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Charles VanFleet

The ambitious calvary officer

0 · 344 views · located in Kingdom Of Ethieven

a character in “Stand and Deliver”, as played by Genesis Rhapsodos

Description

Charles stands at about 5'3" and has a slim build. Rigorous training has left him fit and lean, if not quite muscled. Charles is fairly young for his position and maintains his youthful appearance. This is augmented by the fact that he has no facial hair, and keeps his chestnut hair cropped short. He has fair skin as befitting any man of rank and a small dueling scar extending from the left side of his mouth. He has brown nondescript eyes that easily hide his thoughts and intentions.

Charles is never seen without his army uniform on. A colorful affair of a red vest, blue sleeves, white pants, white gloves, and gold ornamentation. It comes complete with a black officer's cap which he keeps in top shape. When out on duty he dons a light ornamented-breastplate.

Image

Personality

Charles is dutiful and hardworking in his attempt to rise in the ranks of the calvary. A 'by-the-book' kind of Captain he is stern and quick to anger. He has a quick mind, but is easily overcome by emotion. He has a sizable chip on his shoulder and is not the type to forget or forgive.

Equipment

His prized possession is his standard issue calvary saber. He spends the majority of his off-time sharpening and polishing his blade.
In addition he has a heavily used but well maintained single-shot pistol, also of standard issue.

History

Born to the VanFleets, who were minor nobility, Charles grew up amongst the gentry. Constantly harassed by his fellow elite because the VanFleets had been merchants in the distant past, Charles quickly developed an angry and outspoken personality. For a while Charles played the game of politics and tried to advance his social ranking. However the combination of his birth and his inability to hold his tongue proved too great of a challenge to overcome.

He decided to join the military to advance his position, as nobles were automatically given a command. Here again he was shamed, and was assigned to be a watch commander down at the docks. While this was technically a command it was the least desirable because lawlessness abounded on the waterfront. Nevertheless Charles prospered. He quickly earned the nickname 'Bloody Charles' as he proceeded to remove the hands of suspected thieves with no evidence or trial. The docks quickly came to heel as all the innocents turned on the lawless.

Jealous of his success his superiors promptly promoted him and transferred him to the calvary. Here he was treated no better. Yet the calvary needed every able body they could get, and recognizing his drive promoted him to captain. They assigned him to the increasingly impossible task of keeping the roads safe, figuring he was sure to fail. Charles knows why he was given the task, but has no intention of failing.

So begins...

Charles VanFleet's Story

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Character Portrait: Braith Alwyn Character Portrait: Charles VanFleet
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#, as written by varxint
Braith awoke early and gathered his belongings. Some hard riding was in his future. Hopefully he would get to the group before the king’s men did. Braith figured he would have to cross the line of troops and made sure to not keep anything incriminating, stashing it in his usual hidey holes around the inn. He headed out to the stables, enjoying the crispness of the morning. He saddled and mounted his horse.

He rode hard through the morning. As the sun rose Braith noted the gathering clouds. He sighed. He didn’t like this hard riding and most assuredly did not want to do it soaking wet. As he crested a small rise he smiled as he saw a carriage in the distance. Once more spurring his horse he caught up to the slower moving carriage. He pulled up next to it and waved to the driver. The driver waved back, cautiously. Braith flashed a friendly smile, “Ho driver, who do you have riding today?”

The driver relaxed slightly at Braith’s friendly tone and the fact that he rode with his face uncovered and not heavily armed, “Good day sir. This is mistress Camilla’s carriage.”

Braith didn’t immediately recognize the name so smiled and nodded, “Does she have a chaperone?”

The driver narrowed his eyes at Braith and Braith chuckled again, “No, no sir. You have me all wrong. I have naught but honourable intentions. I have heard there are highwaymen about this road. I thought, with the rain coming, I might offer my services as chaperone and tie my horse to your team. You would be able to move to the next town faster and be out of danger of dishonourable criminals, whilst I get to stay dry and defend the honour of a lady.”

