Berrod Armstrong

Berrod Armstrong
[[Image: |250px]] Berrod Armstrong.
Gender	Male
Race	Hyur
Clan	Highlander
Citizenship	Ul'Dahn
Age	23
Name Day	11th Sun of the First Astral Moon
Guardian	Rhalgr the Destroyer
Occupation	Leader of the Astral Agents

Character

General

Berrod at the Silver Bazaar. Artwork done by Liucen/Berrod Armstrong

Berrod Armstrong is a displaced Ala Mhigan highlander who leads a Free Company that operates out of the Goblet in Thanalan. Until recently he suffered with amnesia and lived life as a crude-mannered street thug who hailed from Pearl Lane in Ul'Dah. Prior to his acquisition of the company, his day to day life consisted of seeking means of survival in post-Calamity Eorzea.

Appearance

Berrod is a tall and solidly built Highlander male, reaching a proud height of six fulms and five ilms with two hundred and forty-nine ponz of bulky, well-worked muscle. His most distinguishable feature is the shock of red hair that peaks on his head, previously untidy and windswept. Recently he has taken to shaving the sides of his head to maintain a tied tail in the middle. Bright green eyes peer from behind an oft-folded brow, the prelude to a rather roughly handsome face accented with a neatly trimmed red beard about his hard, square jaw.

His name tells no lies, both the Highlander's arms are powerfully muscled and rather large, ending in big calloused hands with scarred knuckles -- a testament to both hard labor and training. He proudly sports a prominent chest, broad back and a well-developed core that tapers slightly at the waist before expanding into trunk-like thighs and calves. While the intricacies of his form are usually obscured by his leather pants, harness and boots, Berrod's big frame is enough to go by.

Amnesia

Given the enviromnent that he spent his period of amnesia in(Pearl Lane and the streets of Ul'Dah), Berrod had developed a rather crude, rough, violent and short-tempered personality. The man was as easily pleased as he wass angered, however, and found pleasure in simple things such sharing a meal with friends.

When in a good mood, Berrod is often crudely flirtatious and prone to levity, releasing loud and scandalous barks of laughter. As anger takes over he's quick to resort to violence, not caring how imposing his target is. The Highlander is no stranger to obscene language and has no qualms about belting out profanities -- regardless of who is around.

Recovery

Berrod comes across as a serious, no-nonsense fellow, though he has his rare moments of levity and other amusement. Where before his temper was short and his reactions overt, he now tends to hide most of his reactions behind a solid wall of solemn regard. The wall is not permanent, and tends to fall in the private presence of close friends and lovers.

Berrod is also a persistent and hardworking individual, willing to do what it takes to achieve a goal. This manifests in his tendency to work long hours at whatever job he finds as well as train incessantly until he is satisfied with his level of progress.

Combat

General

Berrod was the student of a surviving member of the Fists of Rhalgr. His fighting style employs powerful blows delivered with his fists and feet, fueled by the muscles about his frame. The Highlander is adept at the use of aether in order to attained a heightened state. Through this augmentation he is able to land faster and more devastating blows -- usually laced with a lightning aspect. A great deal of his strength lies in his actual physical strength and endurance, which generally allow his hits to land hard and let him take more punishment. His techniques are clever and flexible, often making a fight with him a challenging puzzle of blows.

The Chakras during the Amnesia Period

In a bid to understand why he was able to generate occasional surges of lightning from his fists, Berrod discovered that six out of his seven chakras were already opened. He correctly deduced that he had trained quite hard to open them before he lost his memory. Unfortunately, having the chakras open does not give him instant control over the destructive abilities they grant.

Berrod had mastered the use of three of his chakras, and had been actively training to master the fourth, during his amnesia. Artwork by Liucen/Berrod Armstrong

Berrod began working on them again from scratch, undertaking intense training and meditation to touch and harness his open chakras one by one. The first he gained control over his Root, allowing him to aspect the aether flowing through him to earth and gain quite an increase in his endurance, toughness and tolerance for pain. After some more training, Berrod found that he could get dirt to literally cling to him and form a protective layer of sorts. Satisfied with the results, the Highlander moved on to work on his second chakra.

