Asher

.:Basic Information:.

Name: Micheal
Character Name: Asthus Raer’nais
Alias/Nickname: Asher
Race: Human
True Age: 25
Apparent Age: N/A
Sex: Male
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 165 lbs.
Hair Color/Style: Silky, silver hair hangs down just below the shoulder line, drooping along the sides of his face, framing his lithe jaw-line.
Eyes: From his Tosaran heritage, he has majestic violet eyes. Subtle inflections in shade of his iris results in an almost starry-sky depth to his gaze, which many simply term mystical or majestic.
Marks/Scars/Tattoos: Devoted to the Dragon God that chose him, Ortaz, he had mystical glyphs tattooed over his chest to reflect his dedication and place in society. The tattoo consists of a cross made of blades connected by a violet orb cradled by two curved lines.
Physical Appearance: Asher, while Human, strands at considerable height, towards the upper reaches of his people's physical stance. Relative light weight, however, he has very little body fat, most of his weight held in muscle from constantly training; remaining fit for optimal service before his Lord Dragon. Furthermore, his high metabolism, from his Tosaran heritage, helps keep his body toned and agile at all times, even when he is kept from training for a day or two at a time. Otherwise, Asher has lightly brazen skin from training, guarding, and traveling daily; standing with great posture, shoulders back, head held up high, and without the slightest slouch whilst managing to sit down for a few moments, typically when eating. As a Dragoon the term he prefers in place of 'hybrid,' or dragon (while honorable, seems an inappropriate title given his Lord)—Asher stands nearly nine feet in height, with deep blue scales covering most of his body, reflecting his Lord, Ortaz's holy, signifying color. Fierce violet eyes, fangs, claws, wings, and tail all manifest, reflecting the deep spiritual bond between a Dragoon and their God. In this form, his broad shouldered appearance is capable of great feats of strength and endurance; the pillar of health for a dragon nearly humanoid in shape and size.
Occupation/Class: Dragoon Soldier

.:Secondary Information:.

Philosophy: "Go ahead, make me angry. I guarantee in the morning you'll wake up a lesser man."
Magic Schools: N/A
Carried Possessions:Asher travels light, usually only carrying what's needed for his next journey in a pack of sorts. On his person, however, he wears a collar about his neck of violet material; centered beneath his chin is a small medallion with the symbol of Ortaz proudly displayed. Asher's fierce devotion to the Dragon God had him specially request the collar made before his departure from Tosarik.
Clothing and Armor:Asher's armor is of Tosarik, crafted to compensate for the sudden change in physique brought on by the hybrid, or Dragoon, form that his kind assumes from time to time. This armor has some resemblance to scales, allowing it to blend in more naturally with his Dragoon form, which Asher prefers to take in the presence of Dragons in reverence to their bloodline and spirit. The armor also serves to subtly separate him from the rest of the warriors or soldiers roaming the lands in plate mail or other forms of metallic bindings. While in human form, it is one of the very few hints any might receive as a warning not to trifle lightly with Asher. The armor, itself, is relatively light. It is comprised mostly of gauntlets, chin guard, upper arm and leg guards, and a chest piece that covers the upper portion of his chest, leaving the belly relatively unprotected. Beneath the unyielding metallic skin lies a sturdy fabric of tiny, interlinking chain that protects more flexible areas of the body, such as the stomach—this fabric, however, is not as strong as Dwarvish mithril, nor does it sport mithril's signature snow-white sheen. His arms and legs are, for the most part, covered by the cloth fabric beneath the layers of armor, providing him with comfort and elemental protection. When not dressed in full armor, Asher prefers to wear more breathable clothing. Usually, when so clothed, this results in loose, dark pants, and an open-chest, sleeveless vest. In either dress, however, Asher wears sturdy boots that climb up towards his knees, allowing him to tread across a variety of terrain without concern.
Weapons:Verge Blade – The blade itself is attached to the handle via a shaft of forged, folded metal. The bottom half of the blade, itself, runs parallel to this shaft on either side down towards the grip, while the upper half narrows to a sharp point. This creates a sort of V-like blade resembling something of a wand, thus acquiring the 'Verge' name. The ends of the blade nearest the grip is wider than that of the tip, which converges to a single point like most other swords; this provides some added protection, as well as a greater surface area for blows delivered. Certain strikes against the Verge blade suffer additional rebound due to the 'hollow' point between the lower half and the shaft. In similar manner, these 'prongs' can be stimulated to produce certain audible sounds by striking them in particular fashions. While rare useful in the battle field, Asher isn't incapable of some supporting music or shattering a weak crystal or two. Along the length of the blade, lining the 'prongs' and decorating the middle of the upper half, is a V-shaped design of dark blue matching his Dragoon scales. Just above where the wand attaches to the blade is a symbol of the Dragon God Ortaz. There are no super powers behind the edge, save for its stalwart ability to stand up against assault. Unlike weaker blades produced by some smithy in the cities, this one is blessed to withstand time and tribulation in defense of Tosarik and Ortaz.

.:Personal Information:.

Likes: Dragons, Ortaz, Socializing, Open Sky, Birds, Clergy, Strong Ale, Meditation, Bears
Dislikes: Doraku, Idleness, Closed Spaces, Necromancers, Domesticated Animals
Merits: Loyal devotion, unshakable confidence, doer, fierce fighter or protector, sharp or perceptive
Flaws: Unapologetic, unyielding fixation or obsession, numb to suffering
Worst Fear:Being restrained or otherwise incapacitated, out of control, or disabled. Unable to take action to see a mission complete, to defend Ortaz or Tosarik, or any other cause or purpose that Asher has devoted himself and his blade toward. Helplessness.
Personality:

Asher is a very complex individual, but who isn't? Striding into a new town, he enjoys visiting local taverns or inns to acquire a good drink, strange food, and pleasant company. In this, he is approachable, outgoing, and even friendly. An overheard conversation can be an excellent segway to meeting the village folk, acquiring information, or simply passing the time. Talk of warriors and soldiers from the battlefield or arenas also catches his ear more often than not, drawing his curiosity into the challenges of most human men and women.