With that the curtain of the carriage opened slightly and Braith caught the glimpse of a young, pretty, noble woman. He bowed his head and doffed his cap at the woman and flashed another smile, full of charisma. The woman smiled back, coyly and closed the curtain. From the other side of the carriage Braith could make out a woman’s voice, “Driver, does this man speak the truth? Are these roads dangerous? Would you make better time with his horse?”

The driver sighed, “Mi’Lady, all roads could be dangerous. But yes, I have also heard stories of highwaymen. And more horses always mean a faster trip.”

Camilla, “Oh, then we should stop and let this man help us.”

The driver nodded and pulled up the team. Braith stopped and helped the driver attach his horse to the team. He removed his cap and climbed into the carriage, “Good day lady Camilla. My name is Braith Alwyn. I am fortunate to have run across a beautiful lady. It will be my honour to ensure your safety on your trip.”

Camilla smiled shyly at Braith’s compliments. Even if the roads proved devoid of danger at least the company would prove entertaining. The lady folded her hands into her lap, “So tell me, what brought you travelling the road this day?”

As the carriage started moving Braith could hear the rain start. He thought briefly about how the others would be forced to deal with it before shrugging. He had prettier things to be concerned with currently and returned his attentions to the lady.

*

The next morning he wished the Lady Camilla a good journey as they headed in separate directions. The skies were overcast and the way was muddy, but it was still better being able to ride in dry clothes. As the sun broke through the clouds Braith came upon the rearguard of the king’s troop. As he expected they were stopping traffic on the road. Two men signalled him to slow and stop. Braith brought his horse slowly to the men and dismounted, “Good day gentlemen. It is wonderful to see the king’s men patrolling this road. I have heard the Ghosts of Brekin are haunting the area. I’m quite sure I caught glimpses of shadowy figures some distance behind me.”

One of the guards frowned, “What’s it to you? We’re more concerned about where you are headed.”

Braith nodded, an open and respectful look on his face, “No doubt you would be. I would expect no less. I am headed through the Brekin wood. My business is in the trading of trinkets, you see. I collect odds and ends and deliver them to other collectors who do not have the means to travel themselves. I am off to pick up some craftwork currently, as I have a collector in Corwen who is looking for a specific piece. See, it is a hand carved, ivory elephant. The irony is not lost on my collector friend, of course.” Braith continued with details about this phantom craft as the guard’s eyes glazed over.

The same guard that spoke originally, “Right, quiet now. Look, come see our captain. He’ll decide if you get to your collector.”

Braith nodded, “A wonderful suggestion.” He walked his horse with the two men.

Braith saw the shorter man and recognized the trappings of a captain before he was brought forward.

The guard spoke to the shorter man, “Captain VanFleet. This man says he has business in Corwen.”

Braith stepped forward respectfully doffing his cap and removing a glove. He held out his hand as he spoke, “Ah, yes, eventually back in Corwen, but I’m headed through the woods at the moment. Off to meet a craftsman in Huddleston, just on the far side of Brekin. My name is Braith Alwyn, a pleasure to meet an esteemed captain of the King’s men.”

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Braith Alwyn Character Portrait: Charles VanFleet
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Charles sat in his command tent polishing his saber. He found that the task had an oddly calming effect, which Charles had been needing a lot of lately. This post was much preferable to his last, but there was too much downtime. Because he didn't usually patrol the roads himself all he did was listen to reports of his command's incompetence. The saber was already completely polished but Charles continued, mesmerized by his reflection in the blade. Presently there was a soft query from outside. "Enter," he called without even looking up. He knew it was his lieutenant come to give him the same tired report of how his men had failed to catch anyone. He couldn't really fault his lieutenant for his troubles, the man was diligent and followed orders well. Yet he had no drive. Charles entertained replacing him briefly, but no better candidate had presented themselves... yet.

"Pardon me sir," the lieutenant said entering the tent, "there is a messenger here for you and he says it is urgent."

"Right," Charles scoffed, standing and sheathing his saber. He tried not to get too excited, the messenger's idea of urgent probably just meant some stuck-up lord had told him it was urgent. Still, Charles welcomed any break in the monotony. He walked outside, following his lieutenant through the mud to where the messenger waited. The man appeared winded like he had been riding hard. Mayhap this would be interesting after all.

