Diexsmiling

Forgotten Realms

@Rockin Strings Winged elves? Sure why not haha. Just as long as there's a reasonable explanation in the bio, I have no problem with it.

Forgotten Realms

Yeah im not sure where everyone is at but it seems like the holidays are keeping people busy haha, myself included

Forgotten Realms

@shivershiver

So you want a piece of me, eh little guy?" spoke the giant of a knight, curling the fingers of one hand into a fist and punching it into the palm of the other. A very broad smile spread upon the man's face, revealing two rows of gleaming white teeth.

A thick suit of heavy iron armor formed a protective shell around his body from top to bottom. It had to weigh a ton, because this guy's legs were the size of tree trunks, and the biceps he flexed looked like they belonged to an arm wrestling champion. There was a lot to cover.

The most revealing feature about the man, however, was the Valanthian emblem engraved onto the corner of his chestplate. It was only awarded to those who served their time in the kingdoms army honourably. He was retired military, and carried himself as such. The cape that draped itself down his back gave him a surprisingly elegant look.

Elegant, but powerful.

All eyes in the room were now focused on the two combatants, including the judges. Some of the other adventurers even began cheering Merek's name, impressed by his bold move to challenge the military veteran. It certainly wasn't the duel he was looking for, but at least he had earned himself some fans. Today, it seemed, the people would root for the underdog.

Feeding off the energy of the crowd, the gruff knight reached behind his back and unsheathed a devious looking mace. It wasn't in great condition, worn and chipped here and there, but that meant it had seen battle before. And judging from the knight's demeanor, he knew how to wield it.

The crowd that had assembled gasped as he did so, temporarily halting the chanting of Merek's name. Just moments later, however, he tossed the mace aside and readied his fists in front of his face. The judges took note of the knight's confidence, and the onlookers erupted with cheers yet again. The excitement of battle permeated through the air.

"Well, let's have at it then!" the knight rumbled, still smiling behind his goatee, ready to let his fists fly as he steadily closed in on his opponent.

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

Seems like a really diverse group of characters so far, should make for some awesome adventures haha. Really looking forward to seeing how this plays out :D

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

@Mokley His kindness and goodwill compel him to help others in need even when he really isn't in a position to. For example, a damsel in distress being robbed by a group of thugs. Others might look the other way, not wanting to get themselves into trouble or a dangerous situation, but Hatori couldn't do that. He might be able to win the battle, but would probably be pretty beat up and earn himself some new wounds to take care of.

There's also his merciful nature, preferring not to shed blood unless it's necessary. After defeating or disarming his opponents he normally allows then to surrender and live another day, even though they might eventually return just to backstab him.

I could definitely see the emperor trying to expand to other islands as well, I mean after all he is motivated by greed and a lust for glory haha.

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

@Mokley Alrighty, I think I understand. As for his biggest weakness, I would say that his heavy reliance on martial arts and blades leaves him very vulnerable against ranged opponents. Also, his bushido and code of honor means that he really only agrees to fair fights, granting less honorable brigands and bandits an advantage since they aren't afraid to fight dirty. A lot of people also could fairly easily take advantage of his kindness and goodwill.

I could think of plenty of situations he couldn't handle alone that would afford the opportunity to build trust with the other PCS before they officially band together. Getting stuck in a trap infested ruin, for one. Or maybe he could have just set off on an expedition that was too long and ran out of food and other supplies.

As for help on his main quest, this could be a you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours sort of thing. For example, after he meets the other PCs and they help him out of a sticky situation, he could agree to help them with their journey in return for a promise to eventually come back to his home and help him overthrow the emperor.

That was what I had in mind anyway, not sure if that's where you were going with this. Let me know what you think haha.

@Sisyphus Also, just want to mention that the posts so far have been awesome, really enjoying this story and I can't wait to get in on it xD

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

@Mokley It was meant to be sort of a mini plot that our characters might be able to handle down the road, and just a part of his background really. I'm sure it would be fairly easy to come up with an interesting introduction "quest" for Hatori though. If that's what we're looking for?

I'm not too familiar with this integrated character system, tbh haha. Definitely willing to learn and work something out though.

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

Hatori CS

NAME: Hatori Ghande
HAIR COLOR: Black
EYE COLOR: Brown
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Long, sleek black hair that is normally kept in a topknot. High quality oriental silks that are a part of his garb. Excellent physical conditioning. Generally appears to be a samurai.

SCARS AND BIRTHMARKS: Vertical scar across his left eye.

DESCRIBE A STRANGER'S FIRST IMPRESSION UPON MEETING THEM.
Despite purposely appearing quite intimidating, Hatori is actually very well mannered and extremely respectful to everyone he meets. Being raised strictly by the code of Bushido, he never hesitates to help others in a time of need, even when it might be an inconvenience to himself. Those who take the time to know him soon learn that he is actually a very friendly and deeply spiritual person.

