Summer break is almost over. Back to work/school and all that non-fun stuff.
5
likes
8 mos ago
Summer break is upon me! Woo Hoo! Roleplaying, Warhammer (Age of Sigmar), writing a book, and the gym are my main activities for the next nine weeks.
1
like
2 yrs ago
The dot over a lowercase i and j has a name! It's called a tittle, which is a noun meaning "a tiny amount or part of something". Like the dot over an i or a j.
6
likes
2 yrs ago
Cows don't leave the slaughterhouse, steaks do.
1
like
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 for 50 years. 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 fifteen 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 (Edition 1 & 2). Later editions came out after I quit that game. 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. I love doing this form of role play, especially since I have a solid foundation on the past.
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: None Age: old 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: 17 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' 9-1/2" (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. I am building an army of the Orruk Warclans. I have built and painted over 3200 points worth of miniatures. My son's Stormcast Eternals always seem to get the better of me. 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, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 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: Firefly Second Verse 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:
Taichi had been named Hero of the Prefect five years earlier. Sousuke served as Hero after the death of his friend, Tomichi twenty-one years prior. When Sousuke was an old man, he felt he was no longer capable of carrying on the duties expected of him and requested retirement. His request was granted with honors, returning to the countryside and life of a farmer with his wife. He grew vegetables in a small garden and raised a small number of livestock.
Taichi and Sousuke had a high amount of respect for Kenichi’s father, Tomichi. He was a fair man who took care of the Senshodo he was charged with overseeing. The two Heroes felt his son, Kenichi was a good and honorable warrior. He developed his skills, training with others frequently. They believed one day he had the potential to be named as well, but Taichi was only six years older than Kenichi and may never get the chance unless something terrible happened to Taichi.
The Hero of Cimanu stood 6’ 2” tall, his frame thick with muscle. His cream-colored horns were smooth and thick above his forehead. They both extended nine inches horizontally out to the side of his head then curled up and pointed forward. He enjoyed poking his opponents with a head butt when the opportunity arose. It could be fatal. In fact, the left tip was missing the last three inches from that type of incident. The horns contrasted with his purple skin, black hair, and green eyes. The Honfokun Senshado had a great deal of respect for Kenichi.
“Kenichi, Jeong-Ho, Jeong-gwon, Daku, Gin! Gather around,” Taichi called to five of his warriors. When the group circled him, Taichi told them about the recent events in Bianwei. “I just received word from Seshkyo. There has been a tragedy at the Wan Yue festival. The details are not clear, but it appears emperor Xiao Shang has been assassinated.” Taichi paused to let those words sink in. Jeong-Gwon who was taller even than Taichi with brown skin and black horns curving backward across the top of his head as though they were windswept was visibly taken aback. He was often given to impassioned speeches and displays. It was no surprise the large man would be deeply affected by an emperor he loved.
“We will march at dawn with a hundred Senshodo and a few others. I want you five marching at the front of our column. Say your Goodbyes to your family. I will gather the Honfo to let them know who is coming with us.”
In the morning, four wagons were assembled. A driver and a cook sat on the driver’s board to carry supplies for the soldiers on their march to the capital city of Yongcun. The Senshodo warriors were adorned in armor, carrying their weapons. They said their goodbyes to their family and fell into a formation of three ranks with thirty-three or more people per rank.
Five of the men mounted horses to ride at the head of the column with the four wagons following behind the marching company of soldiers. Two doctors and two of the Seshkyo’s advisors accompanied Taichi and his men to Bianwei.
“Hana, look after the boys. You have Hiroko to help you. I know she is only eleven, but she is wise beyond her years. She reminds me so much of my mother.” Kenichi’s mother, Haruka doted on her children. She was very attentive to their needs and watched them like a hawk. Hiroko is the same way with her brothers Yoshio and Taemon who are only two and three years younger than her.
“The boys don’t seem to mind her orders for now. But I am sure they will stand up to her in a few years.” Hana commented about the children and then turned to her husband. “Kenichi, I want you to promise me that you will come back to your family when you have finished your mission in Yongcun.”
“I shall return, my Lotus Blossom,” Kenichi smiled and kissed his wife goodbye.
As the retinue of Senshodo warriors marches out of the majestic city, they head northeast along the shores of the Sunrise River. “It will be a five-day trek along the Bianwe road,” Taichi addressed the doctors and advisors accompanying him. “We will make camp on the other side of the border with Yongcun. Settle in and enjoy the sights.” Kenichi walked with his Kabuto (helmet) attached to a hook at the back of his armor. He preferred to see where he was walking.
- cloth satchel containing… - food - money (small amount) - water, in a bladder - prayer beads - pipa (Lute) - flint & steel - small white wax candles - other personal items
____________________________________
E Q U I P M E N T
- Uchigatana (74cm / 29 1/8”) - a curved, single-edged blade with a rectangular guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. - Wakizashi (45cm / 17 2/3”) – a shorter version of the Uchigatana sword mentioned above. - Kenichi’s Do plate (cuirass) is solid steel, curved to fit his torso and padded beneath. The Do is steel grey, marred with many scratches from blades scraping across its surface. - His Watagami (shoulder strap / board) are knitted with pockets containing small bars of steel to provide flexibility with the arms. These are colored purple with red tassles. - the Kabuto (helmet) is buried beneath a magnificent plumage of white hair intended to create intimidation within his opponent. - He wears a metallic grey face mask, designed to invoke fear in his enemy. The metallic horns should not be confused with his natural horns covered by the mask. - The Kote (sleeve armor) contains several slender strips of steel stitched together and tied into the red Tekko (hand guards). - Kenichi wears black Hakama (pants) with gold trim. The Hakama are billowy, tied at the ankle into his black tabi (socks), which are padded on the soles. - He wears a purple sash over a purple Haidate (thigh guard) which is made of cloth stitched plates of steel similar to the Watagami.
