Bendigeidfran Posted April 13, 2009 Posted April 13, 2009 In the large cellar of a hotel, there were several rooms underneath, once used as a bombing shelter for the hotel staff. Sometimes it was still in use for the staff, but for now, it was used by someone else. He had managed to get it for living quarters in Freedom City, and remodeled it to fit his own terms. There was a bedroom, bathroom, a gym filled with several kinds of weights, for both arms and legs, along with a living room designed as a Japanese parlor. The living room was also decorated with weapons and armour from old times, going as back as Ancient Greece or Roman times. The entrance was stairs to the walls, in the corner of the lobby. A rather, short fellow came through the door and went down the stairs to light the whole apartment. He was clad in a brown coat with buttons and a white shirt with blue jeans. He began to strip down, revealing bandages underneath. His muscles were as if they were carved out of stone rather than born out of flesh. Another day, another bank robbery stopped... But it hurts, these bullets... He went to take a bath and it was straight to bed. He needed to rest after all.
Bendigeidfran Posted April 14, 2009 Author Posted April 14, 2009 Aristodemus had a special desk near his bed. Every now and then, he would go sit by it and write down something philosophical there, and then go send it to the local newspaper to be published under the name of Bardas. They seemed pretty popular. Is it right or wrong to say that good always triumph? Some people think differently. I like to think so sometimes. Mostly, I have realized that I have the view that good is always the one that triumph over evil. To think something like that is dangerous. Evil needs to win sometimes, otherwise it wouldn't be the evil that people are afraid of. If good was to win every encounter then what would evil be? There is no good without evil. I have seen evil first hand. Thus armed with the knowledge of evil, I can be prepared how to fight it in my own way, for the good of this city.
Bendigeidfran Posted June 6, 2009 Author Posted June 6, 2009 Aristodemus was practicing his Kalarippayattu, an Indian martial believed by many to be the origin of Chinese martial arts. He hasn't been giving this one particular practice time since he came back from Hades' domain, but he felt that he needed to. Especially since he lost. Normally, for a Spartan, to lose was to be killed, only Aristodemus couldn't be killed. He just had to live with the shame. Through his various contacts, he learned who his opponents was. The guy in armor was Captain Knievel, a thrill seeker and completely reckless of what happened around him. Malice, a rich guy who got one of those power armors and an ally of Knievel. Who the woman in apparent space clothing was, he found very little, only that she had escaped from a secret military base in which she has been frozen for forty years. Well, it was three-to-two in the beginning, but even with those odds, Aristodemus could have won. He wasn't telling that he would've won, but he had a chance at least.
Bendigeidfran Posted July 6, 2009 Author Posted July 6, 2009 Introduction Give a two or three word description of yourself. (Describe your character's concept.) -Immortal Spartan warrior Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? -I haven’t checked up that lately. What is your full birth name? -Aristodemus, in Ancient Greek; “the Best of People.†Where do you live? -Currently in Freedom City. Why do you live there? -I live there until I can find somewhere else. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? -It would be my immortality. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? -The fact that I’m just a human. Physical Traits How old are you? (Chronological age as well as age category.) -About two thousand, five hundred and thirty…two. I look like I’m in my fifties or early sixties. What is your sex? -Male. What is your race? -Human. Doric Greek by the way. How tall are you? -About 5’2’’ long. How much do you weigh? -178 lbs. What are your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise? -I look like I’m carved out of granite, really. What is your skin colour? -I’m slightly tanned. What is your hair colour? -Black with a few streaks of grey. What is your hair style? - It’s mostly short. Do you have any facial hair? -I have a thin beard. What is your eye colour? -Brown. How attractive are you? -I look like I’m in my sixties; I’m not attractive by modern standards. What is your most distinguishing feature? -That would be my physique really. Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks? -Do you want me to take off my shirt? What is your handedness (left/right/ambidextrous)? -I’m ambidextrous actually. Do you resemble some currently known person? -Not that I know, no. What kind of clothing do you wear? -I wear clothing from whatever time period I like. Do you wear makeup? -What’s that supposed to mean? What sort of vocal tone do you have? -A bit of a booming voice, to be honest with you. History Where is your homeland? -Greece, in southern Europe. Are you aware of its history? -I could write a whole book really. Are you patriotic or a social outcast? -I’m a social outcast generally. What is your opinion of home? -My home is where my heart is. Where is your home town? -It’s been in ruins for centuries. Are your real reasons for becoming an adventurer different from what you tell others? -I have told everyone I met the truth as to why I left my home. How far would you go to keep such secrets