WHO ARE THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY? WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE DO THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH? Having been orphaned when he was just a child, Hatori never met his biological mother or father. A shogun picked him up and placed him under the tutelage of a samurai after staying at the orphanage for the early years of his life. Growing up, he spent most of his time training his martial arts and studying philosophy with the other proteges.

WHERE WERE THEY BORN? WHERE HAVE THEY LIVED SINCE THEN? WHERE IS HOME?
Hatori was born on a feudal island covered in grassy plains and sparsely decorated with massive volcanoes. He lived in a small, quiet village while training to become a samurai. Having been banished from his home, recent years have seen him wandering the bamboo forests and staying with a kind old hermit.

WHERE DO THEY GO WHEN THEY'RE ANGRY?
Although he rarely becomes angry or even agitated, he finds that meditating while watching the sun rise in the morning soothes his soul and fills him with inner peace.

WHAT IS THEIR BIGGEST FEAR? WHO HAVE THEY TOLD ABOUT IT? WHO WOULD THEY NEVER TELL? Perhaps his biggest fear is to be locked away in a prison somewhere, the years of his life withering away whilst unable to practice his samurai art and bladesmanship. Not too many people know about it, but he certainly wouldn't mind telling anyone who has earned his trust.

DO THEY HAVE A SECRET?
After eventually learning that his father was a drunk who contributed nothing to society, and that his mother was a harlot, Hatori buried any hopes and dreams of seeking out his biological parents. After all, they had left him when he was just a baby and it was his sensei that raised him and became his father figure. He has never talked about this revelation with anyone, instead just keeping it bottled up deep inside himself.

WHAT MAKES THEM LAUGH OUT LOUD? Although he usually maintains a calm and quiet composure, any outrageously silly comedy will still manage to get a chuckle out of him, especially after his demeanor is relaxed a bit with sake or wine.

HAVE THEY EVER BEEN IN LOVE? After becoming a full fledged samurai, Hatori fell madly in love with a beautiful geisha, and still thinks of her on occasion even to this day. They shared many nights together admiring the stars, but eventually their difference in social status and Hatori's solemn duty meant they could not be together. Still, when he has acquired a fair amount of wealth and has become the greatest warlord in the land, he plans to seek her out again and rekindle their relationship, if it isn't already too late.

DESCRIBE THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE HARD FOR THEM TO PART WITH. His most prized possession by far is Hallowed Moon, the katana that he was presented with upon becoming a samurai. It was created specifically for him by the best blacksmith on the island, and is irreplaceable.

LOOK DOWN AT THEIR FEET. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU SEE. Tabi wrapped around his feet and ankles as he stands on comfortably carved wooden sandals. Above that, his legs are wrapped tightly with cloth, and sturdy but flexible shinguards are strapped just below the knee.

WHEN THEY THINK OF THEIR CHILDHOOD KITCHEN, WHAT SMELL DO THEY ASSOCIATE WITH IT? WHY DOES IT RESONATE? The smell of fresh rice and seafood resonates strongly within his mind. It was plentiful on the island and actually quite delicious, even when he lived in the orphanage. One thing he will always miss from his home land will be the food.

DESCRIBE ONE STRONG MEMORY THAT HAS STUCK WITH THEM FROM CHILDHOOD. Although he has many fond memories, one that he will never forget is the day he first picked up a wooden sword. A handful of other samurai were training that day, absolutely mesmerising him with their skill and finesse. After sparring with his mentor and being easily defeated, it became his lifelong goal to improve and become the greatest swordsman in the land.

WHAT DO THEY WANT MOST OF ALL? To become the best swordsman in the land, to honor the code of bushido and protect the weak, and to eventually return to his home and adopt a protégé from the orphanage, like the shogun had done for himself so long ago.

RIGHT NOW, IN THE FIRST MOMENT OF OUR STORY, WHAT IS THEIR BIGGEST PROBLEM? A corrupt emperor has recently taken over his home kingdom and banished the samurai from their lands, claiming that they are no longer needed. The emperor, in a preemptive strike, banished them because their concept of bushido contrasted so greatly with his own greed, hubris, and lust for glory. Being greatly outnumbered and outmatched by the kingdoms massive army, the samurai had no choice but to leave and start anew. With their very way of life being threatened, Hatori hopes to eventually ally with foreigners from off the island that can help he and the other samurai overthrow the emperor.

Forgotten Realms

I'm still up for it as long as people are still interested. Was just giving a chance for others to post haha

Underwater Fire of their Eyes

Here's my character! I certainly hope he is up to standard :) I tried to leave some loose ends in his history that could eventually be tied into the plot.

Hatori CS

NAME: Hatori Ghande
HAIR COLOR: Black
EYE COLOR: Brown
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Long, sleek black hair that is normally kept in a topknot. High quality oriental silks that are a part of his garb. Excellent physical conditioning. Generally appears to be a samurai.

