♛ INFO ♛

[aeviternum]

( PLAYER INFORMATION )
- ★ NAME: Nina
- ★ AGE: Over 18
- ★ TIMEZONE: GMT +10
- ★ CONTACT: neensperry@gmail.com
- ★ CURRENT CHARACTERS & LATEST AC: None

( CHARACTER INFORMATION )
- ★ NAME: Arthur Pendragon
- ★ AGE: Late 20’s/early 30’s
- ★ CANON & CANON POINT: Series 5, episode 1 - Arthur's Bane (Part 1)
- ★ CANON INFORMATION: Merlin Wikia | BBC’S Merlin at Wikipedia

- ★ PERSONALITY:

Arthur is a boy raised to be King, someone who has sought to learn all he can about how he would chose to rule his Kingdom, from his father, from tales of Camelot’s ruler’s past and from those in positions of power around him. Brave and courageous, he has grown to be such through training as a knight, under the tutelage of those skilled in battle. On the surface, Arthur might seem little more than an arrogant, self entitled monarch who expects his whims met by those around him. For much of his youth this is exactly how he behaved, but time and lessons learned have shown there is certainly more to the young royal than his appalling attitude. The want to do good, behave with a noble heart and create a Kingdom that is ruled justly and with compassion for it’s citizens has always been within Arthur, but it is without a doubt it is both through experience and those closest to him that have influenced and encouraged the man Arthur has become.

The Prince's birth was the result of magic, Uther's wife was unable to conceive – so the King turned to sorcery to bring him an heir; for the creation of Arthur's life, Ygraine's was discovered to be forfeit and she died in childbirth. Uther's grief turned to rage and the set about purging the Kingdom of magic. Magic users met execution, regardless of their good practice or innocence; women and children were no exception. The King's word was final, and citizens of Camelot were ruled by fear above all. Despite being unaware of the circumstances of his birth until adulthood: Arthur was raised to despise magic in all it’s forms as his father did, to know without exception no good could come of it, no good could be achieved with it. For certain Arthur regards his father as a highly successful leader as he has before and during his own reign has made comment in greatly admiring and respecting his father’s conviction and courage in decision making, alongside his ability to have built a Kingdom that was secure, strong and prosperous, fearing he did not possess the same qualities to rule.

Observing his father’s reign might have built the foundation for Arthur’s, but he has never sought to emulate his father entirely, choosing in many ways to act upon values, morals and strengths closer to his own heart whilst still acknowledging his father’s better qualities where he believed credit was due. ‘Without the people there is no Camelot. We're as much their servant as they are ours.’ Arthur spoke of owing much to the people he will lead, meaning to be accountable for all he does, and to actively serve to earn his Kingdom's loyalty and trust.

Arthur’s own attitude toward magic, and how compassion and kindness should not be considered a weakness in a ruler is put to the test by a druid boy, spotted within Camelot’s walls. Uther had the boy hunted down for a public execution, intending to demonstrate Camelot’s steadfast laws and strength, as well as to continue to suppress the druid people and their magic. Arthur, aware druids were a peaceful people, believed it right, above all else that Camelot should respond with mercy, the boy had done nothing. To Arthur by showing mercy one too could show strength, but it fell upon deaf ears. After appealing to his father failed, Arthur chose to defy his father and take the risk of helping the boy to freedom, ensuring he was returned to the druids.

Arthur is capable of seeing the individual and their circumstances, practicing sympathy regardless the involvement of magic, bringing light to the strength of his moral compass, and his choice to follow it in light of innocence, and seeing that the punishment should always fit the crime, regardless his bias. However it is in Arthur witnessing his father’s death by magic that ensured, even as King and with a far more open and reasonable mind than his father ever had, the ban on magic would not be lifted.

