I will continue to be one of the oldest members of this community in August.
12
likes
5 mos ago
If you are a fan of Warhammer 40,000 or Age of Sigmar, let me know. Maybe we can put together an RP. I play Ironjawz & Kruleboyz in AOS and Salamanders & Drukhari in 40K.
1
like
2 yrs ago
Happy holidays, everyone!
6
likes
2 yrs ago
Summer break is almost over. Back to work/school and all that non-fun stuff.
5
likes
Bio
I am a veteran of the United States Army and the US Army National Guard. I spent three years on Active Duty serving in the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Ft. Carson, CO, and the 3rd Armor Division at Kirch Göns, West Germany. I spent 18 years in the Army National Guard with the 26th Infantry Division "Yankee" and 29th Infantry Division (Light), "The Blue and the Gray". I was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 29th ID (L) in 2001 - 2002. I have also been reading military history articles and books since I was 10 years old. I do prefer Military Role Plays over all other genres, primarily because I have a vast knowledge of the subject including personal experiences. At the very least, my characters are always veterans.
I have been writing for pleasure for at least 35+ years but only got into forum-based Role Playing about eighteen years ago. I do enjoy Nation Role Plays and get into minute detail when designing my military. The only reason I enjoy excruciating detail in my militaries is because for me, it is fun. My education and experience on this subject afford me the insight to see the depth of the structure. It is not just a General and a large pile of soldiers. If someone wants assistance in designing an army, navy, or air force, please send me a PM. I will help. Please specify what level (echelon) or depth you would like me to go. When I say echelon, I mean Army, Corps, Division, Brigade/Regiment, Battalion/Squadron, Company/Troop/Battery, Platoon, and Squad/Section.
When I was a student in High School, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, I have been DMing a 5e campaign of my creation for my son and his friends. 5e is so much less cumbersome than earlier editions of D&D. I do have an interest in Tolkien-esque fantasy-styled Role Plays as well. Time travel has always been a fun genre for me, but to do it well, one must have a firm grasp of historical facts.
There are only a few fanfictions I will participate in; Star Wars and Star Trek are two of them. I want to do an exclusively Klingon RP one of these days. I also avoid Canon characters.
I have real-world martial arts experience. I would love to write an RP about hand-to-hand combat, no fantasy magic chit, just hands elbows, knees, and feet. Maybe the occasional head butt thrown in to mix things up. I trained in Krav Maga for six and a half years. I earned a first-degree black belt in Krav Maga on 3 June 2017.
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art form that employs practical self-defense techniques drawing forms & techniques from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwando. It is very brutal, demanding, and aggressive. During the seven years I trained, I have bruised two ribs, sustained several muscle pulls, and various lacerations and bruises over my body. I have received a sprained ankle and a fractured wrist. Before the first black belt test, I received a bone bruise to my right shin; where my roundhouse kicks impact. Yet, I am stupid enough to continue training. [Regardless of the physical pain, it is more fun than any other physical activity I have engaged in. Fortunately, the bone bruise healed up prior to the third and final test. EDIT: I did leave the sport over five years ago. :(]
Over two years ago I completed my first novel, a science fiction set in the 24th century. It focuses on a Private Military Corporation solely employed by the earth government. I started a second book in November 2022 and hope to work on that this summer when I have more time.
Send me a PM for a Role Play or if you would like to see what sort of an army I could build for you.
--Gunther (AKA: Old School)
Character Summary
Name: Gunther Aliases: Landain Age: old (I was around when George Washington was a Lieutenant) Birthday: August 12 Ethnicity: French, English, & Seneca (Iroquois Confederation) Location: New England Gender: Male Higher Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Occupation: Substitute School Teacher Languages: English, Spanish, German & a little French Years RPing: 18 Preferred RP Section: Advanced or Casual RP Level: Advanced Dedication Level: Moderate Biggest RP Pet Peeve: People who do not communicate with the group and drop. But then, if someone loses connectivity for an extended period, there is no way of knowing. Teach New RPers Or Coach New GM's: Yes
Appearance
Height: 5' 10" (I shrunk!) :( Build: Medium Eyes: Blue Hair: Dark Brown Skin Tone: Moderate to tanned Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: no tattoos or piercings. 1.5” Scar on the back of the left shoulder (dog’s tooth); 5” scar on left wrist (fracture repair procedure); 0.5” scar on the left knee (rock strike) Personal Style: Jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers, wearing a ball cap. Three of my children have their own cars. Image: I look like a soldier because it is what I know. I tend to wear a high and tight haircut. Clean-shaven, although I grow a beard in November.
Sexuality: Straight Relationship Status: Married with Children Personality: Gunther is conservative but flexible and objective. He attends Catholic mass with his family regularly and attempts a life free from sin. He can be a very moody person swinging from very warm, friendly, and extroverted to quiet and secluded. He hates winter; January and February make him very depressed. Gunther loves his children and would do anything for them and his wife.
Gunther is a morning person, but that comes from a life of serving in the military. He would rather go to bed early and get up early; prefers to exercise in the morning over working out just before bed. His chief flaw is saying what pops into his head unrestrained without thinking it over before letting fateful words spill out, full-fledged Gryffindor.
Habits: Smiling, unprovoked singing, talking with strangers & Coca-Cola Hobbies: Krav Maga, Running, Movies, reading, writing, Military History & Playing games with his children. Most recent hobby: Warhammer Age of Sigmar and 40,000. I have four armies; Two Orruk armies in AoS (Ironjawz and Krule Boyz), Space Marines (Salamanders) and the Dark Eldar (Drukhari). Fears: Heights, being alone, and not being able to afford a living. Likes: wife, his children, blue, 8, food, Military History, Mathematics, and well-written fiction – A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones). Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Science Fiction, War Movies, New England Patriots, San Francisco Forty-Niners, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, board games, War Games (Strategy TB, rather than FPS), Romance stories, Action adventures, Fantasy, Sports stories and more…
Dislikes: Rude People, Liver, Socialism, Narrow-minded individuals, and Role Plays that end just as they are getting good.