After quite some time and trials Berrod managed to grasp use of his second chakra, the Sacral Chakra. He saw an instant upsurge in his everyday stamina and energy levels, though not without cost. Given the nature of the chakra, he has gained a significant increase in his appetite for physical pleasures such as food, drink, men and women. Curbing his enthusiasm is a challenge, but one he has decided to rise to. Control of his Sacral Chakra has granted him the ability to heal himself to the extent of seeing injuries knit together and vanish before his eyes. The use of the chakra requires him to store aether within it to be expended as healing energy. Once it has been expended, the aether must be stockpiled once more. Typically, it takes Berrod two to three days for his sacral to be ready after being spent.

The Highlander finally managed to master his third chakra as well, the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Chakra governed his will and sense of self, further fueling his drive to become stronger. It instilled an odd sense of discipline within him, regarding his training. Through the Solar Plexus, he has gained full control over the lightning which he had only been able to occasionally generate before.

One moon after returning from a long journey, Berrod experienced a happy accident during training that allowed him to grasp his fourth Chakra, the Heart. The experience was quite unlike the discovery of the previous three. Unlike the others that he had to learn to unleash, the Heart provided a steady and powerful flow of aether that he had to learn to suppress. As empowering as it was, the volume of aether and his lack of control over it resulted in quite a bit of injury to himself. His first exercises involved constantly and consciously keeping the aether at bay, but recent progress in his training has allowed him to do so without dedicated thought. The aether contained within the heart alternates between fire aspected and unaspected, depending on how passionate Berrod is about the battle when it is released.

Berrod had not yet mastered the Heart; he had ceased his aggressive approach toward it in favor of a slower, safer and more refined method. Much to his displeasure, he admitted that it may take him a matter of years to attain mastery over it. It remained the main subject of his training, and a desperate, double edged gambit in heated battle.

The Chakras during the Recovery Period

((Under Construction!))

Tendencies

Likes

• Quiet and diligent meditation.
• Hard training and sparring; he's always up for a fight whether it's friendly or not.
• Spending time with his lover -- doing anything, from sparring to the most mundane of tasks such as laundry.

Dislikes

• People who seem to think that they're better than others without proving so first.
• Weak individuals who would cower helplessly before putting up a fight.
• Sweets.

Hobbies/Talents

• Training and sparring.
• Teaching.
• Doing maintenance work for buildings and property.

Relationships

Family

Berrod has no surviving family at present.

Friends/Lovers

Caleb Agron was a guest at the lounge who Berrod had set his sights on making a one night conquest. The plan went awry as the two Highlanders ended up growing quite close -- close enough to eventually become lovers. Despite the many tests that their relationship has endured and regardless of their often conflicting personalities, the pair remain involved with each other to present day.

Caden Agron , the twin brother of Caleb Agron. The beginning of Berrod's acquaintance with the Highlander was turbulent due to a bit of early deception on Caden's part. The twin posed as his brother to seduce Berrod, which almost shattered the twins' relationship. It took several moons for Berrod to trust Caden again, but since the man's recent move to Thanalan, the two of them have resolved their issues and grown close.

Zindelo Tarantella is the eldest of three 'siblings' who form a performing troupe. The Dusty Dancer was one of the few who didn't balk to Berrod's intimidation and would not succumb to his attempts to establish dominance. It earned him a strange sort of respect from Berrod, and an even stranger attraction. Ill discretion on Berrod's part led to a one night tryst between the two, which oddly enough secured Berrod's loyalty to Zindelo as a friend. Though Berrod regards Zindelo a bit awkwardly at times, he genuinely enjoys the Highlander's company.

