Varu'kahn
General Information Type: Henchman
Gender: Male
Age: 37
Appearance:
- Face/head: Varu'kahn's face is dominated by his eyes. His eyes are smoldering pits of fire that leave ember trails as he moves. The union with Korialstraz has made it impossible to see his origional eyes. However, once the union is broken the brown eyes shine through in full intensity. A strong brow with full black eyebrows outline and contrast the flaming sockets, prominent cheekbones doing nothing but accenting that. Long black straight hair with various ties and braids spill around his face, further bringing out those intense eyes. A scraggy mustache and goatee rests on a strong jaw.
- Body: The man is very square bodied with well defined shoulders, chest, and back. His core shows some definition but no where near the power of what it supports. Powerful biceps lead into stronger forearms and hands, testament to years of bow use. Upon those shoulders is a strong and thick neck. All of this muscle mass stays lean and close to his skeleton, not bulking as some do and betrays a more agile inclination over raw power. Wrapping all this man is ashen skin with orange scars here and there. In many places the flesh seems to "crack" and the flame of the tyrant is almost visible as it gently licks outward. Should Kori ever leave his host for any reason Varu'kahn's skin would reclaim its olive and brown tones.
- Notable Features:Varu'kahn's eyes are forever smoldering pits, and his skin ashen, due to the union with Korialstraz; The Tyrant Wyrm. These features fade upon the beast leaving his body and soul. Aside from this union the man has several tattoos that mark him, though he refuses to say what they are or where they're from. On his left shoulder is an intricate spiraled pattern. On his right leg is a similar design that wraps around his calve and thigh in red ink.
- General: Varu treats all aspects of life as a learning experience. To face challenges is to be tested by the spirits that guide all creation. To meet new peoples is to know the wisdom of other paths. To learn a new skill is to better one's self in the eyes of the ancients. To perfect that skill is to become closer to the divine. Always should one seek divinity, and never should one sink into the godless void of apathy.
While one should always seek knowledge so too shall they share it. Chasing divinity should never cause you to squelch others. In this Varu always seeks to pass on his knowledge in any skill, craft, or lore he can. He believes the sharing of wisdom brings two beings closer together and together they can chase perfection faster. Even better is the sharing of experiences as they happen, bringing two souls into one as they challenge, struggle, and learn together.
While chasing perfection one should never fall into the trap of isolation. Varu always checks his ego at every turn, constantly reminding himself that others have experience he may not. He makes every effort to uplift and motivate those around him, constantly attempting to make strong foundations for any group he may be a part of. Due to this, he'll attempt to be diplomatic with most foes before resolving to violence. Once battle is joined, he'll chase perfection in the craft of war as well. - Hopes/Dreams: The shaman seeks communion with the spirits of any land he is in. Their ancient wisdom and guidance proves more valuable than all the gold in the land to him. However, a specific beast holds great interest. Dragons are elevated to the heights of divinity. Their power and majesty, combined with their legendary knowledge and immutable resolve, is the peak of all possible forms to the man. Even after having been chosen as the permanent host for such a divine creature, he strives ever harder to learn from it and emulate its majesty in all ways without losing himself.
- Fears: Isolation and solitude cause the mind to idle. Apathy and indifference cause one's path to stagnate. To continually push forward is not to forget where one comes from. Due to this Varu has a deep rooted fear of abandonment. Its caused him to become a beat of a people pleaser at sacrifice to personal well being. While he understands not all can be made to peacefully get on with each other, to abandon a potential ally or be rejected from a potential union can cause the man to become depressed for days.
- Combat Mentality: When all options have failed only the bloodshed is left. In this Varu is very efficient. He prefers a ranged fight, often mounted to out pace his foe. He'll lay down withering fire, aiming to disable his opponent over kill them. A war is not won by killing your enemies, but by removing their resolve to fight. Should single combat become a melee, he'll focus on evasive tactics, once more aiming for wounding and crippling strikes. Should a foe surrender, he will stop the attack there. Allies will be allowed to claim their wounded. If no allies are available, he'll give the wounded water and treatment to the best of his ability, often carrying them back to their homes himself.
Stats
- Endurance: 22
- Chakra Pool: 22
- Control: 1
- Strength: 20
- Speed: 25
- Willpower: 30
- Weapons
- Composite Recurved Bow - This bamboo core bow is layered with animal horn and sinew to offer flexibility and power. It uses a type of animal glue to hold the whole thing together, wrapped in birch bark to offer mild protection. The entire weapon is roughly a meter and a half long. The string is made from treated animal sinew. This bow is usually kept in a quiver on his back, unstrung, or around his neck and shoulders when strung.
