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[imga=right]http://i.imgur.com/oR9AsCx.png[/imga]
[CENTER][SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Name[/B][/COLOR]
Vhallinian Gale
(Vhallin)[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Gender[/B][/COLOR]
Male[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Age[/B][/COLOR]
29[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Race[/B][/COLOR]
Tiefling[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Class[/B][/COLOR]
Ranger[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Height[/B][/COLOR]
6'2"[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=5][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Weight[/B][/COLOR]
223 lbs[/FONT][/SIZE]
[/CENTER]
[stabs=bcenter|110%]
{slide=Appearance and Personality|center}
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Appearance:[/B][/COLOR]
The first impression many get from Vhallin is one of intimidation, and not without reason. Tall, broad, and well-muscled, the tiefling hardly needs any help in making himself seem imposing; add to his physique two sets of pointed horns, a long, sinuous tail, and elongated canines that could be the envy of any vampire legend, and the man is downright frightening. To most, anyway. If one were to put those eccentricities and pointed ears aside, however, Vhallin looks largely human. His complexion is tanned from his time spent outdoors, offset by bright green eyes and dark auburn hair. While it's often obscured due to clothing, Vhallin has dark reddish brown mottling spanning his shoulders, lower legs, back, and hips, turning to a solid colour near the base of his tail, leaving the appendage to contrast with his otherwise "human" complexion.
Like most whose livelihoods involve weapons and combat, Vhallin wears his share of scars. Most are along his arms and chest, covered by clothing and armor; the most noticeable is a dark, horizontal mark running across his left cheek, long-healed with age. He typically sports leather armor over dark, earth-coloured clothing and is often partially concealed by a dark and rather worn-looking traveling cloak. Fortunately (in Vhallin's opinion) he does not have cloven hooves like some tieflings, though his feet are still elongated in [URL='http://i.imgur.com/Crj4zsS.jpg']digitigrade[/URL] fashion, ending in clawed toes. [SIZE=3](His fingers would also be somewhat clawed, though he makes it a point to keep the nails filed short.)[/SIZE] As such, he wears customized and non-restrictive leather strapping to protect his feet. Leather armor, similar to his chest guard, covers the top portion of the base of his tail.[/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono]He speaks the common language and has a moderate accent. [SIZE=3](Think Northern Ireland)[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Personality:[/B][/COLOR]
In contrast to his formidable appearance, Vhallin is a rather laid-back individual. That's not to say he won't step forward when the need arises, but he is often quiet and unassuming. The best description for his personality would border on "shy," though that trait isn't one people associate with someone of Vhallin's stature. Most social situations find the tiefling feeling a bit awkward and unsure of exactly what to say, so he often remains silent. His silence is often perceived as being too aloof or unconcerned with others, or that he is merely too stupid to understand the situation. Of course, neither of these are true, but Vhallin is seldom bothered enough to correct such assumptions. In fact, Vhallin is remarkably educated for someone of his profession; he was fortunate enough to learn how to read and write, and rather enjoys books-- though he seldom has the opportunity to read them.
Perhaps one of his more dominant personality traits is an innate desire to protect others. Nothing can stir him to action faster than a threat to innocent lives or people he cares for, and he would lay down his own life in exchange for another without a second thought. He harbours a strong dislike for unnecessary loss of life, and tries to refrain from killing whenever possible.
A patient individual, Vhallin is highly tolerant of physical hardships and pain, as well as biting comments and ignorance. He is, however, incredibly difficult to dissuade once he's set his mind to something, and he will pursue a goal with unyielding tenacity.
Vhallin is inherently kind and willing to trust others, but certain events have led him to be far more discerning about the people he opens himself to, and getting him to warm up can take considerable time.
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{/slide}
{slide=Biography|center}
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono]Vhallin's life, like many others, has been one of ups and downs. He has seen the duality of human nature, and has experienced both the kindness and cruelty that derives from it.
Born to a (seemingly) human mother who was unaware of her heritage, Vhallin was not a welcome surprise. Repulsed by her child's inhuman appearance, the woman made to drown the baby-- but found she hadn't the heart. Instead, she took Vhallin into the forest and left him to the mercy of the wilds. Fate smiled upon him, however, and his desperate cries drew the attention of an old man returning from the hunt. Undaunted by the tiefling's appearance, the huntsman took the baby home. Having retired from his job as a guide, the hunter had settled in a small home deep in the words to write about his life and live out his days in peace; but with his wife gone and no children of his own, he was glad of the chance to raise a son.
As Vhallin grew, he learned about the forests and the wild, about animals and monsters alike, and how to live off the land. He learned the art of the bow, how to track and to hunt, to lay traps, and to follow streams and rivers. The old hunter taught him how to navigate by using the stars, and how the world worked in a balance with all things living. Vhallin was at home in the forest, and took to the hunter's teachings with diligent enthusiasm. A sharp mind and steady nature saw him excel in his efforts, turning the boy into a efficient tracker and marksman.
The man also taught the boy to read and to write-- skills the man had wished he'd had in his own youth-- and explained that strength and wisdom should never oppose one another, and that hard work and kindness were the foundation of happiness. And happy the two of them were; father and son brought together by a kind hand of fate.
Fate, however, is a fickle thing.
Shortly after Vhallin's fourteenth year, the sheltered forest home was attacked. A group of mercenaries had traveled through the nearby village and caught wind of the isolated family, falling upon it in the night. In the ensuing struggle, the old hunter was killed and Vhallin bound, beaten, and taken to a city across the sea. He soon learned that the mercenary band received generous payment for the capture of young men and women to be trained for "The Pit." The more promising a candidate, the higher the reward.