Sarij Rahzersyn , who Berrod affectionately refers to as 'Flowers', is a Sea Wolf who was once a guest at the Spectrum Lounge during Berrod's time there. Berrod befriended Sarij during his stay, and has remained his friend ever since -- even through periods when Sarij had been called out to sea for moons at a time. The two have shared a bed on more than one occasion, but it has not affected the closeness of their friendship. However, Berrod is prone to being a bit abrasive to him at times.

Friends/Acquaintances

Avenio Naemig was Berrod's 'boss' of sorts at the Spectrum Lounge, given his partnership with Corin Winterborne at the time. In the early days Berrod tended to be careful around the blond Highlander, even more so given his attraction toward Corin. It did not stop him from developing a fierce respect for the man as a fighter. After the events that led to Berrod leaving the lounge, he saw nothing of Avenio for several moons. It was by chance that he met the other in Ul'dah and took the the opportunity to immediately recruit him to the Astral Agents. The two have developed a friendship since then, the earlier tension between them long forgotten.

Dev'to Mikah was an acquaintance through recruitment, introduced to him by Tefh Jinjahl . Berrod identified with the Keeper's seemingly carefree nature at first; he enjoyed training and simply loitering about with him. Later on, Berrod began to notice something significantly unstable about the young Keeper and opted to keep a subtle distance between them. Nevertheless, they still remain friends.

Gerik Aston is an acquaintance mostly through Caleb, but Berrod finds the man's carefree nature intriguing. His first impression of the man wasn't at all favorable; Gerik had loudly hailed him out when he had been trying to meditate for the first time. It shattered his concentration and set his progress back by hours. Later on, Berrod became rather envious of the amount of time Gerik had been spending with Caleb, only to find out that the two had only been engaging in juvenile and playful shenanigans. Exposure to Gerik's happy-go-lucky nature has incubated a bit of protective instinct toward the Highlander.

Grave Shadow - An enigmatic Hellsguard with whom Berrod has had a roller-coaster friendship, toeing on both ends of dislike and affection. The pair tend to enjoy casual conversation at the Quicksand, and work with one another in a professional capacity when a situation calls for it.

Horace Rook has only made a few appearances in Berrod's life, but each of them has been extremely significant. The mysterious Midlander has an odd habit of showing up when Berrod is stuck in his development, and is indirectly responsible for Berrod's discovery of his chakras. For a time Berrod believed that Rook was the one who trained him before he lost his memory, but the Midlander revealed that to be untrue. Regardless, Berrod treats the man with a respect he reserves for few others.

I'sen Tia was introduced to Berrod via I'sen's partner, F'ivahl. Berrod did not have much interaction with him until I'sen took up healing at the Grindstone Tournament. Seeing the Seeker show up every week to tend to the competitors very quickly earned Berrod's respect. Eventually I'sen joined the same company as Berrod, allowing them to work together more closely. Through that, I'sen became Berrod's student in the ways of Pugilism. Whether I'sen suspects it or not, Berrod intends to introduce him to monkhood.

Ioakim Tarantella is the second of the Tarantella siblings, the adopted brother of Zindelo Tarantella. Berrod met the man during the Grindstone Tournament and developed an initial dislike of him, based on his insistant nature regarding healing. Following a gentle suggestion from Caleb Agron, Berrod gave Ioakim a chance and moved from outright dislike to casual regard. Only after his affair with Zindelo did Berrod pay Ioakim proper respect; the two had quite a heated discussion over the subject that led to a fight -- a fight that Berrod lost. From then on, Berrod regarded Ioakim as a friend to be protected...even from himself.

Jael'li Erisha'an and Berrod seemed to be fated for rivalry since the day they met in Ul'Dah. Much to Berrod's surprise, it wasn't the first time he had met the energetic and headstrong Keeper. Jael'li apparently worked for Berrod before his memory loss, something that the Highlander has worked very hard to dismiss -- much to Jael'li's displeasure. He prefers to focus on the present, which involves becoming stronger by the day and hoping to stay one step ahead of the rapidly developing Keeper in his training.

