Xian.DM

HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6 Ref: +7 Will: +6 PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen "What is this? No warm-friend hug for Alexis? Just weak-limp wrist wave...?!" Alexis said in mock indignation that fails very badly. "Such things may be good-fine for shiny-clean people, but not for Alexis!" Alexis rises and then hugs both Hrotha and Lori around the waist in each arms and gives them a vigorous hug while lifting them into the air, laughing the entire time. He then places the likely flustered pair back into their seats and resumes sitting as nothing out of the ordinary has happened with the exception of the mischievous, but knowing "who, me?" look on his face. "Greyrose-Plant, you talk serious-tense most of the time. Is it because the dead-ghost people are serious-tense because they are dead-ghosts?" Alexis offers frankly to Greyrose-Plant's strange greeting. Alexis did wonder because Greyrose-Plant did always look like he was working, even when they were having fun. "Well when Alexis becomes dead-ghost, he promises to be happy-funny, so Greyrose-Plant can be happy-fun. Life is too good-short to be serious-tense ALL of the time" Alexis' Fashion Style Hide this

HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6 Ref: +7 Will: +6 PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Alexis enjoyed the night carousing and perhaps more so in the presence of Friends and that finally it would seem that some of them were getting into the spirit. He had liked Lori-Book's fashion update, but was puzzled at the selection of the cloak. While it appeared that Lori-Book took a liking to the cloak, but luckily she changed her mind. Cloaks were good-useful in the field, but they could bad-dangerous in combat. Too many times Alexis had seen them get... caught... on things. Still Lori-Book looked dangerous with the cloak... a look that remind Alexis of the scent that was Lori-Book but not Lori-Book. Alexis knew it that thing was the something about Lori-Book he liked... among many other admirable attributes... Alexis would find out what that was. Alexis changed out and folded his clothes nice-safe into bundle that he slung over his shoulder. Alexis had promised Penelope-Friend that he would keep his new clothes nice-safe for the time with the Senate-Plant people. Alexis knew that if they were going to go celebrate and enjoy properly, these pretty-clean clothes would not survive the night. Surprisingly, even to Alexis, Lori-Book and Greyrose-Plant had decided to join in the festive mood and, literally and figuratively, let their hair down... well at least Lori-Book did... Alexis did not see that Greyrose-Plant have long hair to let down, but it was good to see him relax and having fun. Or at least it looked like it to him. Hrotha joined them as well. She went on a thing about making sure Alexis does not get in trouble and embarrass their House. Alexis did not particularly care for the empty-fake honor of a House, but he did care about Hrotha-Friend and the promise he had made to Galek-Friend so he supposed that her being around did keep him from getting into his usual shenanigans. Alexis did enjoy the night and it was particularly rewarding since it was with good friends and they seemed to feed off one another's energy. They danced. They drank. They made merry. And they made their ancestor's proud... well at least Alexis ancestors. More importantly, Alexis leaned me about those he would call his teammates in this little endeavor. In the end, Alexis carried Lori-Book to her home with Hrotha before he retired for night as well... back at the arena. Alexis woke up refreshed from his previous night's escapades and stretched in his bed as he arose. Alexis went out to the yard and limbered up before going through some light drills with his mates. He wanted to be ready for the trouble that Martella-Friend had promised Alexis before they left for the Thread Bare. Alexis arrived at the place that Hrotha-Friend had instructed him to go to in the morning. On his way, the celebratory spirit was still there, but there was something else as well. Noisy people. Noisy making noise. Noise that annoyed-irritated Alexis to no end. It took all of his willpower not to knocked them all into next week so that Alexis would not have to listen them for seven days. So Alexis had to settle for only knocking them "accidentally" with a "surprised" turn of his body to the offending source of the noise. Alexis made some good natured apology before moving on quickly and making sure that the clothes that Penelope-Friend was not disturbed. He moved into the Dragon's Breath Cafe. It looked like Lori-Book and Music-Man were there before him. "Lori-Book Friend! Music-Man! It is Alexis!" Alexis announced as he pulled up a seat next to the pair and not at all cognizant of the awkward tension as he gave both Lori-Book and Music-Man a knowing wink and grin. "So how are you both doing today? It was nice to see everyone enjoy-celebrate last night." Alexis' Fashion Style Hide this

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Alexis enjoyed the brisk walk to the Thread Rare.  The revelry outside was a familiar scene to him and reminded of the carousing he had done in his brief forays back to civilization or usually following a great battle and the celebration of a well-earned victory and honoring of those that had died well.  Alexis felt the energy of the city in this more primal state of joy and uplifted him.  There were a few instances of rude-drunk people that apparently insulted Lori-Book Friend... so much so that she insisted that she walk on her own.  This upset Alexis a bit, but without his smile wavering in the slightest he roared out in laughter as he gave the offenders a hearty slap on the back that sent the men flying into an all too conveniently located trough full of questionable looking water.  Alexis did take the time to make sure that the men had enough cognizance not to drown in the foul smelling liquid... after all it was all in good fun!  Alexis did not relish the experience as they entered the Thread Rare as each of his companion got situated with their tailor and began to articulate their fashion design choices.  Alexis did his best to hide his massive frame in the vain hopes that he was not noticed by the tailors and that he would yet escape this without having to subject himself to the fitting into shiny-clean people clothes... so called fah-shun as Hrotha liked to call it.  Alexis did watch in particular, Lori-Book and her interaction with her tailor... whoever he was he had the same look as Alexis when he caught that scent that was Lori-Book at the same time not Lori-Book.  Was this tailor gifted with the beast-mark like Alexis as he heard the man go on about foxes?  