Nail-Scarred Hands
09-11-07, 08:40 PM
Name: Israel Jordan
Age: 2 Days (which is really more like 2000 human years)
Race: Half-angel
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 250lbs.
Occupation(s): Historian, Storyteller, and Swordsman
Personality: Izzy is a cross between human pain and suffering and the unending joys of an angel from Heaven. He’s meticulous in his approach to many things from fighting to his writing and stories. The only thing that brings out his human emotions is fighting. Bloodlust fills his very being and it’s almost as if he changes entirely (physical description of change to follow below). When he’s not battling, he’s quiet and reserved as need be.
Appearance: With his shoulder-length blonde hair usually tied back in a ponytail and his white angelic robes and white tennis shoes most people think nothing more of Izzy. That might be a big mistake of them. Underneath his robes are a red t-shirt stained with spatters of blood and a pair of black pants that amazingly remain clean. His arms house the scars of battles and rituals long past, and his chest, when bare, marks a part of his past long forgotten with demonic scars. The only hint at his past when he’s not been pissed off or in battle is the scar along his left cheek. It is two inches long and is just ever so visible when up close.
History:
Israel was conceived from a young woman who has horribly and brutally raped by a dark angel. She bore the pains of a half-angel birth for three years. As Izzy was born, his mother passed away. He was given over to the Pastor of the woman’s church, Bruce Barnes. Pastor Bruce took to Israel as if he was his own, and indeed, soon Israel began to attach to Pastor Bruce as a father. On Izzy’s 16th human birthday, Pastor Bruce elected to tell Izzy about his mother and his past and true self.
Izzy was shocked to hear the story. He’d had no clue until then that anything was different. As Pastor Bruce finished his explanation Israel excused himself to go to the church from some prayer time. Izzy ran inside the sanctuary and fell before the altar with his arms outstretched.
“Why me? Why in all of hell did YOU let this happen to ME,” Israel screamed out in pure pain. “I can’t understand why you would let this happen! Do you hate me? Really, do you,” the questions poured forth from his lips.
“Of course he does, child,” a deep voice behind Izzy bellowed, “If he loved you, he would’ve never let this happen. Tell him how you really feel. You will feel better!”
“I hate YOU,” cried Israel through tears now streaming from his face, “You’ve abandoned me! I always believed you loved me, but now I see the truth and I hate you, I hate you, Damnit I hate you more than anything!”
“Good, my child. Let it all out. He needs to know the truth. He needs to know how you really feel,” the tall black-clothed man consoled Israel.
“I will NEVER trust you again! Never, ever! You’ve betrayed me,” Israel was up on his feet now and tears had turned into flames, “I’m glad you died that day! If I had been there, I would’ve hammered those nails in myself! I would’ve helped put you on that wooden cross! I HATE YOU, DO YOU HEAR ME?!” Israel was so far gone in his hatred, his rage, his emotion that he lost control. Lightning shot all around the sanctuary, eventually ending up in a huge bolt that severed the altar before Israel. As he took in the sight of what just happened he fell to his knees.
“My child, I will never leave you. Not like HE did. If you want to pay him back for what he’s done, join me,” the black-clad man spoke in lies. Israel hesitated, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. “Allright. I bow my life before you, my new master and lord,” said Israel through sobs. The black clad man approached Israel and wrapped his arms around the half-angel.
Jump forward about a thousand years…
Israel awoke from his nightmare, cold chills running down his spine. He rolled over and looked at the clock. It was still deep in the night of the first day and he had no more desire to sleep. The past and it’s memories and pain had flooded his mind. It was all too much to bear. He closed his eyes and prayed silently for peace. It had been well over two hundred human years since he’d left the demonic army, yet the memories and pain still haunted him each night. He’d sentenced so many innocents to an eternal life of suffering and pain, all out of his own rage and pain. If he could take their place now, he would, but it was not possible.
It had been one of his assignments that had broke him of the stronghold of the evil one. The girl had truly loved Israel, with all her heart. She was only 16, but Israel had made her life hell on earth. Her parents divorced, she was raped by her uncle, her best friend committed suicide, and her brother passed away in a drunk driving accident. Yet, somehow, she held on to her faith. She told Israel it was her faith that brought her through and helped her cope and find peace.
