Post by Xenophon on Aug 3, 2009 16:04:28 GMT -6
Character Name: Xenophon
Age: 2540
Gender: Male
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Power Level: Ancient
Kind: Fire
Description:
His shoulder length hair runs from black to a mildly sun-bleached chestnut brown. It all depends on how much time outdoors he’s had. His skin ranges from pale in the winter, and he tans deeply in the summer, usually without the need for sunscreen or much lying out in the sun; all thanks to a fair-skinned Mother, and a swarthy Father. His face is handsome, a face he is not above exploiting; full lips, given to smirking, and a sculpted facial structure that makes him even more given to smoldering brooding. His eyes are emerald green, rare among his people, and a mark of his already singular nature. He is built lean and muscular, with definition any body-builder would envy, but compact and cut all the same. Another facet of his appearance he is not above exploiting, and one maintained with regular and daily exercise, whether it’s fighting or calisthenics or dancing. It was said in his youth that Xenophon did not require the idealized Spartan breastplate, as he was already possessed of the ideal Greek physique.
Dragon- Xenophon is a fully mature Fire Dragon. His features are considered somewhat anomalous, but none can deny the power or grandeur of his form. He is built slim and compact, with a body rippling with dense muscle under the scales, and a formation that has more in common with a hunting cat than any standard reptile. All four of his powerful legs end in wickedly curved and razor sharp talons that while not retractable can be used to grip prey or an enemy, singly, in pairs, or for a vicious attack, in concert. His tail, thick and muscular and tapering to a finer point, is longer than his body and ends in an almost rudder-like arrangement of golden feathers in a wide horizontal fan. His neck is perhaps a little less than half the length of his tail, and is thickly armored and muscular. Xenophon’s head while certainly reptilian has a few avian features; he has the dagger-tooth filled maw one expects of a dragon, but his horns are a bit shorter than normal, and the very end of his snout is more beak-like than reptilian, down to the hard horn-like composition of it. He bears a crest, but rather than spines or horns, he possesses a crest of golden feathers that continues down his spine, ending just before the start of his tail. Like most dragons, he has a pair of bat-like wings, whose span is wider than he is long, but the leading half of his wings is covered in feathers of gold and fiery red. Xenophon’s body, but for the Feathers whose colors include gold, fiery red, and bight yellow, is primarily covered in a fine coat of metallic crimson scales. His scales are thick, tough, and numerous, lying against his body so tightly, it is difficult to tell that he is naturally armored at all. Often, as the expression of a latent instinct to attract the eyes and protect the nest, Xenophon enhances his already eye-catching appearance by summoning up an aura of fire, making it difficult to tell where the dragon ends and the fiery aura begins. The combination of feathers and his own gifts make him a stunning aerialist, capable of maneuvers others often are not, and his most common tools in combat are his claws and his Dragon’s Breath in this form.
Hybrid- Xenophon’s hybrid form is at once massive and graceful in a more feline manner than one might expect. He stands at least nine feet in height, and his head formation remains largely the same, save for the shortened snout to facilitate speech. His crest of feathers remains, surrounding his head in golden feathers almost like a tribal affectation. He retains his wings in this form, though they are shorter, and he often hooks the “Thumbs” under his chin, letting his wings rest about him like a golden feathered cloak. His hands end in vicious talons, the forearms lightly feathered, as are his broad and heavily muscled shoulders and chest. His legs are reverse articulated, with toes that also sport vicious claws, and feathers upon his shin. His tail is shorter, but largely the same, and is more prehensile in this form. As the Dragon, he is covered in fine scales, armoring his form. He will sometimes, though rarely, adorn this form with ancient ornaments as well as weapons from another time. His hands are too large for most modern firearms in this form, but that has yet to be a real issue. An aura of heat rides around him, making him much warmer to the touch, and causing his feathers to always be stirred.
Personality: Xenophon has been both a Dragon and a Soldier for his entire life. His personality is forged in the crucible of thousands of years of experience. He has fought alongside humanity for most of that time, and as such, seems to have a unique understanding for what has been lost in this new world. Despite a distinct mercenary streak, which still serves him well in the fields of business and finance, he has very old world set of ethics and honor that drives him to help, rebuild, and defend simply because he has the strength to do so. He is reasonable and pragmatic, not generally quick to anger, but once his rage is aroused, it is best to get out of his way. He seems to prefer his sensual human skin to most other forms, and has been know to go amongst the people anonymously.
History:
Born in 430 BC, he was called Xenophon. He was born in the City-State of Attica to an aristocratic family that allowed him a number of privileges as well as access to some of the finest minds of Ancient Greece. At the time, it was not know that he was adopted into his Family, as his Father Gryllus had married a woman of Athens that proved her self to be barren, despite the great love they shared. From an early age, Xenophon had an interest in martial pursuits, and trained to be a Warrior in the Hoplite tradition. While still a young man Xenophon, already a student of Socrates as well as a trained warrior opted to join the expedition of Cyrus the Younger against the Emperor Artaxerxes, Cyrus’ Elder Brother and ruler of Persia. He was perhaps 19 years of age at the time, and participated in the attempted coup. Cyrus, a Prince of Persia, suggested that he was mustering troops in the area to battle Tissaphernes, a Persian General that opposed him. This was not uncommon in the era, and Cyrus wishing to eliminate his competition for the prized role of the Emperor’s right hand, was not a suspicion activity. He composed his forces, of which Xenophon was a part, and told his men that they were going to also battle the Pisidians in a common border dispute. In truth, they were already meeting Artaxerxes larger army in battle. When the Greeks discovered the lie, they nearly abandoned the cause, but Clearchus the Spartan inspired them to continue; in a speech that Xenophon remembers to this day. They met the Persian Army in battle at Cunaxa, and despite the superiority of Greek tactics and strategy, Cyrus met his end in battle. This left Clearchus and his Generals in command, all of whom were then invited to a conference by the Persians who seemed to be suing for peace; each of the Greek leaders was arrested and executed. The Ten Thousand, the band of mercenaries that had been mustered and operating under Cyrus and later Clearchus, were forced to elect new leaders – Xenophon and others were pushed forward, and forced to decide the fate of what would become known as the “Marching Republic”. With Cyrus dead, the reason for their war was null and void, and yet they were caught deep in enemy territory; Xenophon and his peers turned to Ten Thousand North, deciding to fight their way home. Along the way, they fought Persians, Armenians, and Kurds to Trapezus on the Black Sea. They fought Westward afterward, along they way helping Seuthes II become King of Thrace, in exchange for payment of money and provisions, before being recruited into the army of General Thibron the Spartan. The March was a success, and Xenophon’s reputation as a general and as a soldier was cemented. He was so highly respected, the Spartans, premier warriors of their age, offered him land in their nation. Xenophon loved the life of a mercenary, and that event began a career that would span nearly thirty years under that name, and one adopted son that would later die in battle.