Alexis had known a few fox-marked friends, but by in large they had all been women and excellent fighter.  This person looked like neither... well at least not the latter.   The loud crack of a nearby tape measure snaps Alexis before he is able to form another thought... not a challenging thing to be sure... and he could not help but chuckle as Music Man was put through the works by a small and very energetic and talkative women.   As she talked, Alexis knew that even though she was the maker of shiny-clean people's clothes, this Penelope Abelone was good friend in making.  Her speech pattern brought a smile for some reason to Alexis' face... perhaps a kindred spirit of sorts. "Oh dont'cha go thinkin' ah can't see you, sugah... I mean you about large as the broad side of a barn so hiding behind those racks is about as good as hiding a fox in a chicken coop! " Penelope calls out Alexis as his chuckle and smile faded as his attempt stealth out of the clothes fitting was up. "We-ell, don't you worry none, big boy... once I am done with "Ah only work in Black or very dark gray" Grumpelstiltskin" here I will make sure to fix you up right!"  . Alexis watches in interest as Penelope goes to "work" on Armen.  Despite her less than shiny speech (which Alexis thought was a plus not a minus) and energy, she worked efficiently and most importantly with passion.  The plump woman was passionate about her job and Alexis could appreciate that as she efficiently measure and tailored Armen.  She was also very physical about it... again something that Alexis saw as a good thing.  "Alrighty, now that I finished fixing up your friend here, come over here a let ol' Penelope git a good look at you.  Now don't be shy, sugah, ol' Penelope ain't going to bite ya." Penelope commanded for Alexis to come out from behind the racks and mannequin he had hoped to conceal himself.  Alexis did not want to, but somehow he felt compelled by the heavily accented woman's order.  Penelope whistled sharply as as she made motion of fanning herself as Alexis' muscled frame emerged from the behind the clothes along with his current clothes with his own "custom" modifications. "Wooooheee, well ain't you a tall glass of milk!  I mighta been lying to yah and Penelope may bite ya after all... now git your sweet behind over here. What can I do you for?" "Alexis likes Penelope-Almost Friend even though she make shiny-clean people clothes that are too tight and don't let Alexis-Parts breathe because she see-recognizes Alexis' prettiness." Alexis beams at the attention.  "Martella-Friend has told Alexis that noisy Senate-Plant people do not like Alexis' awesome style-fashion, so please make me something that lets Alexis blend-hide with noisy Senate-Plant people, but also allow Alexis to fight AND let his parts breath." "Imma thinking... I think I got just the thing for you, sugah..." Penelope said as he eyed Alexis up and down before getting to work getting measurements and running about looking for materials for her idea. "Now quit' cha squirming and let a girl work!" Time past as Alexis and Penelope went back and forth, both enjoying the very physical nature of her work... perhaps with Penelope enjoying some moments more than what was professional, but Alexis accepted this as a natural consequence of being so pretty.  By the end of it, Alexis had determined that Penelope was no longer just an Almost-Friend, but a Friend.  "Ah mighta been done sooner if you didn't bellyache and whinge so much... how you so delicate for such a tough guy?" Penelope announced as she finished up her work and presented Alexis to the group.  "He cleans up pretty guwd, dontcha think?" "Alexis is not soft-delicate... he all tough-strong!" Alexis declared loudly as he emerge in his new threads.  He liked the billowing sleeves which apparently was a fashion thing and allowed the shirt to be loose to allow him full range of motion for combat.  His pants were still a bit tight for his taste, but were comfortable enough that Alexis could move without too much impediment.  Now the collar on the other hand was whole other matter and Alexis was not a fan... "Look, if Penelope says you are delicate, you are delicate!"  Penelope admonished good naturedly as she slapped his hand away from the collar. "Can't even put up with a measly ol' collar without picking at it like a crow on a carcass!  Even after ah gave you all of that room.  Now this is a Penelope Or-Ridge-in-nhal, so Alexis you best be taking care of it or y'll break a girl's heart."  "Fine, Alexis promises." Alexis relents after her admonishment.  Penelope was Penelope-Friend now after all.  "That's wat ah wanta hear! Now come give ol' Penelope a hug and y'all come back and see us again soon."   Alexis' Fashion Style Hide this  

      Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen "Though, Alexis does not look forward to going to the place full of noisy shiny-clean people in the Senate-place in fancy clothes that will be too tight, he looks forward to being in good-friendly hands!" Alexis agrees enthusiastically interlocks arms with Lorelei and Hrotha and playfully pulls them together with a hearty laugh. "Alexis was good in his before-life to have such pretty teacher-friends put their hands on him!" Alexis expected further embarrassment from Lorelei, but red looked good on her and it just endeared her further to Alexis.  Even with the book-smarts and fashion that shiny-people approved of, she never once acted like she was higher-better than Alexis, or anyone for that matter.  It was a rare trait among the shiny-clean city Alexis had found himself in.  As for Hrotha, despite her attempts to appear shiny-proper, Alexis knew she had a physically competitive side to her and he enjoyed teasing it out of her whenever he had the opportunity.  Alexis fully expected good natured retaliation of some sort... maybe.  "When we go with Juve-Maybe Friend and Music Man to the Thread-Rare place, would Lori-Book And Hrotha-Friend assist-help Alexis to get clothes that will helpful in the Senate-Place but also not tight so Alexis can fight without rip-tearing?"   "True-fact? Martell-friend would not lie to Alexis, would she?" If Alexis was not troubled before, he was downright excited now.  If what Martella said was true-fact, then there would be others like him and, moreover, they would be looking for a fight.  Now, this was something that Alexis could look forward to.  Alexis also remembered that he made a promise-oath to behave, but Martella-Friend could not possibly fault him for defending himself. "Alexis will be ready." Alexis hoped even more that Lori-Book and Hrotha-Friend pick out fancy clothes that allowed Alexis to fight freely.  

