Post by theron on Jun 3, 2011 18:38:48 GMT -5
MAIN USERNAME: Mod Nascent
TYPE: Passive
STRENGTH: Weak
KEYWORDS: Swift, agile, parkour, improved accuracy, improved dodge
DESCRIPTION:
This is Theron's "default" measure of bloodline enhancement, effective at the outset of combat and his maximum when facing foes with only Low Class Abilities. Ardent of War grants Theron natural physical aptitudes a cut above the average combatant. While his strength and foot speed are hardly supernatural and, at most, merely a good example of what normal training methods can achieve, his dexterity and reaction time are another matter altogether. His greatest personal strength in combat at this stage comes from his ability to strike swiftly and accurately, both with weapons as well as his hands and feet. At this stage he can perform parkour / acrobatic feats at what is typically considered the limits of "normal" human agility. His fighting style is light on his feet, combining an acrobat's flexibility with a dancer's finesse. To say that Theron "dances with blade in hand" is indeed more than just poetic prose.[/ul]
[SOUL TECHNIQUES: Chessmaster's Gambit]
Not much study has been done on the soul-nature of the d'Metreon family's impressive -- and seemingly hereditary -- strength... at least, nothing that's been disclosed publicly. The family's propensity towards keeping secrets is second only to their proclivity to conflict. Herein, however, the truth will be revealed.
Strong wills and strong souls do indeed run in the d'Metreon bloodline, but beyond that there is a certain malleability to a d'Metreon soul, much like unshaped clay. This curious trait allows those who inherit it to become expertly focused in a single domain, aspect, or concept... or, in certain rare cases, learn to 'adapt' their own soul to the needs of the moment through a form of self-resonance. Yet this adaptation is not itself an entirely fluid thing -- there must be given to the Malleus Soul (as it is known) both form and function in any given state, otherwise its vitality quickly fades... and, in extreme cases, it risks self-destruction. This is the double-edged sword faced by those who are both blessed and cursed with an adaptable soul.
Although Theron does not yet know this about himself, he is possessed of a Malleus Soul. As his awareness and control over this power grows each new "soul form" he gains becomes associated with the iconography of chess, his chosen personal motif. Each soul form, its effects and power, are described below.
TYPE: Active
STRENGTH: Weak
KEYWORDS: temporary weakness, high-speed rush, wavelength-infused strike
DESCRIPTION:
People tend to underestimate the humble pawn.
Though certainly not one of the 'noble' chess pieces, and arguably the least powerful, an experienced chess player knows all too well the extent to which pawns can shape the battlefield. They're slow, yes, and easy to attack... but overlooking them has cost many chess players dearly.
The first of Theron's signature Chessmaster's Gambit techniques, Pawn Soul can seem a fluke at first glance. Literally reshaping his soul in the image of the lowly pawn, Theron immediately suffers the loss of all combat bonuses granted to him by Blood of d'Metreon -- his reaction time, speed, strength, stamina, and defense all revert to the level of an ordinary human. But with this loss of power also comes a build up, a focusing and harnessing. Upon using Pawn Soul Theron suffers for two posts as stated above... but on his third post unleashes the energy he'd been storing in a burst of speed, power, and a single soul wavelength infused melee attack. The pent-up energies propel Theron at blistering speeds towards one target for a short distance, effectively performing an en passant (or "in passing") strike that ends with him standing a few feet behind the target... and, if successful, leaving behind a soul-energized slash of white-hot light in the unwitting foe. (Visually, the actual attack is reminiscent of the famed samurai quick-draw. A very dramatic finishing move.)
[/ul]
[TEAM TECHNIQUES]
Abilities and special tactics that Theron and Nova have developed over the course of their partnership.
TYPE: Active
STRENGTH: Team Resonance
KEYWORDS: team, reinforced melee, high accuracy controlled ranged, stationary Meister once thrown
DESCRIPTION:
The chakram holds a very important place in the culture of India. Not only do legends of chakram-throwing Sikh warriors abound, but it is also the weapon of ultimate power wielded by the supreme Hindu god Vishnu, the means by which the heavens are kept in balance and the enemies of the world are destroyed.
