Post by giantfiredog on Apr 22, 2023 3:54:30 GMT
--General--
"Times have changed, as have I. For better or worse, only the future will tell,"
Full Name
Liam Hauer Brandt
Alias
Anderson
Age
43
Age Appearance
Mid Thirties
(A combination of his mystical power and his active lifestyle led to him retaining some of his youthfulness even in his middling age)
Residence
Fortis
Job
Indentured Servant
Gender
Male
Species
Human
Alignment
Neutral Good
Faction
None Currently
--Appearance--
Picture
Physical Description
Anderson is a tall and well-muscled man, standing at 6'5''. He strikes a large figure, boasting broad shoulders and a square face with a strong jawline. His skin is lightly tanned from his many weeks on the road whilst traveling with Camille, and has a fair few scars across his body from various battles, the most notable of which being a large scar up across his cheek right up to his eye. Luckily the attack didn't quite strike his eye, so he still can see with it. His brown hair is shaved on the sides, before growing to a short length on the top of his head. His hair is naturally wavy and tends to behave itself, fortunately for Anderson. He keeps his facial hair well-shaved, though in recent times it's gotten a bit scruffy since he didn't have good care for it out on the road. His eyes are a striking green, still keen even into his middling age. He carries himself with a strong posture, though attentive individuals would notice a certain tiredness to his movements and the way his eyes look about his surroundings.
Clothing
Anderson is very much a utilitarian man when it comes to clothing, usually wearing dark and unassuming colours. His clothing is relatively high quality due to the benefits of being a nobleman's personal guard, though even then it's mostly fit for comfort and durability rather than appearance. Anderson tends to prefer wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in order to cover up his scars.
Armor
Armor Type
Where does the armor go?
Appearance
What does the armor look like?
Armor History
How did you obtain your Armor?
Where does the armor go?
Appearance
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Armor History
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Weapons
Weapon Name
Ultimatum
Appearance
Ultimatum is a very large and heavy battleaxe designed to be wielded by an individual whom is particularly good at channeling their strength. No regular person can wield this weapon effectively-- but people who do will find it very effective and deadly.
Weapon History
Upon being promoted Captain, Liam had this weapon custom made for him. He had become proficient with war axes, and with him becoming particularly skilled at channeling he was more than capable of wielding something much heftier. Thus came Ultimatum. He used this custom-built weapon all the way up until his disappearance.
Appearance
Weapon History
Miscellaneous Equipment/Items
Item/Function
What is the item and its' typical purpose?
Appearance
What does your item look like?
Item History
How did you obtain your item?
What is the item and its' typical purpose?
Appearance
What does your item look like?
Item History
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--Bonded Object/Powers--
Object
Brandt Family Lockbox
Appearance
Object History
The origin of this lockbox is unknown. However, it has been passed down through the Brandt family for as long as the family has been around. This object has been bonded by every descendant of the Brandt family, whom then passes the bonded object down to one of their children. As a result, dozens if not a hundred people have had this object as their bonded object at some point. As a result, this lockbox holds an incredible amount of power, far more than most relics. It is practically indestructible, and nobody except the person bonded to it can open it. Whatever is inside is a closely guarded secret.
Source of Bond
After killing his brother, whom the lockbox was passed down to, Anderson took the lockbox and fled Fortis. The lockbox represented many things to Anderson. It is the last piece of his brother he has; it is a reminder of his errors and mistakes; it is a closely guarded heirloom of his family; and it is all he has left of his past in Fortis. For how much this single object meant to him, and the fact that the object in itself is practically designed to be bonded to, it is no surprise he ended up bonding with it. One thing to note however-- the lockbox will not open for Anderson. He has bonded to it, but he is not the rightful inheritor.
Powers
Ability Name
Blood Siphon
Ability Description
This was the first power Anderson manifested, back when he was surviving in the wilds and the pain of his crimes was still fresh. Anderson is capable of siphoning the blood of corpses around him to fuel himself, improving his mystical power and physical capabilities. He is also capable of siphoning already spilled blood even if it's from a living person-- however he cannot siphon directly from a person. He is also capable of siphoning his own blood even if he has no corpses around, though doing so is very harmful to himself and usually only useful for a short burst of power. Blood Siphon has no limit to how much power it can provide Anderson-- so long as there are more corpses to siphon, Anderson will continue to grow stronger. Theoretically if he were to siphon enough corpses he could overpower even Kem-- but that would require a copious amount of death and bloodshed. Functionally speaking, it is a strong power boost in the heat of a battle.