As Dragon, he was a late bloomer. He did not discover his alternate form at the typical age of 17, but at the later age of 19, in the midst of battle. He discovered his great strength first, and then hard pressed in close-quarters, he felt his body go through the First Change. Singlehandedly, Xenophon slaughtered the knot of Persians around him, and much to his shock and dismay, probably his Greek companions as well. There were no witnesses to his First Change, but a familiar face found him while he stood stunned amongst the bodies; one Socrates – also a Dragon. Little is known about Socrates the Philosopher, and that is how he likes it, Xenophon mentions him in his early writings, but of course makes no mention that Socrates was his Mentor in the new world he was now a part of. For 30 years Xenophon pursued the career of Soldier of Fortune, his exploits and writings still the subject of study in the modern era, all the while growing more powerful and more skilled in the Ways of the Dragon. Xenophon “died” sometime in the Year 354 as a fine Soldier, a Master Horseman, and a renowned chronicler and philosopher, and later he would resurface under another name, unable to turn completely away from the life of a soldier.
For the next century, he dedicated himself to learning all he can about his Race, continuing to work as a mercenary, solider of fortune, and adventurer, amassing great wealth over the years. He resurfaced again under the name Xanthippus the Spartan, a mercenary General hired by Carthage in their War against the Romans during the time of the First Punic War. He trained Carthaginian Soldiers, and led them into the battle of Tunis where they routed the Roman Legion and captured the Roman Consul Marcus Atilius Regulus in the Year 255 BC. It is because of Xenophon, now Xanthippus, that the Carthaginian formation is created; cavalry split in between two wings, mercenary infantry to the right flank with a phalanx of conscripts at the center of the formation, with War Elephants in front of the infantry. Xanthippus loved seeing the Elephants in battle. After the Battle of Tunis, he led the underdog Carthaginian’s into the city of Lilybaeum, which had been under Roman siege, and remembering his long dead friend Clearchus, inspired the City and his Men to an attack that defeated the Romans and sent them packing. However, he was perhaps too good at his job, as the City of Carthage, jealous of his successes, paid his exorbitant fees and sent him afloat in a leaky ship that was lost in the Adriatic Sea. Were he not able to fly, this would have surely killed him – he returned to the mainland, and joined the Roman Legions.
The untimely death of one Quintus Valerius Falto allowed Xenophon the opportunity to take up that man’s name and join the Roman Legions, this time with the Navy. Together with Gaius Lutatius Catulus, he built up and improved the Roman Navy, training the Roman Legionnaires for operations at sea, as well as training the sailors in close combat. The actions of the Roman Navy undermine the successes of the great Carthaginian General Hamilcar Barca, and when Quintus and Gaius claim victor in the Aegetes Islands, they successfully force Barca to surrender when he is denied supplies and reinforcements. Shortly thereafter, Carthage sues for peace and abandons the lands it had taken from the Romans, unable to hold onto them with their Navy in tatters and disarray. Dissatisfied with Carthage’s survival, Xenophon eventually moves on from his role as Quintus, and takes part in the Mercenary War, also called the Truceless War; a number of mercenary armies, backed by Libyan settlements, revolt against Carthage in an effort to wrest control of their territories from their former State of origin. The Mercenaries did not ultimately win this war, but they caused a major setback for Carthage; Xenophon, once again using his real name, arranged to capture the Island Nation fo Sardinia, and then invited the Romans to occupy it. By doing so, when the Carthaginian’s attacked in an attempt to retake the island, Rome used it as a pretext to declare War – causing Carthage to immediately surrender, as it could not afford another War with Rome. This made them a debtor nation to Rome, to the tune of 1200 talents, a sum that somewhat satisfied Xenophon’s sense of justice.
He took part in the Second Punic War, aiding the likes of Scipio, Nero, and others to completely defeat Carthage with Rome emerging decisively victorious and in control of nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. With the end of Carthage, Xenophon’s vengeance was finally complete and he moved on from there, continuing both his life and his career as a soldier and Fire Dragon. From the Punic Wars, he wandered for a time, seeking to broaden his horizons. He remained a mercenary, changing sides once again, he joined with the Greeks, his nation of origin, and fought against the expansionist Roman Republic under the likes of Phillip V and Perseus. Xenophon was in the wars until 148 BC, when the Fourth and last Macedonian War came to an end. From that point forward, he participated in, both quietly and with fame and distinction, in nearly every War of the Ancient World, up to and including the final Fall of the Roman Empire. During the Wars in Britain and against Boudica, he was not with the Romans, but rather with the natives of the Isle. When Rome was sacked, he was there, both times. During the Dark Ages, he disappeared into the Highlands of Scotland, changing his name to Cuchulaine, he dwelled for a very long time in and around the British Isles, giving rise to a number of tales and legends in the area, or simply being made a part of stories that were before even his time. When people speak of the strength of William Wallace, it is more truly the strength and vengeance of Xenophon for his lost love. He took very seriously his appointment as Guardian of Scotland, and served in that role, on and off, both publicly and secretly, until some time after the Battle of Neville’s Cross, where again, his disappeared into history.
Xenophon continued to adventure around the world, fighting in nearly every major conflict of the known world, usually on the side of the underdog. Carthage’s betrayal still left a bad taste in his mouth, and as a result, he tended to side against the nation that was too quick to betray its allies. When the world was opened to exploration, and Columbus crossed the Sea, Xenophon was there amongst the soldiers. When Cortes returned to the New World to make war, Xenophon abandoned the Spanish forces, and joined with the Natives under the guise of a Missionary. Mostly, he explored the New World, looking for the Fountain of Youth and the famed City of Gold, El Dorado, as well as many other map-expanding ventures. He lingered in the New World, fascinated by every discovery, and took part in several conflicts as well as participating in Caribbean Piracy, and what would eventually become the American Revolution. He fought with the Indians, most of the time, against the English almost all of the time. The stories of Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox, could be blamed on the guerilla tactic of Xenophon, as well as his mastery of horsemanship. In time, he was a Continental Marine, and from then on, he participated in what he called the Great Experiment, fighting for the new American Forces in every conflict it engaged in.
