@Rockette I went ahead and posted my character in the "Character" section. Hopefully that was an OK thing to do? If you need me to change anything, certainly let me know. I'll be happy to do it.
Luc is a tall, imposing man. His back and shoulders form a deep “V” to his cut waist, and slabs of muscle are layered atop his otherwise athletic frame. His hands and forearms are wide and broad, and he effects the comparison to a stately tree that has had to withstand its share of gale-force wind. Yet, in spite of his rather beastlike build, his demeanor is softened with a handsome face, cool blue eyes, and an almost ever-present smile.
Dark, well-kempt hair remains thick atop his head. Often as not, a comma curls across his left eyebrow, and he is easily spied absentmindedly blowing it from his gaze. When on his own time, Luc is usually seen wearing comfortably ragged t-shirts and shorts. He prefers bare feet to any shoe wear, though when he must cover his soles with something, well-worn leather sandals are his preference.
♠ personality.
Luc can best be described as a pleasant soul. He is quick to kindness, and even quicker to optimism. There is a silver lining to ever situation in his mind. Though, he is prudent enough to know that such feelings should not be voiced in every instance, lest he be perceived as foolish or insensitive to those around him. When there is light to be brought to gloom, however, Luc is often the first to shine it upon his friends.
Humor is not his first instinct, at least not humor brought about from his own lips. Luc is quick to mirth, however, especially when he perceives that it will brighten the mood of another. This trait often lends itself to being a deep listener, and a contemplator. There is little he prides himself in more than his ability to become a confidant for even the barest of strangers. To his detriment at times, Luc is quick to trust and keep faith. When looked at in a negative vantage, his personality could be viewed as almost childishly determined to see the good in the world.
He is equally comfortable both alone, and in the company of others. Luc does not always actively seek companionship, though he certainly does not spurn it. Again, his desire to interact with his peers is often a product of his perceived ability to help or aid another in some way. When in combat, this desire to better or “save” others translates instantly into fervent protectiveness. Luc’s general state is one of calm and happiness, but in the throes of battle his focus shifts to a mentality of “Peace and longevity through superior violence.”
♠ biography/background.
Fate was kind to Luc Watkins. Born into an upper-middle class family as an only child, Luc had the blessings of such a beginning showered upon him from his first breath. His lot in life could have easily steered his demeanor to one of selfishness, greed, and entitlement. Yet, he was also fortunate to have a family that forged into him a kind heart, a selfless drive, and a protective nature.
From his youth, Luc was active both physically and mentally, striving to make his parents proud of their only progeny. He succeeded in academia, athletics, and in work. Every possible thing in Luc’s life seemed to be steering him to a life of prosperity and greatness. It was the life his parents had intended for him to have—the greatest gift they thought they could offer. This gift, while valued deeply by Luc, quickly lost its luster however. Monotony came in the form of his perfect, cookie-cutter life, until Luc found himself feeling an almost physical void well within him every morning when he awoke. The greatness defined by his parents had not become the same greatness for which he truly yearned.
It was this void that spurned Luc’s decision to drastically alter the course of his destiny. He quit his well-paying job, left his pretty girlfriend, sold most of his belongings, and came to the recruitment centers of SOLDIER bent on finding a place in the world of his own construction. Given his background, intelligence, and physical prowess, SOLDIER selected him for duty almost immediately.
♠ weapons.
Luc goes into combat with a large rectangular shield, as well as a heavy warhammer. The shield is bolted mechanically to the forearm of his left gauntlet, and is detachable and plantible into most common earthen surfaces. This allows Luc to supply cover for himself or others, while also freeing up his body for swifter movement and deadlier hammer strikes. Given his loadout, Luc’s movements are slower and more deliberate than most of his compatriots’. ARMOR
♠ skillset.
-Heavy hitter -High fortitude -Perceptive
♠ ability
Luc is able to control the movement of his shield via telekinesis. He can move it to defend an individual or object, as well as utilize it as a minor offensive weapon.
White + Green┊ Protective, Fortifying Arcteryah is an Aeon best described as an alabaster anvil, and the hulking avatar of hope. His being is one of stony fortitude, protective zeal, belied with an organic twist of tree-like roots that encompass much of his form. White across his whole body, Arcteryah embodies an almost singular message and mission; protect and defend those worthy of life, love, and happiness.
♠ limit/overdrive.
Dauntless Reprieve An array of super-hard obelisks of white stone erupt from the earth. This eruption can come to encircle a friend, for the means of soaking up massive amounts of abuse in lieu of the intended target. Or, it can be utilized to engulf an enemy, pulverizing the being between the sliding spires of alabaster rock.