The form Nova assumes during the Goddess Blade Soul Resonance is somewhat of a reflection of these legends. Each half of the chakram's circle-blade grows steely "thorns", the largest of which entwine together before flaring apart, granting them markedly more effective in melee combat for both offense and defense. This makes the Goddess Blade Resonance form useful as an equalizer for close combat... but where the transformation's power truly shines is when the chakram is thrown.
The Goddess Blade Resonance form, while temporary, grants Theron and Nova a strong connection through which their soul wavelengths can flow -- even when not in physical contact with each other. Once their souls have resonated the Demon Chakram's edges will begin to glow with a faint light; if thrown right away, Goddess Blade kicks into full gear. With their resonating wavelengths empowering her Nova's weapon form gains the ability to fly freely, moving through the air at will -- even if separated -- and forcing enemies she engages to fight a foe without a flesh-and-blood body to strike back at. While using the power of Goddess Blade all of Nova's attacks are extremely swift and accurate; this Resonance comes nowhere near Witch Hunter in terms of raw destructive power, but it does make it possible to strike an opponent's weak points almost without fail.
A thrown Goddess Blade attack has a serious downside, however: while Nova's weapon form gains the ability to move about freely, Theron cannot. For the duration of the technique the Meister must stay rooted in place, focusing hard on maintaining the Resonance and empowering Nova with his soul. Simply moving, whether to dodge or attack, is enough to break the tenuous but potent connection. This leaves the young d'Metreon highly exposed, relying on Nova's skill and genius to either tie up the enemy or get in the necessary hits quickly.
Whether in melee or ranged form, Goddess Blade can only be used for three posts (Theron and Nova each get three) at a time before a requisite cool-down of five posts (or ten minutes in-story, whichever takes longer). It has a maximum of three uses per Mission due to the strain it places on Theron's soul.[/ul]
EQUIPMENT:
TYPE: Weapon
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
(image from DigitalEel.com)
"The blade Sangfroid is a rare example of hybrid design in swords, uniting in perfect symmetry and subtlety that which makes the curved blade of the Falchion so effective with the Ottoman's 'yelman' weighted heft -- in this case, distributed to the middle instead of the tip -- all without compromising the European aesthetics that make a sword elegant, lightweight, and precise. Truly a remarkable piece of work, especially considering the age in which it was crafted some three-hundred years ago. The hand guard has two points which can be used as sword-catchers, a notch on the front and a literal catch on the back. What's more, a long L-shaped support piece backs the blade; this gives the wielder a chance to leverage one hand against the blade itself if deadlocked in a struggle of strength. Swift, versatile, razor-sharp... a sword I am proud to call my own. I'm most fortunate my many siblings foolishly opted for newly-designed technical weapons, leaving the nobler blades of the armory for me to cull through. How they shall regret it..."
Sangfroid is an ancestral weapon of the d'Metreon family, an heirloom which Theron took with him when he left for training at Shibusen. While a very well designed and durable sword, it is ultimately just a normal sword -- no special powers, abilities, or secrets.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Fencing Gear
TYPE: Clothes
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
Beneath his finery and regalia Theron wears a protective suit of dyneema-weave fencing apparel of extremely high quality and excellent make, such that it doubles as fully functional body armor. This suit of fencing gear is complete except for the helmet, which Theron only dons when challenged to a fencing match, never in actual battle. The fencing apparel is sturdy and resilient while remaining lightweight and flexible, never inhibiting the young d'Metreon's movements while still possessing the stopping power to save his life from an enemy's blade or a low-caliber bullet. It grants comparatively little protection against magic, madness, or soul wavelength attacks as it was never meant to be proof against such things.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Turquoise Ring
TYPE: Clothing
STRENGTH: none
DESCRIPTION:
A keepsake ring that Theron received as a Christmas present from Nova. Set in silver and looped onto a chain, the turquoise gemstone was given both as a seasonal gift and to commemorate Theron's birth month. He has taken to wearing it tucked underneath his shirt, a constant but private reminder of the partnership he and Nova have forged. It has no special powers or attributes.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Shibusen Pilot License
TYPE: Item
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
A special international pilot license, the fruits of several long months of intensive study and practice at a small private airfield across the desert from Shibusen. Theron swore after the events surrounding the a particular Mission that he'd never be put at the fickle mercies of a chartered helicopter pilot again and so, on top of his regular Shibusen school work and studies, embarked on the path of becoming a fully trained and registered aerial pilot. This pilot license is special; while each country typically requires pilots to be nationally licensed and approved to fly their skies, the Shibusen Pilot License is accepted globally in reflection of Shibusen's international peacekeeping role. With this Theron can legally rent and fly everything from helicopters and small propeller-driven airplanes to blimps and hot air balloons (though one can hardly imagine he'd ever need to fly those). The licensing doesn't extend to any jet engine aircraft, though.
