Alaister Vaillant
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Alaister de Vaillant is the bastard- and only- child of Baron Alain de Vaillant. Born of a private love between the Baron and his assistant, Alaister received a noble upbringing and a knight’s training; tempered by the discrimination he faced from the more traditionalist and purist noble houses. Fortunately, House Vaillant are mid-tier nobility bound in service to House Haillenarte, and thusly no strangers to the foul rumours and conspiratorial whispers that plague the Pillars.
He joined the knightly Order of the Silverwing during the Dragonsong War, where he also earned his knighthood for exemplary service. Sadly, near a decade later Alaister finds himself the order’s sole surviving member; its knights having waned over time due to losses incurred from their active role in the war. Unknown to most however is how he came upon the soul of the paladin, which he had in his possession upon his return to Ishgard once the truce with Hraesvelgr’s brood came into effect. A couple of months after his return to Ishgard, something happened involving a collision between House Vaillant and their long time allies, House Vieron that saw Alaister exiled from Ishgard. The exact events are unknown and rumours are surely abound, but what is known is that a year later the exile was lifted after Alaister returned with proof that the Baron de Vieron has his hand in several conspiracies. As a result, Alaister challenged the Baron to a trial by combat, where he would either die a traitor or slay the Baron and see his exile lifted. Despite his victory in the bout and death of the Baron, rumours and whispers still follow Alaister everywhere. But for now, he’s taken to making himself a stalwart supporter of the new parliament, the corruption of the Holy See being seen by him as a contributing factor in his exile. In the process, he’s begun considering the prospect of rebuilding the Silverwing Knights.
Alaister cuts a rather striking figure with his storm blue eyes and snow white hair, traits inherited from his mother and father respectively alongside the fair skin shared by both. His sharp jaw, high cheekbones and slightly pointed chin could only possibly come from his elezen heritage and works to create a handsome visage marred only by the scar across his cheek.
Being a tall- particularly for a midlander- with a slim, athletic build, Alaister certainly looks the part of a knight. The definition in his muscle could only come from years of combat, as could the many pale, long healed scars that dot his body. Typically Alaister wears formal or militaristic attire in his house colours of blue and white, and normally carries his longsword even with more casual clothes. Often the crest of the Silverwing Knights can also be seen on his person, displaying a rearing silver pegasus on a black and white chequered shield. His hair is kept at roughly the same neck length, combed and groomed to stay out of his face. Meanwhile, his facial hair is kept shaved except for a small scruff at the end of his chin. Cleanliness and presentation are clearly both things he considers important, which can be noted in the fact he routinely has a faint scent of fresh berries about him.Aspects That Stand Out:
Alaister has always been known by others for his unwavering kindness and valour. During the Dragonsong War he proved himself to be a dependable and intelligent man, whose loyalty to his allies and home was clearly beyond reproach. Sadly, these same positive traits were also the catalyst that led to his unjust exile, on account of his refusal to follow an order he considered morally objectionable- though this is a detail not known publicly. Though still generally trusting and wanting to see the best in others, certain experiences in exile have driven him to become more reserved and less quick to offer his respect or friendship.
Despite this, Alaister still finds himself unable to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, championing the cause of protecting the innocent and defenseless. Due to his time serving among soldiers he often has a wicked sense of humour, though displays the good sense to know when such things are and aren't appropriate. Some would claim him to be charming, though Alaister would disagree with them, more out of modesty than self-deprication.He is known for being diligent and meticulous in conducting his duties, and will be the first to speak up if he believes a comrade is shirking their fair share- though he approaches the matter with tact rather than hostility. Alaister is also known for his rather poorly contained sweet tooth.
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