Just poppin' in to say that I'm still interested and have started to work on my character.
--- Edit: Here it is:
Name:Paulus Ordo Nobility:No Sex:Male Race:Armenian Age:21 Physical Description: A tall, handsome man standing at 6’, Paulus has a strong body. He has average dark skin and a light layer of facial hair. His round face is dominated by a strong nose, and his eyes green eyes sit under a full head of shaggy hair. Rank:Trooper Magic-Rank:NA Goals/Aspirations: Paulus has an obsession with order, and wishes to give use his talents in the military to protect the land and lifestyle he loves. Personality: Paulus can hold his own in a conversation, only occasionally being seen as stubborn and overzealous about his world view if the topic turns that way. Paulus feels indebted to the nobility, a unique stance for a commoner. Deep down, Paulus cares for the welfare of his peers, but is a little annoyed when they don’t see the nobility the same way he does. Paulus is a very focused individual and doesn’t care much for drink or revelry. He also doesn’t isn’t very interested in finding a bride, believing one would only be a distraction. This makes Paulus a very diligent worker, and he often devotes the energy he would put into socializing or expressing himself into his work; whatever it may be.
Backstory: Paulus’s father fought in the twilight of the American revolution as one of Optimate’s Dragoons. Unfortunately he lost his arm, but by the grace of the Almighty, he was able to return to his family alive and well. After returning home, a young, landed noble took pity on the brave soldier, and saw to it that he was well taken care off. His experiences in the new world left Paulus’s father with a poor opinion of democracy, an opinion only cemented by the generosity of the nobleman. Paulus is the first and only child of his parents, and his father began to teach him from a young age that the structure and power of the Byzantine Empire was ordained by the Lord and to be protected with his life. Starting him at age seven, the families benefactor provided Paulus with a tutor who taught Paulus basic mathematics, science, literature, and combat. This lasted until Paulus was 15 and the Mamluk rebellion began. The conflict destabilized the noble that had kept a kind eye over their family for years, and he was unable to care for them anylonger. Fortunately, Paulus was as an age to begin work, and his able body and work ethic found jobs to support his family, despite the hard times the community was experiencing. While he worked, his body maturing and growing strong, he mused that his troubles all stemmed from peasants in Cairo who were ungrateful to their noble masters and were foolish enough to revolt. (Ignorant that the rebellion was lead by nobility.) Paulus worked many jobs. A number of times he would attempt to become an apprentice, but no master was able to keep him long due to the lack of resources during the war. This ended up benefitting Paulus, as he was a hard worker and was able to learn bits and pieces from many trades. When he wasn’t in contact with a craftsman, Paulus would take on work as a common laborer or a servant. Eventually, the rebellion came to a close and prospects began to look up for the family. Instead of being a happy time for the family, Paulus’s father passed. Paulus took little time to grieve his father,though. He knew that was not what his father would have had his son be preoccupied with grief when he could be serving the nation. Instead, he entrusted his mother in the care of relatives and enlisted to become a member of the imperial army.
@VoiDIt probably needs some improvement as it's a little late here, so feel free to critique it and I'll take a second look in the morning.
Name:Paulus Ordo Nobility:No Sex:Male Race:Armenian Age:21 Physical Description: A tall, handsome man standing at 6’, Paulus has a strong body. He has average dark skin and a light layer of facial hair. His round face is dominated by a strong nose, and his green eyes sit under a full head of shaggy hair. Rank:Trooper Magic-Rank:NA Goals/Aspirations: Paulus has an obsession with order, and wishes to use his talents in the military to protect the land and lifestyle he loves. Personality: Paulus can hold his own in a conversation, only occasionally being seen as stubborn and overzealous about his world view if the topic turns that way. Paulus feels indebted to the nobility, a unique stance for a commoner. Deep down, Paulus cares for the welfare of his peers, but is a little annoyed when they don’t see the nobility the same way he does. Paulus is a very focused individual and doesn’t care much for drink or revelry. He also isn’t very interested in finding a bride, believing one would only be a distraction. This makes Paulus a very diligent worker, and he often devotes the energy he would put into socializing or expressing himself into his work; whatever it may be.
Backstory: Paulus’s father fought in the twilight of the American revolution as one of Optimate’s Dragoons. Unfortunately he lost his arm, but by the grace of the Almighty, he was able to return to his family alive and well. After returning home, a young, landed noble took pity on the brave soldier, and saw to it that he was well taken care of. His experiences in the new world left Paulus’s father with a poor opinion of democracy, an opinion only cemented by the generosity of the nobleman. Paulus is the first and only child of his parents, and his father began to teach him from a young age that the structure and power of the Byzantine Empire was ordained by the Lord and to be protected with his life. Starting him at age seven, the families benefactor provided Paulus with a tutor who taught Paulus basic mathematics, science, literature, and combat. This lasted until Paulus was 15 and the Mamluk rebellion began. The conflict destabilized the noble that had kept a kind eye over their family for years, and he was unable to care for them any longer. Fortunately, Paulus was at an age to begin work, and his able body and work ethic found jobs to support his family, despite the hard times the community was experiencing. While he worked, his body maturing and growing strong, he mused that his troubles all stemmed from peasants in Cairo who were ungrateful to their noble masters and were foolish enough to revolt. (Ignorant that the rebellion was lead by nobility.) Paulus worked many jobs. A number of times he would attempt to become an apprentice, but no master was able to keep him long due to the lack of resources during the war. This ended up benefitting Paulus, as he was a hard worker and was able to learn bits and pieces from many trades. When he wasn’t in contact with a craftsman, Paulus would take on work as a common laborer or a servant. Eventually, the rebellion came to a close and prospects began to look up for the family. Instead of being a happy time for the family, Paulus’s father passed. Paulus took little time to grieve his father,though. He knew that was not what his father would have had his son be preoccupied with grief when he could be serving the nation. Instead, he entrusted his mother in the care of relatives and enlisted to become a member of the imperial army.