Ability Drawbacks
This ability is almost useless if Anderson does not have any nearby corpses or blood to siphon from. That being said, given he has the fuel this power has no drawbacks in the heat of battle. The true cost of this power occurs after the adrenaline has faded. This ability inflicts an incredible amount of mental stress on Anderson, such that using it will inflict him with nightmares and madness for many days after using it, the effects worsening depending on how much he had siphoned. There is a very real risk Anderson is driven completely insane by this power if he uses it recklessly.
Ability Name
Guardian's Intuition
Ability Description
This power is unique in that every person whom bonds with the lockbox receives it, this power seeming to be a quintessential aspect of the object's power. Guardian's Intuition has both a passive and active effect. Passively the bonded object user is able to detect when others are in danger, particularly close loved ones. This effect has a limited range, but as the wielder grows stronger and more in tune with the lockbox the range increases. This effect also has a small semblance of future sight to it, in that it can detect when someone is about to be attacked. It doesn't offer any information beyond that, but being able to tell when others are in danger is a useful effect in itself. The active portion of this power allows the wielder to protect other people with a bubble shield of mystical energy. This power can be used to protect anyone whom is 'detected' by the danger sense, so the wielder is very much capable of shielding people remotely from a significant distance away.
Ability Drawbacks
The passive portion of this power, though always active, is very limited in its range. Usually you can only detect the danger of people within the same room as you. However the range increases dramatically for the people the wielder has a bond with. This danger sense also only applies when others are in danger-- the wielder isn't able to detect their own peril. They are also incapable of shielding themselves with this power as well. This power is purely to the benefit of others and offers the wielder no direct power. As a result, this ability is useless if the wielder is fighting alone.
Ability Name
Soul Arsenal
Ability Description
Anderson is capable of conjuring spectral weapons that he can either wield directly, or levitate them to attack enemies from afar or at different angles. This effect can conjure anything Anderson considers a weapon, which allows some loopholes such as how Anderson trained himself to use a shield offensively so he has the capability to summon spectral shields for protection, since mentally he considers them a weapon. These spectral weapons are weaker than the real thing, it being possible to shatter them if you are strong enough. However Anderson can focus more of his mystical energy to reinforce a spectral weapon such that it is just as if not stronger than a normal weapon-- but this can only be used for one weapon at a time. He can levitate these weapons with ease and they are completely weightless for him to wield, even if it's a very large weapon.
Ability Drawbacks
This effect can only summon weapons, or things Anderson is able to trick himself into thinking is a weapon. This effect is more taxing for him to use the more weapons he summons, but in the general sense this ability is a very reliable and high utility ability. It is the core ability of Anderson's fighting style.
Signature Technique
Heavy Landing
Technique Description
Liam was at one point a highly skilled and experienced Legion officer. As is the case with most elite Legion members, he developed a 'signature technique' that he specialized in. When activated, Heavy Landing causes Liam to fall to the ground at a highly increased speed. The more power he puts into it, the faster he falls. There is an advanced version of this technique he used to be capable of where, upon hitting the ground, he released a potent shockwave around himself. He has not yet regained the strength to perform this feat, but he aims to rectify that.
Technique Drawbacks
This technique is physically intensive, requiring Liam to brace his body mystically in order to absorb the impact of hitting the ground. Performed improperly this ability can easily break his own bones.
--Important Information--
Personality
Anderson is a man with a lot of baggage he is working through. Over a decade of repressed trauma and guilt has left him with a high damaged self image. Recent times have worked at alleviating that, but old habits die hard. He is a kind person, always treating others with respect and understanding. He is also, mostly, a patient and thoughtful person. He puts a lot of care into his actions and plans many of his actions ahead. That's not to say he is a person who hesitates though, he can be decisive when he needs to be. He has a bad habit of downplaying himself and his capabilities due to how much he had weakened since his glory days. He also holds a troubled view of the Lockbox to which he is bonded— It isn't truly his. It's a bond that isn't mutual, and he knows so long as he maintains this bond the Lockbox will be wasted.
Anderson has a very protective side of him when it comes to the people he cares for, especially Tana and Camille. When harm comes to them, Anderson will often go into a rage and fervently confront whatever the offending individual is, even if said individual is stronger than him.