Israel found himself empty and lonely as she explained her faith and what it meant to her. He had followed something he truly found a passion in, yet there he sat empty and alone. He needed to get out of the demonic army and fast. He turned to Sarah and asked for her forgiveness. She nodded her head and wrapped her arms around him. As she did she prayed a very simple prayer, “Abba Father, break loose these chains. Turn him back to you. Holy Spirit, pour over and into him. Let Israel know who you REALLY are.” Israel wept silently. He had felt something change inside, but at the same time, he saw his demonic master standing in the corner pointing his claw at Sarah. Israel shook his head and cried out silently, “No, Lord, don’t let her go! I need her now!” The evil one rose his finger and pointed it at the girl. She began to gasp for breath. Israel’s eyes filled with tears and he cried out, “No Lord!! PLEASE!! NO!!” As he spoke the last no the entire room went bright white.
Another man entered, clothed in white. He looked at the evil one and the evil one vanished. He turned to the girl and laid his hand upon her and she breathed normally again. He reached out his hand for Israel and for the girl.
Together all three vanished into the great Kingdom in Heaven…
Move forward about eight hundred human years…
It had been a long time since Israel had seen Sarah, but today marked the anniversary of the day he gave his life back to the King and Savior. Each time that anniversary past Sarah would come by his house and pray with him and worship with him. This time would be different though. Israel reached into his pocket and felt the small box beneath his robes. He smiled. It was perfect.
As always, his doorbell rang at 11AM and he rose to answer it. Sarah was there and she had brought her parents who had come to know their Savior after she’d left the earthly realm. He smiled again. “Sarah! How are you doing, dear? And you brought you parents? How awesome is that,” Israel could barely contain his emotion. Sarah leapt forward, wrapping her arms around his torso and kissing him gently on the cheek. Sarah’s parents laughed heartily.
Israel gently pushed Sarah back. “Sarah, before we go on with this day, I need to tell you something and ask you something,” Izzy was sweating bullets by this point. He dropped down to one knee, taking her hand in his, “Sarah, when we met, I was a totally different person. God placed you in my life so that I might see where I’d gone wrong, and what I’d become. You helped show me my place in His Kingdom. I owe you my life, but it doesn’t stop there. Every time I look into your hazel eyes I see the love of a friend, of a best friend. I see the joy and hope of someone whom I care more deeply about then anyone I’ve ever met. Sarah, this is hard for me, but I love you with all my heart. And I need to know, will you marry me?” Sarah was speechless.
She had tears in her eyes. “I love you, Israel, you know that. But I can’t. I just can’t. God has called you to a life of servitude on the front lines, and I just can’t bear the thought of losing you some day. I love you too much for that. Please understand, if things were different, if circumstances were different, I would, but I just can’t now,” Sarah was trembling as she said the last line. Israel nodded slowly. He felt a tinge of pain, but as quickly as it came it was gone.
“I suppose I knew that, Sarah. I just had to ask and tell you how I felt,” Israel kicked himself mentally for being so stupid. Sarah nodded and embraced Israel with the biggest hug he’d ever had. “I really do love you Israel. More than you’ll know. Ever since I met you I wanted us to be right, but it’s just not. I’m so sorry,” she said as she looked into his eyes. He saw the truth in them and knew she was being truly honest. It was in that moment that he let go of the pain of his past. He began to understand everything that had happened. It was clearer than ever before. The pain he had to experience, he had to endure, so that he could be on the frontlines. In the trenches, fighting against those who used to fight with, using his knowledge of their tactics to help win the important battles. His calling wasn’t lacking purpose like the evil one had told him time and time again, it was in fact dripping with purpose. He smiled and gave Sarah a kiss on her forehead. “I love you too. Thank you,” he said as he hugged her once more.
As he let go they broke their embrace and her parents hugged them both. “Someday, maybe, you two will be together eternally, but for now it’s not meant to be. We respect that you two realized that on your own, and want you to know we are here to support you however we can,” they said in tandem. Israel nodded as a knock came at his door.
He looked to the doorway and saw his mentor and his commander, Paul and Barnabas. “Son, you’ve been given a great assignment by the Most High. We’re here to give you your orders. Please understand they are urgent.” Israel nodded as he turned to Sarah and her parents. “I will return, and when I do, I will leave the army and we will be together forever,” Israel said as he waved and saluted. Sarah nodded as she blew him a kiss, “I love you, baby. Be blessed!”
As the three soldiers walked away, Sarah turned to her parents and they prayed over the soldiers, the army, the assignment, and most of all, Israel. Sarah knew it was her calling to pray over him all the days of her life. She was to be there in spirit and prayer, his shield and weapon. She smiled as thoughts of the looming victory filled her mind.
