Sarvantes Bainbridge

[Wolf Mage]

Name: Sarvantes Bainbridge

Age: He’s about 20

Race: Human, tainted with werewolf blood.

Gender: Male

Physical description:
Sarvantes’s slender and lean build often misguide others into thinking he has a lack of strength and power, though his empowered legs appear to prove otherwise. Flowing down Sarvantes’s back as a vivid waterfall is the man’s hair, originally a dark brown as his father’s, yet dyed a dark violet to match his clothing using a variety of herbs and plant extracts. His demeanor is usually dubious and curious, a bizarre mix, which he expresses with the raising of his brow and folding of his arms, an obvious indicator of confusion or interest. On occasion when he is feeling particularly childish, he will lose the stern aura that surrounds him at times, and a more humored grin frequently passes over his usually pursed lips and finely-structured jaw, freely expressing his warm feeling of comfort. His eyes, when suspicious and untrusting, are narrowed, further exaggerating the furious flame fuming in his golden eyes.

Caressing the male’s body are his faithful robes, lengthy and dark, flowing elegantly in the slightest of breezes. From the top of the collar all the way to his crude leather boots, druidic symbols appear to be embellished all along the fair attire, a sign of both his study of Natural Magick and knowledge of the wild world many have long forgotten. Tied around his sinewy neck is a thin rope, leading to a stunning large ruby, of which was granted to him by his mother, usually dangling over his collar as if mockingly dare even the most confident of rogues to try and swipe it from him.

Running down the clothing, one finds the man’s belt is askew, baring a sheath at the lowest point of the leather hide. Within the sheath, a gem-encrusted dagger may be found, a fair treasure for someone of Sarvantes’s monetary status, and he wields such a weapon with fierce pride as well. Hide rope is also effectively utilized at the ends of his sleeves, where the hide was cut into strips and tied around at the wrist, as to prevent the hindering of movement that should be caused by such attire. Sadly, however, this makes it vastly easier to become over-heated, so he often has to untie the ropes binding the sleeves and air out his weary arms.

Yet another noticeable feature, at times, is Sarv’s trusty quiver, crafted of oak and etched with fabulous designs, wrapped around to the side of his shoulder, chalked with an abundance of steel-tipped arrows, tips sharp enough to seemingly pierce through armor, if shot properly. His bow that accompanies the weapon set is also tied around his back; in surprisingly pristine condition for a bow of old age.

While his appearance and glares may be daunting, surprisingly enough, he doesn’t carry much force behind his blows, and primarily focuses on using his dagger to slash and cut at an opponent in armed combat. However, he is incredibly dexterous, granting not only precise aim in long-ranged weaponry, but also yielding uncanny reflexes that assist him in dodging in battle. His amazingly perceptive eyes also assist, often enough, pointing out plenty of meager details simply waiting to be exploited and used to the young man’s advantage. Beware of his ferocity, however weak you think him to be; while fast speed and only average strength may not make the best combination, fathomable dexterity and swift thinking are a deadly pair.

While exacting his wolf form, the only animal he happens to be able to shift in to, he’s a slight bit larger than most wolves. His eyes still fume in prudent glory, and hint the untrusting glare his human shape casually carries with it. His teeth, jagged and accusatory, glisten in the sunlight, heralding a pearl-white shine. His fur, shaggy and course as it may appear, emits a magnificent sheen of light; his pelt is a blend of colors. From the top of his tail to his forehead, a dark brown lays, a strange resemblance to his father’s hair color. Traveling down his stomach and muzzle, this dark brown eases into more of a tan shade, until his stomach and the very bottom of his jaw, where a vanilla-white color is witnessed.

Summarization (if you're too lazy to read all my hard work! ...)
a. Clothing: Sarvanes bares long, flowing robes, embellished in an array of druidic symbols. The sleeves, as bothersome as they may seem, are crafted so that they may be tied toward the ends of them and prevent hindering of movement. His boots are made of fine leather, and his belt is in fair condition, slightly askew, with his blade’s sheath tied around it. Swung around his shoulder is his trusty quiver, at times, as well as his prestine bow.
b. Hair and Eyes: Sarvantes’s hair is originally colored brown, yet he dyes a dark violet with a special extract of berries and other plants. It’s long, course, and flowing, and because of its color, it contradicts the vibrant lupine yellow of his eyes, that shine in prudent wisdom.
c. Build: He is fairly lean, oddly enough, but he’s not to be underestimated. He’s incredibly agile, though his blows aren’t as powerful as he might usually hope. That’s not to say he’s weak, just not incredibly strong.
d. Wolf form: A fair bit larger than a normal wolf, his coat shines a dark brown shade to vanilla that is sprinkled over his chest. Very shaggy fur, and bares oddly human-like eyes, though still golden.

