Sephiris: The Price of Peace - OOC

Spoiler:

. : Name : .
Full Name: Lord Barin Mirland
Use Name: Captain or Barin (depending on who addresses him)
Other: Sir, Lord (very rarely)
Played by: Blackrock

. : Appearance : .
Height and Build: 6'2, athletic and muscular
Description: Looking at Barin one would notice his auburn brown hair, kept short but somewhat messy. Further down, his forehead lies, a few wrinkles etched on it, the signs of a troubled mind. A short, slightly hooked nose rests between his deep brown eyes. His round, somewhat elongated face, is covered by a full, well-trimmed beard. Time has begun leaving its mark on his features, as a few gray hairs can be seen here and there.
Clothing: Barin usually dresses in simple garments. A sturdy pair of leather boots, black pants, held firmly by an elegant belt. A white short-sleeved shirt, revealing his muscular arms, and a black vest worn over it. When in battle or on the march, however, he fields much heavier equipment. His torso is protected by a burnished, but otherwise unadorned and plain to the eye, cuirass, composed of two plates - a breast and a back one, a tasset hangs from it, protecting his thighs. Chainmail leggings provide further protection, defending his knees - a pair of bending plates, his feet are covered in a pair of sabatons (though they are not elongated like a noble's). Barin's broad shoulders are protected by a pair of compact pauldrons, made of overlapping plates. Chainmail extends to the elbow, where plates of similar make to the pauldrons protect it. His hands are gloved in flexible gauntlets, to allow unrestricted use of the sword. Finally, he uses a T-shaped barbute as protection for the head. A round, steel shield, roughly 20 inches in diameter is hung across his back, the Company's symbol, a hawk, is engraved on it.
Weapons: An elegant, black scabbard hangs from his left hip, true to his style it is of fine make, but bears no decorations. Inside it a longsword lies, well-forged, the blade carries the family's symbols on it. The grip is covered in a soft leather, allowing it to slip in comfortably in the hand. It seems to be a veteran of many battles, but the quality of its make shines even after all those years. On his right hip, a dagger rests, should the need arise.
Other: Like all members of his troop, a plain silver hawk hangs from a necklace, worn under the armour.
Impression: Barin has a commanding and somewhat grim presence, he looks quite rugged, his noble demeanor washed away by his years as a mercenary.

. : Heritage : .
Age: 52
Birthplace: Sephalia, Brookstone - a town situated at the foot of the Mountains of Smoke.
Family: The only sibling, his parents have now passed away. Barin knows that he has some relatives in both Mandor and Sephalia, but has found neither the desire nor the time to contact them.
Inheritance: What he inherited from his mother and father, in terms of coin and land he has used to build up his small army. The only thing he has kept is the family's sword, passed down since the time of his great-grandfather. Being of noble birth, however, he received an above-average education.
Other: Barin has yet to marry, but that is because of his lifestyle, when and if he retires, he would think about a family. Having carried out tasks for certain high-placed people, he could call in a favour or two. His noble blood would probably connect him to someone in power, but he has yet to explore that part of his heritage.

. : Persona : .
Biography: Barin was born in the family of Ilina and Hamlar, minor nobles, of a once proud and mighty line. Hamlar was the lord of the town of Brookstone and was a noble only in name. Indeed, he went to the feasts of the grand barons and dukes, people bowed and referred to him as "My Lord" and other such titles, but everyone knew, including him, that he had little actual power. The Mirlands were an old family, tracing back their lineage to the days before the Sixteen Years War and were once one of the most powerful families in the South of Sephalia. In time, however, their lands and riches, their nobility and power, dwindled and were lost forever. Barin's kin continued their steady decline, until, one Aldemar, his great-grandfather came to power. He used his political prowess to restore some of the family's lost splendour. Aldemar formed alliances, recruited soldiers and defeated enemies, no matter what the cost. Some regarded him as a hero, others - as a tyrant, no one could deny however, that by the end of his reign, the Mirlands had become a local power once again. It was he, Aldemar Mirland, who had the family sword forged, declaring that while his heirs wielded this weapon, their kin would live on. His son, Aldric, Barin's grandfather, was not like his father. He squandered the accumulated wealth, indulging in hedonistic pleasures, spending his time in taverns and brothels, while his lands fell into misuse. He died young, before he even reached his hundredth year, but not before fathering a son, Hamlar. Hamlar was a just and kind man, he did what he could to preserve what little his father had left him, but Aldemar's fire did not burn in his veins. He was content to remain where he was and made no moves to regain what was lost. In time, he and had a son, to whom he diverted most of his attention and he led a peaceful life.