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Current Conditions: None "Alexis understands and promises to not cause trouble... too much." Alexis said simply with a small bow and a wink to Lorelei and Martella. Alexis actually did not care for the so called pride-honor of the Ulfen here in this city-place and if he slighted that false-fake honor.  No, if anything kept Alexis in check, it would be because he did not want bring harm-hurt or shame to Hrotha-Friend and Galek-friend's family.  And family was important.  And now also the honor-pride of those he consider Friends, like Martella and Lori-Book Friend. "Yes, Alexis is flirting, but only because Alexis thinks that Lori-Book Friend is very pretty... almost as pretty as Alexis... but also with book-smarts and good-soft heart that does not put herself higher-better than people around her. Oh, and yes, also with delicious-good plant-smells." In Alexis' mind, his Ulfen "kin" here had placed the opinion-thoughts of the shiny-clean people above even those they considered their kin-folk.  Alexis vividly remembers on how his supposed "kin" had reacted and treated him when he first arrived, even when he presented them with Galek's writ,  his clan tattoo, and bearing the beast mark that was honored and revered in their actual homeland.  Alexis also saw how they treated Galek's son and Hrotha-friend.  How they looked down on Alexis because of his talk-speak and less than cultured appearance.    Alexis watched and learned. While he understood that his kin were still at heart more warrior-kin that majority of the people in that city-place, they had also become a part of the shiny-clean people world. Far from their roots, they worry-fretted about word-speech, what people were, and their appearance, valuing those things than their deed-actions.  For the sake of useless name-title and shiny-people honor, they had forsaken what Alexis saw as the essence of their heritage... their own kin.  However, Alexis knew he is not one that could bring them back with words.  He was not gifted with word-talent, so he does the only way Alexis knows how, by his deed-actions.  By his example.  While Alexis knows that mountain is high-steep and that perhaps they were too shiny-clean now to come back to their roots and values... but like anything else in his life Alexis would climb that mountain regardless.  Alexis would not let the shiny-clean place take him like they did his kin. He vowed in his heart that he would always and forever be Alexis.  Which neatly brought him to the Princess.  Alexis had heard about the Princess from Martella-Friend and by all accounts had good-soft heart and the deed-actions proving that she was the most-best qualified.  Her only reason for not being ruler already had been that Princess-Maybe Friend was a woman.  Again Alexis thought this notion very silly-stupid.  Princess-Maybe Friend did not choose to be born a woman and what she was should not be worth more than her deed-actions and her ability.  Alexis could not fathom why.  In fight, Alexis would want the best warrior-friends by his side... by their skill-courage and ability to fight, not by what they were or looked like.  It was simple in battle because the results was what mattered.  You either had victory or you were dead.  Apparently, in the shiny clean world the stakes were different.  Perhaps Martella-Friend had asked Alexis to this meeting when Alexis share this simple honest belief.  But that would require deep thinking and Alexis did not do that.  "Alexis is grateful for Hrotha-Friend and Lori-Book Friend so Alexis can be even more helpful.  Alexis would prefer Friends as teacher than Maybe or Never Friends... and much more important than being Taldan or noble." Alexis stated honestly and clearly indicating how much value he placed in nobility or race over friendship.  Friendship was earned so it was much better to Alexis that nobility or race that were just frankly arbitrary to Alexis. Also Alexis was certain whatever knowledge that Lori-Book and Hrotha-Friend had were more than enough to fill Alexis' brain many times over.  "Perhaps Alexis can return favor and teach Lori-Book and Hrotha-Friend as well.  Alexis does not have book-smarts, but can do many well-good things with his hands..." With that Alexis shows his hands with a flourish before grasping and giving his best impression of kiss on Lorelei's hand before giving both her and Hrotha a knowing and mischievous grin and wink.      "Not sure if sad-angry Music-Man is a friend-in-making... but Alexis will give benefit of the doubt because you are kin to Martella-Friend." Alexis laughs as he addresses the gloomy man after he speaks to Hrotha-Friend. "Alexis has heard Music-Man talk about this Gross-Toes and hear-listen to your music-song about Gross-toes.  Although Alexis hears passion-feeling in your voice, Alexis not so sure that you believe this Gross-toes in your heart as strong-real.  Alexis says this because Alexis can tell Music-Man hold backs on things... perhaps things in his heart-soul or things on his mind that he wants talk-speak.  Or both.  Alexis thinks that if Music Man truly, truly believe in Gross-toes could come and end things at any time, then he should not hold back on those things... and live-act so he has no regrets when Gross-toe comes."    "Alexis understands this.  Alexis will be good-best delivery-person for these missives." Alexis said with a nod and toast with his tankard before taking a generous swig. Alexis was relieved because it was a task that did not require awkward-uncomfortable talk-speak with Senate-people and avoiding the temptation to punch noisy Senators in the mouth-jaw so they would not be so noisy.  Alexis is sure that Martella-Friend would not be happy and it would be bad for Princess Maybe Friend to become good-better ruler of Taldan.  Based on Martella-Friend's describing the other tasks, Alexis was even more relieved on his chosen task... frankly he had no idea who any of those people were.  

