Name: Quinn
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Species: Elf
Physical Description:
Quinn stands at a lanky five feet, seven inches with a toned, athletic build. He has black close cropped hair and brown almond shaped eyes, accompanied by a sharp jaw line ending in a pointed, hairless chin. For clothing, he has two outfits: a travel and casual setup. For travel, Quinn dons a dark green, hooded cloak over a charcoal surcoat (usually with hood pulled forward to cover the distinctive pointed ears) grey short sleeved shirt, and black slacks. The cloak has various slits cut into the fabric that allows his weapon harness to be strapped on. Casually, he wears a light blue tunic and black slacks. At all times the elf wears brown soft boots and leather fingerless gauntlets. When combat is assured, Quinn dons a metal breastplate or chainmail when available.
Skillset:
Brand of the Nightwood instilled in Quinn an innate will to live. This shows in the ranger's tactics and selection of clothing. The elf's style of close combat is at all times a combination of human adaptation and elven tradition: engaging the enemy with unflappable poise and surprising improvisation. From Brand, Quinn learned the skills necessary to move quietly, track and hunt his quarry, as well as adjust to whatever situation he found himself in. He is an impressive shot, skill born from constant drilling under Brand's tutelage. Additionally, whenever Quinn found himself on the receiving end of a crowd, a quick tune on the panpipe usually appeases long enough for professional help to arrive. While not particularly experienced in magic, the young elf has received rudimentary training in the art. He can reliably perform some basic cantrips though it would be years before any real skill manifested.
History:
Quinn's birth to elven parents was marred by their farm's destruction by marauders. In desperation, the dying father left his infant son as well as his family's weapon on the borders of Bosfyrd, in the hopes of a better life. Brand of the Nightwood took the child in and named him in the manner of men. Without that initial aid and care, Quinn would have surely perished due to exposure or worse still. What followed were years of training and growing within Bosfyrd's borders. Brand taught the young elf how to survive, how to defend himself from dangers, and finally how to appreciate what life had to offer. The elf grew to know, love, and rely on his adoptive father and fellow orphans, knowing only that his elven heritage had to be explained at some point. Throughout those years the orphan would ask about his heritage and parents, each time the question gently pushed aside by the woodsman until the age of fifteen. There, while constructing his composite bow, Brand revealed the circumstances of their meeting.
Now armed with the knowledge of what happened Quinn understood why he was being trained. It wasn't for revenge; it was so that he wouldn't share the same fate. He spent the next five years completing his training under Brand and eventually became a hunter and protector of Bosfyrd in his own right. Son and adoptive father frequently went on rangings into the wild, most frequently returning with food but other times with an odd story or two. At the age of twenty-two, Quinn decided it was time to finally see the world find his people. So he took his gear and his leave of Brand and struck out on the road. Before leaving however the grizzled woodsman made one more revelation to his son. A small note, written by Quinn's mother, hidden from the young elf at the parent's letter's request, showed the location of their next of kin. The note went on, instructing Quinn to see and go to his relatives only when he was ready and grown.
Quinn spent five years on the road and with his biological aunt and uncle, Wen and Dirin. There in the elven village of Orayn he was able to reconcile his lost roots. He learned a variety of instruments, was taught the very basic first steps of weaving natural magic together into spells, further honed his hunting and combat skills, and eventually settled into the profession he was most suited for: ranger, protector, and woodsman. It was a second home, learning about the elven people, culture, and customs was a welcome respite from the nagging thought of being without a past. While there, news spread of the Baron's Revolt, though the war thankfully didn't. Quinn remained close the village during this time, more than aware that war breeds an increase in bandit attacks. After the Revolt ended, word reached him detailing Brand's last defense.
Out of duty and more importantly out of love for the man who raised him as his own, Quinn resigned his position as one of Orayn's rangers and made arrangements to return to Bosfyrd. Questions needed to be answered and the other orphans still at Brand's home needed watching over. As he left for home, the elf wondered inwardly if his brothers and sisters would also return.
Psychological Profile:
Quinn's mindset is all about the path of least resistance. This shouldn't be taken as laziness, though. This elf is all about efficiency rather than aestheticism. Perhaps it was Brand's influence early on as Quinn has made it a personal value to always carry himself not just with poise and honor but also with professionalism that belies his trade. When faced with a new problem, he can deduce the correct action but also takes the time to determine alternate routes to victory. Overall, Quinn has a very pleasant and friendly personality, again against the grain of the grizzled ranger stereotype he has found himself grown into. Why appear aloof when you can let others offer their services and save yourself the trouble? These values he gained by learning from Brand and he emulates that giving nature every day. With that being said, by elf standards, Quinn is still a child though his demeanor and experiences might suggest otherwise.
Equipment:
- Shortbow - To better hunt and survive in the wild, Quinn opted for a smaller ranged weapon. Its range and penetrative properties might not be a match for a longbow but its versatility and practicality compensate twice over. It's construction is composite, using yew wood laminated to animal bone.
- Elven Curve Blade "Reaver"- The very same weapon the infant Quinn had in his possession upon being delivered to Brand. To this day, the nimble archer regards it as a family heirloom. When pressed into close quarters Quinn makes use of the two handed weapon's reach, as well as the fluid motions and footwork required to wield it, to his advantage. As a result, the elf looks as if he's dancing, raining blows on the opponent from as many directions as possible.
- Weapon Harness/Quiver, Belt and Pouches - A leather and metal contraption fashioned by Quinn with Brand's help. It is an all in one style setup that allows the archer to retrieve arrows from the quiver extending from his right shoulder and draw the Curve Blade from his left shoulder. A wide strap that crosses his chest from left shoulder to right hip contains various pouches that hold other items. Finally, a belt across Quinn's waist carries a small paring knife for cleaning kills and additional pouches for storage. Two buckles fastens the Harness together, one for keeping the weapon sheathes attached and one more for allowing the quiver to be detached separately.
- Flint and Steel - Kept dry and safe in one of the Harness' pouches.
- Hempen Rope - Fifty feet coiled tightly and stored with Quinn's blanket.
- Whetstone - Kept dry and safe in one of the Harness' pouches.
- Blanket - A thick wool variant for use during the winter usually rolled up and strapped to the Harness when Quinn is on the road.
- Waterskin - Capped via a cork and held aloft using a leather strap over Quinn's right shoulder.
- Panpipe - Wind instrument, carried in a pouch on Quinn's belt. Useful for passing the time or entertaining guests.