[color=ed1c24][CENTER][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/520041678032207887/953483156286242846/6e8f2abf9a9e01374fb66fa0764c58d6.png[/img][/CENTER] [table][row][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/520041678032207887/953483285835702293/Nathaniel_Lothwren.jpg[/img] [color=2E2C2C][sup]_______________________________________________[/sup][/color][/center][hider=// INFO][indent][sub][b]P E R S O N A L D E T A I L S[/b][/SUB] [sup][COLOR=f7941d] [b]Full Name[/b][COLOR=#807B84] - Nathaniel “Nate” Lothwren[/COLOR] [b]Age[/b][COLOR=#807B84] - 15[/COLOR] [b]Gender[/b][COLOR=#807B84] - Male[/COLOR] [b]Heritage[/b][COLOR=#807B84] - Eldest son of a minor noble war hawk family[/COLOR] [b]Magical Affinity[/b][COLOR=#807B84] - Fire, capable of producing an aura.[/COLOR][/color][/SUP] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider] [hider=// PERSONALITY][indent][SUB][b]P E R S O N A L I T Y[/b][/sub] [sup][COLOR=f7941d][b]Unyielding Flame[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]Nate's first tutor in swordsmanship used this phrase to describe the boy at the age of seven. Combined with his optimism, this might refer to the boy’s tenacity for getting back up on his feet and tackling a new challenge. However, that tutor saw something behind the boy’s purple eyes that he had only seen in some of the fiercest soldiers and most serious of tacticians: a fiery determination and focus. He tries to soften it with enthusiasm and kindness, but deep down even Nathaniel knows that he is truly obsessed with being the best knight possible. His nights training in sword techniques, and countless hours watching duels and other combatants, have clued in even the most casual of acquaintances that Nathaniel is serious about becoming the best. That serious determination and focus in his eyes also reveals something else about the boy: everyone around him is a set of skills, abilities, and weaknesses. The other boys at the sword schools sometimes couldn't tell if Nathaniel was looking at them or reading them, even when he smiled and called them "friend." [/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=f7941d][b]Honorable to a fault[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]While most children desiring to brave into the world of military politics might become cutthroat and crafty in orchestrating their rising through the ranks, Nate had a fundamental virtue emblazoned on his heart from a young age: honor is what makes a knight worthy of service. Nate refuses to resort to cheap tactics, mind games, or political maneuvering to gain an upper hand on his opponents. He believes, wholeheartedly, that he will earn his rank in the upper echelons of knightly society by skill and skill alone. This honor also surfaces as kindness to those close to him, dedicating himself to improving the skills of all those around even if they show him disrespect or dishonor. Unfortunately, an obsession with honor also comes with an obsession of reputation. And any who dishonor the name of Nathaniel Lothwren can expect the cadet to do everything in his power to put the rumors of his deserving to be a knight to rest... even if it means humiliating friends on the training grounds.[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=f7941d][b]Absentminded[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]While Nathaniel is a genius when it comes to study and his dedication to honing his crafts, he has a tendency to lose himself in his thoughts and personal musings. He is the kind of person to constantly walk into a room and have forgotten why he is there by the time he arrives. His absentmindedness leaves him constantly forgetful of social details, and blissfully unaware of accidental or surprise reveals when he is lost thinking about combat, strategy, magic, history, or honor. Nathaniel also has a tendency to burn coffee whenever he brews some for his friends.[/COLOR][/COLOR] [/SUP][/indent][/hider] [hider=// SKILLSET][indent][SUB][b]S K I L L S E T[/b][/sub] [sup][COLOR=f7941d][b]Tactician’s Eye[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]Nathaniel’s greatest skill has always been his attention to detail, and his ability to piece together patterns. While this has helped him to gain a greater understanding of military history, it is particularly helpful in allowing Nate to break apart an opponent’s fighting style and reverse engineer a counter-strategy. Most of the duels and fights Nathaniel goes into are calculated, and he typically tries to find a way to win before the battle even begins.[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=f7941d][b]Bastard Sword Training[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]Nathaniel shows a knowledge of form and technique that indicates an incredible understanding of the motions involved with a formalized training with a Bastard Sword. His proficiency especially in using both a one-handed and two-handed style on the fly is notable. He pairs this with a buckler for defense. The trick is figuring out how to get that training to work in a live combat scenario, as a lot of Nathaniel's training has been through form drills or "technical spars." These spars have involved little in terms of teaching how to properly fight an enemy, and are more designed to show how forms can be used against others. While this might put Nathaniel ahead of those who have hardly ever picked up a sword before, he still has to learn how to apply his knowledge and fragmented combat skills to the chaos of combat.[/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=f7941d][b]Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride[/b] [COLOR=#807B84]While Nathaniel prefers to focus on his traditional martial skills, Nathaniel accepts his role as one of the aura users of his generation. While skilled in some fire invocations, his true underlying skill involves being able to tap into an aura of flame. Nathaniel's stamina is not particularly exceptional, leading the budding knight-in-training to develop a very basic use for it: bursts of supernatural speed. Nathaniel can use the tiniest, wildest bursts of magical fire to propel a simple movement (a step, a swing of the sword, a jump, etc.) faster and farther than typically possible. Nathaniel is working on developing his physical stamina to permit longer and more sustained uses of his aura, but is incapable of much else at this time. Whenever his aura is being used, however, fire trails off of Nathaniel's body or weapon to leave fiery after-images of his movements.