from being revealed? What would you do if the truth became known? -I do not attempt to keep my immortality a secret. What do you fear would occur if the truth became known? -Assassins. Thrill-seekers. Never give me a moment’s peace. Do you have any particularly high or low ability scores? -I don’t think so. How have these scores affected your life so far? -I don’t understand the question. What about your race, growing up were you in the majority or a minority? -I grew up in Sparta, okay? That means humans only. Did this impact your outlook in any way? -No it didn’t. How do you feel about other races? -I feel nothing bad at all toward other races. We there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? -Lets see, I was brought out into the wilderness when I was seven, I had to steal and kill in order to survive and I was beaten nearly to death with sticks. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. -I was put into the wild with nothing more than a knife when I was 7. I learned that life is dangerous. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? -I had to steal, sneak, fight and do rather nasty stuff to survive. Which toys from your childhood have you kept? -I didn’t have any toys. Why? What do they mean to you? If you didn't keep any, why not? What did you do to them all? -I said I didn’t have any toys. I couldn’t get any. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? -All the faces of those I have killed in the past, and those who have died beside me. Are you who you claim to be? -Yes. Do you have any sort of criminal record? -Excuse me? How do you view the heroes/legends of your country? -I see them as real individuals who were simply better than their countrymen. Family Who were your parents? -My father was a Spartan soldier, my mother died in childbirth with me. Were you raised by them? If not, then why didn't they and who did raise you? -I was raised by the state. What was their standing in the community? -My father was a high standing officer in the army. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? -No, we stayed in Sparta. How did you get along with their parents? -I never even met my parents. Well, my father once. How would your parents describe you? Answer this in the voice of your mother, then in your father's. -I’m not answering this. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what were their names? How did you get along with each of your siblings? -All my siblings are dead. There were five of us, three boys, including me and two girls. We got along well. What was your birth position in the family? -I was the youngest in my family. List all current knowledge of family locations, spouses, children, birth dates, schooling, and any important incidents that only you and they might remember. -It’s too big to be listed really. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? -Most of my spouses, children and friends have died of old age. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? -No, I loved them all. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? -Well, my older brother Dilios was my teacher for a while. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? -There was one, but he got killed. If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position? -I don’t remember. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? -I am the celebrated ancestor. If so, what did this person do to become famous or infamous? -I don’t want to hurt you. Do you try to live up to the reputation of your ancestor, try to live it down, or ignore it? -Keep going like this, and you’ll get hurt. Do you ever want to have a family of your own someday? -I’ve had plenty of families really. Would anything change your mind on this issue and if so, what? *Sound of something made of metal hitting a forehead* What type of person would be your ideal mate? -Someone who doesn’t mind the scars and my appearance. Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, who and what are they like? -My friends of the old times are all dead. What is the history of their relationship(s) with you? -We were battle comrades, really. I was always looked up to. They came to me to know what to do. Do you currently have a best friend whom you would protect with your reputation or your life? -Not at the moment. If so, who are they and what caused you to feel so close to them? What would have to happen for you to end this relationship? Do you have any bitter enemies? -I admit that I have a few. If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with you? -One of my biggest foes would be the Minotaur. Have you defeated them before? -I’ve managed to thwart his plans in the past. How might these enemies seek to discomfit you in the future? -I honestly do not know. Which person(s) or group(s) are you most loyal to? -I haven't really joined a group. Who is your most trusted ally? -I told you just now. I’m not in a group. Who do you trust, in general? -Those who watch my back. Who do you despise and why? -I’m not in a group! Name seven things you hate in others. -I hate cowardice, though I don’t blame it, deceit, manipulating your friends. Can’t think of anything else. Is your image consistent? -Excuse me? Do you deliberately present yourself differently in different situations, and how? -No, I wouldn’t. What would you die for? -I’d die, again, for trying to protect my friends. What is the worst thing someone has done to you? -Stab me in the back, literally. What is your general reaction to an attractive member of the opposite sex who lets you know they are