Though he has changed in many ways, a lot of Liam is still intact deep down. Liam was a passionate man who put his all into everything he did. He never half-assed anything and wouldn't let small things get in his way. In every sense of the word, Liam was a go-getter, who will usually answer 'yes' if you ask if he wants to do something. This passion was a double edged sword-- he shone brightly and shared his feelings with the people around him and was a very genuine and trustworthy person, but he was also very prone to succumbing to his anger or other negative emotions which made him vulnerable to taunting. Liam was very good at what he did, but he was also very reckless and hard to contain. Were he not such a rising star, he likely never would've landed a position in the military. He wasn't stupid however, but he always wanted to do things his way.
Liam tended to be a bit cocky at times, not such that he looked down on others, but moreso that he kept trying to one-up everyone. He wanted to hit harder, run faster, have more accomplishments, than anyone else. It was a compulsion for him, a mixture of ambition and spite. He would never admit it aloud but he was jealous of his brother, and kept trying to become better than him to show him up. That spite for his brother was one of the catalysts burning the flame in Liam's heart. Aside from some of his narcissistic tendencies however, Liam was still a very friendly man who always smiled and never gave up. He inspired those around him through his actions, and always led from the front, like a true leader should, in his eyes.
Likes
+Becoming proficient with new weapons+
+Anyone who helps or protects Camille+
+Assisting Others+
+Staying out of the spotlight+
+The Lockbox, and his memory of Alistar+
+Being the best at what he does+
+Spending time with his friends and peers+
+Exploring the unknown/trying new things+
+Wielding his trusty war-axe+
Dislikes
-His past mistakes-
-Talking about his feelings-
-Anybody that troubles or endangers Camille-
-Axes
(He will never summon axes with his soul arsenal ability, nor will he ever use one. He also is more aggressive against enemies who use axes)-
-People telling him what to do-
-Negativity/Giving up-
-Being alone-
-His brother Alistar-
Strengths
+Fiercely protective of Camille and Tana+
+Hobby of learning weapons+
+Dedicates himself to assisting and supporting others+
+Calculating approach to combat+
+Optimism+
+Inspiring leadership+
+Eager to try new things+
+Very friendly to others+
Weaknesses
-Often underestimates his capabilities-
-Unable to open the lockbox or wield its power properly-
-Prone to giving up on himself-
-Difficult to order around-
-Narcissistic-
-Too attached to his subordinates-
-Lacking a tactical mindset-
Skills
+Refined channeling capabilities+
+Proficiency in many types of weapons+
+Concealing his aura+
+Well-studied and knowledgeable+
+Knows first-aid+
Talents
+Strong combat instincts+
+Reading opponents and predicting attacks+
+Very athletic+
+Sensing auras+
Motto
"Few things are more venerable than training people to become far greater than yourself,"
Goal
To protect Camille to his dying breath and aid Serena in claiming the throne.
--Stats--
Level
Four
--History--
Early Life
Liam was born into one of Fortis's oldest and most respected noble families, House Brandt. Renowned for being honourable warriors, the family had a reputation for its strong leadership and stalwart protection of others. The family's history dates back far, such that their origin is largely unknown beyond simply being a long lineage that dates back at least to the second great war. Some speculate that the Brandt family were the descendants of one of the great ancient heroes of the past, though there is no evidence to support this. Well... There is one possible exception.
Passed down through the family is a lockbox. This lockbox is a bonded object, with each generation of the family bonding to the lockbox. With each generation, the lockbox grew more powerful, allowing its wielder to perform great feats. The lockbox can only be opened by the person bonded to it, and whatever is inside is a closely guarded secret of the family. More than just the family, it's a secret kept only by the people bonded to it. Whatever is within, it was quite powerful-- anyone holding the lockbox could feel it. With how many people had bonded with it, the incredible amount of mystic energy had made the lockbox almost indestructible. This ancient lockbox is a relic of the past, and a powerful one at that. Nobody knows how it was first created, or by who.
With such a strange and unique legacy, Liam found his life as a Brandt child quite interesting. People expected great things of a Brandt, and Liam was determined to meet those expectations. He was passionate and driven, and he had an unshakeable resolve. However, as time went on he also became more troublesome. He wanted to do things his way, didn't let other people boss him around... He was absolute hell for his teachers, and few people expected Liam to actually make it in the military despite his very high talent. Liam was stubborn, and hard to tame. Moreover, he was prideful, and he was fully expecting to receive the lockbox when he completed his training.