[/COLOR][/COLOR] [/SUP][/indent][/hider] [/cell][cell][b]Physical Description[/b] [color=#807B84][indent]Nathaniel Lothwren isn’t much to look at from a first glance. He is a bit tall for his age, and has a lean-muscular build. He keeps his hair short, to avoid it from becoming a nuisance in battle or a potential weakness. His features are a bit sharp in the right light, though a nearly ever-present soft smile helps to smooth away the edges. The most notable feature is noticed when Nathaniel looks in someone’s direction: his irises have a purple hue. It’s subtle enough to be mistaken as blue, but is markedly distinct when viewed in better lighting. Beyond just the color of his eyes, there is an intense focus placed on anything Nate looks at that is remarkably clear on closer examination. As for his clothes, all of Nathaniel’s limited wardrobe is remarkably well crafted. He is almost always seen wearing fair riding clothes, fine pants, and a blue tunic of fine quality. He sinches his outfit together with belts and straps to ensure everything stays firm, especially before going into combat. His ensemble, once viewed when he is in the height of combat, is also purely utilitarian. His gloves reduce wear on his hands, with bracers designed to hold the gloves in place. Belts and straps keep the tunic loose around joints and his hips without any fear of the clothing sliding or restricting in such a way as to limit mobility. And, of course, Nathaniel is often not seen without his trusty “Sword and a half” Bastard Sword either strapped to his back or held in hand whenever training or duels are at hand. The scabbard for the blade is old and worn leather, whereas the sword itself seems to be in remarkably pristine condition. [/indent][/color] [b]Character Conceptualization[/b] [color=#807B84][indent] Nathaniel Lothwren's birth was deemed important by the falling of three stars in the Southwestern sky, piercing through the sword of Chironis... at least, that's what some sage told his mother. The last time stars fell in this pattern was years and years ago, when one of his forefathers was born: a forefather who was a founding knight serving alongside Arbert Grayle. Back when heroes walked the realm. The meaning of this sign was clear: Nathaniel was born with the rare gift of being able to project a magical aura. Nathaniel's father, whom the boy refuses to name, took this as a sign that his son was meant to surpass him. And thus, the boy's future was set. As soon as Nathaniel could walk, he was taught to run. As soon as he was able to comprehend language, he was told his destiny by his father: to become a knight to rival the heroes of old. As soon as the boy could stand on his own two feet and hold a sword, he underwent formal drills. He was given access to some of the greatest sword instructors in all of Grandor, and some from outside Grayle proper. Mages also did their best to instruct the boy, and teach him to control his aura. Beyond even just that, they taught him the nature of combative magic. On top of incantations for his personal use, Nathaniel has been taught on instinct what spells to expect to be used against him. When time allowed, Nathaniel's father would draw up mock battles in the study and teach the boy military history. The boy would absorb his father's musings on tactical failures of the past, and over time the boy began to be able to notice strategic flaws all his own. His two younger brothers were not given the same focus, the same singular attention that Nathaniel was. They were only a year and a half and three years younger than himself. They were not neglected, not by any means. They were instead taught alternative lessons: instructed on how to be proper young men, educated and able to command principles of academics and business. They were molded for court, and to be proper nobles. Nathaniel was made for the battlefield. By the time the boy was 10, even Nathaniel's father recognized a need for socialization. He had drilled the boy in principles of honor, of always fighting fair even in the face of cunning and ruthlessness. But the boy needed to put it into practice. So, the boy was sent off to various sword schools, for a few months at a time. He displayed a great prowess for wielding a blade, and had grown to favor wielding a specific type of sword: a bastard sword. Nathaniel preferred the versatility and flow of switching between one and two handed stances with a hand and a half blade, with some teachers even recommending the use of a buckler in the off-hand to provide extra protection. He would quickly work his way to the top of his classes, and was met with jealousy by the other students. He was bullied and harrassed, and yet Nathaniel's resolve was strong. He would accept whatever scorn was cast his way, and never rose to true anger. That was reserved for those who fought dishonorably and outside of the rules. Those who lacked skill and prowess, and resorted to cheap shots and dirty tricks. They were nothing but cowards, mere rats clawing desperately for survival. Nathaniel reserved his ire for these students, and would systematically tarnish their spirits in technical spars. That is not to say Nathaniel did not make friends at these schools. The boy with purple eyes earned respect by those who were less skilled and in desperate desire to learn. While it was breaking the rules, Nathaniel would sneak out of the rooms at night many a time with those who desired to squeeze in extra practice by moonlight. Nathaniel would give pointers and suggestions, even in the midst of sparring, with those who were not as skilled as Nathaniel. And by the time Nathaniel left each sword school, his genuine care for those around him was the most notable absence. Of course, it seems that Nathaniel would be a shoe in for placing as a respectable knight. He passed the preliminary trials offered to noble families, and was slated to duel a mere Baker's boy. Nathaniel took it as a chance to show off his skills against an unknown opponent. Despite all of the training he had, Nathaniel was not expecting one thing: pocket sand. A cheap trick blinded him, and Nathaniel was on his back pinned down and disarmed as he was coughing and furiously trying to blink out the rough sand. In his first truly public duel and display, Nathaniel Lothwren was dishonored and made a laughing stock. While he tries to be all smiles, there is a deep well of ambition and desire to challenge that opponent to a proper duel. One of these days, Nathaniel will get his rematch with Julian Baker. And when that time comes, he is not going to hold back. [/indent][/color] [b]Other Information[/b] [color=#807B84][indent][list][*]There is gossip and mystery surrounding Nathaniel Lothwren by those who come from more well established noble families. The rumor is there is no Lothwren child by the name of Nathaniel, and that the boy is disguising his familial ties. [*]Another rumor hints that despite Nathaniel’s poor performance during the open spar, notable knights have still taken an interest in the boy’s career as a cadet.[/list] [/indent][/color] [/cell][/row][/table][/COLOR]