Appearance

Physical Description

Aric Thalor possesses a lean, muscular build, honed from years of rigorous training and countless battles. His body is conditioned for endurance and combat.

Body Features

Aric's body is a canvas of scars, each one telling a story. His skin, tanned by the sun, bears the marks of numerous battles, from deep gashes to minor cuts. His hands are calloused from wielding his halberd, and his muscles are well-defined, reflecting the physical demands of his mercenary life.

Facial Features

Aric's face is striking and memorable, with high cheekbones and a strong, square jaw that gives him a commanding presence. His dark, wavy hair falls just above his shoulders, often tousled from his helmet. His piercing green eyes, a trademark of his Umeran heritage, hold a depth of pain and determination, revealing the inner turmoil he constantly battles. His nose, slightly crooked from a past break, adds to his rugged appearance.

Identifying Characteristics

Aric's most distinguishing features are the numerous scars that crisscross his body and face. A prominent scar runs from his left temple down to his cheek, a reminder of a close encounter with death. His armor, adorned with the insignia of the Iron Wolves, and his finely crafted halberd are also key identifiers.

Apparel & Accessories

Aric is typically seen wearing the finely crafted armor of the Iron Wolves, a suit of steel plates that provides both protection and mobility. The armor is adorned with intricate engravings and the insignia of the Iron Wolves. Over his armor, he often wears a dark, weathered cloak that provides concealment and protection from the elements. His weapon of choice is a halberd, once wielded by the real Aric Thalor, known for its sharpness and perfect balance. He also carries a dagger for close combat and utility purposes. Aric's accessories include a leather belt with pouches for essentials, such as a small whetstone for his sword, a tinderbox, and a few personal mementos, including a locket with a portrait of his family.

Mentality

Personal history

Dario Vesano was born in the picturesque village of San Vero, nestled amidst the rolling hills and verdant vineyards of Umera. His father, Giovanni Vesano, was a renowned blacksmith whose skill with the forge was matched only by his unwavering integrity. Giovanni's wife, Isabella, was a gentle herbalist whose knowledge of the land's natural remedies was sought by many. Together, they raised two sons, Marco and Dario, in a home filled with love, and discipline.
 
From an early age, Dario was enchanted by the stories of Umeran knights and heroes. He and Marco, his older brother, spent countless hours sparring with wooden swords, dreaming of the day they would wield real steel in defense of their homeland. Marco, with his fiery spirit and protective nature, often acted as Dario's shield, guiding and guarding him through the challenges of their youth.
 
The Vesano family's idyllic life was shattered when Giovanni refused to bend to the corrupt demands of local government officials led by Captain Rocco Lucani. These officials sought to extort money and resources from the villagers, and Giovanni's defiance made him a target. One fateful night, the Vesano home was attacked. Giovanni fought bravely but was ultimately overpowered and murdered before his sons' eyes. In the chaos, Marco sustained a grievous wound while trying to protect their family. Dario, driven by a mix of fear and desperation, managed to drag his wounded brother to safety, fleeing their burning home.
 
Homeless and grieving, Dario and Marco wandered the land, their future uncertain. Fate intervened when they encountered the Lupi di Ferro, or Iron Wolves a mercenary company led by the legendary Aric Thalor. Recognizing the fire in the young brothers' eyes, Aric took them in, providing them with a new purpose and a surrogate family. Marco, despite his injuries, became a strategist and mentor, his keen mind invaluable to the company. Dario, driven by a desire to avenge his father and restore his family's honor, trained relentlessly under Aric's guidance.
 
The Iron Wolves were a formidable force, known for their skill and honor. Under Aric Thalor's leadership, they carved a path of glory across Umera, fighting for coin but adhering to a strict code of conduct. Dario flourished in this environment, his prowess with the polearm and tactical acumen earning him the respect of his comrades. Among the Iron Wolves, he formed close bonds with Matteo "Ironfist" Rinaldi, a towering warrior with a heart of gold; Elena Santoro, a sharpshooter with unparalleled precision; and Vittoria Neri, a master of stealth and cunning.
 
Aric Thalor became a mentor and father figure to Dario, embodying the virtues he aspired to. Aric's strength, honor, and unwavering resolve were a guiding light for Dario, who sought to emulate his leader in every way. The camaraderie and sense of purpose he found with the Iron Wolves filled the void left by his family's tragedy.
 
The Iron Wolves marched towards Duskhaven. Dario, now a seasoned warrior, marched beside his brother, and their leader. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape. Dario could feel the weight of his armor and the reassuring heft of his sword at his side.
 
As they approached the outskirts of Duskhaven, the atmosphere shifted. The forest around them grew eerily silent, the usual sounds of wildlife replaced by an oppressive stillness. Dario's eyes darted around, scanning the treeline for any signs of movement. He saw Aric raise his hand, signaling the company to halt. The Iron Wolves obeyed, their formation tightening instinctively.
 
Then it began.
 
