But for everybody else, how do you want to go about deciding? I could randomly roll to see who gets assigned to room with who, or I could pick pairs based on who wants to be stuck together. Ultimately, depends on what everybody wants to do.
Honestly, from my perspective, I don't think there's any bad choices for rooming up at this point. Very excited to get this started.
Full Name - Nathaniel “Nate” Lothwren Age - 15 Gender - Male Heritage - Eldest son of a minor noble war hawk family Magical Affinity - Fire, capable of producing an aura.
-
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Unyielding Flame Nate's first tutor in swordsmanship used this phrase to describe the boy at the age of seven. Combined with his optimism, this might refer to the boy’s tenacity for getting back up on his feet and tackling a new challenge. However, that tutor saw something behind the boy’s purple eyes that he had only seen in some of the fiercest soldiers and most serious of tacticians: a fiery determination and focus. He tries to soften it with enthusiasm and kindness, but deep down even Nathaniel knows that he is truly obsessed with being the best knight possible. His nights training in sword techniques, and countless hours watching duels and other combatants, have clued in even the most casual of acquaintances that Nathaniel is serious about becoming the best. That serious determination and focus in his eyes also reveals something else about the boy: everyone around him is a set of skills, abilities, and weaknesses. The other boys at the sword schools sometimes couldn't tell if Nathaniel was looking at them or reading them, even when he smiled and called them "friend."
Honorable to a fault While most children desiring to brave into the world of military politics might become cutthroat and crafty in orchestrating their rising through the ranks, Nate had a fundamental virtue emblazoned on his heart from a young age: honor is what makes a knight worthy of service. Nate refuses to resort to cheap tactics, mind games, or political maneuvering to gain an upper hand on his opponents. He believes, wholeheartedly, that he will earn his rank in the upper echelons of knightly society by skill and skill alone. Unfortunately, honor also comes with a reputation. And any who dishonor the name of Nathaniel Lothwren can expect the cadet to do everything in his power to put rumors to bed who is truly deserving of being a knight.
Optimistic / Uplifting While Nathaniel's life has been geared towards achieving an incredibly lofty goal, he is in good spirits about his chances of living a fulfilling life. Nate does not believe in achieving his dream alone: what is a hero if not someone who lifts up everyone around him? Nathaniel Lothwren is very rarely knocked down fully, and there is no obstacle or challenge that can keep him down long. He also refuses to let others be burdened by failure or fail to live up to their potential. He will do everything in his power to lift up those around them, to make them the best they can be. He is a friendly rival, or a reassuring coach, to whoever needs it. If any knights under his watch are underdogs, he will pull them up by their bootstraps for them if push comes to shove. There is a slight arrogance to Nathaniel's uplifting nature. The more he tries to help someone, the more clear it is that he believes that he could be better with your skillset than you are. It's no wonder he doesn't have any close friends.
S K I L L S E T
Tactician’s Eye Nathaniel’s greatest skill has always been his attention to detail, and his ability to piece together patterns. While this has helped him to gain a greater understanding of military history, it is particularly helpful in allowing Nate to break apart an opponent’s fighting style and reverse engineer a counter-strategy. Most of the duels and fights Nathaniel goes into are calculated, and he typically tries to find a way to win before the battle even begins.
Bastard Sword Training Nathaniel shows a knowledge of form and technique that indicates an incredible understanding of the motions involved with a formalized training with a Bastard Sword. He is mostly skilled with formalized "drill" usage of his weapon, but has shown an aptitude for using his sword in single combatant dueling. He isn't as agile or as strong as some of his foes, and this shows in his swordsmanship abilities. He refuses to wield a shield in his off hand, keeping both hands free to maneuver the heavy weapon. He's pretty good for his age, but Nathaniel's chosen weapon of specialization is slightly too big for him to wield elegantly. Hopefully he'll grow into it.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride While Nathaniel prefers to focus on his traditional martial skills, the need arises when dealing with powerful magic users to tap into his own innate magical abilities. Nathaniel is able to channel his aura into small bursts of speed, launching himself forward or into the air. Nathaniel is only able to use his aura in short bursts, and it leaves him drains a lot of his stamina with each use. Whenever used, fire trails off of his body and weapon.
