Cooper
01-03-15, 06:09 PM
Name: Cooper
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Heritage: Coronian, Salvarian
Occupation: Hired help
Appearance: Cooper is 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 180 lbs. Unalterably pale, the young man’s Salvarian roots are noticeable from a distance; his dark blonde hair, the broad shoulders and strong jaw, and upon closer inspection his blue-green eyes. He is built rather solid, though one would not call him athletic. Rather, it is clear that he has spent more time eating and drinking than he has training his physique. His generally shaven face belies his age, despite being hinted at by wrinkles wrought by an easy smile. Cooper prefers casual, utilitarian clothing, and is unencumbered by the dictates of fashion, even if he could afford it.
Personality: Though it is cliché to say one is calm, cool, and collected—and indeed, people who are anything but are still fond of saying that they are—one can more often than not apply these terms to Cooper. This is largely due to the apathy or depression instilled in him by years of alcohol abuse, though he would prefer strangers to see his demeanor as a mark of will and fortitude. Irritability and impatience are not foreign to him, however, especially when lacking a drink for a while, and though he is difficult to anger, the wrath of the northman is certainly coursing through his blood. Overall though, he is a tactful and pleasant, even docile, individual to most people he comes across; they would be surprised to learn of the deep-seated discontent that is harbored within him.
History: Cooper grew up comfortably in the northern hills of the Comb Mountains of Corone with his father and mother, as well as a few siblings. His father had sailed to Corone with his parents in their quest to flee the intolerant climate of Salvar under the Church of the Ethereal Sway, while his mother was a few generations distant from her more tribal heritage of the same northern reaches. Despite what one may say to be his barbarian ancestors, Cooper is a product of the culture of the Corone Republic—nevertheless, he is proud of his Salvarian forebears and traits. His father became a shoemaker and was able to provide modestly for the family, allowing his mother to spend much time as a homemaker while also pursuing her hobby as an herbalist, which brought in a bit of income in its own right.
Cooper had no interest in shoes or herbs, but the living that was provided to him, as well as the fact that all of his siblings were female, led his parents to invest in him their hope for a secure future. He showed curiosity in a variety of subjects and tended to do well in anything he pursued, but his father’s admiration of magic, stoked by his young years under Salvar’s oppressive regime of holy men, led the young Coronian to pursue not only a living but also the latter’s approval by becoming a master of the forces permeating reality. He left for Radasanth at the age of 16 with his parents’ financial support to attend one of the city’s schools of magic. He returned home frequently, as best he could amidst his studies, but the intervals between visits grew as the years passed.
The grandeur of being a mage seemed to become hollowed as the material became more familiar, more routine; with time, as he grew into a young man, Cooper found himself simply going through the motions of learning his art and not actually internalizing the lessons or applying them. It was then that he first dabbled with alcohol, a steady and tortuous friend for the years to come. His attention drifted and the reason behind his pursuits became shrouded; the tests they put forward for him were easy enough to pass, but he saw no purpose in them, and he left the school with the bare minimum required for recognition. Some classmates moved forward to Raiaera, others became warriors and joined the Corone military, and still others applied their knowledge in the form of services, legitimate and illegitimate, to make a living.
Although he retained his knowledge, for a while, Cooper had no ambition to use it; he returned home with little to show for the years of study and expenditures, and though his family was happy to see him, the disappointment in economic terms was nearly palpable. The time there could be measured in mere weeks before the young man packed his things. Having failed thus, he determined at the very least to venture forth and make himself successful at maintaining his own welfare, if not that of his family.
He settled in an uneventful town closer to Radasanth, with easy access to the Niema River. With that began a long decline, as he became responsible to no one but himself, and he found that his self did not mind failure as much as he thought it did. Alcohol, a staple of his people as he was told, and readily available no matter the time or place, became his substitute for progress. The days of wielding magic and boasting useful knowledge passed by for Cooper as a month began to feel like a weekend and a season ended as soon as it began. Though he retained a thirst for knowledge as well as a few useful tricks of the arcane, most of his ability diminished or disappeared, and only a flicker of his enthusiasm endured the winter he imposed upon his intellect and ambition.
As a young man in search of purpose, he watched in guilt as the civil war unfolded before him in Corone. Though he was able to contribute, he did not do so, instead continuing on making a living where he could in households and restaurants. He remained aloof, though outraged at the assassinations and the apparent traitors, and then equally livid at the massacre of Gisela and the crimes of the regime; Cooper rationalized his inaction with his lack of good information, not that he sought any. In the hinterlands of the capital, in a town of no strategic importance, such apathy was permitted to survive the storm as the winds of history buffeted the world outside. Now that normalcy has been mostly restored, the young Coronian has felt that a moment of history has passed him by—as indeed it did.
Skills
Magic: Though he studied magic for many years, Cooper’s ability has deteriorated to that of the uninitiated. While he is knowledgeable of the natural world and the energy of which it is comprised, his capacity to actually manipulate it is now limited to basic tricks, such as creating a small flame.