Personality: Cunning and swift, Sarvantes prefers to baffle his opponents rather then take them head on with brute strength. He is incredibly loyal to those he trusts, but extremely suspicious of those he doesn’t. While usually in a focused, serious mood, he becomes more relaxed and careless around those he knows, his main objective to try and have fun. He isn’t very powerful, yet he makes up what he lacks in strength for incredible speed, incisive wisdom, and perceptive intellect.



History:

The Blissful Life

It all began within the dubious woods of the Broken Forest with a pained cry into the night, echoing throughout the land nearby, and replaced one after another with another staggering shout. Slowly, the howls of agony began to stop, refreshing the tranquil setting of the woods, even to the log cabin in which the yells had first emitted.

A miraculously beautiful blond named Lyn lay in her bed, faithful husband, Arthur, at her side. Within her slender hands was a bundle of rags, or so it appeared from the outside, until the powerful fingers of Arthur ran across the cloth and pulled them back, only to reveal a newborn’s innocent face. The blond lass hugged him tightly against her chest, her caressing touch engulfing the blankets, and the child within then, in steady warmth. Her husband’s stern expression had finally relaxed into a more humored and thankful composition, cheery smile lighting up his wonderfully golden eyes. The man brushed a few stray strands of long, dark brown hair from his face as to get a better look of his new son, and his mind began to ponder how the new trio would live, how he would grow, how he’d accept his…heritage.

They named the young one “Sarvantes” after Arthur’s great ancestor, hoping he’d at least come in terms with the one who had originally been dubbed the name. For, in all truths, there was an egregious secret behind the child’s lineage, which only his parents knew of.

So they allowed the boy to grow in their tender care. Lyn, a fierce lover of nature, educated Sarvantes in the field of all things natural, from the tallest of mountains to the smallest of shrubs, building his knowledge of the wild world vastly. She also adored books, which they had a fair collection of in their medium-sized cabin. Often times when the boy was older, he’d flip through them and learn key information by heart; obviously his mother had passed her passions on to her son. This caused Sarvantes to develop a greatly incisive attitude, as well as causing him to become witty, clever, and keen, and he would often times test his own wisdom with his mothers, starting with arduous questioning and ending with cheery laughs.

Arthur’s attempt at training the boy, however, was far different. He believed strongly his son should be able to survive in the wild, no matter the conditions, and taught Sarvantes the art of the bow and of the dagger. He took a liking to each of them in turn; His bizzarly perceptive eyes would constantly be able to point out a target, and his shot was filled with accuracy. He was agile as well, complimenting his slender structure of his mother’s, but he lacked the sheer force of his father no matter how hard he fought. They’d spar on frequent occasions, blade against blade, usually with Arthur the victor. But that was to be expected of a mere child.

And so Sarvantes grew from child to adolescent. Being secluded from society had given him an outrageously curious view of life, and he’d constantly act hostile and dubious toward those he didn’t trust, blooming his current day distrust in those he doesn’t know. And still, he was blissfully unaware of what his great grandfather was, and what his generation was cursed with.

Blood of the Ancients

This form of life continued until the age of 18, when his parents decided it was time to inform him of his ‘secret.’ Nervous and lethargically at first, Lyn began to explain what his great grandfather had been; a werewolf. However, his dear beloved, an expert mage, found a way to restrain the evil nature that came with his kind, banishing such inhuman forces from his body and seemingly purging him of his feral ways. However, in all honesty, the savage ways he once had were eliminated; yet, the wolf lay dormant in his soul. The wolf and man had become one, and as a result, Sarvantes’s grandfather had fervorously begun training in the magic of shifting. He was able to do off-body shifting fairly well, but as he attempted the other forms, he found all else he could master was shifting into the form of a wolf. It was second nature to him, and his frequent changes started rubbing off on his normal form. His hair became long and course, like wolf fur; his eyes started to shift into a lupine yellow. Even his teeth started to show pointed traits, all of which reflected on Arthur and Sarvantes. Apparently, though the werewolf nature was repelled, they both bore the spirits of wolves as well. Therefore, as his father put it, it was his turn to learn of the magic.

