[hider=Maerec de Solenne][color=aaaaaa][h1][u][color=554455]M[/color]AEREC [color=554455]DE[/color] SOLENNE[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h1]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rDnblwz.png[/img]
[sub][h3][u]3 4[/u]  |  [u]M A L E[/u]  |  [u]P A R R E N C E[/u]  |  [u]F O R C E[/u]  |  [u]K N I G H T[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]

[sub][h3][u]C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
[i]Maerec stands roughly around 5'10" with an athletic physique. He is not too broad shouldered, nor too thin, making him a model for the ideal build for knighhood. He has medium brown hair that roughly falls around his jawline, often pushed back out of his face. His beard is often trimmed short, but enough to cover his defined jaw. Scars from battles past litter his body, but the two along his face are the most prominent ones that can be seen. His eyes are as blue as a cold winter's sky that holds speckles of life and light.

Maerec can often be seen in simple dark or natural toned colors. Though his station notes that it would be proper of him to wear more ornate or expensive textiles, he often settles for something akin to an 'elevated commoner' attire, finding it much more comfortable in an everyday situation. He often wears a tabard that holds his sponsor's house crest. In armor, much like the other knights of Parrence, Maerec has the standard attire. Per special request, he had the emblems for both Aun-Oraphe and Oraphe-Sept engraved on the inside of each armor piece for good luck.

Having seen both sides of living, Maerec treats commoners and nobles alike with the same politeness and compassion. By first impression, he is indiscriminately charming. He is easy to approach and easily approaches others. Conversation comes easily with Maerec, and often it will be over the simplest of things, as he doesn't seem too particularly interested in speaking politics as a casual conversation topic. He is the type of person that will ensure everyone in a room has been acknowledged at least once, so to not have anyone feel left out. After he opens his mouth, it would be easy to tell that Maerec flows with an infectious compassion. He has been teasingly called a bleeding heart by some of his peers.

Even with all of his glowing optimism, Maerec isn't without his faults and flaws. There are times when he just doesn't know how to hold himself back. He isn't exactly compulsive, but he does not fair well with injustice. Treating someone unfairly may get a warning comment from the knight. Treating one with cruelty will most certainly result in a verbal lashing. There are times where he acts on instinct when it comes to protecting the defenseless whether it be someone getting bullied in court, or getting unjustly attacked. It had aided him in many battles, but also caused almost as much troubles.

Maerec, despite being so personable, is not easy to know. He rarely talks about himself and if confronted by rumors or stories of his upbringings or accomplishments, he with either give few words or find a way to turn the conversation's focus onto others. Under all of his outwardly confidence, he does not see anything outside of the idea of knighthood to be worth of interest. He finds himself rather boring, simple, and solitary. He does not have a lot of people that he finds particular closeness to, and tends to be more awkward around those that truly want to know him for him.

Ever since Maerec was young, he wanted to be a knight in every way. The idea of chivalry, and the physical attributes to go along with it has been his goal. After obtaining it, his dream had not dissolved, and instead, transformed. To be the greatest example of a knight, and to uphold his honor and the honor of his family and the house that sponsored him... that is enough. [/i]

[sub][h3][u]B A C K G R O U N D[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
[i]Though Maerec's story is not anything particularly unique, it is one that has brought a lot of mixed opinions to the noble courts of Parrence. It is a story that holds the topic of controversy between the ideals of bloodline and merit. His birth was never meant to be. A love that lasted only a few short months through secret rendezvous resulted in an absent father, and a mother having to hide her shame from the scrutinizing eyes of her noble peers.

[hider=Childhood-Of Age]Indeed, Maerec was born to Lady Hélène of House Dufort--wife to Lord Chapan Dufort. It was during a time where Lady Hélène was in much distress with her husband, that she found comfort in the arms of another. It was by random circumstance that the young woman found him on one of her outings and became smitten with the affection he provided. He was, though, a Drudguzean, and not a noble one at that. Their love was short lived, and Lord Dufort, despite being angry at his wife's betrayal, decided to forgive her if she vowed to cast away her lover and the child. Fearing what would become of her and her reputation if she refused, she took her husband's offer. When Lady Hélène told her lover her forced decision, he left her, never to give her a second glance again. Lady Hélène's maiden in waiting was able to find a common family in Solenne to give her newborn over to. The commoner woman had recently lost her own child during childbirth, and she found it to be a blessing of Aun-Oraphe herself to be given the change to raise such a beautiful babe.