Physical Description
Nathaniel Lothwren isn’t much to look at from a first glance. He is a bit tall for his age, and has a lean-muscular build. He keeps his hair short, to avoid it from becoming a nuisance in battle or a potential weakness. His features are a bit sharp in the right light, though a nearly ever-present soft smile helps to smooth away the edges. The most notable feature is noticed when Nathaniel looks in someone’s direction: his irises have a purple hue. It’s subtle enough to be mistaken as blue, but is markedly distinct when viewed in better lighting. Beyond just the color of his eyes, there is an intense focus placed on anything Nate looks at that is remarkably clear on closer examination.
As for his clothes, all of Nathaniel’s limited wardrobe is remarkably well crafted. He is almost always seen wearing fair riding clothes, fine pants, and a blue tunic of fine quality. He sinches his outfit together with belts and straps to ensure everything stays firm, especially before going into combat. His ensemble, once viewed when he is in the height of combat, is also purely utilitarian. His gloves reduce wear on his hands, with bracers designed to hold the gloves in place. Belts and straps keep the tunic loose around joints and his hips without any fear of the clothing sliding or restricting in such a way as to limit mobility. And, of course, Nathaniel is often not seen without his trusty “Sword and a half” Bastard Sword either strapped to his back or held in hand whenever training or duels are at hand. The scabbard for the blade is old and worn leather, whereas the sword itself seems to be in remarkably pristine condition.
Character Conceptualization
Nathaniel Lothwren's birth was deemed important by the falling of three stars in the Southwestern sky, piercing through the sword of Chironis... at least, that's what some sage told his mother. The last time stars fell in this pattern was years and years ago, when one of his forefathers was born: a forefather who was a founding knight serving alongside Arbert Grayle. Back when heroes walked the realm. The meaning of this sign was clear: Nathaniel was born with the rare gift of being able to project a magical aura. Nathaniel's father, whom the boy refuses to name, took this as a sign that his son was meant to surpass him. And thus, the boy's future was set.
As soon as Nathaniel could walk, he was taught to run. As soon as he was able to comprehend language, he was told his destiny by his father: to become a knight to rival the heroes of old. As soon as the boy could stand on his own two feet and hold a sword, he underwent formal drills. He was given access to some of the greatest sword instructors in all of Grandor, and some from outside Grayle proper. Mages also did their best to instruct the boy, and teach him to control his aura. Beyond even just that, they taught him the nature of combative magic. While not versed in incantations for his personal use, Nathaniel has been taught on instinct what spells to expect to be used against him. When time allowed, Nathaniel's father would draw up mock battles in the study and teach the boy military history. The boy would absorb his father's musings on tactical failures of the past, and over time the boy began to be able to notice strategic flaws all his own. His two younger brothers were not given the same focus, the same singular attention that Nathaniel was. They were only a year and a half and three years younger than himself. They were not neglected, not by any means. They were instead taught alternative lessons: instructed on how to be proper young men, educated and able to command principles of academics and business. They were molded for court, and to be proper nobles. Nathaniel was made for the battlefield.
By the time the boy was 10, even Nathaniel's father recognized a need for socialization. He had drilled the boy in principles of honor, of always fighting fair even in the face of cunning and ruthlessness. But the boy needed to put it into practice. So, the boy was sent off to various sword schools, for a few months at a time. He displayed a great prowess for wielding a blade, and had grown to favor wielding a specific type of broadsword: a bastard sword. Nathaniel had learned proficiency in switching the hand he wielded the sword with. He would quickly work his way to the top of the class, and was met with jealousy by the other students. He was bullied and harrassed, and yet Nathaniel's resolve was strong. He would accept whatever scorn was cast his way, and never rose to true anger. That was reserved for those who fought dishonorably and outside of the rules. Those who lacked skill and prowess, and resorted to cheap shots and dirty tricks. They were nothing but cowards, mere rats clawing desperately for survival. Nathaniel reserved his ire for these students, and would systematically tarnish their spirits in sparring matches.
That is not to say Nathaniel did not make friends at these schools. The boy with purple eyes earned respect by those who were less skilled and in desperate desire to learn. While it was breaking the rules, Nathaniel would sneak out of the rooms at night many a time with those who desired to squeeze in extra practice by moonlight. Nathaniel would give pointers and suggestions, even in the midst of sparring, with those who were not as skilled as Nathaniel. And by the time Nathaniel left each sword school, his genuine care for those around him was the most notable absence.