available? -I’d say, give it a go, then. How do you get along with others of the same adventuring class? -I get along quite well. Have you lost any loves? -No. How did you handle the situation (short & long term)? -I don’t have any lost loves. Who would miss you should you go missing? -My personal disciples really, (I’m not naming them) and my gods. And Daedalus might. Oh and the old school heroes… I got a lot of acquaintances. But what do you define by missing? Are we talking weeks? Months? Years? Decades? How close are you to your adventuring companions? -Do I have to remind you that I am not part of a group!? What do they not know about you? -My immortality. Are you a member of any house, guild, organization, or church? What is your level of involvement? -I am a champion of the ancient Greek gods. I can be best described as a leader of that faith. Personality & Beliefs Do you, or did you, have any role models? -I have a few, though I am not naming them. Do you have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend? -I have heroes from legends. Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? -No I didn’t. When did you decide to become an adventurer? -I became an adventurer after the battle of Plataea. Why have you chosen to risk your life as a career? -I didn’t have much of a choice back then. What do you expect to get out of being an adventurer? What, if anything, would make you stop adventuring? - I just can’t stop adventuring. Do you have any dreams or ambitions? If not, why? -To be able to enter the Elysian fields for one final time. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? -I don’t understand the question. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? -I don’t understand this one either. If these goals seem at odds with each other, or with your dreams, how do you reconcile the differences? -You’re getting on my nerves with these questions, you know that? Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias? If so, what are the origins of, or reasons behind them? -I don’t have any fears. Time mends all wounds to put a proper phrase to it. How do you react when this fear manifests itself? -If I did have any fears, I’d be running the other way. What are your attitudes regarding material wealth? -I’d say it’s a good thing to have material wealth. Are you miserly with your share of the wealth, or do you spend it freely? -I’d be very careful with my own wealth if I had any. Do you see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end? -I’d see it as a way of fulfilling needs. How do you generally treat others? -I treat people quite nicely. Do you trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not? -I don’t trust people easily. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? -I’m generally extroverted. Are you a humble soul or blusteringly proud? -I’m really humble. What habits do you find most annoying in friends? -Sloppiness really. What are your most annoying habits? -I can’t answer that. Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which you are strongly prejudiced, and why? -I used to be fond of slavery, but these days, I despise it wherever I go. What is your favourite food? -Hmm, I prefer those meat buns from Asia. What is your favourite drink? -I tend to drink Bailey’s every now and then. What is your favourite treat (desert)? -I haven’t had any desserts, so I can’t answer. Do you favour a particular cuisine? -Japanese cuisine is exquisite. Do you savour the tastes when eating or "wolf down" your food? -I savour the meal and tastes. Do you like food mild or heavily spiced? -Mildly spiced. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? -Not really. What are your favourite colour(s)? -Red is one I like. Also ultramarine blue. Is there any colour that you dislike? -No. Do you have a favourite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument? -I like to play the flute every now and then. If you have a favourite scent, what is it? -It’s the smell of fresh strawberries. What is your favourite type of animal? -It’s the wolf. Swift, endurable and part of the team. Are you allergic to any kinds of animals? -No. Is there anything that enrages you? -Can’t say that I know of. Is there anything which embarrasses you? -I’m not answering that. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? -I don’t understand the question. Do you have a patron deity? -I have Zeus as my patron deity. Are you devout or impious? -I am devout in my faith. Do you actively worship and proselytize or do you simply pay lip service? -I give thanks to my gods sometimes, and give sacrifices too on the odd occasion. What lengths would you go to defend your faith? -I am a champion of my faith. I’d go any length at all to defend it. Was your faith influenced or moulded by anyone special? -It is the ancient Greek religion. I don’t know if it was influenced. Do you belong to a dominant church, or an independent church, cult or sect (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)? -It is accepted by modern religions as one to respect and leave alone at the least. Will you kill? -I will if I must. When did you decide (or learn) that you would? -I learned it when I was fifteen. When do you consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)? -If my opponent is not human, if they are, if they try to kill others, and if they try to commit horrible things to Earth. When do you consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)? -When they say that they only do what they were told to do, and because they don’t like to do such