He was given the name Maerec after the commoner woman's husband, a Drudguzean as well. They treated him as their son, with no exception despite him looking drastically different from their fair skin and blond hair. Maerec ran with all of the other commoner children, and worked hard in the stables with his father. He would often see knights riding through the streets on their horses as they went to more relevant areas of the city. And it was the idea of being a protector of the people that fueled his dreams of reaching beyond his station. One day, he would become a knight. And he would be grand. 

As much as he tried to keep that dream to himself, he couldn't help but to boast to his friends. He had decided that was what he was going to do, and when Maerec put his mind to something, nothing short of the Pentad could stop him. Of course, this led to many mockings and fights. He endured it all, keeping hold of his resolve. Because of this, he was granted the name Maerec de Solenne by anyone that knew of him.[/hider]

[hider=The Trial]It could have been by chance, or fate. Whatever it was, Maerec, now just a few years short of being of age was whirled into an encounter that would shape the rest of his life. Tensions seemed to be high that day for whatever reason. There was certainly a growing animosity between his father and some neighboring merchants that seemed to boil over and overflowed into the street. Vowing to protect his father's honor, Maerec stepped in, grabbing a broom, he held it at the ready, mimicking what he'd seen at the circus when he was able to sneak glances at individuals training there. His form was surprisingly accurate. The scuffle between the merchant and Maerec crossed paths with the oncoming knights that were passing through. It forced the knights to halt, and Sir Chapan Dufort stepped in to stop the fight.

Skill and form was not something the knight expected to see from a commoner boy, and it amused him that someone from such lowly upbringings could be so keen. Sir Dufort was a man that enjoyed a good laugh, even if it was occasionally at the expense of others. For this, he offered Maerec a chance to show off his innate abilities at the circus for an upcoming trial. If he were to succeed, Dufort promised to make him one of his squires. It was a sore underestimation of a boy he knew nothing about. And that promise was one he would debatably never regret.

Of course Maerec took the challenge, much to his parents' displeasure. This was his chance and he was going to take it. With no weapon, no armor, nothing but the clothes he wore day in and day out, he made his way to the circus for the trial. All of the boys around his age looked at him in disgust and laughed, telling him that someone must have been pulling a prank. Maerec was able to tune it out, and was granted a training weapon. He would have to do without the armor. He was able to get in a little practice before the trials began.

Surrounding the area were knights, ladies and lords all alike. It was a spectacle if anything. And everyone questioned who that commoner boy was, what what did he think he was? Sir Dufort stood there in silence, realizing that his amusement was about to be turned into amazement. One by one, Maerec felled his opponents, utilizing the skills he'd learned working on the streets of Solenne along with what he had seen and practiced in secrecy. His movements were unusual to the trained boys, and confused their feet and swings as they advanced. In the end, Maerec succeeded his trial, leaving Sir Dufort speechless. Lady Dufort had been there watching the entire time, an unnerved feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. Something about the boy she recognized. It didn't strike her until Maerec was brought into a strong embrace by the laughing Sir Dufort that the boy before her, was the son she was forced to lose all those years ago.[/hider]

Maerec had thereafter become a squire for Sir Dufort. He looked up to the man as his mentor and found adoration for the Dufort family. Though, he could never understand why Lady Dufort always seemed to look at him with an expression that seemed on the verge of tears. Sometimes it was unbearable for him to acknowledge, and he was forced to look away. Sir Dufort's relationship seemed to grow quickly with Maerec and eventually to the point where Sir Dufont would jokingly tell others that the now young man was his long lost son, to which he did not know the actual truth. Seeing how much Maerec was loved by the Duforts and their peers, Lady Dufort suggested to Sir Dufort to sponsor him. Help Maerec become a knight as well. It was an idea that Sir Dufort was hesitant on, but after receiving a major injury on the battlefield to where Maerec defended Sir Dufort until he was able to receive aid, he agreed.

Maerec was recognized for risking his life to save the life of his lord and was officially sponsored by House of Dufort. From there, Maerec made his oath, and was knighted shortly after. Maerec's heart was filled with nothing but love and adoration for the Dufort family for giving him the opportunity to live out his dreams. He was requested to live with the House of Dufort, to which he couldn't decline. Portions of his stipend were given to his family back in the slums of Solenne, where his title Maerec of Solenne has a new and brighter connotation.

