Apologies for the silence, had a few long workdays. CS is ready for review. [hider] Name: Markus Peregris Age: 22 Gender: Male Race: Human Appearance: [hider=Face][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/MO9NvFM.png?1[/img][/center][/hider] [hider=Armor][center][img]http://i.imgur.com/QR05KUR.jpg?1[/img][/center][/hider] He stands at 6'4", has a lightly built but strong frame, and sports grey plate armor into battle (see above) Personality: Markus is far and away one of the most polite and cordial young men you will ever meet. He speaks with respect to his betters and humility to his lessers, and there is almost never anything impolite or boastful about him. Beyond that, he is exceptionally resolute and stalwart in his ways, to the point of stubbornness in many cases, and he refuses to give up once he's set his mind to something. While there are some downsides, once his trust is earned there are few allies as stalwart and dependable as Markus Peregris. Brief Backstory: [hider] In the nation of Thaln, there exists a family of moderate nobility called the Peregris House. While not the richest or most illustrious of houses, the Peregris family is prestigious in their own right, mostly a military family notable for producing potent fighters and commanders. Very notable about them is that the daughters are the primogenitors, rather than the sons as is typical. Male children were often given other roles... but for some, depending on the head of the house at the time, the fate was far worse. Born several years after his sister Kryssa, Markus was one such child. It was intended that he be another girl, that the house might have a pair of young ladies to mirror the two goddesses that watch over Thaln, but when a son emerged he was passed off to a secondhand wet nurse and, upon not needing her anymore, was subjected to a terrible torment; total neglect. He was utterly ignored in all things that occurred on the estate, always in favor of his elder sister. Where Kryssa was educated by some of the greatest minds the country had to offer, he was forced to glean what he could from the few books that he managed to get his hands on in youth. Where Kryssa fed on well-made food thrice per day, Markus would surely have starved were it not for a sympathetic cook who slipped him a fair meal each night. Where Kryssa had her clothing specially made by a tailor, Markus was forced to sew his own out of leftover rags and considered it a lucky day when one of his sister's garments was torn and thrown where he could find it. He was forbidden to leave the estate and the servants were barred from paying him any mind on pain of exile, but outside of those decrees or their violations he received no recognition or attention at all. For years this continued, and it's likely Markus would have been consumed by it had an angel not intervened. That angel was none other than Kryssa herself. She alone looked on the boy she called brother with any feeling at all. At first, it was purely a young girl's curiosity. As time passed that curiosity grew to become worry and concern for him, and by the time she was 13 and he 10 worry and concern had grown to become compassion. She appealed to their parents, nigh begging them to lift their decrees against him and allow her brother to be recognized as her brother instead of a piece of dirt. When that was rejected, she took matters into her own hands. Each night, after sleep had descended upon the household, Kryssa would creep to Markus' room, and by candlelight the siblings crafted clothing for Markus, enjoyed delicacies that Kryssa had brought from the kitchen, and studied together. The matter of their sessions varied, but for four years they two proceeded as such, growing closer and closer with each passing eve. One such night, their discussion grew somber. In spite of Kryssa's deeds for him, Markus still felt unwanted and nearly alone in the house. "I need to leave this place," he said, "To find my own path in the world. If I remain here, even with your aid, I'll suffocate." And while she was saddened by his words, Kryssa felt the truth in them and understood how her brother felt. With a blessing in her heart and a promise to build a house that he could come home to, she aided in his flight from the estate and sent him along with a small trinket- a simple falcon feather on a necklace, as a promise to return some day. For six years Markus traveled Thaln and the neighboring countries, learning he ways of the world. Part of his voyages was falling in with a good-hearted mercenary guild, where he learned how to properly handle himself in a fight. By the time he came marching down the road to the house, Kryssa had rose to her inheritance, and his sister threw open the doors and her arms to welcome him back. A couple of years later, a messenger arrived from the Order of Iron Roses to inquire if the Peregris House would be sending a representative along to their ranks as they had in the past. Not wanting to disappoint, and in no way desiring Kryssa to go, Markus volunteered and soon was leaving home again. Wishing for his return, Kryssa presented him with a family heirloom; the enchanted shield called the Falcon's Wing. [/hider] Equipment: -Longsword -Falcon's Wing, a white shield with enchantments woven into it. -Feather Charm, a falcon's feather attached to a chain. Keeps it on him at all times as a promise to return home safely to his sister. Skills: Markus practices a defensive battle style that revolves around protection and defense over aggression and offense. Rather than rush at his target, Markus forces the fight to come to him where he can take control of it and ensure neither he nor his allies come to harm. He's also skilled in unarmed combat, but he very much prefers his sword and board. He is also reasonably skilled at riding, outdoor cooking, and general survival on account of his travels. Falcon's Wing Enchantments: -The Wing can be called to the wielder's hands at will. This helps with arming/rearming himself, but it also allows him to hurl the shield for a ranged attack and call it back to him. -The Wing's enchantments allow it to block magical attacks just as efficiently as physical -The Wing can project a magic half-dome barrier in a direction, allowing the user to defend against attacks at a wider range for a limited time. -When used in a shield bash or thrown, the Wing can flare with light and concussive force to add damage and knock opponents back. [/hider]