07/22/2013, 10:59 PM #217 Character's Name: Eric Reynard
Age: 23
Sex: Male
Type/Vocation: Merchant
Faction: Independent/Freelancer (Whoever pays more)
Alignment: True Neutral
Magic: None
Primary Weapon: A channeled steel dagger.
Secondary Weapon: Typically it's a piece of cooking equipment, such as a hefty skillet. If not, it may be whatever random weapon he grabs from his pack mule while in a frightened frenzy.
Other Equipment: As a traveling merchant, Eric tends to travel with his wares stuffed in his large backpack. One can find potions, food, and a variety of materials for alchemists, blacksmiths, and more. As for weapons and armor, they can be found in special containers or saddlebags attached to the merchant's trusty pack mule, Bob.
Backstory: Eric was born to two wealthy oil barons in North America. Although oil was rare and had proved to be the bane of humanity, demand was sky-high, and the profits were glorious. Growing up was easier with money, and so was school. The man soon went into a college of his choice, but Eric, figuring the world was too easy for him, decided to go overseas to Europe. His reasoning was simple: he wanted to explore more than just the sand of Texas and the luxury of his parents' domain. He went wherever his wallet would allow. Paris. Germany. Madrid. Italy. Everything was for him to explore and see.
Soon this... madness of HiveNET soon reached his ears, probably because he could make out the words on foreign lips. Probing the depths of his fellow man's mind to sample the world's their imagination came up with did not interest Eric Reynard as much when he was 13, and damned if it did now that he was 21 and experiencing the wonders of adulthood. However, he felt a strange pull to explore and figured if the chip was worth the money, it was worth his time.When Eric found out that he could not escape, he took the situation in stride. There was not much that made him uncomfortable about Aeterna. In the little time that he spent wandering around, he discovered forests and caves filled with wonder and nature, architecture worthy of the European masters, and enough activities to keep him busy for years. He did not lie to himself: he wanted to return to Earth and continue his adventures, yet there was so much to see and do in this strange world. He set himself up as a traveling merchant just to explore the lands and harvest materials for money to fuel further exploration. Occasionally he would get wares from established people like town merchants and blacksmiths. He would raise the price up a bit for profit!
And that's what he's doing now: exploring and hoping to make a profit doing it. To him, this news of rebels and Tyruss doesn't concern him. They could have his wares and his support... just as long as someone ponies up the gold.
Personality: Eric describes himself as weird and aloof, two things he is absolutely certain of when it comes to himself. A wanderer from birth and an idler by choice, the man is content to go wherever he pleases at a lax pace. He tends to have more interest in items and locales than he does in other human beings, although he may occasionally question a traveler or customer if he gets bored or he needs information. When it comes to business, the man's two concerns are the amount of gold he earns and the customer's satisfaction, in that order. If he can earn a customer or direct them to the places where he bought his wares, coin is sure to come flowing into his pockets. Oh, and their satisfaction is good too...
Appearance: A broad-shouldered man at 5 ft 9, Eric would not be not the most intriguing person to walk Aeterna. He has brown hair, green eyes, and a trimmed, full beard with pronounced muttonchops. One would be hard-pressed to find any muscles on him, yet the man is not overweight. Perhaps... out of shape would be the word. He wears a tanned leather vest over a white cotton shirt that has seen many stains, a pair of denim hosen, and a pair of leather traveler's boots reinforced with a few straps to make it more comfortable for the road. As for his equipment, it can be found on his back under a rolled-up bedroll. His dagger, to those who are attentive and perceptive, can be found in his right boot.
Strengths: Cunning and ingenuity make Eric a man not to be written off so easily. Negotiating for prices and wares has honed his skills as a merchant, and as a result, his barter and speech skills are quite sharp. With his charisma, he sees fit to effectively talk his way out of dangerous situations. However, should a situation turn sour, Eric can defend himself... that is unless he is encumbered by his pack.
Weaknesses: Eric is not an accomplished fighter of any stature, nor does he have an interest in magic. There is only so much punishment that he can take before falling in combat. Another weakness is his status as a merchant. His wares guarantee his payment, and thus, his meals and lodging.