About Einar ArnesenName Einar Arnesen
Max Blood Pool /Current 20/19
Freebie Pts 22
10 XP Spent:
2 XP: Empathy ● to ●● 8 XP: Wits ●● to ●●● Attributes & Abilities:
Attributes (7/5/3) Physical
Social
Mental
Abilities (13/9/5) Talents
Skills:
Knowledge:
Advantages:
Disciplines Animalism ●
Backgrounds (10) Mentor ●●●●
Conscience ●●
Humanity ●●●●●●
Merits & Flaws:
Merits Spent 7 freebies Multi-Lingual (2pts) - Italian, Spanish Lingua Franca (1pt) Deceptive Eating (1pt) Oracular Ability (3pts) Flaws Gained 7 freebies
Rituals n/a Description:
Einar has a tall, lanky frame and athletic build. He bears a number of scars as testaments to his combat experience, none gruesome enough to detract from his appearance. The Norwegian mercenary plays up his "exotic" appearance, wearing his blond hair long and sporting a fur cloak as well as wearing dark colors to highlight his pale skin. This is less vanity and more "branding", his distinct appearance aiding in recognition of his deeds on the battlefield. While he's skilled in a variety of weapons he's rarely without his axe at his belt, a weapon he brought from his homeland. Einar is ambitious and eager to improve his station in life, but at his core he really just loves a good challenge and always strives to excel. He grows increasingly restless and impatient when his current employment grows too easy or stale. A fairly amoral creature, he's not one to balk at doing whatever's necessary to succeed, though he holds the bonds of loyalty to one's contract and one's brothers-in-arms in very high regard. Possessed of a rough charm, he's a fairly shameless self-promoter; he finds this helps build his reputation and invites challenges to his prowess, both results that he enjoys.
History:
The son of a successful Norwegian merchant, in his youth Einar travelled much of Europe with his father. It was Italy, however, that captivated his imagination, its burgeoning mercenary bands harkening back to the honor and glory of his Viking ancestors. Leaving the family business to strike out on his own at 16, Einar fought under the banner of Frederick III in the final two years of the War of the Sicilian Vespers, then later for the Ghibellines in northern Italy. In the latter conflicts he quickly rose to the rank of sergeant, having proven himself a capable commander of men, and he most recently served fighting against the forces of the Marquis of Ferrara. The shrewd business sense and eye for opportunity taught him by his father has translated well to his current profession, and the Norwegian has proven to possess both a strong sword arm and a keen mind for tactics. He's generally cautious, having learned the value of the indirect engagement and outmaneuvering of an enemy typical of the condottieri, but he's willing to unexpectedly press an attack if he sees an opportunity with a big enough payoff. While not a religious man, both his upbringing and his employment have made him a firm opponent of papal authority; after all, if one is to bend their knee, surely it's better to do so before a king than a cleric! Einar is currently between contracts and has grown tired of his middling rank and the endless progression from battlefield to battlefield; he fancies a more commanding role and a less nomadic existence. To this end he has recruited his own company - a small, dedicated band of men who served under him against Azzo VIII d'Este (Retainers ●●●) - with the aim of landing a private contract in service to a wealthy merchant or aristocrat. He's come to Venice seeking just such an opportunity, living off the money he's saved (and looted) over the past decade while he searches for worthy employment (Resources ●●). After all, with a couple years' command experience under his belt and pay in his purse, perhaps he'll be ready to take to the field again - this time as a proper condottiero at the head of a proper army... Unbeknownst to Einar, his father's health and fortunes took a turn for the worse shortly after he left. Within a few years his father Arne died, leaving his family saddled with debt. His younger brother, Olaf, took over their father's ship and trade, spending years paying off the family's debts and is now a far more successful merchant than their father ever was. Olaf blames Einar's abandonment of their family for their father's death, and has recently taken residence in Venice to turn his efforts and considerable resources towards ruining Einar's life in revenge (Enemy ●●).
Brothers-in-Arms:
Cristoval, Aragonese knight. Perceptive and level-headed, Cristoval is Einar's lieutenant and confidant, playing straight man to the outspoken Norwegian's braggadoccio. His eyes and ears always open, the knight is sure to keep one eye on those around them and the other on his captain's back. ●●●● Strength 3 Dexterity 2 Stamina 3 / Charisma 2 Manipulation 2 Appearance 2 / Perception 4 Intelligence 3 Wits 3 Alertness 3, Athletics 1, Brawl 1, Empathy 1, Expression 2, Intimidation 1, Leadership 2 / Animal Ken 3, Archery 1, Etiquette 3, Melee 2, Ride 3, Survival 1 / Commerce & Finance 2, Investigation 1, Politics 2 Backgrounds Resources 2 Willpower 5 Humanity 5 Virtues Conscience 2, Self-Control 3, Courage 4 Bernardo, Aragonese footsoldier. Originally Cristoval's squire, Bernardo came into his own as a vicious combatant during their campaigns following the Sicilian Vespers. Though he still assists the knight in preparing for battle, he's treated (and paid) as a man of much higher position. Possessing a criminal disregard for the law and a mean streak longer than the Danube, Einar leaves the less savory side of their profession to him, and makes sure he stays far away from the negotiating table. Bernardo has already acquired a contact amongst Venice's petty criminals.
Adam, English mercenary. Einar first met Adam during his most recent campaign - fighting against Azzo VIII - and is not entirely sure where Adam originally hails from, nor what brought him to the battlefields of Italy. The handsome archer had suffered some prior blow to the head, leaving the poor man bereft of most sense and unable to string more than three words together. While his injury may have damaged his reason, it's had no effect on his aim, and he remains an impressive shot with his lovingly cared for English longbow or any other ranged weapon Einar cares to give him. He's earned a small reputation amongst the artisans of Venice for his excellent skills as a bowyer and his poor skills as a businessman.
Equipment:
Hand Ax. Str+2 lethal damage; Min Str 3. Saber. Str+2 lethal damage; Min Str 3. Composite armor. Armor rating 3; Penalty 1. Small Shield. Parry difficulty 4; no attack penalty. |