Once the three soldiers were out of sight, they stopped. The commander and mentor turned to Israel and laid their hands upon him. In passion and fervor they covered him in prayer and an anointing like he’d never experienced before. They gave him his assignment. It was then that he found out he was called to reach the people of Althanas, a land still undiscovered by most explorers from the human world. It was a rich place of culture and religion. Full of falsities and realities, Althanas was a place Israel had to be careful and always on his guard. The enemy had a HUGE stronghold there and it was Israel’s charge to infiltrate it. Israel smiled.
Payback truly was a b**ch.
Skills:
Swordsplay – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (he gains a proficiency level in swordsplay every 2 levels until proficiency level 5, then he gains 1 proficiency each level – Proficiency level 2 is just below mediocre. He can wield the blade and use it rather ineffectively)
Flame of Rage – Proficiency 1 out of 10 (same proficiency increase as swordsplay. As level 1 he is inadequate at using flame. He has to be royally pissed to even get a small flame. He can’t direct it yet(shoot it) and he can’t control it either.)
Prayers of the Righteous – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (same proficiency increase as swordsplay. At level 2 he can pray with a pretty substantial fervor, although he still stumbles over his words and has trouble igniting the passionate prayer. All it does is calm him down and occasionally intimidate his opponent.)
The Word – Proficiency 3 out of 10 (proficiency increases a 1 proficiency per level up until proficiency 7 where it increases half every level. At proficiency 3 he can quote Scriptures to combat the lies of the evil one, and sometimes lies of opponents. It also allows him to speak truth into people’s lives as he feels fit.)
Healing Hands – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (proficiency increases at 1 proficiency per level until proficiency 5 where it increases every 3 levels. At proficiency 2 he can lay hands on those who have a broken bone or small cut or scratch or minor pain or illness, except himself, and heal them by using prayers of the righteous. Not usable on mortal wounds or deep wounds or poisons or spells that cause the damage.)
Equipment:
Bible: He reads it and it gives him more Scripture to use in battles and for The Word skill.
Iron Longsword: If he prays over the sword before battle (usable only once per 3 threads) it hardens to a level of steel and sharpens itself. After the battle (the thread) is over, the sword goes back to it’s original shape.
Angelic Robes of White: If he quotes the Word – specific Scripture relating to “light”, the robes glow with a bright light to allow him visibility in dark places (no restriction of usability as this can’t be used in battle, only in quests)
Familiars: None
Age: 2 Days (which is really more like 2000 human years)
Race: Half-angel
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 250lbs.
Occupation(s): Historian, Storyteller, and Swordsman
Personality: Izzy is a cross between human pain and suffering and the unending joys of an angel from Heaven. He’s meticulous in his approach to many things from fighting to his writing and stories. The only thing that brings out his human emotions is fighting. Bloodlust fills his very being and it’s almost as if he changes entirely (physical description of change to follow below). When he’s not battling, he’s quiet and reserved as need be.
Appearance: With his shoulder-length blonde hair usually tied back in a ponytail and his white angelic robes and white tennis shoes most people think nothing more of Izzy. That might be a big mistake of them. Underneath his robes are a red t-shirt stained with spatters of blood and a pair of black pants that amazingly remain clean. His arms house the scars of battles and rituals long past, and his chest, when bare, marks a part of his past long forgotten with demonic scars. The only hint at his past when he’s not been pissed off or in battle is the scar along his left cheek. It is two inches long and is just ever so visible when up close.
History:
Israel was conceived from a young woman who has horribly and brutally raped by a dark angel. She bore the pains of a half-angel birth for three years. As Izzy was born, his mother passed away. He was given over to the Pastor of the woman’s church, Bruce Barnes. Pastor Bruce took to Israel as if he was his own, and indeed, soon Israel began to attach to Pastor Bruce as a father. On Izzy’s 16th human birthday, Pastor Bruce elected to tell Izzy about his mother and his past and true self.
Izzy was shocked to hear the story. He’d had no clue until then that anything was different. As Pastor Bruce finished his explanation Israel excused himself to go to the church from some prayer time. Izzy ran inside the sanctuary and fell before the altar with his arms outstretched.
“Why me? Why in all of hell did YOU let this happen to ME,” Israel screamed out in pure pain. “I can’t understand why you would let this happen! Do you hate me? Really, do you,” the questions poured forth from his lips.
“Of course he does, child,” a deep voice behind Izzy bellowed, “If he loved you, he would’ve never let this happen. Tell him how you really feel. You will feel better!”
“I hate YOU,” cried Israel through tears now streaming from his face, “You’ve abandoned me! I always believed you loved me, but now I see the truth and I hate you, I hate you, Damnit I hate you more than anything!”