Barin, however, was of a different stock. He yearned to live in the times gone by, when he could be commander of his own army, when people would fear and respect him. Being a noble's son, he received an education that most common folk would not even dream of. He learned how to read and write, he was versed in geography and history, in music and poetry. And of course, masters of the sword (though not the best, as Hamlar could not afford them) came to teach the young noble and he eagerly learned all that they would offer. The boy seized every chance to spend time in the estate's library, which still had quite a few books to offer, reading books of warfare, studying the strategies and tactics of ancient generals. In time, Barin grew to be a strong, young man and many claimed that he would be like his great-grandfather. He was ambitious, he was daring and charismatic, those who had daughters set their eyes on him. Hamlar and Ilina had married late and were by that time already growing old, it was not long after that they passed away. First, Ilina, the caring mother and then, two years later, Hamlar, the loving father. They both died with a smile on their face, knowing that their son would continue the family legacy. And so, Lord Barin Mirland came to power and the neighbouring nobles watched in anticipation, awaiting to see how this young man would forge his destiny.

Barin, however, was not content. He knew that the only battles he would ever see would be in ballroom halls and in dining rooms, the only army he would ever lead - those who would hide behind him. And he pitied himself, even though well-liked, he knew that no one, especially in times of peace, would give him a place in the military. That was reserved for the pampered sons of dukes and barons. He could join the army as a common soldier but who would allow him? The last of the Mirlands, Lord Barin, serving along with shepherds and pig-tenders? However, he would not give up so easily. Over the last decade, the villagers had complained, first to his father and now to him that bandits and other scum were getting bolder and bolder, raiding caravans and farmholds. Barin organized a militia, gathering those who would defend their homes and began training them. During the next few years, he lead his men in the surrounding woods and hills and steadily eradicated the brigands. The peasants hailed him as a hero. Barin was pleased, for a while, but knew that this was the most he could hope for. And then, one day, after secret negotiations and much planning, came news that shook the nobility.

Lord Barin was gone. His lands, property, estate - sold to a local, well-to-do merchant. For himself, he had only kept his title (which, for some reason, to this day has not been stripped off him). It was later learned that he had gathered those lads in his village who did not wish to spend their lives with a hoe in hand and had formed a mercenary company. The nobles, were of course, dismayed - one of their own, reduced to a sellsword! Many doors were thus barred to him, but Barin cared not. And so "The Hawks" came to be. Barin led his group throughout the kingdom, recruiting here and there, using the wealth he had acquired to form his small army. His men called him Captain and carried out his orders, he finally had what he had desired since a child. Twenty years later, he still leads the Company.

Motivation: Barin always dreamed of one thing, to be in command of an army, to lead his brothers and sisters in arms to victory. He also strives to maintain the Company's name spotless, being known to never break their word.
Skills and Talents: Years of fighting have honed his battle skills with both sword, shield and halberd. Barin is a practical fighter, focusing on winning rather than showing style and grace. Thanks to his education, he has knowledge of different places and cultures and possesses some knowledge of past events - although, most of it is strictly related to warfare. He never found the desire to learn other languages and as such, has only a basic understanding of Dragon and Elvish. He is quite cunning, always on the lookout for the best deal.
Strengths: Barin is willful and determined, once he sets eyes on his goal - he does all that he can to reach it. He respects those who fight besides him and does his best to protect them. He keeps a level head even in difficult situations, always trying to find the best outcome. Those who have worked with him know that he is a man of his word.
Weaknesses: Thanks to his determination and will, he can be quite stubborn at times, refusing to back down, even if he is wrong. He has a short temper, especially when his orders are not carried out. Barin is somewhat of a perfectionist, claiming that "If you do something, do it right or do not start at all", which can put him at odds with his troops and other people.
Personality: A sociable person, his men respect him because he drinks and laughs, mourns and cries, fights and bleeds alongside them. Strangers, especially more polite ones, can see him as a bit of a savage. He is, nonetheless, a honourable man and carries out his duties diligently.

Blackrock wrote:Hey guys and gals! A latecomer has arrived to the RP, but don't worry - since the holidays are coming and I don't have any particular plans, I'll have plenty of time to catch up.

My character may not be the most original one, especially since we already have one mercenary commander, but I decided it would be interesting to see what would come out, since there is such a big difference between human and elven warfare. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, here's my character sheet.

