facade. Again, to tread into detail would be unnecessary, but after several years, the tribe officially allied itself with the sorcerer, offering to provide the demon with warriors to further his quest for, as Iakthau so smoothly put it, an artefact that would bestow peace upon Haidia once and for all - allowing the Shylans to finally settle and live in tranquillity with the continent's other inhabitants.
Needless to say, Iakthau showed himself to be as treacherous as his infernal brethren. As soon as the demon had acquired the relic, he turned on the group of mighty nomads that had made possible his successful journey through the Haidian wastes. It became clear that the artefact was, in fact, a catalyst for the sorcerer's power-hungry motives - a blade, designed to become stronger with each warrior it slew. The strongest Shylan of that age, Eloric the Winterborn, was first to fall prey to its deadly bite in a cowardly sneak attack. The others stood no chance against the combined might of the demon and Eloric's absorbed powers.
News of Iakthau's betrayal reached the remaining nomads through the voices of the wastes - the birds, the wolves. For many days, they mourned the loss of their greatest fighters, but soon after, their grief was replaced by a wave of hate for all things magical. It was from that day onward that every Shylan, from the age of eight, was taught the intricate system of Anti-Magic, a complex school of metamagic designed with the singular purpose of completely rooting out magic of any kind. Very few Shylans are able to perform noticeable counterspells, the Oathkeepers being the most advanced in its use, and never has anyone delved deeper into the school, for fear of debilitating the magic that underlies reality itself.
Olbrand's History
Olbrand's story is far from epic. Although it is not entirely uncommon for a Shylan to travel the world, most tribesmen prefer isolation over mingling, not in the least because such journeys often lead to unexpected situations, and those can easily cause the Shylan handicap in truth and lie to take a turn for the worst. Olbrand, on the other hand, believes that solitude will bring the Shylans nothing but stagnation, and set out five years ago to find a cure for Iakthau's deathly curse. A lofty goal, but one that met with disbelief among his Shylan peers, and especially the other Oathkeepers. Although by no means banished from the tribe, Olbrand is generally considered a lost cause. After all, the final words he uttered upon his depart were: "I will not return before I have found a way to lift the curse. This I swear."
Of course, now that he had bound himself by oath to his purpose, the gruff Oathkeeper had no place to go but away from home. His years as a child in nomadic life had taught him to survive the wastes, and to keep himself out of danger. He did not speak when not spoken to, for although it had not deterred him from accepting his quest for a cure, the fear of making doomful promises was very much alive in him. Much to his relief, the environment of other continents, such as Corone and Raiaera, yes, even Salvar, was far less hostile than the demon-reigned wastes of his homeland. He quickly learned to adapt to the bustling city life - after all, silent types may have been completely ignored back in Haidia, but in these cultures, silence only served to provide you with unwanted attention.
Admittedly, he often found himself sidetracking from his true goal, but he always emerged from his struggles a stronger man, and never has the ultimate goal of his quest left his determined mind.
Skills
Weapon Mastery
Finesse Blades [0] - Though by no means a fencing virtuoso, Olbrand can stand his ground quite capably with a rapier or any other long blade requiring finesse more than strength. Combat between him and a trained soldier could go either way.
Anti-Magic*
Diminish [0] - The most basic of antimagical chants, Olbrand can reduce the strength of purely magical projectiles cast at him by one level, unless the attacker's level exceeds his own by at least two. This skill has no effect on magic cast by level zero characters.
Reflect [0] - With intense focus, Olbrand can infuse the Shylan aversion of all things magic into the weapon he is wielding, provided that there isn't already an enchantment present within. For one post per thread, this technique allows Olbrand to parry magical energies and pierce through weaker magical shields as though they were of a physical nature.
Equipment
Steel Rapier - Although more robust than the wide range of rapiers used for recreative fencing, the sleekness of this weapon's blade makes it unsuitable for blocking all but the frailest of other weapons. Its use requires the practitioner to be quick on his feet, but its nearly invisible edge offers a quickness in puncturing that standard-issue military blades can only dream of.
Leather Armor - Utilising a style that relies more on dodging than on shrugging off enemy hits, Olbrand generally prefers not to wear any armor at all. Still, his travels have shown him that light protection such as this leather armor has its benefits. The incomplete set consists of a pair of bracers, pauldrons, greaves, and hip protectors.