With such a heart for all that is just and good prevailing, how can it be that Arthur behaves like such an utter prat? As the only son and heir of King Uther, Arthur was treated from birth as the precious gift he was, raised without want for anything, it is no wonder he grew with rather a healthy ego, to say the least, as well as great pride in all the Pendragon name stands for, all that is expected from a King. As soon as he was old enough to grasp the concept, Arthur was aware of how important he was to Camelot and it’s future and this has not changed in his adult years. Indeed, in many ways he had it easy, though his upbringing brought all the luxury and privilege of royalty, it was not entirely enviable; Uther expected much of his son, the future King. Arthur would speak of the weight upon his shoulders, the destiny that lay ahead being near too much at times; but only very privately to Merlin or Guinevere.

Thus in knowing all too well the meaning of hard work, and the effort and discipline it takes to master a skill, Arthur expects others to take to their own work with the very same same ethic. Hence Merlin’s irritatingly regular complaints toward any one of his countless chores are met by anything from mockery and insult to mild violence from Arthur. Perhaps the royal’s less that subtle way of saying get on with it. So it is not that Arthur is not entirely a self-entitled brat, more he expects a standard from those around him, just as he takes pride in the standards expected of him. Of course, that isn't to say sometimes he is actually just being nothing more than an irritable prat that won't be made to pick his own clothing up off the floor.

Pride is perhaps a fault of Arthur's personality as sometimes he struggles to see past it, when Camelot is plagued by famine and Arthur is confronted with a series of tests that might lift it, the test of pride is his downfall. Or take near every time he has lashed out at Merlin’s generally rather harmless quips? Merlin's frequent ridicule of Arthur’s emotions, abilities, intelligence or weight, however fun or light-hearted are always met negatively with anything from a simple ‘shut up’ to a downright explosive, generally violent response from his master. Pride too has seen Arthur make poor decisions, initially ignore (Merlin’s) advice, act too rashly or without thinking. Pridefulness does not make Arthur incapable of humility, it is just that at times it takes a shock to the system, initial failure at his task or the words of a loved one to help him see past it.

Arthur’s most important relationships aside from family have, for the most part come about in his adulthood, helping him to see there is still more he yet has to learn.

Without doubt, Merlin is Arthur’s closest and most trusted friend. He has remarked so more than once, even if his outward behaviour does not always seem to project the close bond he has with Merlin. Though blissfully unaware of their entwined destinies, Merlin’s arrival in Camelot was inadvertently momentous for Arthur all the same; when faced with Arthur’s rude, haughty attitude Merlin did not grovel, nor show his superior respect where he had certainly not earned it, he tells Arthur quite plainly how little he thinks of him and his behaviour, even after learning he is the Prince. At first Arthur was thrown by Merlin’s gall, but it also stirred a mark of respect in Arthur, even if he would be loathed to admit it.

On the surface, to some Arthur’s friendship might seem oddly grudging, however it is Merlin who has taught Arthur the value of true friendship over a crowd of sycophantic followers, and the value of seeing beyond titles or the worth of a man no matter his birth. It can be reasoned then, despite Merlin’s disrespect and at times negligence as a servant, Arthur sees true loyalty offered, and thus he rewards it in return. Merlin drinks from a poisoned chalice to protect him, Arthur embarks on a dangerous quest to find the cure. It would not be the last time one offered their live to protect the other. Their friendship endures because of strong loyalty and trust, and Arthur will not for a moment let anyone consider Merlin ‘expendable’ due to merely being a servant.

Perhaps it could be said Merlin’s friendship and the (not terribly obvious) respect forged between them that aided in opening Arthur’s mind to the words of those around him. Arthur’s intrigue of Guinevere as more than just Lady Morgana’s servant is piqued when she both argues for the rights and the ability of the women to defend their home as well as the men, and shortly after scolds him for petulantly refusing to eat the only food the poor settlement of Ealdor has scraped together. She boldly calls upon him to behave with humility or honour, not just claim he is a man of such values without following through. In times of self-doubt Guinevere has assured Arthur of the hope he inspires in those who depend on him. Guinevere always speaks from the heart, and his love for her encourages him to do the same at all times. Guinevere would later be crowned the Queen of Camelot, deeply loved by Arthur for her strength, honesty great wisdom and support as a ruler beside him.