He fought in the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee Wars, the Chickamauga Wars, and participated in every Rebellion until the Fries’s Rebellion. He was there for nearly every domestic action, from the War of 1812 to the Civil War and beyond. He continued in this vein all the way through the Viet Nam War, where he served with distinction as Marine Recon, and in a handful of later efforts. Modern Warfare dulled his usually shiny view of a soldier and warrior’s life. The things he saw on the Beach at Normandy, in Korea, and under the rains of Viet Nam left him with a need to do something that did not involve seeing his friends and comrades perish in a fashion that he increasingly found – distasteful. Xenophon assumed the name Xenophon Wallace (claiming a Father fond of Greek classics), and he went into Law Enforcement in the great City of New York.
Throughout his long life, Xenophon has continued to study and Master his Powers. Initially, this was with an eye to improving his chances in battle. He would take every opportunity to even the scales of the one sided Wars he’d participated in, by calling on the Dragon inside him, or on the Fire or Air he could control and manipulate. More than one Nazi brigade met inexplicable ends, as did any number of other enemies he faced throughout history. His time as a police officer, for the last one hundred years or so, has allowed him to refine his ability to disguise himself as a human, turning conscious effort into effortless habit. More recently, he had become disillusioned with the corruption and bureaucracy in Law Enforcement, and has left the Force behind to seek his fortune further south. Xenophon is secretly as wealthy as an Oil Prince, though he lived modestly in the City, retiring most recently from the NYPD as a Detective Captain.
He went to South Beach, Florida and made a name for himself as a top-tier Private Investigator, specializing in VIP Protection, Private High-Profile cases, and Supernatural events. He knew that there was a King in the area, but he had no interest in taking the Throne from anyone, and no interest in Thrones. Despite this the burden of leadership fell to him, as things began to unravel. It is here, investigating a curious set of deaths in the Keys, that he meets his Mate, his Queen, Anacaona. The two share a flash of heat and attraction, and they just know they are meant to be together. It seemed that finding his Mate was the final sign of his mantle, as it is shortly after this he becomes the Dragon King of Florida, and is forced to choose sides in the ancient Blood Feud. His mercenary tendencies curved by the kind-heart of his Queen, Xenophon makes an honest effort to do what is right; he has fought too long and lost too many to not believe in the value of life, human and otherwise. He was always aware of the ancient blood feud with the Vampires, and eas not looking forward to that coming to a head. Xenophon was only too happy to socialize with his kind, and even lend them aid, but early in his Reign he preferred to avoid Vampires and other Preternaturals given the choice. He took on the role of guardianship with his Queen, trying to keep the peace. When the climate changed, for the comfort of his Queen, they moved North, where he gifted her with Teotihuacan and the home they now share.
It is as the Dragon King of Pennsylvania, after battling the twisted Dragon already present, that he and his Queen are forced to go public, as they attempt to save Humanity from their downward spiraling Fate. In the wake of the disaster, Xenophon and his Queen have attempted to do their part to rebuild the world, especially in their area. Xenophon has reigned for decades now, and has bested the rare challenger quite publicly.
Strengths and Weaknesses: (At least 5 of each)
Warrior/Soldier of the Ancient World
- Ancient Cavalryman (Lance and Shield)
- Spartan Hoplite (Spear and Shield)
- Roman Legionnaire (Sword and Shield)
- Mounted Knight (Longsword, Shield, Lance)
Modern Soldier
- US Marine Corps: most recently Force RECON
-- MCMAP Specialist (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program)
- US SOCOM (Special Operations Command)
-- cross-trained USAF Combat Controller.
Weapons: Xenophon is trained and skilled in the user and operation of most modern personal weapons systems, as well as several ancient and commonly used Martial Arts Weapons, such as the knife/dagger. He has earned badges for Marksmanship, has qualified as a Sniper, and earned all his Pins in MC-MAP. Generally speaking, he is not trained to subdue, and even when an opponent is subdued, broken bones are likely.
Law Enforcement
-NYPD Detective Captain
-Police Procedure
-Masters Degree in Criminal Justice w/Behavioral Analysis
-in SWAT rotation
Private Investigator (most recent)
-Licensed to Operate Nationally/Internationally
-Licensed to Carry a Concealed Weapon (rarely does)
-Licensed to Transport Firearms (rarely does)
-Consultant for Local and State PD
-Consultant for Military
-Registered Locally, Nationally, and Internationally
Educational Highlights
-Doctorates in Ancient History and Philosophy (under prior aliases)
-Masters in American History and Government (under prior alias)
-Harvard Law Degree (prior alias)
Broken Coexistence: Xenophon has lived amongst Humanity for a very long time, assuming many identities, including playing his own descendants. He has remained hidden and pursued careers without hindrance prior to the disasters that changed the world and the climate. Now, he is known to be the Dragon King. Once uncovered, he threw the doors wide and admitted to being the Ancient Xenophon of Greek History; perhaps best known for his efforts on behalf of humanity, alongside his benevolent Queen.
Fame/Notoriety/Infamy: Amongst the Dragon Community, as well as the Supernatural Community, the name Xenophon is known. He is known for both his aerial and personal combat abilities, and has suffered no end of personal challenges because of it, by Males seeking to improve their status in the eyes of the Community and available Female Mates. Like the Gunslingers of the Old West, Xenophon often has to put up with being sought out for one kind of fight or another.
Genetic Throwback: It is believed that Xenophon, because of the Feathers apparent on his Dragon and Draconic Form, was abandoned for adoption due to a mixing of Draconic Races. That, or he is a Genetic Throwback to a time when reptiles had feathers. It has not made him any less effective, and in fact, is visually more striking, but there is an element of bigotry amongst his kind for his less than entirely reptilian nature.