Spoiler:

. : Name : .
Full Name: Lord Barin Mirland
Use Name: Captain or Barin (depending on who addresses him)
Other: Sir, Lord (very rarely)
Played by: Blackrock

. : Appearance : .
Height and Build: 6'2, athletic and muscular
Description: Looking at Barin one would notice his auburn brown hair, kept short but somewhat messy. Further down, his forehead lies, a few wrinkles etched on it, the signs of a troubled mind. A short, slightly hooked nose rests between his deep brown eyes. His round, somewhat elongated face, is covered by a full, well-trimmed beard. Time has begun leaving its mark on his features, as a few gray hairs can be seen here and there.
Clothing: Barin usually dresses in simple garments. A sturdy pair of leather boots, black pants, held firmly by an elegant belt. A white short-sleeved shirt, revealing his muscular arms, and a black vest worn over it. When in battle or on the march, however, he fields much heavier equipment. His torso is protected by a burnished, but otherwise unadorned and plain to the eye, cuirass, composed of two plates - a breast and a back one, a tasset hangs from it, protecting his thighs. Chainmail leggings provide further protection, defending his knees - a pair of bending plates, his feet are covered in a pair of sabatons (though they are not elongated like a noble's). Barin's broad shoulders are protected by a pair of compact pauldrons, made of overlapping plates. Chainmail extends to the elbow, where plates of similar make to the pauldrons protect it. His hands are gloved in flexible gauntlets, to allow unrestricted use of the sword. Finally, he uses a T-shaped barbute as protection for the head. A round, steel shield, roughly 20 inches in diameter is hung across his back, the Company's symbol, a hawk, is engraved on it.
Weapons: An elegant, black scabbard hangs from his left hip, true to his style it is of fine make, but bears no decorations. Inside it a longsword lies, well-forged, the blade carries the family's symbols on it. The grip is covered in a soft leather, allowing it to slip in comfortably in the hand. It seems to be a veteran of many battles, but the quality of its make shines even after all those years. On his right hip, a dagger rests, should the need arise.
Other: Like all members of his troop, a plain silver hawk hangs from a necklace, worn under the armour.
Impression: Barin has a commanding and somewhat grim presence, he looks quite rugged, his noble demeanor washed away by his years as a mercenary.

. : Heritage : .
Age: 52
Birthplace: Sephalia, Brookstone - a town situated at the foot of the Mountains of Smoke.
Family: The only sibling, his parents have now passed away. Barin knows that he has some relatives in both Mandor and Sephalia, but has found neither the desire nor the time to contact them.
Inheritance: What he inherited from his mother and father, in terms of coin and land he has used to build up his small army. The only thing he has kept is the family's sword, passed down since the time of his great-grandfather. Being of noble birth, however, he received an above-average education.
Other: Barin has yet to marry, but that is because of his lifestyle, when and if he retires, he would think about a family. Having carried out tasks for certain high-placed people, he could call in a favour or two. His noble blood would probably connect him to someone in power, but he has yet to explore that part of his heritage.

. : Persona : .
Biography: Barin was born in the family of Ilina and Hamlar, minor nobles, of a once proud and mighty line. Hamlar was the lord of the town of Brookstone and was a noble only in name. Indeed, he went to the feasts of the grand barons and dukes, people bowed and referred to him as "My Lord" and other such titles, but everyone knew, including him, that he had little actual power. The Mirlands were an old family, tracing back their lineage to the days before the Sixteen Years War and were once one of the most powerful families in the South of Sephalia. In time, however, their lands and riches, their nobility and power, dwindled and were lost forever. Barin's kin continued their steady decline, until, one Aldemar, his great-grandfather came to power. He used his political prowess to restore some of the family's lost splendour. Aldemar formed alliances, recruited soldiers and defeated enemies, no matter what the cost. Some regarded him as a hero, others - as a tyrant, no one could deny however, that by the end of his reign, the Mirlands had become a local power once again. It was he, Aldemar Mirland, who had the family sword forged, declaring that while his heirs wielded this weapon, their kin would live on. His son, Aldric, Barin's grandfather, was not like his father. He squandered the accumulated wealth, indulging in hedonistic pleasures, spending his time in taverns and brothels, while his lands fell into misuse. He died young, before he even reached his hundredth year, but not before fathering a son, Hamlar. Hamlar was a just and kind man, he did what he could to preserve what little his father had left him, but Aldemar's fire did not burn in his veins. He was content to remain where he was and made no moves to regain what was lost. In time, he and had a son, to whom he diverted most of his attention and he led a peaceful life.

Barin, however, was of a different stock. He yearned to live in the times gone by, when he could be commander of his own army, when people would fear and respect him. Being a noble's son, he received an education that most common folk would not even dream of. He learned how to read and write, he was versed in geography and history, in music and poetry. And of course, masters of the sword (though not the best, as Hamlar could not afford them) came to teach the young noble and he eagerly learned all that they would offer. The boy seized every chance to spend time in the estate's library, which still had quite a few books to offer, reading books of warfare, studying the strategies and tactics of ancient generals. In time, Barin grew to be a strong, young man and many claimed that he would be like his great-grandfather. He was ambitious, he was daring and charismatic, those who had daughters set their eyes on him. Hamlar and Ilina had married late and were by that time already growing old, it was not long after that they passed away. First, Ilina, the caring mother and then, two years later, Hamlar, the loving father. They both died with a smile on their face, knowing that their son would continue the family legacy. And so, Lord Barin Mirland came to power and the neighbouring nobles watched in anticipation, awaiting to see how this young man would forge his destiny.