A few years after Liam was born, Alistar came. Alistar was in many ways a foil to his brother: calm, collected, quiet, and cautious. Liam played with Alistar often, roughhousing and teasing throughout the years. Alistar wasn't afraid to play with Liam, and in fact rather enjoyed it, but it was clear Alistar didn't have the fire within him that Liam did. That's not to say he wasn't driven or capable, he simply took things at a slower pace. With how docile Alistar is and how seemingly unassuming he was, Liam was confident he would be the one to receive the lockbox.
Military Beginnings
Liam was a problem child, rebellious in spite of his talent. His unshakeable resolve made him very difficult, if not impossible to coral, even by your regular drill sergeant. He bit back, questioned things, argued his case. He was dismissed from training by many who simply weren't willing to accept Liam's unorthodox tendencies. He eventually was recognized by a particularly respected sergeant named Karl Inu. Karl was known for being particularly strict and pushing his recruits hard-- but anybody who made it out the other side of his training were a step above your regular soldier. Liam had finally met his match in a sergeant who was just as stubborn as he was. Karl managed the seemingly impossible task of getting Liam to actually listen to his orders, and under his tutelage Liam was finally able to make his passion and talent shine through training and discipline. Liam never did lose his rebellious streak, but Karl had managed to shape him into a proper soldier.
Karl also happened to be a member of the Legion, and had trained Liam in the fundamentals of high powered channeling, which Liam took to like a moth to a flame. Karl had encouraged Liam to join the Legion, but Liam had refused. He was going to be inheriting the lockbox after all, the Legion wasn't the place for him.
Eventually Liam moved on from Karl's tutelage, but the trouble didn't stop there. Karl was stubborn enough to train him properly-- but now Liam needed an officer stubborn enough to lead him. It was an awkward few months where Liam had gotten several misdemeanours on his record. It was at this point that everyone assumed Liam's brief stint with the military was coming to a close...
However, one day in particular came. Liam had taken some time in the interim of him being assigned to another unfortunate officer to visit his home. He arrived to see Alistar training. With the lockbox.
Liam was devastated, and immediately began arguing with his family about their decision. Ultimately it boiled down to the fact that Liam was just too wild and unreliable to be given the responsibility of the lockbox.
Something within Liam snapped at that moment as he simply went silent, and left the building in a huff. He went back to Karl, and requested to become a part of the Legion. Karl had of course heard about all the trouble Liam was causing, and was very disappointed in the boy he trained, but Liam begged him for one more chance...
The Legion
Liam was assigned to one of the more stern officers the Legion had after Karl argued his case with a personal endorsement of Liam's capabilities. Everyone knew Liam was trouble and probably wouldn't last long. But something was different about Liam this time. He still questioned his orders, and still tried to do things his way, but when he was told to do a task, he went and accomplished that task without question. The officer quickly learned that instead of telling Liam how to do something, they simply had to point Liam in a direction and he would accomplish it, even if it was unorthodox. Liam was lucky this stern officer was adaptable and intelligent enough to use Liam properly, otherwise he likely would've been dismissed from the Legion as well. The officer, named Ulysses, had been known for his creative problem solving, and under his leadership Liam became a very strong asset to the Legion. His sheer determination, skill, and drive to improve made him quickly outshine his peers as a promising soldier. All the sudden Liam went from the problem child everybody expected to be kicked to the curb, to a rising star people began to expect great things from.
Liam had taken to the Legion's teachings with fervor out of spite for his brother. If his family thinks he wasn't worthy of the lockbox, then he'd show them who was truly worthy. He'd become stronger and better than his brother without the lockbox and prove he was superior. That spite was one of the biggest motivators for Liam's improvement.
Eventually, officer Ulysses had people work alongside Liam in the tasks he assigned. He put Liam on to harder missions, and by forcing other people to come along Liam was forced to incorporate them into his strategies. Through Ulysses's careful management, he shaped Liam into a leader. And eventually, when Ulysses moved up the ranks and on to better things, he suggest Liam to take his place as the officer of that squad. The suggestion was questionable to his superiors at first, but with some convincing they decided to give Liam a chance.
Liam was taken in to receive the proper training to become an officer. Once again he was problematic, him often taking too direct an approach and not thinking things through in the most strategical sense. People once again didn't see Liam going far in this training-- but then something strange happened. Liam began to find solutions through his direct means. Where many officers would think through very complicated strategies to accomplish something thoroughly, Liam was a risk taker. In his training he made dangerous but also efficient moves that sometimes backfired, but other times completely cut through whatever complicated strategy his opponent had.