Humanity: As a Species, Xenophon has honest affection for Humanity. He has had human lovers and human wives, and still has a number of human friends, though there have been none, save one, he has trusted with his secret over the years, which he sometimes laments. The Wife he had in Scotland knew the truth, but she was killed, which led him to wage war. He continues, to this day, to try his best to protect them from the vagaries of the world and the dangers of his “World”. In the War ahead, if he can be said to have any side, it is the side of the People, more truly than that of the Dragons.
Oathkeeper: Once Xenophon takes an Oath or makes a Promise, unless he has been manipulated into doing such under false pretenses; he keeps his word. This is part of the reason he is bound up in humanity’s safety, and part of the reason he is so well known in his own Community. He would rather suffer to keep his Word, than allow it to be broken, and has risked his life to uphold his Oaths to protect and serve.
Powers:
Control of his Form
Able to make cosmetic changes- though the Human is Xenophon’s “birth” skin, he is able to take it from young man to a man in his retirement with an effort of Will. He has practiced this in order to live among humans without drawing too much attention, particularly thanks to the advance of photography and video.
Very Fine Motor and Reflex Control- he has been amongst humans for nearly his entire life. Without too much conscious effort, he is able to restrain his strength and reflexes when dealing with them, to the point that over the centuries he has had human lovers and wives. Even involuntary reactions are restrained to avoid crushing his partner’s bones to powder, or worse. He’ll always have the edge in a fight, but neither is he prone to cause too many accidental deaths in that context.
Swift Transformations- He does not like to do so, but under duress, he can Change to any of his forms with startling speed. The downside is an enormous appetite thereafter and a need to rest soon, preferably somewhere under the Sun or near a roaring fire. Dragons have to put on a lot of mass for their transformations, particularly a Dragon of Xenophon’s age and size, and as such they must consume mass quantities to make up for the strain of absorbing mass from the air and material around him.
Control of Air and Fire
Air- Subtlety has been a watch word for Xenophon. Where the Dragon could not use Fire, he used Air for the sake of secrecy. It is theorized by mortals that a creature of a Dragon’s size and physiology could not fly without some external means of support, or specialized internal organs. This discounts the control that a Fire Dragon has over air, and air currents. It is, in Xenophon’s opinion, why he can fly at all, though many dispute this claim, he believes that even his detractors are subconsciously manipulating the Air around them whether they know it or not. Theorizing this, with his mentor, he resolved by an effort of Will to do more than unconsciously manipulate the air, as such, over the centuries he has built up an impressive ability to directly manipulate the Air around him, and is able to perform a number of stunts, ranging from snuffing out a fire by removing its fuel, to causing a wave of hardened air to impact a target as something akin to a gale force wind.
Fire: Xenophon can Breathe Fire, which is to be expected, and he can manipulate his own, or any Fire, once it is ablaze and free of someone else’s control. For example, he cannot Control Another Dragon’s breath as it leaves their maw, but the Fires that dragon causes, he can control. He cannot create fire from nothing, as a pyrokinetic might, but he can shape a Fire, enhance or decrease it, shield himself with it, granting him a fiery aura. His control of Fire is not as refined as his control of Air, and because of its destructive and obvious nature, he does not default to this Gift as readily as he does to Air.
RP Sample:
Possibly, 100 years ago...
“Actually, yes, I have, but not too much about him, or too often. I was usually too busy for story time while I was down there.” Xenophon tried not to smile, but failed. “We can always fly the Witch down to one of those places if its been awhile since last you had a heart.” He nodded, “I remembered those stories. Always good to know when you might get eaten or cursed.” Xen grinned, but shook his head slightly. “Athenian, Theban if you must. I dislike this mashing all of us together. Born Attican.” He nodded, “Yes, it’s been a very long time since I had a travel companion.” She nipped his shoulder, and he leaned into the touch, his hand on the side of her head, stroking the line of her jaw to her chin. “I wasn’t teasing. I have a comfortable place for it. Safe, secure, and I certainly don’t think you’re going to rob me.”
Xenophon met her eyes, “Now that I know it is yours, I am not interested in taking anything. I won’t lie and say I’d be excited to finally see it, but that would be personal, I’d not lead anyone there. That would be rude.” His eyebrows rose, “That was you? Ha! Small world. No, I was an explorer and a hired soldier. When I saw that the natives were being bilked, I changed sides in exchange for a tidy sum and some rather beautiful obsidian weapons I still have.” Xen chuckled when she nuzzled him again, and he briefly slid his arms around her, just below her head, pressing himself against a length of her serpentine body for a moment. “I know they weren’t. Modern Colombians, however, are a less peaceful breed…rather, the drug-dealing kind are.” He smiled, “Then someone has you confused for someone else.”
He enjoyed speaking with her, enjoyed her company. Xenophon had met with the King, but that was mostly to make sure the King knew he didn’t mean him any grief. He hadn’t spent an extended amount of time in any Dragon’s company, save for those that came into Miami to challenge him. That happened more often than he liked. He smiled in returned when she was pleased with his jacket being given to her. He whispered, his lips brushing her ear, “Yeah, but he doesn’t know that.” Xen straightened, “Be right back, I gotta go see some mooks about a girl.” With that he sauntered out, calling, “Ollie Ollie Oxen free!”
Xen was soon out of view. The other Dragon and the Witch could both hear what could only be called a ruckus. There were some cries, several thumps, and about a handful of gunshots that ended with someone screaming out, “Ya shot me! Ya bastard!” There was another scream, two more shots, one more scream, and silence. A moment later there came the rhythmic thumping of someone being dragged down the stairs, and from the sound of the groans, back towards the large summoning/living room.
Xenophon reentered the room dragging a burly man by his ankle; the man was altered by a spare hole through his hip, and what looked like severe bruising about his face. The Greek Dragon now held a pistol in his hand, a Glock that he found rather distasteful. He preferred his M9, but he rarely carried it. “This scholar says our Colombian friends have a home in the Keys. He also says he remembers seeing a young blonde woman around the pool, being kept doped up. He didn’t know her name though.” He leaned down and wiped his bloody hand on the man’s clothes; he’d had to push his thumb into the bullet wound to get him to talk. “He won’t bleed to death; I had my answering service schedule a Nine-One-One call for him in about fifteen minutes. Unless we’re killing folks today, we should get moving.”