A volley of arrows rained down from the trees, catching the Iron Wolves off guard. The initial shock gave way to chaos as men and women fell, their screams piercing the night. Dario saw Matteo, the towering warrior, take an arrow to the throat. Blood sprayed from the wound as he gurgled his last breath, collapsing to the ground. Dario's heart pounded in his chest, the reality of the ambush sinking in.
 
"Shield wall!" Aric's voice boomed over the din, and the Iron Wolves scrambled to form a defensive line. Dario positioned himself beside Marco, their shields interlocking as they braced for the next assault. The enemy emerged from the shadows, a horde of mercenaries and soldiers loyal to Captain Rocco Lucani.
 
The clash was brutal and immediate. Dario swung his sword, meeting the blade of an enemy soldier. Sparks flew as steel met steel, the force of the impact jarring his arm. He parried a second strike and drove his blade into the man's gut, feeling the resistance give way as flesh and bone parted. The soldier crumpled, blood pooling at Dario's feet.
 
To his left, Marco fought withferocity. His swordsmanship was precise, but even Marco could not fend off the onslaught forever. Dario saw him stagger, a deep gash on his side pouring blood. Marco's eyes met Dario's, a silent plea for help that cut through the chaos. Before Dario could reach him, an enemy soldier's axe cleaved into Marco's skull, splitting it open with a sickening crunch. Marco's body fell lifelessly to the ground, his blood mingling with the dirt.
 
Dario's vision blurred with rage and grief. He fought with renewed fury, his sword a blur as he struck down enemy after enemy. Around him, the Iron Wolves were falling. Elena, the sharpshooter, managed to take down several attackers with her arrows before she was overrun and hacked to pieces by a group of soldiers. Vittoria fought valiantly but was eventually cornered and impaled on a spear.
 
Amidst the carnage, Dario spotted Aric Thalor. The legendary leader fought like a man possessed, his sword cutting through enemies with ruthless efficiency. But even Aric could not withstand the overwhelming numbers. Dario watched in horror as Captain Rocco Lucani himself, flanked by his elite guard, engaged Aric in combat. The duel was fierce, but Aric was already wounded and exhausted. Rocco's sword found its mark, plunging into Aric's chest. Aric gasped, blood bubbling from his lips as he fell to his knees. Rocco twisted the blade, and Aric crumpled, his eyes glazing over as life left his body.
 
Dario's breath came in ragged gasps, his limbs heavy with exhaustion and despair. The battlefield was a nightmare, the bodies of his comrades strewn across the ground. The air was thick with the stench of blood and the cries of the dying. Dario's mind screamed at him to run, to escape the slaughter, but his feet felt rooted to the spot.
 
As the enemy closed in, Dario's resolve shattered. The icy grip of fear clamped down on his heart, and he turned and fled, his legs carrying him away from the carnage. He could hear the screams of his dying comrades, the final gasps of those he had called family, but he did not look back.

Education

Born Dario Vesano, he received basic education from his parents, learning essential literacy and numeracy skills. His father, a skilled blacksmith, taught him the trade's basics, instilling a strong work ethic and attention to detail. After joining the Iron Wolves, Dario's education became more specialized. Under Aric Thalor's mentorship, he learned advanced combat tactics, strategy, and leadership. He also gained practical knowledge of battlefield medicine, survival skills, and the use of various weapons.

Mental Trauma

Witnessing his father's murder at the hands of corrupt officials and his brother's death during the Battle of Duskhaven left deep emotional scars. The guilt of abandoning his comrades and assuming the identity of Aric Thalor weighs heavily on him. He is haunted by nightmares of the Battle of Duskhaven, where he relives the moments of fear and cowardice that led him to flee. These experiences have instilled a pervasive sense of guilt and self-doubt, often causing him to engage in reckless acts of valor in a desperate bid for redemption.

Morality & Philosophy

His morality is deeply influenced by the code of honor upheld by the Iron Wolves and the ideals of the legendary Aric Thalor. He believes in protecting the innocent and upholding justice, often taking on dangerous missions to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Despite his haunted past, he strives to live by a philosophy of self-sacrifice and courage. However, his sense of morality is often at odds with his need for redemption, leading him to make choices that prioritize atonement over his well-being. He views himself as a flawed individual, striving to become the hero he once idolized, even if it means hiding his true identity and living a lie.

Taboos

He has a strict aversion to cowardice, stemming from his actions during the Battle of Duskhaven, where he fled and left his comrades to die. This fear of cowardice drives him to avoid any situation where he might appear fearful or hesitant, often leading to reckless behavior. Additionally, he refuses to exploit or harm the innocent, aligning with the code of honor he adopted from the Iron Wolves. Aric is also unwilling to discuss his past as Dario Vesano, considering it a deeply buried secret and a source of shame. This taboo extends to any attempts to reveal or discuss the true circumstances of Aric Thalor's death, as he fears exposure and the loss of the identity he has taken on.

Personality

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