Kenichi is on the high side of average for the Honfu with a slender yet athletic build. There are plenty of horn folk taller than Kenichi, but more are shorter. A lean muscular physique gives him a wiry appearance, lending to his flexibility. Kenichi has pale white skin drawing out his deep blue eyes. His unkempt white hair appears windswept, but it in such disarray on a day with no wind.
Kenichi dresses in simple black or grey Hitatare (robe) and Hakama when not wearing his armor. The Uchigatana and wakizashi may be seen tucked into his purple sash, which he wears as well when not in armor.
Kenichi proudly displays his broad dark horns which appear to be swept back across the top of his forehead. The tips curl up at the ends. Kenichi prefers to adorn his horns with golden chains mixed with purple, red, blue, green and amber colored beads. He lets the beads dangle off his horns on the sides of his head.
Kenichi was raised at court, his father, Tomichi holding the position of Hero to the Prefect of Karitu. His upbringing was surrounded by the nobility of the court in Cimanu and envoys from the Emperor in Bianwei. Tomichi taught his sons and daughters to value honor above all else. The boy admired his father with devotion.
Kenichi’s mother, Haruka bore five children after his birth, Keiko (34), Hiroka (33), Yoshio (deceased) & Takuma (29). As a child, Kenichi was held responsible for looking after his younger siblings frequently. His mother expected him to keep his sisters and brothers safe from would be malevolents.
As a boy, Kenichi, Yoshio, Takuma and other sons of Senshodo played at being Senshodo. They used wooden bokutō (swords), practicing the art of the sword (Kobudō), pretending to fight some great evil horde. In every encounter the sons of Senshodo overcame their opponent. When the boys were considered old enough, they were allowed to train with the Senshodo to one day fill the shoes of their Senshodo parent.
Also as a boy, Kenichi was interested in learning to play the Pipa (Lute) and studied often. His martial skills always took priority over his music lessons. Somehow Kenichi always managed to continue to practice playing the Pipa and maintains an instrument to this day.
At age 15, the family was overcome by a deadly virus. The seven members of the House of Tomichi sustained feverish chills, body aches, and difficulty breathing. A medicine man visited the house frequently to abate the symptoms. Kenichi suffered for only six days. His two sisters were bed ridden for a week and a half. His mother and younger brother suffered for only four days. But his father and younger brother, Yoshio succumbed to the virus never to breath the fresh air of Karitu again.
After a year of mourning the loss of family members, including a hero of Karitu, Kenichi began training as a Senshodo with the other men of the realm. Do to who his father was, Kenichi was accepted immediately and given the respect he deserved. He fit in well with the others and quickly made a name for himself as an agile and proficient warrior.
At 22 years of age, Kenichi met Hana, an 18 year old Honfokum with light blue skin and white hair like Kenichi. Her amber colored eyes drew Kenichi to her and then they realized a chemistry neither had experienced before. Within two years, the two married and began a family of their own in Cimanu.
By age 30, Kenichi and Hana had three children, Hiroko (11), Yoshio (9) and Taemon (8). Kenichi continues his training as a Senshodo for the prefect of Karitu and is accepted as a proficient warrior of the realm. He left his family at home, traveling to Bianwei for the Wan Yue festivities only to learn of the assassination of the young emperor, Xiao Shang. He is now filled with anger, sadness and frustration over the empire’s loss. He is taking an oath to find his killer.
When Kenichi was a young man/boy, he was confident about his future. The boy was filled with admiration for his father, Tomichi. He looked upon him as a God. The man was very respectful of his children teaching Kenichi and his brothers the ways of Aniyat and the ten divines as well as the Honfokum Senshodo, path of the warrior.
When Tomichi passed away along with his brother Yoshio, Kenichi took on a hardened façade to protect his vulnerability. By the age of 16, he had become tough emotionally, reticent as well as regaining his earlier confidence. If it were not for his quiet demeanor and serious focus, he would be considered arrogant.
The encounter with his young bride, Hana reopened his hear to the possibility of love. He could not subdue the feelings which changed his personality again. He retained the reticence and tough exterior from his teen years, but now acquired a certain social empathy for others. Her love helped to round out the warrior hardened by loss. Her presence in his life completes him; makes him whole.
____________________________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION AND OUTLOOK
Kenichi is bound by Honor and Senshodo to pursue Emperor Shang’s killer. He is devoted to his family and would think twice about putting himself into a position that would jeopardize them. He has left a sizeable fortune to allow Hana and the children to continue if he were to lay down his life in the pursuit of these goals. He values honor and would do nothing to desecrate this quality.
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 for 50 years. 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 fifteen 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 (Edition 1 & 2). Later editions came out after I quit that game. 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. I love doing this form of role play, especially since I have a solid foundation on the past.
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: None
Age: old
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: 17
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' 9-1/2" (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. I am building an army of the Orruk Warclans. I have built and painted over 3200 points worth of miniatures. My son's Stormcast Eternals always seem to get the better of me.
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, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 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: Firefly Second Verse
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 for 50 years. 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 fifteen 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 (Edition 1 & 2). Later editions came out after I quit that game. 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. I love doing this form of role play, especially since I have a solid foundation on the past.<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: None<br>Age: old<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: 17<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' 9-1/2" (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. I am building an army of the Orruk Warclans. I have built and painted over 3200 points worth of miniatures. My son's Stormcast Eternals always seem to get the better of me.<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, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 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: Firefly Second Verse<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>