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Current Conditions: None   "Alexis thinks that Martella-Friend asked Alexis to come this shiny-clean party because shiny-clean people, especially lady-maybe friends, are fans of Alexis charm, prettiness, fashion-style, and useful-strong muscles." Alexis states simply and honestly, but flexed playfully for effect. "Maximo-friend also tells they also like-honor warrior-fighters that win the Grand Tournament to shiny-clean people parties.  Alexis understands this.  All people like victories and do things to feel like they are part of that victory, even if they did not earn-do anything for that victory."     "Alexis always speak plain-honest, especially to Friends.  Can it be that Alexis does not speak-talk with book-smart words how Lori-Book Friend is nice to look-stare at that makes her brain literal?" Alexis said with shrug. Perhaps he had picked up more words since coming to the city and because of that he was no longer speaking plainly. Alexis was not happy with that prospect. "This is problem, but Alexis not sure he can learn good book-smart words that shiny-clean people like and still be plain and honest.  Book-smart words are confusing and twisty and mean things that are not its meaning."  "If Hrotha-Friend and Lori-Book Friend want to teach Alexis about shiny-clean people ways, Alexis will learn to be helpful, but cannot promise those things that shiny-clean people think are important will become important to him." Deep in his heart, Alexis knew that they would not.  He came from a world that was not soft-safe. These people came from a world that was so safe and secure that it robbed them of purpose and meaning that they choose to find it in what Alexis would consider trivial things. And because they could not let these things go, they would become sad-angry, like Music-Man and Juvie-Maybe Friend.  Alexis pitied these sad-angry shiny-clean people.  If Alexis understood irony, he would feel irony that the things that made shiny-clean people feel higher-better than him was what made them so sad-angry.  But Alexis did not, so he doesn't.  

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Current Conditions: None "Oh? Lori-Book Friend now likes to touch-feel Alexis as well as look-stare?" Alexis said with a knowing smile as Lorelei pushes against his chest to keep him from getting closer which obviously pleased him because Alexis could not fathom that she was trying to keep him sniffing her hair. "Alexis does not mind if Lori-Book Friend touch-feels Alexis because Lori-Book Friend hand feels soft-warm."   "Lori-Book Friend, do not worry, Alexis not saying that you smell strange-bad. Not at all. Alexis picked up something other than nice plant smells... something good-better." Alexis says simply and frankly as he watches Lorelei undo her hair and begin sniffing it in an embarrassed manner.  Alexis only wondered why shiny-clean people would be embarrass by such small things, right before it was supplanted by the thought how much more pretty Lori-Book looked without her hair all wrapped up tight and uncomfortable. "Kind of like Lori-Book Friend's hair right now... it looks more comfortable for Lori-Book Friend and makes her even good-better to look-stare at.  Alexis thinks this fashion-style is good-better for Lori-Book friend." 

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Current Conditions: None   "Many thanks Lori-Book Friend...  Alexis is happy that you like his fashion-style and stare-look at him like other lady-Maybe friends that also like Alexis' fashion-style." Alexis said with large grin, obviously very pleased with himself that his clothing was met with approval. "However, Alexis is more happy-pleased that Lori-Book Friend likes Alexis' fashion-style because Lori-Book Friend is friend and not just Maybe Friend.  Alexis is still not sure how shiny-clean people wear clothes such as this and still able to move-breath." Alexis liked Lori-Book.  She was nice and one of few shiny-clean people that did not act or try to be higher-better than people around her.  When he learned that Lori-Book Friend was also very book-smart, Alexis was more pleased that she did not act higher-better.  While these traits already endeared Lori-Book Friend to Alexis, but there was something else... his sensitive nose caught the scent again.  "Lori-Book Friend, Alexis smells something funny-strange from you..." Alexis said innocently as he inhaled deeply several times trying to catch the scent again and likely closer to Lorelei's hair than was socially appropriate in Taldor... but Alexis was not from Taldor nor was he appropriate, even for an Ulfen.  "...and not the funny stomach-gas kind that makes people laugh.  Alexis smells something that is not Lori-Book friend, but also Lori-Book friend... Alexis has never smell-seen such a scent before..."  Scent was a mystery and novel to Alexis and it smelled... dangerous. It smell like a fight.  The thought please Alexis greatly and convinced him even more that he was right in making Lori-Book a friend and not a maybe friend.  Alexis looked to see Martella-Friend enter the room and his brief investigation of a likely shocked Lorelei momentarily forgotten.  Martella smelled good-nice, but the jasmine scent was known to Alexis and not as interesting as hide-secret scent from Lori-Book Friend, but something about her commanded his attention and respect. Like when she first convinced to come here for the Day of Exhalation, even though Alexis had not an inkling of its significance and frankly even if he did Alexis would not have seen what the big deal was. A party was party...  Alexis groaned inwardly... how could the shiny-clean people have TWO celebrations in one day?  Now he had to deal with this Day of Exaltation AND Exhalation? And Alexis had no idea how to exalt... he would have to ask book-smart Lori-Book friend later on.  Alexis beamed because Martella-Friend recognized his pretty-charm though and her eye rolling was of course a sign that Martella-Friend also approved of his fashion-style.  Alexis liked Martella-Friend because she was not noisy... Alexis could sense she had done guilty-hard things and dealt with hard-real world. Alexis could respect-honor that.  