A brief mixture of awe and amazement washed over the teen. He had always been fascinated with the predator…but to actually be part of such a creature? His heart began pulsing in excitement, for this is what he truly wanted to learn!

His father introduced a new rigorous training course into Sarvantes’s schedule. He taught of the art of Off-body shifting, which the boy caught on to extremely fast, as well as wolf-shifting, which Sarv was able to complete after lethargic meditation. His new abilities not only shocked himself, but his parents as well. It had taken months for even Arthur to learn such arts! And this young one had caught on so quickly?

Destiny’s Path

Over the course of time, the trio eventually was forced to split, Sarvantes heading into the gargantuan world he had been so secluded from, his parents eagerly waiting his return. All three knew where his calling in life was; the magic he carried to his very wolfish soul, which he so desperately wanted to excel in. To this day, he wanders the land, in hopes of improving in not only his shifting abilities, but in his knowledge, wisdom, and battle skill as well.

Equipment: Sarvantes bares a gem-encrested dagger, a fair bit smaller than a standerd sword, which he weilds with pride. He received it after pillaging a bandit camp who had caused a riot in a nearby village, and wanted to put his abilities to the test.

He also has a bow and quiver, both in exquisite condition, handed down from his father before he parted from his parents.

He carries a journal, where he records certain knowledge and facts of his own history, what he had learned about his ancestors, and how to recall complex shifting spells. He also has a crude leather bag; within it, a canteen, rations, flint, and steel.

Strengths: Using off-body shifting, of course, and shifting into the form of a brown and vanilla, shaggy coated, wolf, being that his ancestor’s ‘curse’ and restraint of it thereof heralded the ability to effectively use Shifting magics. He is accurate with a bow, due to his sharp eye and great dexterity, since his father taught him how to use it. He is also fairly skilled with his dagger, since his father fiercely educated him in the use of that as well.

He is also very incisive, as well as intelligent, as described above, making word and mind games simple puzzles to him. Also extremely agile.

Weaknesses: Since he was excluded from the rest of the world most of his life, he has not come in contact with such creatures as dragons, nor has he fought large piercing and blunt weapons, such as spears and clubs. He even had trouble against large swords, though his instinctive dodging allows him to prevent too much harm, he fails, often enough, to strike his opponent back in such cases. He also isn’t incredibly strong; Not weak, of course, but not seriously muscular.

He also has a flaw in his personality, being so untrusting of others he has not yet become familiar with, losing many a friend he could have made.

Other: ((I hope to update this in greater detail in the future! For now, here’s what I have!))

[TwilightQueen]

I really like the character! Unfortunately, I don't think all of him is completely suited for Gidaal. Actually, the only part I'm not too fond of is his ancestry. Well, the were-wolf bit at least. It'd be one thing if his grandfather became a werewolf and his family was either ashamed or respected it. It's another to have them find a 'cure' of sorts for the werewolf 'curse'. After all, if they saved on man from it, then what would stop them from saving them all? Besides, what kind of magic would his wife have used?

I don't mind at all that he can shift into a wolf and use off-body shapeshifting (though I do think his weaknesses and strengths aren't really ballanced. However, you don't seem the kind to abuse these in-character.).

[Wolf Mage]

An honest critique. Very well, I'll start work on re-editing.

There are a few things I'd like to make note of though:

First off, you said my character was off-balanced between Advantages and Disadvantages? Well, though I remember saying somewhere in the forums you didn't like Dungeons and dragons, I'm using it as an example.

Strength: Average, if even that.
Dexterity: High, fast reflexes, high movement rate
Stamina: a tad bit bellow average
Intelligence: Fairly high, in knowledge of nature and life. He isn't educated particularly in the new current-day mechanisms, being raised sort of barbarically.
Wisdom: Above average. Fair common sense and high perception.
Charisma: Looks are ok, but since he's been secluded from society so long, he has a low charisma score.

Other Positive: Can use Off-body shifting and can shift into a wolf, professes in both dagger and bow use. Can dodge large weapons easily enough.

Other Negative: Untrusting, poor against lances, broadswords, longswords, axes...any bulky weapons, he has trouble getting past. Still an amateur at Off-body magic, and can only take the shape of the wolf. Very poor in money.