The people overseeing his training saw potential, but also were cautious. They didn't want someone like Liam in charge of larger strategies involving many people, where he'd risk important lives to get results. But they could see him running a very successful danger-braving squad. Eventually, he exited officer training with a promotion to lieutenant, and he returned to the squad Ulysses used to lead.
With Liam at the wheel, the squad began to take on riskier missions. Some people in the squad were quickly overwhelmed and sought to leave the highly challenging work, but others stayed and began to improve alongside Liam. Liam's intensive methods and tendency to push others led to him not only improving himself, but also the people that worked alongside him. Very rapidly, he, alongside his squadmates, became one of the Legion's most reliable squads. They got results, and fast. There were many complaints from the soldiers who couldn't handle Liam's leadership, but command saw Liam for what he was.
Liam was an idol. He pushed himself so hard and so far, striving for perfection and achievements few had the ambition to reach. Under his leadership, the people alongside him were also inspired and driven to grow. Liam was no longer the lone prodigy-- he was a magnet for other prodigies to rally behind. Liam's squad became an elite and closely bonded unit of people that had cohesion and talent beyond what other squads could accomplish. These years were the golden ages of Liam's career. He was powerful and accomplished, and he seemed to only be getting better...
A Broken Family
In the interim of his successes however, Liam had powered through some hard times. His father and mother both passed on prematurely, the former from an unfortunate accident and the latter from illness. Their deaths hurt Liam, but his spite for them choosing Alistar over him numbed the pain such that he didn't even go to their funerals. During this time, Alistar was also starting to dislike his brother. It seemed that Liam didn't care about his lineage, nor did he care about his family. Alistar had heard about Liam's accomplishments, but he also saw through it all. Alistar was always a very perceptive and intelligent individual, and he knew Liam was doing all this to spite him. Liam was a prodigy, but he had built his foundation on envy and anger. He knew Liam would crack eventually. A part of him wanted to see it happen, for some due justice, but he also still loved his brother and didn't want to see him fall so far like this.
He eventually messaged and urged Liam to visit him. He hadn't actually expected Liam to respond, so he had been surprised by Liam showing up on his doorstep. Liam was confrontational, wondering why Alistar all the sudden wanted to talk to him after all these years. Alistar understood Liam's anger, but he was also angered in his own right. What right did Liam have to complain about ignoring family when he hadn't even cared about his own parents' deaths?
Their argument grew heated, cruel words being thrown. Eventually, Liam snapped and punched Alistar square across the jaw. What had once been two brothers who roughhoused for fun, now became a genuine, fevered brawl. Alistar was normally very collected and fought intelligently, but this was his own brother. He simply couldn't fight with his greatest strengths here, and in his desperation he had taken up his sword to fight back against the stronger Liam. Liam saw this as an escalation and a challenge, so he grabbed his greataxe and began cleaving away at his brother. Alistar avoided many of the slower attacks, Liam smashing furniture and walls in his assault. Eventually Alistar saw an opening and went to puncture Liam through the chest to finish the fight-- but the sword shattered against Liam's body. In his surprise Alistar didn't have time to avoid Liam's next attack.
The next thing Liam knew, a bloodied corpse fell back against the wall, its head split down the middle by his greataxe. Liam for the briefest moment felt the rush of victory. He had proven himself better than his brother, once and for all...
But as the adrenaline faded it dawned on Liam. He... He just killed his brother. He killed Alistar.
The realization hit him through the gut harder than any enemy ever had. What had he done?
Liam looked about the place. He destroyed Alistar's home and killed him in cold blood. He... He had committed atrocious crimes. He wouldn't be able to go back from this. He didn't know what to do.
He began panicking, heaving his bloody greataxe over his shoulder and grabbing the lockbox from Alistar's pocket. He had to leave, now.
Liam disappeared that day, sneaking away into the wilds of Fortis, on the run from the law before the law even knew what happened. He eventually discarded his greataxe into the dirt as he fled Fortis, leaving behind everything he ever had...
In one fell swoop, the venerable House Brandt had dissipated into nothingness, with no heir to take up the name and no living members to carry on the legacy. It was one of the greatest tragedies Fortis faced in recent times, losing two great officers and one of the oldest noble families.