Alexis still had difficult time accepting that Martella-Friend was kin-family to sad-angry Music-Man, but the scent-look was unmistakable.  Martella-Friend describe that they would be doing things on her behalf and that they needed new-better clothes from clothing maker, Thread Rare.  All things she asked sounded like things Alexis would not enjoy... and nothing sounded like violence would be involved.  Still a Friend of Alexis asks for help, then Alexis would help... no matter how unpleasant because that is who Alexis was and what Friends are supposed to do.  "Alexis does not understand or know all of the things you ask-want Alexis to do at the Senate-Place, but since you are Friend to Alexis, Alexis will do his best to do what you ask-want." Alexis said as he crossed his arm and fist over his heart in a salute as he looked over to Hrotha and Lorelei with a wink. "And I am sure Lori-Book and Hrotha-Friend will teach-train me what I can't figure out."  Then in turn each of the Maybe-Friends began to also give their consent to support and Alexis nodded to each one. By doing so each one took a step of becoming Almost Friends in Alexis' eyes.  After all, Martella-Friend would not trust shiny pins and important missions to nobody-fools and Alexis respect-trusted Martella-Friend's judgment. 

Alexis Character Sheet HP: 20/20 | AC: 17 | Fort: +6  Ref: +7  Will: +6  PER: +4 | Hero Points: 1 | Languages: Common, Ulfen Current Conditions: None   Prologue Alexis could hear the roar as the throngs of people stamped their feet and called for battle.  Alexis could feel the familiar rush of adrenaline and excitement as the rhythm of the stomping and roar of the crowd made the arena pulse like it was a heart beating in the middle of the city.  Alexis closed his eyes momentarily and let it washed over him. It was a prelude to the battle... the lifeblood of his warrior spirit.  Alexis heard and felt its siren call, just as he did that first time.  It had only been a week since his arrival in Taldor and the Vinmark estate.  He had stolen through the night through the cityscape, treating it like a jungle or forest to navigate through to reach his destination, the Vinmark estate.  Galek had made him a map to the estate, but Alexis could not recognize any of the landmarks in the unfamiliar terrain and it was only through sheer happenstance and lucky scent or two that led to the estate.  A week later, Alexis had wished he hadn't.  After being admitted, albeit begrudgingly, Alexis was given a place to stay.  It was modest room by Taldoran standards, but it was still near alien to Alexis. Alexis had known only hardship and living on the edge during his life in The Wild, but it also kept his instincts and skills razor sharp. Every choice, every decision had consequence... every choice could be the difference between life and death. It was difficult living for sure, but also reminded Alexis that he was alive. It was different here... it was too safe. It was too convenient. It was too easy.  So easy that it seemed that none of the choices he made were of any consequence. Therefore nothing Alexis did or seen others do were of any consequence, and all too often, they weren't.  It was too easy to revert to just living for the sake of living, to just engage in the safe routine of life but not truly living.  As Alexis looked at the bleak eyed members of the House, he almost could not fathom that they were his kin, albeit a distant one.  Who were these people whose life had devolved into such a mundane, soulless routine?   Safety and comfort robbed of them of their life as surely as knife or an arrow, and now Alexis felt its insidious tendril working their way into him, his edge dulling with each passing moment.  Was Alexis to die here like these people without purpose or direction... to waste away in comfort and safety. That prospect scared him more than any physical threats and danger he had face in his life so far. Alexis had set-up a makeshift obstacle course to work on his combat movements and even got a few of the guards to spar with him. However, Like everything that Alexis experienced in Taldor, the exercises were safe and easy... but it was better than nothing.  Still the smothering embrace of civilization and society began to take its toll and Alexis felt himself on the precipice of madness, only the bull-headed adherence to the oath he had made to Galek keeping him from fleeing at utmost speed back into The Wild.  Then one night, like now, Alexis felt and heard the thrumming of the crowd and the noise of the arena.  Following the siren call of the crowd and the sounds of battle... true battle... Alexis made his way through the cityscape intent on finding its source. What he found was his salvation... Alexis never quite remember how he found himself in battle, only that after the battle euphoria had passed and he came back somewhat to his senses he was being entreated to join one of the arena fighting groups, apparently it was one of particularly high reputation and esteem who promised Alexis great riches.  These things did not matter to Alexis, only that great and glorious battles would come and so Alexis accepted. So here Alexis stood with his brother-friends in the tunnel separated from the arena by the portcullis as the crowd continued their near frenzied excitement.  Though they had only fought together in a few battles, Alexis had come to regard them all as family, even though by all accounts, only Alexis was there of his own volition.  Alexis could see that they had nervous-fear feelings, Alexis would need to change that quickly. "Brother-friends, do you hear-listen to the shouts of the people... the people that think they are higher-better than us?  Alexis will tell brother-friends a secret, shiny-clean people call for us because they want to be like us.  They want to know-feel strength!  They want to know-feel courage! They want to know-feel life!"  Alexis said as he pounded his chest and then pointed to the crowd behind the portcullis. "But sad shiny-clean people know that they can never be like us... because they will not risk-dare like us.  