Oh man this is going to be sweet! Here are my 2 characters: [hider=Kazudain] Name: Kazudain: The Lightning Arch-mage / Blitz Warrior / Beast Tamer / the Blue Pilgrim [hider=Appearance] [img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/eb39e523-9884-4b9f-a185-5acdf232cc8e.jpg[/img] A tall man with a worn travelers cloak. The handle of a sword poking out from one shoulder along side a long bow and quiver. [/hider] [hider=Race] Elf [/hider] [hider=Magical Abilities] Lightning Magics - (more when I can think them up.) With a great focus on Lightning magic, the ability to safely imbue such a volatile and chaotic element into inanimate objects, let alone living beings, is a great mark of achievement. Many lightning mages have a sort of concentration period for their spells, which leaves them in more of a supportive role as most basic spells take a few seconds to activate. Over 300 years of experience has apparently allowed Kazudain to learn a solution to this drawback. As elemental magic is bound to the light half of the spectrum there are no lightning based curses. Paralysis and movement restriction effects are common with higher tier spells. [hider=Attacks:] All lightning based attacks can be done with and without holding Stormshadow. It proves more draining on reserves without utilizing Stormshadow as a medium. [color=7ea7d8]Bolt Needle[/color] A thin, piercing beam of lightning. Channeled to a specific point then released. Can only hold so much power while still holding its small shape, but its intense piercing potential makes up for it. Travels a great distance in a straight line. Requires power to be continuously channeled as the beam travels else it dissipates instantly. [color=7ea7d8]Bolt Wave[/color] A short to mid-range power attack where lightning magic is channeled into the blade then released as the blade is swung. The more power channeled, the stronger the wave and further it can travel before dissipating. Used to great effect when cutting through obstacles and batting away minor fodder. Greatly loses power after 10 meters. [/hider] [hider=Blessings:] [color=7ea7d8]Lightning Veins [/color]- Speed buff that increases speed and reaction time. Can induce on self and allies, though physical contact is needed to buff allies. Has only been able to buff 2 allies at a time with full benefit of the buff. Allies will feel as if speed and reactions will have doubled. Buff's benefits decrease as more allies are buffed. Has the added benefit of shocking opponents on contact, with a greater chance of partial paralysis the more intense the charge. [color=7ea7d8]Blitz[/color] - A speed technique to quickly traverse the battlefield, it leaves a patch of scorched earth and a slight boom in his wake. Can traverse 50m max per jump and has been used to great effect in battle. It was this technique that gave rise to the man's alternate name among the elves and some beast-folk settlements. Combined with Lightning Veins Kazudain's fighting style can prove devastating. [color=7ea7d8]Bolt Arrow[/color] - By imbuing his arrows with a little magic the man has a ranged option to incapacitate opponents. Not very silent when the arrow strikes the target and can be draining on the reserves. [color=7ea7d8]Disruption Wave[/color] - While not really a curse, the move can be seen as a debuff in essence. By charging power into the sword and stabbing it into the ground, a wave of energy is released in order to dispel strong illusions and curses. Needs 10 seconds to charge and can be seen charging. Will need to charge longer for more powerful illusions. [color=7ea7d8]Disruption Shock[/color] - While [color=7ea7d8]Disruption Wave[/color] has a more external effect when used, [color=7ea7d8]Disruption Shock[/color] is more internal. By sending a literal shock through his body Kazudain disrupts the flow of energy fueling the curse, breaking it. [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Blade] [color=7ea7d8]Stormshadow[/color] [img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/f38c84fe-7557-4e60-b84d-aabf1fb6a5e9.jpg[/img] A great sword of blue and silver. Imbued with multiple runes to be used as a medium for a range of lightning techniques, runes glowing bright blue when magic is used and off when none is used. [/hider] [hider=Personality:] Those that remember conversing with the man claim him to be a calm yet jovial individual. Speaking in riddles at times and always asking questions. At times he would help another in need while other times stay his hand on whim. Would always pay back any debt owed. In battle they would say he was steadfast, loyal and unrelenting yet honorable. Swinging his sword with great strength while his companion covered his flank. Always taking to the front line to break enemy momentum or defenses. He never had much patience with those with larger than needed egos and was known to take a sort of innocent delight in leaving such individuals flabbergasted and embarrassed. Al in good humor of course and not for malicious purposes. [/hider] [hider=Background:] Most who hear this name in conversation will know of the person spoken of. A nomad who never stays in one place long, he will come and go, disappearing at times for years before showing up without a trace. Reported to have been seen on multiple occasions within the last 300 years, some were notable battles. Not many can properly see his face due to the cloak he