Benedict Walker

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Glass-circle.png Overview

AlaMhigo.png Benedict Walker
Ben Portrait.png
Gender Male
Race Hyur
Clan Highlander
Citizenship Ala Mhigo
Age 33
Nicknames Ben, Black Demon of Ala Mhigo
Occupation Mercenary
Guardian Rhalgr, The Destroyer
Nameday 6th Sun of the 3rd Astral Moon
Free Company Prufrock Ventures

Ben is a survivor of the Garlean invasion of Ala Mhigo, born and raised until the age of 12 in Gyr Abania. He is the son of a blacksmith and seamstress who worked in the capitol as artisans. After the invasion, his father stayed behind to fight and is presumed dead, while his mother died on the journey to Ul'dah and he got separated from his brother in the Thanalan desert. He was discovered by a group of mercenaries, and taken in by their leader, a Roegadyn Hellsguard woman named White Lily. She respected his determination despite the horrific experiences he had endured at such a young age, and he was taught how to wield the bow, spear, and all manner of blades.

Until he was of age to be a proper sellsword, he performed other duties in the camp, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining garments and gear. The following years were full of hard work, fights both on the battlefield in dire situations and from fellow mercenaries picking on a runt. He trained himself further by wearing heavy armor he crafted himself so he could get used to the weight, but consequentially years of trudging around adorned in metal stunted his growth so he was shorter than most of his people, but still taller than a Midlander.

After years in the company of mercenaries he grew at home on the battlefield, and when the Battle of Carteneau arrived, he eagerly signed himself up to fight. In the chaos of Bahamut's arrival, the earth swallowed him up as a Garlean shot out one of his eyes and the ground cracked open behind him. Time passed in those caverns as he recovered from his wounds, surviving on rations and whatever meager water he could find. He returned to the surface, to find the landscape had changed almost beyond his recognition and all of his comrades presumed dead. He returned to the Gem of Thanalan, Ul'dah, and worked for various organizations as a sellsword until finding himself with the Scala Ad Caeulm, where he continues to do more of the same. Sometimes leaving them to fight on his own for a while, but always returning to offer his assistance, crass as it may be at times.


Appearance & Personality

Glass-circle.png Appearance & Personality

Nature & Demeanor

Nature & Demeanor

Demeanor: Despite Ben's Gyr Abanian upbringing as a boy, his formative years were spent in the company of mercenaries in the Thanalan desert. Due to this, the way he carries himself is usually with a bit of swagger or devil may care attitude. His manner of speech usually crass or relaxed with the accent of common folk, but when he gets serious or waxes philosophy, his speech "cleans up" and he betrays an intelligence most don't expect from the grizzled veteran.

Nature: Ben is commonly a sellsword at heart, blaise about death, combat and how one deals with their problems. He comes off as jaded, direct, blunt, and has little patience for "sweet words" or coddling those he views as spoiled brats. Yet around children it's as if he becomes a different person, his grim demeanor softening to become kind and humorous at times. He isn't evil by any stretch of the imagination, but when he feels vindicated in his actions he doesn't balk at what he feels must be done to protect, or to punish.

Religion: Ben's faith is purely lip service, his belief in the Twelve as strong as his belief in fate, not speaking ill of them more out of superstition and pissing off something that might turn the odds against him. He is a firm believer that his power and abilities are the gifts of his own hard work and stubbornness, not a blessing from absent deities.

Notable Features

Notable Features

Common Appearance: Ben's sense of fashion is fairly static, preferring fitted, comfortable clothing in dark colors that are easy to move around in and breathe well. His wardrobe is obviously limited, focusing more on efficiency than fashion. He maintains a cropped beard, trimming it before it gets too long. His hair on the other hand grows freely and is only cut when it gets into his eyes, running his hand through his hair the most amount of effort he puts into styling it.

Scars & Markings: His muscular frame is riddled with scars from head to toe. Due to his violent upbringing and a wide assortment of near death experiences, his battered frame sports various reminders of how one can die.

Voice: Ben speaks the common tongue with an accent that is a combination of Limsa and Ul'dah, betraying his tendency to rub elbows with common folk. His accent melts away to something more refined when he calms down and speaks his heart.

Clothing: Just the basics. Dark or earthy colors are the staple and he focuses more on efficiency than fashion. A suit of armor is far more comfortable to him than a fancy suit made of expensive fabrics.