Brilliant. I note that, as I read this on a iphone screen, that we’re supposed to be at a training Depot right now?
Yes, RP-wise all characters will start at the Duke Alcaeus' holdings outside Nikomedia -- the Dragoon's mustering grounds and headquarters. If they are a trooper/cornet, they will be trained; otherwise they will help train the other characters. This is to allow everyone an easy character introduction as well as a trial-run of sorts for how I expect the IC's to work. It also allows me to do some world-building, which is nice.
Name: Milos Karras Nobility: Second son of a powerful Greek noble. Sex: Male Race: Greek Age: 19
Physical Description: Milos stands at an imposing six foot five, with short dark brown hair that is always kept at less than an inch in length. His face is completely clean shaven, and he is quite determined to keep it that way. He has a light skin tone with a slight tan. His eyes are a piercing dark green, and often appear to be cold and calculating.
Moving down to the rest of his body, Milos has an above-average physique. While not overwhelmingly strong or muscular, he can still deliver a strong punch or bludgeon a foe with the hilt of his sabre, and is exceptionally agile and light on his feet, quick with both pistol and sword. His uniform is crisp, clean, and well-maintained, following regulations to the letter.
Rank: Lieutenant Magic-Rank: N/A
Goals/Aspirations: As the second son, Milos is not set to inherit the family title, and his only path of advancement is either through business or the army. He has opted for the latter. He has two goals: the first is to rise through the ranks and bring wealth and prestige to his name, and by extension his family. His second goal is to serve the empire and his superiors with loyalty and diligence, but not necessarily without question.
Personality: Milos is not particularly likeable. He is often blunt and critical to both his equals and subordinates. While he shows the required deference to his superiors, he does not carry out their orders with any particular enthusiasm and will often question their plans if he notices what he deems a flaw. He is also a bit of a stickler for the rules. That said, he is loyal: to his superiors, to his friends, and to those who earn his respect. Furthermore, he does not take birth into account when dealing with others. He is courageous and unyielding on the battlefield, but has very few qualms with 'dishonorable' tactics such as pursuing fleeing soldiers or using his environment to gain an unfair advantage.
Backstory: The Karrases are a respectable noble family in Greece. While they are not particularly well-connected, they are exceptionally wealthy, with more than enough money to fulfill their financial obligations to the Empire, maintain their Estates, and enjoy the lavish lifestyle expected of the nobility.
Milos was the third of five children - three brothers and two sisters. He himself was the second son. While many of his siblings were quick to indulge in the privileges and luxuries available for nobles of their station, Milos instead focused on more practical pursuits. He sequestered himself in his family's library, studying history, military tactics, and science. He paid attention and always took an opportunity to learn, whether he was with his father and brothers on a hunting trip or being taught a lesson by his tutors.
Milos's older brother, Atheos, was, in many ways, his opposite. Where Milos was studious and diligent, Atheos was lazy and easily distracted. Where Milos was reserved and distant, Atheos was open and charismatic. This resulted in something of a rivalry between the two - Milos believed himself to be more capable than his brother, and Atheos sensed this, which led him to believe Milos would one day plot against him.
Then there was his younger brother, Nimos, the youngest of the family. Like Milos, Nimos possessed a sharp mind. However, unlike Milos, Nimos was shy and timid, quick to back down and defer to others when challenged. As a result, Milos ended up acting as a protective older brother, and the two formed a close bond.
When he was sixteen, Milos finally brought up his desire to join the army to his father. His father deliberated over the idea for a few days, before finally coming to a decision. Since Milos was the second son, it would come across as rather odd if he was given an officer's commission while the firstborn was not. So, he decided that his two eldest sons would join the army, which Atheos was quick to protest against, but eventually consented - he would not be outdone by his younger brother.
Atheos was given a commission in an infantry regiment, while Milos was sent to the Imperial Dragoons.
Milos's dutiful service, meticulous eye to detail, and commitment to his career eventually caught the notice of his superiors, who approved his promotion after nearly three years as a Cornet. His brother had achieved a promotion as well, just a year earlier, but it was not through merit - he had befriended his superiors and called upon family connections, much to Milos's annoyance. And finally, taking note of the increased tension to the west and suspecting that another war was on the way, their father had decided to buy Nimos a commission as well - in an artillery regiment.
That brings us to today. Milos's father has swore that he will buy no further promotions for his children, which means future advancement must come either through merit or through wealth that they have earned themselves.
@Not Fishing Ey lad, since you'd be at least not completely newbie do you want to work out some common history? Also we don't have a lieutenant as of now so I think you're free to take him.