wears, however, it is accepted that he is a Elf that wishes to remain anonymous. Some believe that his face was marred by a dreaded creature long ago, and had be unable to either heal the wound or bare his shame. Known for his battle prowess and skill, he was never alone in battle. HE had a constant companion, a large cat that follows the man like a loyal friend and subordinate with the rare ability to cast Ice Magics with skill. Both were known for fighting past their limits when they had no magic left to use, using skill and wit to gain victory. It is not known how the man came across such a fearsome yet loyal beast, though there are rumors abound. One is that the man and beast were last scene crossing the border of Razelia, taking a road well known as the quickest route to the Kingdom of Zauberheim... [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Maldur] Maldur: The Beast of Ice / Frost Guardian [hider=Appearance] [img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/312eb33b-6ce0-448b-8ce0-f285200b64b1.jpg[/img] A solid, robust build with a large frame, when officially measured it stood 4 and a half feet to the shoulder and near 8 from the head to the base of its tail. While the name of it's exact race is unknown, it is a magnificent specimen of whichever species it belongs too. [/hider] [hider= Magical Abilities] Neutral Magics [color=7bcdc8]Roar of Dread[/color] With a little magic Maldur and imbue his roars with a sonic attack. It calls upon the feeling all prey gets when confronted with a predator; run. The roar can be heard for well over a mile, but only those within a quarter that will feel the full effect of the attack. It had been used to great effect in cutting enemy moral at the start of battle. Ice Magics [color=7bcdc8]Guard of the North[/color] - With a great roar and a slam of a paw a large wall of ice will jut from the ground before it. Maldur is able to control the size and strength of the wall, from the size of a small door to that of a large wall dozens of meters tall and wide. [color=7bcdc8]Breath of the North[/color] - With a growl and runic circle above its head, shards of ice will fall from the sky. This move was used primarily as a retreat tactic as the move will harm friend and foe caught in its area of effect. These blades of ice were known to shear through both leather and toughened skin with ease. It could pierce weakly enchanted metal armors to various levels of success. [color=7bcdc8]Kiss of the North[/color] - With a chuff and gust of cold wind, a layer of ice would grow on its pelt, giving Maldur a set of Ice Armor. This blessing can be imbued to others as well, up to 3 people plus itself could have a near full piece set of grieves, vambraces and chest piece. any more and the blessing won't take effect. [color=7bcdc8]Call of the North[/color] - Freezing the ground around it gives Maldur extra traction for a speed boost, allowing it to traverse the battlefield with great speed. Kazudain had been known to use his Lightning Veins blessing to give Maldur a boost of great magnitude. [color=7bcdc8]Blade of the North[/color] - Rooting itself in place it charges up its power with a rumbling growl. A large lance of ice will form above it, taking concentration to make it. When ready a magic ring will for around it and with a mighty roar, fire at its target. The move takes a full minute to form and leaves Maldur vulnerable. The time can be cut down if Kiss of the North has been used on itself, 5 seconds per piece of armour. [color=7bcdc8]Glacius Breath[/color] A spell charged similarly to [color=7bcdc8]Blade of the North[/color], the difference being that [color=7bcdc8]Glacius Breath[/color] is an area of effect spell rather than a concentrated attack. After consolidating enough mana, Maldur releases it all in a concussive wave, freezing the area with frost and ice. Can be directed instead of omni-directional though requires a little more concentration. It is said that Maldur once froze near a quarter mile of land ending the battle. It is also said that Maldur collapsed due to exhaustion from the effort. [/hider] [hider=Personality] Despite not speaking in the common tongue, Maldur displays a sharp character. Like most wild cat-beasts it has a languid laziness when resting, looking as if it couldn't be bothered to care for the goings of the world around it. Those with a keen eye would notice that Maldur keeps a watchful gaze about it, muscles coiled, ready to act at a moments notice. Kazudain has claimed that Maldur holds both great wit and wisdom, despite the fact that only he can interpret Maldur's chuffs, growls and body language. Should it get annoyed with its masters actions it has been known to either swipe at him with a paw, freeze the floor before Kazudain's steps or freeze the mans feet to the floor, walking off with a pleased chuff. Maldur has a surprising gentleness and affection for children of all races and has been known to defend them with great zeal when they are threatened. It has been seen sleeping while young-lings play around it, climbing atop it, pulling it's ears and tail without so much as a growl. When asked about this peculiarity Kazudain would simply shrug and say that: [color=7ea7d8]"He has a way with children that even I can't fathom."