Burning Glory Character Expansion: [hider=The Dragon Knight] [center][h1][b][img]http://txt-dynamic.cdn.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjQwLmZhMDAwMC5SbUZtYm1seUlGTnBaM1Z5WkEsLC4wAAAA/jmh-wolfa.regular.png[/img][/b][/h1] [img]http://img11.deviantart.net/5371/i/2014/276/e/5/angel_knight_by_nosaj7541-d81fe9q.jpg[/img] [h2]⦋ [b]N/A[/b] || [b]N/A[/b] || [b]Male[/b] ⦌[/h2] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC74N8m-cQc[/youtube][/center] [h3][b]APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY[/b][/h3] [indent] [u][b]APPEARANCE [/b][/u] [indent]Fafnir is a surviving mythological being. In his original form, the dragon stood (on four legs) at a monstrous size, the like of which dwarfed only by the eldest of his kin. Though due to the nature of his seal his form had regressed significantly in size and power. The beast has two bull like horns and a third blade-like horn on the snout, as well as sharp spines that run down his back and below his jaw. Black plated scales armor his body along with the somewhat softer crimson scales of his underbelly. His eyes are crocodilian in nature, and are a piercing yellow. Black jagged teeth run the maw of the saurian-shaped head, with a forked tongue slithering within his mouth. A sail-like frill runs along his back between the sharp spines and can extend or recede in a display, tallest near the top of long snake-like neck. Long bat-like wings act as a third pair of limbs, all 3 pairs bear sharp 3-fingered claws. In his usual, sealed form however, he is a massive 7'5" beige-skinned human with typical Aryan facial features and a muscular build. However he still retains some leaks of his inhuman nature in the form of his reptilian, glowing snake-like eyes(Like his dragon form, his eyes are yellow but glow a crimson firey light), a pair of leathery wings and a large, lumbering tail of black and red keeled scales and a barbed tip. His armor is fully plated iron, from head to foot, that fully conceals him. The only parts of him not concealed is his tail. His wings are covered with a bird-like/angelic design in this armor, with some kind of flexible but plated material. The armor has various runes carved into it to attune with his Ki, as well as his large 6'0 lance he wields as a weapon, and a massive plated shield.[/indent] [u][b]PERSONALITY TRAITS [/b][/u] [indent] Wise Observant Prideful Honorable Silent thinker Loner Vengeful Not-very-Tech-Savy(As well as just being not too familiar with most products of modern culture in general.) Stuck in the past, old way mentality. Long fuse( but should that fuse be lit it can provoke him into a much more [i]animalistic[/i] or feral nature.) [/indent] [u][b]BACKSTORY & MOTIVATION [/b][/u] [hider=Dragon Lore] [img]https://pre00.deviantart.net/3d4f/th/pre/i/2015/120/f/c/shooting_star_by_daniellanderman-d8rotpa.jpg[/img] [center]The Awakening of Bahagara[/center] The first dragon suppossedly was the Ur-Dragon, a great behemoth whose legends say it rose from a star that fell from the heavens. The original king of dragons, the Ur-Dragon had such immense ki that fueled with it's molten breath and mighty wings it forged storms that brought life to the first dragons. Though born of heat and ki, dragons are mostly biological creatures. Reptilian beasts that have been noted to have a wide variety of forms including small wyverns or the more spiritual eastern serpents. All dragons have an inherent affinity towards fire, thus even those with more exotic powers such as ice dragons have an unnatural immunity to heat and flame. Like their progenitor, dragons are born with immense power and ki, and are biologically immortal as they only grow more powerful as they age. Dragons are capable of natural reproduction, but due to their immortal lifespan it is an incredibly slow process, thus their population is only sustainable through the presence of an Ur-dragon. Dragons are often born with a lust for power and notorious greed. Though there are exceptions, most dragons as a result have a desire to wreak havoc and accumulate wealth and territory; both to other creatures and their own kin. It is this very nature that led to the inevitable downfall of the Ur-Dragon, as the first of it's spawn, the primordials, eventually grew to sizes that rivaled the mountain-sized progenitor. Even after the Ur-Dragon's defeat, there can only be a single king, and thus, the primordials turned on each other. The calamity rendered the species into near-extinction; with Bahagarra, the last primordial, one of the few survivors. Filling the power vacuum, Bahagarra absorbed the powers of the Ur-Dragon to become the next Dragon King. The first storms he brewed were small and only yielded a few dragons, one of which being Fafnir himself. Weakened from the war Bahagarra went into a deep slumber while what little offspring he produced left to their own devices. Around the time of the middle ages, the ancient dragon awoke abruptly when an unknown adventurer disturbed his resting site; Starved of destruction and fury, the still weakened Bahagarra breathed wicked tempests that spawned an army of dragons, which began to spread along the globe to satisfy their destructive urges. Humanity was plagued with an onslaught of dragon attacks. It was during this time when Fafnir suffered the defeat that inspired him to change. Meanwhile, a legendary warrior (Seshat) went to stop the dragon apocalypse by confronting the dragon king himself. A great battle ensued, and the warrior returned successfully with the slaying of the dragon king. With the defeat of the Dragon King, the dragons stomped spawning. Most were inevitably slain, some tried to fill the power vacuum (and failed, others went into hiding or into a deep slumber, waiting for the return of a king. [/hider] [indent]Fafnir was once a great dragon of malice, fueled by a thirst for utter destruction and power. As if by instinct his feral nature laid ruin to villages and kingdoms