Of course, it seems that Nathaniel would be a shoe in for placing as a respectable knight. He passed the preliminary trials offered to noble families, and was slated to duel a mere Baker's boy. Nathaniel took it as a chance to show off his skills against an unknown opponent. Despite all of the training he had, Nathaniel was not expecting one thing: pocket sand. A cheap trick blinded him, and Nathaniel was on his back pinned down and disarmed as he was coughing and furiously trying to blink out the rough sand. In his first truly public duel and display, Nathaniel Lothwren was dishonored and made a laughing stock. While he tries to be all smiles, there is a deep well of ambition and desire to challenge that opponent to a proper duel.
One of these days, Nathaniel will get his rematch with Julian Baker. And when that time comes, he is not going to hold back.
Other Information
There is gossip and mystery surrounding Nathaniel Lothwren by those who come from more well established noble families. The rumor is there is no Lothwren child by the name of Nathaniel, and that the boy is disguising his familial ties.
Another rumor hints that despite Nathaniel’s poor performance during the open spar, notable knights have still taken an interest in the boy’s career as a cadet.
Well, for all the chatter in the OOC, we're only at 7 or so submitted character sheets, which is still within Fey's tolerance. Though once we surpass that range, I'm sure the cull will begin.
I think there are a few people who expressed interest still who haven't posted anything. Might be a small influx once the weekend rolls around and people have a little more time to get a CS wrapped up?
Regardless, it's a good crowd of characters so far.
@webboysurf I think Nathaniel's an excellent addition! As far as any critiques go, the only thing I'd personally suggest is maybe adding a flaw or two, or pointing out the negative aspects of his established traits. You did that with his "honorable to a fault" trait, but aside from that and maybe the implication that he holds grudges (which is still pretty tame since there's no malice in it) most of his backstory is about all the positive skills and abilities that were taught to him, and there's not much mention of the things he can't do or isn't much good at. There's an element of bittersweet in the parts about him being "meant" for the battlefield as opposed to his brothers--has he ever stopped to consider what his life COULD be like if he CHOSE to do something else? Of course, that particular thing could feature more in the RP itself as he develops, rather than being openly stated.
You're absolutely correct. I gutted some of the initial flaws and reworked the character yesterday, and just completely missed adding new flaws back in. Won't have a chance to update the sheet until tonight. But thank you for the input, another set of eyes really helps.
EDIT: Went in and gave each personality trait a slight flaw and twist. Had just enough time before my shift starts. Might flesh those flaws out a bit more in the CS, or wait until the RP if he's accepted to flesh out what that all means for how he acts.
Could really use some feedback on this. This is my first go around of the character. Might have to trim and refine some of this back.
EDIT: Updated age, personality traits, and skills to better reflect the character concept.
_______________________________________________
P E R S O N A L D E T A I L S
Full Name - Nathaniel “Nate” Lothwren Age - 15 Gender - Male Heritage - Eldest son of a minor noble war hawk family Magical Affinity - Fire, capable of producing an aura.
-
P E R S O N A L I T Y
Unyielding Flame Nate's first tutor in swordsmanship used this phrase to describe the boy at the age of seven. Combined with his optimism, this might refer to the boy’s tenacity for getting back up on his feet and tackling a new challenge. However, that tutor saw something behind the boy’s purple eyes that he had only seen in some of the fiercest soldiers and most serious of tacticians: a fiery determination and focus. He tries to soften it with enthusiasm and kindness, but deep down even Nathaniel knows that he is truly obsessed with being the best knight possible. His nights training in sword techniques, and countless hours watching duels and other combatants, have clued in even the most casual of acquaintances that Nathaniel is serious about becoming the best. That serious determination and focus in his eyes also reveals something else about the boy: everyone around him is a set of skills, abilities, and weaknesses. The other boys at the sword schools sometimes couldn't tell if Nathaniel was looking at them or reading them, even when he smiled and called them "friend."
