Sergislav the Strong's page

Fluff: Sergei hails from a mountainous land that regularly has to deal with giants. As a point of fact, he is the son of a single mother, and a runaway father (who just happened to be a shapeshifted Oni, hence his bloodline). As a direct result, I chose the Abyssal bloodline. Ideally, most of the time, he's this huge guy, but when he bloodrages, he takes on the traits of giants rather than out-and-out demons. Ideally, his 'claws' can be basically just his fists, his Demonic Bulk simply be him growing a few feet taller and a bit wider, and give up Demon Resistances. :)

Despite his background, and the fact that he was ostracized by the village for much of his life, he was raised by a goodhearted mother and has kept many of her values. He's a little on the dim side, but he can be expected to be mostly amiable, and seems to have a very good heart. He speaks in a Slavic accent.

"You wish to learn of Sergei? No, no. Do not be worrying. Most ask of tattoos, or what Sergei eat to get so strong, but past is also good." he pats a barrel with one massive hand. "Come, sit. I will tell you the story of how Sergei came to live within the circus."
"Sergei lived in land faaaar to the north, where there are many... what is word..? Large. Large creatures. Large animals. Large people. Large mountains. Sergei's people very proud. Very mighty. Very strong. Like Sergei. Sergei's mother was a very good woman. Very proud, she raised Sergei to be the man he is today. But was not always easy, you see. Many large animals and people would come to Sergei's home, and do many bad things. They must be always vigi... watchful. For you see, not all of the large creatures look as large creatures do. Some look as people. It was a very dangerous place to live, especially when the creatures attacked."

He paused to make sure you were keeping up with the story. He was amiable, but he seemed to have trouble getting to the point of abstract concepts, and moreso with large words, which meant his stories would be round-about and longwinded whenever he felt like sharing. After pausing to ensure that you were still interested in his story, the mountain of a man continued.

"Sergei's home was surrounded by wood and stone and mountains as far as the eyes could see. And snow. White snow everywhere. Was very beautiful. You would like it, I am sure. Except for the giants. Sergei made his living working with wood. Is very easy. Was easy to change from lumberjack to cart-fixing. Still hit wood, just use hammer instead of axe. Very easy. Sergei was still young, but was as large as most of the men. Now, Sergei is larger." he smiles. "The people did not always respect Sergei for his size. Some said that Sergei was like the beasts and men outside the walls. Sergei did not mind, of course. Sergei is large. Is a good likeness. But when people say this, they make Sergei's mother sad. he explains to mother that it is okay, that Sergei is large and this means more bread and wood for fire, and more blankets. Sergei does work of two men, and Sergei's mother lives well doing what she loves. But she is still sad." His face sets, mouth in a thin line.

"I try to explain to men and boys and women not to say such things in front of Sergei's mother, for it makes her sad, but they do not listen. So, Sergei tries to convince them in other ways. Sergei knows that sometimes, one must fight for the things one desires. Sergei fought well, and knocked many men unconscious. He spent a night in jail, and the people no longer spoke of Sergei in that way. Yet Sergei's mother became more sad after this. She never told Sergei why." He shrugged his arms, as full of wonder as he had been the first time.

"Village does not act the same around Sergei after that. Does not give as much for the same wood as others. Does not give as much food for the same coin. Sergei does not worry. He still lives well. His mother can still do as she likes. Then... Sergei's mother grows sick. She is old, and she will die. Sergei understands this well. Sergei works longer and longer hours to afford better care for his mother. When he does not work, he sleeps or eats, or spends little time with his mother. He does not spend much time with the villagers; they do not treat him well. Eventually, Sergei's mother passes on. Sergei and friends performed the rituals for his mother, and then Sergei went back to working. He kept the same hours, working longer and longer. But Sergei is alone. He has much, but... he has no one. So... Sergei decides to travel." He shrugs once more, as it if were the only natural option.

"He waits until a traveling merchant comes along, and then travels with him to a large city. There are many lights, and many sounds, and many people. Instead of large creatures, they have large homes, and streets, and lights. Many lights. Sergei spent much time there, before moving onwards once more. He did many jobs for many people. Returning stolen goods, protecting the dancing girls, even helping to bury the dead. Sergei does much and is well-traveled. But on most nights, Sergei is still alone. Always lives well, but is always alone." Another helpless shrug. Followed by a large smile.

"Then, one day, Sergei learns of circus. Many lights, many people, all moving together. Many shows. He meets with Phin... Ringmaster, and talks with him. Sergei offers to work for him and travel with him. He explains that he is good at most anything and everything that is important, and would be happy to show him... but does not need to show him anything. Ringmaster understands all about Sergei and hires him on the spot. Sergei does much work for repairing wagons, and Ringmaster even lets Sergei perform with lifting great weights during shows! Then... Ringmaster dies. This is normal. Then Cat dies. Now... is just us. But Sergei still lifts heavy things with much ease. And still repairs the wagons. But Sergei begins to feel alone again." He frowns slightly, but then the frown is lost, with the gentle giant's large toothy grin.

"You wish to hear about tattoos next? Or Beard?"