of old. The first spawn of Bahagarra he was unrivaled by his generation and those that came after, and was one of the most active scourges to humanity. Yet one brave and mighty knight of one, now lost, kingdom had finally defeated him and ended his centuries of terror. The knight's birth name was Gabriel Sigurd, though dubbed as Arch-angel Gabriel by his kingdom; owed to his unnatural and incredible power and skill, as if he were some divine instrument, and the angelic wings adorned from his armor, which granted him flight. He had not only humbled the monster in his defeat, but his code of honor and mercy towards the beast, an unusual gesture of kindness towards a monster that had previously bore no sympathy, inspired Fafnir hence fourth. The beast followed the knight's example, served the same kingdom with up most loyalty, and began to become intrigued and respectful of the martial prowess of the mortals once trained to slay him. Eventually, he abandoned his form through arcane rites, and convinced a then retired Sir Sigurd to teach him his martial power. When Sigurd inevitable fell to the mortal fate of all humans, the immortal dragon carried on his mentor's legacy. Taking his enchanted armaments, lance, armor, and shield, and even his surname, he continued to serve the kingdom and passed down his ways to the knights and soldiers of that realm, and the wandering warriors that sought his teachings. However his most proud hobby was seeking worthy opponents for the sport of combat. Whether it be a monster, a warrior, or something otherwordly; ever since his battle with Gabriel, Fafnir has acquired the taste of honorable combat. Always seeking the next opponent that could replicate the same feelings he felt in that original battle, never truly satisfied, but eager to continue. The teachings of Sigurd never left him, both in skill and in morality. As an eternal respect for his long deceased master, the knight retains the ideologies of the honorable and chivalrous knight his mentor once was. He defended the kingdom from others of his kin, until the dragons stopped spawning with Bahagarra's defeat. But all things must come to an end. The kingdom he once served inevitably became lost to time, the ruins of its once proud structures sunken beneath water and dirt. With little purpose left, the ancient being sunk into a depression, and slumbered for the centuries to come. Finding solice in the tomb of his progenitors, and for that time, guarding it so that no one would reawaken the disasters that may plague the world again. One day, amidst his ancient slumber, he had a dream. A dream of his master, a dream of promise. Dreams that filled the forgotten soldier with hope. He longed for that thrill of battle that was lost to him. Such motivation stirred him from his slumber, and the primordial knight rose from the dirt and sea to witness the new world. So much had changed, there was so much to learn. But more importantly, there were fighters to find, warriors to challenge. Though he may had lost his master and his kingdom, he still had one purpose left in life, and that was the thrill of battle. [/indent] [/indent] [h3][b]FIGHTING STYLE & ABILITIES[/b][/h3] [indent][u][b]FIGHTING STYLE [/b][/u] [indent]With the exception of being somewhat more nimble Fafnir is not as strong, nor as in tune with his ki in this false image, however he makes up for that weakness with the vast amount of generations he spent honing a finesse with weaponry. His primary tactics use a mixture of Ki power and his trusty lance, one that served him throughout generations. In unarmed combat he lacks the finesse he wields with his lance, and thus his kicks and punches, though powerful, are slow and crude. Such attacks lack the proper speed or efficiency those more experienced with hand-to-hand combat possess. His 'style' in which case usually involves excessive use of using his weight and size to body slam, elbow, or grapple enemies with his crushing strength and weight. He also utilizes his tail to whip or even stab at his foes as a spear if he feels such strategies are warranted. Though capable of flight in his sealed form, he's a slow glider and can only effectively 'dash' with leaping or landing. Thus doesn't have any real aerial combat technique. He is no stranger to pain and is more then willing to take injuries so long as it means he can strike back. While winning is fine, he is more focused on the thrill of the battle itself and chooses to prolong the fight if possible. While mercy isn't strictly enforced in his honor code, he has no qualms offering that same kindness he was dealt when defeated by Joseph. Fafnir in his humanoid form takes the time to stay mostly defensive and study his opponents carefully, using what energy is necessary to protect himself and keeping the flow of battle steady so that he can conserve the rest for when he feels the opportune moment to unleash it. He often plays to what his opponent offers, even if his foe is weaker then Fafnir, Fafnir rarely goes anything beyond his foe's own level in that case, in the start of that fight. This is for both to take pleasure in the battle itself, but to once again, take time to study his opponent. If he ever sheds his mortal form however, Fafnir's fighting style is a u-turn from his original style. Without any finesse or weaponry, He relies solely on ki-power and physical capabilities his form offers. Just as the Dragon-Form will often go all out at the very start of his transformation, his instincts become much more of primal fury, at some points even lacking self-control with how carried away his predatory nature takes a hold of him. For this reason he only uses his true-form as a last resort tactic, or if someone really infuriates him. In most scenarios he'd much rather lose in his mortal form then to win in his true form, unless if that fight mattered more beyond his entertainment and honor.