Nevertheless, the slightest provocation can turn that pleasant, perhaps even cheerful, demeanor into one of sarcasm, rancor, or out right anger. How far, or how long, one must push to trigger this abrupt change depends on the subject matter, topic, or person doing the unjust act; however it comes about, the certainty is once Asher is angered, he has no qualms about properly settling the matter, by word or act, and his sword is always strapped diligently to his back.

In battle, this fierce side of the Dragoon surfaces in his merciless frenzy; in so long as a foe possesses a threat to him or those he guards, Asher spares them no ounce of strength or effort behind every swing. No quarter is given before an opponent that cannot accept surrender, disarmament, and repentance. If, by some strange means, companions should harbor a fiend in their midst knowingly, Asher will grant them no leeway and stay vigilant for the slightest betrayal; traitorous acts receive nothing short of swift retribution.

The Doraku, particularly, receive no mercy, quarter, or absolution. Asher has set out to destroy those that would tarnish the greatness of the Dragon Gods, and finds traitors to those Gods to be nothing short of the worst sin conceivable. Killing in the name of a Dark Lord was, by comparison, an affront to society. It is not his place, or duty, to absolve them of their sins, or convert them to the light; their acts have left them depraved and damned before the eyes of their Gods, and for that they deserve final judgment.

Regarding other faiths, Asher is, surprisingly, open to discussion with clergy. In fact, he seems to enjoy discussing spiritual matters with members of other faiths, despite being unwilling to accept any other God as his own, regardless of argument put before him. Some times he has suggested one to worship the Dragon Gods, even if they are not Dragoon, but more often than not he enjoys fostering relations with the Dragoons and their Lords with other faiths. There is no need for them to compete over the souls of men and women, and the Gods have already selected their chosen well in advance. At this point, it is left to them for venerable worship and bringing the uncertain into a righteous, but fulfilling, path for their soul.

History:

Asher doesn't speak of his childhood, but if he ever did, he would merely relate that his human parents had been admirable, and caring; particularly so since they'd recognized his soul's true nature and brought him before the Dragon Gods. Still, the limited time spent with them leaves Asher with little else to discuss about them. When asked if he's ever tried finding them, the Dragoon simply smiles and goes about his business as though the question were never asked.

As all Dragoons, he was brought before the statues, but at a particularly early age. Scarcely out of diapers by that point, Asher only has a vague sense of even who they were before being taken to Tosarik and the Dragoon Academy. It was there he was raised, grew up, and struggled to be the finest servant in service to the Dragon Gods, not questioning their divine will in seeing him brought to the Dragoon sanctuary. This life was no simple matter, involving all the customary teachings and rigorous physical training all Dragoons undergo; his high-metabolism, however, helped in no small measure keeping Asher constantly on his feet and trim throughout each trial.

Once he mastered the Power of the Dragon test, having retaken the trial immediately after the first bought with what seemed to be scantly any additional training, Asher was honored to join his place amongst the Dragoons. So fiercely devoted to Ortaz and the other Dragon Gods, sheer will alone summoned up the vast reserves of wit and fortitude necessary to complete the trials. Not that this did not exhaust him for a short time, afterwards, but he was too exuberant to properly acknowledge his physical frailties until that night, when he collapsed soundly asleep for a whole day.

Several years later, and more training in the way of a warrior behind him, a Doraku, once named Apheras or "Asp," made a fearlessly bold step in attacking Tosarik itself. By this point, Asher had joined his fellow Dragoons in protecting the city and was in the quarter that came under assault by Doraku and its minions. The defiled creature--once a personal friend of Asher's and mate to another friend, Blaze--managed to set foot inside the city before the young Dragoon had even arrived on the scene. With a roar, Asher launched himself into the fray, plunging into the growing throng of intruders where the gate had been breached. None could be allowed to establish a beachhead further into the holy city, and Asher took it upon himself to ensure its unmarred survival.

The attack was repelled successfully with little internal damage to the city, which pleased many. Yet, the assault, itself, stir up even more resentment towards those of Chaos. The Council established that one should be charged with tracking down this villainous Doraku, in particular, to slay it and return victorious in the name of the Gods. Hearing of Asher's unyielding bravery in the face of the enemy, the Council appointed him to the task. Still battered from the brash assault, fending foes off for a minute before support arrived, the Dragoon was, nevertheless, deeply honored and eager to see their will done. Before he'd even fully recovered, able to walk and wield his blade once again, Asher set out from the city. His duty was to be one of deeply rooted dedication, and personal vengeance for the death of Blaze, during the assault, and the corruption of such a noble Dragoon by some fiendish source.

Since that day, he has tracked Asp across the lands, following in the wake of her destruction and rallying cry for followers for a second incursion. Any other tainted creature of Chaos, rare as they are, found along the way is swiftly dealt with, leaving none in his wake to plague the Lords further. Thankfully the traitors were few, and far between, or else Asher should begin to believe some outside force is set against the Dragon Gods, corrupting the hearts and souls of good Dragoons--which he already suspects with Asp's fall into insanity. Asher retains a vigilance for any such indication. The safety and integrity of the Gods depends upon his keen senses and strong arms to see to it the world is kept safe, and honor restored.