RPs Currently GMing: None RP's Currently Enjoying: None Upcoming Works: Honchos on the DMZ; a story of Russian pilots flying MiG-15s during the Korean War.
History
What Brings You To Role Player Guild: There is a large community of writers here. I enjoy the hobby even though I rarely get time to participate. Currently, I try to limit my stories to one at a time. Unfortunately, I rarely find one I enjoy and others are willing to write in. When I do, they die way too early. Life Before You Came To Role Player Guild: It was very different. I don’t know how to explain it in just a few words or sentences. Life Since You Came To Role Player Guild: This is just a side hobby. I have many irons in the fire and this is just one of them. It has taken a back seat to my real life activities.
Extras
Quotes or Sayings: “Those who fail to learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them.” – Winston Churchill paraphrasing George Santayana. “If you’re going to fight, fight like the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s ark and brother…It’s starting to rain.” Theme Song: Warrior’s Call Advice To The World: Forgive the actions of those who came before us. Behaviors we consider heinous crimes today were generally accepted practices many years ago. Anything Else:
@Gunther Yeah people thinking/talking about relationships is definitely a good idea. Only one quick pointer Lem isn't actually the captain, the captain is an as of yet unintroduced NPC. Also would you consider my character a mentor or a friend? There are only 7 years between us after all?
What is wrong with both? Although, I have had mentors who were not friends, simply by position. damn it! I though Lem was the Band of Fortune Commander.
Relationships I like to write a relationships section to help me direct any comments or perceptions my character may have towards the other PCs in this Role Play. They are merely Baldric Durant's perceptions. This is included with his character in the Characters Tab. I will add the other characters as they are posted.
Lemenuel 'Lem' Arronson: Baldy admires his Captain. Captain Arronson has been his mentor for about a decade. He has learned much from the older Company Commander. Baldy will do whatever Lem tells him to do. He would even fall on a sword for the man. He is the best Cap’n in the world!
Baldric worked in other companies before he came to the Band of Fortune. But he was with the Band five years ago working as a serjent when Lem fell with his horse. At the time, Baldy was wielding his great axe. The Young runt who ran the spear through Lem’s horse, caught the business end of Baldy’s axe. He cleaved the young man at the shoulder, wedging his blade through his torso where it ended at the belt line. The man split like a banana as he fell.
Baldy then called a few others to help get the dead carcass of a horse off Lem and pull the man out. He could not help his injury, but stood nearby to keep the most recent incarnate of the devil from getting close to his friend.
Il Sposoletto, who squires for Sir Ottavio Meduccoli is someone Bladric has grown to tolerate. Baldy admires his Knight, Sir Meduccoli; especially since he does not talk much. The man is a mute, Baldy knows it, but rarely acknowledges this condition. He simply likes him because he is quiet. He really doesn’t care why. But he also appreciates Sposoletto because he can communicate the knight’s ideas for him. He perceives Sposoletto has being a tenacious fighter; that quality he respects. What he doesn’t approve of is, his arrogant big mouth attitude. The Older Northman has has considered putting a mailed fist across the Taration squire more than a few times. His learned discipline has prevented him from acting on this impulse. He forces himself to tolerance.
Berislav Dąbrowski is someone Bladric has only met recently. He respects the young man’s reticence; pigeon holing him as someone who he might mentor if the opportunity arose. If not, it really didn’t matter to Baldy. If the son of a smithy ever wanted to ask Baldy a question, he would respond.
Sister Margaret is a bit of a curiosity to Baldric Durant; watching a nun making her way through the ranks of the Company. At first, he was opposed to her presence, but slowly learned to respect her work with healing wounds. Her quick temper to argue a point or to talk someone down has given him rise to merriment. He finds her somewhat humorous at times. He has never sought her out to converse. He keeps his ideas about the church to himself and feels no obligation to share them with her. She has asked him to attend a regular church service on occasion, but the quiet north man always declines her invitations. He has never needed her services and admits he finds her aesthetically pleasing to look at. He just does not have a need for her.
Sir Branimir Bradford is a respected Leftenant in the Company. Baldric has identified him as such and will obey his instructions. When Baldric first met Banimir Bradford, he questioned his intentions. He does not trust the highborn and was always suspicious of Bradford. Over the past seven years he has grown to respect the former knight. His charismatic quality does draw Baldric Durant towards him; making it easier to listen to his instructions as a superior. But the highborn birth thing does give Baldy some conflict. @Trivval@POOHEAD189@Hero@Dziady@Kassarock
@Kassarock Are you going to have a post limit in place, as in "wait until three/four/five people have posted before posting again?" I have a lot of free time and this is currently my only RP, courtesy of the fandom RPs drowning my other two into oblivion. So I'll be available more than most, but I don't want to put in three or four posts a week if others can only manage one.
Then again, it depends on what we're doing when we start. If I've been sent off to hunt for food or take watch, it wouldn't interfere with others elsewhere.
That would be appreciated. I work in a school at the moment and have four children I take care of. I usually only get to participate in this hobby on the weekends. After school my girls are either at dance or Karate. Monday - Friday are very busy days. But I only have two RPs at the moment. I usually limit myself to three. I will keep it at two for a while. See how the other RP goes. It is a Song of Ice and Fire RP. My other character is the heir to a house in Westeros and a Knight. He is only 20. Which is about as young as I will go. LOL
Appearance: Baldy stands 6’1-1/2” (186.7cm) tall weighing 235 pounds (106.6kg) with shoulder length oily dark brown hair and a short unkempt brown beard. His piercing brown eyes are focused, cutting through the bullshit when he is presented with its stench. As a veteran soldier, Baldy wears a mail surcoat with a studded leather jerkin lain over the mail and a 2” wide leather belt to cinch it together at the waist. He has taken to wearing a bearskin cloak over this armor and wears high hard black boots. He has a few small leather belt pouches tied to the belt. Upon his hands, he wears a pair of black leather gloves under mail gauntlets with steel bracers.