[/indent] [u][b]SPECIAL MOVES & TECHNIQUES [/b][/u] [indent] [u]■ Fury Jab[/u] [indent] Fafnir imbues his lance with flames and unleashes a fast, multi-thrust attack with his lance. Unless if he has the intention to kill, the thrusts will usually be aimed to impale the arms and lower torso, and/or any equipment the target may be holding. The blade is typically outlined with a trail of flames[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Grapple Bolt[/u] [indent] Fafnir thrusts his hand forwards, and summons a whip-like tendril of electricity that acts as a tether-grab. Pulling him to whatever the bolt connects with or dragging it back to him.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Grapple Bolt[/u] [indent] Fafnir thrusts his hand forwards, and summons a whip-like tendril of electricity that acts as a tether-grab. Pulling him to whatever the bolt connects with or dragging it back to him.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Shield Hammer[/u] [indent] With shield equipped, Fafnir swings his great shield with heavy force to attempt to both stagger and disarm an opponent in melee. [/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Scalelord's Conquest[/u] [indent] Fafnir Soars into the air then lands down upon his opponent with high velocity, down thrusting his lance to either impale the foe from above or to thrust it through the ground, in either scenario the landing produces an electric and pressure blast of ki around both him and the weapon[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Burning Honor[/u] [indent] Fafnir becomes engulfed in flames, as if the fire was an additional set of armor. Its brightness can also obscure his figure making long-range precision based attacks more likely to miss him, in addition to slowly cooking those that are too close for comfort. Though extended use can eat away at his ki reserve.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Disarming Grasp[/u] [indent] If unarmed, Fafnir can channel ki into his hand to create a powerful electric charge or blast of fire, which will either be used as a simple, powerful punch, or tip grip/choke hold an opponent at the right opportunity to deliver the full voltage(or heat and force if he uses flames instead.) of that energy.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Thunder Spear[/u] [indent]Fafnir can imbue his lance with electric ki to deliver a devastating blow rivaling the power of a lightning bolt. Alternatively, with a steady aim, he can abandon his weapon by tossing it forward channeled heavily with ki. The thrown lance takes the form of a lightning bolt as it blasts the surface of whatever it impacts with great radiant voltage and force.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Rising Fire[/u] [indent] Fafnir and slashes or raises his lance in a sweeping motion, and a wave of flames spawn from the ground and rise up at an angle facing away from him with great force and heat. Alternatively Fafnir can use this skill without his weapon by slamming his fist on the earth below him, which creates the same firey explosion directly below and around him instead.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Valor of the scales[/u] [indent] Shield raised, a crimson aura extends from the shield, widening it’s defensive range. The aura shield can withstand some damage, but will shatter with sufficient stress(Half the strength of a grenade). Ineffective for melee as it faces one direction and can't counter attack while it is up. [/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Dragon's Blaze[/u] [indent] After taking a deep breathe, Fafnir can use his ki to spew a short blast of pressurized air and flames from his mouth and wings at a range of 4 meters. The attack is more focused on knock back rather then heat or damage. [/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Scale’s Blessing[/u] [indent] Raising his shield, Fafnir can buff an individual other then himself, granting them temporary regeneration, ki amplification, stamina recovery, and ease of pain. The buff lasts for few minutes, and can only be used once per 24 hours. Upon recieving this buff, previously existing wounds will mostly heal including gaping holes, damaged organs, and broken bones. [/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Constricting Catch[/u] [indent] Utilizing his prehensile tail, Fafnir can lash it out at his foes from around or below him. In this technique, he uses his tail to grapple via wrapping around his opponent's arm, torso, or leg; Usually then resulting in him tossing that opponent aside. [/indent][/indent] [u][b]SUPER MOVES [/b][/u] [indent] [u]■ Tactical Swipe[/u] [indent]Fafnir channels his ki to the lance's blade, giving it twice as much reach as well as a combination of electric and fire based ki, though the motion itself is slow the concentrated power is designed to break someone's guard and/or armor, if not a killing blow. Swinging or thrusting his charged up blade will also create a crescent shaped wave of pressurized flames and electric current, creating a projectile that is not as powerful as being hit with the melee attack itself.