Post by Lanji Romano on Aug 17, 2006 7:47:06 GMT -5
Name: Lanji Valerean Romano
Occupation: Apprentice Cross Defender
Nationality: Italian
Height: 5 foot 7 inches
Weight: 152 lbs
Age: 17
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Brown
Appearance: Lanji stands with a certain elegance so to speak he has an almost noticable air that he carries himself with. His movements are refined and thought ahead each step having a meaning rather then just walking he moves at a stately pace. He has a clean-cut look about him his hair short and a rich blonde color. His deep brown eyes miss few things but, they always appear thoughtful in manner. His body while muscled isn't overbearing more graceful rather then bulging. His style of dress is very archaic in a sense even when he wears casual clothes they are more refined and able to be worn with an elegance. Around his neck is a golden cross on a golden chain with the inscription inlaid on the back of it. 'A cruce salus' the words are meaning 'From the cross comes salvation'.
Personality: Lanji as a calm and refined sort of mannerism. He is polite to a point but, is not afraid to dish out blunt honesty when someone is taking advantage of it. His mannerisms are exquisite treating a lady proper and treating men as equals unless they show themselves to be otherwise. He doesn't tolerate slanderous behaviors such as public lewdity (Pervywood...) or other disgusting habits. Lanji is not stupid and knows exactly what people are saying if they think they can be clever. His thorough education covered quite a few topics some of them he learned so he knew just when to smack somebody for being rude. After all what good is noble birth when you don't take advantage of all of the educational opportunities?
History: Lanji was born, to the Romano family. A family that has been deeply involved with the Vactician Order for the past twenty generations. The family is a Barony only and while over-looked in most affairs the Vactician Order counts this family among it's most powerful supporters. For years the family has provided aide to the Vactician Order not only in political protection and funds but, also providing knights to help fill the Order's ranks. The Vactician Order is certainly not as powerful as some of the other organizations but, they are steadfast in there quest to cut down the workings of darkness. They refuse to let evil flourish in any land and so wage their long and bloody campaign in an effort to ensure their cause is completed.
Lanji being the second son in his family was sent to the Vactician City where he was trained to be a knight. From an early age he would learn etiquette, general knowledge, weapons, and other aspects required to be a successful knight. He became a squire by the age of eight and was always learning and listening to the older knights who would give tips to squires. After all the knights knew that it would be their squires that would be taking up the sword next so it would be best to help them to ensure their retirements. Lanji himself was the squire to one of the most premier knights, a certain Aidan Lecroix. The senior Cross Defender had been overseeing the training of the younger knights and saw something in Lanji. The spark of magic. Lecroix was a wise knight and was heeded when he recommended that Lanji be tested to see if he had magical gifts.
When tested Lanji did show the potential for magical gifts the potential to be trained as a Cross Defender. The result was expected by Lecroix who had begun changing his training of Lanji to where the young boy was taking on the more diligent and tougher courses required of a Cross Defender. Now Lanji was in a whirl of activity as he was forced to take on a tougher schedule. If he thought life he was hard before he certainly knew now that he had had the easier job. The Cross Defender training was even more involved as it not only included the knight training but, on top of that the magical training required to tap into the innate magic potential. In otherwords it would be a hell that many squires would flunk out of had the potential for Cross Defenders not been so slim.
Lanji slowly learned through dedication, trial and error, and having a very patient teacher. He was able to survive the trying training thanks to encouragement from his family. He slowly learned the required skills and showed great promise as a knight. Yet, his mission that would be assigned to him would be a rather unique one. The Vactician Order was sending Lanji to Arcane Academy to flaunt their unique training. They wanted to show Arcane Academy that one of their Cross Defenders was as good as any other magical student that was accepted at Arcane Academy. So now at the age of 17 and a full-fledged knight Lanji is now studying at Arcane Academy trying to adjust to the new life. Certainly it's rather interesting being far away from the power of the church.
Style: Cross Defender
The Cross Defender. A holy warrior trained by the Vactician Order he is the front-line in the war against evil. The Cross Defender is a highly educated knight often of noble birth or from a well-endowed family. These knights are trained in not only the traditional knighthood traditions but, they are also trained to harness the power of magic. The power that is said by Archbishop Ardente, "...to be a blessing from god himself...", so to speak. These warriors rely on the link with their mount for their speed in battle and their heavy armor to take punishment. They're high defensive powers make them valuable frontline fighters.
