Julian Durand
Current Month: Julwar 2nd: 209, The Fifth Age
Julian Durand (a.k.a. "The Wall")
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Julian has a strong build from years of mining and combat training in Hammerfall. He is hardy and rarely tires.
Despite the bulk of his armor, he moves with the fluidity of someone who is quite nimble. He is quite tall, and appears even larger than he is due to his omnipresent bulky plate armor.
Facial Features
As he always wears his helmet or the hood below it, few know anything of Julian's facial features. The Greater Restorers saw that he has a blond undercut and green eyes back when he used a partial face wrap under his helmet instead of a hood.
Identifying Characteristics
It is very difficult to mistake Julian for anyone else, or mistake anyone for him; the impenetrable plate mail, colossal hammer, gleaming shield, towering physique and Marjolesian accent are a dead giveaway.
Special abilities
Julian has honed an intimidating selection of combat skills.
His favorite maneuver is able to throw enemies around the battlefield with his superior strength, which he has used to great effect in conjunction with Elantrys's Spike Growth and Kira's Cloud of Daggers.
Both hammer and shield are wielded like weapons; he can easily knock enemies to the ground to expose their weak spots for fatal blows. Even giants have toppled before the might of Julian's shield. Even with the shield acting as a weapon, Julian is quite quick to use it for cover, and can parry anything from simple blows to dragon's breath.
In the unlikely event an enemy can maintain their footing while facing him, Julian can gain the upper hand through his skill as a duelist; feinting, counterstriking, and seeking an enemy's weak spots with ease. When an enemy manages to land a blow on Julian, he can still direct the blow to the toughest parts of his armor and minimize harm to himself.
Apparel & Accessories
Julian's signature weapon is the hammer. He wears plate mail and carries the silverite shield Brolgwyn enchanted, which bears the sigil of Lux Donum . Under his armor he wears green and black formal attire gifted to him for a banquet in New Carmile, which includes a green mascara-style hood. Over the armor he wears a Cloak of the Manta Ray, which he acquired in Refuge in anticipation of confronting the "Kraken" of The Strozahn Water.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Julian grew up in the small farming town of Jaque, the eldest son of Damian and Marguerite Durand. His siblings, from oldest to youngest are Danielle, Renee, Katriane, Andre, and Quincy. They all lived happily on the family dairy and produce farm, which kept them fed and cozy even during lean times.
Julian and his siblings did their share of the farm work as Damian served part time as the leader of the towns meager guard. Their family was well though of by the other members of the community, and the children had many friends. Life was peaceful; Julian loved being an older brother and helped raise his siblings. His little brothers loved when Julian would read them stories, which led to Julian being very well read for a farm boy. He was also quite the card player, and was rarely found without the set of animal themed playing cards his father bought for him when he was little.
This simple, happy life continued until Julian was around fourteen. He had begun training in the basics of combat in anticipation of taking over his father's role in the guard. While the idea of fighting scared Julian, he wanted to make his father proud and liked the idea of following in his footsteps. One day, while Julian was still in training, Ixen Iejir the Destroyer arrived with a band of mercenaries and demanded taxes, fealty and land rights from the people of Jaque.
Damien made the decision to fight, knowing they would probably lose, while the non-combatants tried to flee. Julian is reluctant to discuss the details of what happened that day, but has told The Greater Restorers that he barely survived while Ixen Iejir the Destroyer killed everyone he had ever known and razed his hometown to the ground.
With the only home he had ever known nothing more that a pile of ashes, an injured Julian blundered south with only his guard's gear, speaking to no one, eating little. Lost in his grief he simply wandered until he reached the Silben Mountains, where he trekked blindly up the mountain though the snow. He fell ill, and began to accept that he was going to die. While lost in the snow, he was commanded to identify himself by a company of armed Dwarves. He intended to provoke them into killing him, but he fainted before he had the chance. He awoke inside the medical center of the Dwarves marche of Hammerfall. As he had no money, it was arranged that once his strength returned he could work in the mine as repayment for the services. He would be supervised by Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard, who led the patrol that found Julian in the snow. Julian worked tirelessly in the mines, finding it distracted him from his anguish. He never spoke and always kept his face covered to hide his burns. He would work from dawn until late at night, rapidly becoming quite strong and hardy from all the heavy labor. The Dwarves grew to appreciate his work ethic and contributions, and called him "The Wall" in reference to his constant silence (as in "it's like talking to a wall"). He continued to work long past his term of service as he had nowhere else to go. Eventually Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard offered to teach him the ways of the Dwarven military, including the secrets of Dwarven smiths and how to speak Dwarven. Julian was a quick student and became an accomplished smith and fighter. When his training was complete Julian forged his own shield and hammer in keeping with Dwarven tradition, and began to make a set of plate armor.
