Andaris
10-20-13, 08:54 PM
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6682/ghhs.png
"It's a kind of spiritual snobbery that makes people think they can be happy without money."
-Albert Camus
Name:Andaris Rake
Age: 34
Race: Human
Hair Color: Bald
Eye Color: Azure
Height: 5'11
Weight: 167 lbs.
Occupation: Mercenary|Former Scarlet Brigade
Appearance:
There are few who would mistake Andaris for anything other than what he is, a warrior. He stands just shy of six feet and weighs slightly under 170 pounds. He possesses a solid frame and is in peak physical condition. Andaris is not overly bulky and keeps his body in a condition that affords him a reliable mix of speed and strength. The mercenary holds himself with the casual grace of a seasoned predator yet still hinting at his noble upbringing. It is clear to the trained eye that Andaris is a fighter with more than a few battles under his belt. His skin is relatively tan and his body is noticeably covered in tattoos. They cover the entirety of his arms, his neck, a majority of his face, and even his head. Thus his once dark-hair can no longer be seen. Andaris' possesses piercing azure eyes, the type which can be uncomfortable to be on the opposite end of. He can therefore make for a rather intimidating figure to those of a lesser will.
Andaris is almost always in his battle garb, preferring to err on the side of caution than get a knife in his back. His charcoal-colored steel cuirass grants him a good deal of protection. A tattered navy cloak hangs at the back of his armor, opposite to the crimson he once wore. The mercenary has opted from wearing any bracers or gauntlets as he finds that they hinder both his movement and ability to utilize his magic effectively. He sports a similar charcoal color for his greaves and boots to complete the set. Andaris keeps his falchion sheathed at his left hip and usually opts to hold his spear or let it rest on his shoulder.
Personality:
Andaris is a man who enjoys his job, but not so much that he doesn't get paid well for it. There was a time when he fought for a cause but that wore quickly on him. He was never much of an idealist to begin with and the civil war in Corone only reinforced that particular sentiment. Andaris acts only to the benefit of himself. There are two key characteristics to note if one truly wishes to understand Andaris; he constantly seeks the thrill of battle and craves the rewards that follow in victory. Andaris is a mercenary to his core and it is unlikely that he will ever act outside the tenets of his profession. Any seemingly generous acts by the mercenary should always be viewed with suspicion. Of course that is not to say that Andaris is not a man of his word. His background as a soldier and pride usually mean that Andaris will follow through a contract he has undertaken. The mercenary understands that maintaining a 'respectable' reputation is necessary if he wishes to survive in his profession. Therefore one should never fully trust Andaris but rather expect him to complete his tasks based on his desire for reward.
As one might expect from a soldier of fortune, Andaris isn't the overly friendly sort. He tends not to engage in idle conversation though he may make the occasional sarcastic quip. It only takes a few moments of conversation to note that the mercenary is not the average hired 'muscle'. Andaris is an accomplished battlemage, trained by the elite of the Scarlet Brigade. He is well-learned though not always of polite speech. The mercenary's tone can often be condescending depending on who he is addressing. He generally keeps level-headed but there are a certain few who are capable of getting under his skin. His natural intellect and martial prowess make him a formidable opponent yet not without faults. The mercenary is exceptional when it comes to small engagements but lacks the ability to see the big picture. Thus sprawling tactics and long-run plans tend to go over his head. This is partly a result of Andaris' overconfidence and noticeably reckless nature. He is a highly trained weapon and knows this fact all too well. The mercenary's actual fighting style is cautious but he often places himself in disadvantageous situations due to his self-assured nature.
There are a few side things to note about Andaris' personality. He has kept his vow of secrecy despite having left the Scarlet Brigade, mostly due to a mix of honor and self-preservation. The mercenary rarely seems afraid of anything but he constantly fears the ire of the Brigade. One doesn't just tender their resignation and leave the Brigade. Andaris is his own man but years of soldiering have taught him a certain level of deference; he will show respect to those he feels deserves it. One should always keep in mind that Andaris can be one of your most powerful allies, so long as he is getting paid to do it. Keep that particular fact in mind and one can get along with the mercenary just fine.