Honorable to a fault While most children desiring to brave into the world of military politics might become cutthroat and crafty in orchestrating their rising through the ranks, Nate had a fundamental virtue emblazoned on his heart from a young age: honor is what makes a knight worthy of service. Nate refuses to resort to cheap tactics, mind games, or political maneuvering to gain an upper hand on his opponents. He believes, wholeheartedly, that he will earn his rank in the upper echelons of knightly society by skill and skill alone. Unfortunately, honor also comes with a reputation. And any who dishonor the name of Nathaniel Lothwren can expect the cadet to do everything in his power to put rumors to bed who is truly deserving of being a knight.
Optimistic / Uplifting While Nathaniel's life has been geared towards achieving an incredibly lofty goal, he is in good spirits about his chances of living a fulfilling life. Nate does not believe in achieving his dream alone: what is a hero if not someone who lifts up everyone around him? Nathaniel Lothwren is very rarely knocked down fully, and there is no obstacle or challenge that can keep him down long. He also refuses to let others be burdened by failure or fail to live up to their potential. He will do everything in his power to lift up those around them, to make them the best they can be. He is a friendly rival, or a reassuring coach, to whoever needs it. If any knights under his watch are underdogs, he will pull them up by their bootstraps for them if push comes to shove. There is a slight arrogance to Nathaniel's uplifting nature. The more he tries to help someone, the more clear it is that he believes that he could be better with your skillset than you are. It's no wonder he doesn't have any close friends.
S K I L L S E T
Tactician’s Eye Nathaniel’s greatest skill has always been his attention to detail, and his ability to piece together patterns. While this has helped him to gain a greater understanding of military history, it is particularly helpful in allowing Nate to break apart an opponent’s fighting style and reverse engineer a counter-strategy. Most of the duels and fights Nathaniel goes into are calculated, and he typically tries to find a way to win before the battle even begins.
Bastard Sword Training Nathaniel shows a knowledge of form and technique that indicates an incredible understanding of the motions involved with a formalized training with a Bastard Sword. He is mostly skilled with formalized "drill" usage of his weapon, but has shown an aptitude for using his sword in single combatant dueling. He isn't as agile or as strong as some of his foes, and this shows in his swordsmanship abilities. He refuses to wield a shield in his off hand, keeping both hands free to maneuver the heavy weapon. He's pretty good for his age, but Nathaniel's chosen weapon of specialization is slightly too big for him to wield elegantly. Hopefully he'll grow into it.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride While Nathaniel prefers to focus on his traditional martial skills, the need arises when dealing with powerful magic users to tap into his own innate magical abilities. Nathaniel is able to channel his aura into small bursts of speed, launching himself forward or into the air. Nathaniel is only able to use his aura in short bursts, and it leaves him drains a lot of his stamina with each use. Whenever used, fire trails off of his body and weapon.
Physical Description
Nathaniel Lothwren isn’t much to look at from a first glance. He is a bit tall for his age, and has a lean-muscular build. He keeps his hair short, to avoid it from becoming a nuisance in battle or a potential weakness. His features are a bit sharp in the right light, though a nearly ever-present soft smile helps to smooth away the edges. The most notable feature is noticed when Nathaniel looks in someone’s direction: his irises have a purple hue. It’s subtle enough to be mistaken as blue, but is markedly distinct when viewed in better lighting. Beyond just the color of his eyes, there is an intense focus placed on anything Nate looks at that is remarkably clear on closer examination.
As for his clothes, all of Nathaniel’s limited wardrobe is remarkably well crafted. He is almost always seen wearing fair riding clothes, fine pants, and a blue tunic of fine quality. He sinches his outfit together with belts and straps to ensure everything stays firm, especially before going into combat. His ensemble, once viewed when he is in the height of combat, is also purely utilitarian. His gloves reduce wear on his hands, with bracers designed to hold the gloves in place. Belts and straps keep the tunic loose around joints and his hips without any fear of the clothing sliding or restricting in such a way as to limit mobility. And, of course, Nathaniel is often not seen without his trusty “Sword and a half” Bastard Sword either strapped to his back or held in hand whenever training or duels are at hand. The scabbard for the blade is old and worn leather, whereas the sword itself seems to be in remarkably pristine condition.
