Dear X (You Don't Own Me) ♫ Same Old War ♫ Somewhere I Belong ♫ Misery Loves My Company ♫ Change My Life ♫ Not Gonna Die ♫ My Name (Wearing Me Out)
{"With a shared goal we are but many hearts beating as one."}
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Technically none; Formerly Tacitus of House Lactantius; Goes by Tacitus
| N I C K N A M E |
Tac - Just a shorten version of his name. He's rather indifferent to.
Grumpy - Due to his rather serious nature. He finds it annoying.
The Beast of Savona - His title back during his gladiator days. The rebels don't know him by this name.
Champion of Lactantius - A former title he had from his gladiator days. It no longer applies.
| A G E |
25
| G E N D E R |
Male
| R O L E |
Bodyguard to the Leader
| S E X U A L I T Y |
Heterosexual
{"Birth nor a crown makes a ruler. That role must be earned."}
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7 feet
| W E I G H T |
250 pounds of pure muscle.
| E Y E C O L O R |
Red
| H A I R C O L O R |
Red
| A P P E A R A N C E |
Tacitus is an intimidating presence to be sure. He stands in at seven feet tall, and with a body that is practically made entirely of muscle. His most distinguishing feature is his red, and intense red eyes. His eyes are often described as being dead or soulless. He usually wears gold armor covering his chest with a sash around his waist and nothing on his arms and legs. He also has a metal bracelet on each wrist and leg.
| O D D I T I E S |
Tacitus has an uncountable amount of battle scars all over his body, but the most gruesome, and hard to look at ones are the many lash marks on his back. He has a G branded on his right wrist which he keeps covered by a metal bracelet. He has a strange marking behind his left ear that appears to be a tattoo, but it is far too small and detailed. He also has his bottom lip pierced.
{"Strong deeds, and gentle words, I was told a long time ago that best described me."}
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✦ Wise ✧ Protective ✦ Kind ✧ Lost ✦
A gentle giant is an accurate term to use to describe Tacitus. Tacitus is a soft-spoken young man who only speaks when he feels the need to. And when he does speak his words tend to carry weight, not just because his voice sounds like thunder. Tacitus can be quite wise, and is always willing to give advice to those he thinks needs it, or will heed his words at least. He is not a man to repeat himself. Tacitus himself is a surprisingly intelligent man. Though he has little to no formal education, he does have a surprisingly amount of worldly experience despite his young age, which somewhat makes up for his lack of education. However he does have gaps in knowledge, as he doesn't know how to read or write, and can only do simple arithmetic. He also has little knowledge of the customs of most of the world, and usually social ques.
Despite evidence to the contrary Tacitus has a gentle and weary soul shaped by many years of hardships. He can be quite kind, and caring towards others, but this mostly extends to children, and animals. Tacitus has a surprising soft spot for children, and does actually enjoy spending time with them, well the ones who aren't scared away by his appearance. Tacitus feels a certain kinship with animals, and is often able to bond with them fairly quickly. At times he can even be found sparing some of his food to birds, or even rodents. He also has a certain appreciation towards nature, and can often be seen taking in the sights and smells of flowers. Of course he will deny any of this if caught.
To those who have actually earned his friendship Tacitus has proven to be a loyal, and protective comrade to those who deserve it. To those who become his friend, and comrade in arms he will become like a mad dog to protect them, and tends to be blindly loyal, and devoted towards them. He can be quite honorable, and cannot stand by, and allow innocents to suffer, or for someone to participate in unhonorable acts.
No matter how gentle of a soul Tacitus has, there is one thing that he was quite literally bred to be, and that is a warrior. And it runs deep. Tacitus has no problems with spilling blood, or killing someone he believes deserves it. When in combat Tacitus becomes laser focused, and unrelenting. He has a cold tactical mind, and shows no mercy towards his enemies. He can keep his emotions in check, seemingly being able to switch them on or off. He is brutal, and effective. Tacitus has a warrior's mind, and when even out of battle he thoroughly checks his surroundings at all times, and expects trouble at any moment. He never has his guard down.