Personality: Baldy is a quiet man with irascible tendencies. He has true respect for those who have proven themselves to him, which means the man survived combat by his side. Young, inexperienced people touting loud boastful comments are annoying to Baldric. He is quick to explode in their faces if they annoy him too much. For the most part, Baldric says nothing.
He is very pensive, spending much time with his thoughts. He has a high intelligence; maybe in another world, he could have achieved social greatness, but not in this known world. He was born low and there he will remain. His only saving grace was to remain a soldier after his first taste of combat. When thrust into combat, his firm sinews are quick to react. Baldy becomes animated slashing through waves of opponents.
Put a tankard of alcohol into Bladric’s belly and he becomes a happy drunk. He is quite the opposite what you typically see, singing, yelling and making a complete ass of himself. He enjoys fighting while intoxicated. It is such a refreshing experience for Baldric; quite liberating actually.
History: Baldric Durant was born to a mining family in a village two leagues east of Durranheim. His early life was a difficult one, but it served to keep the young man physically fit. He hailed from a hearty stock of mountain folk spending their days mining iron ore from the Ragmark Mountains. When the Ragmark called for their banners, Baldric joined with his father and brothers. His first taste of battle taught him to enjoy the life of the soldier, training regularly in the use of the sword as well as hand to hand combat. Baldric found himself to be a natural born warrior.
When that initial war ended, Baldric sought out free companies who would hire him based on his past experience as a soldier in the Ragmark army. His early armor consisted of a gambeson, conical steel helm and long sword with and without a shield. Being a soldier suited the 6’ 1-1/2” Northerner, learning everything he could about being a soldier. He was 17 when he first mounted a horse learning to ride. He has come to appreciate the shock effect of a heavy cavalry charge upon dismounted infantry; having seen both sides of the collision.
Over the years, the free company he served with went through droughts where they had no work and at other times, work was more than abundant. Occasionally, they worked as sentries or guards rather than actual grunt work. The unit did whatever was necessary to survive.
With the money he earned from the jobs, he was able to afford new armor and weapons to protect himself as well as an ample supply of alcohol. He found he was able to afford equipment previously only noblemen could afford. For the past six years, he has been employed by the Band of Fortune or as they have become known a Band of Fools.
For the past twenty-five years as a soldier, Baldric has sustained multiple scars throughout his life surviving no fewer than seven arrow strikes. He has been training as a soldier for the entire time. He has trained in horsemanship, hand to hand combat, long sword, sword and shield, short sword, saber, lance, axe, battle axe, great axe and the bow. As well as using the sword or fighting with his hands, riding a horse is a skill that has quickly become second nature. He understands the horse’s limitation and its potential. He takes full advantage of both. There was a two-year period in his early 30s where Baldric served as a horseman in a Free Company of Lancers. He acquired good skill in the use of this weapon. He would never consider competing at tournament, simply because he not highborn. For one year in his mid-30s, he learned to use the longbow and served with a Company of bowmen. He enjoys the lethality of this ranged weapon, but he honestly prefers to fight up close and personal. He has acquired a fair skill with the bow and can use it effectively if needed, but prefers the sword.
At various times over the past quarter century, Baldric has served in various capacities, leading a lance or even a collection of three or four lances. He is comfortable being a leader of men or simply being one of the soldiers who get the job done. He was however promoted to command a lance about five years ago. In his relatively advanced age, he has grown tired of the young bucks who come along, thinking they are going to make a name for themselves, just to get killed seconds into their first action. His rule is, he won’t ask you your name until after you have survived your first encounter with the enemy.
Skills and Abilities:
- Sword. Having used the sword more than any other weapon, Baldy possesses his highest skill in this weapon with and without a shield. He is disciplined possessing a fine talent with the weapon; a difficult opponent to defeat.
- Hand to hand combat. As long as he has served as soldier, Baldric has been fighting with his fists and feet. He is not afraid to kick as well as punch. He has learned several unconventional methods of fighting with the hands and feet.
- Great Axe. In his late 20s, Baldric found himself experimenting with various axes. He would take an axe on campaign just to see how he would fair and fair he did. His axe skill in general is good, but he prefers the Great Axe for its heft. He considers himself to possess good to decent skill with the Great Axe.
Weaknesses:
- Abusive. Baldric has seen a lot in his twenty-five years as a soldier. He has witnessed some of the harshest mistreatment of humans by men. In his younger years he could afford to make moral decisions about these actions, but over time he has grown accustomed to it and has found himself on more than a few occasions acting in a similar fashion. He can be very abusive with the enemy, prisoners or anyone who simply stands in his way.
- Fierce. Baldric is by nature a calm, cool and quiet individual speaking only when spoken to. When stirred to action, he is one of the fiercest warriors on the battlefield or in the pub. When his temper has been elevated, he attacks with reckless abandon striking out at targets of opportunity. Sometimes Baldric is slow to calm; to recover to baseline.
- Gruff. Baldy is a rough looking man, considered crusty and by a few difficult to get along with. He is comfortable alone; knowing that his companions could be dead after the next encounter anyway. It makes no sense to get overly familiar with them.
- Irrascible. Saying the wrong thing around Baldric could draw his temper out quickly. As long as you are a respected member of the unit; a veteran, you have nothing to worry about.
- Alcoholic. Baldric loves rum. He will drink ale on a daily basis with meals. He may even drink wine if that is all that is available, but loves his rum. It is an addiction with him, forced to consume large quantities of alcohol whenever possible or the opportunity arises. On the plus side, Baldric is a happy drunk. He will sing, dance, laugh, joke and yell when he is drunk. His tendency to be irascible, gruff, fierce, or abusive are mitigated by his alcohol consumption. It is like someone flipped his “I don’t give a fuck” switch and he becomes much easier to get along with.