[/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ Raging Dragon's Soul[/u] [indent]Fafnir summons an oriental dragon made entirely of fire based ki; willed to charge and either smash or engulf a target with intense flames. Though the dragon's length can extend it's only half a body, with Fafnir's body being attached to where the dragon's lower half would be. The dragon disperses shortly after its initial attack. During it's summon, Fafnir is immobile. [/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ Unmasking the seal[/u] [indent]Fafnir reveals his true form, a monstrous, ancient dragon. [hider=Dragon form] [img]https://pre00.deviantart.net/f8c5/th/pre/f/2017/363/9/f/hellpitdragon_by_adalfyre-dby80up.jpg[/img] [/hider] Although Fafnir is immune to heat-related damage in both his mortal shell and true form and being fairly durable with both a tough body and tremendous natural ki, his superhuman resilience is increased further with scales (except the underbelly) that have the durability to rival steel even without his ki. In flight, the form can be quiet fast and nimble in the air despite his size and weight. Claws and maw that can crush stone and metal with ease, as well as a powerful tail equipped with a sharp spine at the tip to simulate a spear. The dragon can also breathe a torrential spray of molten fire or bolts of black lightning from his maw. However, due to Fafnir having spent most of his days now in his sealed form, the seal had grown a tight lock on his true nature. Fafnir can only transform into a 'dwarf' (Approximately 50 feet long.) and weakened state of his original form for a brief time of 5 minutes with a few hours of cooldown time. [/indent][/indent] [u][b]WEAKNESSES & LIMITS [/b][/u] [indent]Worst of worlds: In most situations, Fafnir starts out slow in his sealed form, often trying to fight at an 'equal' footing at his opponents. Weaker opponents as a result have a better chance of beating him, as does stronger opponents that he can't adapt to in time. In the rare occasion where Fafnir has no honor or respect for an opponent, he will go all out and transform, instead becoming reckless and easy to tire out. Either way, it isn't too difficult to strategies against. Glutton for punishment: His bloodlust for battle and refusal to dishonor his opponents often lead him to purposely taking hits. Usually he takes advantages of these blows to counter attack, however the sport he finds in testing the strength or force of his opponent's attacks can often give him situations with damage that he could have prevented. Prideful Vengeance: Despite his worked up tolerance, those that damage his pride can potentially tear through his wisdom and better judgement if they know what buttons to push. Insulting his honor is one sure way to enrage him. Though he is often humble, he still carries with him a sense of pride of his own power partially fueled by the innate, natural arrogance of a dragon. Imperfect Armor: In his dragon form, the underbelly is soft and vulnerable to attack. Cold-blooded: Fafnir does best in hot environments. Exposed to cold conditions or cryogenic based attacks can weaken his endurance and overall performance. [/indent] [u][b]OTHER [/b][/u] His armaments; Shield, Lance, and Armor, are enchanted and it will be restored after a day to his arsenal if they are damaged or destroyed. Out of combat he can summon and unsummon these equipment's at will. [hider=Tomb of the Dragon King] The mountain where the original Ur-Dragon arrived upon, deep within the rock lies a vast cavern lit by massive illuminating crystals. molten rock, and pools of sparkling water. Surrounding the walls of the massive hole is the skeleton of Bahagarrah, his head encircled by a sacred marble shrine. Surrounding the shrine are a grand accumulation of gold and treasure. This is the home of Fafnir, the tomb of his progenitors and place he guards when he isn't about experiencing the new world. Within the shrine lies the soul of the Ur-Dragon, a firey vortex of ki that stagnates from the Ur-Dragon's soul, passed down to Bahagarra, and now lays masterless. If one were to survive absorbing such power, they'd bring back the age of dragons by becoming the next Ur-Dragon. An undead dragon; Kilgarrah Zmey, slumbers within this site, acting as the sole defender of this chasm when Fafnir is not around. [/hider] [/indent] [/hider] A new challenger approaches: Vlad sucks the competition! [hider=The Crimson Prince] [center][h1][b]Vlad Relapmi Ruthven[/b][/h1] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/564x/5b/26/0a/5b260a0a0f30fb942fffbe0c8a878dff.jpg[/img] [hr][hr] [h2]⦋ [b]???[/b] || [b]???[/b] || [b]Male[/b] ⦌[/h2] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy9r2qeouiQ[/youtube][/center] [h3][b]APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY[/b][/h3] [hr] [indent] As a typical vampire, Vlad has pale white skin and glowing crimson eyes. His hair is a raven black and his face sports a hint of stubble. The fangs are immediately noticable. His physique his tall and lean, standing at 6'5". Vlad makes sure to always dress appropriately. He often wears some form of formal attire, usually a black suit with a red tie. Sometimes he wears an overly large-brimmed sunhat, and of course, always wearing a long black and red cape with a cowl. Vlad usually has a facade of grace. He is a formal gentleman; often polite, or tries to be. Regardless, underneath that facade is a chaotic individual who certainly has no qualms with feeding off of the living, or messing with the wrong people. Immortality has made life, well, boring, and Vlad often entertains himself with mischief; sometimes harmless. There is an obvious, and perhaps, annoying sense of pride and confidence that Vlad always carries. Overconfident in both his own nature as 'the prince of the night', as well as considering himself to be a man of high class and wealth. Due to this Vlad looks upon less fortunate soul with (almost) a sense of pity. Mortals too. Almost, but, not enough for him to make a difference. Being a man of dignity, Vlad distastes getting himself dirty. Whether it be combat, or merely feeding, Redrum tries to be as clean and as professional as possible. When he is expected to duel or to otherwise get busy, he will often wear his 'duelist uniform' which is just a glorified black and gold fencer uniform (Which is also sun proof): [hider=My Hider] [img]https://i.pinimg.com/736x/2c/bc/31/2cbc31685f6d92f7e88087a41ff8cef2.jpg[/img] [/hider] [/indent] [u][b]PERSONALITY TRAITS [/b][/u] [indent] Snooty Arrogant Chaotic (Chaotic neutral) Mischievous Expensive-taste Controlling Manipulative Liar Regal Flirtatious Lazy [/indent] [u][b]BACKSTORY & MOTIVATION [/b][/u] [indent] [indent] The reporter walked into the mansion, taking nervous steps on the clean tiled floor. The