Tacitus is quite lost, and purposeless in life. As a former slave he has been unsure what to do with his life for years. Mercenary work was the only thing he could think of to both keep his skills sharp as well as give himself something in life, however he just feels empty inside. Tacitus has difficulties with relating to other people, and having meaningful relationships with others. He himself has had only one friend, one person to care about him unconditionally in his entire life, and so he is not sure what he is suppose to do with others. Tacitus is quite ashamed of his life as a former slave, and the things he had to do in his master's name. Unspeakable, and unforgivable acts. Due to this shame he will never talk about his past willingly, not even with the other rebels.
{"Perhaps I am nothing but a mindless beast."}
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✧Gladius Swords - Tacitus is perhaps best known in his home land for his dexterity, and skill wielding dual swords. While he only uses both in dire situations these days. One sword is noticeably different than the other, with it's handle being shaped like a tiger. That sword is his main weapon. The other is just a plain, and simple gladiator sword.
✦The Mage's Bane - This shield is enchanted to ward off magical attacks, and being able to deflect certain magical attacks. While it may do well against magic, it is no more durable than any other shield.
✧Javelin - While not often used, Tacitus is still rather skilled in using it. But he only uses it when the need arises.
| S T R E N G T H S |
✦Physicality - Tacitus is well known for his inhuman strength, speed, and agility. He is strong enough to bend steel with his bare hands, and his legs are powerful enough for incredible leaps.
✧Intelligence - While he has little to no formal education Tacitus is still a rather intelligent young man. He is well adept at strategy, and has a keen tactical mind. He is also a rather quick thinker, and is able to adapt to most situations rather quickly.
✦Combat - Tacitus is a master combatant, both in armed, and unarmed combat. It is well versed in the different fighting styles of gladiators, which gives him quite a diverse set of skills. He is easily one of, if not the best rebel in hand-to-hand combat, and unlike some of the rebels he is battle tested, and proven. He will often lend a hand in training recruits when asked, or if he feels it is needed. Though he is quite a brutal teacher, one that recruits fear.
✧Protective - Tacitus is quite protective of others, especially towards Elena. He will become like a mad beast to protect her.
✦Calm - Tacitus is in control of his emotions, and is often believed to be entirely emotionless. He is able to think clearly without them clouding his judgement in even the most dire of circumstances, something that has proven valuable given the rebellions leadership.
| W E A K N E S S E S |
✧Closed Off - Tacitus is rather closed off, and quite a mystery towards his comrades.
✦Emotions - Tacitus has difficulty connecting to people on a deep, and emotional level. He isn't the type to lend a shoulder to cry on, but he is trying his best to be so. He is also rather inexperienced with others caring for him, and is unsure what to do with this.
✧Aimless - Tacitus is lacking purpose, even now with being apart of the rebellion. Once it is all over, and he is still breathing, he is unsure of what he will do with himself. Being purposeless, and unless does scare him.
✦Overly Protective - For those who he considers an ally he can be quite protective of them, overly protective really. He simply doesn't know what a true friendship is like, given that he's only had one in his entire lifetime.
✧Violent - When in the heat of battle Tacitus becomes almost a man possessed. He is without mercy, and without sympathy. He is brutal, and will quite literally tear a man apart with his bare hands if not stopped.
{"Pain is the greatest teacher of them all."}
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| H O B B I E S |
✦Training - "My skills shall remain as sharp as any blade."
✧Gardening - "No. I do not have a orchid. Press me on the matter and I shall break your arm."
✦Whittling - "What is the old saying about idle hands?"
| H A B I T S |
✧Grunting - "Mmph."
✦Knuckle Cracking - "Sometimes they need it."
✧Blade Sharpening - "A lot can be judged by a man by the shape of his equipment."
| L I K E S |
✦Sparring - "It is a good way to assess a man's worth. Though it is difficult to find someone of worth to spar with."
✧Animals - "There is a certain nobility to animals that man should heed. They want only what they need, something I believe man could learn from."
✦Nature - "The stillness, and beauty of nature is not something to be taken for granite."
✧Children - "They are innocent, and pure. Something to be protected."
✦Elena Valeera - "She has given my life purpose once more. Something I shall forever be grateful for."
| D I S L I K E S |
✧Mages - "I have never met a good mage. That is all I will say on the matter."