Equipment: Over a light gambeson top and leather trousers, Baldric wears a mail surcoat extending to mid-thigh. Over this piece of mail, which also includes a mail coif, he wears a studded leather jerkin. Upon his hands he wears leather gloves over which he wears a pair of mail gauntlets fastened with steel bracers. His foot wear is a high hard black leather boot and upon his head a small steel conical helmet. A 2” wide belt cinches the jerkin and surcoat together where the scabbard for his longsword is attached. Baldy owns a great bearskin cloak he has worn over his armor on occasion. This is something he wears when not actively engaged in fighting. He carries more than a few daggers of varying length for different purposes, none of which are to be thrown away. He has gone through several shields, they come and go. He may have one or two laying around somewhere. A great axe is also in storage someplace. If he needed to get at it, he would. He would strap the great axe on his back, arming the sword initially. He currently does not own a bow or a quiver of arrows, but could employ one properly if needed to. A 17-hands tall Destrier named, Charcoal has been his mount for the past two years after he lost his last one during a heated engagement near Bordia. Baldric does not wear anything fancy, nor does he pursue delicate or daintily crafted itesm. “A fucking bloody waste of money, if ye ask me!”
Relationships I like to write a relationships section to help me direct any comments or perceptions my character may have towards the other PCs in this Role Play. They are merely Baldric Durant's perceptions...
Lemenuel 'Lem' Arronson: Baldy admires his Captain. Captain Arronson has been his mentor for about a decade. He has learned much from the older Company Commander. Baldy will do whatever Lem tells him to do. He would even fall on a sword for the man. He is the best Cap’n in the world!
Baldric worked in other companies before he came to the Band of Fortune. But he was with the Band five years ago working as a serjent when Lem fell with his horse. At the time, Baldy was wielding his great axe. The Young runt who ran the spear through Lem’s horse, caught the business end of Baldy’s axe. He cleaved the young man at the shoulder, wedging his blade through his torso where it ended at the belt line. The man split like a banana as he fell.
Baldy then called a few others to help get the dead carcass of a horse off Lem and pull the man out. He could not help his injury, but stood nearby to keep the most recent incarnate of the devil from getting close to his friend.
Il Sposoletto, who squires for Sir Ottavio Meduccoli is someone Bladric has grown to tolerate. Baldy admires his Knight, Sir Meduccoli; especially since he does not talk much. The man is a mute, Baldy knows it, but rarely acknowledges this condition. He simply likes him because he is quiet. He really doesn’t care why. But he also appreciates Sposoletto because he can communicate the knight’s ideas for him. He perceives Sposoletto has being a tenacious fighter; that quality he respects. What he doesn’t approve of is, his arrogant big mouth attitude. The Older Northman has has considered putting a mailed fist across the Taration squire more than a few times. His learned discipline has prevented him from acting on this impulse. He forces himself to tolerance.
Berislav Dąbrowski is someone Bladric has only met recently. He respects the young man’s reticence; pigeon holing him as someone who he might mentor if the opportunity arose. If not, it really didn’t matter to Baldy. If the son of a smithy ever wanted to ask Baldy a question, he would respond.
Sister Margaret is a bit of a curiosity to Baldric Durant; watching a nun making her way through the ranks of the Company. At first, he was opposed to her presence, but slowly learned to respect her work with healing wounds. Her quick temper to argue a point or to talk someone down has given him rise to merriment. He finds her somewhat humorous at times. He has never sought her out to converse. He keeps his ideas about the church to himself and feels no obligation to share them with her. She has asked him to attend a regular church service on occasion, but the quiet north man always declines her invitations. He has never needed her services and admits he finds her aesthetically pleasing to look at. He just does not have a need for her.
Sir Branimir Bradford is a respected Leftenant in the Company. Baldric has identified him as such and will obey his instructions. When Baldric first met Banimir Bradford, he questioned his intentions. He does not trust the highborn and was always suspicious of Bradford. Over the past seven years he has grown to respect the former knight. His charismatic quality does draw Baldric Durant towards him; making it easier to listen to his instructions as a superior. But the highborn birth thing does give Baldy some conflict.
Cedric Amberstone Cedric is young, which in Baldric’s experience is a liability. His unnecessary cheerfulness rubs him the wrong way too. Cedric is someone Baldy has his eye on. He needs to see what the young man is capable of.
"Sir" Wulfric York Baldric sees what Wulfric does. He appears to be a stron asset to the company appreciating his work. Baldric is unaware of “Sir” Wulfric’s lineage. He suspects something about him, but his general quiet demeanor and hard work speak volumes about his character.
Brádach 'The Piper' MacShana Baldric respects Bradach’s wisdom and years of experience. Bradach’s stories are very entertaining. They have captivated Baldy for years. The old man could have gone home at anytime. They both know it. The fact he has remained with the Company as long as he has speaks volumes about his character.
Gerard Gast With all young men in the Company, Gerard needs to prove his mettle to Baldric Durant. He perceives a false bravado or confidence the young man uses to camouflage his fears. Baldric believes that façade is a waste of time. He would prefer the young man be honest with everyone. Although Gerard can be overwhelming, Baldric does not mind the young man’s questions. He seems to follow him around like a little puppy sometimes.
Really tall dudes do happen. I know this is significantly above average especially for the relative time period. So, here's a little story. I train in Krav Maga, an Israeli Self Defense form that borrows techniques from more traditional martial arts forms like Muay Thai, BJJ and Taekwondo. When a black belt candidate is ready to undergo black belt testing, he/she must participate in a "Boot Camp" for 16 weeks which prepares you for the test itself. It is thorough review of everything you did for the past four years or so. My boot camp this past Winter/Spring consisted of 40 people; 20 Black belt candidates and 20 1st Degrees going for 2nd degree. We had six guys in the class who were 6'5" tall and another three guys who were between 6' and 6'5". I am 5'11" and it seemed like every frickin time I had to spar it was with one of these big guys. One night I sparred 15 different people in a two hour people. It was exhausting and more than half the people I sparred with were over 6'. Our Band of Fools being a bunch of giants is not unheard of.