Since his certification was through Shibusen the school itself has the power to order him temporarily grounded or revoke the license if the need arises.[/ul]
MINIONS:
VEHICLES:
[/blockquote]
KEY ATTRIBUTES:
Dislikes: Awkward situations, submitting to authority, working with others (when he's not the leader, anyways), flirtatious girls, guns, bombs, and other instruments of modern warfare, notions of fate / destiny / inevitability.
Strengths: Keen tactical sense, high agility / dexterity, able to "read" people fairly well (manipulator), excels at close-range combat, strong intellect.
Weaknesses: No ranged combat abilities, low defense against heavy physical / magical attacks (IE: if he can't evade something, his ability to block / guard is rather low due to slim build and focus on speed), assumed personal superiority over "commoners", morally ambiguous / traitorous / manipulative personality. Never quite learned to cook; can't wield heavy weapons (hammers, axes, cudgels, etc.) due to insufficient brute strength.
Hobbies: Fencing, chess, messing with people, studying, horse riding[/size].[/ul]
PERSONALITY:
Though he clings to the teachings of his family and d'Metreon traditions out of force of habit and inability to disassociate his own identity from that of his bloodline, Theron is prepared to do whatever it takes to win where the Reckoning is concerned...[/ul]
HISTORY:
The legends of the d'Metreon family say that during the Dark Age of Europe a great warlord and baron, Lucien Tenebrae d'Metreon, was exiled from his king's lands under false charges of treason following a great war. In response, lord Lucien turned to an old, undefeated, and formidable enemy who dwelled in a northern land for aid. Forming an alliance with the northern tribe, lord Lucien began a war of retribution that eventually overthrew the treacherous king. The legend states that as the conqueror stood before his cowering -- yet obstinate -- foe, the betrayer declared that a "mere baron" could never understand what it meant to be king.
As Lucien's blade clove the crown -- and the king's head -- in twain, the stories say he replied "I shall rule as a baron, then."
Thus the d'Metreon Sovereign Barony, and the rule of the Lord Baron, was established. For a brief moment in history it seemed that lord Lucien stood poised to drive his war of conquest to the farthest corners of the earth... but, as is the way of things, he grew old and died before his dream of unchallenged rule could come to pass. The subsequent generations, though ambitious and powerful, fell into infighting; what could have been a family that reshaped the world was consumed by its own ambition and reduced to a fraction of what it might have been. The d'Metreons, for their part, have never forgotten this "lost glory".
In the modern day the d'Metreon Sovereign Barony is barely a nation, just an oft-forgotten dot on the map of Europe nestled into Romanian's northern Carpathian mountains, not far from the Transylvanian Plateau. At a mere 12 square miles, the "country" of the Sovereign Barony is hardly worth noting... except by the local people and Romanian government, who give it a wide berth. Though small in size and citizenry, the Sovereign Barony is said to have shadowy business connections all across Europe and perhaps farther -- what the family currently lacks in outright world domination they've purportedly made up for with cunning manipulations and behind-the-scenes arrangements. Indeed, the family's considerable wealth must come from somewhere, conspiracy theorists say. And the unsettling rumors about connections with witches and the Heirs of Dracula cult don't help things either.
Theron's history, in his own words:
"Growing up a born-and-bred conqueror isn't easy. For one thing, bullying is a d'Metreon family value. Instead of getting scolded for sneaking into my room and breaking my things, my brothers were typically given 32 lei ($10) for their 'accomplishment'. My sisters kept score of how many times they'd kicked me there when I wasn't expecting it. And I met the back of my father's hand for everything from not fighting aggressively enough to showing undue kindness to the servants. Needless to say, I don't much like my family... but that's not what it's about."