Tastes

Tastes

Likes

Likes
  • Drinking
  • Fighting
  • Tasting new foods and learning recipes
  • Killing Garleans
  • Animals
  • The innocence of youth

Dislikes

Dislikes
  • Garleans
  • Rich people
  • Small talk
  • Being hindered by the sensitivities of others.
  • Miqo'te Men


Abilities

Glass-circle.png Abilities

Strengths

Strengths

First and foremost, Ben excels at combat. He boasts an immense pool of aetheric potential, but is completely ignorant in how to wield it beyond mere instinct. Trained in all the tools of war, be it the lance, the greatsword, or the bow, he has even learned more recent weapons such as the Pistols manufactured in Ishgard. Having spent two decades on various battlefields, he is adept at warfare tactics, strategy, and combat. His armor is like a second skin to him, and his weapons an extension of his body. He never seemed to take to the Arcane Arts, the complex hand gestures and incantations difficult to memorize just right.

Not a complete fool, what he lacks in arcane ability he makes up for in being proficient at puzzles and solving riddles. His knowledge of magic is mostly metaphorical and he understands the base concepts but not the nuance or the ability to manipulate his aether in such a fashion.

Due to his traumatic childhood, that burden has manifested in a dark side that both torments him and empowers him. His large pool of aetheric energy manifests itself in enhancing his physical capabilities making him stronge,r faster, and more dexterous than the common footsoldier. Learning how to control that darker side of him is one of his goals and learning to truly tap into his potential as a warrior. His darkside manifested vaguely and in dire situations with little control or guidance until a comrade, Jin, started to tutor him in the finer arts of a Dark Knight. Since then, his darkside has manifested into a reflection of himself, taunting and tormenting him in a way only he can witness, but in exchange he has grown in his power and learning to accept that aspect of himself is an inevitability, the alternative being consumed by it. When he is in 'control' of his power, an aura of red aether manifests around himself. Yet when his aura turns black, his darker self holds the reins and while he is extremely powerful he cannot tell the difference between friend and foe.

Blessed with the Echo, the Crystals blessing has manifested with Ben being able to understand all dialects; providing him with a sixth sense in battle that causes his body to react before his brain has caught up; and in dire situations of life or death, tap into the blessing of the Crystal that enhances his physical capabilities beyond what he is normally capable of.

Mentally, Ben's strenghts are in his ability to read between the lines and piece together details others may overlook. He can read people easily, determining their good or ill will due to their mannerisms or speech. When presented with a puzzle or ancient inscription, he can piece together the symbols somehow to make sense of it through his keen intuition. He has little patience for diplomacy, preferring to get straight to the point and ignore 'niceties' or just fight about it and whoever is still standing is deemed right. On the other hand, he has the patience to talk people down when they are emotional and he recognizes that their pain is genuine and not an act.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

Despite Ben's potent aetheric potential, he is utterly inept at thaumaturgy or conjury. Decades on the battlefield and little "proper" learning beyond the basics one would learn by the age of 12, he just hasn't put in the time that the arcane requires to master their abilities. He understands the boon that magic can provide on the battlfield, but he accepts that he just isn't proficient or patient enough at the Arcane to wield it himself. Beyond the basics most things Magic are considered "hocus pocus" to him that's beyond his understanding.

Ben's intense hatred and determination to destroy anything Garlean sometimes results in reckless endeavors that put those close to him in danger. His tunnel vision on the subject and utter dismissal of any notion that there may be innocents within the Empire itself causes disagreements and comes off as offputting to more charitable souls. On the battlefield his confidence is sometimes so great that he seems utterly convinced that nothing can harm him, so when harm does eventually befall him he finds himself licking his wounds for an extended period of time. His recklessness ends up saving others in the long run, but at great personal risk to his own health more often than not.

When he is convinced he is right, and the other person is wrong, he will fight tooth and nail to get them to agree with him or get out of his way which ends up with him butting heads with figures of authority or some employers. Even when he is right, his utter lack of polite language or consideration for the other person's viewpoint makes it difficult for him to sway some people to his way of thinking. Chains of command are utterly meaningless to him, he works for someone because he wants to, not out of any obligation or respect for authority.

Ben's brazen nature often masks the kinder and more sensitive side of himself to the point where even his close friends view him as an arrogant man with a thick skull more often than not. Only in the presence of children, the elderly, or animals does this side shine through. He also has a tendency to wander off on his own and spend time alone, taking time to unwind in his own way without notifying anyone that he has even left. He is often oblivious to the emotional state of other people, being purely focused on his own mindset and how he operates. Despite how well he can read others, he is usually focused on their strengths or exploitable weaknesses, and not their mental well being or emotional health. His traumatic childhood has made him a believer that relationships are fluid and temporary, and those moments are to be cherished but not mourned when they end. This makes him appear cold and distant to others, but makes him never feel lonely, even when alone. And as such, it weakens his empathy for others that require human contact or emotional intimacy due to his tendency to operate mostly on his own. He struggles with getting along with others or opening up to them, considering his battles his own and only accepting aid when it's thrown in his lap.