✦Monarchies - "An outdated, and ineffective system. Birth means nothing if you have not the skill or worth to rule."
✧Being Called A Beast - "People see what they want to see. Perhaps that is what I'll always be in the eyes of others. Not that I haven't earned such a title."
✦The Past - "Press the subject, and I shall break as many bones in your body until you are no longer interested in the subject."
✧Cruelty - "Need I explain?"
| G O A L S |
✦Finding A Purpose - "At the moment my purpose is to see this rebellion through. But beyond that, I cannot say. I'm not sure what worth I would bring other than battle."
✧Learning To Read and Write - "A simple goal yes, but a difficult one to complete."
✦Leaving His Past Behind - "It still haunts me to this day.....I would rather not discuss it any further."
| F E A R S |
✧Becoming A Slave Once More - "I made a promise to one dear to me, I intend to honor it."
✦Being Useless - "Combat is the thing I am useful for. When the day comes when I can no longer fight, what will I be?"
✧His Past Being Known - "I have done many shameful, and unforgivable acts. Ones that have earned me the title of a beast. I would not have them know of my dishonorable deeds."
{"Live great, die better."}
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Gladiators, true Gladiators, hail from the Republic of Vrepan, better known as the Mage's Empire. One of, if not the largest slaving countries in the world. It is referred to as the Mage's Empire due to it's ruling government body, the Senate, is made up entirely by mages. The country is a foremost power thanks to magic. Other than magic it is well known for it's favorite, and most brutal pastime, Gladiator fights. Slaves pitted against slaves for the glory of their masters, and their house. However, not just any slave can have the fortune, or misfortune, of being a Gladiator. No, the true Gladiators are carefully bred like prized dogs.
Over the many, many years of the fights the Mage masters of Gladiators began tinkering with their pets through magic, all looking to gain an advantage over their opponents. One Mage had the bright idea of enhancing their Gladiator before he was even born. He picked a group of pregnant slaves and performed barbaric rituals upon them in the hopes of them producing at least one strong child. All but one woman died from the process, and even then she couldn't survive the birth. However it was a success, as the boy born would grow up to be a giant of a man. Many call him the first true Gladiator, as after that it became common practice for Mages to bred Gladiators in such a manner.
The Gladiators themselves would grow to be, on average, larger than most men, and nearly ten times as strong. They absolute monsters in combat. It is often said that Gladiators are but beasts in mans form. To control these beasts new steps had to be taken. These came to the development of the Blood Leash. Blood Leashes are markings that are placed on Gladiators before birth when they are still in the womb by magic. This magic will allow a certain amount of control for the Mage masters, as by enchanting an item, often a ring, they can cause intense pain to the bearer of mark, making them bend to the will of the user.
Unlike other slaves, which in the Republic were more like indentured servants, it was impossible for Gladiators to earn their freedom. Gladiators are bred for the games. They are beasts belonging solely to their Master. They are trained, and conditioned to be warriors, killers, practically since birth. They are kept from others for fear of outside corruption. They aren't treated like children, or even human for that matter. It is drilled into their brains that they are nothing but beasts to be unleashed upon their Master's rivals. That is all they know, and all they aspire to be in life.
Tacitus was one such creature. He was born in Savona, the Gladiator capital of the entire Republic, to House Lactantius, a family famous for the champions it produces. Tacitus grew up no differently than other Gladiators. He was conditioned to be a beast in the arena along with the others of his standing. The first memory he has is the crack of the whip of his teacher, shouting at him that he is but a hound that has yet to be housebroken. Gladiators are a competitive lot by nature, and if you think his 'brothers' would have his back during their training you'd be wrong. Gladiators are a violent bunch that are all trying to become the best, and most ferocious beast they can be. Them killing one another as they grow up is nothing out of the ordinary, something that Tacitus himself is guilty of.
It is true, Tacitus himself has killed children his age, other Gladiators who could be a rival for his master's affection. Something which in hindsight he does greatly regret. He was rather ruthless growing up, earning his master's favor early on for his raw savagery, and eagerness to win his master's approval. His master was Domitius Lactantius, head of House Lactantius. And Tacitus easily became his favorite pet. And by the time Tacitus was a teenager he was hardly ever away from his master's side, his ever loyal guard dog.
