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Background
Zayne is the third child of four born to the current holder of the d'Rana Lordship. Commanding a flight of mercenaries known as the Black Bears, Zayne and his men are currently working for Count Adriono d'Armaz in an attempt to protect the Lady Myrana
He was recently Knighted and granted land within Fiorello by right of his Viscount Adriono d'Armaz and the Queen of Aequor. His scale of mercenaries was also gifted with the funds to upgrade itself to an entire flight of men.
Elios D'Rana and his former d'Magro wife Maeri had four children, the heir Edmund was the favored son and the second son was barely noticed by his father. By the time a third son named Zayne came into the picture Edmund could do no wrong and was firmly established as his fathers favorite. with the birth of a daughter a few years after Zayne the family was completed and now Zayne's mother had her attention stolen away by her new daughter
The two middle children went mostly unnoticed and Zayne developed a good friend in his older brother. They played together, they learned together but when the time came to pick professions his brother chose to become a knight. This created a rift between the brothers and Zayne's uncertainty about knighthood was planted. It grew as his father talked praise about knights and spoke of how he should train to be one. Zayne had always walked the line, obeyed his father when needed but otherwise was left alone. Now he resented his father blaming him for the loss he felt over his brothers leaving.
Zayne did learn to fight but is wasn't as a knight instead he joined the military and later trained with mercenaries. His father was disappointed in him but Zayne forced himself to stay silent, he was a blunt young man. If he opened his mouth he would speak his mind without fear and his father was not one who tolerated this. Also somewhere deep down Zayne respected the man still as well. The years came and went and Zayne managed to scrape of enough money to build a small company, six men that later became nine. A small band of mercenaries designed for charging and heavy fighting on the front lines. The had little in the way of training and no true name for their band but they were friends, brothers in arms and Zayne led them into their first conflict in the border war between Arkanin and D'Armaz. Their victories were impressive, they were brave bordering on reckless but none could deny their skill despite being novices to mercenary tactics.
Zayne's victory caught the attention of Adriono d'Armaz and it was decided that Adriono would sponsor him and allow him his own mercenary scale. Twenty five men, the nine he had already were kept on and given a better wage and more men were hired all of them carefully picked so they would get along with the group. Zayne started to focus on training them but he kept a wild edge to his group using their habit of charging in boldly to the best advantage. Adriono gave him a while to get settled in this new role then Zayne was ordered to go to Four Corners, no official orders were given yet just that he and his men were to go and take whatever jobs they wanted and if Adriono's daughter Myrana needed extra protection they were to give it without question.
The Man Himself
When a man charges headfirst into danger most assume he is a fool…
Some might say he has a deathwish…
Could it be he is simply unburdened by fear?
Zayne d'Rana
Tall and strong of build this man seems to tower above most everyone due to being almost if not quite seven feet tall. The sculpted muscles of his broad body leave no doubt that he is a warrior, his wide shoulders giving way to strong arms and large calloused hands. He stands up tall and proud unashamed of his height and confident in himself. Muscles seem present all over his pale skinned form but are most obvious in his arms and torso.
The loose curls of his hair are the color of night, pitch black and soft to the touch. That hair is often messy, wild and untamed tousled and left to frame his face and cover his ears. His skin is pale a fair color that hints at nobility along with his features. Black eyebrows are trimmed neatly and thier position is low, sitting just above a pair of large yet canted eyes. If any feature stands out above the rest it would be those eyes. A rich green color somewhere between the hue of forest trees and sparkling emeralds. They often flicker with various emotions and its likely that his eyes are very much the gateway to his true feelings. That pale face is heart shaped with angular touches to his sharp cheekbones and chin. His nose is straight and his lips a bit thin, a touch of subble occasionally seen between his lips and his nose and at the base of his chin.
Covering his body is a protective and masterfully crafted brigandine coat. The tunic of blood red thats worn under it sticks out of the sleeves and collar, contrasting with the smoky grey color of the armor. Made to fit his tall broad frame the coat protects from the, neck down his arms and torso and is paired with a set of hardened leather greaves and boots made to match. Silver fastenings glitter on this grey armored coat holding it closed and in place. On the armors right shoulder is an appilque patch depicting a shield with a black fisted gauntlet on the right side and a red bear on the other with black eyes. Its in a heraldic style, and likely symbolizes some sort of position. Sheathed on his back is a massive lightsilver greatsword with a roaring bear's head on its pommel. Two tiny emeralds sparkle lightly from where they serve as the bears eyes and match the eyes of the blades wielder.
A cream colored cotton tunic is worn over his broad torso this day. The cotton fabric is of fine quality, not the richest but soft to the touch and well made, tailored to his frame. The neckline slopes a bit in a rounded fashion and the sleeves are long and fitted to his arms. The pale yellow hued fabric is trimmed around the edges in black lining. That lining adds a bit of color to the piece and is present around the neckline, the cuffs on his sleeves and at the base of the shirt where it ends a bit past where his trousers starts. Over the tunic a practical yet fashionable leather jerkin is worn, its color a dark black and accented with bronze buckles. His trousers and boots are black to match the jerkin, simple and made of sturdy leather. The boots are flat soled and have similar bronze buckles on them as well.