Many a knight aspire to become a Cross Defender but, only those with magical talent are accepted. When inquired on what they are by others the Vactician Order simply calls them warriors for God. The Cross Defender is a mounted warrior as well as powerful foot soldier. While surely not the fastest he strikes where it counts. The difference being that the Cross Defender's abilities in combat are unique and tough to match. They're skill at fighting incredible odds boils down to their tough defense. While a Cross Defender can dish damage according he relies on others to do that more them himself. Nevertheless a Cross Defender does follow an adapted version of the code of chivalry.
Strengths: Adept at heavy defense Lanji is able to take quite a bit of punishment before going down. His spells aide his defense or provide him with a few powerful attacks that he uses in times of need. Lanji's training gives him an edge in close-combat since he was trained for this sort of thing. Thanks to his mount Lanji is able to move quicker and is able to make himself more devestating in combat. In addition a Cross Defender has psychic potential thanks to his mental link with familiar and mount. Given his abilities he has a wide range of skills he could learn.
Weaknesses: However, Lanji without his mount is slow and has to make his moves more carefully to get his solid hits in. Lanji's repitoire in ranged strikes is rather limited as he relies on his crossbow in a ranged fight. Another keynote as that he's more vulnerable to electric attacks unless using a defensive spell to help ward that off. A serious violation of the Cross Defender code will result in a loss of any Cross Defender abilities until an attonement is made. Due to Lanji's traning he can not learn dark magic of any type.
Spell List:
[/li][li]Savior's Strike - A stronger and more pure version of Savior's Arm this attack was developed by one of the first Cross Defenders. Savior's Strike, is activated by the caster speaking 'Annuit coeptis' (God has favored us) and focusing holy energy to gauntlet or sword. From there the application is simple if used on an ally it gives small healing, removes curses, and helps recover energy slightly. If used against undead, demons, or necromancers then this attack doubles the damage of the strike and leaves them unable to use spells for six seconds. This attack uses a small amount of energy and requires a couple seconds to focus the holy energy.
[/li][li]Mirror Shield - Focusing energy into his kite shield Lanji can rebound a single spell right back at the opponent. This spell drains a small amount of energy per usage. When in affect Lanji's shield gains a mirror-like quality.
[/li][li]Merciful Rain - Chanting the latin words 'audaces fortuna iuvat' (Fortune favors the bold) several times over a period of ten seconds energy is sent up to the heaven's above (must be cloudy conditions). From there a healing rain will come down on the caster and all allies of the caster for a moderate amount of healing. The rain's full effects take another ten seconds. Should the chanting be interrupted then Lanji must start from the beginning. This spell drains a moderate amount of energy upon completion of the chant.
[/li][li]Shield of Faith - By simply focusing holy energy a tower shield of white and pure energy comes up to defend whoever Lanji designates. The shield can take five attacks before dissipating (it does move around to deflect attacks). Due to it's temporary nature and the limited defending area this spell only drains a very small amount of energy.
[/li][li]Ward of Kings - By speaking the latin words 'vltima ratio regvm' (The final arguement of kings), Lanji can emit a circle or protection centered on himself and extends to a twenty-meter radius. Lanji must stay in the same spot or else the spell will cancel itself as he is used as the focus for the spell. When this ward is up no elemental attack can pentrate the ward nor can any elemental attack go out of it. This spell drains a small amount of energy and as long as Lanji stays in the same spot it's active.
[/li][li]Sanctuary - Keeping still Lanji forms the symbol of the cross and bows his head as he focuses energy. A sanctuary ward is emitted. As long as sanctuary is up no ranged attacks can strike Lanji or any ally within the spell's radius of twenty meters. In addition Lanji can not be attacked by melee attacks. The catch? He can't attack or move from the spot he's in. In addition allies can not use ranged attacks when under the protection of Sanctuary. Due to the limitations affected on the weilder and allies who step in it the spell only drains a small amount of energy. Once Lanji moves the spell is broken.