Arthur’s hope holds strong, near indomitable even in the darkest of situations. He will face death without second thought, if there is even a faint promise of victory and for the safety of those dependant on him. When Lady Morgana’s treachery is revealed, and time, and time again her efforts to destroy Arthur and his Kingdom do not cease, a confrontation with her still finds Arthur trying to appeal to the girl he grew up with, and knew to be kind, sweet and strong willed in her compassion. Stubbornly he refuses to give up the hope that there is some good left in her.

From rude young prince, Arthur has grown to become a noble King of Camelot. Though his self-doubt has not ceased entirely as he is young and technically inexperienced, he has proven his strength in protecting the Kingdom from more than one siege upon the castle. Shown to be true to values in choosing Camelot’s Knights of the Round Table not purely for their wealth and noble blood as is tradition, but by choosing men of great loyalty and skill. Men with whom Arthur would entrust his life, and willingly give his life in return; to one another they are equals. Arthur acts as a King accountable for his decisions and deeds; when war, to be waged with Camelot over a prideful decision made by Arthur himself, he chose instead for the sake of thousands of lives and his people, to admit his fault, seek peace and humility over the ‘victory’ winning such a battle would bring his name. Arthur continues to strive to find peace and accord between the realms, what he believes the key to Camelot’s prosperity.


- ★ COURT ALLIANCE:

Seelie - Arthur has his feet firmly set in the alignment of Lawful Good. This stems from the values taught to him in training as a Knight and those his own moral code; by nature he is loyal and kind in his deeds, seeking peace over might. Arthur is almost always willing to hear someone out before he passes judgement, accepting the need break with harsh, old traditions and laws to recognise they do not always coincide with what he views is the right, just path. Though his loyalty for those close to him is strong, he is not blinded by it; for example, he can see fit to defy his own father, when there is just cause. Though he is highly proficient in combat, he prefers to avoid violence where possible. Arthur loves, and trusts wholeheartedly, offering and accepting support from those closest to him.


- ★ ABILITIES:


★ Leadership – Arthur is a born leader, experienced and generally highly confident. He has rallied men to fight against impossible odds and kept morale high, even when the outlook for the battle is grim. As a leader he can recognise the sense in taking counsel and advice from others too, having formed the round table, to bring his council a sense of equality with their King.

★ Knight - A knight’s training sees them adapt at several forms of combat and to practice of a moral code by which to live; they act with courage, justice, mercy, generosity, nobility and hope. Arthur is particularly skilled in swordplay and archery/crossbow, but also possess the ability to weld various other types of medieval weaponry; spears, blunt & ranged weapons.

★ Combat/Fighting - Arthur is not only well trained, but has engaged in combat against one or several foes. If disarmed, he’s capable at hand to hand combat to some degree.

★ Hunting/tracking - Arthur is a skilled huntsman and tracker, he can track game, or identify the signs of it’s presence. He knows how to flush out prey, set traps and is an excellent shot.

★ Survival skills - Arthur can set up a campsite for the night, though he struggles a little at starting a fire and alone it’s questionable if he’d produce food better than charred rabbit. He’s able to recognise some plantlife local to Camelot and it’s uses. He can temporarily bandage wounds, though not with any particular medical expertise.

★ Military strategy – Arthur’s learned how to study the lay of the land and to play to it’s advantages. How many troops may be needed for a campaign. He’s lead the defense of a siege against Camelot, fortifying the castle, keeping the citizens safe and directing troops.

★ Horsemanship - Arthur is a skilled horseman, jouster, hunter and horseback melee.