Eh....I can see how you find it a bit off balanced. However, look at it from a different perspective. He is very knowledgeable, yes, but only of the wild. He has quick and accurate movements, but how does that help with low strength? He may be wise, but isn't he looked down upon by society? If you'd prefer I lower a stat, then by all means, you may. But I don't wish to abuse any abilities (except my uncanny ability of rambling on and on...)

Anyway! Right what was I saying? Oh, werewolf cure, yes.

I don't consider it a 'cure,' but more of a 'sealing.' I did a bit of were-research earlier and myths proclaim that the form of the loup garou was a punishment, not a curse. Also, I found it as more of a spiritual sort of thing...The wolf isn't savagely violent that it craves life every waking moment, so where does the anger and fury spawn from? The war between the human and wolf within, which causes the beast to go mad. I just thought that if the wolf side was suppressed, the 'curse' would be broken. But I digress, back on point.

Hmm...What sort of magic indeed? That hadn't occurred to me, I'm just used to the 'binding of the soul" thing in Fullmetal Alchemist, where...well, I'd rather not spoil the plot. But restraining the other side is most certainly not the full cure, more like, delaying the inevitable. What do you suggest?

[TwilightQueen]

I'll let the strengths/weaknesses go. You've most definately defended your point.

As for the werewolves, well, you've stumbled across the main reason for why I have neither vampires nor werewolves allowed as playable characters. There are so many different ideas on what a werewolf or vampire is: what they are weak against, what they are capable of, how they've come about, etc, etc. So, to avoid this whole mess (and avoid setting a long list of rules on each) I'd rather they just not be played. I know werewolves are popular, as are vampires. They just aren't that big a part of this world. In Gidaal, werewolves were accidentaly created by wild shapeshifting magics a long, long time ago. They transmit that 'curse' or whatever you want to call it, though biting, clawing, etc (much like rabies). They're more than a little mad and have a strong urge to not only kill, but to pass on their 'disease'.

How could this be repressed? I don't really know. If you come up with something that you think would work (and follow the rules of Magic on this site), then I'll be more than happy to accept it.

[Wolf Mage]

Ah...*drumrolls fingers*...how much longer will you be on? I'd like to try to get this profile accepted today, but if you're busy, I fully understand. Simply allow me to go through my profile and edit a few things.

[TwilightQueen]

I'll be on and off all day long. As soon as you edit it and/or explain what I need explained, then just post and I'll accept him.

[Wolf Mage]

I hope you don't mind, but can I rewrite the rest friday? I wasn't in the writing mood when I typed this...Now I am. I hope to get a profile ready that will sweep you away!

Just need to finish my five hour drawing...

[TwilightQueen]

Hehe. Not a problem. I've got work on friday from 3:00-9:00 Central time, so I might be late in approving (though there is another admin here who might see to the approval). I look forward to it.

^.^ You should post your drawing on the site. I wanna see!

[Wolf Mage]

I won't mind waiting, all the more time to build on to the what I've already made!

There is a slight issue on posting my drawing. Here's why:

1. It's in charcoal (Very harmful to the scanner)
2. It's dimensions are 24" by 24" (Wayyy to big)
3. I need to turn it in to school for my summer art grade.

Sorry, I guess I might post some of my drawings later. I have an old wolf drawing, but I haven't edited it, and it might need a bit of work. Oh well...

Link: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/Wol...e/jsdbhfkjh.jpg

Hope you enjoy what's there...

[TwilightQueen]

Wow. Much applause to your drawing! I've never had a knack for wolves. None at all. Muy bien.

As for the charcoal: fun. I liked it. I wasn't fond of the gigantic mess, though I did like how simple hairspray really helped bind the charcoal to the paper so it didn't smudge as much. ^.^ Of course, I wouldn't want to scan anything charcoal. Ever. ^.^ Good luck with it, though!

[Wolf Mage]

I've seen plenty better than mine...anywho, check physical appearance and see how you like it! I made a HUGE summarization on that, a lot better than what I had typed earlier. More updates on the profile coming soon!

Parts Updated:

Physical Description.
Physical Description Summary.
Race.

Parts yet to be Updated:

History.
History Summary.
Strengths.
Weaknesses.
Equipment.

[Wolf Mage]

Sorry for double posting, but will you be on Saturday and Sunday? There's too much for me to update tonight, I think.

[TwilightQueen]

Saturday? Most likely. It'll be after 6.

Sunday? Quite unlikely, though you never know. I'm heading up to Chicago again. ^.^ Tis my one-year anniversary!