PB Name: Taylor Kitsch
Pictures: (Optional but preferred)
Age: 2540
Gender: Male
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Power Level: Ancient
Kind: Fire
Description:
His shoulder length hair runs from black to a mildly sun-bleached chestnut brown. It all depends on how much time outdoors he’s had. His skin ranges from pale in the winter, and he tans deeply in the summer, usually without the need for sunscreen or much lying out in the sun; all thanks to a fair-skinned Mother, and a swarthy Father. His face is handsome, a face he is not above exploiting; full lips, given to smirking, and a sculpted facial structure that makes him even more given to smoldering brooding. His eyes are emerald green, rare among his people, and a mark of his already singular nature. He is built lean and muscular, with definition any body-builder would envy, but compact and cut all the same. Another facet of his appearance he is not above exploiting, and one maintained with regular and daily exercise, whether it’s fighting or calisthenics or dancing. It was said in his youth that Xenophon did not require the idealized Spartan breastplate, as he was already possessed of the ideal Greek physique.
Dragon- Xenophon is a fully mature Fire Dragon. His features are considered somewhat anomalous, but none can deny the power or grandeur of his form. He is built slim and compact, with a body rippling with dense muscle under the scales, and a formation that has more in common with a hunting cat than any standard reptile. All four of his powerful legs end in wickedly curved and razor sharp talons that while not retractable can be used to grip prey or an enemy, singly, in pairs, or for a vicious attack, in concert. His tail, thick and muscular and tapering to a finer point, is longer than his body and ends in an almost rudder-like arrangement of golden feathers in a wide horizontal fan. His neck is perhaps a little less than half the length of his tail, and is thickly armored and muscular. Xenophon’s head while certainly reptilian has a few avian features; he has the dagger-tooth filled maw one expects of a dragon, but his horns are a bit shorter than normal, and the very end of his snout is more beak-like than reptilian, down to the hard horn-like composition of it. He bears a crest, but rather than spines or horns, he possesses a crest of golden feathers that continues down his spine, ending just before the start of his tail. Like most dragons, he has a pair of bat-like wings, whose span is wider than he is long, but the leading half of his wings is covered in feathers of gold and fiery red. Xenophon’s body, but for the Feathers whose colors include gold, fiery red, and bight yellow, is primarily covered in a fine coat of metallic crimson scales. His scales are thick, tough, and numerous, lying against his body so tightly, it is difficult to tell that he is naturally armored at all. Often, as the expression of a latent instinct to attract the eyes and protect the nest, Xenophon enhances his already eye-catching appearance by summoning up an aura of fire, making it difficult to tell where the dragon ends and the fiery aura begins. The combination of feathers and his own gifts make him a stunning aerialist, capable of maneuvers others often are not, and his most common tools in combat are his claws and his Dragon’s Breath in this form.
Hybrid- Xenophon’s hybrid form is at once massive and graceful in a more feline manner than one might expect. He stands at least nine feet in height, and his head formation remains largely the same, save for the shortened snout to facilitate speech. His crest of feathers remains, surrounding his head in golden feathers almost like a tribal affectation. He retains his wings in this form, though they are shorter, and he often hooks the “Thumbs” under his chin, letting his wings rest about him like a golden feathered cloak. His hands end in vicious talons, the forearms lightly feathered, as are his broad and heavily muscled shoulders and chest. His legs are reverse articulated, with toes that also sport vicious claws, and feathers upon his shin. His tail is shorter, but largely the same, and is more prehensile in this form. As the Dragon, he is covered in fine scales, armoring his form. He will sometimes, though rarely, adorn this form with ancient ornaments as well as weapons from another time. His hands are too large for most modern firearms in this form, but that has yet to be a real issue. An aura of heat rides around him, making him much warmer to the touch, and causing his feathers to always be stirred.
Personality: Xenophon has been both a Dragon and a Soldier for his entire life. His personality is forged in the crucible of thousands of years of experience. He has fought alongside humanity for most of that time, and as such, seems to have a unique understanding for what has been lost in this new world. Despite a distinct mercenary streak, which still serves him well in the fields of business and finance, he has very old world set of ethics and honor that drives him to help, rebuild, and defend simply because he has the strength to do so. He is reasonable and pragmatic, not generally quick to anger, but once his rage is aroused, it is best to get out of his way. He seems to prefer his sensual human skin to most other forms, and has been know to go amongst the people anonymously.
History:
Born in 430 BC, he was called Xenophon. He was born in the City-State of Attica to an aristocratic family that allowed him a number of privileges as well as access to some of the finest minds of Ancient Greece. At the time, it was not know that he was adopted into his Family, as his Father Gryllus had married a woman of Athens that proved her self to be barren, despite the great love they shared. From an early age, Xenophon had an interest in martial pursuits, and trained to be a Warrior in the Hoplite tradition. While still a young man Xenophon, already a student of Socrates as well as a trained warrior opted to join the expedition of Cyrus the Younger against the Emperor Artaxerxes, Cyrus’ Elder Brother and ruler of Persia. He was perhaps 19 years of age at the time, and participated in the attempted coup. Cyrus, a Prince of Persia, suggested that he was mustering troops in the area to battle Tissaphernes, a Persian General that opposed him. This was not uncommon in the era, and Cyrus wishing to eliminate his competition for the prized role of the Emperor’s right hand, was not a suspicion activity. He composed his forces, of which Xenophon was a part, and told his men that they were going to also battle the Pisidians in a common border dispute. In truth, they were already meeting Artaxerxes larger army in battle. When the Greeks discovered the lie, they nearly abandoned the cause, but Clearchus the Spartan inspired them to continue; in a speech that Xenophon remembers to this day. They met the Persian Army in battle at Cunaxa, and despite the superiority of Greek tactics and strategy, Cyrus met his end in battle. This left Clearchus and his Generals in command, all of whom were then invited to a conference by the Persians who seemed to be suing for peace; each of the Greek leaders was arrested and executed. The Ten Thousand, the band of mercenaries that had been mustered and operating under Cyrus and later Clearchus, were forced to elect new leaders – Xenophon and others were pushed forward, and forced to decide the fate of what would become known as the “Marching Republic”. With Cyrus dead, the reason for their war was null and void, and yet they were caught deep in enemy territory; Xenophon and his peers turned to Ten Thousand North, deciding to fight their way home. Along the way, they fought Persians, Armenians, and Kurds to Trapezus on the Black Sea. They fought Westward afterward, along they way helping Seuthes II become King of Thrace, in exchange for payment of money and provisions, before being recruited into the army of General Thibron the Spartan. The March was a success, and Xenophon’s reputation as a general and as a soldier was cemented. He was so highly respected, the Spartans, premier warriors of their age, offered him land in their nation. Xenophon loved the life of a mercenary, and that event began a career that would span nearly thirty years under that name, and one adopted son that would later die in battle.