History:
Born in Radasanth as the son of a middling nobleman, Andaris' early life was full of anything but hardship. His father was not a man of great ability or ambition and cruised through life on the wealth of his predecessors. Lord Rake more or less expected his son to do the same as he had. Radasanth provided many opportunities if one possessed the necessary wealth or influence. Andaris was given a high level of education, schooled in all the things that were expected of scion of a noble family. It was not long before the noble boy's intelligence and general aptitude were discovered. His tutors began to suggest a variety of career paths that the boy could take, the world was open to him. Andaris pretty much had everything a person could hope for; money, talent, and a loving household and yet he remained oddly dissatisfied. He had found that his whole lifestyle had become increasingly dreary, lacking any true excitement or pleasure. Therefore he surprised those around him when he decided to sign up for the Coronian Armed Forces. Andaris had heard all the boyhood stories about the glory of being a soldier, a chance to become a legend. He came to the conclusion that being a soldier might be far more satisfying than his current lifestyle.
At the age of 18, Andaris was one of the many fresh recruits at the military academy. His family had wealth but no real influence and as such he was not given any special attention. He did come in a bit ahead of the curve as he had years of training in fencing since it was an amusing pastime for nobles. His time at the academy proved to be both a harsh lesson and a welcome experience. Andaris found a thrill in fighting that he had never experienced before. This was not fighting with rapiers and scoring points for fun, he was fighting to kill. Of course at the time it was only training but it became clear to Andaris that he had found his calling. Andaris showed an aptitude for both the sword and spear during his training. His general intellect and combat skills made him an ideal candidate as an officer. It seemed that he was destined for a career within the CAF, but the powers that be had a different path in mind for the young noble turned soldier.
The young soldier's skill had caught the eye of the respected and feared Scarlet Brigade, the military outfit which possessed the finest soldiers that Corone had to offer. He found the sudden transfer to the Brigade more than a bit jarring but it soon became apparent that he had little choice in the matter. Andaris quickly discovered why the Scarlet Brigade was so revered among those in the Coronian military. He had gone from a stand-out among his peers to the lowliest recruit. Andaris was not one to care for title or rank but he was not the type to deny a challenge. His training was exponentially more difficult and yet much more satisfying. It was here that one of his instructors realized that Andaris had the potential to be a deadly wielder of the spear. The Brigade was a relatively small outfit but he could now see why they were considered the best. His instructors abilities were far beyond his own and his peers truly were the best that Corone produced. It wasn't all that surprising then that Andaris saw tremendous growth as a soldier, but that would not be the extent of his abilities.
It was discovered during his time in the Brigade that Andaris had an aptitude for magic, a fact that rather surprised the soldier. Apparently he had shown signs of it when he was younger but thought nothing of it. He found that his skills rested in the area of Psionics, and thus granting him the ability to move things around with his mind. His used of magic and talent with a spear were fast making Andaris into a force to reckoned with, even within the Brigade. Andaris spent most of his early years in Brigade in training. It wasn't long before he learned why members of the organization were sworn to secrecy and wore no distinguishing insignia. Andaris had always expected that the Brigade was more than just a center for training glorified bodyguards. His missions over the years were the type that would make a common person blanch. Killing in the name of Corone became a normal thing for Andaris and he did not think much of it at the time. He would soon begin to question his dedication to the Brigade with the onset of the civil war that would rock the powerful island nation.
Corone's peace shattered, Andaris suddenly found himself quite busy. He was smack in the middle of a real war, and just so happened to be rather well trained for it. The Brigade was no longer an idle symbol but rather a powerful force which fueled the Coalition's desire to rule. Andaris found himself fighting and killing men who he had once trained alongside years earlier. There were those who found fighting against their countrymen to be abhorrent, the Brigade was not sympathetic to such sentiments. Morality was never really an issue for Andaris and the civil war only served to prove that. Yet as the war dragged on, he was beginning to question his commitment to 'the cause'. He had stayed in the Brigade all these years because they had trained him and provided him with the opportunity to use his skills. As the war continued though, Andaris was thrown into increasingly desperate struggles for people he didn't even know. It wasn't a question of bravery to the soldier but rather common sense. Fighting was all well and good but he didn't fancy dying for another man's ambitions.