Combat

Combat

When in battle, he fights with his sixth sense and basic combat ability until he's pushed to tap into his darkside. With an aura of red aether he becomes stronger, faster, and more dexterous with his weapons to give him the edge. When pushed to the brink his aura will either turn blue or black, the former being when the echo takes hold and gives him just that extra bit of strength to see the fight to the end, while when black it is almost a living death. His body broken and his mind gone into a berserker rage where he pushes himself beyond the limitations the mind puts on the body to prevent it from destroying itself. This state often leaves him broken and in need of healing and rest for an extended period of time.

Stealth is another aspect he is adept at, good at sneaking and disposing of enemies quietly with a knife. At range he is adept at the bow or the pistol, his lack of depth perception being a hindrance he's learned to work around over the years.


==People & Places
Family
Trusted Friend
Business
Deceased

Positive
Negative
Neutral
Unsure
==
Glass-circle.png People & Places
Family
Trusted Friend
Business
Deceased

Positive
Negative
Neutral
Unsure

Relations (NPC)

Relations (NPC)
Name () - Merten Walker
Ben's Father was a blacksmith of Ala Mhigo with a stoic demeanor. He was serious most of the time but would have bouts of childish humor on occassion. He fought to protect his family as they fled when the Garleans invaded, and is presumed dead. In actuality, he is now a conscript and goes by the name Glacius sas Vadere. His rank is that of Praefectus Castrorum, being the commander of a castrum far from Ala Mhigo. He loves his family, yet he presumes his son Ben is dead and focuses his attentions when able on his other son Wilhelm. He misses his wife but chose to live in the shadow of the empire rather than die and lose any ability to affect the future.
Name () - Valerie Walker
Ben's mother was an accomplished seamstress in Ala Mhigo. She fled with her boys to Thanalan when Garlemald invaded, but died on the trip when bandits waylaid them. She fought and was killed, while her boys scattered in the chaos. Unknown to her, Ben witnessed her death and years later, sought his vengeance when he slaughted the man who killed his mother in cold blood.
Name () - Wilhelm Walker
Presumed dead by Ben until they were grown men. Wilhelm was captured by Garleans when he tried to return home when he was separated from his family. He was used to keep Merten in line, and they both eventually signed up with the Empire. While his father is more stoic, Wilhelm was more emotional and violent. Taking to his duties with an almost sadistic glee. It wasn't until later that Ben and Wilhelm would cross paths again, now Wilhelm Quo Vadere. A Centurio gone rogue, Wilhelm was discovered by Ben engaging in experiments on an island, when his brother destroyed his entire operation and he was captured. His soldiers rescued him, and he became Ben and his comrade's captor in turn. However a certain mage had other ideas and the pair were separated once more. Wilhelm's current location is unknown.


Active Relations (PC)

Active Relations (PC)


Overview
Hime, on some bestial level, unnerves Ben, but he'll never admit it. He initially had no impression of her, as she kept to herself. It was only in the company of Madison and Jin that her strengths and nature became known to him. In contrast to Madison's idealism, Hime's more callous nature on how to deal with issues Ben agrees with and gets along with. Despite her arcane focus in contrast to Ben's own martial prowess, he's witnessed her do great feats that have earned the Highlander's respect. What they do have in common beyond their bluntness and determination to get things done at any cost, is their culinary interests. The two of them are quite adept at cooking and Ben is interested to learn a thing or two from her.
Overview
Ben and Jin have fought side by side in more than one skirmish, the former even having helped Jin on 'personal errands' from time to time. The more level headed of the two, Jin's ties to the Maelstrom and adeptness at 'civilized' and 'structured' life is oftentimes baffling to Ben. Regardless he is a comrade who is dependable and offers insights that don't always occur to Ben. With the loss of his brother, Jin stands as a suitable replacement. Unlike Hime, Jin doesn't unnerve Ben at all, having a feeling of a kindred spirit. At times though, their situations reverse and Jin gets angry and flies off the handle while Ben is more collected and focused. That duality and the ability to balance each other out when things get rough has made the Xaela a steadfast comrade to Ben.
Overview
Madison initially was perceived as a spoiled Ishgardian brat by Ben, but also in a way a lost child. He has been fiercely protective of her for reasons he can't quite explain. His perceived innocence of her something he wishes to preserve. He isn't the best at dealing with her at times, his cruder mercenary demeanor clashing with her more civilized demeanor. Over time, as he learned more about her and that she isn't what he initially thought, he's taken a softer approach. Her determination to do the right thing he respects and admires, but they don't always see eye to eye on the methodology. Ben's noticed she tries to give people the benefit of the doubt when he's all to eager to write people off as bad eggs far sooner. That idealism is something intriguing to him, and despite her own darkness, he seeks to help her maintain her light when his has grown far too dim over the years.
Overview
Ben isn't sure what to make of Basile just yet. A half Gyr Abanian Midlander raised in Isghard, his aesthetic rubs Ben the wrong way, but the way he treats Madison gives him pause. Still, the man knows how to swing a punch and take one, and for that he has Ben's respect.
Overview
Himeko's brother, Ben's first impression of the man was when he attacked the Pathfinder's headquarters when he was employed there. He wasn't present for the battle, and was initially wary of the man. But over time, and Madison's 'interest' in the fellow, he learned to tolerate and eventually appreciate his existence. Initially Sirius identified himself as a Sharlayan Mage Hunter and demanded Madison be handed over to him so he could return her to the Old World. It didn't take long for him to find her in Ishgard, yet instead of attacking he approached her in conversation. Ben went after Madison when he heard she was 'hiding' in Ishgard, but didn't manage to find the pair and instead got dragged into fighting dragons and dealing with other Ishgardian problems for coin. During their absence, Sirius chose to side with his sister and Madison, forsaking his place in the Sharlayan hierarchy and returned with them to further see to their safety from additional hunters that would impede on the peace the Pathfinders would enjoy in the interim. When Ben returned to Ul'dah after discovering Madison was safe, he found the pair of them lovers instead of adversaries. And Ben rolled with it despite the entire notion hurting his head something terrible.

