Nathaniel Westmoreland struck his shovel into the mound of dirt gathered in one of the family’s rusted red wheelbarrows. He heaved in with what little weight he had, filling up the head of the shovel to scoop out soil over the wire fence. He hated feeling his fingers clutch tight the handle of the shovel, picking up small patches of hardened dirt. He hated his white t-shirt clinging to his sweat covered back. Nate quickly shoveled a few pounds of dirt out of the wheelbarrow and into the large mud barrow. The sooner he was done with his work, the sooner he could get back to enjoying his day. Nate grit his teeth as he rolled the wheelbarrow back into the large toolshed to keep it safe from the weather, and grabbed the coiled up hose. He sprayed down the dirt in the mud barrow to keep it fresh, walked over to the connected pigpen, and sprayed water into their water trough until it was nearly full. The stench was nauseating to Nate, but his nose had become dulled to the smell of the happy pigs and their piles of manure. Even so, dealing with the fresh manure and urine was Rory’s job. Nate grabbed a long hook from the toolshed and used it to unlock and open the gate between the pen and the barrow. He quickly stepped back as a couple of the more clever pigs charged forward and dove into the fresh mud to cool themselves down. He groaned as he watched a small smatter of mud plop onto the hem of his overalls.
With his chores taken care of for the morning and the pigs oinking their satisfactions, Nate made his way into the house. He ignored his mother in the living room, sitting on the couch yet again watching game shows on the tv with her foot propped up on an ottoman. The truck was absent from the driveway, meaning Nate’s father must be out running errands. Nate quickly stopped by the laundry room, stripping off his overalls to apply some stain remover quickly. He took a quick shower, and changed into a simple outfit: sneakers, jeans, a plain t-shirt, and an overshirt. He didn’t bother letting his hair finish dry as he quickly grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder and heading out the side door of the house. He reached for the handle of his old yellow bicycle, ignoring the old peeling paint and squealing gears as he took off down the dirt driveway of the Westmoreland farm.
Before long, Nate rolled to a stop in front of the New Hope Library. He parked his bike in an old bike rack, not bothering to lock it. He walked in, giving a little nod of greeting to Old Hickory as the librarian was speaking into his phone. "You'll be the first I call... You too, enjoy the festivities, should be a good one this year." Nate climbed up to the second floor to find his usual table near the window, cracking open a worn copy of Homer’s Odyssey. His eyes drifted out the window between paragraphs, as he watched those near the shores of Lake Chartreuse preparing for the coming festival.
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. This honor also surfaces as kindness to those close to him, dedicating himself to improving the skills of all those around even if they show him disrespect or dishonor. Unfortunately, an obsession with honor also comes with an obsession of reputation. And any who dishonor the name of Nathaniel Lothwren can expect the cadet to do everything in his power to put the rumors of his deserving to be a knight to rest... even if it means humiliating friends on the training grounds.
Absentminded While Nathaniel is a genius when it comes to study and his dedication to honing his crafts, he has a tendency to lose himself in his thoughts and personal musings. He is the kind of person to constantly walk into a room and have forgotten why he is there by the time he arrives. His absentmindedness leaves him constantly forgetful of social details, and blissfully unaware of accidental or surprise reveals when he is lost thinking about combat, strategy, magic, history, or honor. Nathaniel also has a tendency to burn coffee whenever he brews some for his 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. His proficiency especially in using both a one-handed and two-handed style on the fly is notable. He pairs this with a buckler for defense. The trick is figuring out how to get that training to work in a live combat scenario, as a lot of Nathaniel's training has been through form drills or "technical spars." These spars have involved little in terms of teaching how to properly fight an enemy, and are more designed to show how forms can be used against others. While this might put Nathaniel ahead of those who have hardly ever picked up a sword before, he still has to learn how to apply his knowledge and fragmented combat skills to the chaos of combat.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride While Nathaniel prefers to focus on his traditional martial skills, Nathaniel accepts his role as one of the aura users of his generation. While skilled in some fire invocations, his true underlying skill involves being able to tap into an aura of flame. Nathaniel's stamina is not particularly exceptional, leading the budding knight-in-training to develop a very basic use for it: bursts of supernatural speed. Nathaniel can use the tiniest, wildest bursts of magical fire to propel a simple movement (a step, a swing of the sword, a jump, etc.) faster and farther than typically possible. Nathaniel is working on developing his physical stamina to permit longer and more sustained uses of his aura, but is incapable of much else at this time. Whenever his aura is being used, however, fire trails off of Nathaniel's body or weapon to leave fiery after-images of his movements.
