Gaius Arctorus

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Seeming Fairest Draconic
Court Summer Court •••
Freehold House of Cards
Player Jake Tessler

Contents


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Overview

Alias(es): Gaius Arctorus
Real Name: Maxwell Brooks
Location: Orlando, FL
Age/Apparant age: Apparent Age - 40's
Seeming: Fairest
Kith: Draconic
Court: Summer
Virtue: Prudence
Vice: Wrath
Concept: Reluctant General / Roman Warlord / Leader of Men
Physical description:
Mask
Standing just under six feet tall, Gaius is only unassuming so long as you do not meet his gaze. Close cropped hair and a close trimmed beard keep his face looking neat sit over his rather conservative dress; often in slacks and a dress shirt, though occasionally he wears an old fashioned trench coat and hat.
Mein
Even in his mein, Gaius remains unassuming, save for the peircing gaze and the faint shimmer of greenish-black scales that replace his skin. Most often, his hedgespun clothing looks to an old roman style, be it the red tunic of a warrior, or the leather armor of his brother-knights.
Relevant Mechanics: Striking Looks 4, Mantle (Summer) 2
Character Livejournal: The Summer Dragon
Contact: Jake Tessler
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Rites of Summer (History)

Pre-Arcadia

When I was born does not truly matter anymore; the world has moved on since then. Though it be many years ago now, years filled with warfare and conflict, it is the memories of my family that I come to, most often. Growing up, I remember clearly my brothers and sisters - even the ones that were never spoken of; always present like some unseen and evil presence that lay just outside the light. I was a fool, then, to think so - true evil is what I would come to know years later.

I remember my life, to an extent. I remember my home, my wife and children - it was their memory that guided my back through the brambles; and yet it is that selfsame memory that now keeps me adrift. It is only after these ten years returned to the real world that I have come to some understanding of my own past; some clarity upon the topic. I was a professor, of roman history, ironcically enough; and it was that which let my family prosper. I had thought, correctly or not, that I had the perfect life.

And then the Others came.

Gaius Arctorus of Faerie

I can recall only scores of men and the screams of the dead and dying. To this day I remain unsure why I was taken, why the Gentry were called to me, and why I found myself in the service of Marcus Julius Draconis. I know only such an odd mixture of pain and pleasure; service was to be rewarded, and yet there was something that I failed him in... and the horrible disappointment that filled me at the thought of displeasing my master. Some deeper memory, rooted in sinew and muscles, tells me that the price of failure was the most horrible pain that the flesh can know, and yet the sleeping memories in my mind can only call to mind pleasure of every description.

The memories of my family, however, would not die within this strange land. Even under the lacings of the pomagranate drugs and wine, they rose like a coiled serpent each night to torment me with the thoughts of what was left at home. In truth... I dare say I lost myself in those times. I knew only the field of battle, or the field of the arena; was brother to blood and death.

How many years passed in such a fashion I cannot say. I know only that the man that I was... and the man that the Gentry wished me to be somehow gave birth to the man I am today. Indeed, it was my family that drew me back, but it was James that awoke me back to my own self.

Those dreams haunt me yet; of the terror in the eyes of the dead and dying as the enchantment was torn from the eyes of myself and the man I thought was my opposing general. The Others were pleased with the show, the tactical display of force against force; slave and servant dressed like soldier. The pomagranete wine would come tonight, for sure.

But there would be no joy in its taste for me, only ash and decay.

The Escape

Names and faces came to me like poppies on the summer wind; and slowly a plan began to form. Like many things, it was stillborn before it began as what mind can truly understand the cruelty or alien intellect of the Gentry? I lost count of the number of times I tried to escape, and each time it was arrow, trap, or bolo that brought me crashing back to earth like unto Icarus. This... this was my first meeting of Orion. To this day I do not begrudge him his service then to the Gentry, left as a constant reminder that we were all Lost, were all slaves, and that throuh service, strength, and honor, can we thus be redeemed.