“Good, my child. Let it all out. He needs to know the truth. He needs to know how you really feel,” the tall black-clothed man consoled Israel.
“I will NEVER trust you again! Never, ever! You’ve betrayed me,” Israel was up on his feet now and tears had turned into flames, “I’m glad you died that day! If I had been there, I would’ve hammered those nails in myself! I would’ve helped put you on that wooden cross! I HATE YOU, DO YOU HEAR ME?!” Israel was so far gone in his hatred, his rage, his emotion that he lost control. Lightning shot all around the sanctuary, eventually ending up in a huge bolt that severed the altar before Israel. As he took in the sight of what just happened he fell to his knees.
“My child, I will never leave you. Not like HE did. If you want to pay him back for what he’s done, join me,” the black-clad man spoke in lies. Israel hesitated, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. “Allright. I bow my life before you, my new master and lord,” said Israel through sobs. The black clad man approached Israel and wrapped his arms around the half-angel.
Jump forward about a thousand years…
Israel awoke from his nightmare, cold chills running down his spine. He rolled over and looked at the clock. It was still deep in the night of the first day and he had no more desire to sleep. The past and it’s memories and pain had flooded his mind. It was all too much to bear. He closed his eyes and prayed silently for peace. It had been well over two hundred human years since he’d left the demonic army, yet the memories and pain still haunted him each night. He’d sentenced so many innocents to an eternal life of suffering and pain, all out of his own rage and pain. If he could take their place now, he would, but it was not possible.
It had been one of his assignments that had broke him of the stronghold of the evil one. The girl had truly loved Israel, with all her heart. She was only 16, but Israel had made her life hell on earth. Her parents divorced, she was raped by her uncle, her best friend committed suicide, and her brother passed away in a drunk driving accident. Yet, somehow, she held on to her faith. She told Israel it was her faith that brought her through and helped her cope and find peace.
Israel found himself empty and lonely as she explained her faith and what it meant to her. He had followed something he truly found a passion in, yet there he sat empty and alone. He needed to get out of the demonic army and fast. He turned to Sarah and asked for her forgiveness. She nodded her head and wrapped her arms around him. As she did she prayed a very simple prayer, “Abba Father, break loose these chains. Turn him back to you. Holy Spirit, pour over and into him. Let Israel know who you REALLY are.” Israel wept silently. He had felt something change inside, but at the same time, he saw his demonic master standing in the corner pointing his claw at Sarah. Israel shook his head and cried out silently, “No, Lord, don’t let her go! I need her now!” The evil one rose his finger and pointed it at the girl. She began to gasp for breath. Israel’s eyes filled with tears and he cried out, “No Lord!! PLEASE!! NO!!” As he spoke the last no the entire room went bright white.
Another man entered, clothed in white. He looked at the evil one and the evil one vanished. He turned to the girl and laid his hand upon her and she breathed normally again. He reached out his hand for Israel and for the girl.
Together all three vanished into the great Kingdom in Heaven…
Move forward about eight hundred human years…
It had been a long time since Israel had seen Sarah, but today marked the anniversary of the day he gave his life back to the King and Savior. Each time that anniversary past Sarah would come by his house and pray with him and worship with him. This time would be different though. Israel reached into his pocket and felt the small box beneath his robes. He smiled. It was perfect.
As always, his doorbell rang at 11AM and he rose to answer it. Sarah was there and she had brought her parents who had come to know their Savior after she’d left the earthly realm. He smiled again. “Sarah! How are you doing, dear? And you brought you parents? How awesome is that,” Israel could barely contain his emotion. Sarah leapt forward, wrapping her arms around his torso and kissing him gently on the cheek. Sarah’s parents laughed heartily.
Israel gently pushed Sarah back. “Sarah, before we go on with this day, I need to tell you something and ask you something,” Izzy was sweating bullets by this point. He dropped down to one knee, taking her hand in his, “Sarah, when we met, I was a totally different person. God placed you in my life so that I might see where I’d gone wrong, and what I’d become. You helped show me my place in His Kingdom. I owe you my life, but it doesn’t stop there. Every time I look into your hazel eyes I see the love of a friend, of a best friend. I see the joy and hope of someone whom I care more deeply about then anyone I’ve ever met. Sarah, this is hard for me, but I love you with all my heart. And I need to know, will you marry me?” Sarah was speechless.