@AmongHeroes - I'm thrilled we captured your interest, your potential addition would level out the field. We have conducted our first battle and are working into the aftermath. I'm at work, for the moment, but I'll answer any questions you may have as I'm able. As I'm moving the story along here in my posts, we can easily work in your character for the next round.
Thanks for the quick reply! I'll get to work on a character right away.
I've been working my way through the IC and existing Characters. Is there any type/style of character that is needed by the group? Or shall I go about doing my own thing?
@Rockette This RP looks wonderfully interesting. I see that the "Join Status" still says "Apply". However, I wanted to ask if you were still truly looking for new players?
@Eru Iluvatar-On your sheet, I noticed you described your fortification in detail. Am I also allowed to basically "create" my stronghold's features? I wasn't sure how much control the individual players had in that respect.
Stronghold: Caran Little alteration has been done specifically to the fortifications of Caran since the end of the War of the Ring. The warband of Raugz Sorr has begun digging several irrigation canals on the western side of the river Caraduin, just north of the river’s entrance through the stronghold. These canals are intended to service the newly planted crops on the western banks of the river. Yet, the canals also serve a dual purpose. If attackers should approach Caran from the west, the floodgates of the stronghold can be closed, resulting in flooding along the canals and the fields they irrigate.
Commander: Nakgu the Hammer A Black Uruk born of Mordor, Nakgu is an accomplished Warg rider, tactician, and warrior. He is slightly larger than most Black Uruks, standing just over 6’ in height, making his appearance more akin to the Uruk-hai of Isengard. His skin is dark and mottled, and his hair is shaved into a long mohawk, braided into dreadlocks. In combat he wears only black leather trousers, heavy woven leather boots, and a modified Uruk berserker helm. His main weapon is a large, spiked war-hammer named Goltur. As a secondary weapon, Nakgu carries a dagger fashioned at the small of his back. He also rides a gray Warg named Krual.
Description: Nakgu escaped the fate suffered by many of his brethren by having been located south of Nargroth when Barad-dûr fell. An excellent Warg rider and handler, Nakgu and several other Uruks had been sent towards Thaurband to gather the remaining orc bands garrisoned there to bolster the forces of Mordor against the advancing armies of men following the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
At the time of Sauron’s destruction, Nakgu and his newly marshaled band of orcs were just departing for Udun. Without the Dark Lord, Nakgu knew that the time of orc unification within Mordor was over, and that survival was to be found in the vacuum of power that remained. Seizing his opportunity, Nakgu utilized inspiration, subterfuge, and fear to lead his band to the stronghold of Caran. Arriving there, Nakgu lead his band against the small garrison of orcs, goblins, and men that yet remained. The battle that ensued was short, with many of the garrisoned orcs surrendering to Nakgu and his newly formed warband, Raugz Sorr.
In the aftermath, Nakgu declared Caran the seat of his power, and set out to improve Raugz Sorr’s disposition therein. With the plains of southern Lithlad at their fingertips, Nakgu ordered the planting of crops along the banks of the Caraduin river, as well as the construction of several prominent irrigation canals on the western shore.
Organization: Raugz Sorr is divided into four main bodies, with each of these being controlled by one of Nakgu’s trusted Uruk lieutenants. These lieutenants form a small council of advisers, known as the Oborr, which meet regularly with Nakgu to decide matters facing the warband.
-Kalors (Warg cavalry): Headed by Nakgu’s right hand, the Uruk, Xuag. The Kalors are a small unit of Warg riders that are mainly used as outriders and scouts to defend Raugz Sorr territory when not deployed in open combat.
-Ushtar (Army): Headed by the Uruk, Kurdan. The Ushtar is the main body of the Raugz Sorr. It is comprised of a small group of Uruk, as well as traditional orc units of swordsmen, pikemen, and archers.
-Girmus (Scouts): Headed by the Uruk, Woglug. Used as skirmishers and scouts, the Girmus assist in the protection of Raugz Sorr held lands. In combat, the Girmus is utilized to harass and gather information on enemy movements and dispositions.
-Nudertog (Civic corp): Headed by the Uruk, Silge. The Nudertog comprises the non-military arm of the Raugz Sorr. It is made up of slaves, and their handlers, as well as any orcs unfit for combat. The Nudertog is used to build structures, repair fortifications, farm, and handle any other labor tasking not given to the rest of the warband.
Resources: WIP
Agenda and Concerns: The lands held by Caran hold promise in the form of agriculture. With its location at the intersection of the river Caranduin and the Sea of Nurnen, Raugz Sorr is in possession of vast stores of fresh water. While the flow of the river has been tainted by the eruption of Mount Doom, construction still proceeds apace on the irrigation canals necessary to facilitate viable crops. The securing of a consistent supply of food and water is Raugz Sorr’s primary goal following the fall of Sauron.
