“Doesn’t seem fair. They get to have fun and showcase their skills while we sit and wait our turn.”
”Ehem—you're right, it's not fair, is it? It's...Cruel. It's cruel to them, don't you—”
Nathaniel’s eyes were locked on the various arenas, sizing up the competitors. At first blush, most of the competitors sent out into the field for this starting round looked like they were just picking up a training weapon for the first time. He commended them for coming here to try at all, but it was far too late. Because among the inexperienced, Nate’s eyes locked on to the rare few. Those with fire in their blood. Those who shifted the weight of their practice weapons in their hands, settling into a few trained stances. He recognized a couple, fellow students of note from the largest sword schools abroad. Some faces were unfamiliar, though.
Nate had absent-mindedly paced his way to the two strangers, not even giving them much of a look. His eyes were focused on what was to come though he still registered the words of the conversation nearby. ”It seems more calculated than cruel. They’re testing one’s will as much as their skill. They want to see who can persevere, and who among the commoners has put in the work.”
That had to be it, right? There had to be a reason. So… Nate looked for one.
Nate pointed to an average looking commoner, maybe fourteen years old and scrawny. His clothes were rugged and frayed at the edges. He was very slowly trying to swing an arming blade with his two hands bunched up together to hold it. His swings were horizontal, wild, and uncontrolled. Nate pointed to the kid. ”Take him, for example. Poor kid hasn’t had a day of training in his life. I think it would be more merciful to have him face someone potentially untrained rather than the well-trained son of a Duke for his first ever duel, don’t you think?”
Nate’s eyes drifted to a rather familiar figure, one of the larger boys. He sported a short blonde buzz cut with a fresh tunic and doublet, both lacking sleeves. He was swinging a longsword with both hands through the air quickly, cycling through a routine of trained cuts and blocks. Nate lifted an arm to point to the teen. ”Take him, for example. Cyrus Locke. He lives here in the capitol. His father is a noted locksmith for the elite, who spent most of his coin getting his son into the best sword school he could. Cyrus is as stubborn as an ox, and built like one. He’s reckless and brash… likely to get countered by any noble with a private tutor. So, he’s more likely to show off his promise against someone untrained.”
Nathaniel’s eyes shifted slightly, until they fell upon Dot’s short figure. He didn’t seem particularly impressive at first brush, but Nate clocked the way he casually rested the wooden sword on his shoulder. The sword was nearly as tall as he was, but there was a familiarity with the size of it. He simply pointed towards him. ”And some who deserve to be a cadet are unassuming. The one with light gray hair right there… he’s wielding a sword that’s almost as big as him as if it were nothing. Impressive, but it’s an impractical choice. They might be seeing if he loses steam in these early rounds.”
Nate never really turned his gaze to the other two nobles. His eyes were too busy darting between the commoners as they got to their places. He had too much data to analyze to waste time on pleasantries.
Some children are born with burdens heaved onto their shoulders. Nathaniel Lothwren was one of these children. Born under a falling star, those who knew of the child expected greatness from him. They practically demanded it. And while some might shirk such a burden to seek their own fate, Nathaniel relished in carrying it. He had never seen the King’s Bridge before, nor the castle it led to. It lived up to his expectations. He was but one in a swarming crowd of children pushing along, hoping to register and become a knight-in-training. The weight of expectations was heavy, but the bridge seemed capable of withstanding it.
"I feel sorry for whoever is matched against you. There's no way they stand a chance."
Nathaniel Lothwren, sporting a tunic of red and silver to match his house colors, raised an eyebrow as he turned his gaze to the kid next to him. It took a moment for the noble's eyes to fill with recognition. Nate gave a small smile, wrapping an arm around the blonde boy to give his broad shoulder a pat. "I appreciate your confidence, Locke, but I don't intend to show off. Everyone here is willing to serve, and they deserve a fair shot to show their dedication."
Locke rolled his eyes, observing the crowd gathered. "Still going on about that Honor crap, Nate?"
"It's not crap." Nate's smile faded into a slight frown, the murmurs nearby silenced by the sudden exclamation. Locke was born into a family of artisans, seeking to improve his own station through dedicated service. He was quick and strong, and had solid form. The only thing Locke lacked was a sense of true duty. Nate didn't understand his former classmate when they studied the sword at a school in the south just a few months prior.
"It's us or them, mate. You have to fight to win."
Nate shook his head. "Of course you fight to win... but it’s not about us or them. Not yet. It's about potential and skill in these duels, Locke. Us or them is an excuse to stand on the shoulders of others."
Nate's former classmate just sighed, stepping forward in the line to register. Nathaniel was silent, taking deep breaths to stifle the smallest embers of anger. Locke was just here to earn himself a better life. Nate was here to become a knight... a hero, as his mother always insisted. But deep down, Nate knew he was here because right here was all he ever wanted to be. After a moment, Locke had registered and began making his way towards the arena. Nate stepped forward.
"Name?"
"Nathaniel of the House of Lothwren, first born son to Baron Aster Lothwren of the town of Brimsly." The boy stood firm, with his back straight and his chest out, as he checked in. His words rang with a proudness and purpose that was not at all unfamiliar to those who knew him.
I have written and re-written my second/third Hawkeye post about halfway over and over, and none of it is sticking. If I manage to get past this writer's block with the character I'm running headfirst into, I'd love to reapply. But as it stands, I think I need to concede defeat on Hawkeye and bow out for now.
It ain't much, but wanted to get some minor characterization of Nate in before the festival started, so I can start getting a better feel for the character.