"Being a d'Metreon is about power and prestige and bringing order to those in chaos -- the unshakable order of my family's influence. As a d'Metreon you are schooled in swords and sciences, sociology and survival, math, magic, and military maneuvers, every possible subject that can grant a heightened advantage on the field of battle. We are not, as you might suspect, unfeeling monsters -- quite the contrary. The doctrine of the d'Metreon family is to pity those without the strength, insight, or distinction to rule the world... and graciously offer to rule it for them. It is only the reckless, the foolish, and the ignorant that we ultimately cast down when we meet in battle; those foes that are capable of providing a worthy challenge to we who would be the Lord Baron's heirs are allowed to live that we might not be without opportunities to test ourselves. Of course, some exceptions are made for those who don't appreciate our generosity... but you can't make an omelet breaking a few eggs, right? I think that was the saying..."
"Now, don't get put off by all this 'take over the world' talk. It's mostly a long-term future-generations aspiration, really. We're not assembling armies or anything -- for pity's sake, half the time my family is too busy with internal quarrels to do anything more than attend to business-as-usual. We're not nearly strong enough to challenge Shinigami-sama or the Witches of the Mass, despite my family's strict focus on combat training and our dealings with certain... unsavory individuals."
"That's reason #1 why I left home to study at Shibusen: to become stronger, plain and simple. Reason #2... is to survive."
"Those outside the d'Metreon family don't understand how a new Lord Baron is chosen, and it's better that way. If they knew, we'd be regarded as barbaric savages hiding under a guise of civilized living... and rightly so. Upon the death of both parents the surviving children hunt each other down relentlessly; those who are defeated either become mere servants or, most often, are killed outright. This is the Reckoning, the oldest tradition our family has."
"My mother died two years ago; my father, the Lord Baron, is approaching eighty-five. I'm the youngest, weakest, and most inexperienced... tell me, whom do you think my brothers and sisters will come after FIRST?"
"It's against tradition to receive help or protection once the Reckoning begins... but tradition be d***ed for all I care. Yes, I came to Shibusen knowing it would make my bloody kindred think twice before coming after me; I deliberately placed myself here knowing that any attempt on my life would have adversaries and obstacles in its way, using Shibusen itself as a shield. A craven, cowardly tactic from the runt of the litter? Perhaps. A cold, brazen manipulation? Certainly. But the survivors write the history books... and I will survive."
"Until that day comes, though, I'm just a snobby, arrogant rich kid from Eastern Europe. And I'm fine with that, truly. If that's all that people know me as, just as well. There's enough chaos in this world with madness spreading and witches scheming -- no need to add my troubles to the mix. Besides, I can be a very fickle friend..."[/color][/ul][/ul]
MORE INFO: [CLICK HERE]
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--------------
CHARACTER NAME: Theron Bradford d'Metreon
NOBLE TITLE: 'Prince of Stratagem'
NICKNAMES:
DOMINANT TROPES: Magnificent Bastard, Villain Protagonist
RACE: Human
CLASS: Meister
ADVANCED CLASS: ---
AGE: 15
GENDER: Male
APPEARANCE: (ADDITIONAL IMAGES: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8])
"The foolish look at my outward appearance and see only a boy, all prim and proper, dressed in expensive silk clothes... they see a posh little prince, nothing more. Imbeciles; only the ignorant could see my family's crest and take ME for a helpless child! The absurdity of it... if one look into my emerald green eyes doesn't convince them of my intelligent and decisive nature, I assure you my sword will make the point quite convincingly. I keep my light brown hair short, but not too short to inhibit its natural tendency for curls -- it is as useless to fight one's own hair as to fight one's own nature, I say. Even at my age my looks are considered by some to be 'boyishly handsome', though I'm not altogether sure what that means, honestly."
"My appearance may not be intimidating, but assuming anything about me is a mistake. Strength, both of mind and body, means EVERYTHING in my family; they're seldom seen, but I do have muscles, hard-earned from long hours of training, exercise, and fighting practice. Still, they're not the rippling marks of a brute but rather the slender strength of a dancer -- and I assure you, I certainly can dance, both on and off the battlefield."
