06-09-2014, 11:02 AM
Name: Salem Wilhoit
Age: Seventeen
Gender: Male
Nation/Allegiance: Pherae (Born from a nomadic tribe, originating from the Nabata Desert)
Appearance/Description: At a height of five feet and seven inches, Salem has perhaps a few more inches left in him to grow. If he's lucky. Of a dark, almost milk chocolate, skin tone that highlights the light pink iris of his eyes; Salem holds a somewhat enchanting, perhaps even peculiar, appearance to most upon the continent. His facial structure is more 'cute' than 'handsome', though he manages to pull off the latter in tandem with the former -- and this is framed by his dusty, silvery hair, bangs falling just above his eyes and length ending near the top of his neck. He is well-trained, fit and his appearance and clothing often hide the surprising amount of muscle he manages to hold upon his frame.
Salem's clothing is a mish-mash, a variety of articles that suit him in most situations. Being the travelling Knight Errant he is, it is rather ideal for him to not be bogged down too heavily by his equipment. Rarely seen without a dark, emerald green surcoat upon his back; Salem often wears upon it a hazelnut-hued short jacket (of sorts), with a white hood to accompany it. Dark, navy trousers are typically worn to match, and his feet and lower legs are covered by a set of greaves and tan boots.
At the heart of it all, Salem is a fairly lazy sort; but hypocritically involves himself in the machinations of others for their sake. The kind of young man to sigh and inwardly complain about a particular task being a hassle, despite having taken up the mantle for said task himself with no prompting necessary. Due to his upbringing, Salem is always on hand to help others. This isn't a simple desire; it's a natural way of life for Salem Wilhoit. And yet, despite this, he isn't a particularly sociable character. Not to say that he keeps to himself because of reasons, but rather that he has difficulty interacting with others outside of 'this needs to be done' or 'please help us with this' or even 'you've helped us out, thanks'. In a situation where the only call to order is getting to know another, Salem stumbles through with a mix of sarcasm, a dashing of wit and a large heap of social awkwardness until he's (hopefully) left alone. That said, when it comes to interacting with comrades-in-arms, he has a much better time. If only due to having something common to talk about.
Bio/Backstory: Technically, Salem was born in the Nabata Desert. His upbringing there lasted for a very short amount of time -- once it became apparent that his eyes did not fully agree with the environment. Whilst the solution could be remedied with the use of a straw hat, it was hardly a long-time solution. Thus, his parents went against the usual traditions of bringing up a child of the tribe within the Nabata Desert, and ventured out 'ahead of schedule' with their boy, allowing him to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the world at a much younger age than one usually would.
Salem's parents were often 'working', though they rarely explained what that work was. He was taught from a young age to be self-sufficient; because that was their custom. Of course he questioned why, but his parents (straight-laced as they were about such things) were quite matter-of-fact in stating that he needed to learn to care for himself because of his glaring weakness. Whilst he was fine in terms of constitution, his sensitive eyes would make his life a difficult one in the future. Tough love was administrated to Salem as young as he could take it. As he is presently, he holds nothing against them; but growing up was relatively difficult for a boy who could barely look at the magic his father wielded, much less avoid it.
Physical training, mental training, education; these were mostly handled by his parents. On occasion, Salem would be left with a 'family friend' within a relatively well-kept estate. His parents appeared to have connections in high places at times, but by the fourth occurrence; Salem had learnt not to bother asking. Instead, he learned lessons of social etiquette and how to conduct oneself, as well as the general history of the lands and events that took place. Salem thrived on the latter, but a lack of real emotional communication with his parents (the only real consistent parts to his life) had him stumped on the former. He learnt to speak well, but his ability to socialize was almost non-existent. At the very least, he gained the ability to keep to himself and answer others as directly as possible without being too insulting. Years passed faster than they should during childhood, and Salem eventually reached the age of fourteen; wherein he began to personally experience his parents lifestyle.