But even the hunter in the night could not catch me forever. The details remain hazy to me yet, however I remember the surge of glory and pride as we made our escape, through our own bravery and the cunning of my motley and others. In truth, the honor is moreso theirs, aiding or guiding us in our escape; myself, James... Gwalchavad. I know not how many others followed in our way, for the brambles tear more than just flesh and fabric; memories and peices of the self get left behind on those thorny joints.

And at the end? Panic and confusion for the haze of twisting heather and holly; marked only with the etherial glow of a woman who I would not come to know until many years later, and the light of the real world awaiting.

Beginnings

There is little I will speak of, in those years after we came from the hedge. Know only that me and my men, brother and sisters in arms, stand the line against the Others. We are all free now - and ever shall we remain so. It is the honor of us that we pay the needed vigilance towards it, and it is within our strength that sheild and spear are given muscle and movement.

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The Dragon Speaks... (Connections)

Please keep this area alphabetized. If you are connected to Gaius, please put your Wiki link down and I will provide a suitable quote from him. Thanks!

Groups

  • Brotherhood of Chains - Brothers in faith and fraternity; for who truly can know what rigors we have felt from our time under the chain. Our chains are not broken, brothers; nay, they are linked.
  • Brambles Alchemy - An interesting group of people, this Motley. Each aids the whole in their own way, yet I cannot help but think that the current times chafe upon them and wear away their bonds of friendship.
  • The House of Cards - My home, and the central base for our efforts and our forces. A crossroads, in many senses, the Freehold is in need of our defense, our aid, and our guidance.
  • Order of The Isle - Mystics and seers, sages. Though I honor my words, and I honor the portents that have led me to this place, I cannot shake my dislike of mystics and madmen.
  • The Praesidium - My brothers and sisters in arms, these are the best that stand among the Lost, and who stand to defend the lost.


People

  • Ae Lament - Oh, Janus - your ways walk strongly in this one. Is it fate, or simple purpose, that has brought her to our doorstep?
  • Althea Sexton - She is the sea, personified, and given form. Deep, unknown, and unknowable. Nevertheless, her wisdom is always welcomed.
  • Cage Adams - Never have I met a swifter man... save perhaps my brother. Gods above help us if the two ever decide to race!
  • Caius Arctorus Paendragon - Brother and second in command... and missed. Though I have given my word, I need like it not that I have sent him into the frozen north on the word of pagans and savages.
  • Cato Septimus Tag - It's been years since I had seen his face, and yet the same haunted look in his eyes spoke the same volumes of mine own. They spoke but a word, and that word was Draconis.
  • Celest Silverstorm - A fascinating woman, comprised of a mixture of grace, showmanship, and stealth. A pinnacle of her court; I enjoy the winters of Som i'Seely most.
  • Dog - It is said that truth can come out of the mouths of children - what then for the wise man with a child's mind?
  • Durendal - One of my brothers, and one of the many links between my Order and Edria's. Gods protect the demon that tries to outrun him, or the foe that stands before him and his chosen goal.
  • Dzxoxian Brokehorn - Strong arm and a strong heart, and definetely a good man. Now if only he would stop trying to arrange my bachelor party.
  • Erised - Excitable fellow, isn't he.
  • Gallowglass - Though our methods differ, we share an understanding, he and I.
  • Gwalchavad - There are few others I would wish at my back in a fight; Gwalchavad and I have fought through the brambles of the hedge together, and come out the stronger for it.
  • Gwyneira Blythe - If ever there is a reminder of my feelings towards my Court, it is she. For the Summer sun can heat, can warm and sooth - but also can it scorch, burn, and blister.
  • Horace "Race" Ardent - I swear I would have recruited this man. If only he would just sit still long enough...
  • James Daniels - In him I see such a measure of myself that it is no small wonder we should walk in similar, if wholly different, paths. I would say he is the other side of the coin, yet we compliment each other too well upon the field of battle and glory.
  • Jonathan Brooks - Woe to my line that my own grandson was taken in such a fashion, and the gods be praised to his strength that he has escaped. I cannot say I agree with him being present in Thorns, but perhaps it is a needed distance.
  • Kalen Blazenheart - I could ask for no better shield-mate and brother. Yes, Brother-Decurion, I am fully aware she has breasts. Move along.
  • Lady Zephyr - Dearest of my sisters, and as fierce in battle as the best of my men. It is to her that I turn for counsel when the vagaries of this life wear upon me.
  • Lance Drake - A loyal friend and good man... and yet, if only I could recall where I know him from, or why his face strikes such a chord in me.
  • Lilium - Why is her face so familiar... and yet so distant?
  • Marcus Antonius - Debate or orate against him in contest? I think I would rather bare-knuckle box with an Ogre... it is likely to be far safer!
  • Merlin - I am not your Arthur, old man.
  • Orion - The man walks under a hunter's moon. If he seeks you... do not run. He shall only find you wearied.
  • Penelope Mal - I am positive you could be better served by bothering someone else, Penny.
  • Rook - Oh, but for the grace of the gods, and the honor of my men, go I.
  • Ryver - The Winter King of the House of Cards? He has settled well into his role, despite some rocky beginning. Still, though, I do wish he would not worry so much about if I show my emotions.
  • Saga - Well, I'll be damned. He's still alive? You'd do well to listen to him when he speaks; strength and honor are in his ways.
  • Sundowner - It has been far too long since I have seen my old friend, bits and peices of my memories from Arcadia only letting me remember how instrumental he was in orchestrating messages between me and my men before our escape.
  • Tanith - Do not be blinded by the sheen of her silver scales, young sir; she is as deadly a viper as any... and one who stands within our order with strength and honor.
  • The Colonel - Ah, Aquila... we come from two separate worlds, you and I, and yet our ways walk hand-in-hand. I am heartened you have joined us in our quest.
  • Velios, Lord of Leaves - An honor to know, even if he feels his durance was easier upon him than the rest of us... something he shant ever let himself forget. Rest easy, friend... the Others have harmed us all in equal ways.
  • The Wise Woman - If ever there was a definition for the term "necessary evil"... she would be it.
  • Wayland Smith - Another of my brothers, whose chosen path has called him to the forge. Whereas I swing the swords he makes, he swings the hammer that crafts; each to our place and purpose - thus all prosper.
  • X-Caliber-8 - Gods keep him strong and pure, that he remain a symbol for our own strength.
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Musings