Kayllen Stormbringer was a bounty hunter with whom Berrod had a few non-hostile chance encounters. Berrod could not explain the underlying dread and unease he felt around the Midlander, but through interaction with him, eventually discovered that Kayllen was one of the key players in the events that led to his memory loss. He did not begrudge the man, for the life before didn't really exist for him. Instead, they established a mutual respect for each other and moved forward as friends.

Lottie Forsaidh was an acquaintance through the Grindstone Tournament; Berrod began taking notice of her as she healed alongside I'sen Tia. He has a somewhat child-like respect for her decorum, and does his best to be 'proper' when addressing her -- though he finds no shame in allowing her to see his naturally crude ways. He isn't as invested in her well being as he is with other friends, but will still aid her should she express the need for it.

Tefh Jinjahl is an aquaintance gained off of a chance meeting. The Keeper's strange ways intrigued Berrod to the point of quiet amusement. For a time he maintained a wariness around her, given her ability to seemingly appear out of nowhere. Over time, however, he grew somewhat fond of her and did his best to give her what advice he could to aid her survival in the unforgiving environment of Ul'Dah.

Teld're Eska'aldren - Though Berrod often blandly refers to the Miqo'te as an 'acquaintance in passing', he tends to enjoy the sparse-worded yet profound conversations that spark between them. He has described the fellow as 'one of the few respectable patrons' in the Quicksand, though would not be so quick to grant him that opinion directly.

Val Nunh met Berrod on bad terms, but through fighting the two gained a mutual respect for one another that has since then become friendship.

Zachary Evans - A young midlander who Berrod has taken on as a student. Berrod saw an incredible amount of potential in the fellow and decided to teach him in the Fists' ways. Despite having every appearance of wishing to kill him during almost every lesson, Berrod firmly believes that Zachary can achieve much more than most -- something he conveniently neglects to mention to him.

Enemies

Quur Vizani is an enemy of Berrod's own making. Having struck the man for no more than his own impatient whims, the way Berrod Carried himself earned him Quur's distaste. When he was called out on his less than appropriate behavior, the two men had a bit of a fallout, and have not actively spoken to each other since.

Rumors

Common Rumors

• "He left Ul'Dah to go work at some fancy place in La Noscea."
• "I heard that he spends almost all his time training. You'd think he'd be good by now."
• "Watch out for that one, he's been around."

Moderate Rumors

• "The man's always in street and bar fights, it's like he can't stop."
• "He sells himself on the street and pickpockets -- I heard he robs people in alleyways, too."
• "Saw him smacking around a woman he was with, how weak is that?"

Rare Rumors

• "He's a dead ringer for that old bandit who ran a racket out in Thanalan a few years back -- but that guy's dead, and this guy's a moron."
• "I heard he's got a bounty on his head. What for? I don't even know."
• "Don't trust him, he's a murderer."