A finely tailored coat of thick dark purple cashmeri wool reaches down from halfway up his neck down to past his waist where it fans out and trails behind him as he walks. The high collared and long sleeved coat is accented in its elegance by small round silver buttons on the cuffs of its sleeves and its left side. Right now the coat is left open revealing a crisp buttery yellow silk poets shirt underneath. The flowing shirt-sleeves are arranged so they stick out of the coat sleeves a little for added effect. The shirts neckline is rounded and low, offering a glimpse of muscled chest for those bold enough to look. A pair of black breeches made of the same fine cashmeri wool as the coat fit snugly against his legs and tuck into a pair of tall, flat soled boots made to match.
Quirks
- Artistic
- Brash
- Talented Swordsman
- Trouble Starter
Personality
As vassals to House D'Armaz and only holding a Lordship the d'Rana are considered minor players at most. However while some of his family might scramble for power in politics Zayne is more often seen on the battlefield. He is not well known but those who see him are occasionally impressed by the large man and his skills with a greatsword.
As a commander of mercenaries and a nobleman Zayne is something of an oddity among his noble peers. He had no desire to be a knight despite the fact that his brother and close friend Colin choose that path. Zayne is a man who enjoys his freedoms and believes that people should be allowed to choose their own path within reason. The One Faith and the faith of the Many is treated with quiet disdain by the man as Zayne figures if his earthly father never paid attention to him what hope does a divine figure have of doing so.
Years of having his deeds ignored by his father in favor of his brother Edmund have made Zayne into a man who is often bold and reckless, like he doesn't give a single copper star for what people think of him. The truth is a bit more complex despite the fact that this man doesn't wear masks. Zayne is honest, almost painfully so and very direct. He charges in without fear in most cases and glory isn't his motivation as much as excitement. He is so used to being overshadowed its almost like he expects it now.
Zayne's personality occasionally leads to awkward encounters or confrontations with those who disagree with how he handles things. Yet Zayne doesn't shy from violence or arguments despite being a generally relaxed and cheerful sort. He will happily raise his glass in celebration or his blade in defense as is needed.
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The Life He Lives
Zayne's Song: Feel Invincible by Skillet
The Black Bears
Zayne d'Rana leads a group of mercenaries that were originally financed by Adriono D'Armaz. The call themsleves The Black Bears. Recently they have been given allowance to upgrade from a single scale of twenty five to a flight of five hundred men. The original company is designed for charging in and attacking full force and Zayne has plans to expand the specialties of his company further to include archers and potentially cavalry or engineers but also hopefully keep their aggressive edge as well.
They are decently equiped, fairly well trained and extremely loyal to those in thier company. The greatest strength of The Black Bears is thier ability to fight together and support each other in battle and Zayne intends to keep this trait even as he expands their number.
The Black Bears take jobs from Adriono himself as well as most any others who can pay for their services. However Zayne makes sure that any jobs they take do not conflict with any previous loyalties the company has.
Company Members (PCs)
- Bertram: A recently recruited addition to the Black Bears, Bertram is a sapper and a veteran that the entire group is glad to have on their sides. His skill with mines and explosives at the battle of Rosa Castle may have just saved their lives. Zayne is currently considering the idea of hiring on a couple more men that Bertram can train to assist him in hopes of weakening any future large armies they face.
Company Members (NPCS)
- Severin: Tall with shoulder length black hair and an equally dark temper, Severin is perpetually grumpy. Yet other than applying his brand of snarky comments he rarely resorts to violence unless provoked or is on the job. A wielder of twin hand axes Severin is fast and vicious on the battle field. He is normally quiet but everyone in the company knows that the man has a massive temper when he is pushed. Surprisingly, Severin has a soft spot for children and is actually nice to them.
- Rolf: Probably the only member of the company who is taller than Zayne, Rolf is exactly seven feet of muscular former White Hall raider. Wielding a giant battleaxe Rolf is an absolute terror on the battlefield and often takes a place right next to Zayne in formation. Off the field though the blonde barbarian is just a big friendly guy who wants nothing more than to drink his weight in mead and bear hug or everyone. He also likes to sing uproariously and has an appreciation for the arts.
- Logen: Logen is the company physician, a common born man who was lucky enough to get some training in medicine, first by an herbalist and then by a healer. Logen is average in height with sandy blond hair and dreamy blue eyes. He is quite muscular and most ladies would find him attractive if he wasn't so worried about the unhygienic interactions that result from romance. Logen wages a constant war in the name of cleanliness and is prone to having small fits when Rolf spills mead everywhere. Yet Logen is also extremely competent as both a healer and a wielder of a bastard sword and shield.
Company Equipment
- Sets of armor, one for each member. (Full maile for men-at-arms, leather for archers, and brigandine for cavalry)
- Weapons for each member. (Large melee weapons for the men-at-arms, bows and small melee weapons for the archers, and bows and polearms for cavalry)
- Tents, rations, and traveling equipment.