[/li][li]Rally Cry - Calling upon the strength of the heavens and shouting the famed words 'Veni, Vedi, Veci', Lanji gives all allies (including himself) in hearing range a small temporary boost to strength, endurance, and dexterity. Keep in mind the boost does not last long and is often used in times of desperation. This spell drains a moderate amount of energy.
[/li][li]Heaven's Rage - Drawing his sword Lanji's sword catches afire in a glorious white flame and he draws the symbol of the cross in midair. When this ritual is completed all enemies with fifty meters of Lanji are struck by bolts of pure holy energy (double damage to evil and undead) that rains down. This attack drains a moderate amount of energy from Lanji.
Weapons/Gear:
[/li][li]Crusader's Sword - This beautifully crafted broadsword is Lanji's choice weapon in a fight the majestic blade having latin inscriptions and runes engraved down the side. A small cross is engraved on the bottom of the silver hilt at the pommel. In addition the blade is silver flashed to help it cut into unnatural beasties.
[/li][li]Plate Armor - Yes Lanji actually wears PLATE armor we're talking about the whole nine yards including a helmet, cape, and surcoat. This beautifully crafted armor has several gold crosses inlayed in it in key places and was crafted to fit Lanji. In addition modifications were made to the armor to help it stop conventional range weapons (nice try bullets and arrows). The armor is made of a laminated steel for the most part.
[/li][li]Steel Kite Shield - This elegant and finally crafted laminated steel shield is large and hard to use but, Lanji has the strength to use. Adept at smashing things in the face or blocking things it's a nice thing to have around. The shield has yet to recieve a coat of arms.
[/li][li]Automatic Crossbow - Hey now here's a handy weapon to have around the automatic crossbow shoots crossbow bolts at a rapid velocity and quite a good distance. The bolts are gas-propelled so it's rather easy to use. The bolts used are silver and blessed for all your bad guy hunting needs. A standard crossbow firing area is inlayed on top of it. This is used for firing explosive tipped bolts and must be reloaded in the original fashion.
Stats: Strength: 15, Dexterity: 10, Endurance: 15, Intelligence: 10, Wisdom: 10, Energy: 10
Items: None
Note: Lanji can call his mount or his familiar to him at anytime and anyplace.
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Familiar: Tacet
Familiar Species: Snow White Owl
Stats: Strength: 5, Dexterity: 15, Endurance: 10, Intelligence: 10, Wisdom: 15, Energy: 25
Tacet is a Snow White Owl that has magical powers and a mental bond with Lanji. Tacet often scouts above or provides the usage of his supportive magic to help his own in battle. Tacet has not yet fought in combat and doesn't intend to he isn't suited for it but, he still helps Lanji as best as he can.
[/li][li]Healing Claw - Heals all damage and uses a moderate amount of energy even fatal injuries are healed when this is used. This spell does cure diseases and poisons. However, this can not bring back the dead. Tacet must land on the person he is healing.
[/li][li]Screech of Defense - A defensive spell by emitting a loud screech Tacet uses a small amount of energy to emit a defensive screen of force that lasts for five seconds. The screen can hide quite a few people behind it but, nothing can go through it. However, a powerful attack can collapse the field.
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Mount: Fiat
Mount Species: White Stallion
Stats: Strength: 10, Dexterity: 20, Endurance: 15, Intelligence: 10, Wisdom: 10, Energy: 5
Notes: In addition to barding, military grade saddle, hooves, and bridle, Fiat wears full plate armor (laminated steel) that was crafted for the mount's fit. The mount has been trained and is not only capable of working in combat but, is capable of wearing the armor and bearing his rider in full armor and then some if needed.
Fiat is a rare white stallion that was trained by the Vactician Order. Only a Cross Defender can ride one of these due to the intelligence within the creatures and the training required to ride them. Alastin's personality is usual calm and direct not understanding some of the more trivial things of human personality.
[/li][li]Rider Bond - As long as Lanji is mounted on Fiat he moves and reacts at Alastin's speed rather then his own personal speed. It is often said that a Knight is faster on his mount and this just proves it. This costs no energy to maintain simply requires that the rider be mounted on Alastin. This ability doesn't work for anyone else.
[/li][li]Blinking Charge - Using a small amount of energy Fiat can blink in any direction within ten meters even while moving and continue that momentum.