Character Conceptualization
Nathaniel Lothwren's birth was deemed important by the falling of three stars in the Southwestern sky, piercing through the sword of Chironis... at least, that's what some sage told his mother. The last time stars fell in this pattern was years and years ago, when one of his forefathers was born: a forefather who was a founding knight serving alongside Arbert Grayle. Back when heroes walked the realm. The meaning of this sign was clear: Nathaniel was born with the rare gift of being able to project a magical aura. Nathaniel's father, whom the boy refuses to name, took this as a sign that his son was meant to surpass him. And thus, the boy's future was set.
As soon as Nathaniel could walk, he was taught to run. As soon as he was able to comprehend language, he was told his destiny by his father: to become a knight to rival the heroes of old. As soon as the boy could stand on his own two feet and hold a sword, he underwent formal drills. He was given access to some of the greatest sword instructors in all of Grandor, and some from outside Grayle proper. Mages also did their best to instruct the boy, and teach him to control his aura. Beyond even just that, they taught him the nature of combative magic. While not versed in incantations for his personal use, Nathaniel has been taught on instinct what spells to expect to be used against him. When time allowed, Nathaniel's father would draw up mock battles in the study and teach the boy military history. The boy would absorb his father's musings on tactical failures of the past, and over time the boy began to be able to notice strategic flaws all his own. His two younger brothers were not given the same focus, the same singular attention that Nathaniel was. They were only a year and a half and three years younger than himself. They were not neglected, not by any means. They were instead taught alternative lessons: instructed on how to be proper young men, educated and able to command principles of academics and business. They were molded for court, and to be proper nobles. Nathaniel was made for the battlefield.
By the time the boy was 10, even Nathaniel's father recognized a need for socialization. He had drilled the boy in principles of honor, of always fighting fair even in the face of cunning and ruthlessness. But the boy needed to put it into practice. So, the boy was sent off to various sword schools, for a few months at a time. He displayed a great prowess for wielding a blade, and had grown to favor wielding a specific type of broadsword: a bastard sword. Nathaniel had learned proficiency in switching the hand he wielded the sword with. He would quickly work his way to the top of the class, and was met with jealousy by the other students. He was bullied and harrassed, and yet Nathaniel's resolve was strong. He would accept whatever scorn was cast his way, and never rose to true anger. That was reserved for those who fought dishonorably and outside of the rules. Those who lacked skill and prowess, and resorted to cheap shots and dirty tricks. They were nothing but cowards, mere rats clawing desperately for survival. Nathaniel reserved his ire for these students, and would systematically tarnish their spirits in sparring matches.
That is not to say Nathaniel did not make friends at these schools. The boy with purple eyes earned respect by those who were less skilled and in desperate desire to learn. While it was breaking the rules, Nathaniel would sneak out of the rooms at night many a time with those who desired to squeeze in extra practice by moonlight. Nathaniel would give pointers and suggestions, even in the midst of sparring, with those who were not as skilled as Nathaniel. And by the time Nathaniel left each sword school, his genuine care for those around him was the most notable absence.
Of course, it seems that Nathaniel would be a shoe in for placing as a respectable knight. He passed the preliminary trials offered to noble families, and was slated to duel a mere Baker's boy. Nathaniel took it as a chance to show off his skills against an unknown opponent. Despite all of the training he had, Nathaniel was not expecting one thing: pocket sand. A cheap trick blinded him, and Nathaniel was on his back pinned down and disarmed as he was coughing and furiously trying to blink out the rough sand. In his first truly public duel and display, Nathaniel Lothwren was dishonored and made a laughing stock. While he tries to be all smiles, there is a deep well of ambition and desire to challenge that opponent to a proper duel.
One of these days, Nathaniel will get his rematch with Julian Baker. And when that time comes, he is not going to hold back.
Other Information
There is gossip and mystery surrounding Nathaniel Lothwren by those who come from more well established noble families. The rumor is there is no Lothwren child by the name of Nathaniel, and that the boy is disguising his familial ties.
Another rumor hints that despite Nathaniel’s poor performance during the open spar, notable knights have still taken an interest in the boy’s career as a cadet.
I know I've been a bit quiet, working things out in the background. Honestly, think my character design I've sort of settled into is a good rival/foil for a few of the designs posted so far. Military prodigy, sort of "sport friend" type. A good rival to Liese, probably someone designed to sort of keep up with them in terms of skill and ambition, but Wants to drag everyone up to their potential not through inspiring leadership but tactical suggestions.