Barin, however, was not content. He knew that the only battles he would ever see would be in ballroom halls and in dining rooms, the only army he would ever lead - those who would hide behind him. And he pitied himself, even though well-liked, he knew that no one, especially in times of peace, would give him a place in the military. That was reserved for the pampered sons of dukes and barons. He could join the army as a common soldier but who would allow him? The last of the Mirlands, Lord Barin, serving along with shepherds and pig-tenders? However, he would not give up so easily. Over the last decade, the villagers had complained, first to his father and now to him that bandits and other scum were getting bolder and bolder, raiding caravans and farmholds. Barin organized a militia, gathering those who would defend their homes and began training them. During the next few years, he lead his men in the surrounding woods and hills and steadily eradicated the brigands. The peasants hailed him as a hero. Barin was pleased, for a while, but knew that this was the most he could hope for. And then, one day, after secret negotiations and much planning, came news that shook the nobility.

Lord Barin was gone. His lands, property, estate - sold to a local, well-to-do merchant. For himself, he had only kept his title (which, for some reason, to this day has not been stripped off him). It was later learned that he had gathered those lads in his village who did not wish to spend their lives with a hoe in hand and had formed a mercenary company. The nobles, were of course, dismayed - one of their own, reduced to a sellsword! Many doors were thus barred to him, but Barin cared not. And so "The Hawks" came to be. Barin led his group throughout the kingdom, recruiting here and there, using the wealth he had acquired to form his small army. His men called him Captain and carried out his orders, he finally had what he had desired since a child. Twenty years later, he still leads the Company.

Motivation: Barin always dreamed of one thing, to be in command of an army, to lead his brothers and sisters in arms to victory. He also strives to maintain the Company's name spotless, being known to never break their word.
Skills and Talents: Years of fighting have honed his battle skills with both sword, shield and halberd. Barin is a practical fighter, focusing on winning rather than showing style and grace. Thanks to his education, he has knowledge of different places and cultures and possesses some knowledge of past events - although, most of it is strictly related to warfare. He never found the desire to learn other languages and as such, has only a basic understanding of Dragon and Elvish. He is quite cunning, always on the lookout for the best deal.
Strengths: Barin is willful and determined, once he sets eyes on his goal - he does all that he can to reach it. He respects those who fight besides him and does his best to protect them. He keeps a level head even in difficult situations, always trying to find the best outcome. Those who have worked with him know that he is a man of his word.
Weaknesses: Thanks to his determination and will, he can be quite stubborn at times, refusing to back down, even if he is wrong. He has a short temper, especially when his orders are not carried out. Barin is somewhat of a perfectionist, claiming that "If you do something, do it right or do not start at all", which can put him at odds with his troops and other people.
Personality: A sociable person, his men respect him because he drinks and laughs, mourns and cries, fights and bleeds alongside them. Strangers, especially more polite ones, can see him as a bit of a savage. He is, nonetheless, a honourable man and carries out his duties diligently.

I will write more information about "The Hawks" - the structure, ranks, equipment and so forth, but it will most likely be after my introduction post, depends on my mood really.

Anyhow, I look forward to RP'ing with you folks.

Stion Gyas wrote:Silvone, the post is coming along, but very slowly.

Human Characteristics wrote:Humans are tall and athletic. Males average 6'1" in height, while females average 5'8". Hair color ranges from blonde, to red, to black. Human hair turns gray and then white with age. Eye color ranges from amber, to brown, to black. Due to Telmar's temperate climate, humans have lighter skin. A normal human lifespan is 150 years.

Kalon Ordona II wrote:South Dakota? Wow! I have an awesome friend in RL who just moved up here from there. xD Lots of snow, eh? There's no snow at ALL where I live--just some frost, and only in the morning.

Well, happy family day, everyone! Enjoy the festivities!
*sings* Weeeeeellll TIS the season to be jolly, ho Ho HO ho Ho, Ho ho ho Ho....

Stion Gyas wrote:Good posts, Digi, but two hours is a little long for a skirmish, especially if you hold to the 40 - 50 enemies in the darkness. A larger battle might take that long, if you include the maneuvering.

Digital Muse wrote:I wasn't sure, to be honest. It took all the brain power I had to figure out viable defensive tactics for a caravan. LOLS I'll cut the battle back to 1 hour instead. Thanks.

Blackrock wrote:
Barin turned around towards the river once more, running hi