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There are actually three different faces of Gaius, that of his personal, public, and warfare facades. In private, with friends or family, he is the quiet older brother who tends to be more thoughtful then boisterous. The toils of his time in the Faerie can be clearly seen in his eyes, and it is something that burns in the back of his mind like a slowly smoldering blaze. The injustice of the Keepers is the warmth that continually fuels him, and keeps him focused on the tasks of defending his family, his people, and rescuing others from Faerie.

Within the scope of politics, the mask of his control and reserve comes down over his face and he strives to be the consummate leader; the natural quietness of him is suppressed a little bit, and he seems to channel that inner fire into the improvement and betterment of his lands and people, always seeming to strive for a fair and even-handed result to any problems that arise. There is, to his mind, no question that he should be in charge and that, to an extent, most of the Fairest should be so likewise, because they are quite simply better at it – each piece of the Freehold that acts according to its true nature betters the Freehold.

It is, however, on the field of battle that Gaius truly shines. A born battlefield commander, Gaius combines the teachings of Ancient Warfare from his many years as a History Professor and the knowledge gained of fighting and the ways of the Gentry from his time in Faerie. If anything, more so than politics, the battlefield is where his true nature as a Fairest is shown, and where the inner fire that drew him to the Summer Court turns into a blazing aura. A consummate commander, Gaius is fearless on the battlefield and uses the natural social prowess of the Fairest to inspire his men, soldiers, troops, or knighthood to greater bravery and victory. In combat, the product of his gladiatorial experience, Draconic seeming, and the harshness of his wrath and solemn vow to never allow anyone else to fall into that slavery again combines to create a both brutal and effective warrior.