I like Baldric. Someone with some anger and alcohol issues is always a fun addition to the mix. The only real pointer that I have for you is to cut down on the number of abilities Baldy has to 3, you can still do other things, but these are your special qualities, the things you are better than most other people at. I would also consider perhaps having your character as the leader of lance rather than just a common infantry man considering their long history and relatively long tenure with the Band.
Thank you for this positive constructive criticism. This, I can work with. I have updated Baldric Durant with your comments. I took the additional items, I had initially placed in the "abilities" section and included their verbage in his personal history. I made his rank, "Man-at-Arms" which is what you expect for a Lance Commander. I had considered adding spaulders, simply to provide additional armor to that area. Do you believe that would be necessary? I limited his abilities to the first three, removing horsemanship to a skill acquired during his history.
I cannot RP as a young man, simply because I have been an old man longer than I was ever a boy. I am also a grizzled veteran in real life, so it suits me. I have been reading military history for 43 years and lived the life of a soldier for 21 years. Personally, I am not an alcoholic, but I learned how to from the best, my father.
Appearance: Baldy stands 6’1-1/2” (186.7cm) tall weighing 235 pounds (106.6kg) with shoulder length oily dark brown hair and a short unkempt brown beard. His piercing brown eyes are focused, cutting through the bullshit when he is presented with its stench. As a veteran soldier, Baldy wears a mail surcoat with a studded leather jerkin lain over the mail and a 2” wide leather belt to cinch it together at the waist. He has taken to wearing a bearskin cloak over this armor and wears high hard black boots. He has a few small leather belt pouches tied to the belt. Upon his hands, he wears a pair of black leather gloves under mail gauntlets with steel bracers.
Personality: Baldy is a quiet man with irascible tendencies. He has true respect for those who have proven themselves to him, which means the man survived combat by his side. Young, inexperienced people touting loud boastful comments are annoying to Baldric. He is quick to explode in their faces if they annoy him too much. For the most part, Baldric says nothing.
He is very pensive, spending much time with his thoughts. He has a high intelligence; maybe in another world, he could have achieved social greatness, but not in this known world. He was born low and there he will remain. His only saving grace was to remain a soldier after his first taste of combat. When thrust into combat, his firm sinews are quick to react. Baldy becomes animated slashing through waves of opponents.
Put a tankard of alcohol into Bladric’s belly and he becomes a happy drunk. He is quite the opposite what you typically see, singing, yelling and making a complete ass of himself. He enjoys fighting while intoxicated. It is such a refreshing experience for Baldric; quite liberating actually.
History: Baldric Durant was born to a mining family in a village two leagues east of Durranheim. His early life was a difficult one, but it served to keep the young man physically fit. He hailed from a hearty stock of mountain folk spending their days mining iron ore from the Ragmark Mountains. When the Ragmark called for their banners, Baldric joined with his father and brothers. His first taste of battle taught him to enjoy the life of the soldier, training regularly in the use of the sword as well as hand to hand combat. Baldric found himself to be a natural born warrior.
When that initial war ended, Baldric sought out free companies who would hire him based on his past experience as a soldier in the Ragmark army. His early armor consisted of a gambeson, conical steel helm and long sword with and without a shield. Being a soldier suited the 6’ 1-1/2” Northerner, learning everything he could about being a soldier. He was 17 when he first mounted a horse learning to ride. He has come to appreciate the shock effect of a heavy cavalry charge upon dismounted infantry; having seen both sides of the collision.
Over the years, the free company he served with went through droughts where they had no work and at other times, work was more than abundant. Occasionally, they worked as sentries or guards rather than actual grunt work. The unit did whatever was necessary to survive.
With the money he earned from the jobs, he was able to afford new armor and weapons to protect himself as well as an ample supply of alcohol. He found he was able to afford equipment previously only noblemen could afford. For the past six years, he has been employed by the Band of Fortune or as they have become known a Band of Fools.
For the past twenty-five years as a soldier, Baldric has sustained multiple scars throughout his life surviving no fewer than seven arrow strikes. He has been training as a soldier for the entire time. He has trained in horsemanship, hand to hand combat, long sword, sword and shield, short sword, saber, lance, axe, battle axe, great axe and the bow. As well as using the sword or fighting with his hands, riding a horse is a skill that has quickly become second nature. He understands the horse’s limitation and its potential. He takes full advantage of both. There was a two-year period in his early 30s where Baldric served as a horseman in a Free Company of Lancers. He acquired good skill in the use of this weapon. He would never consider competing at tournament, simply because he not highborn. For one year in his mid-30s, he learned to use the longbow and served with a Company of bowmen. He enjoys the lethality of this ranged weapon, but he honestly prefers to fight up close and personal. He has acquired a fair skill with the bow and can use it effectively if needed, but prefers the sword.
At various times over the past quarter century, Baldric has served in various capacities, leading a lance or even a collection of three or four lances. He is comfortable being a leader of men or simply being one of the soldiers who get the job done. He was however promoted to command a lance about five years ago. In his relatively advanced age, he has grown tired of the young bucks who come along, thinking they are going to make a name for themselves, just to get killed seconds into their first action. His rule is, he won’t ask you your name until after you have survived your first encounter with the enemy.
Skills and Abilities:
- Sword. Having used the sword more than any other weapon, Baldy possesses his highest skill in this weapon with and without a shield. He is disciplined possessing a fine talent with the weapon; a difficult opponent to defeat.
- Hand to hand combat. As long as he has served as soldier, Baldric has been fighting with his fists and feet. He is not afraid to kick as well as punch. He has learned several unconventional methods of fighting with the hands and feet.
- Great Axe. In his late 20s, Baldric found himself experimenting with various axes. He would take an axe on campaign just to see how he would fair and fair he did. His axe skill in general is good, but he prefers the Great Axe for its heft. He considers himself to possess good to decent skill with the Great Axe.