Julian broke his silence of four years to thank Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard for giving him a new life and newfound purpose, and promised to make him proud. Julian made himself a promise to become the kind of man who could prevent the fate of Jaque from ever being repeated, swearing to fight in the name of the common man as their protector.
Julian set off into the world and encountered a band of fighters seeking to win titles and land by slaying "The Necromancer." Julian joined them but did not like them, and found himself returning to his silent ways. Their party bickered frequently and could not work together, a problem Julian did not try to fix. When they had to sail to Kislov's Trading Post to begin their march to The Necromancer, they encountered a storm in the middle of the night. They party fell to bickering once again trying to control their ship and it crashed and sank. After an unknown time Julian awoke, disoriented, on the shore near Kislov's trading post; as far as he knows his former party members did not survive the shipwreck. He was told the date in town and realized it was his 19th birthday. That afternoon he saw an eclectic group of all races and walks of life, and he wondered if this was a second chance at forging his future.
With the only home he had ever known nothing more that a pile of ashes, an injured Julian blundered south with only his guard's gear, speaking to no one, eating little. Lost in his grief he simply wandered until he reached the Silben Mountains, where he trekked blindly up the mountain though the snow. He fell ill, and began to accept that he was going to die. While lost in the snow, he was commanded to identify himself by a company of armed Dwarves. He intended to provoke them into killing him, but he fainted before he had the chance. He awoke inside the medical center of the Dwarves marche of Hammerfall. As he had no money, it was arranged that once his strength returned he could work in the mine as repayment for the services. He would be supervised by Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard, who led the patrol that found Julian in the snow. Julian worked tirelessly in the mines, finding it distracted him from his anguish. He never spoke and always kept his face covered to hide his burns. He would work from dawn until late at night, rapidly becoming quite strong and hardy from all the heavy labor. The Dwarves grew to appreciate his work ethic and contributions, and called him "The Wall" in reference to his constant silence (as in "it's like talking to a wall"). He continued to work long past his term of service as he had nowhere else to go. Eventually Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard offered to teach him the ways of the Dwarven military, including the secrets of Dwarven smiths and how to speak Dwarven. Julian was a quick student and became an accomplished smith and fighter. When his training was complete Julian forged his own shield and hammer in keeping with Dwarven tradition, and began to make a set of plate armor.
When his helmet had been finished, Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard came to him and told him that Julian's future is not within the mountain; telling Julian he "must forge himself the way you forged you arms and armor. You must craft the man you wish to be." Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard praised Julian and offered his blessing, telling Julian to return when he had forged a complete set of plate mail so that Sgt. Rurik Frostbeard could see it.
Julian, you must forge yourself the way you forged you arms and armor. You must craft the man you wish to be.
Julian set off into the world and encountered a band of fighters seeking to win titles and land by slaying "The Necromancer." Julian joined them but did not like them, and found himself returning to his silent ways. Their party bickered frequently and could not work together, a problem Julian did not try to fix. When they had to sail to Kislov's Trading Post to begin their march to The Necromancer, they encountered a storm in the middle of the night. They party fell to bickering once again trying to control their ship and it crashed and sank. After an unknown time Julian awoke, disoriented, on the shore near Kislov's trading post; as far as he knows his former party members did not survive the shipwreck. He was told the date in town and realized it was his 19th birthday. That afternoon he saw an eclectic group of all races and walks of life, and he wondered if this was a second chance at forging his future.
Education
Julian had a basic small-town education in reading writing and arithmetic, and has more reading experience than his peers due to frequent bedtime reading for his siblings. He also has a working knowledge of the natural world through his farming experience, and learned a few Marjolesian recipes from his mother.
During his time at Hammerfall he learned mining techniques, composition of minerals, metals and ores, the art of smithing, and the hammer and shield fighting style of the Hammerfall Dwarves. He continues to build on his smithing experience crafting equipment for the Greater Restorers and the Lux Donum Armed Forces.
While traveling with the refugees to settle Lux Donum, he read Flora and Fauna of the Now Ruined Dales and Skinnin 101: Start With a Rabbit. During the Retaking of Akanvor he uncovered and read a Dwarven text on enchanted armor, which facilitated the enchantment of his Silverite Shield. He is currently researching how to develop siege weapons to mount on the walls of Lux Donum.