"As I mentioned, my outerwear matches my station in life. White, silver, and purple are the colors of the d'Metreon family, sometimes trimmed with gold or scarlet. I always insist that my attire be regal and stately without being snobbish or overly ostentatious... and I also insist that it never inhibit my movements. You can't imagine how hard it is to find a tailor that understands such basic requests! But this is only outerwear; beneath I always wear my fencing clothes (sans helmet, naturally). They are the BEST that money can buy -- light as a feather, yet strong enough to be considered functional armor for battle, able to turn a knife or stop a common bullet. I insist on nothing less."
- - -
CURRENT PARTNER: November Black, the Demon Chakram
- - -
ABILITIES:[/i]: Ardent of War
[INNATE TRAIT: Blood of d'Metreon]
The blood of a long line of mighty conquerors flows through young Theron's veins, a bloodline with many distinctions, secrets, and curiosities passed down to each new generation. Though Theron believes himself to be fully and completely human, there are whispered rumors and vague hints in the d'Metreon family history that something else, either noble or monstrous, is mixed in with the family genes. The stronger aspects of Theron's "inheritance" very seldom actually emerge -- he himself is at times hardly even aware of the benefits his lineage bestows upon him. Details on each 'measure' of this latent ability are described below.
TYPE: Passive
STRENGTH: Weak
KEYWORDS: Swift, agile, parkour, improved accuracy, improved dodge
DESCRIPTION:
This is Theron's "default" measure of bloodline enhancement, effective at the outset of combat and his maximum when facing foes with only Low Class Abilities. Ardent of War grants Theron natural physical aptitudes a cut above the average combatant. While his strength and foot speed are hardly supernatural and, at most, merely a good example of what normal training methods can achieve, his dexterity and reaction time are another matter altogether. His greatest personal strength in combat at this stage comes from his ability to strike swiftly and accurately, both with weapons as well as his hands and feet. At this stage he can perform parkour / acrobatic feats at what is typically considered the limits of "normal" human agility. His fighting style is light on his feet, combining an acrobat's flexibility with a dancer's finesse. To say that Theron "dances with blade in hand" is indeed more than just poetic prose.[/ul]
[SOUL TECHNIQUES: Chessmaster's Gambit]
Not much study has been done on the soul-nature of the d'Metreon family's impressive -- and seemingly hereditary -- strength... at least, nothing that's been disclosed publicly. The family's propensity towards keeping secrets is second only to their proclivity to conflict. Herein, however, the truth will be revealed.
Strong wills and strong souls do indeed run in the d'Metreon bloodline, but beyond that there is a certain malleability to a d'Metreon soul, much like unshaped clay. This curious trait allows those who inherit it to become expertly focused in a single domain, aspect, or concept... or, in certain rare cases, learn to 'adapt' their own soul to the needs of the moment through a form of self-resonance. Yet this adaptation is not itself an entirely fluid thing -- there must be given to the Malleus Soul (as it is known) both form and function in any given state, otherwise its vitality quickly fades... and, in extreme cases, it risks self-destruction. This is the double-edged sword faced by those who are both blessed and cursed with an adaptable soul.
Although Theron does not yet know this about himself, he is possessed of a Malleus Soul. As his awareness and control over this power grows each new "soul form" he gains becomes associated with the iconography of chess, his chosen personal motif. Each soul form, its effects and power, are described below.
TYPE: Active
STRENGTH: Weak
KEYWORDS: temporary weakness, high-speed rush, wavelength-infused strike
DESCRIPTION:
People tend to underestimate the humble pawn.
Though certainly not one of the 'noble' chess pieces, and arguably the least powerful, an experienced chess player knows all too well the extent to which pawns can shape the battlefield. They're slow, yes, and easy to attack... but overlooking them has cost many chess players dearly.