How Alexis pity those "higher-better" people in their safe-boring life that is not really life." "They will never had to face true defeat in their boring-safe lives so they never know true victory and so they never know life like we do.  Never know brother-friendship like we do." Alexis said as he walked the line and pounded the shield or the shoulder of each of his gladiator brother-friends. "We may die today, but we will have lived and died better-well than they ever could! History will not honor-remember those that do not dare... history honor-remembers and song-stories are written about true deed-actions and hardship.  Alexis and his brother-friends have done these things, while shiny-people can hope to get a trickle-taste of victory through us!"   "Warrior-brothers wait on the other side but we go to them not out of hate-anger, but pride-honor.  We honor each other by fighting and dying proud-well, so even shiny-clean people will have to honor-remember us." Alexis said as he pointed to the opposite tunnel and portcullis.  "Even if shiny-clean people do not, warrior-brothers ALWAYS remember-honor those who fight and die proud-well... even those we fight against."   The portcullis began to raise and the light poured in even as the gladiators poured.  "Honor and glory await us, brother-friends! Fight and die proud-well! ONWARD!" The Present: Grand Day of Exaltation Alexis usually did not like big-fancy parties with so many shiny-clean people, but Maximo-friend had insisted that after the victory they had won in The Grand Tournament they were given a great honor to attend the Grand Day of Exhalation.  Alexis was not sure why breathing out was so grand, but shiny-clean people seemed to like making special days for any sort of reason... Alexis only briefly wondered if they had a bacon-day... now that was truly special.  Alexis was also grumpy because Maximo-friend had convinced him to make himself less pretty by hiding his teeth and very manly facial hair, but Alexis could understand this.  It would not be fair to others if Alexis was so pretty, so perhaps Maximo was giving smart-sense advice. The clothes that had been given to him were especially tight... Alexis had made some "small" alterations to ensure that all of his parts could breath and accommodate his massive muscled frame.  Many at this party had come to marvel and admire his physical stature and compliment him on his latest victory before discussing things that were of little interest, beyond his comprehension, or both.  Alexis did understand the fine art of carousing and appreciated the abundance of beautiful women that seemed to have taken an interest in his "altered" clothing design. Alexis was having a good time and recounting some of the battle for them, when he spotted Hrotha-Friend at a table with people.  Alexis had never seen them before... which means that Alexis must do what he must to make sure that they were not a danger.  "Hello, Hrotha-Friend! It is me, Alexis-Friend. Do you mind if I sit here?" Alexis stating more than asking as he plopped into seat next to her and his pint-sized tankard and dutifully ignoring any looks of confusion for his day of exhalation comment. "I know Alexis is not as pretty as usual-normal because Maximo-friend had asked me to, so that people will not be overwhelmed by Alexis good looks.  So are you here for the Grand Exhalation Day as well?"    

    Alexis when he is not so pretty and must hide useful-sharp teeth and manly facial hair   Name: Alexis  Personality: Alexis is in many ways a prototypical Ulfen male with a warrior ideal that values the honor and glory gained in battle, an endeavor in which he has exceled. Alexis is also easy going, gregarious, infuriatingly optimistic, with a healthy sense of humor, and an attitude of living each moment with zest and panache, which usually gets accomplished through humor, drinking, hitting objects at high velocities, some or all of the above.  Character Concept:  • Alexis is loyal to a fault to those he has deemed worthy of his trust. While not a high bar at times, Alexis is also not as naïve and ignorant as initial impressions would indicate. He is generally well-meaning, but the lack of any true education due to his life in The Wild has left him with a number of yawning voids in common knowledge and behavior normal civilized people take for granted.  • Alexis is very comfortable with violence, because it is what he has known for the majority of his life and the one endeavor in life where he has excelled and was valued for.  He is every bit a warrior: tough, adaptable, and dependable, but find this at odds with the relatively safe and benign of routine life in civilized settings, leaving him feeling ill-at-ease and anxious when he is not fighting in the gladiatorial arena.  • Alexis is a warrior at heart who has had to make difficult choices in life. He has fought and survived many situations which, by most accounts, he should not have.  Surviving can be a curse as much as a blessing. • Alexis is never beyond hope despite his past and even present circumstance. Due to the threat of a violent, gruesome death inherent in his profession and experience in The Wild, Alexis relished the simple pleasures of life and a belief to find the best in the worst situations because he believes that despair is a worse fate than death. • Friends come quickly to Alexis. Open, gregarious, and often affable, his only regret is a tremendous sadness that his friends will inevitably die-- some by his own hands or decision-- while he lives on. He remembers most of them fondly and often. In an odd way, Alexis finds comfort in being the one to bear the burden of his friends' death; their spirits can rest easier for that, he believes. • Alexis will fight to the death to protect those he considers his friends and family. He values his life, but he values the lives of his friends and family more.  • Alexis no longer fearful of death and has vowed to meet it only on his own terms. By that, Alexis fully expects to die in a violent battle and strives to die purposefully and head held high. To meet death stupidly or by giving anything less than his best is anathema. • Alexis is quite thick-skinned, literally and figuratively, and he is keen to forthrightness and blunt honesty. He is quite capable of issuing offense without intent, for it takes great effort to leave him feeling offended. A life of a feral outcast has done little to provide him with any sense of decorum. • While Alexis is not very educated, he is by no means slow or dumb. One of the few things that can get under his skin is being treated like a brainless brute. His issue isn't in his intellectual capacity, but growing up in The Wild did not offer much in the way of any real education and gentler aspects of society. Teach him something, and he will remember it. Treat him like a brainless brute, and he might not step in front of the next sword that finds its way to you. Goals: • Alexis has many goals, most of which are quite easily achieved. For example, he wants to write down the name of every friend he has lost, so that someone else can know that they lived. He wants to dine on a meal of fine food and drink. He wants to have friends, so that he can have happy memories before he dies.  In short, deep down Alexis wants to live, not just survive, but has no idea how. • In terms of arc, Alexis is so used to the idea of death, to include his own, that he is actually unsure what it means to really live... While he indulges in things in an attempt to capture that feeling, he has yet to really understand it.  He is not fearful of death because, in his mind, that is what he expects and others expect of him.  His solitary existence has not gotten him used to the idea that his death can impact people other than himself. The interesting arc would be for Alexis to realizes something or someone would be hurt by his passing... and Alexis does not like the idea of hurting anyone he cares about.  Class, Race, Background: Monk - Ulfen Human-Beastkin - Feral Child Description: "Do you not see-look Alexis's pretty face in picture? Alexis hears that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Since that is more words that Alexis has learned-speak, Alexis is content to let picture do the talking. So look-listen to picture and know how pretty Alexis is. However, shiny-clean people sometimes cannot handle Alexis' prettiness and so sometimes Alexis must make himself plain by hiding his useful-sharp teeth and very handsome facial hair."  Editor's Note: A life of living in The Wild and arena fighting has done little to provide him with any sense of decorum, and his sense of fashion would frighten even the most resilient courtiers, even Ulfen ones. Origin:  Alexis was born to the clan that would immigrate and became Vinmark family in Taldor.  Alexis clans were those that had chosen to remain in their homeland, but still maintain their blood relations to their migrated kin.  During an attack by raiders, the village that Alexis lived in was razed, but he survived despite his tender age as he shifted for the first time.  Still in spite of this, he was wounded and fled into The Wild, where he would spend a majority of his formative years and develop his growing abilities.  Learning somehow to tap into his instincts to fight, Alexis developed a fighting style equal to, if not better, than a trained warrior... and he learned to mimic the movements and fighting style of the animals that were his family now.  His shifter powers continued to develop and he could inflict deadly injuries unarmed as if he was wielding weapons.  Many years later, Alexis was discovered by a hunting party and one of the hunters recognized the clan symbol tattooed on Alexis' body. Capturing their lost clansman, the hunting party brought Alexis back to their settlement where his uncle recognized him as the son of his deceased brother.  Adopting him into his family, Alexis uncle, Arngrim, did his best to reintegrate him into human society and for the most part was successful.  Alexis excelled as a warrior and his victories and demonstration of his skill overshadowed any of his social inadequacies to his Ulfen kin.  Still Alexis would be ill at ease even in the Spartan Ulfen settlements and would mostly spend his time in The Wild and only periodically coming back to the settlement, usually when there was call to battle. It was during one of these battles, Alexis would befriend an orc who had married one of the women in the settlement.  Alexis took a liking to the orc, because like him he was somewhat of an outsider and he taught Alexis new and creative ways to kill things, especially with his claws and teeth. With the bonds formed in battle, a deep friendship developed with the much older orc as strong as any blood tie.  When the orc and his family departed with others for the city, Alexis swore that, no matter the circumstances, if the orc called then Alexis would come.  One day, Alexis received that call and he journeyed without question to the rural settlement that the orc now called home.  His friend asked from him to help protect and support his family, now a noble house, in the city. The orc knew of the deep prejudice against his son and his grand-daughter for the orcish heritage in general, which would now only be amplified in their elevated status... perhaps even from within their own house.  Alexis did not understand fully the idea of politics or how they could be at risk from even their own clansmen, but he did not have to. One, because he was Alexis, and two, well he was Alexis... and Alexis always keeps his oaths. So he traveled to the city to face bravely what dangers may come.  Alexis was not ready. It was not the intrigue or threat of violent death, but the smothering presence of civilization that Alexis was not ready for.  Even with the writ from Hrotha's grandfather that would admit him to the Vinmark estate, Alexis found entry difficult and acceptance even more so... and not helped by marked lack of any sense of decorum.  Yet Hrotha's grandfather had some clout and begrudgingly he was given a place to stay, but Alexis did not want to stay.  While adjusting to life in the city (poorly...) Alexis stumbled onto the only thing that saved him, his sanity, and those that would have met a gruesome end when he finally snapped.   The arena. The arena became his sanctuary and much like the The Wild had been previously.  