Lord Haurchefant de Fortemps (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thefallensnow) wrote2010-07-06 07:02 pm
thefallensnow) wrote2010-07-06 07:02 pm
Ruby City App
PLAYER
Name: Zorn
Age: 25
Personal Journal:zornsable
E-mail: zornsable@gmail.com
AIM/Plurk: Zornsable |![[plurk.com profile]](https://plurk.com/favicon.ico)
ZornSable
CHARACTER
Name: Lord Haurchefant de Fortemps
Canon: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Age: Human equivalent to mid 30s
Timeline: Cutscene after The Vault
If playing another character from the same canon, how will you deal with this?: N/A
Personality:
**THERE ARE HEAVENSWARD SPOILERS IN THIS APP, PLEASE BEWARE**
Haurchefant, to put it plainly, is an odd fellow. Perhaps not even odd does a well enough job to describe the man that Lord Fortemps is. While he most certainly can conduct himself like any normal person, doing his lordly duties over Camp Dragonhead with almost horseheaded levels of dedication and efficiency; that isn't to say he's without his own... quirks, of course.
In fact, he has quite the plethora of quirks, it's hard to decipher where one ends, and the others begin. Even down to they way he talks is a bit quirky, often using a lot of prosey flowery landguage that is borderline Shakespearen. However, to show case some of his more defined oddity, he has quite the strange love of horses. Admiring their strength, and beauty to a way that's just questionable at best. During the new years event for the year of the horse, he had dressed up quite strangely, with a horse headed helmet, and was spouting out praises about horses and their musculature and majesty... much to everyone's discomfort who unfortunately bore witness to it. Even going so far to ask the player character to be his steed... Like I said, he's an odd one.
Furthering this interest in musculature and beauty, while being in charge of a good number of soldiers, and their physical fitness is definitely a top priority... Haurchefant's men are often found shirtless and doing squats (often times in his office), or sitting out in freezing water (again shirtless). Which, at most, seems a bit impractical, and furthers its oddity when no other camps have men doing similar exercises. Certainly raises to question just why exactly does Haurchefant have these half naked men all over the place. Why indeed.
Truthfully, his men are working out or training constantly. Now, while this might seem like the typical for a military camp, the fact of it is Haurchefant has a fascination with those of great physical fortitude, and so he properly instills a special sort of discipline into his men, which results in the aforementioned. Though, his fascination has proven to run deeper than simply combat capabilities and prowess, if his fixation on the Warrior of Light is anything to go off of. And it absolutely is!
Let's start at the beginning to properly explain this whole thing. The Warrior of Light (which is the player character of the game) came across Lord Haurchefant first requiring his aid. To which the Ishgardian was welcoming and agreeable towards. This alone speaks great volumes of him, when pretty much all other Ishgardians turn away outsiders, because they lack the open mind he does. Least of all, they would never agree to help one. His sunny and cheerful disposition alone makes him quite different from his country men, as well! However, from there, the WoL and Haurchefant worked together to be mutually beneficial to one another: Haurchefant's dear friend was under inquisition for possible heresy that would end in his execution; while the WoL needed to find a missing airship that the Ishgardians likely had record of.
With combined work on both parts, they were able to not only save Haurchefant's childhood friend from certain death, but also able to find the whereabouts of the airship in question. Through this means, Haurchefant had grown quite attached to the Warrior of Light, considering himself indebted and began to open up far more in the process; making his interest and adoration fairly (if not uncomfortably) obvious. His appreciating was not only limited to what great feats they could accomplish, but also extended to them as a person (which is not a thing often done for the WoL).
This also includes, well, their more... physical attributes. Which he remarks on aplenty. No really, he's not shy at all with making mention of how beautiful the Warrior of Light's body is or his excitement to see what changes befall them in their journeys. Much to the presumable discomfort of the WoL. To put it simply: Haurchefant is a huge fan of toned bodies, and he has no qualms about saying his praise, even if it's a little overmuch.