As Dragon, he was a late bloomer. He did not discover his alternate form at the typical age of 17, but at the later age of 19, in the midst of battle. He discovered his great strength first, and then hard pressed in close-quarters, he felt his body go through the First Change. Singlehandedly, Xenophon slaughtered the knot of Persians around him, and much to his shock and dismay, probably his Greek companions as well. There were no witnesses to his First Change, but a familiar face found him while he stood stunned amongst the bodies; one Socrates – also a Dragon. Little is known about Socrates the Philosopher, and that is how he likes it, Xenophon mentions him in his early writings, but of course makes no mention that Socrates was his Mentor in the new world he was now a part of. For 30 years Xenophon pursued the career of Soldier of Fortune, his exploits and writings still the subject of study in the modern era, all the while growing more powerful and more skilled in the Ways of the Dragon. Xenophon “died” sometime in the Year 354 as a fine Soldier, a Master Horseman, and a renowned chronicler and philosopher, and later he would resurface under another name, unable to turn completely away from the life of a soldier.
For the next century, he dedicated himself to learning all he can about his Race, continuing to work as a mercenary, solider of fortune, and adventurer, amassing great wealth over the years. He resurfaced again under the name Xanthippus the Spartan, a mercenary General hired by Carthage in their War against the Romans during the time of the First Punic War. He trained Carthaginian Soldiers, and led them into the battle of Tunis where they routed the Roman Legion and captured the Roman Consul Marcus Atilius Regulus in the Year 255 BC. It is because of Xenophon, now Xanthippus, that the Carthaginian formation is created; cavalry split in between two wings, mercenary infantry to the right flank with a phalanx of conscripts at the center of the formation, with War Elephants in front of the infantry. Xanthippus loved seeing the Elephants in battle. After the Battle of Tunis, he led the underdog Carthaginian’s into the city of Lilybaeum, which had been under Roman siege, and remembering his long dead friend Clearchus, inspired the City and his Men to an attack that defeated the Romans and sent them packing. However, he was perhaps too good at his job, as the City of Carthage, jealous of his successes, paid his exorbitant fees and sent him afloat in a leaky ship that was lost in the Adriatic Sea. Were he not able to fly, this would have surely killed him – he returned to the mainland, and joined the Roman Legions.
The untimely death of one Quintus Valerius Falto allowed Xenophon the opportunity to take up that man’s name and join the Roman Legions, this time with the Navy. Together with Gaius Lutatius Catulus, he built up and improved the Roman Navy, training the Roman Legionnaires for operations at sea, as well as training the sailors in close combat. The actions of the Roman Navy undermine the successes of the great Carthaginian General Hamilcar Barca, and when Quintus and Gaius claim victor in the Aegetes Islands, they successfully force Barca to surrender when he is denied supplies and reinforcements. Shortly thereafter, Carthage sues for peace and abandons the lands it had taken from the Romans, unable to hold onto them with their Navy in tatters and disarray. Dissatisfied with Carthage’s survival, Xenophon eventually moves on from his role as Quintus, and takes part in the Mercenary War, also called the Truceless War; a number of mercenary armies, backed by Libyan settlements, revolt against Carthage in an effort to wrest control of their territories from their former State of origin. The Mercenaries did not ultimately win this war, but they caused a major setback for Carthage; Xenophon, once again using his real name, arranged to capture the Island Nation fo Sardinia, and then invited the Romans to occupy it. By doing so, when the Carthaginian’s attacked in an attempt to retake the island, Rome used it as a pretext to declare War – causing Carthage to immediately surrender, as it could not afford another War with Rome. This made them a debtor nation to Rome, to the tune of 1200 talents, a sum that somewhat satisfied Xenophon’s sense of justice.
He took part in the Second Punic War, aiding the likes of Scipio, Nero, and others to completely defeat Carthage with Rome emerging decisively victorious and in control of nearly the entire Western Hemisphere. With the end of Carthage, Xenophon’s vengeance was finally complete and he moved on from there, continuing both his life and his career as a soldier and Fire Dragon. From the Punic Wars, he wandered for a time, seeking to broaden his horizons. He remained a mercenary, changing sides once again, he joined with the Greeks, his nation of origin, and fought against the expansionist Roman Republic under the likes of Phillip V and Perseus. Xenophon was in the wars until 148 BC, when the Fourth and last Macedonian War came to an end. From that point forward, he participated in, both quietly and with fame and distinction, in nearly every War of the Ancient World, up to and including the final Fall of the Roman Empire. During the Wars in Britain and against Boudica, he was not with the Romans, but rather with the natives of the Isle. When Rome was sacked, he was there, both times. During the Dark Ages, he disappeared into the Highlands of Scotland, changing his name to Cuchulaine, he dwelled for a very long time in and around the British Isles, giving rise to a number of tales and legends in the area, or simply being made a part of stories that were before even his time. When people speak of the strength of William Wallace, it is more truly the strength and vengeance of Xenophon for his lost love. He took very seriously his appointment as Guardian of Scotland, and served in that role, on and off, both publicly and secretly, until some time after the Battle of Neville’s Cross, where again, his disappeared into history.
Xenophon continued to adventure around the world, fighting in nearly every major conflict of the known world, usually on the side of the underdog. Carthage’s betrayal still left a bad taste in his mouth, and as a result, he tended to side against the nation that was too quick to betray its allies. When the world was opened to exploration, and Columbus crossed the Sea, Xenophon was there amongst the soldiers. When Cortes returned to the New World to make war, Xenophon abandoned the Spanish forces, and joined with the Natives under the guise of a Missionary. Mostly, he explored the New World, looking for the Fountain of Youth and the famed City of Gold, El Dorado, as well as many other map-expanding ventures. He lingered in the New World, fascinated by every discovery, and took part in several conflicts as well as participating in Caribbean Piracy, and what would eventually become the American Revolution. He fought with the Indians, most of the time, against the English almost all of the time. The stories of Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox, could be blamed on the guerilla tactic of Xenophon, as well as his mastery of horsemanship. In time, he was a Continental Marine, and from then on, he participated in what he called the Great Experiment, fighting for the new American Forces in every conflict it engaged in.