Though Domitius was his master, Tacitus was often at the whims of his children, the twins Decius and Seia. They would both use him as their plaything, which Decius preferring to test his new knives on Tacitus, and Seia using him as entertainment for her amusement. Tacitus was just their toy. While in the arenas by the time he fourteen he already amassed quite the record for victories, earning himself the title of the Beast of Savona for his savage fury. In one of his most notable matches during this time he had actually ripped out the throat of a fully grown Gladiator.
And throughout this entire time no one had ever treated him with any amount of humanity, not even other slaves. The servant slaves had always looked down upon the Gladiators, thinking of them as nothing more than beasts. That was until he met her. Her name was Otactilia, and she was but two years older than Tacitus. She was a new slave, having to work off an enormous debt her father had accumulated. She felt sorry for Tacitus, and was always kind to him when she saw him.
As time went on Tacitus soon became the top Gladiator of House Lactantius, becoming the house Champion at the age of sixteen, becoming the youngest Champion in house history. And boasting quite the impressive undefeated streak. Indeed, to Tacitus life was good. Not knowing the true reality of his situation. He was a Gladiator, they are not slaves who hope for freedom. Merely glory, and their master's favor. Which Tacitus had plenty of.
Otactilia however saw the tragedy of his life, and tried to show Tacitus it. She saw that Tacitus was more than a beast, and believed that he should to. But he never listened to such notions. That was until he was twenty-three. By then Domitius was beginning to reach his twilight years, and it would soon be that Decius would inherit the mantle of House Head. With his master soon handing over control to Decius, Tacitus begin thinking more, and more of his place in life.
Otactilia believed he had a gentle side, but his entire life Tacitus was told that he was but a mindless brute, a beast. Upon seeing her influence over his most prized Gladiator, Domitius had Otactilia executed, by Tacitus himself. He was forced to plunge his sword into her chest. As he did so it was the first time that Tacitus felt actually bad about killing someone. The only person that he considered a friend. As she laid there dying, him almost on the verge of tears, she merely smiled, and told him to 'Live long, and die free'. The words stuck into the back of his mind. He would spend hours trying to figure out what she meant.
In the following weeks Tacitus found that he couldn't stand to live as a Gladiator anymore. He couldn't live with the guilt. And he soon realized that it was not him that killed Otactilia but his master. During the dead of night Tacitus became the first Gladiator to ever harm his master as he slit Domitius' throat while he slept. With his master dead, he became the first Gladiator to rebel since the invention of the Blood Leash some odd hundreds of years ago.
Tacitus fled the Republic, barely escaping with his life. He reached the neighboring country, the Kingdom of Oshousruning. There, with nothing else to do, Tacitus turned to mercenary work. Tacitus, not knowing anything about economics, was a rather dirt cheap mercenary. And thanks to his training he was quite effective. As the years went by Tacitus eventually found himself nearing a recent province of the Zankor Empire, Oriana. And it would be here that he would finally find some purpose in his life.
Tacitus was traveling near the Empire when he came across a group of Zankor soldiers harassing a small village. Tacitus did not appreciate it very much, and warned them to leave the villagers alone. The soldiers pulled their weapons and threatened him. Tacitus was merely amused by their threats. They attacked him but Tacitus soundly defeated them with but his bare hands, not even needing to draw his blade. And it just so happened that traveling near the village was the leaders of the rising rebellion. Impressed by both his skill, and willingness to give add to the villagers without asking something in return they offered him a place among them.
Tacitus accepted the job, and the rebels got them a skilled, and battle tested mercenary, who was dirt cheap as well. As one of the best fighters the rebels had Tacitus was assigned the position of being their leader, Elena Valeera's personal bodyguard. And due to this he gained a small command position, and is well respected, as well feared member of the resistance. Often times lending a hand to training the soldiers, giving them but a small taste of the intense training he had to endure his entire life.
{"I am but a weapon. My hands my charge's weapons. As always."}
Masrur
| C O L O R |
#9C0000
| P R O T R A Y E D B Y |
Sheet Ⓒ of CutUp