Weaknesses:
- Abusive. Baldric has seen a lot in his twenty-five years as a soldier. He has witnessed some of the harshest mistreatment of humans by men. In his younger years he could afford to make moral decisions about these actions, but over time he has grown accustomed to it and has found himself on more than a few occasions acting in a similar fashion. He can be very abusive with the enemy, prisoners or anyone who simply stands in his way.
- Fierce. Baldric is by nature a calm, cool and quiet individual speaking only when spoken to. When stirred to action, he is one of the fiercest warriors on the battlefield or in the pub. When his temper has been elevated, he attacks with reckless abandon striking out at targets of opportunity. Sometimes Baldric is slow to calm; to recover to baseline.
- Gruff. Baldy is a rough looking man, considered crusty and by a few difficult to get along with. He is comfortable alone; knowing that his companions could be dead after the next encounter anyway. It makes no sense to get overly familiar with them.
- Irrascible. Saying the wrong thing around Baldric could draw his temper out quickly. As long as you are a respected member of the unit; a veteran, you have nothing to worry about.
- Alcoholic. Baldric loves rum. He will drink ale on a daily basis with meals. He may even drink wine if that is all that is available, but loves his rum. It is an addiction with him, forced to consume large quantities of alcohol whenever possible or the opportunity arises. On the plus side, Baldric is a happy drunk. He will sing, dance, laugh, joke and yell when he is drunk. His tendency to be irascible, gruff, fierce, or abusive are mitigated by his alcohol consumption. It is like someone flipped his “I don’t give a fuck” switch and he becomes much easier to get along with.
Equipment: Over a light gambeson top and leather trousers, Baldric wears a mail surcoat extending to mid-thigh. Over this piece of mail, which also includes a mail coif, he wears a studded leather jerkin. Upon his hands he wears leather gloves over which he wears a pair of mail gauntlets fastened with steel bracers. His foot wear is a high hard black leather boot and upon his head a small steel conical helmet. A 2” wide belt cinches the jerkin and surcoat together where the scabbard for his longsword is attached. Baldy owns a great bearskin cloak he has worn over his armor on occasion. This is something he wears when not actively engaged in fighting. He carries more than a few daggers of varying length for different purposes, none of which are to be thrown away. He has gone through several shields, they come and go. He may have one or two laying around somewhere. A great axe is also in storage someplace. If he needed to get at it, he would. He would strap the great axe on his back, arming the sword initially. He currently does not own a bow or a quiver of arrows, but could employ one properly if needed to. A 17-hands tall Destrier named, Charcoal has been his mount for the past two years after he lost his last one during a heated engagement near Bordia. Baldric does not wear anything fancy, nor does he pursue delicate or daintily crafted itesm. “A fucking bloody waste of money, if ye ask me!”
I am a veteran of the United States Army and the US Army National Guard. I spent three years on Active Duty serving in the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Ft. Carson, CO, and the 3rd Armor Division at Kirch Göns, West Germany. I spent 18 years in the Army National Guard with the 26th Infantry Division [i]"Yankee"[/i] and 29th Infantry Division (Light), [i]"The Blue and the Gray"[/i]. I was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 29th ID (L) in 2001 - 2002. I have also been reading military history articles and books since I was 10 years old. I do prefer Military Role Plays over all other genres, primarily because I have a vast knowledge of the subject including personal experiences. At the very least, my characters are always veterans.
I have been writing for pleasure for at least 35+ years but only got into forum-based Role Playing about eighteen years ago. I do enjoy Nation Role Plays and get into minute detail when designing my military. The only reason I enjoy excruciating detail in my militaries is because for me, it is fun. My education and experience on this subject afford me the insight to see the depth of the structure. It is not just a General and a large pile of soldiers. If someone wants assistance in designing an army, navy, or air force, please send me a PM. I will help. Please specify what level (echelon) or depth you would like me to go. When I say echelon, I mean Army, Corps, Division, Brigade/Regiment, Battalion/Squadron, Company/Troop/Battery, Platoon, and Squad/Section.
When I was a student in High School, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, I have been DMing a 5e campaign of my creation for my son and his friends. 5e is so much less cumbersome than earlier editions of D&D. I do have an interest in Tolkien-esque fantasy-styled Role Plays as well. Time travel has always been a fun genre for me, but to do it well, one must have a firm grasp of historical facts.
There are only a few fanfictions I will participate in; Star Wars and Star Trek are two of them. I want to do an exclusively Klingon RP one of these days. I also avoid Canon characters.
I have real-world martial arts experience. I would love to write an RP about hand-to-hand combat, no fantasy magic chit, just hands elbows, knees, and feet. Maybe the occasional head butt thrown in to mix things up. I trained in Krav Maga for six and a half years. I earned a first-degree black belt in Krav Maga on 3 June 2017.
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art form that employs practical self-defense techniques drawing forms & techniques from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwando. It is very brutal, demanding, and aggressive. During the seven years I trained, I have bruised two ribs, sustained several muscle pulls, and various lacerations and bruises over my body. I have received a sprained ankle and a fractured wrist. Before the first black belt test, I received a bone bruise to my right shin; where my roundhouse kicks impact. Yet, I am stupid enough to continue training. [Regardless of the physical pain, it is more fun than any other physical activity I have engaged in. Fortunately, the bone bruise healed up prior to the third and final test. EDIT: I did leave the sport over five years ago. :(]
Over two years ago I completed my first novel, a science fiction set in the 24th century. It focuses on a Private Military Corporation solely employed by the earth government. I started a second book in November 2022 and hope to work on that this summer when I have more time.
Send me a PM for a Role Play or if you would like to see what sort of an army I could build for you.
--Gunther (AKA: Old School)[hider=Gunther][b][h2]Character Summary[/h2][/b]
Name: Gunther
Aliases: [color=1b1464][i]Landain[/i][/color]
Age: old (I was around when George Washington was a Lieutenant)
Birthday: August 12
Ethnicity: French, English, & Seneca (Iroquois Confederation)
Location: New England
Gender: Male
Higher Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Occupation: Substitute School Teacher
Languages: English, Spanish, German & a little French
Years RPing: 18
Preferred RP Section: Advanced or Casual
RP Level: Advanced
Dedication Level: Moderate
Biggest RP Pet Peeve: People who do not communicate with the group and drop. But then, if someone loses connectivity for an extended period, there is no way of knowing.