Whilst they travelled, his family took up 'odd-jobs'. Not all good, not all bad. The tribe thrived on building connections, which were good for trade and commerce back in their home. There would be those that went 'outside', aided others in exchange for goods, favours, promises or any such sort. Contracts that would undoubtedly profit the village. Shortly afterwards, there would be those that came to collect on said favours, goods and so on, so forth. By establishing these trades with the world outside, however far they may have been, the village thrived. It was small, certainly, but it thrived nonetheless. Salem's parents were part of the group that procured said contracts. However, even after introducing him to the 'trade', Salem's parents forever made their intents clear; they were supplying him with the tools, skills and senses necessary to survive in the world alone. Rather that shoehorn him into the tribe's ways, it was his choice to decide whether he followed in their footsteps or not. Whether this was tradition or not, Salem never cared to find out; it didn't take him long to state in the plainest sense that he enjoyed the 'helping others' part rather than the 'doing whatever for the tribe' part. It was a surprise for all three involved, most likely, that he was able to choose at such a young age. Thoughts went to one particular chef that cared for him for a number of months during a relatively long campaign. It most likely had something to do with him.
Nonetheless, his parents were very understanding. He travelled with them for two more years, before being left to strike it on his own, with a decent amount of coin set aside for him, and a blade crafted to fit his needs. A broadsword, to be precise. It's been with him since.
So now? Now, Salem does much what he wanted to do whilst he was younger. Despite his complaints (internally, of course), he enjoys it. Being a Knight Errant is clearly his lot in life; something he wouldn't change for the world. After all, helping others just for the sake of helping others? It feels good. Real good.
- Salem's eyes are relatively sensitive to sunlight. As one would expect, this makes him rather susceptible to Light Magic and what would you.
- Salem is a tremendously talented cook. Had he been born to a much more normal, stable family; he'd probably be a chef. At the very least, he always carries a hip pack of spices and seasoning gathered over the years, perfect for spicing up what would be a dull campfire meal.
- Despite primarily helping others because it's 'the right thing to do', Salem does on occasion have no choice but to take up mercenary work (so long as it's for the 'right reasons'). Good will only gets a coin purse so far.
- Salem probably has a sibling or two by now. If he does, he doesn't really know about them. That's pretty normal in his tribe, apparently.
- Salem is still only seventeen. He's seen some shit, but he's still growing up. He's not as aware of this as he thinks he is.
Age: Seventeen
Gender: Male
Nation/Allegiance: Pherae (Born from a nomadic tribe, originating from the Nabata Desert)
Appearance/Description: At a height of five feet and seven inches, Salem has perhaps a few more inches left in him to grow. If he's lucky. Of a dark, almost milk chocolate, skin tone that highlights the light pink iris of his eyes; Salem holds a somewhat enchanting, perhaps even peculiar, appearance to most upon the continent. His facial structure is more 'cute' than 'handsome', though he manages to pull off the latter in tandem with the former -- and this is framed by his dusty, silvery hair, bangs falling just above his eyes and length ending near the top of his neck. He is well-trained, fit and his appearance and clothing often hide the surprising amount of muscle he manages to hold upon his frame.
Salem's clothing is a mish-mash, a variety of articles that suit him in most situations. Being the travelling Knight Errant he is, it is rather ideal for him to not be bogged down too heavily by his equipment. Rarely seen without a dark, emerald green surcoat upon his back; Salem often wears upon it a hazelnut-hued short jacket (of sorts), with a white hood to accompany it. Dark, navy trousers are typically worn to match, and his feet and lower legs are covered by a set of greaves and tan boots.
At the heart of it all, Salem is a fairly lazy sort; but hypocritically involves himself in the machinations of others for their sake. The kind of young man to sigh and inwardly complain about a particular task being a hassle, despite having taken up the mantle for said task himself with no prompting necessary. Due to his upbringing, Salem is always on hand to help others. This isn't a simple desire; it's a natural way of life for Salem Wilhoit. And yet, despite this, he isn't a particularly sociable character. Not to say that he keeps to himself because of reasons, but rather that he has difficulty interacting with others outside of 'this needs to be done' or 'please help us with this' or even 'you've helped us out, thanks'. In a situation where the only call to order is getting to know another, Salem stumbles through with a mix of sarcasm, a dashing of wit and a large heap of social awkwardness until he's (hopefully) left alone. That said, when it comes to interacting with comrades-in-arms, he has a much better time. If only due to having something common to talk about.
