"I don't think I could even if I tried, anymore. When I look in someones eyes, all I see is myself. Killing them would be killing myself. The part that matters, anyways."
AGE20
GENDERMale
SPECIESHalf-elf
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONGrey's body is lean, taller than average for a human, but shorter than the average elf. His arms and upper body are heavily scarred, with a large line of burnt flesh running diagonally across his chest, shoulder to belly. His eyes are a surprisingly gray color, almost constantly wreathed in dark circles.
SKILLSETIn his time training under Brand of the Nightwood, Grey was taught how to survive in the wild, hunt, and track much like the others. However, Grey never truly picked up on the skills of stealth or tracking. Something about the skills seemed to evade him constantly. Grey is far more adept in his natural empathy -animals find him very approachable, and he is able to connect with other people very well. Ironically enough this rather social talent connects very well to his one true love of close quarters combat. Because of his natural ability to read people, he is a force to be reckoned with in combat, constantly adapting to the fighting style of whomever challenges him.
HISTORYOnce in his life, Grey lived simply. Son of a tavern owner, his morning to night routine was simply ensuring the tavern run smoothly. In his free time, he would read stories and fantasize about the glorious knights who joust and save damsels and protect the kingdom. This was the life he truly desired, the glory he needed. So as he aged, Grey trained on his own, taking a small wooden sword to a straw dummy any time he could. His training consumed his free time, which worried his father to no end. This caused his father, a kind old man by the name of Darall, to tighten the leash on his son and put him on a straighter path.
Some children will respond to restriction by falling into line, but Grey was never one of those children. He rebelled, and on reaching a suitable age, struck off from his father and went to take life by the neck and squeeze. He attempted to join King Harold's army, fascination with glory blinding him from the gory truth of the matter. Upon his attempt, he was not welcomed with open arms, no -the soldiers scoffed at the child wearing over-sized armor who thought himself of their ilk. Grey did not respond well, rather with a fury. With the element of surprise he was able to knock one of the soldiers off of his feet, and proceeded to put his knife through each of their throats. Well, that's how he imagined it going, at least. In reality, he was kicked to the ground, and beaten for what seemed to him like hours.
He awoke in the woods battered and bruised, under the wing of Brand, healing slowly. At first, Grey found himself harsh and abrasive towards the ranger, but quickly warmed up to the man. He soon opened up to his new 'family', and did took Brand's lessons to heart. Though he was very close to the ranger, eventually he felt he had to go off on his own, reclaim his old life. This path lead him to a warpath. Returning to the kingdom only served to remind Grey of the hatred spread by the soldiers, and lead him to hunt them down in their barracks in the dead of night.
Perhaps a rebel uprising in the works, perhaps just a stupid kid with bad timing, maybe even a dragon attack -Grey never did find out how it happened, but the barracks were engulfed in fire on his entrance. He scrambled to complete his task, but was cut short when a flaming support beam fell from the ceiling, pinning him to the ground. He scrambled for his life, clawing at the burnt wood, but to no avail. When his vision faded, Grey was almost certain that his last breath had been breathed. He woke up in an unfamiliar place -a tavern with no idea how he got there. His wounds were almost healed by the time he awoke, and was soon confronted by a large man with grizzled features.
The man, previously an soldier, deserted the army on that night. A twist of fate lead to him crossing Grey's path, and saving him from imminent death. The man cared for Grey, and on learning of his fascination with swordplay, trained the half-elf until his talent bloomed. Their relationship was strong, forged in steel, but so very short lived. The soldier was found one fateful morning, and taken in to be executed. Deserters were not treated well, as it seemed. Grey escaped, just barely, and he often wonders whether or not he only escaped because the soldier sacrificed himself. Since his escape, Grey has lived meagerly, hiding his face -until the death of his adoptive father.
PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILEEmpathetic to a fault, Grey can't help but connect to people. This has lead to what could be considered his greatest strength or greatest weakness -his mercy. After years of hard trials, Grey has come to the decision that taking lives isn't necessary. Conflict can be solved without death, and Grey refuses to kill unless absolutely necessary. Grey is also a social creature -independence doesn't suit him. He instead prefers to surround himself with others. He gets lonely very easily, and has minor abandonment issues from his years of hopping from one parental figure to the next. Though he believes in that which is just, and fights for that which he believes is right, Grey is still tied very heavily to his vices. He cannot stand being separate from his drink, and also fights wrath at almost every turn. He tries his very best to stay calm, but often seeks outlets on which to release his pent up aggression. In this aggression, he has a penchant for rash, quick decision making. To cover and dilute his rage, Grey often turns to a playful sense of humor in the hopes that wisecracking will keep his will from cracking.
EQUIPMENT- Armor- Beneath his robes, Grey wears thick leather armor. The armor covers his legs from hips to feet, and his arms from the shoulder down to his fingers, leaving only his face and chest bare. The knuckles of his glove have metal studs embedded within. Steel lines his forearms beneath the leather, as well as his lower legs.
- Jael- Grey carries at all times a heavy metal rod, about fifteen inches in length. Generally used as a backup weapon, or in tandem with Zarall
- Zarall- A simple shortsword with a dull blade, large crossguard, and heavy hilt. Used in combat almost exclusively to disarm enemies
- Hatchet- A tool used for survival and various cutting needs. Small, with a sharp blade
- Survival Supplies- Various survival tools such as flint and steel, small sections of rope, strips of cloth, et cetera, are stashed within the many pockets and pouches that adorn Grey's cloak
- Liquid Courage- A mite dependent, Grey keeps a steel flask at his hips at all times, filled to the brim with a sweet smelling alcohol.
YES, AND...Grey has always seen Ashira as a close friend. Their relationship revels in their sheer differences, compliments to each other in more ways than not. Though Grey often teases at her cautious behavior, he truly cares for her just as much as the rest of the family, possibly more. Problems with past abandonment has lead him to see himself as a protector, especially to his emotional 'sister'. Despite being the same age, Grey has taken on the role of big brother, and takes pride in it.