Without Liam to lead them, the prodigies that composed his squad went into disarray. They had all gotten so far because Liam had inspired them and pushed them harder than anyone else had. Without Liam, there was nobody strong or willful enough to take his place, so the squad disbanded. Another legacy shattered by Liam's mistake.
Alone
For the first time, Liam was truly alone. He kept running, further and further into the wilderness, until he was so far from his home of Fortis that he wouldn't have been able to come back without a serious effort. There was no going back. He was alone, this was his life now.
Liam was mortified and angry. Lost and confused. He took out his feelings on the wildlife around him, and in his fierce emotions he bonded with the lockbox, the thing that had started it all. He wasn't worthy of the lockbox, it never opening for him or granting him its power. The only power Liam got from the lockbox was due to his own spiritual strength being drawn out by his connection. As a result, Liam's first power wasn't even remotely in line with what the lockbox's purpose was. His first power to manifest was his blood siphon, which he used to fight greater and greater enemies. Any foe he could draw blood from, he could beat, slowly but surely. Without his greataxe Liam was forced to craft his own weapons, and surviving out in the wilds alone forced him to learn how to become crafty and sneaky. The once reckless and strong Liam had become ruthless and efficient, slaying creatures and surviving from day to day. As he used the blood siphon more he began to struggle with nightmares and voices, the effects taunting him and driving him mad. He eventually couldn't use the blood siphon any more without losing his mind. Without the ability to survive like he had, Liam had a choice to make.
He couldn't go back to Fortis, and if he went back into society as Liam, he would eventually be taken in for his crimes. More than anything he didn't want his squad to see him this way. There was no going back.
He turned his eyes to Pulic. He needed a new name and a new life.
Begrudgingly, with great sorrow, Anderson stepped back into society for the first time in almost a year.
A New Life
Anderson pushed down his guilt and sorrow, simply taking days one step at a time. He made his way into Pulic and started from the bottom up. He worked as hired muscle; a mercenary one day, a bouncer another, a bodyguard a third. His strength and capability was noted however, and he started to gain a reputation again. Anderson recognized this and very nearly panicked again. He couldn't afford to be in the spotlight, so he willingly quelled his abilities and acted weaker than he actually was. In spite of all this, he still came under the notice of a man named Henry Vignes. The nobleman offered Anderson a job as a guard in his mansion. The pay was great and Anderson had to admit he missed living in a mansion, though he wouldn't have said that out loud. He accepted Henry's job offer and became one of the mansion's guards.
He worked as a guard there for a few years, simply living on autopilot as he pushed down his guilt and stood around. There wasn't much that happened, and Anderson wasn't particularly driven to push himself, especially because he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. He practiced in his free time and still worked hard to maintain control of his aura, but over time Anderson's great talent faded alongside his passion. He had soured into a grim and washed up old soldier, his past vexing him silently as he pushed through day, after day, after day. He took up a few hobbies to try and make something of his life, one hobby in particular was learning how to use multiple weapons. He never planned to use an axe ever again, so he needed to learn new weapons. He eventually took up the sword, then the spear, then the quarterstaff, then the warhammer...
His hobby for weapons training eventually led to him being proficient in a great many weapons. He had grown weaker and less passionate, but he at least had made progress in regards to his skill and knowledge. He was now a cold and calculated person, who carefully assessed the situation and fought intelligently...
Anderson never truly realized it, but he had become like Alistar in a lot of ways. The only difference... His sins.
In the midst of this newfound hobby, Anderson's skill in multiple weapons manifested itself into his second power, soul arsenal. He no longer needed to wield actual weapons, as he could now conjure any weapon he knew how to use. It was very useful, and he spent a lot of time practicing with it. It became the essential aspect of his fighting style, and was one of the few things that he felt any sort of drive to improve at.
As time went on, he'd watch the Vignes family as they interacted with their only daughter Camille. It was sweet, and Henry's warmth was very infectious. Anderson wanted to have the sort of warmth and kindness Henry had. As time went on, the cold and dour attitude mellowed into a soft, kind demeanour. As Anderson shaped up as a kind person, Henry began conversing with Anderson more. Eventually, Anderson and him became friends, and Henry changed Anderson's job from a mansion guard to his personal guard. It was a high honour, and with him accompanying Henry with the things he engaged in, he began to get involved in multiple things...