Bio/Backstory: Technically, Salem was born in the Nabata Desert. His upbringing there lasted for a very short amount of time -- once it became apparent that his eyes did not fully agree with the environment. Whilst the solution could be remedied with the use of a straw hat, it was hardly a long-time solution. Thus, his parents went against the usual traditions of bringing up a child of the tribe within the Nabata Desert, and ventured out 'ahead of schedule' with their boy, allowing him to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the world at a much younger age than one usually would.
Salem's parents were often 'working', though they rarely explained what that work was. He was taught from a young age to be self-sufficient; because that was their custom. Of course he questioned why, but his parents (straight-laced as they were about such things) were quite matter-of-fact in stating that he needed to learn to care for himself because of his glaring weakness. Whilst he was fine in terms of constitution, his sensitive eyes would make his life a difficult one in the future. Tough love was administrated to Salem as young as he could take it. As he is presently, he holds nothing against them; but growing up was relatively difficult for a boy who could barely look at the magic his father wielded, much less avoid it.
Physical training, mental training, education; these were mostly handled by his parents. On occasion, Salem would be left with a 'family friend' within a relatively well-kept estate. His parents appeared to have connections in high places at times, but by the fourth occurrence; Salem had learnt not to bother asking. Instead, he learned lessons of social etiquette and how to conduct oneself, as well as the general history of the lands and events that took place. Salem thrived on the latter, but a lack of real emotional communication with his parents (the only real consistent parts to his life) had him stumped on the former. He learnt to speak well, but his ability to socialize was almost non-existent. At the very least, he gained the ability to keep to himself and answer others as directly as possible without being too insulting. Years passed faster than they should during childhood, and Salem eventually reached the age of fourteen; wherein he began to personally experience his parents lifestyle.
Whilst they travelled, his family took up 'odd-jobs'. Not all good, not all bad. The tribe thrived on building connections, which were good for trade and commerce back in their home. There would be those that went 'outside', aided others in exchange for goods, favours, promises or any such sort. Contracts that would undoubtedly profit the village. Shortly afterwards, there would be those that came to collect on said favours, goods and so on, so forth. By establishing these trades with the world outside, however far they may have been, the village thrived. It was small, certainly, but it thrived nonetheless. Salem's parents were part of the group that procured said contracts. However, even after introducing him to the 'trade', Salem's parents forever made their intents clear; they were supplying him with the tools, skills and senses necessary to survive in the world alone. Rather that shoehorn him into the tribe's ways, it was his choice to decide whether he followed in their footsteps or not. Whether this was tradition or not, Salem never cared to find out; it didn't take him long to state in the plainest sense that he enjoyed the 'helping others' part rather than the 'doing whatever for the tribe' part. It was a surprise for all three involved, most likely, that he was able to choose at such a young age. Thoughts went to one particular chef that cared for him for a number of months during a relatively long campaign. It most likely had something to do with him.
Nonetheless, his parents were very understanding. He travelled with them for two more years, before being left to strike it on his own, with a decent amount of coin set aside for him, and a blade crafted to fit his needs. A broadsword, to be precise. It's been with him since.
So now? Now, Salem does much what he wanted to do whilst he was younger. Despite his complaints (internally, of course), he enjoys it. Being a Knight Errant is clearly his lot in life; something he wouldn't change for the world. After all, helping others just for the sake of helping others? It feels good. Real good.
Additional Information
- Salem's eyes are relatively sensitive to sunlight. As one would expect, this makes him rather susceptible to Light Magic and what would you.
- Salem is a tremendously talented cook. Had he been born to a much more normal, stable family; he'd probably be a chef. At the very least, he always carries a hip pack of spices and seasoning gathered over the years, perfect for spicing up what would be a dull campfire meal.
- Despite primarily helping others because it's 'the right thing to do', Salem does on occasion have no choice but to take up mercenary work (so long as it's for the 'right reasons'). Good will only gets a coin purse so far.
- Salem probably has a sibling or two by now. If he does, he doesn't really know about them. That's pretty normal in his tribe, apparently.
- Salem is still only seventeen. He's seen some shit, but he's still growing up. He's not as aware of this as he thinks he is.