It has been several years since Maerec had been knighted, and Lady Hélène Dufort had eventually told Maerec about his birth (which didn't go over horribly, but not well either. Rumors had spread about their uncanny likeness which led to suspicion anyway). Maerec remains sponsored under House Dufort, which Maerec repays with unconditional loyalty.

When the young King Arcel's call for armed allies was heard, Sir Dufort offered his services. Though now, too old and worn to see the battlefield, Maerec was to be sent in his place. Maerec agreed even though Lady Dufort protested. Maerec knew the importance of the young King's call, and that he would need that chance to prove himself just as Sir Dufort had given Maerec the chance. He left House Dufort and set out for Relouse.[/i]

[sub][h3][u]I N V E N T O R Y[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
[i]A description of items regularly in your character's possession or owned by them.
❖ Knight's Sword - Crafted especially for Maerec when he was knighted.
❖ Poleaxe - Secondary weapon.
❖ Partial (or half?) Plate (to allow mobility)
❖ Two pendants that he ties either onto his belt or wears around his neck of Aun-Oraphe and Oraphe-Sept.[/i]

[sub][h3][u]T H E   G I F T[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
[i][b]Third Wheel - Force - Skyborn[/b]
Part of Maerec's natural ability in combat comes from his strange footwork and ability to evade attacks that normally would not be avoidable. Even his hits that would require one to be surefooted he can do with ease and and then use that momentum to change directions. He may have to sacrifice big powerful hits, but in exchange he gains the ability to whittle down his opponent.

In application, Maerec will imbue his armor and weapons with this force magic, allowing him to be more agile and mobile even in heavy armor. A heavy sword becomes a light sword that is easily wielded and heavy armor becomes light armor for the duration. This allows him the ability to dodge and change directions of his attacks quickly.

In the event he needs to land a more powerful attack, he will focus impact on a single point, only to release it right before making contact. All the the kinetic energy stored up will release just before impact, allowing the blow to contain a multiplied amount of force. [/i]

[sub][h3][u]S T R E N G T H S   &   S K I L L S[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
❖ [i]Adaptable Combatant - Despite being a knight who focuses on physical prowess, Maerec can assess the battle and change his fighting accordingly. His gift with manipulating kinetic energy helps with that.[/i]
❖ [i]Likeable - In a social situation, Maerec has qualities that allows him to get along with all kinds of people. He can often help try to defuse a situation as well. Having that overall likeable quality helps when making allies.[/i]
❖ [i]Loyal - When Maerec vows himself to something, he remains loyal to his word until the vow has been fulfilled or unto his death. Vows and loyalty are very important to him and so if he makes a vow, it is set in stone.[/i]
❖ [i]Insight - Maerec can generally get a good read on a person's nature upon first meeting. He is perceptive and catches small hints of notions through how people speak or hold themselves. Even the slightest flicker of a gaze can be caught by Maerec's watchful eyes.[/i]

[sub][h3][u]W E A K N E S S E S   &   F L A W S[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
❖ [i]Bleeding Heart - The idea of being a knight of the people runs deep in Maerec, and it is difficult for him to ignore those that are in need. Whether it be they are injured, or a poor maiden's tears. It has gotten him into many difficult situations.[/i]
❖ [i]Justice Fighter - Though not easy to temper, Maerec can be quick to temper if he sees blatant mistreatment of the defenseless. Even more so, he does not tolerate when higher stationed people mistreat commoners.[/i]
❖ [i]Socially (personal life) Inept - On a professional front, Maerec is witty, clever, humble, charming and charismatic. Catching him on an off day by himself, he may seem almost like the polar opposite. He doesn't like to reveal his true self-- a calm, peaceful and reserved person.[/i]
❖ [i]Shield Break - Because most of his skill and ability deals with being mobile, he doesn't do the greatest when he is pinned down by an enemy. Multiple strong and relentless attacks can break through his concentration and catch him off guard. Which can be fatal if he doesn't have the ability to react.[/i]

[sub][h3][u]C O L O U R   C O D E   &   O T H E R[/u]__ _  _   _    _[/h3][/sub]
[i]Your character's hex code and any other miscellaneous information. Feel free to use bullet points.
❖ Maerec has vowed to himself that he will only marry a woman who is deserving or is in dire need of his unadulterated love.[/i]
❖ [i][color=887188]#887188[/color][/i][/color][/hider]