by Mechanisto » Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:05 pm
Gah... looks like I'm a little late on this one. But here goes!
I'm not sure if this character is going to be acceptable, given as this RP seems centered around an element my character is largely immune to. But if we can get ti to work, it should be interesting. Please let me know if my character is OK, or if there's anything that needs changing.
Another "Gah"... just re-read it, and realized it's LOOOOONG... sorry!
Name: Emery Godo
Player: MechanistoX
Race: Salamander
Age: 341
Sex: Male
Body: Tall, lean and muscular
Quote: "Where there's smoke... there's fire!"
Physical description
Tall, lean and muscular, Emery looks every bit the soldier. His skin is darkly tanned and covered with a constant sweaty sheen. His hair is a dark red, almost rust colored, and worn long and unkempt. His eyes are sharp and bright-red and his face bears a constant smile, grin, or smirk. Indeed, even in the direst or most sorrowful of situations the smile never really fades completely. He doesn't have any need for social interaction, but will gladly join in if the situation arises. His garb and armor is clearly some kind of soldier's outfit, but it bears no identification or coat-of-arms and doesn't resemble the uniform of any known military. Also un-soldierly is his total lack of scars.
People are rarely what they seem; Emery is of course no different. He is actually a salamander, a slick-skinned, six-legged reptile about the size of a pony, covered in patterns of bright red and inky black. He has a number of supernatural powers, the most prominent of which is his ability to shape shift into an armor-clad human. He spends most of his time in human form to avoid 'complications' with the natives... but since he cannot change back without wearing the armor, he's never seen without it. His human form shares some of the strength, mobility and athletic prowess of his mythical half, but prevents him from using all but the weakest of his magical powers.
Background
Emery's background is relatively dull and short (compared to some other mythical beasts, at least). As the middle child of a clutch of about thirty brothers and sisters, he soon suffered from wanderlust. As soon as his shape changing ability grew in, he left home for adventure and exploration and hasn't looked back since. He doesn't understand people much but is still fascinated with them. He is slowly learning to tolerate a few of their quirks, and appreciate the luxuries they have to offer. He doesn't like showing his true form around them if it can be avoided and tries to earn a good reputation whenever possible. He's relatively new to this whole "adventuring" business, but so far he likes what he's seen.
Unfortunately, his first first problem-solving strategy among humans was to breathe fire first, breathe fire again, breathe fire a few more times for good measure, and then maybe consider asking a question or two. After being driven out of a few towns despite his best intentions, he realized this just doesn't work outside of salamander society. Since then he's been very reserved and cautious about using his powers around humans and their belongings, instead relying on conventional armed combat when needed. The social aspect of human beings continues to both fascinate and elude him.
The recent weakening of magic has affected him very little. His Salamander form wields tremendous arcane power. However, it's sealed safely away when he's human, preventing it from being used or drained. Since he only spends a few hours a week as a reptile, he's relatively unaffected by "The Weakening". If he were to spend more time in his true form things might be very different indeed...
Equipment:
When humanoid, he's always seen wearing his armor; a full-body suit made of scale-sheathed leather, that looks like it was hewn straight from the hide of a dragon. This is essentially the truth since the armor is actually the skin of his lizard form. The scaled and plated parts are a dull red, with patches of black leather. Its surface constantly gleams with a well oiled sheen, and dust and dirt seem to slide right off it. Its protective value is impressive compared to other hide or scale armors, but doesn't compare to banded or full plate suits. The real benefit is that it's extremely well balanced; it's highly durable and easy to repair and clean, offers tremendous mobility, and doesn't overheat the wearer. It can be donned and removed in a rush, and can be worn comfortably over a solid day of marching.
Emery's favored weapon is the polearm, either a spear or halberd. He sometimes carries a pair of light harpoons, but only when he expects a fight. He doesn't get too attached to his weapon; anything will do in a pinch. Even though such weapons are usually only used by soldiers marching in rank and file, he's strong and agile enough to use it effectively alone.
Abilities:
Shape shifting - Emery has the ability to transmute himself into a completely human form. This is more than just a magic spell, and is an innate ability. He can transform at will, with his salamander skin taking the form of scaled armor that moves as easily as... well... his own skin. He cannot transform back into a salamander without this outfit. His supernatural powers are unavailable in this form, except for a very minor control over fire, and the notable resistance to flames bestowed by the armor itself. Like other salamanders, Emery can regenerate lost limbs as long as he stays in his true form.
Control Fire - This magical power allows one to manipulate fire, causing it to shape and move, grow or fade, and give off a desired amount of heat, light and smoke. The ability requires great concentration, and the changes disappear after the control is released. Simple effects are effortless, but his salamander form can expend magical energy to create some truly destructive and awe-inspiring results.
Cinder Breath - In reptile form, Emery can exhale a large cone of fire over significant distances. The flames are intense, but barely visible... the real damage is caused by the ash; the cone generates billowing clouds of greasy smoke and fills the air with glowing hot embers and a choking layer of soot. The attack can blind several opponents in a large area, and make the air almost completely unbreathable as the oxygen is burned away. Emery himself can breathe the stuff just fine, and his vision is hardly impaired at all. The heavy smoke settles after a minute or so, and a stiff wind can disperse it even faster. He can use this ability two or three times in a day; one good meal replenishes one use.
Elemental Immunity - In reptile form, Emery is completely immune to natural heat. In fact, he's very comfortable in it. He bathes in lava, sleeps in bonfires, inhales smoke, and gargles napalm. His diet consists of the recently burned ashes and cinders of plants and animals. Magical fires are even more delicious, and restore some magical energy... though he can only devour them safely if he's careful. Surprisingly, he isn't overly vulnerable to ice or water; He actually enjoys the occasional swim, and can easily melt through ice in a hurry. His true weakness is wind; it's one of the few things that can toss him off his feet and nullify his breath attack.
Code of Honor - With such a strong elemental alignment, Emery gets along well with other fiery creatures. Sort of an "All for one, and one for all" deal. He's obligated to offer assistance, protection and hospitality to fire-based creatures, and can expect at least some respect in return. Of course, this generosity doesn't extend to his enemies and rivals, or to people who oppose his personal code of ethics. He's tangled with his own kind in the past, and won’t be taken advantage of again if he can help it.
<p>---
My head moves around inside the bag, it's not like I'm drinking through my actual eye socket.</p>