- ★ INVENTORY:

• Simple linen undergarments
• Red gambeson
• Armour consisting of - maile, gorget with left shoulder pauldron, vambraces,
• Red tabard baring the Pendragon emblem.
• Leather gloves.
• Red linen cloak.
• Leather belt with scabbard.
• Trousers
• Leather boots
• Sword (Excalibur)

( SAMPLES )


- ★ NETWORK SAMPLE:

[There’s the sound of someone breathing rather too closely to their locket briefly, before visually there is nothing but a blur that sways to and fro, as if the owner holds their locket dangling by the chain as they speak to it.]

Does this thing really work as they say?

[The voice sounds dubious, though also rather stern, low. As if the locket itself will indicate something more certain that he’s being heard. The spinning visuals are shakily stilled, Arthur has taken it into his palm, though the view is no less disconcerting as he now holds it rather close to his eye, as if peering in.]

How one might communicate through a piece of jewellery I can’t imagine- and to be assured of such by their own abductors seems the very reason not to trust it.

[The locket is moved, it seems purely by fluke to a view rather less confronting as Arthur holds it at a distance now, brows furrowed as if he half means to glare at his locket.]

For the time being- it seems we’ve little choice. [An irritable exhale follows.]


- ★ LOG SAMPLE:

(From an old log, less that 12mths ago - more samples can be provided!)

Camelot was for Arthur a place of peace, a haven of sorts, more so than ever – the threat of magic, thieves and crime was not suddenly rid from the land, but with Guinevere by his side as his Queen and confidant, and a circle of the knights he trusted most as both royal guard and council; unity and a settled way of life seemed at least to exist within the boundaries of his Kingdom. Since her disappearance the threat of Morgana appeared to be gone. Perhaps she had succumbed to her injuries? To hope of this, of his own flesh and blood, once a friend he loved seemed wrong, to wrench a little at him. Yet, in spite of no sighting of her, no sign of her dark deeds, Arthur had come to terms with the fact Morgana was likely a dormant threat only, they would have to to be prepared for the sorceress to once more attempt her challenge to the throne.

The Kingdoms surrounding Camelot were somewhat a different story. The concerns of the past were gradually lifting with Arthur's rule, the reign of his father, Uther to was, as Arthur was forced to concede not one entirely to invite unity between the Kingdoms surrounding Camelot. Where borders were fiercely guarded and aid not readily provided beyond one’s own lands, wow establishing trade and developing a peaceful accord was lately the prerogative. Designed to be a neutral foundation for building a better relationship. Not every Kingdom was, of course was in equally hasty need of livestock or produce that Arthur could spare of trade. No, in this case it was pest control that the kingdom of Tír-Mòr required in spades.

The pests here, were not your run of the mill rodents, or even an infestation of the insect variety. No. These were magical beasts, Wyvern. Smaller cousins of dragons preying on the town for it's livestock, and occasionally a peasant. Why the creatures took it upon themselves to do so, there was no telling, perhaps it was merely poor luck, much like a fox might travel and expand it's territory for prey, so would a Wyvern; sheep, cows and humans rather easy targets? Or perhaps they were at the influence of magic, bidden to commit their regular onslaught on the township? Success in ridding the neighbouring Kingdom of it's pests meant several rewards for the betterment of the Kingdom, trade agreement, military support and, of course the furthering of Camelot's willing and reliable nature to others.

The Wyvern were now in pursuit of their party, and assumed to be only minutes behind them, the idea had been to draw them away from the settlements, away from the buildings to be damaged and burned, lives that would surely be at risk. To draw the beasts first into the forest, which might thin them out for a start – only to draw them into a clearing ahead, where the damage was far from the heart of the Kingdom and it's hapless township. Arthur rode ahead at a steady canter, his battalion of knights in tow – Merlin making up the rear. After all, he had been assigned the highly important and auspicious task to act as Wyvern incentive, ensure the winged monstrosities took flight and followed him to where they would be met with nets, blades and arrow. It was generally a sound plan. Mostly. Right, they were sort of playing it by ear, but Arthur had every reason to be confident.