Basically, that one friend who is talented not because he's super magical, but because he can just think his way through a fight. Read moves, anticipate, find a counter. So nerdy in a fight? Still working out the kinks.
I'll try to work out a sheet tonight. Honestly... might be interesting to lean into a sort of Lancer role. Military, war hawk noble trained from the beginning to be a knight of some sort. Wanting to be the best, but not quite there yet and frustrated by it.
P H Y S I C A L P R O F I L E P H Y S I C A L P R O F I L E
▼ P H Y S I C A L T R A I T S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Build - Average height, lean build ► Ethnicity - Caucasian ► Hair Colour - Dark Green ► Eye Colour - Blue ► Other - Slight scarring on the arms. No tattoos, clear cybernetics on legs and head. Datasets on back of skull. -
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S C H A R A C T E R N O T E S
▼ C H A R A C T E R I T E M S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Stephenson Tech Mk. 3 (Luxury) - High End Cyberdeck. Installed w/ Ping, Sonic Shock, Reboot Optics, and Short Circuit. ► Lexington Handguns (Basic) - Militech M-10AF Lexington. Equipped in dual shoulder holsters. ► M221 Saratoga (Basic) - Submachine Gun, typically brought in only as a violent last resort. ► Knife (Basic) - Combat knife, tucked in combat boots. ► Armor-Coated Jackets (Expensive) - Low-grade ballistic and slashing protection, one professional and one biker jacket. Can help cushion a few bullets, but not much. ► Retired NCPD Patrol Car (Expensive) - Villefort Cortes V6000 NCPD Overlord
▼ K N O W N A S S O C I A T E S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Johnny Walker - Low-Level 6th Street Ganger, but a great marksman. Just goes by "Walker" to most folks. ► Laurie Walker - Mechanic, and owner of the Walker's Garage. Techie at heart, with a fiery temper. ► Lieutenant Velez - NCPD Quartermaster and former Vice detective. Was partners with Detective Santos some years back before getting desk duty.
▼ S K I L L S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Quickhacking - The ability to infiltrate, take control of, or disrupt anything connected to the net. ► Investigating - Able to notice small details in a room or crime scene, and make deductions based on the info available. ► Stealth - Years of skulking around and trying not to get caught or shot makes Trip a very sneaky boy. ► Sidearm Training - Not the most accurate, but firing with two guns means double the bullets. Law of large numbers, and all that. -
C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y C H A R A C T E R H I S T O R Y
Don Walker was born to a family of mechanics in Rancho Coronado. His father was once a ganger for 6th Street in his youth, before going straight and running a small garage. He wasn't in the greatest health, and Don never got to know his father particularly well. He was found in a scrap yard with the back of his head crushed in when Don was only 7. The images Don saw of his father desensitized the boy from a young age to the death and destruction prevalent in Night City. Rumor was Don's father was shaken down and killed by local scavs. This might be why Don's form of acting out was sneaking around Scav hideouts and stealing odds and ends that his mother pawned off at some local shops. While it may not seem it on account of messing with armed criminals, Don was a smart kid from birth. He loved, more than anything, what he could access of the net. He was quiet, not much of a talker and instead more fond of just absorbing information. He spent a lot of his youth sitting inside messing with the computer learning anything he could. Kid like that didn't make a lot of friends in Santo Domingo. Don managed to get his first cyberdeck at a steal: an old Militech model scrapped from a corpse at the salvage yard. Before long, Don became quite the troublemaker at the age of 16.
A teenager with a cyberdeck is an instrument of chaos... and one of unbridled ego. Don Walker caused all sorts of trouble, and was lucky that he didn't cross anyone with no qualms of crushing a kid into the dirt. Instead, NETSEC was able to track the boy down fairly quickly. He had managed to funnel out a few thousand eddies from various local businesses and low-level corpos in Night City in a short amount of time, enough to even impress Detective Walter Santos of NCPD Vice. With a fairly open and shut case, Don Walker ended up in prison for illegal wire transfers for 2 years: as close to a slap on the wrist the young netrunner could manage. At the age of 18, and fresh out of prison, Detective Santos made a visit to the Walker home. He knew promise when he saw it, and knew a kid who just needed a little direction to put his skills to some semblance of good. So, by pulling a few strings and putting Don through some testing: Don Walker became NCPD Officer #908333. Most people didn't call him Officer Walker, instead resorting to a moniker based on his badge number: Triple 3. Don Walker loved working with NETSEC. He fit in quite well with his fellow Netrunners, and picked up a lot from his friendship with Detective Santos. Walker even made ended up falling head over heels with fellow NETSEC Officer Hayashi. It wasn't long before the two were wed, and Officer Walker was happy with his life.