PC Rumors

• "Eh? Yeah, he's an asshole--but I wouldn't fuck with 'em 'less y'want y'damned head smashed in. Damn good drinkin' partner, though." - Val Nunh
• "Infuriatingly cocky bastard...knows how to push every button. Berry knows how to get shit done though..." - Corin Winterborne
• "Some can never turn their sordid lives around; others can. Berrod knows what a second chance is and even if he is... 'rough' around the edges, he is a good man. Always keep that in mind when dealing with him." - Kayllen Stormbringer
• "There's no mystery to him! What you see is what you get--and Zindelo finds that to be very refreshing, really." - Zindelo Tarantella
• "Not someone you want to fuck with if you value your ability to walk." - Oscare Iono
• "Armstrong... he's something else. Hell of a fighter and a sweetheart to boot. I thought I had a chance with him once but alas it wasn't to be. He's a lot more than a gorgeous pile of muscle." - Obsidian Hornet
• "His kick broke my ribs, despite my breastplate. Without it they'd probably have been picking up pieces of me all over Central Thanalan" - Natalie Mcbeef
• "Plenty strong. He'll expect you to dismiss him for a bully, but listen to him. He's not as bad as he wants you to think." - Warren Castille
• "He's big, thick-headed, stubborn as hell and impulsive to boot; that is, the BEST kind of customer!"- Crooked Tarot
• "Oh I've seen this guy around! <Lets out a cute, squealing 'OH!'> I just want to meet him!"- Aya Foxheart
• "Well he's a pretty nice guy considering he didn't kill me after I fired a cannon through his roof especially since everyone said he was going to."-S'imba Tia
• "I kinda find 'im 'ard to distinguish from all the other bulgin' young sons of Ala Mhigo 'round Ul'dah. He fucked up my leg in a bout, 'nd was a damn good lad 'bout it. I would. I mean fight 'im 'gain, that is" - Kale Aideron
• "We fought once, he held back. . I could tell. Don't fight him if you value your life. He punches like a Golem. "- Aaron Glacier
• "You know, he's just as amazing as they say!" - Aya Foxheart
• "Master Armstrong? He's teaching me how to be a proper Pugilist-and by teaching, I mean beating me within an ilm of my life and attempting to kill me. But, I've faced worse under Master Behemoth. Not much of a talker, I'll be honest with you on that. Also he's...well...always wearing a...tight...harness, y'see? I may wear this, but only because it's traditional for the Bloodsands. Honestly, it makes me wonder if he's an exhibitionist. Huh? Alright, back on topis! He hits like a Garlean cannon, and the brute force he shows in a fight is intimidating. Although...he tells me about these things called 'Chakras', and has even taught me to use one. It...I'm no coward, but that power, paired with my Inner Beast I've learned to use from Master Behemoth...it frightens me..." - Zachary Evans
• "Good for conversation. He has much on his mind. I'd offer a spar, but he has responsibilities I would not want to keep him from. Lend him an ear." ~ Teld're Eska'aldren
• "Highlander, right? I bet he looks bloody magnificent wi'out his shirt on. But one has heard rumors on how muscles develop on the body leave...other areas lacking. I wonder...." - Steel Wolf

History/Timeline

At the tender age of three, Berrod was taken away from Ala Mhigo by his mother, who sought to flee from the invasion of the Garlean Empire. In an effort to buy them more time to escape, his father remained behind to fight and was presumably killed in action.

Berrod's early life was spent in the rough environments of over-crowded refugee camps, which moulded him into a tough and sometimes violent child. When he was eight he bore witness to his mother being robbed, beaten, raped and subsequently killed by a pair of men from another camp. He was dragged off with them and made to serve a leader of a small gang within the camp.

The boy spent the next five years in captivity and servitude, treated rather roughly by all his captors save one, an old Monk who had once served with the Fist of Rhalgr. The man taught him how to defend himself without a weapon, and how to strike down those who did him wrong. While the old man had no intention for Berrod to actually use the knowledge, the then thirteen year old boy used it to hatch a plot of vengeance against his captor and the men who murdered his mother.

At the end of the fifth year he struck, murdering the leader of the gang while he laid with one of his women. The young boy offered the woman and the old Monk a chance to escape. The Monk declined and together Berrod and the woman left for the boy's former camp. With five years gone, the inhabitants had long forgotten him and considered him an invader from the other settlement. It took some doing, but he and is charge managed to convince the bristling group to let them in. Berrod bargained with the leader of the camp to help teach the young men and women how to fight, based on what he had learned from the Monk.

Order collapsed in the other, more violent camp and while they reeled in conflict for leadership, Berrod trained with the young men and women, taking three years to groom them into a veritable fighting force. By the time the other camp recovered and decided to try an invasion to expand their territory, Berrod's camp was ready. They defeated the invaders and offered the fighters amnesty on the grounds that they would fight for Berrod's camp. The influence this course of events granted the sixteen year old Hyur over the people quickly led to him becoming the leader of the now combined camps. At that time, the old Monk who had trained him was nowhere to be found.