SCARS AND BIRTHMARKS: Vertical scar across his left eye.

DESCRIBE A STRANGER'S FIRST IMPRESSION UPON MEETING THEM.
Despite purposely appearing quite intimidating, Hatori is actually very well mannered and extremely respectful to everyone he meets. Being raised strictly by the code of Bushido, he never hesitates to help others in a time of need, even when it might be an inconvenience to himself. Those who take the time to know him soon learn that he is actually a very friendly and deeply spiritual person.

WHO ARE THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY? WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE DO THEY SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH? Having been orphaned when he was just a child, Hatori never met his biological mother or father. A shogun picked him up and placed him under the tutelage of a samurai after staying at the orphanage for the early years of his life. Growing up, he spent most of his time training his martial arts and studying philosophy with the other proteges.

WHERE WERE THEY BORN? WHERE HAVE THEY LIVED SINCE THEN? WHERE IS HOME?
Hatori was born on a feudal island covered in grassy plains and sparsely decorated with massive volcanoes. He lived in a small, quiet village while training to become a samurai. Having been banished from his home, recent years have seen him wandering the bamboo forests and staying with a kind old hermit.

WHERE DO THEY GO WHEN THEY'RE ANGRY?
Although he rarely becomes angry or even agitated, he finds that meditating while watching the sun rise in the morning soothes his soul and fills him with inner peace.

WHAT IS THEIR BIGGEST FEAR? WHO HAVE THEY TOLD ABOUT IT? WHO WOULD THEY NEVER TELL? Perhaps his biggest fear is to be locked away in a prison somewhere, the years of his life withering away whilst unable to practice his samurai art and bladesmanship. Not too many people know about it, but he certainly wouldn't mind telling anyone who has earned his trust.

DO THEY HAVE A SECRET?
After eventually learning that his father was a drunk who contributed nothing to society, and that his mother was a harlot, Hatori buried any hopes and dreams of seeking out his biological parents. After all, they had left him when he was just a baby and it was his sensei that raised him and became his father figure. He has never talked about this revelation with anyone, instead just keeping it bottled up deep inside himself.

WHAT MAKES THEM LAUGH OUT LOUD? Although he usually maintains a calm and quiet composure, any outrageously silly comedy will still manage to get a chuckle out of him, especially after his demeanor is relaxed a bit with sake or wine.

HAVE THEY EVER BEEN IN LOVE? After becoming a full fledged samurai, Hatori fell madly in love with a beautiful geisha, and still thinks of her on occasion even to this day. They shared many nights together admiring the stars, but eventually their difference in social status and Hatori's solemn duty meant they could not be together. Still, when he has acquired a fair amount of wealth and has become the greatest warlord in the land, he plans to seek her out again and rekindle their relationship, if it isn't already too late.

DESCRIBE THE THINGS THAT WOULD BE HARD FOR THEM TO PART WITH. His most prized possession by far is Hallowed Moon, the katana that he was presented with upon becoming a samurai. It was created specifically for him by the best blacksmith on the island, and is irreplaceable.

LOOK DOWN AT THEIR FEET. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU SEE. Tabi wrapped around his feet and ankles as he stands on comfortably carved wooden sandals. Above that, his legs are wrapped tightly with cloth, and sturdy but flexible shinguards are strapped just below the knee.

WHEN THEY THINK OF THEIR CHILDHOOD KITCHEN, WHAT SMELL DO THEY ASSOCIATE WITH IT? WHY DOES IT RESONATE? The smell of fresh rice and seafood resonates strongly within his mind. It was plentiful on the island and actually quite delicious, even when he lived in the orphanage. One thing he will always miss from his home land will be the food.

DESCRIBE ONE STRONG MEMORY THAT HAS STUCK WITH THEM FROM CHILDHOOD. Although he has many fond memories, one that he will never forget is the day he first picked up a wooden sword. A handful of other samurai were training that day, absolutely mesmerising him with their skill and finesse. After sparring with his mentor and being easily defeated, it became his lifelong goal to improve and become the greatest swordsman in the land.

WHAT DO THEY WANT MOST OF ALL? To become the best swordsman in the land, to honor the code of bushido and protect the weak, and to eventually return to his home and adopt a protégé from the orphanage, like the shogun had done for himself so long ago.

RIGHT NOW, IN THE FIRST MOMENT OF OUR STORY, WHAT IS THEIR BIGGEST PROBLEM? A corrupt emperor has recently taken over his home kingdom and banished the samurai from their lands, claiming that they are no longer needed. The emperor, in a preemptive strike, banished them because their concept of bushido contrasted so greatly with his own greed, hubris, and lust for glory. Being greatly outnumbered and outmatched by the kingdoms massive army, the samurai had no choice but to leave and start anew. With their very way of life being threatened, Hatori hopes to eventually ally with foreigners from off the island that can help he and the other samurai overthrow the emperor.