Then it all came crashing down. The day is still a blur. Over the course of an evening, Don Walker lost his mentor and his husband. Detective Santos had died in a warehouse raid in North Watson, and Officer Hayashi was killed in a robbery attempt at home in Rancho Coronado. The days after were more of a blur, as the investigations were handed off to inexperienced officers who wrapped up both cases as quickly as possible and without much effort. Attempts to get any information were met with stonewalling, and it wasn't long before Officer Walker found himself terminated for "insubordination." Officer Walker kept his NETSEC-sponsored Cyberdeck, and was now left out in the cold and alone for the first time since he was a kid. So, Don has turned back to what got him in trouble years ago: freelance netrunning. His skills with the NCPD have helped him establish himself as a Merc with skills beyond just accessing the net in a short amount of time under the name "Trip." On the side, Trip also runs a net-site for his side-gig "F1ND3R'5 K33P3R5," a private investigation service for mercs and gangers who prefer to keep their matters discreet.
Of course, Trip has a case of his own he's been working the two years since his husband was gunned down: who was the bastard behind the trigger? Perhaps, more importantly though... who ordered the hit? And why?
D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E D E T A I L E D A P P E A R A N C E
Trip is average in height and build, only standing at around 5' 9" and weighing in at only 135 lbs. He was never imposing or intimidating in appearance, and his well-combed green hair shaved at the sides lets him fit in with all the other bar flies anywhere from the clubs of City Center to the dives in Arroyo. Trip's clothes are always neatly pressed (he tosses a few extra eddies at the cleaner's to keep things that way) and well-fitting, striking an odd conflict with the ever-present five o'clock shadow he sports when he forgets to shave every other morning. He always wears a jacket to hide that he's carrying heat under his arms. He alternates between "street" clothes to blend in with the gangers of Santo Domingo and an all-black ensemble for more quiet or professional operations. Regardless of outfit, Trip is almost always seen sporting a modified infovisor and a form-fitting thermal suit indicating his true profession: a netrunner. Though, in the midst of a job, you'd be surprised to find he was a professional netrunner. Trip prefers to keep by the side of his crew in the midst of a job, rather than remaining offsite in a cozy chair like most netrunners worth their salt. While he'd never admit it, Trip prefers the thrill of living in both the virtual world and the real one.
Trip is incredibly restrained when it comes to interacting with others, but his eyes are always focusing on a new thing in any room every few seconds. An untrained mind would take this for absent-mindedness, but the more astute would find he is the opposite: he focuses too much on anything in the room. He switches between analyzing the room through the net, and keeping his eyes focused on everything in the real world. He usually keeps his words as brief as possible, airing on the side of being almost cryptic rather than wasting breath on an unnecessary article or adjective. Since his hands aren't required to hack the net, Trip's hands have formed an almost unconscious pattern of reaching into his coat pocket and combing his hair back to keep it pristine.
P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )
Trip is a hardboiled detective updated for a world like Cyberpunk, and is a fascinating in-road to exploring Night City. He's got his own case and side gig on the side, following dead ends and cold trails in the hunt to figure out who was responsible for the death of his husband. But, Trip needs money and connections if he's going to have a chance at vengeance. He lives in a more conflicted world than he did a few years ago, where he can't hide behind a badge to justify his actions anymore. He also has living family that he cares for and helps support in Rancho Coronado: be it his ganger brother that he has to keep out of trouble, his down on his luck sister who inherited the family business, or keeping the gifts and small bribes to Lieutenant Valez flowing to get leads from the NCPD. Trip is very much a support-type character, one that I am trying to design to be as flexible as possible so that he can fulfill niche needs the other mercs might need. He's less of a traditional netrunner, meant more for on-site support and troubleshooting than shouldering all the netrunning responsibilities.