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Character Inspirations

  • 300
  • HBO's Rome
  • Gladiator
  • Arthurian Legends
  • Clive Owen's "Arthur"
  • Cyclops from X-Men
  • Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady
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Soundtrack

  • Blood and Passion - Heather Alexander
  • March of Cambreath - Heather Alexander
  • Tears of the Dragon - Bruce Dickinson
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Quotes

"Gaius Arctorus? I don't know who that is." - Laurel Thorn

"Like him? Well yes I suppose I am marrying him and he's very brave and good and all that. But like him? He's so...roman. It's like conversing with a rock. Of course he runs away everytime I try to talk to him. Apparantly a priestess is more ferocious than your average hedge beast." - Edria Meredith

"It's funny how perspective can change things. I don't understand him. He terrifies me. But I feel like things wouldn't be the same anymore if I left and that terrifies me more. I've made my choice, even if others don't understand it. Here I am safe. Here in his embrace the world works as it should and if only for a few moments, I am rescued." - Edria Meredith

"The stuffy, terse jackass hasn't declared me kill on sight yet for tormenting his army. Shows he's got more sense than most." - die Rattenkönigin

"He is the noontide sun, diamond-white in the azure sky. Quiet, fierce, and indomitable." - Lady Zephyr

"An ally to this one. I fear neither of us entirely understands the other, but both know the lengths that the other will go to defend what is important to them." - James Daniels

"We're from different worlds, that's just God's truth. But as odd as he and his troops are, soldiers of all stripes are a part of a family. He don't back down, and as long as he's willing to fight the good fight... I'll call him my brother." - Horace "Race" Ardent

"My brother is formed from stone, the world is his hill, and he aims to roll you over." - Durendal

"Just like a man, never knowing when to stop blundering through the hedge and ask for directions" - Kalen Blazenheart

"Your right, there is a difference between Draconic and all other types of Fairest, though I'm not quite sure about the car analogy...Oh, I get what your trying to say. It's the difference between a showy sports car that dosn't have anything under the hood, and a finely crafted peice of automotive machinery." {Aside to Gaius}"Yes that makes you the finely crafted peice of machinery, don't let it go to your head."- Kalen Blazenheart in a conversation on Fairest kiths

"Gaius's temper is Eternal Summer in all of it's glory... Blindingly bright, passionate, indomidable... Most would find it terrifying, but I count myself blessed to be one of the very few than can stand before it's blaze and not get burned... For instead of blinding me, the fires of his rage only more clearly illuminates the heart of the man I know is beneath"- Kalen Blazenheart

"There is none other like unto him. Keep thy rumors, I have no need of them." - Gwalchavad

"I think he needs a kitten. Everyone loves kittens. They're so cute and fuzzy!" - Gwyneira

"Nobility, thy name is Gaius Arctorus. Here is a man who will do what it takes in the name of truth, honor and what is right. I am proud to call him brother in arms and trust in his strong shoulders to bear the mantle of leadership that lies upon him." - Master Antonius

"Gaius claims I taught him to fight in Arcadia. I honestly don't know about that or why his face is so God-damned familiar. All I truly know about Gaius is that he took one of the brightest lights of New England from us and replaced her with another thug. One day he and I will have words on that, the day his Thug can't heal one of our dying. Until then, I consider him a friend and an ally. I really hope our day of "talking" never comes. I do like the Jackass for all his frigging pomp and circumstance." - Saga

"Gaius Arctorus?? Definitely a seasoned fighter. Defender of the Lost as they escape. Enemy to the loyalist and the Gentry in general. He is someone I have had the honor of fighting with back to back ... never once did I give a thought about him allowing something or someone to attack me ... as he should know the same of me. Just wish I knew where I knew him from." - Drake

"See, it's wierd. He's a Fairest, he's military, and he's a noble, self-sacrificing type of motherfucker, which are all things I need like I need burning, poisonous goddamn cockroaches living in my ballsack, right? But for all that, he's actually pretty fucking cool." - Dzxoxian Brokehorn

"Slide into place, boy. It'll hurt less if you follow the story. Besides, your Fair Lady isn't bad. Better then you deserve that is sure." Penelope Mal

"He got the brains and the brawn in the family, and I got the... Come to think of it, what did I get? Must be these short legs. I think I get gyped. No wonder I'm angry!" - Wayland Smith