things. What would you do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under your "wrong" circumstances, what would be your reaction? -Then I would knock them out and take them to the police. What if it were your enemy? -I wouldn’t hold back. What if it were your friend? -I’d regret it deeply afterwards. What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)? -I’d try to snap them out of it. What would you do if something were stolen from you? -I’d try to get it back and then punish the thief (thieves) accordingly. What would you do if you were badly insulted publicly? -I don’t really know how to respond to that for the moment. What would you do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death? -If they were murdered, I’d avenge them. If by disease, go on with my own life really. What is the one task you would absolutely refuse to do? -Oversee the destruction of a city. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? -Betray his own friends for profit’s sake. How do you feel about government (rulers) in general? Why do you feel that way? -I find them pretty functioning. Except the USA government, that’s £¤@©ed up. Do you support the current government of your homeland? -Yes, I support the government in Greece. If so, how far are you willing to go to defend the government? If not, do you actively oppose it? -I’m more of a neutral person in that perspective. What form of government do you believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why? -I’d prefer the pre-Christian monarchy, where the king is chosen by the people, not inherit the throne. It worked pretty well so far in the few examples that existed a while ago. Do you have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others? -Not really, I’m modest. If so, describe them and how you acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them. -Somebody’s going to get hurt if I keep getting these weird questions. Do you have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed? -NO! What is your most treasured possession? -That’s none of your business. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would you do in those remaining hours? -I wouldn’t really bother, because I revive the next day. Career & Training Where and how were you educated? -I was educated in Sparta, through the Agoge, where I started out being put out in the wilderness. I was however taught how to read and write too. Along with song, music and dance. Who trained you in your adventuring class(es)? -I was trained by military soldiers. What was your relationship with your teacher(s)/mentor(s)? -It was strictly for the state, honestly. Is this person or institution still in existence? -No, it died centuries ago. Were you a prize student or did you just barely pass? -Look, there were two choices; you either made it, or you die. Simple as that. Look at your skills. How did you acquire them (especially the unusual ones)? -I picked them everywhere I went. Have you ever done anything else for a living? -Come to think of it, no, wait, once I was a teacher to a nobleman’s son in Walachia. How do you function in combat (manoeuvres, weaknesses)? -I’m a freestyle martial artist. Have you ever received any awards or honours? -There was during the Greek revolution when I achieved the Grand Cross from the Order of the Redeemer. Is there anything that you don't currently know how to do that you wish you could? -Not really. Are you envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are you sullen and morose about it? -Not at all. Lifestyle & Hobbies When not adventuring, what is your normal daily routine? -Take a jogging hike in the morning before breakfast, visit the local gym in the noon after lunch and then find something to do before dinner. How do you feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason? -I don’t know, it hasn’t happened before. What are your hobbies when you are not adventuring or training? -Writing, really. I like to write down my experiences. What do you do for relaxation? What things do you do for enjoyment? What interests do you have? -Nothing I can think of right now. How do you normally dress when not in your adventuring gear? -I dress in everyday clothing. What do you normally wear in bed at home? -I’m not answering that. What do you normally wear in bed while adventuring? -Something that resemble armor. Do you wear any identifiable jewellery? -I have a pair of bronze bracers on my arms. Where do you normally put your weapons, magic items, or other valuables when you are sleeping? -I put in a small chest that I carry with me. What morning or evening routines do you normally have? -I practice martial arts every morning. Do these routines change when you are adventuring? -Nope. Travel: how do you get around locally? -I’m very well known around the world. Do you have a Last Will and Testament? -Never needed one. What does it say? -What did I just tell you? Miscellaneous What would you like to be remembered for after your death? -After my final one? That I tried to live up to the name of my warrior heritage. What kind of threat do you present to the public? -I think it would be national if I really did present a threat. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? -I keep a pair of bronze bracers on my arms all the time. It has happened that my body has been destroyed beyond recognition before, but an old apprentice of mine noticed my bracers. As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... -I don’t know if I can do that one.
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