"The Pit," as it were, was an underground organization that pitted fighters against one another for the sole purpose of profit. Unlike champions and gladiators that fought for glory or fame in public arenas, pit fighters had no say in their participation of the underground fights. After their "purchase," a fighter was subject to their "proprietor's" whims. Of course, none of the money from fights was ever seen by the fighters. Most led short lives, never seeing more than the outside of the small rooms in which they were forced to train and sleep, and the jeering faces of audiences.
Upon his arrival, a dull sword was pushed into Vhallin's trembling hands, and he was thrown into an arena with nineteen other candidates and given one condition: the last five still living would be trained as combatants and permitted to live.
His large size and quick reflexes ultimately saved him, and would continued to serve him in his following years as a fighter. For several years he let that life break him. While some fighters seemed at peace with the blood on their hands, Vhallin could feel only loathing-- for himself, and for those who had forced him into this new and unwanted life. Some fighters were so horrified by their own actions and those of others that they took their own lives, but the tiefling could never find the strength to end his own suffering. Instead, Vhallin fought back in the only way he could-- by refusing to kills his opponents.
While this was initially poorly received by fighters and proprietors alike, Vhallin had begun to regain a sense of self and slowly encouraged his peers to do the same. Outraged, the proprietors tried to bring an end to the charade by pitting the combatants against one another in a battle royal-- to cull the weak-minded. Instead of fighting one another, however, the combatants turned on the proprietors and audience, cutting down those who had forced them to endure lives of violence and pain, and leaving the city behind them.
Unsure of what to do with himself, Vhallin took odd jobs until he had saved enough to buy equipment that would facilitate a life as a guide. During his five years of enslavement, the need for guides and bodyguards had steadily increased, and he was surprised to find such a demand. Thanks to his rather intimidating appearance, finding work was a remarkably easy feat, and he quickly took to his old teachings once again, wanting to honour his father's work as a hunter.
He has twice returned to the northern land of his birth, though his work sees him mostly on the central continent. His most recent venture has led his across a notice calling for experienced men in women to aid in travel, which he means to accept. [/FONT][/SIZE]
{/slide}
{slide=Class, Weapons, and Skills|center}
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Class Specialization:[/B][/COLOR]
Hunter
[COLOR=#ca5100][B]Weapons:[/B][/COLOR]
[B]Bow[/B]
Vhallin's weapon of choice and the one with which he has the most experience. His favoured bow and the one he usually carries with him is his [URL='http://i.imgur.com/tno4yp9.jpg']longbow[/URL]. His keen eye and steady hand make him an excellent marksman. The weapon is rather plain-looking, but Vhallin has no need for elegance. Due to his size, he is able to use a large bow with a heavy draw weight, making him all the more dangerous a hunter.
[B]Sword[/B]
While Vhallin is proficient with a sword, he prefers not to use it if possible. Unfortunately, not every situation can be handled with a bow, and he carries the [URL='http://i.imgur.com/tgw1NWh.jpg']longsword[/URL] more out of necessity than anything. His preference for a longsword is due to its lighter weight and shorter length than a greatsword. Like his bow, the weapon is quite plain.
[B]Knives[/B]
The twin [URL='http://i.imgur.com/ogFg3dk.jpg']hunting knives[/URL] Vhallin carries are mostly for utility. They have seen tasks from cutting rope and branches, to finishing kills and dressing game. They have also saved him from a few tight situations when swords and bows were impractical. They are the most elaborately designed weapons he carries.
[COLOR=#ca5100][B]Skills:[/B][/COLOR]
[B]Mark Quarry
Tread Softly
Eagle Eye
Rough Terrain
Endure[/B]
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{/slide}
{slide=Strengths and Weaknesses|center}
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Strengths:[/B][/COLOR][/FONT][/SIZE]
[LIST]
[*][U]Survivalist[/U] - at home in the wilderness; he is able to hunt, trap, forage, construct makeshift shelters, and build fires with nothing but what nature provides; he can navigate quite well using the sun and stars.
[*][U]Maneuverability[/U] - despite his size, he's quite agile and the unique design of his legs and feet are all the more helpful in rough terrain; he's an astonishing jumper and climber, and surprisingly acrobatic.
[*][U]Endurance[/U] - capable of extended exertion, especially running; he is also capable of taking some pretty severe beatings and getting back on his feet.
[*][U]Moral Compass[/U] - he's a genuinely kind individual, and will always try to (within his ability) do what he believes is right; loyal.
[/LIST]
[COLOR=#ca5100][B]Weaknesses:[/B][/COLOR]
[LIST]
[*][U]Non-Magic[/U] - he doesn't have a shred of magical ability in him and is forced to compensate with physical effort; somewhat more susceptible to offensive magic, as he has little means of deflecting it.
[*][U]Stubborn[/U] - once he sets his mind to something, it's a hell of a trick to get him to desist, even if it's in his own best interest.
[*][U]Wallflower[/U] - people often perceive him as aloof and unapproachable or too stupid to merit attention; he has about as much charisma as he has magical ability. [SIZE=2]His appearance doesn't help much, either. [/SIZE]
[*][U]Overly Selfless[/U] - will go out of his way to help others, often at great risk to himself; sometimes comes across as though he has a death wish.
[/LIST]
{/slide}
{slide=Misc.|center}
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Pronunciation:[/B][/COLOR]
Vhallinian [vah-LIN-ee-in]
Vhallin [VAL-in] [SIZE=2] the short "a" sound is used[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][FONT=andale mono][COLOR=#ca5100][B]Player:[/B][/COLOR]
OwlFeather
PM friendly/Open to plotting
Credit for art goes to "Warp Zero" on Deviantart [SIZE=3](personal edits have been made)[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE]
{/slide}
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