- Barbed Arrows x60 - Varu'kahn's primary arrows are made from treated ash, roughly a meter long by one centimeter thick, and fletched with the feathers of an eagle. The arrow heads are steel and sharpened to a razor's edge with triangular tip. At the base of the three centimeter wide head are once centimeter barbs that curve backwards to make removal difficult and painful. These arrows are kept in a large quiver vertically on the back, head down.
- Fireball Arrows x15 - These arrows are made from a softer pine wood and completely saturated with an explosive solution that goes off a couple seconds after meeting a spark. The head is a normal triangular steel point, but a small lever comes off the flat side. This lever is stiff attached to a flint that's stiff enough to avoid movement during firing or storage. However, upon impact the flint strikes and lights a short two second fuse before causing the whole shaft to explode with the force of a single tag. This explosion can ignite nearby materials.
- Long Glaive - This polearm is made from an ash shaft roughly two meters long and about five centimeters in diameter. At one end is a roughly forty centimeter long and fifteen centimeter wide blade brought to a chisel grind on both sides. A tanto points is in place of a normal thrusting point and a five centimeter spike protrudes off the base of the "back". From the base of the blade leather strips are wrapped around the spear down about half way. This weapon. is most often carried.
- Side Dagger - A simple steel dagger with full tang made in the style of a hunting knife. The fifteen centimeter hilt is made from two pieces of birch pressed and riveted against the tang. The nearly twenty five centimeter blade is sharpened on one side, with the back being a serrated saw for clearing brush. This is worn on the left back hip.
- Scimitar - This roughly four centimeter wide blade curves to its pointed termination at fifty centimeters long. The fifteen centimeter hilt is created by riveting two pieces of goat horn to either side of the tang. A guard rests between the hilt and the blade, extending four centimeters beyond the blade on either side in a sturdy flat, slightly curved upwards, sheet.
- Composite Recurved Bow - This bamboo core bow is layered with animal horn and sinew to offer flexibility and power. It uses a type of animal glue to hold the whole thing together, wrapped in birch bark to offer mild protection. The entire weapon is roughly a meter and a half long. The string is made from treated animal sinew. This bow is usually kept in a quiver on his back, unstrung, or around his neck and shoulders when strung.
- Armor
- Studded Leather Cuirass - This thick padded cloth covers his torso naturally, including his pants. His chest is covered in a thick hardened leather cuirass that covers from shoulder to gut. Along the gut are several small square plates of steel riveted in place to offer additional protection without restricting movement, though gaps between the plates do leave a weak spot in the armor.
- Studded Leather Skirt/Boots - A skirt made from firs, treated skins, and cloth covers from waist to knee all around. Several dozen thick metal plates are riveted to this skirt to offer additional protection as well as modest impact absorption. The boost are made from the same type of material and come up halfway up the calf. Along the toe and across the back of the calf is a steel plate.
- Studded Leather Gauntlets/Shoulders - Both hands are covered with soft leather gloves that offer minimal protection while not restricting movement. Sewn into the back of these gloves are hard leather pads covered in steel rivets. The gloves cover up to a third of the forearm as well, with a hardened steel plate being riveted to hard leather pads. Upon the shoulders thick leather pads are cushioned with soft cloth. Several horns and spikes line each shoulder pad, ranging from three centimeters to a large central horn being twenty centimeters and pointed straight up on either side.
Abilities and Concentrations
Possession of the Tyrant Wyrm:Varu'kahn is host to Korialstraz; The Tyrant Wyrm. This possession is a mutual union between host and spirit, physically shown in a darkening of Varu'kahn's skin to an ashen grey with orange scars. His eyes appear to constantly be smoldering in their socket. Due to this union Varu'kahn may call upon aspects of Kori's physiology or power for a limited duration, augmenting his body or using Kori's jutsu/abilities via the use of jutsu.
Concentrations (5/10)Show
Acrobatics:The fundamental skill of [Acrobatics] includes the user’s ability to contort their body into unfamiliar positions in order to avoid attacks, as well as the user’s ability to fall safely and perform Ukemi and other feats of gymnastics. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Perception:The fundamental skill of [Perception] describes the user’s practiced methods of more keenly focusing their senses for a short time. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Projectile Weapons:The fundamental skill of [Projectile Weapons] indicates the user’s proficiency with weapons designed to attack from afar, such as bows, shuriken, senbon, launchers and the like. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Polearm Weapons:The fundamental skill of [Polearm Weapons] indicates the user’s proficiency with staves, spears, halberds, pikes, scythes and other like weapons. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Sword Weapons:The fundamental skill of [Sword Weapons] indicates the user’s proficiency with swords and sword-like weapons such as knives, daggers, sword-breakers and the like. This facilitates their use of related Taijutsu.