Andaris could tell that the war wasn't going well for his side, the Rangers had been far more stubborn than anticipated. He had killed more than a few of them but the man still held a grudging respect for his adversaries. Their fervor only grew while Andaris' had continued to wane. Therefore near the end of the war, he decided to leave the Brigade. Of course it was common knowledge that death was the only way one truly left the Scarlet Brigade. Fortunately, the organized had trained him into an exceptional battlemage. Andaris was also the veteran of many battles and few ever suspected he had any intention of leaving. His departure from the Brigade was not an easy one as he had to kill two of his fellow soldiers just to escape. Despite Andaris' general callousness, he regrets having to spill the blood of his former comrades. His transition to the life of a mercenary came rather naturally and things seem to be looking up for the former soldier. Andaris knows that his desertion from the Brigade has not been forgotten and as such the past always haunts his steps. Therefore despite his preference for working alone, he may have to find some new companions if he wishes to continue on his journey.
Skills:
Spear[Expert] - Andaris has trained with a spear ever since joining the CAF and has perfected his skills under the tutelage of his instructors in the Scarlet Brigade. His fighting style is cautious, constantly testing his opponents for weaknesses before making a fatal strike.
Falchion[Intermediate] - His sword of preference, Andaris utilizes the falchion has his secondary weapon should the situation require. His training with the blade is not as extensive as compared to his mastery of the spear.
Battlemage - The mercenary trained in the Brigade as a battlemage and as such has significant experience when it comes to utilizing magic and steel in concert.
Abilities:
A.Telekinesis - Andaris has the ability to use arcane powers which allows him to move objects with his mind. He can also do such things as make a telekinetic barrier to block projectiles. The mercenary has not mastered this particular field as of yet and does possess limitations. At his current level Andaris can only move objects(push/pull/throw) of 30 lbs. or less if one object or 20 lbs if two. Heavier objects may be affected but the desired result will not be achieved. Extended use of his magical abilities will cause great strain on his mind and body.
B.Runes - The mercenary's arms, face, and head are noticeably covered in tattoos which are actually ancient runes. Each rune provides some boon to Andaris upon activation. At his current level, he can only use two specific runes as he has not mastered the words of the other runes. The current abilities he gains from these runes is as follows:
I.Agility - A passive boon granted by the rune on his right forearm, the rune grants Andaris with the agility of that 1.5x that of a normal human and thus his combat ability is greatly improved.
II.Pain - Upon speaking the required word of power, the pain Andaris experiences from his wounds is greatly lessened for up to three minutes. The mercenary can only use this ability once per day.
Equipment:
I.Oak spear with steel-tip
II.Steel Falchion
III.Steel Armor[Cuirass+Greaves]
"It's a kind of spiritual snobbery that makes people think they can be happy without money."
-Albert Camus
Name:Andaris Rake
Age: 34
Race: Human
Hair Color: Bald
Eye Color: Azure
Height: 5'11
Weight: 167 lbs.
Occupation: Mercenary|Former Scarlet Brigade
Appearance:
There are few who would mistake Andaris for anything other than what he is, a warrior. He stands just shy of six feet and weighs slightly under 170 pounds. He possesses a solid frame and is in peak physical condition. Andaris is not overly bulky and keeps his body in a condition that affords him a reliable mix of speed and strength. The mercenary holds himself with the casual grace of a seasoned predator yet still hinting at his noble upbringing. It is clear to the trained eye that Andaris is a fighter with more than a few battles under his belt. His skin is relatively tan and his body is noticeably covered in tattoos. They cover the entirety of his arms, his neck, a majority of his face, and even his head. Thus his once dark-hair can no longer be seen. Andaris' possesses piercing azure eyes, the type which can be uncomfortable to be on the opposite end of. He can therefore make for a rather intimidating figure to those of a lesser will.
Andaris is almost always in his battle garb, preferring to err on the side of caution than get a knife in his back. His charcoal-colored steel cuirass grants him a good deal of protection. A tattered navy cloak hangs at the back of his armor, opposite to the crimson he once wore. The mercenary has opted from wearing any bracers or gauntlets as he finds that they hinder both his movement and ability to utilize his magic effectively. He sports a similar charcoal color for his greaves and boots to complete the set. Andaris keeps his falchion sheathed at his left hip and usually opts to hold his spear or let it rest on his shoulder.
Personality:
Andaris is a man who enjoys his job, but not so much that he doesn't get paid well for it. There was a time when he fought for a cause but that wore quickly on him. He was never much of an idealist to begin with and the civil war in Corone only reinforced that particular sentiment. Andaris acts only to the benefit of himself. There are two key characteristics to note if one truly wishes to understand Andaris; he constantly seeks the thrill of battle and craves the rewards that follow in victory. Andaris is a mercenary to his core and it is unlikely that he will ever act outside the tenets of his profession. Any seemingly generous acts by the mercenary should always be viewed with suspicion. Of course that is not to say that Andaris is not a man of his word. His background as a soldier and pride usually mean that Andaris will follow through a contract he has undertaken. The mercenary understands that maintaining a 'respectable' reputation is necessary if he wishes to survive in his profession. Therefore one should never fully trust Andaris but rather expect him to complete his tasks based on his desire for reward.