Employment
Julian is the current Lord Commander of the Lux Donum Armed Forces and facilitates recruitment and training alongside Sera Reponse du Valois and Khalen.
He is an active member of the Greater Restorers.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Julian is a trained Battlemaster in the style of the Dwarves of Hammerfall.
While searching through The Necromancer's hometown for clues, Julian tended to, and ultimately adopted, Myron, a young boy who reminded Julian of his departed siblings. Julian is quite proud to have facilitated a better life for Myron.
Julian was a participant in the slaying of The Necromancer, along with the other Greater Restorers.
Upon the death of The Necromancer, Julian became a Baron of Lux Donum. This position led to him becoming Lord Commander of the Lux Donum Armed Forces. Julian is deeply honored and quite proud to have been entrusted with the defense of the citizens of the city.
During the Retaking of Akenthor Julian struck the killing blow against the pit fiend, Ishamael. Julian took this as proof his fighting style is on the right path, and sees the return of Akenthor to its rightful ruler as a victory for good and the common citizen against the nature of evil, much like how he sees the founding of Lux Donum.
Julian fought alongside the Great Restorers to defeat the Cult of the Shattered God, striking the killing blow against their vampire leader.
Failures & Embarrassments
Julian is very private about his weaknesses, but it can be inferred he struggles with the belief that he could have done something to save his hometown.
Mental Trauma
Julian wrestles with survivor's guilt over what happened to his hometown, and was traumatized by the loss of his family. This has led him to adopt the creation of an environment where the common folk could be safe from atrocities, like the destruction of Jaque, as his life's purpose.
The actions of the pyromancer Ixen Iejir the Destroyer left him with a distrust of magic users, but as the Greater Restorers used their abilities for good time and time again Julian learned that blame for evil magics lies on the caster not on the spell.
It is unclear to the Greater Restorer's why Julian refuses to reveal his face, but it can be assumed it is not healthy.
Morality & Philosophy
Julian made himself a promise to become the kind of man who could prevent the fate of Jaque from ever being repeated, swearing to fight in the name of the common man as their protector. Julian has sworn to never back down from a fight or to permit an innocent to be hurt, even if it leads to his demise. He deeply opposes unjust impositions of the freedom of citizens, particularly children.
Personality Characteristics
Hygiene
Julian is almost constantly in his armor, but stays hygenic using a cleansing stone. He has a Soap of Prestidigitation for special occasions. One of his most treasured luxuries is a real shower in the safety of his Lux Donum chamber after returning from weeks of questing.
Alignment
Chaotic Good
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Baron of Lux Donum
Age
19 years old
Date of Birth
Octwar 4th, 189
Birthplace
Children
Current Residence
Gender
Male
Eyes
Green
Hair
Blonde
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Fair
Height
6'6"
Weight
210 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
Julian's Marjolesian accent leads to many small but memorable turns of phrase ('eeling potion, Tweext, etc).
Transcript of Julian's Speech to the First Immigrants of Lux Donum, New Carmile, (Date):
Thank you everyone for gathering here today. The decision to seek your fortune somewhere new is very brave, and I commend the open hearts and minds of those I see before me. I am Baron Durand, sometimes called The Wall, and I will be in charge of Lux Donum's defenses. Lux Donum will be a shining light in the darkness, a bastion of freedom and prosperity. We seek to create a city where the needs of the people are well taken care of, and all can live in comfort and harmony. A beautiful (Italian) city saved from the second fall perched on an elevation above the Strozan water serves as the foundation for our vision; a secure, abundant city where you can build lives and futures, have families, and live for generations. This vision becomes complete when you, the people, breathe life into Lux Donum. Your voices will be heard, your contributions valued, and all that you hold precious will be protected. There will be room to grow, opportunity to thrive, and a solid foundation on which to build a better future. As the founding member who has volunteered to lead Lux Donum's defenses from the wild side of the Dales, I promise that as a citizen of Lux Donum, your bountiful new life would always be protected, and I would like to offer a demonstration of my skills to help set your minds at ease.
While I know I am just one man, I look forward to serving the people of Lux Donum on the front lines of our defenses. The skilled Paladin Kahlen and I will be training new military recruits. The techniques you saw here today will be readily shared by me and I encourage anyone who wishes to build great physical strength and martial discipline to consider joining the armed forces of Lux Donum. And please do not let this performance intimidate you; my only wish is to protect the freedom of the innocent, and I greatly welcome anyone here today to question or converse with me at their convenience.
Aligned Organization
- Common
- Marjolesian
- Dwarven
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