He fought in the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee Wars, the Chickamauga Wars, and participated in every Rebellion until the Fries’s Rebellion. He was there for nearly every domestic action, from the War of 1812 to the Civil War and beyond. He continued in this vein all the way through the Viet Nam War, where he served with distinction as Marine Recon, and in a handful of later efforts. Modern Warfare dulled his usually shiny view of a soldier and warrior’s life. The things he saw on the Beach at Normandy, in Korea, and under the rains of Viet Nam left him with a need to do something that did not involve seeing his friends and comrades perish in a fashion that he increasingly found – distasteful. Xenophon assumed the name Xenophon Wallace (claiming a Father fond of Greek classics), and he went into Law Enforcement in the great City of New York.
Throughout his long life, Xenophon has continued to study and Master his Powers. Initially, this was with an eye to improving his chances in battle. He would take every opportunity to even the scales of the one sided Wars he’d participated in, by calling on the Dragon inside him, or on the Fire or Air he could control and manipulate. More than one Nazi brigade met inexplicable ends, as did any number of other enemies he faced throughout history. His time as a police officer, for the last one hundred years or so, has allowed him to refine his ability to disguise himself as a human, turning conscious effort into effortless habit. More recently, he had become disillusioned with the corruption and bureaucracy in Law Enforcement, and has left the Force behind to seek his fortune further south. Xenophon is secretly as wealthy as an Oil Prince, though he lived modestly in the City, retiring most recently from the NYPD as a Detective Captain.
He went to South Beach, Florida and made a name for himself as a top-tier Private Investigator, specializing in VIP Protection, Private High-Profile cases, and Supernatural events. He knew that there was a King in the area, but he had no interest in taking the Throne from anyone, and no interest in Thrones. Despite this the burden of leadership fell to him, as things began to unravel. It is here, investigating a curious set of deaths in the Keys, that he meets his Mate, his Queen, Anacaona. The two share a flash of heat and attraction, and they just know they are meant to be together. It seemed that finding his Mate was the final sign of his mantle, as it is shortly after this he becomes the Dragon King of Florida, and is forced to choose sides in the ancient Blood Feud. His mercenary tendencies curved by the kind-heart of his Queen, Xenophon makes an honest effort to do what is right; he has fought too long and lost too many to not believe in the value of life, human and otherwise. He was always aware of the ancient blood feud with the Vampires, and eas not looking forward to that coming to a head. Xenophon was only too happy to socialize with his kind, and even lend them aid, but early in his Reign he preferred to avoid Vampires and other Preternaturals given the choice. He took on the role of guardianship with his Queen, trying to keep the peace. When the climate changed, for the comfort of his Queen, they moved North, where he gifted her with Teotihuacan and the home they now share.
It is as the Dragon King of Pennsylvania, after battling the twisted Dragon already present, that he and his Queen are forced to go public, as they attempt to save Humanity from their downward spiraling Fate. In the wake of the disaster, Xenophon and his Queen have attempted to do their part to rebuild the world, especially in their area. Xenophon has reigned for decades now, and has bested the rare challenger quite publicly.
Strengths and Weaknesses: (At least 5 of each)
Warrior/Soldier of the Ancient World
- Ancient Cavalryman (Lance and Shield)
- Spartan Hoplite (Spear and Shield)
- Roman Legionnaire (Sword and Shield)
- Mounted Knight (Longsword, Shield, Lance)
Modern Soldier
- US Marine Corps: most recently Force RECON
-- MCMAP Specialist (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program)
- US SOCOM (Special Operations Command)
-- cross-trained USAF Combat Controller.
Weapons: Xenophon is trained and skilled in the user and operation of most modern personal weapons systems, as well as several ancient and commonly used Martial Arts Weapons, such as the knife/dagger. He has earned badges for Marksmanship, has qualified as a Sniper, and earned all his Pins in MC-MAP. Generally speaking, he is not trained to subdue, and even when an opponent is subdued, broken bones are likely.
Law Enforcement
-NYPD Detective Captain
-Police Procedure
-Masters Degree in Criminal Justice w/Behavioral Analysis
-in SWAT rotation
Private Investigator (most recent)
-Licensed to Operate Nationally/Internationally
-Licensed to Carry a Concealed Weapon (rarely does)
-Licensed to Transport Firearms (rarely does)
-Consultant for Local and State PD
-Consultant for Military
-Registered Locally, Nationally, and Internationally
Educational Highlights
-Doctorates in Ancient History and Philosophy (under prior aliases)
-Masters in American History and Government (under prior alias)
-Harvard Law Degree (prior alias)
Broken Coexistence: Xenophon has lived amongst Humanity for a very long time, assuming many identities, including playing his own descendants. He has remained hidden and pursued careers without hindrance prior to the disasters that changed the world and the climate. Now, he is known to be the Dragon King. Once uncovered, he threw the doors wide and admitted to being the Ancient Xenophon of Greek History; perhaps best known for his efforts on behalf of humanity, alongside his benevolent Queen.
Fame/Notoriety/Infamy: Amongst the Dragon Community, as well as the Supernatural Community, the name Xenophon is known. He is known for both his aerial and personal combat abilities, and has suffered no end of personal challenges because of it, by Males seeking to improve their status in the eyes of the Community and available Female Mates. Like the Gunslingers of the Old West, Xenophon often has to put up with being sought out for one kind of fight or another.
Genetic Throwback: It is believed that Xenophon, because of the Feathers apparent on his Dragon and Draconic Form, was abandoned for adoption due to a mixing of Draconic Races. That, or he is a Genetic Throwback to a time when reptiles had feathers. It has not made him any less effective, and in fact, is visually more striking, but there is an element of bigotry amongst his kind for his less than entirely reptilian nature.
