Mike's character

Vitals

Background

In early 1272, Andor Morgorn Essonay was born into the Essonay family. He was only 6 months old when his mother was slain by those Talazcian marauders.

From the age of 6 months until he was 3 years old, Andor was always restless and hated being confined. To occupy his time, he sought ways to attract the most attention from maternal figures, whether they were nannies or aunts. He was constantly running off in hopes that they would come catch him. He didn't mind being caught. To Andor, it was a fun game.

When he was about 4 years old, his father, Rusland, married an elf, Crisaira. When he had learned that his father betrayed his mother's memory, Andor was crushed and cursed his father. He and Olandrion even went to the lengths of trying to run away. They did not get very far. The master-at-arms brought them back, slung over his saddle; and, needless to say, Andor was unmanageable after that. Despite being a prince, Andor was taught discipline by his father's hand to his backside for the next year. Olandrion, a bit older at seven years of age, needed to be told only once.

It wasn't until Crisaira gave birth to her first child did Andor begin to think that might be okay to stop hating the elven woman. While his older brother spent a large amount of time with his father, Andor was mostly left up to his own devices; so, he became increasingly curious about his new siblings and elves himself.

Timeline

1272 - Andor was born.

1272 - Andor's mother died.

1275 - At age 3, Rusland married Crisaira.

1276 - At age 4-5, Andor's PC siblings were born.

1286 - At age 14, he became an apprentice to one of the court's high-wizards, Ermanzian the Blind.

1289 - At age 17, Andor could not keep up with his studies and was released from his apprenticeship. Some say it had to do with his penchant for after-hour activities. Others say the boy did not have aptitude.

1289 - At age 17, Andor decided he needed a fresh start and realigned himself with the family, so he started training to become a warden. He even took up falconry, as well, and carries with him a hawk named "Rani."

1291 - At age 19, Andor discovered that his communing with nature took him away from the towns. He thought the wardens were a bit extreme and that they lacked verve.

1291 - It didn't take long for Andor to discover that the only true path for an Essonay was to follow in the footsteps of his brother; so, he joined the military.

1296 - At age 24, Andor has returned from a long campaign along (some place to be determined). He is looking to find his bride-to-be and settle into his place within the kingdom, whatever that maybe.

Current Situation

"I am cold, wet and hungry. A slice of beef, a few potatoes, some corn muffins and a heavy ale...what more could I ask for? Perhaps a lass to share a bed with tonight. That might not be a bad thing. It's been a few years since I have been back to the tower. I am looking forward to seeing my family. All of these battles have been wearing on me; but, it passes the time. It beats being confined in these walls, I suppose.

"I need to go find my brother. He owes me a few coins from our last bet. Speaking of bets, I wager a hundred coins that he has already found himself a wife and that I will be riding into their wedding ceremony this very evening. Maybe I will find my wife there at the celebration. Many things can change in a few years...

"I bet my younger brothers and sisters will be there, too. I wonder how they are doing. I hope that they have not burned down the tower since I have not been around to keep them all out of trouble. Heh. I can't imagine how my brother can expect to keep a whole kingdom out of trouble, when I have a hard enough time keeping my brothers and sisters in line. Heh. Anyway, I should probably head to the tower and see what's — Ooooh. There's a new tavern over there. Maybe, I will stop in there first, for a muffin."

Personality

Andor is a bright young man. Outwardly, he is exceedingly handsome and walks with a confident gait. Andor is immediately accepting and would never be seen as stand-offish. Some of the nobility look down on this, as it appears that Andor would embrace a common man as he would a noble. He is quick with a smile or even a smirk. The common folk like Andor and find him endearing. They think he provides his older brother Olandrion with balance.

Andor is by no means the greatest of fighters; he has seen his share of battles, however, and can hold his own. He prefers to negotiate rather than to brawl but his temper will flare when it comes to affairs of the family.