A good amount of time passed between then and when their interactions furthered. Crowning upon having to deal with the primal threat of Shiva, as well as the heretics attacking caravans (ones that Haurchefant had sent to Reventant's Toll to aid the WoL and their comrades). Haurchefant's obvious affections become even more pronounced upon their reunion. A good example of this was when the Warrior of Light trotted off to take on Lady Iceheart (the heretic's leader) in combat, knowing full well she could summon a primal (a god-like diety), it took six men to restrain Haurchefant from trying to come to the rescue! Even if he knew damn well he would be able to do naught against the like, but instead he was left to worry about his "dearest friend's" safety.
To which he didn't pass up the chance to scold them for making him worry, of course! But once he got that out of his system, he was quick to go back into business mode, seeing as there were more pressing matters. Like the Lord Commander of the Ishgardian Temple Knights needing to have some words with the WoL. Which just goes to show, while even upset and worry-stricken, Haurchefant is pretty much in control of his emotions. He might get upset, worried, or even angry at times (or you know, take 6 men to restrain him in a fit of concern), he seems quick to cool down, and maintain a mature disposition when promptly required.
Beyond his oddity, and his even odder fixation on the WoL, Haurchefant, at the heart of it, is a kind, caring, and overall genuinely good man. Drillemont at the Whitebrim Front even mentions how Haurchefant is a bit of a hopeless romantic as well, and with how he waxes poetic at the WoL often, this only further confirms it; not to mention how doe-eyed he is at them all the time... Speaking with NPCs around Camp Dragonhead, little ill is said about him. While some find him a little eccentric, he is regarded favorably by those under his command, and he never makes anyone feel unimportant, no matter their station. To him, each and every person has their role, and their importance, no matter how little it may seem.
Perhaps this is manifested from the fact he was born as a bastard child to a low-born mother, while his father was one of the Counts of the four high houses that rules Ishgard. This placed him into quite the perplexing situation growing up, where most would be discarded by their noble father, he was not. It did little to shield him from the scorn of others, particularly his step-mother. She wouldn't even recognize his existence even on her deathbed, she scorned him so. Or even legitimate high-borns, which made him somewhat of an outcast amongst his peers, because of the prejudices towards the lower caste, and prominently those of illegitimate births.
Despite this, he worked hard as ever to become something to be proud of, and perhaps through his experience (as well as his father's all around accepting and open-mindedness) he learned the value of everyone. No matter where they came from. To him, they are all sons and daughters of Ishgard, all fight for the same cause, and so they all have value. Which was something he taught his men, particularly when his friend's High House lost the Steel Vigil. They were met with great scrutiny and criticism from those of Camp Dragonhead, till Haurchefant scolded them, saying they were all sons and daughter's of Ishgard, and so they deserved help just as anyone!
Another point of Haurchefant's overall good nature, is the fact he's greatly loyal and has a strong sense of justice. Although his sense of justice seems to contradict what might otherwise be considered "correct" amongst his own society - particularly his high-born peers. He's indisputably loyal to what he thinks is right or just, despite that. Showing his loyalty to the WoL again and again due to this, rushing to their aid even when his opponent was someone from the Heaven's Ward (an elite group of individuals who work under the direct command of the Pope of Ishgard, more or less). He's willing to sacrifice anything for what he thinks is right. Upon learning the truths about the Dragon Song War, and what it would mean to bring such information public (his house, father, and family possibly losing their right to rule, etc) he was full willing to go along with it, despite what it might cost him.
Being a knight, he firmly believes that there is no greater calling than to sacrifice oneself to protect another. To put yourself on the line if it's a means to preserve the life of fellow comrade. He further demonstrates exactly how much he believes this way of thinking, and what it means to him, when he takes a hit for the WoL. They embarked on a rescue mission to save the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights once he was captured for expressing concerns over the lies fed to the public about the true origins of the Dragon Song War. Which of course just was met with dismissal, as well as accusations of heresy, and imprisonment.
Unfortunately, the hit he took was lethal. With an attempt to block with his shield, the spear of light (aimed for the WoL initially) burned through the metal and pierced his stomach, leaving Haurchefant collapsed to the ground, slowly dying. Even in his painful last moments, he apologized to the WoL, saying he couldn't bear the thought of losing them. He then implored for them to not look so sad: that a smile better suited a hero, which speaks about just what kind of man he is, honestly. Letting his last words be something positive and encouraging. Ultimately, Haurchefant felt his life was a worthy sacrifice, so long as the person he had come to admire in such a way could live on, and be the beacon of hope that Ishgard needed.