"'ey! Dis mon got meh out of de Hell I wos in and I'm damn well glad for it!" - Marrow (In Little Rock)

"Didn't get to talk to him much, but the man has honor and dedication. I can respect that. Kalen and him approached me about The Praesidium. He understood my hesitation with trust. Added points in my book. I'll help him and any other of The Praesidium, as long as it doesn't put me in the front line." - Celest

"The man commands people. I do not know fear, but I am wary of him. Why? When I fear none in my own city and not even my Keeper causes me dread? Because of one simple fact... he gives them hope. A man will do a lot with that. He can also die without it once its proven false. Trust no one, hope in nothing, and you cannot be hurt." - Kei

"I always kinda suspected Gaius was a Frank Sinatra fan. I can totally see him on stage, bright lights on him, in his tights and tight leather armor and skirt, singing 'My Way.'" - Ox on discussing what Gaius might like for Christmas

"You always look like you need a hug." - Hannah, said after hugging Gaius for seemingly no reason.

"Him have dandruff, always scratch head when Raph try say stuff" - Rapheal "Raph" Carddec

"I think he is planning to kill me and then make a Rift suit out of me. But I have been up for three days now thanks to this magic nose candy so I may be getting paranoid. Oh, no wait he did threaten to kill me, or was that everyone else?" - Rift Hendrix

"BROTHER GAIUS!! A fine and strong man who is equally adept locked in a dance of steel or crafting fine strategies to combat the wicked!!" - Captain Adonis Von Catterwaul

"Gaius...what can I say? He is a strong and loyal individual, one that I am glad to know...yet the wind....it blows for the tears he hasn't cried. I hope one day he allows them to fall. There are others willing to catch them..." - Ryver

Watch as he runs around with his little army. Do they not remind you of bellicose penguins running towards there own demise without seeing the bigger picture?" - Nwabudike Osi-Kofi

"Were he not so self-righteous, I might respect a man of his bravery. Might." - Thomas Thorn

"Gaius? One day he and I will dance. But, he's too good at promoting Laurel's dream to let it happen now." - Dominic Thorn

"Overall, I like him. When something makes me want to smash my head against the wall I can normally look over and see the same pained expression in his face. So... that's good at least." - Van Silverstorm

"Gaius is a great mentor for the Summer Court. His guiding hand has helped lead me through more challenging times as Ace. I hope his guiding light never burns out." - Victor Smith

"Gaius is a good man. He's been helping since I recently came back to Orlando to find that things are different. Though, for some reason he and Edria seem uncomfortable that they are both old enough to be my parents... I wonder why that is." -Tani

"I would accept him as a Foster Father if he were still with Kalen. I value him as a civil Summer Court, and often wish that Kalen could be more like him is her brooding. His quiet simmering would be much more welcome than her embrassing growls. It is obvious that he and my foster mother belong together though, only Van and Cel move with such synchronous motion as these two, and there is no doubt of the oneness of the twin's soul in either couple." -Danny Darling

"Gaius is not a fighter, he is a protector. It is a waste of raw talent. It is not enough for him and the Praesidium to lay and wait to be hit as well as to be unappreciated by those other than his freehold. If he would only stand up and fight back that is what hurts a gentry and dares them to cross. For now he is little more than the caged beasts in his gladiator days." -Nicadeamus

"Gaius wants me as dead as the cowboy but I am not his worste enemy, he just needs to look around himself, perhaps even in a mirror." - The Highwayman

"You may not remember those days past, but they loom over my very soul. Prices were paid in blood, tears and pieces of ourselves, though I surely did not pay the same price as you my friend." - Velios, Lord of Leaves

"Circles are not lines, forests are not orchards." - Nujalik

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Rumors

  • There is tension between Laurel Thorn and Gaius, but what?
  • Gaius had some sort of blowup with Jonathan Brooks, causing the latter to move out and live in another city.
  • Gaius is the reason The Wise Woman lost her eyes.
  • Serious effort is now underway in planning Gaius's bachelor party.
  • Gaius is secretly married to Kalen Blazenheart...Either that or remains her lover despite his betrothal to her neice Edria
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