The first of Theron's signature Chessmaster's Gambit techniques, Pawn Soul can seem a fluke at first glance. Literally reshaping his soul in the image of the lowly pawn, Theron immediately suffers the loss of all combat bonuses granted to him by Blood of d'Metreon -- his reaction time, speed, strength, stamina, and defense all revert to the level of an ordinary human. But with this loss of power also comes a build up, a focusing and harnessing. Upon using Pawn Soul Theron suffers for two posts as stated above... but on his third post unleashes the energy he'd been storing in a burst of speed, power, and a single soul wavelength infused melee attack. The pent-up energies propel Theron at blistering speeds towards one target for a short distance, effectively performing an en passant (or "in passing") strike that ends with him standing a few feet behind the target... and, if successful, leaving behind a soul-energized slash of white-hot light in the unwitting foe. (Visually, the actual attack is reminiscent of the famed samurai quick-draw. A very dramatic finishing move.)
[/ul]
[TEAM TECHNIQUES]
Abilities and special tactics that Theron and Nova have developed over the course of their partnership.
TYPE: Active
STRENGTH: Team Resonance
KEYWORDS: team, reinforced melee, high accuracy controlled ranged, stationary Meister once thrown
DESCRIPTION:
The chakram holds a very important place in the culture of India. Not only do legends of chakram-throwing Sikh warriors abound, but it is also the weapon of ultimate power wielded by the supreme Hindu god Vishnu, the means by which the heavens are kept in balance and the enemies of the world are destroyed.
The form Nova assumes during the Goddess Blade Soul Resonance is somewhat of a reflection of these legends. Each half of the chakram's circle-blade grows steely "thorns", the largest of which entwine together before flaring apart, granting them markedly more effective in melee combat for both offense and defense. This makes the Goddess Blade Resonance form useful as an equalizer for close combat... but where the transformation's power truly shines is when the chakram is thrown.
The Goddess Blade Resonance form, while temporary, grants Theron and Nova a strong connection through which their soul wavelengths can flow -- even when not in physical contact with each other. Once their souls have resonated the Demon Chakram's edges will begin to glow with a faint light; if thrown right away, Goddess Blade kicks into full gear. With their resonating wavelengths empowering her Nova's weapon form gains the ability to fly freely, moving through the air at will -- even if separated -- and forcing enemies she engages to fight a foe without a flesh-and-blood body to strike back at. While using the power of Goddess Blade all of Nova's attacks are extremely swift and accurate; this Resonance comes nowhere near Witch Hunter in terms of raw destructive power, but it does make it possible to strike an opponent's weak points almost without fail.
A thrown Goddess Blade attack has a serious downside, however: while Nova's weapon form gains the ability to move about freely, Theron cannot. For the duration of the technique the Meister must stay rooted in place, focusing hard on maintaining the Resonance and empowering Nova with his soul. Simply moving, whether to dodge or attack, is enough to break the tenuous but potent connection. This leaves the young d'Metreon highly exposed, relying on Nova's skill and genius to either tie up the enemy or get in the necessary hits quickly.
Whether in melee or ranged form, Goddess Blade can only be used for three posts (Theron and Nova each get three) at a time before a requisite cool-down of five posts (or ten minutes in-story, whichever takes longer). It has a maximum of three uses per Mission due to the strain it places on Theron's soul.[/ul]
EQUIPMENT:
TYPE: Weapon
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
(image from DigitalEel.com)
"The blade Sangfroid is a rare example of hybrid design in swords, uniting in perfect symmetry and subtlety that which makes the curved blade of the Falchion so effective with the Ottoman's 'yelman' weighted heft -- in this case, distributed to the middle instead of the tip -- all without compromising the European aesthetics that make a sword elegant, lightweight, and precise. Truly a remarkable piece of work, especially considering the age in which it was crafted some three-hundred years ago. The hand guard has two points which can be used as sword-catchers, a notch on the front and a literal catch on the back. What's more, a long L-shaped support piece backs the blade; this gives the wielder a chance to leverage one hand against the blade itself if deadlocked in a struggle of strength. Swift, versatile, razor-sharp... a sword I am proud to call my own. I'm most fortunate my many siblings foolishly opted for newly-designed technical weapons, leaving the nobler blades of the armory for me to cull through. How they shall regret it..."