cameraman behind her was just as cautious. As they walked, they couldn't help but notice the servants around them. Maids and butlers, all with a lifeless expression; dead eyes watching them as they moved further. The room was cold, and the motionless servants didn't help to lift the atmosphere. "Are you sure this isn't a prank?" Said the cameraman, having attempted to turn his fear into frustration. "He gave us an invitation in person, remember? It's un-" She snapped back, but was cut off as a sudden motion caught both of their attention. Before them, between the double staircase of the foyer, rose a swirling mass that had seemed to swoop down on the floor from the shadows. Taking shape from the swirl of motion, later revealed to be his cape, was the man of the hour himself. "Greetings, welcome to my humble abode." Vlad bowed politely before his guests, dressed in his typical evening suit. "I hope my loyal subjects haven't bothered you." He said, his voice was almost enchanting, yet there in lied waited something sinister in his tone; like a serpent. He snapped his fingers, and the handful of maids and butlers suddenly came to life. They seemed to carry on with their duties; moving furniture and decor, preparing drinks, and the like. Set up by several servants were a pair of expensive, decorative chairs with fine silk cushions, and a likewise rich couch of a black dyed fabric. Vlad had taken a seat on the sofa. Just as the reporter took a seat on one of the chairs, a maid approach to set up a tray with what appeared to be freshly served snacks; A glass of wine and miniature sandwiches. The cameraman turned on his camera to film the two. "So, what brings you to my estate, you'll have to forgive my poor memory." "We um." She turned to the tray briefly to decide on whether taking a bite or not, before refusing. "Well you said you would tell the world where you came from, why you're here. Fans are dying to know after all, what's your story?" He chuckled. "Fans? Story?" He waved his hand way in a dismissal motion. "Oh you mortals and your, strange fascination with romanticizing monsters nowadays. 300 years ago you wouldn't see that kind of opinion out there." He sighed. "Ah but those days are over I'm afraid, very well, I shall tell you what I can remember.." He waved his hand in a dramatic motion as he began; "You see, I was born into a royal family of, well, a kingdom of sorts. The name? I couldn't recall." He laughed, amusing himself. "Those kinds of details don't matter anymore anyway, I know it doesn't exist anymore. Anyway; so, of course, this small little civilization there, I think it was somewhere in east Europe; we were...let's say not the most liked kind of rulers out there. Sure, we didn't needlessly kill anyone. But there were complaints from the commoners about corruption, wickedness, greed, what have you. And sure, I suppose those complaints were...not far from the truth. I can't remember my father, I knew he was there, I knew what he did, but well; I suppose I just didn't care enough for him to remember. My mother, well, she was the one who spoiled me when I was a young one, I remember that face well enough. My sister, well...I suppose I have her to thank to be where I am today. You see, I suppose it all started when famine struck our lands. Rain hadn't fall, the soil had become ill, and well; life was miserable. For them, not us, of course. While they starved outside, poor and with little food, we hoarded the land's boon. Fresh pig, mutton, mm...I almost missed that taste." He trailed off for a moment. "Mr. Dalv?" "Oh, pardon me." "Is that your real name?" "What is?" "Dalv." "Oh, no." He chuckled, waving away her thought. "No, my real name was far less suitable I suppose. I abandoned it sometime ago." "Oh, well..." Vlad took the advantage of her silence to continue. "Where was I? Oh yes, you see; They didn't like that fact too much, the commoners. They decided to have a riot of sorts. Pitchforks and torches, all that nonsense. Of course the guards initially had their uses, but I guess many of them joined the crowd since I, well, I suppose my father forgot to treat them well." He snickered. At the time I was about as old as, well, how you see me now. But still, I wasn't in charge. No I'd be on merry strolls enjoying my privileges and flirting with the local beauties. My carefree life was taken away by my reckless family." "So you resent them?" She asked. "Heavens no." He once again made a dismissal hand gesture, scoffing at the idea. "If it wasn't for them I wouldn't be here now. You see, because of this predicament, we were..desperate. My sister, now, I didn't know what she was up to. But it was revealed on that day that she was well versed in the occult. Now, I don't know if she was a witch, but I'm sure on any other day she could have been burned for that fact. Anyway, with her connections and my...father's..." He seemed to hesitate for a moment, a flash of anger briefly in his expression, as if a sudden memory popped into view. He played it off with a brief snicker. "My father had no idea what he was doing when he thrashed his daughter about saving them. The price she insisted was too high. Well, she couldn't do anything against an angry and desperate man losing power; so she had summoned a vampire." A smile curled on his lips, revealing his fangs. "Shocker, I know." "But it gets better. You see, the vampire in question was happy to deal with our little problem; But my father gave him a..well a bit too stern of an attitude. He didn't know his place. So our little blood-sucking friend wasn't in the best of mood to help us. More importantly, it was a bloody vampire; I mean who the hell.." He sighed. "I'm getting off topic. Anyway, our blood-sucking hero explains to us that he will grant our wish if we are willing to sacrifice one of our own. Sure enough, immediately without consent, my father picks out my sister. Now, as the vampire explained that he must literally stand his own damned child in the back; I was well...I didn't like that much really. Mother well, I'm sure she didn't want that, but she didn't interfere. So, I picked up a decorative sword from the wall, and used it to strike my father's back while he was busy on my sibling. Of course he was shocked, as was I, that was my first....kill. So to speak. While all this was happening, mind you, the revolt was reaching our doors. The vampire, having accepted the father as the sacrifice, took to dealing with the first wave of an angry mob. I don't remember the details, I recall my mother screaming; going into a corner. I remember my father trying to mouth something, struggling through rage and shock. 