As one might expect from a soldier of fortune, Andaris isn't the overly friendly sort. He tends not to engage in idle conversation though he may make the occasional sarcastic quip. It only takes a few moments of conversation to note that the mercenary is not the average hired 'muscle'. Andaris is an accomplished battlemage, trained by the elite of the Scarlet Brigade. He is well-learned though not always of polite speech. The mercenary's tone can often be condescending depending on who he is addressing. He generally keeps level-headed but there are a certain few who are capable of getting under his skin. His natural intellect and martial prowess make him a formidable opponent yet not without faults. The mercenary is exceptional when it comes to small engagements but lacks the ability to see the big picture. Thus sprawling tactics and long-run plans tend to go over his head. This is partly a result of Andaris' overconfidence and noticeably reckless nature. He is a highly trained weapon and knows this fact all too well. The mercenary's actual fighting style is cautious but he often places himself in disadvantageous situations due to his self-assured nature.
There are a few side things to note about Andaris' personality. He has kept his vow of secrecy despite having left the Scarlet Brigade, mostly due to a mix of honor and self-preservation. The mercenary rarely seems afraid of anything but he constantly fears the ire of the Brigade. One doesn't just tender their resignation and leave the Brigade. Andaris is his own man but years of soldiering have taught him a certain level of deference; he will show respect to those he feels deserves it. One should always keep in mind that Andaris can be one of your most powerful allies, so long as he is getting paid to do it. Keep that particular fact in mind and one can get along with the mercenary just fine.
History:
Born in Radasanth as the son of a middling nobleman, Andaris' early life was full of anything but hardship. His father was not a man of great ability or ambition and cruised through life on the wealth of his predecessors. Lord Rake more or less expected his son to do the same as he had. Radasanth provided many opportunities if one possessed the necessary wealth or influence. Andaris was given a high level of education, schooled in all the things that were expected of scion of a noble family. It was not long before the noble boy's intelligence and general aptitude were discovered. His tutors began to suggest a variety of career paths that the boy could take, the world was open to him. Andaris pretty much had everything a person could hope for; money, talent, and a loving household and yet he remained oddly dissatisfied. He had found that his whole lifestyle had become increasingly dreary, lacking any true excitement or pleasure. Therefore he surprised those around him when he decided to sign up for the Coronian Armed Forces. Andaris had heard all the boyhood stories about the glory of being a soldier, a chance to become a legend. He came to the conclusion that being a soldier might be far more satisfying than his current lifestyle.
At the age of 18, Andaris was one of the many fresh recruits at the military academy. His family had wealth but no real influence and as such he was not given any special attention. He did come in a bit ahead of the curve as he had years of training in fencing since it was an amusing pastime for nobles. His time at the academy proved to be both a harsh lesson and a welcome experience. Andaris found a thrill in fighting that he had never experienced before. This was not fighting with rapiers and scoring points for fun, he was fighting to kill. Of course at the time it was only training but it became clear to Andaris that he had found his calling. Andaris showed an aptitude for both the sword and spear during his training. His general intellect and combat skills made him an ideal candidate as an officer. It seemed that he was destined for a career within the CAF, but the powers that be had a different path in mind for the young noble turned soldier.
The young soldier's skill had caught the eye of the respected and feared Scarlet Brigade, the military outfit which possessed the finest soldiers that Corone had to offer. He found the sudden transfer to the Brigade more than a bit jarring but it soon became apparent that he had little choice in the matter. Andaris quickly discovered why the Scarlet Brigade was so revered among those in the Coronian military. He had gone from a stand-out among his peers to the lowliest recruit. Andaris was not one to care for title or rank but he was not the type to deny a challenge. His training was exponentially more difficult and yet much more satisfying. It was here that one of his instructors realized that Andaris had the potential to be a deadly wielder of the spear. The Brigade was a relatively small outfit but he could now see why they were considered the best. His instructors abilities were far beyond his own and his peers truly were the best that Corone produced. It wasn't all that surprising then that Andaris saw tremendous growth as a soldier, but that would not be the extent of his abilities.