The consolidated camp enjoyed a year of relative prosperity before the massive Garlean invasion and the Calamity struck. Their numbers were decimated and their resources all but obliterated. Left with only the strongest and toughest among the group, the hardened young man resolved to do whatever it took to survive. That resolve led to the formation of a deadly group of bandits who took up territory in Thanalan and had no mercy on any who would oppose or impose upon them. The group distanced themselves from their Ala Mhigan heritage and began recruiting from outside their race.

The need for survival turned to greed, and after three years Berrod had become a ruthless Bandit ringleader, going under the name Redhammer. It was only a matter of time before their operations drew the notice of the authorities. With the help of a few mercenaries, the Immortal Flames swept through Berrod's base of operations, overwhelming his forces. Those who were not killed or allowed to run were captured. Berrod himself was taken down in a rather rough battle, left for dead with a grisly head injury.

When he awoke he found himself in a pile of corpses taken out to be burned, and managed to crawl away and into the desert. He made it only two malms before collapsing of fatigue and blood-loss once more. The twenty year old man was found and picked up by a merchant travelling to Ul'Dah, who nursed him back to health over a period of six months. Berrod, however, had no memory of several things he had done during his lifetime, including his leadership, his crimes -- and his training. The man was very nearly a blank slate. He recalled his proper name, had vague recollections of his mother, and understood in his heart that he had a very rough time growing up.

In an effort to make the best of things, the powerful-looking Highlander decided to leave the forgotten past behind and focus only on the future. He thanked the merchant for helping him and worked with him for six months before parting ways. Adopting the ways of a common street thug, Berrod resolved to live life to the fullest and began another regime of rigorous training within his tour of Ul'Dahn life.

It's been three years since then, and his story is still being written.

Berrod's journey forward led him into the employ of Corin Winterborne, who ran the Spectrum Lounge hot spring resort and Spectrum Guard adventuring company in Upper La Noscea. Berrod worked as a groundsman and bar-backer at the resort and provided support for the company when needed. During his time at the resort he met several interesting individuals, including Caleb Agron who has since become his lover.

A series of unprecidented events saw the end of the Spectrum Guard and a transfer of ownership of the Spectral Lounge. Berrod, Corin and Caleb eventually travelled to the Silver Bazaar in Western Thanalan to rent accommodation on the arid seaside premises. No longer able to serve as a bar-backer or groundsman, Berrod began working temporary jobs about Thanalan and Ul'Dah.

Though his stay in the Bazaar was intended to be a point of Transition, he enjoyed the desert life, the atmosphere of nearby Ul'Dah and took part in the weekly Grindstone Tournament with gusto.

Berrod was later approached by a Sea Wolf who went by the Hellsguard name of 'Bursting Mountain'. Mountain offered him a job as a recruiter for an adventuring company which he took without hesitation. The Highlander brought a great deal of his friends into the company's employ and felt personally responsible when things went a bit sour. It turned out that Mountain and his hires were to be used as test subjects for the company's rather shady experiments. Berrod remained loyal to Mountain and helped him break away from the larger company to form his own. The Highlander took up the simple job of Groundsman at the headquarters of the new company, known as the Astral Agency.

After some time spent working at the Agency's headquarters, Berrod realized that he had stagnated somewhat, and decided to pull himself up and start developing once more. No longer did he participate in the Grindstone Tournament, for the contest did not allow him to train to his full potential. Along with Caleb Agron , Berrod set off on a journey focused on training and growth through worldly experience.

After three moons of travelling and adventure, Berrod returned to Ul'Dah to the news that Bursting Mountain had been abducted by perpetrators unknown. After working with a team from the Astral Agency to locate the Director, he was disappointed to find out that the entire ordeal was naught but an assessment. Berrod grew disenchanted with the organization -- and not a moment too soon. Mountain decided that he would relinquish the assets to a selection of the Agency and move on to other ventures.

Ownership of the Goblet property was split amongst a few of the Agents, and Berrod was given the responsibility of managing it. Before he left, Mountain transformed the office into a tavern and fighting ring, so that his former employees would still have a source of income.

Currently Berrod continues to manage the tavern, known as The Bloody Knuckles.

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