'Course I don't remember what he said. What I do remember, was my sister. Upon seeing the massacre she tried to stop what she had summoned. She drew a knife and stabbed the vampire's chest. I think she was going for the heart, but apparently she missed. The dagger didn't seem to go through his flesh that much either...Anyway, the angry fiend turned around and gutted her like a pig. Now you can, imagine the shock of those events. The trauma, and all. I completely forgot who that monster was with how...well I'm not sure how to describe how I felt. It's been so long since I felt such emotion, and it was too complicated to wave it away as angry. No it was mixed with all..sorts..of delicious emotions. Rage, Fear, Shock, terror, panic....Ah, yes a lot of terrible things going on off at once. It made me dumb enough to attack the thing, and obviously my efforts were in vain. At this point most of the riot had realized what was happening after their first wave had been massacred, and began to scream in terror back to the village. The chaos had set the castle ablaze, I remember that, because I distinctly recall the fire twisting light and shadows around this...monstrous figure. It towered over me, scoffed, and I believe it bit my neck. It had to have had, because if he didn't, I wouldn't be here. Regardless, There was no period I remember in between; like sleeping and waking. I awoke, to find myself surrounded in a closed space of wood. It didn't take long to realize I had been buried alive. Except, I wasn't really alive, now was I?" He grinned again at the woman, giving her a wink with his crimson eyes. The gesture sent a shiver down her spine, but she continued. "That..that must been when you turned then." "Correct." He responded. "My skin was pale, I had no pulse; I was cold, but not..really. Numb perhaps. Anyway, I freaked out and struggled for a bit. Eventually I discovered the unnatural strength I had which allowed me to claw my way out of the coffin and the earth. I awoke in the graveyard, and returned to my castle. It had been well, 3 days since I died. According to what I learned. My subjects were shocked to see me. I was more shocked, to see my mother's, the queen's, battered corpse hanging from the front of the castle gate; sweet dry blood staining the stone bricks. Well they called us a monster in life, so I decided to give them what they said I was." His grin faded back into a smile, though it still felt sinister to the woman, who now nervously took a sip of the wine. "Well, the few that I liked I turned into the loyal subjects you see around this manner. Eternal like me, but not quite vampires. Pity they don't have any free will to entertain me with." "Wow that is um...fascinating, Mr. Dalv. But why are you here now, so far away from home?" "Money, fame, social status. Trivial things mind you, and of course, living in a damp old castle isn't really a lifestyle fit for a prince, is it?" He said as he slowly moved off from the couch. The woman was speechless as she was staring into Vlad's eyes. Like it was some kind of trance. The cameraman noticed this, and turned his camera off. He tried to snap her awake, shouting "hey!" But our dashing young vampire had closed the distance between them in unnatural speed. His cold white fingers gripped the man's throat, cutting his voice off from any further sound. "Shhh.." He whispered as his nails elongated into claws, drawing blood from small cuts that were made on his neck from the transformation of the fingers. Drawing his fangs, he bit into the cameraman's neck, who dropped his camera from the attack. He was sucked dry, while the woman remained in a trance. "Hmm.." He said as he dropped the corpse. "Well, I think this will make a fine addition to the auditorium. What do you think...what was your name again Darling?" "Mary." She said in a tranced voice, as if she was talking in her sleep. "Ah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance my dear." He spoke, before taking a bite out of her neck as well.[/indent] [/indent] [h3][b]FIGHTING STYLE & ABILITIES[/b][/h3] [hr] [u][b]FIGHTING STYLE [/b][/u] [indent]Vlad as a high class gentleman, doesn't like to get dirty or expend to much effort. However he is not opposed to a proper duel or challenge. Wielding a rather long rapier which he has dubbed 'The Impaler', Vlad strikes with swift jabs while sustaining a comfortable distance between himself and his opponent. Drawing blood, usually from his foe, allows him to use his vampiric powers further to his advantage. His vampiric physiology has given him numerous supernatural advantages. While the vampiric ki he possesses is in itself relatively weak; he is still unnaturally strong and durable. He can regenerate effectively (So long as his heart isn't destroyed). Able to see in the dark, possessing a strong sense of smell, and being tied to necromancy are all traits of a vampire Vlad can exploit. His 'art' practices mostly on blood manipulation. Blood that has been separated from a body can be manipulated into various ways by the moves below. This blood can be his own blood or another's, but if it is an outside source it cannot be manipulated while connected to one's body and ki. Meaning the blood used must be outside the body and drawn out such as a puddle of blood or on his sword. This form of blood manipulation is fueled and controlled by his vampiric ki.