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. On top of 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 sword: a bastard sword. Nathaniel preferred the versatility and flow of switching between one and two handed stances with a hand and a half blade, with some teachers even recommending the use of a buckler in the off-hand to provide extra protection. He would quickly work his way to the top of his classes, 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 technical spars.
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.
Made some changes to the character for the reboot. Submitted for your approval.
_______________________________________________
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. This honor also surfaces as kindness to those close to him, dedicating himself to improving the skills of all those around even if they show him disrespect or dishonor. Unfortunately, an obsession with honor also comes with an obsession of reputation. And any who dishonor the name of Nathaniel Lothwren can expect the cadet to do everything in his power to put the rumors of his deserving to be a knight to rest... even if it means humiliating friends on the training grounds.
Absentminded While Nathaniel is a genius when it comes to study and his dedication to honing his crafts, he has a tendency to lose himself in his thoughts and personal musings. He is the kind of person to constantly walk into a room and have forgotten why he is there by the time he arrives. His absentmindedness leaves him constantly forgetful of social details, and blissfully unaware of accidental or surprise reveals when he is lost thinking about combat, strategy, magic, history, or honor. Nathaniel also has a tendency to burn coffee whenever he brews some for his 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. His proficiency especially in using both a one-handed and two-handed style on the fly is notable. He pairs this with a buckler for defense. The trick is figuring out how to get that training to work in a live combat scenario, as a lot of Nathaniel's training has been through form drills or "technical spars." These spars have involved little in terms of teaching how to properly fight an enemy, and are more designed to show how forms can be used against others. While this might put Nathaniel ahead of those who have hardly ever picked up a sword before, he still has to learn how to apply his knowledge and fragmented combat skills to the chaos of combat.
Fire Aura Form - Phoenix Stride While Nathaniel prefers to focus on his traditional martial skills, Nathaniel accepts his role as one of the aura users of his generation. While skilled in some fire invocations, his true underlying skill involves being able to tap into an aura of flame. Nathaniel's stamina is not particularly exceptional, leading the budding knight-in-training to develop a very basic use for it: bursts of supernatural speed. Nathaniel can use the tiniest, wildest bursts of magical fire to propel a simple movement (a step, a swing of the sword, a jump, etc.) faster and farther than typically possible. Nathaniel is working on developing his physical stamina to permit longer and more sustained uses of his aura, but is incapable of much else at this time. Whenever his aura is being used, however, fire trails off of Nathaniel's body or weapon to leave fiery after-images of his movements.
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. On top of 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 sword: a bastard sword. Nathaniel preferred the versatility and flow of switching between one and two handed stances with a hand and a half blade, with some teachers even recommending the use of a buckler in the off-hand to provide extra protection. He would quickly work his way to the top of his classes, 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 technical spars.
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've got a little intro just to work on some characterization for Nate in the works. Should be able to toss it up before too long, before the festival itself kicks off.
@webboysurf I think they could relate re wanting to see, visit, be other places than this town, and also because each of them has a dream/passion they wanna pursue (even when they’re so different). And if they got along well enough, Damon would be willing to act as the occasional ‘social awareness’ check for him.
If anyone's got alternate/additional suggestions or w/e, feel free to mention 'em. Also, hope I didn't somehow miss anyone.
That definitely sounds good to me. Nate definitely views Damon's passion as positive, and shares a kinship over that. Nate would probably pay back any "social awareness" work offered with both honest criticism regarding Damon's performances, helping him run lines, and providing academic support. Based on their aspirations, Damon seems like he might be the person Nate would value most in New Hope.
Prefacing this, Toby is the kind of character who when approached first by anyone for any reason, will probably be pretty clingy and attached. Very, very low standards in terms of relationships and friendships for her. So any one of the other characters could conceivably become a very close friend to her quite easily.
Considering that:
@webboysurf: Nathanial would probably intimidate Toby quite a bit.
Most definitely fair on Toby's part. I think Nathaniel definitely sees Toby as one of the best among the underclassmen, but is far too blunt and socially unaware to ever break through that intimidating first impression. I think if they ever sat down and just talked they might be people who could get along well enough. But getting the two to sit down and talk might be a challenge.