She had tears in her eyes. “I love you, Israel, you know that. But I can’t. I just can’t. God has called you to a life of servitude on the front lines, and I just can’t bear the thought of losing you some day. I love you too much for that. Please understand, if things were different, if circumstances were different, I would, but I just can’t now,” Sarah was trembling as she said the last line. Israel nodded slowly. He felt a tinge of pain, but as quickly as it came it was gone.
“I suppose I knew that, Sarah. I just had to ask and tell you how I felt,” Israel kicked himself mentally for being so stupid. Sarah nodded and embraced Israel with the biggest hug he’d ever had. “I really do love you Israel. More than you’ll know. Ever since I met you I wanted us to be right, but it’s just not. I’m so sorry,” she said as she looked into his eyes. He saw the truth in them and knew she was being truly honest. It was in that moment that he let go of the pain of his past. He began to understand everything that had happened. It was clearer than ever before. The pain he had to experience, he had to endure, so that he could be on the frontlines. In the trenches, fighting against those who used to fight with, using his knowledge of their tactics to help win the important battles. His calling wasn’t lacking purpose like the evil one had told him time and time again, it was in fact dripping with purpose. He smiled and gave Sarah a kiss on her forehead. “I love you too. Thank you,” he said as he hugged her once more.
As he let go they broke their embrace and her parents hugged them both. “Someday, maybe, you two will be together eternally, but for now it’s not meant to be. We respect that you two realized that on your own, and want you to know we are here to support you however we can,” they said in tandem. Israel nodded as a knock came at his door.
He looked to the doorway and saw his mentor and his commander, Paul and Barnabas. “Son, you’ve been given a great assignment by the Most High. We’re here to give you your orders. Please understand they are urgent.” Israel nodded as he turned to Sarah and her parents. “I will return, and when I do, I will leave the army and we will be together forever,” Israel said as he waved and saluted. Sarah nodded as she blew him a kiss, “I love you, baby. Be blessed!”
As the three soldiers walked away, Sarah turned to her parents and they prayed over the soldiers, the army, the assignment, and most of all, Israel. Sarah knew it was her calling to pray over him all the days of her life. She was to be there in spirit and prayer, his shield and weapon. She smiled as thoughts of the looming victory filled her mind.
Once the three soldiers were out of sight, they stopped. The commander and mentor turned to Israel and laid their hands upon him. In passion and fervor they covered him in prayer and an anointing like he’d never experienced before. They gave him his assignment. It was then that he found out he was called to reach the people of Althanas, a land still undiscovered by most explorers from the human world. It was a rich place of culture and religion. Full of falsities and realities, Althanas was a place Israel had to be careful and always on his guard. The enemy had a HUGE stronghold there and it was Israel’s charge to infiltrate it. Israel smiled.
Payback truly was a b**ch.
Skills:
Swordsplay – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (he gains a proficiency level in swordsplay every 2 levels until proficiency level 5, then he gains 1 proficiency each level – Proficiency level 2 is just below mediocre. He can wield the blade and use it rather ineffectively)
Flame of Rage – Proficiency 1 out of 10 (same proficiency increase as swordsplay. As level 1 he is inadequate at using flame. He has to be royally pissed to even get a small flame. He can’t direct it yet(shoot it) and he can’t control it either.)
Prayers of the Righteous – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (same proficiency increase as swordsplay. At level 2 he can pray with a pretty substantial fervor, although he still stumbles over his words and has trouble igniting the passionate prayer. All it does is calm him down and occasionally intimidate his opponent.)
The Word – Proficiency 3 out of 10 (proficiency increases a 1 proficiency per level up until proficiency 7 where it increases half every level. At proficiency 3 he can quote Scriptures to combat the lies of the evil one, and sometimes lies of opponents. It also allows him to speak truth into people’s lives as he feels fit.)
Healing Hands – Proficiency 2 out of 10 (proficiency increases at 1 proficiency per level until proficiency 5 where it increases every 3 levels. At proficiency 2 he can lay hands on those who have a broken bone or small cut or scratch or minor pain or illness, except himself, and heal them by using prayers of the righteous. Not usable on mortal wounds or deep wounds or poisons or spells that cause the damage.)
Equipment:
Bible: He reads it and it gives him more Scripture to use in battles and for The Word skill.
Iron Longsword: If he prays over the sword before battle (usable only once per 3 threads) it hardens to a level of steel and sharpens itself. After the battle (the thread) is over, the sword goes back to it’s original shape.
Angelic Robes of White: If he quotes the Word – specific Scripture relating to “light”, the robes glow with a bright light to allow him visibility in dark places (no restriction of usability as this can’t be used in battle, only in quests)
Familiars: None