1. Formerly of His Majesty's Royal Expeditionary Force, the Captain fought in several skirmishes across the Orient, but took his leave after an incident unpleasant enough that even he doesn't speak of it. He never retired, so to speak, just left. So far there have been no repercussions, so he doesn't consider himself a deserter. Given the circumstances, it's likely the entire troop is officially considered KIA.
2. Unabashed Westerner. Captain Howard makes no attempt to blend in to Oriental society, instead reveling in his foreign colonialist bluster.
3. Completely narcissistic. Seems to believe the world does in fact revolve around him. As it should, because he's the handsomest, most skilled,best all round guy in the land, and don't you forget it, matey!
4. Keeps a notebook of memories on the people he has known. A small leatherbound tome, hidden in a waxed and waterproof hide among his other possessions. It is full of sketches, writings, and even a few pressed flowers. It's the only thing in the world that truly proves there's a sentimental guy under all the rest of him. A thin silver necklace is twined around it as a sort of bookmark.
5. The estranged son of Lord and Lady Howard, Robert ran away from his parents estate at age 18 to join the military, seeking a life of action and adventure. He hasn't been home in 9 years.
1. Get rich, build a large manor to live in, open a pub somewhere nice, and make a proper retirement of it, being well attended to by a bevy of lovely young ladies for the rest of his life. He's not ready for this though, far too much glory to be had yet! (Also would gladly give up the "bevy of lovely young ladies" for just one Tomima, but would never admit it!)
2. Visit his homeland once again, see his father and mother, and bring them back all sorts of oriental treasures. Then bask in parental adoration for once.
1. For all his narcissistic ways, Robert really just wants to be appreciated. The bluster and bravado is just a front to cover some deep seated emotional issues.
2. He's seen things no normal man should see, and was not equipped to deal with it. Any sane man who has ever faced off against actual demons will tell you the same... Haram is the only man he is capable of speaking to about this, as he was there, yet neither of them are willing to discuss it.
1. "Haram" Abdullah ben Sharez, his friend and former guide on the Expeditionary Force's first journey East. A sly rogue, Haram is true to his moniker in being neither the most innocent nor pleasant of men. Still, he and the Captain found more than enough to bond over in their travels. Haram runs a stall in the markets of Eblis, selling trinkets of dubious quality and origin, though his true stock and trade is information.
2. Tomima "Tom"/"Tomboy" Agnes Adessa, Robert's off-again-on-again girlfriend and confidant. Another westerner, works for a merchant company in Eblis as both accountant and housekeeper. Tom loves Robert completely, as he does her, but over extended periods they just cannot stand each other. They are currently on their fourth break up, though there will undoubtedly be many more to come. She is clearly too smart for him, but that won't keep them apart. It's Tom who first called Robert "Squiff", and as soon as his troop found out about it he felt inclined to own it as a badge of honour rather than allow it to be considered "a sign of weakness".
3. Somewhere in Eblis, unknown to Robert, is his sister Courtenay. She had come looking for her brother, bearing news from home.
1. Known to make animal noises when excited, most often as though he were some kind of hound. Women seem to find this charming, though no one can understand why.
2. Primps his clothing and hair constantly, as he is completely absorbed in maintaining his image.
3. Memory: Of his platoon being ambushed in the deserts South of Eblis four years ago. Only a dozen of them made it back to town after that, and half that number soon perished to their wounds.
Last edited by TempestBob; Jul 14th, 2014 at 07:48 AM.
Jul 13th, 2014, 02:24 PM