Jutsu
Flawless AimShow
Flawless Aim Style (Description):This style of combat is favored by shinobi preferring to use projectiles, often serving as a staple for ranged taijutsu users. Focusing on the synergy between their hands and senses, they strive to make their lethal skills reach as far as possible with absolute precision.
Requires: [Projectile Weapons] Concentration.
D:*[Flawless Aim Style • Sentinel Shot]
D-Rank Taijutsu Stance
Taking multiple projectiles into hand and priming the muscle groups required for launching projectile weapons, the practitioner can quickly shoot projectiles in rapid succession and just as quickly reload. While in this Stance, the practitioner can maintain a near-constant stream of projectile attacks. However, due to the amount of coordination required for this Stance, their movement is limited, suffering a -3 Speed penalty while in this Stance.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Rapid Reload]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After years of training, the practitioner has learned how to quickly and accurately access their ranged weapon stores at all times in combat. This cuts the effective "reload" time by half, up to a maximum speed equal to the practitioner's Speed score. This also applies to returning unused projectiles to their storage containers or switching between types of projectile weaponry.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Tracking]
D-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After much training and study, the practitioner has learned how to read an opponent's movements and adjust their aim accordingly to compensate without penalty. This Discipline allows the practitioner to accurately hit moving targets, though sudden changes in the opponent's movements will still affect accuracy.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Repeater Shot]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Preparing multiple projectiles, the practitioner launches each of the projectiles at one or more targets. For each target beyond the first, the accuracy of each of the attacks is decreased, suffering a -1 Strength penalty for each additional target.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Arcing Shot]
D-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The practitioner can launch projectiles in arcs up and over most obstacles, being able to accurately hit a target that is behind obstructions as if they were in the open. The practitioner must still be able to locate their target by some other means to ensure the projectile will hit its target.
C:*[Flawless Aim Style • Evasive Maneuvers]
C-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
The practitioner has learned how to accurately launch projectiles while moving through the flow of combat. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to accurately launch projectiles while moving at full Speed, while jumping, rolling, sliding off the ground, or while performing other basic combat movements.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Hidden Shot]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
By launching two projectiles, one immediately after the other, the practitioner attempts to create a decoy for the second. The first projectile is often larger or of equal size, and the second projectile is slightly behind and below it, the second projectile hiding in the first projectile's shadow. This masks the second projectile and makes it more difficult for the opponent to completely avoid. Opponents with a Perception technique equal or higher in rank may be able to see both projectiles clearly within a reasonable distance, though they'll still have to properly defend against it.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Twisting Path]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Preparing a projectile, the practitioner launches the weapon with a slight tailspin, causing the flight path of the weapon to warp as it travels. The practitioner uses this slight change in the projectile's trajectory to hit a variety of targets that could not be targeted by normal means. This can be used to hit a target that is hiding behind another person or object, particularly useful against opponents behind human shields.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Sweeping Shot]
C-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Momentarily crouching, the practitioner launches one or more projectiles in a low arc, the weapon(s) flying close to the ground before arcing up in a single direction when approaching the target. If the practitioner launches more than one projectile, their trajectories can cross over each other, making it difficult for the opponent to ascertain which projectile will rise up to strike them first.
B:*[Flawless Aim Style • Uncanny Shot]
B-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After much training and study, the practitioner is able to launch projectiles from previously impossible positions. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to launch projectile attacks without any detriment to their aim regardless of the position of their body. This includes while contorting their body or making rapid adjustments such as dodging attacks or performing acrobatic maneuvers.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Blind Sight]
B-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
After much training and study, the practitioner no longer needs to rely on their sense of sight, instead using their other senses to locate and attack targets. This Discipline represents the practitioner's ability to launch attacks at targets that may be behind, above, to their sides, or even behind terrain without sacrificing any accuracy without having a line of sight on their opponents. This Discipline does not allow the practitioner to ignore terrain or obstructions, merely allowing them to account for those factors when aiming and launching projectiles.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Intercepting Shot]
B-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
The practitioner is able to launch a projectile in the direct path of an oncoming solid mass attack (i.e. Doton). If the Strength of this projectile meets or exceeds the Strength of the attack it is clashing against, the attack is deflected away from the practitioner. If the projectile is only slightly weaker than the attack (-5 Strength or less), the attack is still partially deflected, though the practitioner must supplement their defense with other techniques or movements to fully avoid the attack. The practitioner must still be able to detect and track the attack in order to defend against it.
