Basilio Cortado
"I would have died for them, and now they want me dead."
Name: Basilio Cortado
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Bio: Basilio was raised in the coastal village of Acate, a small fishing town in the Province of Zarapan in the Zankor Empire. As the second-born, he was destined to become part of the Zankor military. Part of the Peace Accord which Ended the War in Zarapan dictated that the descendants of the Zarapi would uphold both Zarapi culture and Zankor culture. This played out in an even distribution of children; first-born stayed at home to inherit the family legacy while the second-born left home when old enough to hold a sword to be a foot soldier in the Zankor army.
Physical Description: Since he was a soldier, Basilio is very physically fit. The Zankor army aids soldier growth with minimal doses of magic to strengthen body and mind over the soldier's career. Thus, every Zankor soldier is faster and stronger than the average civilian. Because of this, they can wield heavier weapons. He usually keeps only one eye open, the left eye. Why he does this, he has not told anyone. He has battle scars all over his body, but none more major than others. He stands about 5'10'' tall, but prefers to wear boots that make him an even 6'.
Equipment: When he can get it, he prefers a bastard sword, keeping a crossbow for ranged emergencies.
Theme Songs: (TBA)
Military History
Like so many children before him, Basilio entered the military at the age of 10. There, he was taught to read and write in Zankor Common. He was taught that he, as part of the Zankora-deiki, was more than just himself. He was becoming the hand that held the spear, an extension of the Emperor, himself. Without that arm, he would hardly be an Emperor. Every soldier was an indivisible, yet disposable, part of the Empire.
When the new recruits had to be screened for magical potential, Basilio had to leave his new friends to train his burgeoning magic. Soon, though, he found out his magic was so slight he only needed to learn basic magical control before being allowed to return to his friends. With them, he learned the standard army techniques of unarmed combat, sword mastery, improvised weaponry, ranged combat, cavalry tactics, and the utmost importance of obeying his superior's orders. As for his magic, it was useless to train for combat usage. Instead, Basilio trained and honed his skills in private.
Finished with training 4 years later, Basilio and his friends from training were assigned to permanent squads. A year later, they had their first real test with the invasion of Orina. In the final battle, Basilio's captain was killed. Basilio was chosen from amongst the 7 in that squad to become the new Captain. Basilio earned his first stripe. He was only 16 years old.
In the ensuing years, Basilio spent his time training new recruits and helping out in the medical wards. Then, the Officer of his squadron announced his retirement and chose Basilio to be his replacement. Basilio reminded the old man of his own son, who had been lost in the War for Orina. Basilio earned his second stripe at the age of 24.
Seven years later, the faction with Basilio's squadron was reassigned to Orina. Basilio's old Lieutenant, during the move, was promoted to Commander, and assigned to Orina. Basilio was surprised when the word came down from her that he would be her replacement. At 31, Basilio was Lieutenant. Despite his speedy promotions, The Captains and Officers under Basilio's command were quite close with him. Personal relationships with underlings is discouraged, but Basilio maintained these friendships as well as his prior friendships.
Then came the news of revolution. His Commander disregarded his report idly, saying his men put too much importance on the idle gossip and obvious self-gratifying daydreams of Orina swine. Two days later, the guardhouse in the Orina capital was burned to the ground and a resistance revealed itself.
An inquisition arrived to weed out traitors amongst the military. When Basilio's regiment came under suspicion, Basilio protected his men. Because of this, he was beaten and left for dead by the very people he had sworn he would serve.
During those half-conscious moments, Basilio decided he would break his vows to the Empire. He would protect his family; the men in his regiment, his squadron, and his squad. He would protect them and join the Resistance. And he would save them.
General Stats
Strengths: Training and teaching military tactics, good with children, well-liked easily. Also can
read people's auras.
Weaknesses: Not a spectacular soldier, not special in that regard. Has nightmares. Hates being tied up with rope.
Personality: An easy listener, Basilio will try to hear your troubles and ease them any way he can. With so many young people around him, he sees himself as a father figure to them, and tries to give "fatherly advice", despite never having received any such advice before.
Likes: Cats, Children, Coffee, Pretty girls in nurse outfits.
Dislikes: Ropes, Slivers, Shielded minds, Tiny daggers.
Other: His magical ability allows him to read a person's aura, telling him that person's intent towards him. Through his own training, he also learned how to manipulate someone's aura to be more open to him. Note, this power is useless in combat.
Face Claim:Guts from Berserk