The arena was his escape and he would remain there with the other gladiators and warriors with whom he felt more kinship than any of the nobility and civilized people outside of those walls.  Alexis would still come to the Vinmark estate to check on Hrotha and her family or when called before returning to the arena and the Vinmark were content with that arrangement. Due to his appeal with the crowd, his fellow gladiators, and his unique instinctual fighting style, Alexis gained an tremendous following and, unknown to him, he has become one of the most popular and entertaining fighter in Taldor.   Why Do You Believe in This Cause? In Taldor?  "Princess-Maybe friend has good-soft heart, like Hrotha friend.  The hard-real world tries to break and hurt people with good-soft hearts, but world also needs good-soft hearts to be better.  People like Princess-Maybe friend and Hrotha friend with good-soft heart may not understand the hard-dirty things Alexis and those like him must do, but that is okay. Alexis will do the hard-dirty things... keep their hearts good-soft so they can make the hard-real world better." "Alexis believes in people, not Taldor city-place. People make hard-real world better, not city-places." Deity: Erastil (More of a spiritual connection vice a formal worship... in the rare instances that Alexis mentions "God" he is referring to Erastil) Music:  Alexis' Arena Music: If they had electric instruments in Taldor... General Theme Music: (Because Alexis likey...) Fighting Style Music: (Because it is Ultra Instinct...duh) Posting Rate: Life-dependent.  Can maintain 1-2 per week normally.  Impressions:  Hrotha Vinmark "Galek-friend asked me to keep Hrotha-friend safe and safe is where Alexis will keep her.  However, Hrotha-friend does seem to be embarrassed when Alexis is around.  Alexis understands this... sometime is difficult to be around someone as pretty as Alexis, but Hrotha-friend should not be worry-sad about such things.  Good looks and shiny-pretty words mean nothing.  Deeds and actions better.  Shiny-pretty words without deed-actions are noise.  Hrotha-friend should not listen to noise from rude people that make her sad.  Hrotha-friend should know that her action-deeds are better than rude people noise and not be sad.  Let Alexis help.  Alexis will break noisy-rude people's jaws to stop the noise and bring happy-smile to Hrotha-Friend.  Allow Alexis to demonstrate..."   Alastor Greyrose "Greyrose-Plant, Alexis would be lying if he didn't say that you were a touch on the strange side, but you seem a good friend-in-making, I think.  Alexis can also help you with that pinky-thing you do when you drink your wine... you drink ale in tankard like this with Alexis and pinky thing is gone!  Alexis has sense-smart like this.   What you hear-listen to dead people?  That must be hard for Greyrose-Plant... living people are noisy-rude enough and Greyrose-Almost Friend has to listen to both?!  Alexis cannot help you with dead noisy-rude people, but perhaps I can help you like I helped Hrotha-Friend with not dead noisy-rude people.  Perhaps Greyrose-Plant needs a demonstration?  Say less...   Armentarius Lotheed "Not sure if sad-angry face music-man with a name that is too long for Alexis is a friend-in-making.  Alexis is confused why Music-Man is so sad-angry.  Music-Man is pretty, though not as pretty as Alexis, he is alive-well with all body parts, and can make music for people to listen-hear.  Perhaps if Music-Man made happy-cheerful music instead of sad-angry music he will be happier and not be sad-angry.  Is it because of this Gross-Toes person? Perhaps Alexis can help Music-Man's mood by breaking Gross-Toe's knee caps?  Alexis knows-thinks it would make him feel good-better... Wait is Music-Man angry-sad at because Alexis is prettier? Sad-angry Music-Man should not be worried-sad if Alexis is prettier... this is not Music-Man's fault.  These things do not mean-matter... only what we act-do. Alexis knows good cure-fix for sad-angry feelings... bacon, ale, and pretty women. Come eat bacon, take this ale, and call Lorelei-Maybe friend over and have brain-smart talk together.  This will make Music-Man feel happier-better. Alexis is sure-certain of this."   Lorelei-Albrecht & Ka  "Lori-Book Maybe Friend, were you stare-watching Alexis while he was taking a sleep-nap?  Is Lori-Book stare-watching Alexis because she is trying to read Alexis like he is book-scroll?  Alexis has a secret for Lori-Book... Alexis is much too handsome-pretty to be book-scroll. Still Alexis accepts that he is irresistibly pretty, so Alexis forgives Lori-Book  for stare-watch Alexis during sleep-rest... Does Lori-Book like to stare-watch others while they sleep?  Alexis can see that Lori-Book is very careful with her words, but do not be worried... Alexis has a secret.  Noisy words can only hurt, if you permit it...  Alexis does not.  So speak freely and honestly so Alexis can decide to make Lori-Book Maybe friend into Lori-Book Friend.  Alexis already happy because you do not act like you are higher-better because of  your book-smarts.   Juvenal de Ari-Cato Karthis "Juvie-Almost Friend must be from shiny-clean place because his name is too long for Alexis to say-remember.  Juvie-Almost Friend is sad-angry like Music-Man, but for different reasons. Juvie-Almost Friend drinks not be happy, but to be sad-angry...  Alexis thinks-believe this to be waste of good ale.  Alexis has known people who drink to be sad-angry... even Friends.  These sad-angry people drink because they do not want to face something or someone... to hide behind their sad-anger. Sad-anger and ale cannot hide Juvie-Friend from hard-dirty world and solve hard-guilty problems.  Only action-deeds can do this... great action-deeds that show hard-dirty world our heart-courage will not be broken by it.  Alexis can help Juvie-Almost Friend with this and save good ale... Alexis's Fighting Club.  The Fighting Club is good place to use-vent sad-anger... help people from shiny-clean place to be dirty-hard.  The Fighting Club does have rules. The first rule of Alexis' Fighting Club is: you do not talk-speak about Fighting Club. The second rule of Fighting Club is: you DO NOT talk-speak about Fighting Club..."   Alexis Character Sheet