@webboysurfNathaniel Westmoreland: Honestly, probably the only person (so far) that Ambrose just wouldn't like. They are the exact opposite in regard to personality, and it probably frustrates Ambrose because he can't seem to find a connecting point with Nate. So, he probably gets testier about Nate's honest remarks than he would otherwise. He wouldn't bring up Nate's background, but he would probably say something condescending like "manners are free, you know." How does that sound?
Absolutely, yes. I think Ambrose probably has to know Nate's twin brother, and might get along great with him. But Nate is the polar opposite of someone like Ambrose. Despite that, I don't think Nate fully understands that Ambrose doesn't like him. His response to some ckmment about his manners would probably just elicit a sort of incredulous "Well I don't know who would be charging for manners." But yeah, Ambrose and Nate are just operating on completely different wavelengths... and honestly, I'm excited to see the interactions as a result. I think there's room for either some good tension or comedic relief in how they interact in a larger social setting.
Nathaniel is quiet around strangers or those he doesn't know particularly well, coming across as pretentious and snobbish... though, those words would in part describe Nate's behavior. The reality of it is that Nathaniel mostly just lacks a filter between his brain and his mouth. He's honest to a fault, and more likely to be upfront to someone's face about not liking something than giving a fake smile and pretending otherwise. He is incredibly opinionated, and has a tough time being swayed once his mind is made about something. While it makes him frustrating to deal with at some points, it also makes Nate fiercely loyal to those he considers good people. He's taken a punch or two for others in the past.
Once Nate feels comfortable, he loosens up and is a lot more vocal. It's not for a lack of confidence, but more an inability to read a room. He is more academically intelligent than emotionally aware. He finds himself frustrated in social settings often due to his inability to often understand how those around him think or feel. Nate has an inkling he is less popular than his classmates, but fails to see how his constant "honest" remarks are a major source of this issue.
Physical Description
Nate’s nickname at home is “String Bean,” and it gives an accurate idea of the teen’s physical build. He’s a little on the taller side, standing at around 6 feet tall (183 centimeters), but is incredibly skinny and lean. He only weighs around 130 lbs. Nate has light blue eyes that almost appear gray, framed by messy black hair just barely parted to let him see.Nathaniel's deep-seated distaste for his family's business ensures he is always well-bathed, loaded up with deodorant and body spray, and untouched by any dirt. Ironically, still, Nate is often seen wearing slightly disheveled clothes. A borderline delinquent in appearance, his shirts are only ever half tucked in and his hair is rarely combed or groomed in any way. The clothes he wears always seem to be a bit too big and tend to hang off of him, given his parents typically only buy one size of clothing for Nate and his much more athletic brother.
Backstory
The Westmorelands have always led a more simple life. They are a conservative bunch, tending to a few ranch-style livestock farms. Dating back a couple generations, the Westmoreland family has fractured into several farms around New Hope that tend to different herds of sorts. The larger branches of the Westmorelands tend to Cows, Chickens, and sheep... but Nathaniel Westmoreland was born only yards away from a pig sty.
While tending to livestock does tend to attract nearby kids to gawk at animals and roll around in the mud, Nathaniel has always hated the reputation that comes from being one of the town's pig farmers. He's always turned his nose up at the practice since he was young. He preferred to stay indoors, often lost in books or his own doodles. He never quite felt at home in New Hope. He wanted to see distant places, and experience places with proper history. He often found himself entranced by history books and novels. He spent many of his days reading and re-reading his way through New Hope's historical section, when he wasn't busy with homework or helping to tend to the pigs.
As a Freshman in high school, Nathaniel spent his summer break visiting a distant relative in the nearest metropolis. His visit to a real city solidified Nate's dreams and ambitions. His cousin was living in a downtown apartment, with a great view of the rest of the city. Nate slept in the living room looking out over the city, marveling at a world so alien from his own. He shadowed his cousin at work, toured local tourist traps, and fell in love with the idea of getting out of New Hope. But the most important stop on his trip was visiting the Museum of World History. Being able to stand inches from relics of the past flipped a switch in Nate's mind. He knew this is where his passion lied. He was going to pursue it no matter what.
Nathaniel has been working to achieve this dream, and leave New Hope behind once he leaves for college. Nathaniel hasn't participated in any clubs other than the Student Council, lacking the time between schoolwork and his reluctant work on the farm.