"S...Sir.... you must... come quickly," the man managed to gasp. Charles motioned for him to be quiet, and the man took a few moments to catch his breath. "Sir, there are rumors that the Ghosts of Brekin are afoot, and many esteemed lords and ladies are traveling right now due to the wedding." The man paused, expecting some comment or exclamation. When none was forthcoming he continued, "Duke Cyril has expressed the hope that you will take care of the matter personally." Charles suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, he had heard the same rumors but doubted the authenticity. The Ghosts of Brekin were nothing more than mere bandits, it would take serious guts to assault a noble and his entourage. No the true threat here was the most audacious of criminals: the Highwayman.

Charles snapped his finger at his lieutenant, "round up as many men as can be found, we ride at once." Charles dismissed the messenger, returned to his tent, and donned his ornamented breastplate. Strapping on his saber Charles couldn't resist a smile. It was unlikely that any bandits would actually be found, but Charles was itching for action and maybe some enemy could be found or invented. While it was doubtful that Cyril had actually asked for Charles personally the sentimental old sap would reward any services rendered handsomely. Add that to the standard reward from the Crown for each criminal detained and Charles could very well be a general soon. He strode briskly outside where his white charger Retribution was waiting, saddled and bridled. Charles confirmed that his pistol was in his saddle, and turned watching the commotion of his men in silence.

Presently two of his men on rear patrol brought forward a man for inspection. Charles sighed inwardly, his men seemed incapable of deciding trivial matters for themselves. The man in question presented his business, and Charles almost brushed him aside but for his mention of Brekin. Charles raised his eyebrows and inspected the man anew. Coincidence? "The pleasure is mine, Alwyn was it?" Charles' words were polite but his tone remained flat and hard. "I must inquire, what does a goodly man such as yourself want with a Brekin craftsmen?"

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Braith Alwyn Character Portrait: Charles VanFleet
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#, as written by varxint
“Far be it from me to correct you. Obviously I was not specific enough and for that I apologize. I am travelling through Brekin. Eventually there will be a return trip. The craftsman on the other side of Brekin does not have the means to ensure their protection on these roads. I’m sure you’ve heard of the rumours of the Ghosts of Brekin.” Here Braith paused to give a ‘sorry for stating the obvious’ hand wave. He did not want to insult the captain’s knowledge gathering but did want to open the discussion of the Ghosts.

“Of course, if the craftsman knew the King’s men were on the roads then I’d likely be out of a job.” Braith smiled good naturedly.

“However, I have heard rumours that the Ghosts were returning. Just a few days ago I could have sworn I’d seen Specter and Nine-Fingered Mac travelling in the same direction as I. What with the stories about a wedding and dowries my clients have become very nervous and it’s all I could do to convince them they would be safe. Come to think of it, it might put their mind at ease if I were to tell them I ran into a patrol. They would be more willing to allow me to transport more of their goods.” Braith continued to smile. He was hoping to plant the seed for Captain VanFleet to look for the Ghosts. Braith knew that the Ghosts would be a significant catch and would likely give the Hunts and company time to do their business. Captain VanFleet would have his impressive catch and the Hunts would be free to escape. Braith liked win-win situations. It left a better taste in everyone’s mouth.

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Braith Alwyn Character Portrait: Charles VanFleet
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Charles listened to Braith explain his situation with growing admiration. If there was one thing he envied in others it was the gift of a silver tongue. Charles had worked tirelessly for every advancement he had received in his life, thus he admired others who could talk their way in and out of situations with no apparent effort. His gut told him there was still something suspicious about this Braith, but there were bigger fish to fry and he dismissed the feeling. The Ghosts of Brekin were a far better catch than a man who was probably just transporting anti-establishment propaganda.

Charles tipped his hat at the man's kind words, "You and your acquaintances may rest assured that his majesty's finest unit is on the case. Of course any more specific information you can give on the vagabonds whereabouts will be greatly appreciated and rewarded." The words sounded flat and hollow after Braith's speech but Charles was not much of a conversationalist. Indeed that suited him just fine as he was itching to get moving. He could already taste the glory of swooping in to save that doddering old Stafford.