After Madison ended up in a coma, Ben left to distract himself with causes he could actually do something about while Sirius tended to Madison. Her recovery and Sirius' involvement in it gave Ben a begrudging respect for him, and despite her memory loss the pair share a tenuous relationship that Ben observes from afar like a protective sibling. Sirius has only showed up a few times since then, the most recent being when he came to their aid when they were in Wilhelm's clutches, freeing the group. Ben respect's Sirius' ability to get things done, but also views him as a potential opponent who he is eager to best just to prove himself.

Inactive Relations (PC)
Overview
Neke and Ben had a relatively brief, but strong relationship. He hired her to work at his tavern as a chef, being a fellow wandering soul of Gyr Abania. The two grew attracted to each other and became lovers. Supporting each other in combat and at home. Yet, one day after a rather chaotic episode, she vanished with no trace save for a note. She told him there was something she had to do, and do alone. And Ben being used to such turns of events as many a comrade has vanished one way or another. He has taken it in stride. Regardless, it is a sore subject for him and one he is evasive on.

Rumors & citations

Rumors & citations

Common Rumors
"Pays for his drinks, and for the messes he makes." -- Waitress at The Quicksand
"It took forever to clean the blood off that wall when he slammed a Hellsguard's face into it." -- Waitress at the Drowning Wench
"He looks scary but he's nice. He buys us toys and punishes the bad men." -- An orphan in Ul'dah

Rare Rumors
"They call him the Black Demon for good reason, saw him standing on a hundred Garlean corpses, blood dripping from that armor of his. And that helmet! Wouldn't want to go up against him.” -- Soldier in the Flames.
"He's a menace. Nearly put me out of business until I agreed to put a portion of my profits to the Orphanage." -- A merchant in the Goblet
"He was quiet growing up, until ya made him mad!" -- Anonymous Mercenary.
"He's uncouth and his manners are lacking. But he gets the job done for a fair price." -- Merchant in The Foundation
"You'd think a man that sour would scare off the livestock. But any man that doesn't spook my animals is alright by me." -- Farmer in Vylbrand
"I'm surprised he isn't in the stocks after what he did to me!" -- A Gentleman in The Pillars

PC Rumors
"???" - ???

Gallery

Glass-circle.png Gallery



OOC Information

Glass-circle.png OOC Information

Footnotes

Footnotes

Ben's a character that is an avatar of grim determination and fighting tooth and nail no matter how tough things get. He's also an exploration in how someone learns to deal with people when they're so used to conflict.

I Prefer: Dark, Grim, Gritty RP. Larger than life fighting insurmountable odds RP. Developed RP relationships. Arcs heavy in plot. Scheduled Events. Well thought out, developed characters with motivations unique to their experiences. Lore friendly and abiding characters and situations.

I Do Not: Allow anyone else to decide how my character is permanently maimed, disfigured, attacked, sexually assaulted, killed or otherwise emotionally or mentally scarred. These things should be discussed with the player beforehand. Upon discussion, you'll find I'm pretty open minded and malleable. OOC communication in regards to these topics is just a simple matter of respect of another's creation in my mind.

I'm flexible in getting my character to show up to a situation ICly, so long as it doesn't contradict my character's interests. I am 100% against lorebreaking and will not hesitate to remove or retcon my characters from lore breaking situations that clash with how they see the world or Eorzea.

Ben is not me. IC/OOC separation and all that jazz. Actions happening between characters are, in no way, reflective of actions between players.

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