Company Statistics
- Full Company Size: 500 Men
- Men-At-Arms: 250
- Archers: 125
- Light Calvary: 100
- Heavy Calvary 25
Company Base
- Bearclaw Fortress: This fortress in the fertile countryside of d'Rana lands was gifted to Zayne d'Rana along with his knighthood and the status of Great Lord. It currently serves as a base for the Black Bears. The large worn sandstone stone structure sits atop a large hill overlooking plains and farmland used for growing wheat and various food crops. Several fruit trees line the path up to the fortress and the walls themselves are sturdy and being even further reinforced now that they have a long term occupant. The castle itself is furnished rather practically but with a sense of artistic elegance to it as well. The military force here outnumbers even that at Castle d'Rana, housing the entire Flight of five hundred mercenaries that make up the newly upgraded company. Two villages, Whitehill and Grenford fall under the protection of those at Bearclaw as well. Grenford specializes in growing vegetables, food crops, and herbs while Whitehill is a main supplier of wheat with its own large brewery that makes the locally famous Whitehill Beer.
Zayne's Equipment
Weapons
- A Lightsilver Greatsword (L'artiglio)
- Greatsword
- Spear
- Broadsword
L'artiglio
With a length of five feet six inches this blade is a fearsome thing indeed. However being made entirely of lightsilver turns it from being simply fearsome to being a beautiful and deadly work of art. The wide and long-reaching blade is carefully crafted and sharpened, having just as much bite to it as regular steel. That glimmering lightsilver blade reaches up to a straight and wide reaching cross guard. The metal of the guard has been expertly wrapped around itself to form a twisting affect and the grip reaches proudly up from its center. The design of that grip makes it easy for one with the proper strength to grasp ahold of the blade. The pommel takes the shape of a roaring bear's head made out of pure lightsilver. Two emerald gems serve as glittering ever watchful eyes for the fearsome beast that adorns this finely crafted blade.
Armor
- Brigadine Armor
- Full Maile
- Leather Jerkin
Animals
- Lucky: A Grey Tabby Housecat) Lucky currently guards the halls of Bearclaw Fortess with feline vigilance.
Miscellaneous Items
- A small pot of Lady's Mercy. Obtained after collecting mothrose. Enough for four uses.
- A double-stringed ladies pearl necklace with a square cut silver framed sapphire in the center. Obtained in a sparring contest.
Currently Available Funds - 550 Crowns
Animal Cemetery
- Rage: A Solid Black Light Charger (Rage died in a charge at The Siege at Lyioness)
Zayne's Hobbies
Painting
Its not commonly known, but Zayne has an avid interest in art specifically painting. His greatest dream is not to be a master warrior as most would suspect but instead to be come a famous painter. Though at the moment it is just that, a dream. He knows he has a long way to go until he gets to that point. Portraits are his favorites but he also finds great beauty in landscapes and still life.
At the moment Zayne has no fame for his art yet he practices whenever he can. House d'Rana being known for exporting fine pigments as well as having several talented painters has inspired Zayne to be the best of them all. It might be seen as a strange thing, that such an impulsive and reckless man would find beauty in viewing and creating art but he does.
Gambling
A more traditional pastime for a mercenary is gambling and its one Zayne's fellow mercenaries got him interested in. He isn't particularly good, especially in games that require a poker face of sorts but he enjoys the time spent talking and drinking even if his luck in such games often runs low.
Hunting
After spending time hunting with his brother Colin and a few fellow nobles Zayne developed an interest. Pursuit of a target and the determined seeking of a goal are both things Zayne enjoys and does rather well at. Most of the time Zayne's prey is animals but he is perfectly capable of tracking a human target as well.
The People Around Him
House d'Rana
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Lady Myrana d'Armaz (Little Boss) : When I was first given my orders to act as a bodyguard for her I was determined to make the most of it and not judge her too much. She is nothing like I expected and honestly…I actually like this job. She is one that I think will make an excellent Countess and I will spill as much enemy blood as needed to see that happen. |
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Sir Tavi Deverot : A former Blue Cavalier and an exceptional fighter with a sharp wit to go with his blades. He does have a flair for dramatics but he seems to be a good guy and one I would be proud to stand beside in a fight. I owe him a drink since we survived that siege too. |
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Baron Ramius D'Arran : He married Lady Myrana in a rather spur of the moment celebration. All I have seen so far suggests he cares for her deeply. The man raised an army to rescue her after all! He has my deep respect not only for his skill as a commander but also because he actually seems like a nice guy. |
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Sir Jarret Sokar : A skilled if somewhat surly fighter and the future Duke of Sokar if rumors are right. A man who wields a poleaxe with that much skill has my respect. Its just a shame he is a Galenthain… |
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Sir Havelock Synn : A Reliant and a man who seems to be both a fighter and a healer. Too pious for my tastes but he is so damn nice I don't really have the heart to dislike him for it. |
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Bertram of Harcourt : A new member of my company but a veteran mercenary and a sapper of considerable skills. He impressed me. He had the skill and guts to blow the charging enemy lines to pieces and then drive what was left of them away screaming in fear. He should fit in well and overall he is a man I am proud to have on my side. |