His death affected many, but especially those at Camp Dragonhead mourn the loss of their leader. Some even remark about sobbing being heard throughout the camp. For all Haurchefant was an eccentric man, he was one that touched many, and did everything in his power to help those in need. He found it not only his duty as a knight, but as a son of Ishgard.
Background:
BEWARE THE SPOILERS
Abilities:
Haurchefant is a skilled and powerful Knight of Ishgard. While he doesn't have the talents of the Warrior of Light (and who does lbr), he is still a very capable fighter. Skilled with a sword and shield, as well as some formidable healing magic. He's been trained to fight dragons, and was raised in a society that's been in a war for the length of a millennia, so needless to say he's in peak physical condition, and being an Eorzean, that's certainly stronger than your ordinary human.
On top of that, through being a descendant of Thordan and his knights twelve that devoured the eyes of a great wyrm to harness her strength (yeah weird I know), he's actually stronger than typical Eorzeans, or at least that seems implied towards Ishgardians as a whole.
He also has the ability, if he ever performed the ritual that is, to turn into a dragon. He won't, ever, but it's definitely something he's capable of if he ever went heretical and drank a whole crap ton of dragon blood, as can all Ishgardians. How neat!
Network/Actionspam Sample:
[He's really not sure how he wound up on a train, or how he even wound up here. It isn't till he's a good twenty paces or so from the station that he even stops to think about where he's at... and how he shouldn't be here, let alone be alive.
Nothing looks even remotely familiar, especially not this pocket chronometer he seems to have been given. He fiddles with it, looking it over curiously, before ignoring it (but not before a few button presses which may or may not have turned on the audio) in favor of the linkpearl on his ear, slipping it into a pocket.]
I-- [He starts, but pauses. Who could he call out to? Would anyone hear him? He should be dead, and yet...]
Ser Aymeric? ...Francel..?
Pray, is there none who can hear me? I cannot say I know much of where I am at present, and perhaps it is rather frivolous of me to try to contact anyone when I know full well that I... that I'm...
[A frown crosses his usually bright and cheerful features. His hand ghosts over the spot where the spear of light plunged into his belly, where his innards were so easily ruptured, like a knife to damp parchment. His brow creasing as he remembers the sensation all too well.
After a pause, with no reply, he lets out a sigh.]
... I suppose I cannot be heard. Perhaps, this is what it's like to crossover. I can say, with astute certainty, this is truly not what I had expected for Halone's halls, but who am I to criticize the Fury's taste in decorum?
[He smiles, not letting that frown persist. He truly was never one to stay down for long! And if this were indeed the afterlife, then there was little reason to be so morose.]
It is actually rather... splendid.
Prose Log Sample:
The decision was certainly a split second one. Despite the small amount of thought put into it, it wasn't one he regretted. Not even as he laid there, pain overtaking him, leaving his breath harsh, and ragged.
He knew this would be his end. Perhaps...he didn't when he put his shield up, when he tried to deflect the attack aimed for the Warrior of Light. Regardless, it was a chance he was willing to take, if it meant to keep him safe. And with how his friend's hurt filled eyes gazed down at him, while Aymeric held the fallen knight up, the only damage received unto his dearest friend was only emotionally.
Would it be that he'd been able to shield that as well, he would have. Be him selfish to take such a fall for his friend, but the thought was anything but bearable if he had been in his place. Haurchefant was no beacon of hope, like his friend was, no champion that lived what only bards wrote songs about. His adventures, his accomplishments were that of ballads, and his own life was pedestrian at best besides.
This was a reality he was fine with, and role he accepted, and as such, if his life meant that the hope for Ishgard - nay, all of Eorzea could live on... then so be it. He would die here, die for that hope, die for his country, for his people.
For him.
"Oh, don't look at me so." He rasped, he could feel the blood on his lips, how it slicked down his chin. The sensation not nearly as distracting as the burning aether in his gut, but he pressed on, ignored it, "A smile better suits a hero..."
The words were weak, and he could feel his consciousness slipping, the light within him fading. However, he was granted one last smile, one most splendid. One he returned in kind with all that he could muster as he felt his life slipping from him. His sky blue eyes scanning over the face of a friend so dear, before his lids slid shut, and his body fell slack, but his smile... even in death, did not fade.