A:*[Flawless Aim Style • Absolute Aim]
A-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Having mastered the art of ranged combat, the practitioner is capable of calculating all outside factors before launching their projectiles. Ambient factors such as temperature, winds, moisture, any terrain, and even lack of sight on their target can not hinder their aim. So long as they have a means of detecting the location of their opponent and no impassible objects or unavoidable defenses stand in their way, the practitioner's attacks will strike their target with pinpoint accuracy without fail. Living targets must have a Perception technique equal or higher in rank to be able to perceive the practitioner's attacks without some sort of additional defense.
*[Flawless Aim Style • Sniper’s Mark]
A-Rank Taijutsu Maneuver
Focusing for half a post and torquing every single muscle in their body, the practitioner concentrates on their target and launches a single, long-distance projectile attack. This attack can strike its target without losing Strength, Speed, or Accuracy up to [(Speed + Strength)/2] x 100 meters, rounded down.
History
Chapter 1Show
Varu was born in Iron country to a family of nomads passing through. His mother protected and raised him, teaching him various skills in archery, cooking, and basic leather working. While growing she would instill him with great respect for the world around him. She'd speak at length about the ancestors and the spirits that govern the natural world. He was told to respect all life and see divinity and sanctity in its various forms. Every fortnight they'd do rituals to honor and greet the spirits. They'd give thanks over every kill, wishing the spirit of the animal peaceful rest. He was told, with no lack of import, that the spirits want nothing but to see all life grow in their own ways, and to seek growth and wisdom is the ultimate honor to one's ancestors and the natural world.
Varu's father got work on the road, often traveling with caravans as a sell sword and handy man. His skills were a master's envy in wood work and masonry. He also possessed a silver tongue that'd make blood born hatred turn to long standing friendships. With every breath he seemed to chase a dream of perfection, though always spoke as if the dream was unobtainable. When able, the father and son would venture by themselves to clearing to practice various techniques. Father would teach proper spear and sword work, as well as how to ride a horse with naught but your legs. He'd also tell stories of the spirits and the divines, imparting upon him the importance of sharing knowledge and wisdom.
As years passed and Varu grew into a man he began to formulate who he would be forever more. The legends of old stuck with him and watching several hardships developed into compassion. Varu would seek out village elders and craftsman at every stop, often vanishing for days at time to his parent's great discomfort. Always he'd come back beaming with joy at having learned a new skill, or honed an existing one. Always he'd write down the stories and share them whenever asked. One story stuck with him more than any other though. The story of a magnificent beast born of power and stature. A creature purely not of this earth yet somehow its master. The name of the creature was dragon, and the overwhelming nature of its existence captivated young Varu.
The story was related to his parents once more upon the road. They confirmed the tales and shared many of their own. All of them overwhelmed the now teenage boy. He made it his life's goal to commune with such a creature, to bath in its glory. All his life he'd had the importance of duty and craft instilled in him. Now he wishes to push himself further than before. He seeks to make himself worthy of divinity's grace. In this he redoubles his efforts, often passing out in the middle of a craft. The boy's father would often carry him back to their bed, leaving the project for later completion. However, he'd insist on the project's completion as soon as Varu woke.
When Varu turned twenty two he spoke to his father of joining a traveling mercenary group. He sought knowledge and experience beyond what the quiet life of a nomad could offer. Ever the egalitarian, his father approached his mother and they both gave blessing with smiles as wide as the heavens. Varu gathered his bow and spear, his clothes and armor, and readily left with a parting hug to both. As a parting gift Varu's mother gave him two gifts of wisdom. His father spoke of diligence but peace. His mother spoke of humility but pride. With final knowledge within, Varu joined another family upon the roads through all the nations.
In ten years Varu grew a reputation for his silver tongue. He was chosen as the spokesmen even above the leader. He further honed his aim and horsemanship as well, becoming a great rear guard. His arrow would warn of impending danger, his voice prevent it in the first place. Many of the men grew happy with his ways. Jobs were plentiful but often blood was shed only in a final call. As he rose through the ranks he earned the title of Kahn, an honorific within a small sub group of a larger mercenary core. The title was held with pride.
Eventually the group began to tire of the road. Several would seek comfortable lives away from the road with a family to call their own. Others fell in battle and their stories remained honored in their name. Upon the turn of the summer, their leader had found wife and daughter, settling in the land of water. He took over the company and lead them for a short time further. Eventually he sought to return to his original goal. Leadership of his family was a great point of pride, but he was no great leader of warriors. He was a poet and shaman before then. The Titan's band was left in the hands of another, Varu saying his goodbyes once more.