It was discovered during his time in the Brigade that Andaris had an aptitude for magic, a fact that rather surprised the soldier. Apparently he had shown signs of it when he was younger but thought nothing of it. He found that his skills rested in the area of Psionics, and thus granting him the ability to move things around with his mind. His used of magic and talent with a spear were fast making Andaris into a force to reckoned with, even within the Brigade. Andaris spent most of his early years in Brigade in training. It wasn't long before he learned why members of the organization were sworn to secrecy and wore no distinguishing insignia. Andaris had always expected that the Brigade was more than just a center for training glorified bodyguards. His missions over the years were the type that would make a common person blanch. Killing in the name of Corone became a normal thing for Andaris and he did not think much of it at the time. He would soon begin to question his dedication to the Brigade with the onset of the civil war that would rock the powerful island nation.
Corone's peace shattered, Andaris suddenly found himself quite busy. He was smack in the middle of a real war, and just so happened to be rather well trained for it. The Brigade was no longer an idle symbol but rather a powerful force which fueled the Coalition's desire to rule. Andaris found himself fighting and killing men who he had once trained alongside years earlier. There were those who found fighting against their countrymen to be abhorrent, the Brigade was not sympathetic to such sentiments. Morality was never really an issue for Andaris and the civil war only served to prove that. Yet as the war dragged on, he was beginning to question his commitment to 'the cause'. He had stayed in the Brigade all these years because they had trained him and provided him with the opportunity to use his skills. As the war continued though, Andaris was thrown into increasingly desperate struggles for people he didn't even know. It wasn't a question of bravery to the soldier but rather common sense. Fighting was all well and good but he didn't fancy dying for another man's ambitions.
Andaris could tell that the war wasn't going well for his side, the Rangers had been far more stubborn than anticipated. He had killed more than a few of them but the man still held a grudging respect for his adversaries. Their fervor only grew while Andaris' had continued to wane. Therefore near the end of the war, he decided to leave the Brigade. Of course it was common knowledge that death was the only way one truly left the Scarlet Brigade. Fortunately, the organized had trained him into an exceptional battlemage. Andaris was also the veteran of many battles and few ever suspected he had any intention of leaving. His departure from the Brigade was not an easy one as he had to kill two of his fellow soldiers just to escape. Despite Andaris' general callousness, he regrets having to spill the blood of his former comrades. His transition to the life of a mercenary came rather naturally and things seem to be looking up for the former soldier. Andaris knows that his desertion from the Brigade has not been forgotten and as such the past always haunts his steps. Therefore despite his preference for working alone, he may have to find some new companions if he wishes to continue on his journey.
Skills:
Spear[Expert] - Andaris has trained with a spear ever since joining the CAF and has perfected his skills under the tutelage of his instructors in the Scarlet Brigade. His fighting style is cautious, constantly testing his opponents for weaknesses before making a fatal strike.
Falchion[Intermediate] - His sword of preference, Andaris utilizes the falchion has his secondary weapon should the situation require. His training with the blade is not as extensive as compared to his mastery of the spear.
Battlemage - The mercenary trained in the Brigade as a battlemage and as such has significant experience when it comes to utilizing magic and steel in concert.
Abilities:
A.Telekinesis - Andaris has the ability to use arcane powers which allows him to move objects with his mind. He can also do such things as make a telekinetic barrier to block projectiles. The mercenary has not mastered this particular field as of yet and does possess limitations. At his current level Andaris can only move objects(push/pull/throw) of 30 lbs. or less if one object or 20 lbs if two. Heavier objects may be affected but the desired result will not be achieved. Extended use of his magical abilities will cause great strain on his mind and body.
B.Runes - The mercenary's arms, face, and head are noticeably covered in tattoos which are actually ancient runes. Each rune provides some boon to Andaris upon activation. At his current level, he can only use two specific runes as he has not mastered the words of the other runes. The current abilities he gains from these runes is as follows:
I.Agility - A passive boon granted by the rune on his right forearm, the rune grants Andaris with the agility of that 1.5x that of a normal human and thus his combat ability is greatly improved.
II.Pain - Upon speaking the required word of power, the pain Andaris experiences from his wounds is greatly lessened for up to three minutes. The mercenary can only use this ability once per day.
Equipment:
I.Oak spear with steel-tip
II.Steel Falchion
III.Steel Armor[Cuirass+Greaves]