Teach New RPers Or Coach New GM's: Yes
[b][h2]Appearance[/h2][/b]
Height: 5' 10" (I shrunk!) :(
Build: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dark Brown
Skin Tone: Moderate to tanned
Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: no tattoos or piercings. 1.5” Scar on the back of the left shoulder (dog’s tooth); 5” scar on left wrist (fracture repair procedure); 0.5” scar on the left knee (rock strike)
Personal Style: Jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers, wearing a ball cap. Three of my children have their own cars.
Image: I look like a soldier because it is what I know. I tend to wear a high and tight haircut. Clean-shaven, although I grow a beard in November.
[b][h2]Psychology[/h2][/b]
Happy * Expressive * Bold * Considerate * Generous * Warm * Sensitive * Creative * Extrovert * Cerebral * Warrior
Sexuality: Straight
Relationship Status: Married with Children
Personality: Gunther is conservative but flexible and objective. He attends Catholic mass with his family regularly and attempts a life free from sin. He can be a very moody person swinging from very warm, friendly, and extroverted to quiet and secluded. He hates winter; January and February make him very depressed. Gunther loves his children and would do anything for them and his wife.
Gunther is a morning person, but that comes from a life of serving in the military. He would rather go to bed early and get up early; prefers to exercise in the morning over working out just before bed. His chief flaw is saying what pops into his head unrestrained without thinking it over before letting fateful words spill out, full-fledged Gryffindor.
Habits: Smiling, unprovoked singing, talking with strangers & Coca-Cola
Hobbies: Krav Maga, Running, Movies, reading, writing, Military History & Playing games with his children.
Most recent hobby: Warhammer Age of Sigmar and 40,000. I have four armies; Two Orruk armies in AoS (Ironjawz and Krule Boyz), Space Marines (Salamanders) and the Dark Eldar (Drukhari).
Fears: Heights, being alone, and not being able to afford a living.
Likes: wife, his children, blue, 8, food, Military History, Mathematics, and well-written fiction – A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones). Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Science Fiction, War Movies, New England Patriots, San Francisco Forty-Niners, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, board games, War Games (Strategy TB, rather than FPS), Romance stories, Action adventures, Fantasy, Sports stories and more…
Dislikes:
Rude People, Liver, Socialism, Narrow-minded individuals, and Role Plays that end just as they are getting good.
RPs Currently GMing: None
RP's Currently Enjoying: None
Upcoming Works: Honchos on the DMZ; a story of Russian pilots flying MiG-15s during the Korean War.
[b][h2]History[/h2][/b]
What Brings You To Role Player Guild: There is a large community of writers here. I enjoy the hobby even though I rarely get time to participate. Currently, I try to limit my stories to one at a time. Unfortunately, I rarely find one I enjoy and others are willing to write in. When I do, they die way too early.
Life Before You Came To Role Player Guild: It was very different. I don’t know how to explain it in just a few words or sentences.
Life Since You Came To Role Player Guild: This is just a side hobby. I have many irons in the fire and this is just one of them. It has taken a back seat to my real life activities.
[b][h2]Extras[/h2][/b]
Quotes or Sayings: “Those who fail to learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them.” – Winston Churchill paraphrasing George Santayana. “If you’re going to fight, fight like the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s ark and brother…It’s starting to rain.”
Theme Song: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmtHBMjXLU]Warrior’s Call[/url]
Advice To The World: Forgive the actions of those who came before us. Behaviors we consider heinous crimes today were generally accepted practices many years ago.
Anything Else:[/hider]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9dlwQxg.png?1[/img][/center]
[url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/3456728]Gunthers Cast of Hooligans[/url]
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I am a veteran of the United States Army and the US Army National Guard. I spent three years on Active Duty serving in the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Ft. Carson, CO, and the 3rd Armor Division at Kirch Göns, West Germany. I spent 18 years in the Army National Guard with the 26th Infantry Division <span class="bb-i">"Yankee"</span> and 29th Infantry Division (Light), <span class="bb-i">"The Blue and the Gray"</span>. I was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 29th ID (L) in 2001 - 2002. I have also been reading military history articles and books since I was 10 years old. I do prefer Military Role Plays over all other genres, primarily because I have a vast knowledge of the subject including personal experiences. At the very least, my characters are always veterans.<br><br>I have been writing for pleasure for at least 35+ years but only got into forum-based Role Playing about eighteen years ago. I do enjoy Nation Role Plays and get into minute detail when designing my military. The only reason I enjoy excruciating detail in my militaries is because for me, it is fun. My education and experience on this subject afford me the insight to see the depth of the structure. It is not just a General and a large pile of soldiers. If someone wants assistance in designing an army, navy, or air force, please send me a PM. I will help. Please specify what level (echelon) or depth you would like me to go. When I say echelon, I mean Army, Corps, Division, Brigade/Regiment, Battalion/Squadron, Company/Troop/Battery, Platoon, and Squad/Section.<br><br>When I was a student in High School, I used to play Dungeons & Dragons. Recently, I have been DMing a 5e campaign of my creation for my son and his friends. 5e is so much less cumbersome than earlier editions of D&D. I do have an interest in Tolkien-esque fantasy-styled Role Plays as well. Time travel has always been a fun genre for me, but to do it well, one must have a firm grasp of historical facts.<br><br>There are only a few fanfictions I will participate in; Star Wars and Star Trek are two of them. I want to do an exclusively Klingon RP one of these days. I also avoid Canon characters.