There is no greater calling for a knight than to save the life of his fellow man. I swear to you, on the sigil of our house, that I shall do this and make you proud.
Name: Zorn
Age: 25
Personal Journal:
zornsableE-mail: zornsable@gmail.com
AIM/Plurk: Zornsable |
CHARACTER
Name: Lord Haurchefant de Fortemps
Canon: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Age: Human equivalent to mid 30s
Timeline: Cutscene after The Vault
If playing another character from the same canon, how will you deal with this?: N/A
Personality:
Haurchefant, to put it plainly, is an odd fellow. Perhaps not even odd does a well enough job to describe the man that Lord Fortemps is. While he most certainly can conduct himself like any normal person, doing his lordly duties over Camp Dragonhead with almost horseheaded levels of dedication and efficiency; that isn't to say he's without his own... quirks, of course.
In fact, he has quite the plethora of quirks, it's hard to decipher where one ends, and the others begin. Even down to they way he talks is a bit quirky, often using a lot of prosey flowery landguage that is borderline Shakespearen. However, to show case some of his more defined oddity, he has quite the strange love of horses. Admiring their strength, and beauty to a way that's just questionable at best. During the new years event for the year of the horse, he had dressed up quite strangely, with a horse headed helmet, and was spouting out praises about horses and their musculature and majesty... much to everyone's discomfort who unfortunately bore witness to it. Even going so far to ask the player character to be his steed... Like I said, he's an odd one.
Furthering this interest in musculature and beauty, while being in charge of a good number of soldiers, and their physical fitness is definitely a top priority... Haurchefant's men are often found shirtless and doing squats (often times in his office), or sitting out in freezing water (again shirtless). Which, at most, seems a bit impractical, and furthers its oddity when no other camps have men doing similar exercises. Certainly raises to question just why exactly does Haurchefant have these half naked men all over the place. Why indeed.
Truthfully, his men are working out or training constantly. Now, while this might seem like the typical for a military camp, the fact of it is Haurchefant has a fascination with those of great physical fortitude, and so he properly instills a special sort of discipline into his men, which results in the aforementioned. Though, his fascination has proven to run deeper than simply combat capabilities and prowess, if his fixation on the Warrior of Light is anything to go off of. And it absolutely is!
Let's start at the beginning to properly explain this whole thing. The Warrior of Light (which is the player character of the game) came across Lord Haurchefant first requiring his aid. To which the Ishgardian was welcoming and agreeable towards. This alone speaks great volumes of him, when pretty much all other Ishgardians turn away outsiders, because they lack the open mind he does. Least of all, they would never agree to help one. His sunny and cheerful disposition alone makes him quite different from his country men, as well! However, from there, the WoL and Haurchefant worked together to be mutually beneficial to one another: Haurchefant's dear friend was under inquisition for possible heresy that would end in his execution; while the WoL needed to find a missing airship that the Ishgardians likely had record of.
With combined work on both parts, they were able to not only save Haurchefant's childhood friend from certain death, but also able to find the whereabouts of the airship in question. Through this means, Haurchefant had grown quite attached to the Warrior of Light, considering himself indebted and began to open up far more in the process; making his interest and adoration fairly (if not uncomfortably) obvious. His appreciating was not only limited to what great feats they could accomplish, but also extended to them as a person (which is not a thing often done for the WoL).
This also includes, well, their more... physical attributes. Which he remarks on aplenty. No really, he's not shy at all with making mention of how beautiful the Warrior of Light's body is or his excitement to see what changes befall them in their journeys. Much to the presumable discomfort of the WoL. To put it simply: Haurchefant is a huge fan of toned bodies, and he has no qualms about saying his praise, even if it's a little overmuch.
A good amount of time passed between then and when their interactions furthered. Crowning upon having to deal with the primal threat of Shiva, as well as the heretics attacking caravans (ones that Haurchefant had sent to Reventant's Toll to aid the WoL and their comrades). Haurchefant's obvious affections become even more pronounced upon their reunion. A good example of this was when the Warrior of Light trotted off to take on Lady Iceheart (the heretic's leader) in combat, knowing full well she could summon a primal (a god-like diety), it took six men to restrain Haurchefant from trying to come to the rescue! Even if he knew damn well he would be able to do naught against the like, but instead he was left to worry about his "dearest friend's" safety.