For a couple years the man simply traveled from land to land, seeking stories and wisdom as he wished. His tongue was employed in negotiations for money, his bow in defense as well. In time he traveled to a land of rivers and streams. He had heard tale of the small tribal peoples and overgrown temples. The spirits would be strong in such a place of lush life. There he witnessed something never before thought possible. A woman built of power and scale, an old friend dearly missed by not forgotten, and a beast of divine magnificence. No hesitation was had in greeting the mercenary king, and great eagerness greeted the dragon known as Korialstraz. He begged to be included in the group's evening meal. He had no imagining of the great offer he'd receive in the coming days.
Varu's father got work on the road, often traveling with caravans as a sell sword and handy man. His skills were a master's envy in wood work and masonry. He also possessed a silver tongue that'd make blood born hatred turn to long standing friendships. With every breath he seemed to chase a dream of perfection, though always spoke as if the dream was unobtainable. When able, the father and son would venture by themselves to clearing to practice various techniques. Father would teach proper spear and sword work, as well as how to ride a horse with naught but your legs. He'd also tell stories of the spirits and the divines, imparting upon him the importance of sharing knowledge and wisdom.
As years passed and Varu grew into a man he began to formulate who he would be forever more. The legends of old stuck with him and watching several hardships developed into compassion. Varu would seek out village elders and craftsman at every stop, often vanishing for days at time to his parent's great discomfort. Always he'd come back beaming with joy at having learned a new skill, or honed an existing one. Always he'd write down the stories and share them whenever asked. One story stuck with him more than any other though. The story of a magnificent beast born of power and stature. A creature purely not of this earth yet somehow its master. The name of the creature was dragon, and the overwhelming nature of its existence captivated young Varu.
The story was related to his parents once more upon the road. They confirmed the tales and shared many of their own. All of them overwhelmed the now teenage boy. He made it his life's goal to commune with such a creature, to bath in its glory. All his life he'd had the importance of duty and craft instilled in him. Now he wishes to push himself further than before. He seeks to make himself worthy of divinity's grace. In this he redoubles his efforts, often passing out in the middle of a craft. The boy's father would often carry him back to their bed, leaving the project for later completion. However, he'd insist on the project's completion as soon as Varu woke.
When Varu turned twenty two he spoke to his father of joining a traveling mercenary group. He sought knowledge and experience beyond what the quiet life of a nomad could offer. Ever the egalitarian, his father approached his mother and they both gave blessing with smiles as wide as the heavens. Varu gathered his bow and spear, his clothes and armor, and readily left with a parting hug to both. As a parting gift Varu's mother gave him two gifts of wisdom. His father spoke of diligence but peace. His mother spoke of humility but pride. With final knowledge within, Varu joined another family upon the roads through all the nations.
In ten years Varu grew a reputation for his silver tongue. He was chosen as the spokesmen even above the leader. He further honed his aim and horsemanship as well, becoming a great rear guard. His arrow would warn of impending danger, his voice prevent it in the first place. Many of the men grew happy with his ways. Jobs were plentiful but often blood was shed only in a final call. As he rose through the ranks he earned the title of Kahn, an honorific within a small sub group of a larger mercenary core. The title was held with pride.
Eventually the group began to tire of the road. Several would seek comfortable lives away from the road with a family to call their own. Others fell in battle and their stories remained honored in their name. Upon the turn of the summer, their leader had found wife and daughter, settling in the land of water. He took over the company and lead them for a short time further. Eventually he sought to return to his original goal. Leadership of his family was a great point of pride, but he was no great leader of warriors. He was a poet and shaman before then. The Titan's band was left in the hands of another, Varu saying his goodbyes once more.
For a couple years the man simply traveled from land to land, seeking stories and wisdom as he wished. His tongue was employed in negotiations for money, his bow in defense as well. In time he traveled to a land of rivers and streams. He had heard tale of the small tribal peoples and overgrown temples. The spirits would be strong in such a place of lush life. There he witnessed something never before thought possible. A woman built of power and scale, an old friend dearly missed by not forgotten, and a beast of divine magnificence. No hesitation was had in greeting the mercenary king, and great eagerness greeted the dragon known as Korialstraz. He begged to be included in the group's evening meal. He had no imagining of the great offer he'd receive in the coming days.
Owner: Artemisu, Katsu
Stat Trainings: (0/25)