Notable Connection This can be to an NPC or another player, but your character needs to have a strong bond to someone; feel free to create your own entity here and describe their role in New Hope.
Robert Westmoreland - Nate’s younger twin brother, Robert is everything Nate isn’t. They share the same hair color, the same color eyes, and the same height… and that’s where the similarities end. Robert is outgoing and social, and a hardworking farmhand. He’s good with animals and tools, and a competitive athlete who has been a member of every sports club New Hope schoolhouse has offered at some point over the years. He doesn’t perform well academically, and it doesn’t seem to bother him much. He does not get along with Nate at all. The two are practically polar opposites, and would never interact if they didn’t live under the same roof.
Respond to these prompts in character You're in class and the Fire Alarm goes off. Everyone begins to panic. I quickly grab my backpack and notebook and leave through the window... I know they don't want us bringing our stuff, but I'm not going to lose my notes to a fire. And I am definitely not getting caught up with the rest of the mob. It's a one story school, the window's the quickest way out.
You've made plans to go to the festival and are running late, but may make it in time to see the fireworks with your friends. On your way, you see a stranger with a flat tire on the side of the road. It's not my problem. I'm not responsible for everyone else's mistakes.
You fall asleep in class and begin to dream; you're atop a ruined tower and a massive dragon circles overhead. You reach for... I mean… probably like a magic wand or something, you know? If we’re assuming there’s a dragon, I’m assuming there’s wizard spells.
The world is so boring; you wish you had a super power. What do you wish for? The ability to leave this place... fine, more specific. Teleportation... I guess with the caveat I can teleport somewhere I haven't been without getting stuck in a wall or something.
You are suddenly reminded that tomorrow is the Midterm Exam. I lock my brother out of our room and I pull an all-nighter. Can't afford to let my grades keep me from getting out of here.
Nathaniel is quiet around strangers or those he doesn't know particularly well, coming across as pretentious and snobbish... though, those words would in part describe Nate's behavior. The reality of it is that Nathaniel mostly just lacks a filter between his brain and his mouth. He's honest to a fault, and more likely to be upfront to someone's face about not liking something than giving a fake smile and pretending otherwise. He is incredibly opinionated, and has a tough time being swayed once his mind is made about something. While it makes him frustrating to deal with at some points, it also makes Nate fiercely loyal to those he considers good people. He's taken a punch or two for others in the past.
Once Nate feels comfortable, he loosens up and is a lot more vocal. It's not for a lack of confidence, but more an inability to read a room. He is more academically intelligent than emotionally aware. He finds himself frustrated in social settings often due to his inability to often understand how those around him think or feel. Nate has an inkling he is less popular than his classmates, but fails to see how his constant "honest" remarks are a major source of this issue.
Physical Description
Nate’s nickname at home is “String Bean,” and it gives an accurate idea of the teen’s physical build. He’s a little on the taller side, standing at around 6 feet tall (183 centimeters), but is incredibly skinny and lean. He only weighs around 130 lbs. Nate has light blue eyes that almost appear gray, framed by messy black hair just barely parted to let him see.Nathaniel's deep-seated distaste for his family's business ensures he is always well-bathed, loaded up with deodorant and body spray, and untouched by any dirt. Ironically, still, Nate is often seen wearing slightly disheveled clothes. A borderline delinquent in appearance, his shirts are only ever half tucked in and his hair is rarely combed or groomed in any way. The clothes he wears always seem to be a bit too big and tend to hang off of him, given his parents typically only buy one size of clothing for Nate and his much more athletic brother.
Backstory
The Westmorelands have always led a more simple life. They are a conservative bunch, tending to a few ranch-style livestock farms. Dating back a couple generations, the Westmoreland family has fractured into several farms around New Hope that tend to different herds of sorts. The larger branches of the Westmorelands tend to Cows, Chickens, and sheep... but Nathaniel Westmoreland was born only yards away from a pig sty.
While tending to livestock does tend to attract nearby kids to gawk at animals and roll around in the mud, Nathaniel has always hated the reputation that comes from being one of the town's pig farmers. He's always turned his nose up at the practice since he was young. He preferred to stay indoors, often lost in books or his own doodles. He never quite felt at home in New Hope. He wanted to see distant places, and experience places with proper history. He often found himself entranced by history books and novels. He spent many of his days reading and re-reading his way through New Hope's historical section, when he wasn't busy with homework or helping to tend to the pigs.