[/indent] [u][b]SPECIAL MOVES & TECHNIQUES [/b][/u] [indent][u]■ [Vampiric Mist][/u] [indent][Vlad turns into an immobile body of mist; becoming temporarily intangible and immune to attacks, but cannot move during this state.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Bat Form][/u] [indent][Vlad can turn into a small, fast vampire bat. While still having blood sucking fangs he is mostly defenseless in this form. But his small size and swift speed makes him a difficult target in this form. Best used for transportation or evading attacks.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Blood Fire][/u] [indent][Vlad can cause blood to boil into a burning liquid, or even explode rapidly into a powerful burst.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Crimson Blade][/u] [indent][With blood staining his rapier, Vlad can extend and freeze the blood into a longer ranged blade. The exact shape of this blood sword/weapon can be determined by him.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Blood spear][/u] [indent][Vlad can project a bolt composed of semi frozen blood either from a portion of crimson blade, a nearby blood puddle, or from his own body. The resulting projectile is both sharp and fast, like a crossbow bolt.][/indent][/indent] [b][/b] [indent][u]■ [Ghastly Presence][/u] [indent][Vlad allow's himself reveal or suppress his own fiendish presence at will. When revealed, his presence makes the surrounding area drop in temperature, often accompanied by shadows twists around him or letting the wind howl. Animals will often either go quiet at his presence, or freak out by barking/growling. Small open flames can be put out as well by this ability.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Mage Hand][/u] [indent][An incorporeal hand can be summoned at will by Vlad. This hand acts as an independant, floating hand. Able to lift, carry, pull, and push objects. It can't attack by itself, but can throw objects or wield weapons. The hand's range is limited by 30 meters around Vlad][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Blood Snare][/u] [indent][A tendril or multiple tendrils form from either Vlad's own blood, a blood puddle, or from his crimson blade. The tendril aims to wrap around a subject to trap them in place, and is free to pull or move trapped victims if successful. The tendrils may also throw these victims, or instead act to slam into said victim instead of trying to grab them.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Vampiric Waltz][/u] [indent][Vlad expends more of his vampiric ki to apply his undead speed. Turning himself into almost a blur of speed, Vlad will attempt to disorient his opponent by taking three stride-like side steps, which cover a large distance with only a motion trail. In between each step is a rhytmic pause. Then he performs a fourth motion; either perform a counter attack with his rapier, or retreat into a nearby hiding place.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Blood Wave][/u] [indent][From his own blood/body, a nearby puddle, or through crimson blade, Vlad can generate a crescent shaped wave of blood, which is sharp enough to act as a bladed projectile.[/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Duelist Flurry][/u] [indent][A rapid thrust attack with his rapier, aiming to both disorient his opponent with a flurry of attacks with the hopes of at least landing one hit to draw blood.][/indent][/indent] [indent][u]■ [Vampiric Hypnosis][/u] [indent]By staring deeply into his eyes, and requiring activation, Vlad can put people under hypnosis, and manipulate them under his will temporarily. This requires sustained eye contact, and most commands can only be sustained and obeyed by remaining in that trance. Subconscious orders can also be implanted to perform later, but this is harder to pull off if they have a strong will. Hypnosis doesn't work with people that can use their ki, or if they have a strong enough will power. Breaking eye contact for more then 5 seconds ends the trance. A sustained trance of 2 minutes is required to implant a subconscious command.][/indent] [u][b]SUPER MOVES [/b][/u] [indent][u]■ [Blood Storm][/u] [indent][Vlad unleashes a flurry of blood spears in rapid fire.][/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ [Midnight Swarm][/u] [indent][Vlad conjures hundreds of bats that swarm their opponent with fangs and clawed feet. The bats are a bit more monstrous looking then the average vampire bat. They are the size of fruit bats, with long claws for feet and canine-rowed teeth in their maws. Blood red eyes and slick wolf-like fur. Being slightly stronger then the average bat, they are potentially dangerous, but not too difficult to kill individually. The swarm de-spawns after 1 minute.][/indent][/indent] [indent] [u]■ [Life Drain][/u] [indent][With a tight grip of an opponent, Vlad unleashed a torrent of undead, necromatic magic. Opponents that are mortal and biologically will have their skin burst in bloody lesions and mild decay/rot under contact from Vlad's palm. Both their life force and ki are drained by this move, temporarily weakening them and making the pain of their injuries much more unbearable then it would otherwise.][/indent][/indent] [u][b]WEAKNESSES & LIMITS [/b][/u] [hider=Vampiric Weaknesses] [hider=Ki] Since vampire's are undead, they're ki is not entirelyself-sustainable. Instead it is drawn from the blood of their victims, and absorbed to be stored and help fuel their false life. Only minute amounts of ki is restored through their death-like 'slumber', which is most effective when sleeping in their own native soil. Since vampiric ki is absorbed from the life energy of blood itself, it is often attributed with a blood-colored tint of hue when exposed. Those that are able to control ki are more difficult to drink