<br><br>I have real-world martial arts experience. I would love to write an RP about hand-to-hand combat, no fantasy magic chit, just hands elbows, knees, and feet. Maybe the occasional head butt thrown in to mix things up. I trained in Krav Maga for six and a half years. I earned a first-degree black belt in Krav Maga on 3 June 2017. <br><br>Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art form that employs practical self-defense techniques drawing forms & techniques from Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Taekwando. It is very brutal, demanding, and aggressive. During the seven years I trained, I have bruised two ribs, sustained several muscle pulls, and various lacerations and bruises over my body. I have received a sprained ankle and a fractured wrist. Before the first black belt test, I received a bone bruise to my right shin; where my roundhouse kicks impact. Yet, I am stupid enough to continue training. [Regardless of the physical pain, it is more fun than any other physical activity I have engaged in. Fortunately, the bone bruise healed up prior to the third and final test. EDIT: I did leave the sport over five years ago. :(]<br><br>Over two years ago I completed my first novel, a science fiction set in the 24th century. It focuses on a Private Military Corporation solely employed by the earth government. I started a second book in November 2022 and hope to work on that this summer when I have more time.<br><br>Send me a PM for a Role Play or if you would like to see what sort of an army I could build for you.<br><br>--Gunther (AKA: Old School)<div class="hider-panel"><div class="hider-heading"><button type="button" class="btn btn-default btn-xs hider-button" data-name="Gunther">Gunther [+]</button></div><div class="hider-body" style="display: none"><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h2">Character Summary</div></span><br><br>Name: Gunther<br>Aliases: <font color="#1b1464"><span class="bb-i">Landain</span></font><br>Age: old (I was around when George Washington was a Lieutenant)<br>Birthday: August 12<br>Ethnicity: French, English, & Seneca (Iroquois Confederation)<br>Location: New England<br>Gender: Male<br>Higher Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science & Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice<br>Occupation: Substitute School Teacher<br>Languages: English, Spanish, German & a little French<br>Years RPing: 18<br>Preferred RP Section: Advanced or Casual <br>RP Level: Advanced<br>Dedication Level: Moderate<br>Biggest RP Pet Peeve: People who do not communicate with the group and drop. But then, if someone loses connectivity for an extended period, there is no way of knowing.<br>Teach New RPers Or Coach New GM's: Yes<br><br><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h2">Appearance</div></span><br><br>Height: 5' 10" (I shrunk!) :(<br>Build: Medium<br>Eyes: Blue<br>Hair: Dark Brown<br>Skin Tone: Moderate to tanned<br>Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: no tattoos or piercings. 1.5” Scar on the back of the left shoulder (dog’s tooth); 5” scar on left wrist (fracture repair procedure); 0.5” scar on the left knee (rock strike)<br>Personal Style: Jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers, wearing a ball cap. Three of my children have their own cars.<br>Image: I look like a soldier because it is what I know. I tend to wear a high and tight haircut. Clean-shaven, although I grow a beard in November.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h2">Psychology</div></span><br><br>Happy * Expressive * Bold * Considerate * Generous * Warm * Sensitive * Creative * Extrovert * Cerebral * Warrior<br><br>Sexuality: Straight<br>Relationship Status: Married with Children <br>Personality: Gunther is conservative but flexible and objective. He attends Catholic mass with his family regularly and attempts a life free from sin. He can be a very moody person swinging from very warm, friendly, and extroverted to quiet and secluded. He hates winter; January and February make him very depressed. Gunther loves his children and would do anything for them and his wife. <br><br>Gunther is a morning person, but that comes from a life of serving in the military. He would rather go to bed early and get up early; prefers to exercise in the morning over working out just before bed. His chief flaw is saying what pops into his head unrestrained without thinking it over before letting fateful words spill out, full-fledged Gryffindor.<br><br>Habits: Smiling, unprovoked singing, talking with strangers & Coca-Cola<br>Hobbies: Krav Maga, Running, Movies, reading, writing, Military History & Playing games with his children.<br>Most recent hobby: Warhammer Age of Sigmar and 40,000. I have four armies; Two Orruk armies in AoS (Ironjawz and Krule Boyz), Space Marines (Salamanders) and the Dark Eldar (Drukhari).<br>Fears: Heights, being alone, and not being able to afford a living.<br>Likes: wife, his children, blue, 8, food, Military History, Mathematics, and well-written fiction – A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones). Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Science Fiction, War Movies, New England Patriots, San Francisco Forty-Niners, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, board games, War Games (Strategy TB, rather than FPS), Romance stories, Action adventures, Fantasy, Sports stories and more…<br> <br>Dislikes:<br>Rude People, Liver, Socialism, Narrow-minded individuals, and Role Plays that end just as they are getting good. <br><br>RPs Currently GMing: None<br>RP's Currently Enjoying: None<br>Upcoming Works: Honchos on the DMZ; a story of Russian pilots flying MiG-15s during the Korean War.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h2">History</div></span><br><br>What Brings You To Role Player Guild: There is a large community of writers here. I enjoy the hobby even though I rarely get time to participate. Currently, I try to limit my stories to one at a time. Unfortunately, I rarely find one I enjoy and others are willing to write in. When I do, they die way too early. <br>Life Before You Came To Role Player Guild: It was very different. I don’t know how to explain it in just a few words or sentences.<br>Life Since You Came To Role Player Guild: This is just a side hobby. I have many irons in the fire and this is just one of them. It has taken a back seat to my real life activities.<br><br><span class="bb-b"><div class="bb-h2">Extras</div></span><br><br>Quotes or Sayings: “Those who fail to learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them.” – Winston Churchill paraphrasing George Santayana. “If you’re going to fight, fight like the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s ark and brother…It’s starting to rain.” <br>Theme Song: <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmtHBMjXLU">Warrior’s Call</a><br>Advice To The World: Forgive the actions of those who came before us. Behaviors we consider heinous crimes today were generally accepted practices many years ago.<br>Anything Else:</div></div><br><div class="bb-center"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/9dlwQxg.png?1" /></div><br><br><a href="https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/3456728">Gunthers Cast of Hooligans</a></div>