[/color] When angered all its ferocity and wildness in its blood comes to bear; it does not take kindly to those that harm the ones under its care. Or when trying to take its food for that matter. It seems to share it's masters general dislike for those that act more pompous than warranted but chooses to ignore them when possible. [/hider] [hider=Background] In the world exists many beings large and small, anywhere on the scale of strength of power. From the variety of Beastkin, Elves, Humans and more. Beasts the roam the world by fin, wing and paw, From the passive to the aggressive. Some in numerous herds that travel the great plains of the West Isles to the Southern wastes. Some so rare they exist only in text and myth. Many still have yet to be found in the world, continuing the circle of life as the Goddesses had seen fit to create. Then there are those that are utterly unique in of themselves. None know the origins of Maldur, the great cat-beast companion to the Lightning Arch-mage, Kazudain. And the man himself has never seen fit to reveal the secret of this beast which follows in his wake. All accounts of this beast are with accounts with its master, never have the pair been separated unless ordered to by Kazudain. As a beast it has never shown the capability for actually speech in any tongue, and yet it seems to showcase a higher than usual awareness and intelligence compared to other creatures. What's more, Maldur has an unusual mastery over Ice Magics, accounts of great hails of snow and thick walls of ice appearing with a mighty roar. And when all magic was spent it was said Maldur fought with fang and claw, displaying swift grace and great strength in battle. There are still many secrets left untold behind the violet eyes of this beast, that which only it and it's master know for now. When it was seen last, Maldur was treading the worn road into Razelia, following it's master loyally where ever their travels take them... [/hider] [/hider] [hider=Sample Post] [color=7ea7d8]"There was no reason for you to do that my friend."[/color] The man received a snort in response. He crossed his arms. [color=7ea7d8]"Yes, yes, I know you don't like others reaching for your food but that back there? Your little shout made the Innkeeper faint from shock. You have a problem."[/color] With a small growl and shake of its head the mans companion continued walking. The man made to follow but found his foot wouldn't move. He looked down to find his foot frozen in a small block of ice, sticking it to the ground. Looking back at his partner he found the amused twinkle in its eyes that annoyed him so. [color=7ea7d8]"Very funny. Maldur. Now release my leg so we can really get a move on, I'd rather get to the next town before nightfall. We do have a schedule to keep."[/color] Maldur gave a huff as the ice disappeared, the pair breaking into a run to reach the next town. =========[i]That Night[/i]========= [color=7ea7d8]"...and so Balderus jumps out from the doorway, tackling the leader! That took out the weakened support beam which made the roof cave in, taking half of our enemies out of the fight. So, seeing the cards of fate stacked against them the rest of the group were about to run when the reinforcements Balderus called for arrived, surrounding the bandits. At that they all threw their arms to the ground, ending the battle. With that the underground slaver ring was torn out of Sikaarus for good and Balderus regained the honor of his family name."[/color] With the clank of mugs the people of the tavern cheered at the end of the story. Chanting the Balderus for a time as the story teller looked at his companion. Like he expected of Maldur, his companion was laying on his side, head still in the lap of a barmaid who saw fit to give his ears and chin a good scratch. With a shake of his head the man turned back to his drink and food, relishing the cider as he took a gulp from his mug. "Ha ha, always good to here one of your stories Master Kazudain." Looking up said man saw the bar owner approaching, tail waving behind him. "It's been what? 10, 12 years since you last visited? Mara kept wondering when you would be back." The bar owner gestured to the girl petting Maldur, who now laid on his back with the barmaid, Mara, rubbing Maldur's belly. The big softy. Kazudain chuckled as he put the mug down. [color=7ea7d8]"I know Cadra, but as I've told your father and his father, I can never stay in one pl-"[/color] "Place for too long. I know, I've heard it enough times over the years when you were passing through. Even if you never do tell us why." With a shake of his scaled head Cadra grabbed the travelers empty mug and refilled it. "So, what business do you have 'round these parts this time?" [color=7ea7d8]"We're heading north towards Zauberheim. I heard it was time of year for their annual tournament."[/color] Cadra gave a steady nod while giving the refilled mug back. Kazudain accepted it readily. "Right the Festival Tournament. There's always something a little different every year, this year will be no different. I hear a number of promising students will be taking part this year." A chuckle rose from Kazudain. [color=7ea7d8]"There are always promising students every year, Cadra. This year will be no different then the last 10 in that regard."[/color] Cadra chuckled himself. "You speak truth, Master Kazudain. But from what I hear this year will be something to remember compared to previous years." With a raised brow Kazudain leaned in as Cadra did the same. [color=7ea7d8]"I'm listening..."[/color] [/hider]