Nathaniel Westmoreland struck his shovel into the mound of dirt gathered in one of the family’s rusted red wheelbarrows. He heaved in with what little weight he had, filling up the head of the shovel to scoop out soil over the wire fence. He hated feeling his fingers clutch tight the handle of the shovel, picking up small patches of hardened dirt. He hated his white t-shirt clinging to his sweat covered back. Nate quickly shoveled a few pounds of dirt out of the wheelbarrow and into the large mud barrow. The sooner he was done with his work, the sooner he could get back to enjoying his day. Nate grit his teeth as he rolled the wheelbarrow back into the large toolshed to keep it safe from the weather, and grabbed the coiled up hose. He sprayed down the dirt in the mud barrow to keep it fresh, walked over to the connected pigpen, and sprayed water into their water trough until it was nearly full. The stench was nauseating to Nate, but his nose had become dulled to the smell of the happy pigs and their piles of manure. Even so, dealing with the fresh manure and urine was Rory’s job. Nate grabbed a long hook from the toolshed and used it to unlock and open the gate between the pen and the barrow. He quickly stepped back as a couple of the more clever pigs charged forward and dove into the fresh mud to cool themselves down. He groaned as he watched a small smatter of mud plop onto the hem of his overalls.
With his chores taken care of for the morning and the pigs oinking their satisfactions, Nate made his way into the house. He ignored his mother in the living room, sitting on the couch yet again watching game shows on the tv with her foot propped up on an ottoman. The truck was absent from the driveway, meaning Nate’s father must be out running errands. Nate quickly stopped by the laundry room, stripping off his overalls to apply some stain remover quickly. He took a quick shower, and changed into a simple outfit: sneakers, jeans, a plain t-shirt, and an overshirt. He didn’t bother letting his hair finish dry as he quickly grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder and heading out the side door of the house. He reached for the handle of his old yellow bicycle, ignoring the old peeling paint and squealing gears as he took off down the dirt driveway of the Westmoreland farm.
Before long, Nate rolled to a stop in front of the New Hope Library. He parked his bike in an old bike rack, not bothering to lock it. He walked in, giving a little nod of greeting to Old Hickory as the librarian was speaking into his phone. "You'll be the first I call... You too, enjoy the festivities, should be a good one this year." Nate climbed up to the second floor to find his usual table near the window, cracking open a worn copy of Homer’s Odyssey. His eyes drifted out the window between paragraphs, as he watched those near the shores of Lake Chartreuse preparing for the coming festival.
Full Name - Nathaniel “Nate” Lothwren Age - 15 Gender - Male Heritage - Eldest son of a minor noble war hawk family Magical Affinity - Fire, capable of producing an aura.
-
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Unyielding Flame 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."
Honorable to a fault 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.
Absentminded 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.
S K I L L S E T
Tactician’s Eye 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.
Bastard Sword Training 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.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride 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.
Physical Description
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.
Character Conceptualization
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.
Other Information
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.
Made some changes to the character for the reboot. Submitted for your approval.
_______________________________________________
P E R S O N A L D E T A I L S
Full Name - Nathaniel “Nate” Lothwren Age - 15 Gender - Male Heritage - Eldest son of a minor noble war hawk family Magical Affinity - Fire, capable of producing an aura.
-
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Unyielding Flame 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."
Honorable to a fault 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.
Absentminded 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.
S K I L L S E T
Tactician’s Eye 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.
Bastard Sword Training 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.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride 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.
Physical Description
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.
Character Conceptualization
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.
Other Information
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.
I've got a little intro just to work on some characterization for Nate in the works. Should be able to toss it up before too long, before the festival itself kicks off.
@webboysurf I think they could relate re wanting to see, visit, be other places than this town, and also because each of them has a dream/passion they wanna pursue (even when they’re so different). And if they got along well enough, Damon would be willing to act as the occasional ‘social awareness’ check for him.
If anyone's got alternate/additional suggestions or w/e, feel free to mention 'em. Also, hope I didn't somehow miss anyone.
That definitely sounds good to me. Nate definitely views Damon's passion as positive, and shares a kinship over that. Nate would probably pay back any "social awareness" work offered with both honest criticism regarding Damon's performances, helping him run lines, and providing academic support. Based on their aspirations, Damon seems like he might be the person Nate would value most in New Hope.
Prefacing this, Toby is the kind of character who when approached first by anyone for any reason, will probably be pretty clingy and attached. Very, very low standards in terms of relationships and friendships for her. So any one of the other characters could conceivably become a very close friend to her quite easily.
Considering that:
@webboysurf: Nathanial would probably intimidate Toby quite a bit.
Most definitely fair on Toby's part. I think Nathaniel definitely sees Toby as one of the best among the underclassmen, but is far too blunt and socially unaware to ever break through that intimidating first impression. I think if they ever sat down and just talked they might be people who could get along well enough. But getting the two to sit down and talk might be a challenge.
@webboysurfNathaniel Westmoreland: Honestly, probably the only person (so far) that Ambrose just wouldn't like. They are the exact opposite in regard to personality, and it probably frustrates Ambrose because he can't seem to find a connecting point with Nate. So, he probably gets testier about Nate's honest remarks than he would otherwise. He wouldn't bring up Nate's background, but he would probably say something condescending like "manners are free, you know." How does that sound?
Absolutely, yes. I think Ambrose probably has to know Nate's twin brother, and might get along great with him. But Nate is the polar opposite of someone like Ambrose. Despite that, I don't think Nate fully understands that Ambrose doesn't like him. His response to some ckmment about his manners would probably just elicit a sort of incredulous "Well I don't know who would be charging for manners." But yeah, Ambrose and Nate are just operating on completely different wavelengths... and honestly, I'm excited to see the interactions as a result. I think there's room for either some good tension or comedic relief in how they interact in a larger social setting.
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