Relationships

Tyrus (half-brother): Ah, my younger half-brother and his sister. Tyrus' a good sport; but, he spends too much time away from court. Always out in the woods, Tyrus is. He's a good kid and very handy with a sword for someone so young. He is better than I am; but, I will never admit it..at least to him. I hope Tyrus will be around. We'll go raid the palace pantry and acquire ourselves a casket of ale. Then, we'll kick dirt and tell lies about what we've been doing over the last year or two.

Keilyn (half-sister): Keilyn. Who knew that Grandfather's blood would have been so dominant in that half-elf? Keilyn is strong, and she is not afraid to show it. She and her brother fit well together; and, I cannot think of two other that I would have watching my back. I think Keilyn will be a tough one to marry off, indeed. He'll have to be strong for certain; and, a gambling man. Maybe, I will see about finding a man to tame her. That could prove to be my most distinguished accomplishment; and I bet I can get Tyrus to help me.

Elisiana (half-sister): Elisiana is the youngest of us all and probably the most demanding. That is the way with youngest; and, she idolizes me. Now, I never thought that I would be anyone's idol; but, that is something I can probably live with. Last I heard, Elsiana recently has followed my footsteps and become an apprentice to Ermanzian the Blind. She'll probably get further than I did with her magical studies. It is too early to tell if she'll use care with the knowledge that Ermazian is giving her. Regardless, all of us dote on the youngest. Speaking of which, I brought her back a surprise.

Eisandre (no relation): Eisandre and Elisiana seem to always be together, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Whenever I used to enter the room, those two would just look at me as if I were a mouse that stepped into a cat's den. She is always around and appearing to be very proper. I wonder if she ever lets her guard down for anyone. Curious...

Olandrion (older brother): My brother, the crusader and future ruler of Essonay. Olandrion is a natural leader, thank Uril. Father is really proud of him; and, he should be. Olandrion tends to get a little overworked about the small mundane details; but, I think that is his way of dealing with the large responsibility on his shoulders. I think he is a little jeolous of me an my sister, as I know he has expressed interest in crusading throughout the lands. I think he feels a little suffocated by his current and future responsbilities. I'd do anything for Olandrion.

Mirela (older sister): Mirela is my confidante. When my mother died, I confided in her about everything from how I felt about my father neglect, to my step-mother's hatred to my restlessness in my life. When I get back to the castle, I should hope to spend a few hours talking to her about prospective wives.

Rusland (father): My father, the Adevan of Essonay. There is so much to say and so much to not say about the man. I'd do anything for him; but, sometimes I feel it will never be enough. He's always been hard on me; but, I know it is because he does love me. So, I put up with his outlandish fits of anger...but as he grows older I think I have shown him that I am a capable man. I have, after all, shown my worth in battle.

Crisaira (step-mother): Crisaira and I did get off to a bad start. I hated her. No woman was going to take my mother's place. Though, my memories of my mother only exist of paintings of her image. It was when Tyrus and Keilyn were born did I realize how important she was to my father. My fits and tirades have lessened; and, I have come to accept her in our family. She and I are not as close as I am with her sons and daughters; but, she has earned my respect within the family.

Rani (familiar): Rani is Andor's hawk familiar. When Andor left Ermanzian's tutelege, he struck out on the path to becoming a warden. Andor retained quite a bit of what Ermanzian had tought him, and Andor found that useful when out in the wilderness. During one of his warden exercises, he managed to find himself hopelessly lost. Reaching back into his mind, he recalled a spell wizards used to contact animals. Andor reached out with his mind and recited the words to the spell. Seconds later, a screech come from above. It was a hawk. Smiling up at the sky, Andor shouted at the bird and held out his arm. The hawk swooped down and perched himself on his arm. The moment the hawk landed, Andor heard a barely audible click in his head. He stared in awe as he was able to feel what the hawk was feeling. Instinctively, he stroked the bird's head, "All right, Rani. Let's go home."