from, as their blood can 'fight back' when being absorbed; essentially the ki becomes more active and can do more damage to the vampire instead of being properly consumed, thus vampires can't really drink from ki users unless if they are in a dying state; or in an otherwise weak state where they physically cannot draw ki properly. Some vampiric ki can be regenerated during the 'rest' period vampires may take, usually during the day, and in their coffins. . Blood from other immortals and mythic creatures also won't do so well, especially divine blood, as all of which and especially the latter are toxic and potentially fatal. Those with ki are also able to resist many of the vampiric abilities, such as hypnosis. Ki-based/magic damage is harder to recover from for vampires; as vampiric regeneration acts a lot slower from the presence of foreign ki energy after some form of ki-based attack. As a result, vampires cannot instantly recover from fights involving nomads. Aside from slowing his regeneration; offensive ki has no other adverse affects on vampires. [/hider] [hider=Sunlight] UV radiation burns and melts a vampire into nothing but steam and dust. Extensive proper protection is required if a vampire such as vlad needs to be out in daylight: Many avoid the risk altogether by staying dormant. Powerful sunscreen can slow the process to mild burnings initially. Vlad's cape, cowl, and sunhat are often well enough to travel out in the day: But he still has to be careful not to expose himself in the sun for any extensive activity. [/hider] [hider=The heart] As long as the heart is in tact, Vlad can regenerate. Severe destruction can take a while to regenerate fully, decapitation causes knockouts until it is regenerated. [/hider] [hider=Divine] Divine energy, holy objects, blessed water, and other such holy factors are all toxic to an undead fiend. Contact with holy water or otherwise divine material can cause a vampire to burn and melt. Holy objects like a cross may not cause immediate effects, but can drive a vampire off even if only being near a vampire. [/hider] [hider=Wooden Stakes] Contrary to popular belief a mere wooden stake doesn't do much. The stake must be made from white oak, a tree that has an unnatural amount of potent ki even when chopped to simple materials. White oak in general has an adverse affect to vampires. This aversion inhibits their regeneration, similar to ki attacks, when struck by weapons made from white oak. Impalement by a white oak stake can be difficult to deal with for most vampires, and of course, a stake to the heart is immediately fatal. Stakes can also be applied to corpses suspected of turning into vampire's by striking their heart. Doing so prevents the corpse from turning into a vampire. Hawthorne's trees also have a similar effect, due to it's holy connections, it inflicts minor burns. [/hider] [hider=Garlic] Vampire's are essentially extremely allergic to garlic. The smell alone is overwhelming. Direct contact can give them mild burns. [/hider] [hider=Proper invitation] A vampire cannot enter someone's home without permission. A simple denial or ignoring of a vampire's request to enter is all is necessary to keep a vampire out of one's private home. [/hider] [hider=Mirrors] Vampire's can't see their reflection. In fact in mirrors or even reflective water they lack any reflection of their person. [/hider] [hider=Running water] Rivers, streams, and other bodies of running water act as a physical ward that prevent vampires from crossing. By instinct their bodies refuse to move past or above a river if it is in sight or uncovered. If they are forced into such waters, they're bodies essentially become petrified into a stasis-like state; and will remain so unless if they are removed from the running currents. This does not apply to any form of moving water, such as rain drops or a shower. Large bodies of water with currents such as a huge lake or ocean do not necessarily apply either, though powerful currents can produce a similar effect if exposed to. [/hider] [/hider] [/indent] [h3][b]OTHER[/b][/h3] [hr] [indent][indent]What else?[/indent][/indent] [hider=Vampire's curse] Those that have been drained of blood completely by a vampire will have their empty veins flooded with a black-venom like substance. This is essentially the vampire curse. After dying, the venom is soaked into the dead corpse of the victim, and will revive them as an undead vampire. This curse only applies to humans. The venom while transferred still even if they aren't completely sucked dry, is usually destroyed by white blood cells naturally. Vampires can also raise the dead as undead thralls. These are more or less like personal zombie servants, also known as ghouls. Ghouls are raised by vampires by removing the venom before it is fully absorbed into the corpse; preventing them from becoming vampires but still becoming raised as undead. Like a vampire they have supernatural strength, but lack some of the weaknesses such as sunlight or stakes. They are still undead and can't cross running water or deal with holy objects. They can't regenerate, but don't experience pain as they are essentially a sapient corpse. Ghouls do not need to feed, and are usually held as slaves by their vampiric masters. Ghouls are allowed however to obtain independence on rare occasions, usually by the death of their masters. Vampires can only control a limited amount of ghouls at a time, and are forced to either destroy or set free previous ghouls to gain more. Nomadic ghouls retain some of their skill and ki, though start out as a shadow of their former selves. If attempted on an already dead corpse, the result will not ressurect the body, but instead reanimate it as a mindless zombie. [/hider] Vlad is not only a wealthy individual, but owns several business including the 'Inside the Nomadics' magazine. In the past he also had his share of oil tycoons and a hand in other entertainment industries. [/hider]