Sangfroid is an ancestral weapon of the d'Metreon family, an heirloom which Theron took with him when he left for training at Shibusen. While a very well designed and durable sword, it is ultimately just a normal sword -- no special powers, abilities, or secrets.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Fencing Gear
TYPE: Clothes
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
Beneath his finery and regalia Theron wears a protective suit of dyneema-weave fencing apparel of extremely high quality and excellent make, such that it doubles as fully functional body armor. This suit of fencing gear is complete except for the helmet, which Theron only dons when challenged to a fencing match, never in actual battle. The fencing apparel is sturdy and resilient while remaining lightweight and flexible, never inhibiting the young d'Metreon's movements while still possessing the stopping power to save his life from an enemy's blade or a low-caliber bullet. It grants comparatively little protection against magic, madness, or soul wavelength attacks as it was never meant to be proof against such things.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Turquoise Ring
TYPE: Clothing
STRENGTH: none
DESCRIPTION:
A keepsake ring that Theron received as a Christmas present from Nova. Set in silver and looped onto a chain, the turquoise gemstone was given both as a seasonal gift and to commemorate Theron's birth month. He has taken to wearing it tucked underneath his shirt, a constant but private reminder of the partnership he and Nova have forged. It has no special powers or attributes.
EQUIPMENT NAME: Shibusen Pilot License
TYPE: Item
STRENGTH: Average
DESCRIPTION:
A special international pilot license, the fruits of several long months of intensive study and practice at a small private airfield across the desert from Shibusen. Theron swore after the events surrounding the a particular Mission that he'd never be put at the fickle mercies of a chartered helicopter pilot again and so, on top of his regular Shibusen school work and studies, embarked on the path of becoming a fully trained and registered aerial pilot. This pilot license is special; while each country typically requires pilots to be nationally licensed and approved to fly their skies, the Shibusen Pilot License is accepted globally in reflection of Shibusen's international peacekeeping role. With this Theron can legally rent and fly everything from helicopters and small propeller-driven airplanes to blimps and hot air balloons (though one can hardly imagine he'd ever need to fly those). The licensing doesn't extend to any jet engine aircraft, though.
Since his certification was through Shibusen the school itself has the power to order him temporarily grounded or revoke the license if the need arises.[/ul]
MINIONS:
VEHICLES:
[/blockquote]
- - -
LOYALTY: Undecided*[/i], he will stand with and for...[/size][/ul]
KEY ATTRIBUTES:
Dislikes: Awkward situations, submitting to authority, working with others (when he's not the leader, anyways), flirtatious girls, guns, bombs, and other instruments of modern warfare, notions of fate / destiny / inevitability.
Strengths: Keen tactical sense, high agility / dexterity, able to "read" people fairly well (manipulator), excels at close-range combat, strong intellect.
Weaknesses: No ranged combat abilities, low defense against heavy physical / magical attacks (IE: if he can't evade something, his ability to block / guard is rather low due to slim build and focus on speed), assumed personal superiority over "commoners", morally ambiguous / traitorous / manipulative personality. Never quite learned to cook; can't wield heavy weapons (hammers, axes, cudgels, etc.) due to insufficient brute strength.
Hobbies: Fencing, chess, messing with people, studying, horse riding[/size].[/ul]
PERSONALITY:
Though he clings to the teachings of his family and d'Metreon traditions out of force of habit and inability to disassociate his own identity from that of his bloodline, Theron is prepared to do whatever it takes to win where the Reckoning is concerned...[/ul]
HISTORY:
The legends of the d'Metreon family say that during the Dark Age of Europe a great warlord and baron, Lucien Tenebrae d'Metreon, was exiled from his king's lands under false charges of treason following a great war. In response, lord Lucien turned to an old, undefeated, and formidable enemy who dwelled in a northern land for aid. Forming an alliance with the northern tribe, lord Lucien began a war of retribution that eventually overthrew the treacherous king. The legend states that as the conqueror stood before his cowering -- yet obstinate -- foe, the betrayer declared that a "mere baron" could never understand what it meant to be king.
As Lucien's blade clove the crown -- and the king's head -- in twain, the stories say he replied "I shall rule as a baron, then."