Medicine: Much of his studies were devoted to the healing arts; however, as the years passed, his ability to actually heal has essentially disappeared. Nevertheless, he retains a sketchy idea of anatomy and physiology as well as of what is required to repair and sustain the human body (or those like it).
Dilettante: Cooper’s years as a student have endowed him with knowledge in a variety of subject matters, although he is not particularly well-versed in any of them. The time in school was not entirely wasted, however, as he retains a critical intellect as well as the ability to learn moderately faster than your average person.
Fortitude: Perhaps it is his Salvarian roots, but the young Coronian has a decent reserve of stamina and willpower. He can withstand more pain than your average individual, and though he is not physically fit, Cooper can exert himself with the intensity of an ordinary athlete.
Swordsman: Cooper has no formal training in the use of his sword and shield, but he is able to hold his own against an average opponent. He style may be brute and clumsy, as it is self-taught, but he cares not for style, only outcomes.
Abilities
Firestarter: One of the vestiges of his years as a student, his ability to create fire is limited only to a small flame upon his fingers that is essentially only useful for minor tasks such as lighting tinder or seeing in the dark.
Meditation: One of the few remaining magical abilities in his tool belt, Cooper’s skill in meditation is actually good as it is really one of the only things that has sustained him thus far. It only takes a few minutes for him to enter a state of concentration and he can ignore background noise, casual physical touch, even a degree of pain when he has reached it. In this state, the young man is able to assess his body’s equilibrium and reestablish it as necessary, as long as it is not too far off kilter; this means he is able to draw in sustenance when he is lacking hydration or nutrition, to maintain or adjust his body heat as needed, and heal basic ailments such as minor diseases, infections, lacerations, and burns. More dire conditions such as an open fracture or internal bleeding can be stabilized, but he would still require higher care to ensure proper healing. He can enter this state at most twice a day; although he may feel somewhat rested when he emerges, the action is actually expends energy, so the meditation is no replacement for genuine sleep.
First Aid: Cooper knows enough to treat some very basic wounds and stabilize moderate bleeding or fractures. He may even be able to identify a common ailment someone is suffering, and advise against actions that may be contraindicated by someone's condition.
Equipment
Iron sword—Cooper carries a single-handed iron sword like any self-respecting young man of Althanas.
Iron shield—The young man also has an average-sized iron shield.
Travel pack—Filled with essentials such as a water canteen, dried and preserved foods, a map of Corone, a compass, various bandages and dressings, and dry clothes, this pack can be comfortably carried on the back.
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Race: Human
Heritage: Coronian, Salvarian
Occupation: Hired help
Appearance: Cooper is 5 feet and 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 180 lbs. Unalterably pale, the young man’s Salvarian roots are noticeable from a distance; his dark blonde hair, the broad shoulders and strong jaw, and upon closer inspection his blue-green eyes. He is built rather solid, though one would not call him athletic. Rather, it is clear that he has spent more time eating and drinking than he has training his physique. His generally shaven face belies his age, despite being hinted at by wrinkles wrought by an easy smile. Cooper prefers casual, utilitarian clothing, and is unencumbered by the dictates of fashion, even if he could afford it.
Personality: Though it is cliché to say one is calm, cool, and collected—and indeed, people who are anything but are still fond of saying that they are—one can more often than not apply these terms to Cooper. This is largely due to the apathy or depression instilled in him by years of alcohol abuse, though he would prefer strangers to see his demeanor as a mark of will and fortitude. Irritability and impatience are not foreign to him, however, especially when lacking a drink for a while, and though he is difficult to anger, the wrath of the northman is certainly coursing through his blood. Overall though, he is a tactful and pleasant, even docile, individual to most people he comes across; they would be surprised to learn of the deep-seated discontent that is harbored within him.
History: Cooper grew up comfortably in the northern hills of the Comb Mountains of Corone with his father and mother, as well as a few siblings. His father had sailed to Corone with his parents in their quest to flee the intolerant climate of Salvar under the Church of the Ethereal Sway, while his mother was a few generations distant from her more tribal heritage of the same northern reaches. Despite what one may say to be his barbarian ancestors, Cooper is a product of the culture of the Corone Republic—nevertheless, he is proud of his Salvarian forebears and traits. His father became a shoemaker and was able to provide modestly for the family, allowing his mother to spend much time as a homemaker while also pursuing her hobby as an herbalist, which brought in a bit of income in its own right.
Cooper had no interest in shoes or herbs, but the living that was provided to him, as well as the fact that all of his siblings were female, led his parents to invest in him their hope for a secure future. He showed curiosity in a variety of subjects and tended to do well in anything he pursued, but his father’s admiration of magic, stoked by his young years under Salvar’s oppressive regime of holy men, led the young Coronian to pursue not only a living but also the latter’s approval by becoming a master of the forces permeating reality. He left for Radasanth at the age of 16 with his parents’ financial support to attend one of the city’s schools of magic. He returned home frequently, as best he could amidst his studies, but the intervals between visits grew as the years passed.