To which he didn't pass up the chance to scold them for making him worry, of course! But once he got that out of his system, he was quick to go back into business mode, seeing as there were more pressing matters. Like the Lord Commander of the Ishgardian Temple Knights needing to have some words with the WoL. Which just goes to show, while even upset and worry-stricken, Haurchefant is pretty much in control of his emotions. He might get upset, worried, or even angry at times (or you know, take 6 men to restrain him in a fit of concern), he seems quick to cool down, and maintain a mature disposition when promptly required.
Beyond his oddity, and his even odder fixation on the WoL, Haurchefant, at the heart of it, is a kind, caring, and overall genuinely good man. Drillemont at the Whitebrim Front even mentions how Haurchefant is a bit of a hopeless romantic as well, and with how he waxes poetic at the WoL often, this only further confirms it; not to mention how doe-eyed he is at them all the time... Speaking with NPCs around Camp Dragonhead, little ill is said about him. While some find him a little eccentric, he is regarded favorably by those under his command, and he never makes anyone feel unimportant, no matter their station. To him, each and every person has their role, and their importance, no matter how little it may seem.
Perhaps this is manifested from the fact he was born as a bastard child to a low-born mother, while his father was one of the Counts of the four high houses that rules Ishgard. This placed him into quite the perplexing situation growing up, where most would be discarded by their noble father, he was not. It did little to shield him from the scorn of others, particularly his step-mother. She wouldn't even recognize his existence even on her deathbed, she scorned him so. Or even legitimate high-borns, which made him somewhat of an outcast amongst his peers, because of the prejudices towards the lower caste, and prominently those of illegitimate births.
Despite this, he worked hard as ever to become something to be proud of, and perhaps through his experience (as well as his father's all around accepting and open-mindedness) he learned the value of everyone. No matter where they came from. To him, they are all sons and daughters of Ishgard, all fight for the same cause, and so they all have value. Which was something he taught his men, particularly when his friend's High House lost the Steel Vigil. They were met with great scrutiny and criticism from those of Camp Dragonhead, till Haurchefant scolded them, saying they were all sons and daughter's of Ishgard, and so they deserved help just as anyone!
Another point of Haurchefant's overall good nature, is the fact he's greatly loyal and has a strong sense of justice. Although his sense of justice seems to contradict what might otherwise be considered "correct" amongst his own society - particularly his high-born peers. He's indisputably loyal to what he thinks is right or just, despite that. Showing his loyalty to the WoL again and again due to this, rushing to their aid even when his opponent was someone from the Heaven's Ward (an elite group of individuals who work under the direct command of the Pope of Ishgard, more or less). He's willing to sacrifice anything for what he thinks is right. Upon learning the truths about the Dragon Song War, and what it would mean to bring such information public (his house, father, and family possibly losing their right to rule, etc) he was full willing to go along with it, despite what it might cost him.
Being a knight, he firmly believes that there is no greater calling than to sacrifice oneself to protect another. To put yourself on the line if it's a means to preserve the life of fellow comrade. He further demonstrates exactly how much he believes this way of thinking, and what it means to him, when he takes a hit for the WoL. They embarked on a rescue mission to save the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights once he was captured for expressing concerns over the lies fed to the public about the true origins of the Dragon Song War. Which of course just was met with dismissal, as well as accusations of heresy, and imprisonment.
Unfortunately, the hit he took was lethal. With an attempt to block with his shield, the spear of light (aimed for the WoL initially) burned through the metal and pierced his stomach, leaving Haurchefant collapsed to the ground, slowly dying. Even in his painful last moments, he apologized to the WoL, saying he couldn't bear the thought of losing them. He then implored for them to not look so sad: that a smile better suited a hero, which speaks about just what kind of man he is, honestly. Letting his last words be something positive and encouraging. Ultimately, Haurchefant felt his life was a worthy sacrifice, so long as the person he had come to admire in such a way could live on, and be the beacon of hope that Ishgard needed.
His death affected many, but especially those at Camp Dragonhead mourn the loss of their leader. Some even remark about sobbing being heard throughout the camp. For all Haurchefant was an eccentric man, he was one that touched many, and did everything in his power to help those in need. He found it not only his duty as a knight, but as a son of Ishgard.