As a Freshman in high school, Nathaniel spent his summer break visiting a distant relative in the nearest metropolis. His visit to a real city solidified Nate's dreams and ambitions. His cousin was living in a downtown apartment, with a great view of the rest of the city. Nate slept in the living room looking out over the city, marveling at a world so alien from his own. He shadowed his cousin at work, toured local tourist traps, and fell in love with the idea of getting out of New Hope. But the most important stop on his trip was visiting the Museum of World History. Being able to stand inches from relics of the past flipped a switch in Nate's mind. He knew this is where his passion lied. He was going to pursue it no matter what.
Nathaniel has been working to achieve this dream, and leave New Hope behind once he leaves for college. Nathaniel hasn't participated in any clubs other than the Student Council, lacking the time between schoolwork and his reluctant work on the farm.
Notable Connection This can be to an NPC or another player, but your character needs to have a strong bond to someone; feel free to create your own entity here and describe their role in New Hope.
Robert Westmoreland - Nate’s younger twin brother, Robert is everything Nate isn’t. They share the same hair color, the same color eyes, and the same height… and that’s where the similarities end. Robert is outgoing and social, and a hardworking farmhand. He’s good with animals and tools, and a competitive athlete who has been a member of every sports club New Hope schoolhouse has offered at some point over the years. He doesn’t perform well academically, and it doesn’t seem to bother him much. He does not get along with Nate at all. The two are practically polar opposites, and would never interact if they didn’t live under the same roof.
Respond to these prompts in character You're in class and the Fire Alarm goes off. Everyone begins to panic. I quickly grab my backpack and notebook and leave through the window... I know they don't want us bringing our stuff, but I'm not going to lose my notes to a fire. And I am definitely not getting caught up with the rest of the mob. It's a one story school, the window's the quickest way out.
You've made plans to go to the festival and are running late, but may make it in time to see the fireworks with your friends. On your way, you see a stranger with a flat tire on the side of the road. It's not my problem. I'm not responsible for everyone else's mistakes.
You fall asleep in class and begin to dream; you're atop a ruined tower and a massive dragon circles overhead. You reach for... I mean… probably like a magic wand or something, you know? If we’re assuming there’s a dragon, I’m assuming there’s wizard spells.
The world is so boring; you wish you had a super power. What do you wish for? The ability to leave this place... fine, more specific. Teleportation... I guess with the caveat I can teleport somewhere I haven't been without getting stuck in a wall or something.
You are suddenly reminded that tomorrow is the Midterm Exam. I lock my brother out of our room and I pull an all-nighter. Can't afford to let my grades keep me from getting out of here.
Got a character in the works. Older teenager who is obsessed with two things: english, and getting out of town to live in a "real" city. Hammering out the details, I'll get the sheet posted within 24 hours or so. Figure every small town slice of life-ish anime needs a hallmark movie arc.
Open to any planning of interactions or character dynamics. Assuming the student council isn't full, he might fill out as one of their rank to help his chances of getting into a better college.
► FULL NAME || Ivan Nil Ivanovich ► CALLSIGN || ► PRONOUNS || He/Him ► AGE || 25 biologically | 9 annually ► HEIGHT || 173 cm ► WEIGHT || 76 kg ══════════════════════════════
SKILLS
► Painting/Sketching || Chalk it up to a few trained years behind a sniper's scope or some genetic anomaly, but Ivan has a fine eye for perspective and a trained hand for painting and sketching. Ivan keeps a small pencil and pad in their Juggernaut that they use when sketching with their free hand the landscapes around them. They also use their skills to touch up the paint jobs of Juggernauts. ► Adept Botanist/Mycologist || While initially taught about various types of flora for the purpose of surviving in the wilderness, Ivan's knowledge of plants mixes academics with an outdoorsman's wisdom. Ivan is fairly good at distinguishing what is safe to eat, what could calm the nerves, or which mushrooms can help you transcend your mortal form. ► Camouflaged || Is that a bush, or Ivan? It's hard to tell. With a combination of paint and the expert application of mud or foliage, Ivan is able to blend into more natural environments for stealth and reconnaissance. ► Workhorse || Ivan has good stamina. He's the type who is happy to spend an hour chopping wood for a fire, setting up camp, or doing basic constructive tasks. It plays into his single-minded determination. ══════════════════════════════
══════||APPEARANCE||══════
"I don't understand why anyone would wear a flashy piece of metal that isn't meant for shooting, cutting, or stabbing."