The grandeur of being a mage seemed to become hollowed as the material became more familiar, more routine; with time, as he grew into a young man, Cooper found himself simply going through the motions of learning his art and not actually internalizing the lessons or applying them. It was then that he first dabbled with alcohol, a steady and tortuous friend for the years to come. His attention drifted and the reason behind his pursuits became shrouded; the tests they put forward for him were easy enough to pass, but he saw no purpose in them, and he left the school with the bare minimum required for recognition. Some classmates moved forward to Raiaera, others became warriors and joined the Corone military, and still others applied their knowledge in the form of services, legitimate and illegitimate, to make a living.
Although he retained his knowledge, for a while, Cooper had no ambition to use it; he returned home with little to show for the years of study and expenditures, and though his family was happy to see him, the disappointment in economic terms was nearly palpable. The time there could be measured in mere weeks before the young man packed his things. Having failed thus, he determined at the very least to venture forth and make himself successful at maintaining his own welfare, if not that of his family.
He settled in an uneventful town closer to Radasanth, with easy access to the Niema River. With that began a long decline, as he became responsible to no one but himself, and he found that his self did not mind failure as much as he thought it did. Alcohol, a staple of his people as he was told, and readily available no matter the time or place, became his substitute for progress. The days of wielding magic and boasting useful knowledge passed by for Cooper as a month began to feel like a weekend and a season ended as soon as it began. Though he retained a thirst for knowledge as well as a few useful tricks of the arcane, most of his ability diminished or disappeared, and only a flicker of his enthusiasm endured the winter he imposed upon his intellect and ambition.
As a young man in search of purpose, he watched in guilt as the civil war unfolded before him in Corone. Though he was able to contribute, he did not do so, instead continuing on making a living where he could in households and restaurants. He remained aloof, though outraged at the assassinations and the apparent traitors, and then equally livid at the massacre of Gisela and the crimes of the regime; Cooper rationalized his inaction with his lack of good information, not that he sought any. In the hinterlands of the capital, in a town of no strategic importance, such apathy was permitted to survive the storm as the winds of history buffeted the world outside. Now that normalcy has been mostly restored, the young Coronian has felt that a moment of history has passed him by—as indeed it did.
Skills
Magic: Though he studied magic for many years, Cooper’s ability has deteriorated to that of the uninitiated. While he is knowledgeable of the natural world and the energy of which it is comprised, his capacity to actually manipulate it is now limited to basic tricks, such as creating a small flame.
Medicine: Much of his studies were devoted to the healing arts; however, as the years passed, his ability to actually heal has essentially disappeared. Nevertheless, he retains a sketchy idea of anatomy and physiology as well as of what is required to repair and sustain the human body (or those like it).
Dilettante: Cooper’s years as a student have endowed him with knowledge in a variety of subject matters, although he is not particularly well-versed in any of them. The time in school was not entirely wasted, however, as he retains a critical intellect as well as the ability to learn moderately faster than your average person.
Fortitude: Perhaps it is his Salvarian roots, but the young Coronian has a decent reserve of stamina and willpower. He can withstand more pain than your average individual, and though he is not physically fit, Cooper can exert himself with the intensity of an ordinary athlete.
Swordsman: Cooper has no formal training in the use of his sword and shield, but he is able to hold his own against an average opponent. He style may be brute and clumsy, as it is self-taught, but he cares not for style, only outcomes.
Abilities
Firestarter: One of the vestiges of his years as a student, his ability to create fire is limited only to a small flame upon his fingers that is essentially only useful for minor tasks such as lighting tinder or seeing in the dark.
Meditation: One of the few remaining magical abilities in his tool belt, Cooper’s skill in meditation is actually good as it is really one of the only things that has sustained him thus far. It only takes a few minutes for him to enter a state of concentration and he can ignore background noise, casual physical touch, even a degree of pain when he has reached it. In this state, the young man is able to assess his body’s equilibrium and reestablish it as necessary, as long as it is not too far off kilter; this means he is able to draw in sustenance when he is lacking hydration or nutrition, to maintain or adjust his body heat as needed, and heal basic ailments such as minor diseases, infections, lacerations, and burns. More dire conditions such as an open fracture or internal bleeding can be stabilized, but he would still require higher care to ensure proper healing. He can enter this state at most twice a day; although he may feel somewhat rested when he emerges, the action is actually expends energy, so the meditation is no replacement for genuine sleep.
First Aid: Cooper knows enough to treat some very basic wounds and stabilize moderate bleeding or fractures. He may even be able to identify a common ailment someone is suffering, and advise against actions that may be contraindicated by someone's condition.
Equipment
Iron sword—Cooper carries a single-handed iron sword like any self-respecting young man of Althanas.
Iron shield—The young man also has an average-sized iron shield.
Travel pack—Filled with essentials such as a water canteen, dried and preserved foods, a map of Corone, a compass, various bandages and dressings, and dry clothes, this pack can be comfortably carried on the back.