Resource Allocation: Wargs: 4 Points (20 total Wargs) Uruk: 2 Points (≈200 Uruk) Orcish Chirurgeons: 2 Points (2 Teams) Goblin Slaves: 1 Point (≈125) Human Slaves: 1 Point (≈200)
Deep Space Mining Controller Ship Torr Supernova Remnant-Alpha (SR-Alpha)
“What’s the status of the point matrix shields?” Barked Commander Nym Orym-Bialaer.
The radiological warning alarms on the bridge of the colossal Torr were beeping in ‘precautionary’ mode, signaling to the crew that radiation levels were nearing action stage. It was over this beeping that the shields specialist had to raise her voice.
“Energy spectrum is fluctuating sporadically. The atomic shield matrices is meandering through safe ranges, and then falling at erratic intervals.” The shields specialist turned to look at her commander. Her lupine eyes showed fear.
“If we don’t stabilize the energy input into the matrix, we’ll be annihilated by the radiation, sir.”
Nym’s canines clacked together in grim frustration. Ever since the Torr had arrived in SR-Alpha, on the heels of the VUR’s historic prospecting expedition, chaos had reigned. The harsh conditions of the supernova remnant were picking apart the ships that had departed to uncover the wondrous riches held within the star’s ethereal corpse. Waves of deadly radiation of nearly every spectrum bombarded the fleet constantly, acting like the waters of some angry sea, eating away at the sandy monuments of Valeth engineering.
Seven ships had already been lost, their crews cooked alive within the fleshy confines of their own fur. While the Valeth vessels were equipped with advanced, responsive shielding, never before had any such system been tested to the rigors experienced within SR-Alpha. The new capital ships of the 5th Fleet fared better than their merchant counterparts, having been recently constructed with the most cutting-edge shielding technology known to the VUR. Yet, even the navy struggled in this place of beautiful perdition.
The Torr was a large vessel, with nearly the bulk of a small station. She had been commissioned for the sole purpose of establishing forward operating bases for deep space mining. Built with the combined capital of the wealthiest private space conglomerate in all of the VUR, the Torr was an engineering marvel. It was deployed only to the most lucrative and promising regions of space, and following the findings of the prospecting expedition, SR-Alpha was a veritable treasure trove. So much so, that the very real danger of losing the Torr—not to mention the rest of the expedition fleet—was a worthwhile risk for the shareholders to take. At the moment, none of that mattered at all to Commander Nym Orym-Bialaer.
A sudden flash of inspiration came over the aged Valeth, and his amber eyes widened in an almost child-like aura of hope. He spun on his heels, his tail whipping behind him, until he faced another of his bridge crew.
“Give me a full sensor buoy cloud! Set the hold-range at one klick from our center mass.”
As he spoke, Nym stalked across the bridge. His clawed hands clapped down on the shoulders of the technician that was working feverishly at his control panel to comply with his commander’s orders. In mere seconds, a light shudder, accompanied by faint pop-hisses, echoed through the hull. Looking up, Nym watched through the bridge screen as hundreds of individual sensor buoys hurtled outward from the Torr, moving away like a cloud of protective insects hovering around their host.
“Buoy cloud deployed, sir!”
“Very good. Set the buoys’ sensor axes to project outward from the Torr, and have them feed their radiological readings to the shield controller module. Make the shield matrix adjust preemptively in conjunction with this data.”
The technician that launched the buoys cracked an expectant, though still nervous, grin as he caught on to what his commanding officer was trying to achieve.
“Parameters set, sir. It will take a few moments for the shields to initially respond to the new inputs.”
An unusual silence fell across the bridge of the Torr. Harried Valeth eyes peered around them, as if they could somehow see the ship that encompassed them working to save itself from utter destruction. Nym himself did the same. His ears were pricked upward, listening to the incessant beep of the radiological alarm, the faint hum of the tachyon core, and the communal breath of hundreds of his crew.
After what seemed like an eternity, the beep of the alarm suddenly ceased. Crew members turned to their consoles in stunned and relieved surprise.
“The shield matrix energy spectrum is stabilizing, Commander!” The shielding specialist called. “We’ve returned to normal energy compensation rates, and radiation is dropping.”
Nym nodded and sighed, his head hanging between his shoulders in exhausted relief. “Very well. Hail Captain Esta-Athobus of the VRS Venture Star. We need to get this tactic disseminated to the rest of the fleet as soon as possible."