Background:
BEWARE THE SPOILERS
Abilities:
Haurchefant is a skilled and powerful Knight of Ishgard. While he doesn't have the talents of the Warrior of Light (and who does lbr), he is still a very capable fighter. Skilled with a sword and shield, as well as some formidable healing magic. He's been trained to fight dragons, and was raised in a society that's been in a war for the length of a millennia, so needless to say he's in peak physical condition, and being an Eorzean, that's certainly stronger than your ordinary human.
On top of that, through being a descendant of Thordan and his knights twelve that devoured the eyes of a great wyrm to harness her strength (yeah weird I know), he's actually stronger than typical Eorzeans, or at least that seems implied towards Ishgardians as a whole.
He also has the ability, if he ever performed the ritual that is, to turn into a dragon. He won't, ever, but it's definitely something he's capable of if he ever went heretical and drank a whole crap ton of dragon blood, as can all Ishgardians. How neat!
Network/Actionspam Sample:
[He's really not sure how he wound up on a train, or how he even wound up here. It isn't till he's a good twenty paces or so from the station that he even stops to think about where he's at... and how he shouldn't be here, let alone be alive.
Nothing looks even remotely familiar, especially not this pocket chronometer he seems to have been given. He fiddles with it, looking it over curiously, before ignoring it (but not before a few button presses which may or may not have turned on the audio) in favor of the linkpearl on his ear, slipping it into a pocket.]
I-- [He starts, but pauses. Who could he call out to? Would anyone hear him? He should be dead, and yet...]
Ser Aymeric? ...Francel..?
Pray, is there none who can hear me? I cannot say I know much of where I am at present, and perhaps it is rather frivolous of me to try to contact anyone when I know full well that I... that I'm...
[A frown crosses his usually bright and cheerful features. His hand ghosts over the spot where the spear of light plunged into his belly, where his innards were so easily ruptured, like a knife to damp parchment. His brow creasing as he remembers the sensation all too well.
After a pause, with no reply, he lets out a sigh.]
... I suppose I cannot be heard. Perhaps, this is what it's like to crossover. I can say, with astute certainty, this is truly not what I had expected for Halone's halls, but who am I to criticize the Fury's taste in decorum?
[He smiles, not letting that frown persist. He truly was never one to stay down for long! And if this were indeed the afterlife, then there was little reason to be so morose.]
It is actually rather... splendid.
Prose Log Sample:
The decision was certainly a split second one. Despite the small amount of thought put into it, it wasn't one he regretted. Not even as he laid there, pain overtaking him, leaving his breath harsh, and ragged.
He knew this would be his end. Perhaps...he didn't when he put his shield up, when he tried to deflect the attack aimed for the Warrior of Light. Regardless, it was a chance he was willing to take, if it meant to keep him safe. And with how his friend's hurt filled eyes gazed down at him, while Aymeric held the fallen knight up, the only damage received unto his dearest friend was only emotionally.
Would it be that he'd been able to shield that as well, he would have. Be him selfish to take such a fall for his friend, but the thought was anything but bearable if he had been in his place. Haurchefant was no beacon of hope, like his friend was, no champion that lived what only bards wrote songs about. His adventures, his accomplishments were that of ballads, and his own life was pedestrian at best besides.
This was a reality he was fine with, and role he accepted, and as such, if his life meant that the hope for Ishgard - nay, all of Eorzea could live on... then so be it. He would die here, die for that hope, die for his country, for his people.
For him.
"Oh, don't look at me so." He rasped, he could feel the blood on his lips, how it slicked down his chin. The sensation not nearly as distracting as the burning aether in his gut, but he pressed on, ignored it, "A smile better suits a hero..."
The words were weak, and he could feel his consciousness slipping, the light within him fading. However, he was granted one last smile, one most splendid. One he returned in kind with all that he could muster as he felt his life slipping from him. His sky blue eyes scanning over the face of a friend so dear, before his lids slid shut, and his body fell slack, but his smile... even in death, did not fade.
There is no greater calling for a knight than to save the life of his fellow man. I swear to you, on the sigil of our house, that I shall do this and make you proud.