(A brief (one paragraph or so) description of their appearance - what they wear and how they look - will do.)
══════||PERSONALITY||══════
"We all either kill or are killed. We hunt, or we become hunted. I'm not ready to be prey yet."
Ivan is a man of simple needs and actions, a byproduct of a survivalist upbringing. Years as a mercenary have instilled an understanding of the chain of command, but years surviving on one's own have not brainwashed Ivan the way most military leaders would prefer. He generalizes the world in the simple terms of food chains and biological ecosystems: everyone has their place in the chain. He views his teammates in a similar light, justifying any team-members position in terms of a hierarchical scale of both a pecking order and an acknowledgment of each role's importance in maintaining societal homeostasis. Despite not having the same sense of honor and duty other soldiers and pilots might have, he ultimately views war and violence as justifiable without a doubt. After all, you are either a hunter or you are prey: Ivan would much prefer to be the hunter.
Ivan is not altruistic by nature, but is not unsociable or greedy. He understands the benefit of community from the perspective of someone who had lived alone for some time. He enjoyed the comfort and stability of a squad, hunting as a pack instead of as an individual. Ivan is just more cognizant of the "give and take" relationship that comes from being in a community. He feels an insatiable need to pay back any kindness shown, either through the sharing of a piece of art or through manual labor and assistance. The longer he goes without paying back a debt, the harder it is for Ivan to focus on anything else. While Ivan is the last to admit a desire for companionship among his comrades in any form, he is not one to shy away from such moments. He has found it hard to reciprocate in any form outside of his usual "give and take" ritual.
Despite outward appearances, Ivan is not without his doubts or fears. Deep down, Ivan knows who he is. When his "family" was summarily executed in a well-planned raid, Ivan made an attempt to run almost immediately. He knows he could have risked his life and joined the fray. He could have helped save at least one other merc. But there is a cowardice deep down that Ivan is trying to grapple with. A cowardice unbecoming of an Ivan. He spends some free time reading through the shared journal entries of his predecessors, and its pages are filled with heroic acts and altruistic manifestos. Previous Ivans were filled with righteous fury and purpose that this current Ivan lacks. And deep down, Ivan is ashamed. It's why he hasn't yet filled out a single journal entry yet: just the perishable sketches he keeps. Ivan is unsure if his sketches are an attempt at reaching joy, expressing his deep existential dread, a way to pass the time, or just some accidental genetic pre-disposition. But for reasons Ivan doesn't fully understand, he can't stop drawing when his life isn't on the line.
Of course... there is also the matter of Ivan's connection to the Hunter. While Ivan's general mood is fairly stoic or even placid, the Hunter seems to heighten Ivan's fight or flight instincts exponentially. When mentally linked to his juggernaut, Ivan's calm demeanor gives way to the pointed determination of a trained predator. He can become almost relentlessly focused and rageful at times, even shortly after disengaging a mental link with his juggernaut. Ivan also has a strange tendency to use the "royal we" when referring to himself while mentally linked, and this also bleeds into his dialogue shortly after being linked to his juggernaut.
══════||BACKSTORY||══════
"If it isn't broke, stop fixing it."
Ivan Nil Ivanovich is the 27th "Ivan" vat-born pilot for the short lived HTR-23K series of Juggernaut produced by GRP, a long-defunct worker-led unionist corporation. He is a near identical clone of GRP 113-A7-0045, codenamed Protivan, due to the stubborn nature of the Hunter juggernaut. As all Ivans before him, he was shipped off with a representative of the Moving Forest warrior clan. The Moving Forest clan is predominantly nomadic, moving between slightly terraformed outposts so old and forgotten that they lacked any true names beyond that of the stars they orbitted. For Ivan 27, his first home was Gliese 1132b.
Ivan, at the ripe biological age of 16, was thrown into the proverbial deep end. Within days of arriving on the planet, he was being guided on hikes into the wilderness of the planet to forage and survive. Within a year of living on Gliese 1132b, Ivan was spending weeks in the wilderness alone with nothing to keep him company except for the shared datalogs of Ivan. He occupied his days gathering the supplies he needed, flipping through boring data-entries from his previous iterations, studying the HTR-23K manual, and making loose sketches of his environments with a spare bad and pencil he had been gifted by the clan. After 2 years with the clan, his number was up. Ivan 26 had been psychokinetically fried, and the Hunter needed a new pilot.