Fading Light
Anderson had noticed that Henry was growing ill. Henry slowly became unable to stand on his own, and Anderson had grown concerned. Eventually, Henry opened up to his close friend, about the secret beneath his family name. Generations ago, House Vignes made a deal with an enigmatic being named Xir for power. Xir gave them success and prosperity, at the simple price of siphoning the life force of the patriarch of the family. The patriarch quickly grew ill and died, but his family at least were relieved the deal as over...
But then his eldest son started getting ill. It dawned on them-- it was from whomever the patriarch was at the time, not just the specific person. This led to the family closing in on itself, guarding this secret closely. Eventually it worked its way down to Henry, and he admitted to Anderson that, after having Camille, he didn't plan on having any other children. Without a son, it may break this curse on his family once and for all. It was humbling to Anderson, to see a nobleman who was so selfless and caring. He kept Henry's secret, especially from Camille. He watched Henry slowly grow more emaciated and sickly, until it was clear Henry was on his last legs.
At his side, Anderson was with his closest friend as he lay on his deathbed. Henry, weak and dying, asked Anderson one last request-- one last order. He asked Anderson to watch over his beautiful daughter, to keep her safe. Unofficially, Anderson had now become Camille's personal guard.
Elliot mourned her husbands passing for a long time, during which she didn't dedicate much time to parenting Camille. Anderson was forced to take on the role of managing her, and he soon grew a soft spot for the young lady. Elliot, after recovering from her sorrow, was surprised to find Anderson and Camille getting along so well. As the new head of the house she had many jobs to do, so she requested that Anderson continue to care for Camille. She subtly raised his pay as Anderson was now also her servant and guardian. Anderson was taken off guard by his new role, but he wasn't about to let his dear friend's last wish go to waste, so he raised Camille while Elliot worked hard to keep the family organized and afloat. He didn't blame Elliot for not having time for her daughter. Henry and her had time for Camille because they worked together, but now Elliot had all the workload on her shoulders.
The years go by, and Camille grows from a girl to a young lady, and with her maturing Elliot once again began to interact with Camille and teach her the aspects of nobility. Camille took to the noble role well, and began to start interacting with other nobles. Anderson would watch sadly, however, as the noble life also began to twist Camille. She became more like the rest of the nobles in the court, bossy, manipulative, narcissistic. But he no longer had the authority to try to teach her better. He was forced to see the woman he helped raise become a snob like the rest of them...
Winds of Change
Camille grew, but didn't bear much of the house's load as Elliot still worked very hard to keep things afloat. She eventually had to leave the house in Camille's hands for a while however as she was forced to take a ship to Mara on official, important business. Camille struggled to maintain the things Elliot did, but Anderson did his part to lighten her workload. She didn't acknowledge his efforts, and more often than not got annoyed at him trying to help. But he knew she appreciated it deep down, even if she wouldn't admit it.
Time went by... And Elliot didn't return. Anderson grew worried, and asked around. Nobody knew why she was gone so long.
Then the news came in that her ship never arrived at its destination.
Anderson was shocked, and then fell into sorrow as he mourned Elliot's passing. He wasn't sure if she was dead or not, but he didn't get his hopes up. It was all in Camille's hands now.
Camille was... Not very good at maintaining the house. It lost a lot of its influence as she flourished and engaged in her greed and posturing. Eventually she figured out about Xir after forcing it out of Anderson. She paid the devil a visit and made a deal. He wasn't sure what that deal was... But it was obvious that Camille double crossed him when he saw her sobbing over her new snake eyes.
He wasn't sure what to do, but he offered her an idea that, perhaps, she could find a way to force Xir to remove the curse. Camille didn't acknowledge his idea, but slowly went about trying to use her influence. But it quickly became clear Xir was way, way, higher than her on the totem pole. He was untouchable.
Camille then made the rash decision that she needed to kill Xir. But she knew that nobody could be hired to kill Xir... She needed to do it herself.
Anderson saw a hint of what she would become in that moment. A flame of determination that reminded him of... Reminded him of nothing. Nothing at all.
Camille looked around for tutors, but combat training wasn't as prevalent in Pulic. She made her decision: They were going to Fortis.
Anderson was incredibly shocked and panicked when he was alone. Back to Fortis? He had been gone so long so perhaps nobody would recognize him... Perhaps...
He eventually steeled himself. He had a promise to fulfill. He had to bite back his fears and follow Camille to Fortis.
As they packed their bags, he focused and concealed his aura in its entirety. As far as anyone could tell he was just a lowly servant in her entourage. It was for the best...