Humanity: As a Species, Xenophon has honest affection for Humanity. He has had human lovers and human wives, and still has a number of human friends, though there have been none, save one, he has trusted with his secret over the years, which he sometimes laments. The Wife he had in Scotland knew the truth, but she was killed, which led him to wage war. He continues, to this day, to try his best to protect them from the vagaries of the world and the dangers of his “World”. In the War ahead, if he can be said to have any side, it is the side of the People, more truly than that of the Dragons.
Oathkeeper: Once Xenophon takes an Oath or makes a Promise, unless he has been manipulated into doing such under false pretenses; he keeps his word. This is part of the reason he is bound up in humanity’s safety, and part of the reason he is so well known in his own Community. He would rather suffer to keep his Word, than allow it to be broken, and has risked his life to uphold his Oaths to protect and serve.
Powers:
Control of his Form
Able to make cosmetic changes- though the Human is Xenophon’s “birth” skin, he is able to take it from young man to a man in his retirement with an effort of Will. He has practiced this in order to live among humans without drawing too much attention, particularly thanks to the advance of photography and video.
Very Fine Motor and Reflex Control- he has been amongst humans for nearly his entire life. Without too much conscious effort, he is able to restrain his strength and reflexes when dealing with them, to the point that over the centuries he has had human lovers and wives. Even involuntary reactions are restrained to avoid crushing his partner’s bones to powder, or worse. He’ll always have the edge in a fight, but neither is he prone to cause too many accidental deaths in that context.
Swift Transformations- He does not like to do so, but under duress, he can Change to any of his forms with startling speed. The downside is an enormous appetite thereafter and a need to rest soon, preferably somewhere under the Sun or near a roaring fire. Dragons have to put on a lot of mass for their transformations, particularly a Dragon of Xenophon’s age and size, and as such they must consume mass quantities to make up for the strain of absorbing mass from the air and material around him.
Control of Air and Fire
Air- Subtlety has been a watch word for Xenophon. Where the Dragon could not use Fire, he used Air for the sake of secrecy. It is theorized by mortals that a creature of a Dragon’s size and physiology could not fly without some external means of support, or specialized internal organs. This discounts the control that a Fire Dragon has over air, and air currents. It is, in Xenophon’s opinion, why he can fly at all, though many dispute this claim, he believes that even his detractors are subconsciously manipulating the Air around them whether they know it or not. Theorizing this, with his mentor, he resolved by an effort of Will to do more than unconsciously manipulate the air, as such, over the centuries he has built up an impressive ability to directly manipulate the Air around him, and is able to perform a number of stunts, ranging from snuffing out a fire by removing its fuel, to causing a wave of hardened air to impact a target as something akin to a gale force wind.
Fire: Xenophon can Breathe Fire, which is to be expected, and he can manipulate his own, or any Fire, once it is ablaze and free of someone else’s control. For example, he cannot Control Another Dragon’s breath as it leaves their maw, but the Fires that dragon causes, he can control. He cannot create fire from nothing, as a pyrokinetic might, but he can shape a Fire, enhance or decrease it, shield himself with it, granting him a fiery aura. His control of Fire is not as refined as his control of Air, and because of its destructive and obvious nature, he does not default to this Gift as readily as he does to Air.
RP Sample:
Possibly, 100 years ago...
“Actually, yes, I have, but not too much about him, or too often. I was usually too busy for story time while I was down there.” Xenophon tried not to smile, but failed. “We can always fly the Witch down to one of those places if its been awhile since last you had a heart.” He nodded, “I remembered those stories. Always good to know when you might get eaten or cursed.” Xen grinned, but shook his head slightly. “Athenian, Theban if you must. I dislike this mashing all of us together. Born Attican.” He nodded, “Yes, it’s been a very long time since I had a travel companion.” She nipped his shoulder, and he leaned into the touch, his hand on the side of her head, stroking the line of her jaw to her chin. “I wasn’t teasing. I have a comfortable place for it. Safe, secure, and I certainly don’t think you’re going to rob me.”
Xenophon met her eyes, “Now that I know it is yours, I am not interested in taking anything. I won’t lie and say I’d be excited to finally see it, but that would be personal, I’d not lead anyone there. That would be rude.” His eyebrows rose, “That was you? Ha! Small world. No, I was an explorer and a hired soldier. When I saw that the natives were being bilked, I changed sides in exchange for a tidy sum and some rather beautiful obsidian weapons I still have.” Xen chuckled when she nuzzled him again, and he briefly slid his arms around her, just below her head, pressing himself against a length of her serpentine body for a moment. “I know they weren’t. Modern Colombians, however, are a less peaceful breed…rather, the drug-dealing kind are.” He smiled, “Then someone has you confused for someone else.”
He enjoyed speaking with her, enjoyed her company. Xenophon had met with the King, but that was mostly to make sure the King knew he didn’t mean him any grief. He hadn’t spent an extended amount of time in any Dragon’s company, save for those that came into Miami to challenge him. That happened more often than he liked. He smiled in returned when she was pleased with his jacket being given to her. He whispered, his lips brushing her ear, “Yeah, but he doesn’t know that.” Xen straightened, “Be right back, I gotta go see some mooks about a girl.” With that he sauntered out, calling, “Ollie Ollie Oxen free!”
Xen was soon out of view. The other Dragon and the Witch could both hear what could only be called a ruckus. There were some cries, several thumps, and about a handful of gunshots that ended with someone screaming out, “Ya shot me! Ya bastard!” There was another scream, two more shots, one more scream, and silence. A moment later there came the rhythmic thumping of someone being dragged down the stairs, and from the sound of the groans, back towards the large summoning/living room.
Xenophon reentered the room dragging a burly man by his ankle; the man was altered by a spare hole through his hip, and what looked like severe bruising about his face. The Greek Dragon now held a pistol in his hand, a Glock that he found rather distasteful. He preferred his M9, but he rarely carried it. “This scholar says our Colombian friends have a home in the Keys. He also says he remembers seeing a young blonde woman around the pool, being kept doped up. He didn’t know her name though.” He leaned down and wiped his bloody hand on the man’s clothes; he’d had to push his thumb into the bullet wound to get him to talk. “He won’t bleed to death; I had my answering service schedule a Nine-One-One call for him in about fifteen minutes. Unless we’re killing folks today, we should get moving.”
PB Name: Taylor Kitsch
Pictures: (Optional but preferred)