Ivan Nil Ivanovich and the Hunter were purchased by Commander Khrystyna Zima of the Zortil Red Raiders. The Red Raiders were noted for their hit-and-run tactics on mining facilities and and factories in the farthest reaches of the galaxy. While they held the official rank of mercenaries being purchased and sold by whatever warlord wanted to stick a thorn in the side of their adversaries, Ivan knew they were little more than privateers. Ivan was relegated to acting as long-ranged support. Ivan would often be the instigator on raids of transport caravans, using the VEGA interface to jam the comms and radar of incoming transports to aid assault teams of Juggernauts and ground forces in hijacking or scuttling transports. These missions would last for months, with combat and support being rare. Ivan used his immense downtime sketching the vast scenery or putting on fresh coats of paint on the Red Raider's Juggernauts.
Of course, solid operations always fall apart. The Red Raiders grew too comfortable, and took on a job too big for them to chew. Commander Zima was paid handsomely to raid and destroy a small mining colony. The pay was high enough to feed Zima's greed. The assignment was a bloodbath. The Red Raiders were ambushed by a trained military hit squad, cloaked and lying in wait. By the time Ivan picked up any movement on the cameras, it was too late. The Red Raiders assault team was torn to pieces. The ranged support team evacuated. What was a strong mercenary strike team of nine Juggernauts was reduced to just two. By the time the Red Raiders had made it back to civilization, their hunting spirit was gone. The group disbanded.
Of course, this left Ivan on the market. Despite a disastrous end, Ivan's survival and the Red Raider's former infamy was enough to raise a few eyebrows. He was briefly arrested, questioned, and processed by officers working for Khorchidian. They found it wasteful to leave Ivan wasting away in a jail cell, especially given the Admirality-Governor's accelerated timetable regarding Zyun-Avyraq. After all, Ivan proved useful so far in disrupting various systems just like this.
══════||TRIVIA||══════
"Quote here."
(Anything you think that needs saying but doesn't fit anywhere else goes here. )
(Just a brief outline of the juggernaut's overall appearance, its paint/livery, any scratches, burn marks, rust, and so forth. Feel free to stick all the techno-babble in here that doesn't fit in the parts selection.)
══════||SUBSYSTEMS||══════
Faraday Scrambler - Incorporated into the Juggernaut's VEGA interface core, the Faraday Scrambler is a communications and radar blocker. Does not disable visual cameras.
Ghost-Vision Lens - Mounted as a telescopic monocular scope on the Hunter's left shoulder, this ultrasound=based polarized interface allows for greater visual camera detection and can bypass Chamelekos devices up to a long range (due to the Hunter's Surface Search System Radar).
Reactive Armour Plating - A non-explosive armour plating has replaced some of the framing and design of the left arm, providing extra protection while aiming down sights.
Weapon Mount (Gravwire) - Mounted and attached to the right arm is a gravwire grappler.
══════||WEAPONRY||══════
Laser Cannon - Designed and shaped more akin to a human's sniper rifle, this laser cannon is belt fed by a munitions pack and is overcharged by an auxiliary battery to give the cannon high armour penetration. It has very high accuracy, capable of delivering a high damage beam at a very long range (but is most optimal at a long range).
Autocarbine w/ Underslung Grenade Launcher - This short-stocked sub-rifle loaded with 7.62mm rounds is a back up weapon designed for conflict at a short to medium-short range. While still highly accurate, it has low armour penetration and deals medium to low damage. The autocarbine acts as a sidearm when out-maneuvered or in tighter spaces, used as an off-hand weapon. It is syndi-locked with an underslung grenade launcher. The grenade launcher does medium-high damage with thermobaric rounds with medium armor penetration and a low impact speed. They are Medium-Low accurate, with a medium optimal range.
Enkoimetic Weapon - When all else fails, the Hunter is equipped with a Enkoimetic Flail for close quarters combat. With an above-average strength, it packs a decent punch. It has high armor penetration at a low impact speed with very high accuracy. It is capable of being used to project a psyonik force attack at up to a close range when needed.
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