Thus the d'Metreon Sovereign Barony, and the rule of the Lord Baron, was established. For a brief moment in history it seemed that lord Lucien stood poised to drive his war of conquest to the farthest corners of the earth... but, as is the way of things, he grew old and died before his dream of unchallenged rule could come to pass. The subsequent generations, though ambitious and powerful, fell into infighting; what could have been a family that reshaped the world was consumed by its own ambition and reduced to a fraction of what it might have been. The d'Metreons, for their part, have never forgotten this "lost glory".
In the modern day the d'Metreon Sovereign Barony is barely a nation, just an oft-forgotten dot on the map of Europe nestled into Romanian's northern Carpathian mountains, not far from the Transylvanian Plateau. At a mere 12 square miles, the "country" of the Sovereign Barony is hardly worth noting... except by the local people and Romanian government, who give it a wide berth. Though small in size and citizenry, the Sovereign Barony is said to have shadowy business connections all across Europe and perhaps farther -- what the family currently lacks in outright world domination they've purportedly made up for with cunning manipulations and behind-the-scenes arrangements. Indeed, the family's considerable wealth must come from somewhere, conspiracy theorists say. And the unsettling rumors about connections with witches and the Heirs of Dracula cult don't help things either.
Theron's history, in his own words:
"Growing up a born-and-bred conqueror isn't easy. For one thing, bullying is a d'Metreon family value. Instead of getting scolded for sneaking into my room and breaking my things, my brothers were typically given 32 lei ($10) for their 'accomplishment'. My sisters kept score of how many times they'd kicked me there when I wasn't expecting it. And I met the back of my father's hand for everything from not fighting aggressively enough to showing undue kindness to the servants. Needless to say, I don't much like my family... but that's not what it's about."
"Being a d'Metreon is about power and prestige and bringing order to those in chaos -- the unshakable order of my family's influence. As a d'Metreon you are schooled in swords and sciences, sociology and survival, math, magic, and military maneuvers, every possible subject that can grant a heightened advantage on the field of battle. We are not, as you might suspect, unfeeling monsters -- quite the contrary. The doctrine of the d'Metreon family is to pity those without the strength, insight, or distinction to rule the world... and graciously offer to rule it for them. It is only the reckless, the foolish, and the ignorant that we ultimately cast down when we meet in battle; those foes that are capable of providing a worthy challenge to we who would be the Lord Baron's heirs are allowed to live that we might not be without opportunities to test ourselves. Of course, some exceptions are made for those who don't appreciate our generosity... but you can't make an omelet breaking a few eggs, right? I think that was the saying..."
"Now, don't get put off by all this 'take over the world' talk. It's mostly a long-term future-generations aspiration, really. We're not assembling armies or anything -- for pity's sake, half the time my family is too busy with internal quarrels to do anything more than attend to business-as-usual. We're not nearly strong enough to challenge Shinigami-sama or the Witches of the Mass, despite my family's strict focus on combat training and our dealings with certain... unsavory individuals."
"That's reason #1 why I left home to study at Shibusen: to become stronger, plain and simple. Reason #2... is to survive."
"Those outside the d'Metreon family don't understand how a new Lord Baron is chosen, and it's better that way. If they knew, we'd be regarded as barbaric savages hiding under a guise of civilized living... and rightly so. Upon the death of both parents the surviving children hunt each other down relentlessly; those who are defeated either become mere servants or, most often, are killed outright. This is the Reckoning, the oldest tradition our family has."
"My mother died two years ago; my father, the Lord Baron, is approaching eighty-five. I'm the youngest, weakest, and most inexperienced... tell me, whom do you think my brothers and sisters will come after FIRST?"
"It's against tradition to receive help or protection once the Reckoning begins... but tradition be d***ed for all I care. Yes, I came to Shibusen knowing it would make my bloody kindred think twice before coming after me; I deliberately placed myself here knowing that any attempt on my life would have adversaries and obstacles in its way, using Shibusen itself as a shield. A craven, cowardly tactic from the runt of the litter? Perhaps. A cold, brazen manipulation? Certainly. But the survivors write the history books... and I will survive."
"Until that day comes, though, I'm just a snobby, arrogant rich kid from Eastern Europe. And I'm fine with that, truly. If that's all that people know me as, just as well. There's enough chaos in this world with madness spreading and witches scheming -- no need to add my troubles to the mix. Besides, I can be a very fickle friend..."[/color][/ul][/ul]
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