# #### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Vassik Redblade (formally Captain Vassik Redblade of the Mivon Guard) - **Race/Species:** Orc - **Class/Profession:** Military Commander/Duelist - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Neutral - **Age:** 36 - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (He/Him) - **Appearance:** Standing an imposing 6'5" with the powerful build typical of his orcish heritage, Vassik commands attention wherever he goes. His grayish-green skin bears numerous ritual scarification marks—a tradition from his clan—that tell the story of his rise from outcast to commander. Unlike many orcs, he meticulously grooms himself, keeping his black hair shaved at the sides and tied back in a warrior's knot adorned with small silver rings. His most striking feature is his right tusk, which has been replaced with a red-metal prosthetic after being broken in combat—the source of his surname. He wears the formal blue and silver uniform of a Mivon military officer, modified to accommodate his broad frame, but the fabric quality and tailoring suggest patronage beyond his official salary. When on duty, he carries an exquisitely crafted dueling saber at his hip, its pommel wrapped in red leather to match his namesake tusk. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Vassik represents the intersection of orcish warrior tradition and Mivon's dueling culture. He speaks precisely and formally—almost excessively so—having learned early that in human society, orcs must appear twice as disciplined to receive half the respect. Behind his carefully controlled exterior lies a calculating mind that has mastered both battlefield tactics and political maneuvering. He holds himself to exacting standards and expects the same from those under his command. Though not cruel, he is utterly unsentimental, viewing war and politics as complex games with clear winners and losers. His loyalty to Mivon is genuine but pragmatic; he serves because the city-state rewards competence regardless of bloodline—a rarity in the Inner Sea region. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Dueling Master** – Among the finest swordsmen in Mivon, with a style blending orcish power and Aldori precision - **Tactical Commander** – Exceptional at directing troops and planning military operations - **Political Survivor** – Has navigated Mivon's complicated power structure despite racial prejudice - **Intimidating Presence** – Can silence a room with a look, using his orcish heritage to advantage - **Strategic Thinker** – Always planning several moves ahead in both military and political arenas - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Trust Issues** – Rarely allows others to see past his carefully maintained facade - **Cultural Displacement** – Not fully accepted by either orcish or human society - **Coldly Pragmatic** – Sometimes sacrifices individuals for what he sees as greater strategic goals - **Ambition** – His drive for advancement occasionally blinds him to potential allies or opportunities - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks in formal, almost stilted Common with perfect diction and grammar - Stands rigidly at attention even in casual settings - Rarely initiates physical contact and maintains precise personal space - Has a habit of touching his red metal tusk when considering important decisions - Uses military terminology even in non-military contexts #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Born to an orcish warrior clan in the River Kingdoms, Vassik was cast out as a youth when his right tusk was broken in a coming-of-age ritual—considered an ill omen by his people. Forced to survive alone, he eventually found work as a caravan guard where his natural combat abilities caught the attention of a traveling Aldori swordsman. The duelist, seeing potential in the young orc, offered him an opportunity few of his kind ever receive: formal training in the Aldori sword style. After years of grueling training, Vassik proved his worth by winning a series of increasingly prestigious dueling tournaments in Mivon. Where most saw only a dangerous orc, certain power brokers recognized an opportunity—a capable commander without family connections or political baggage who could be elevated based purely on merit. His rapid rise through Mivon's military ranks sparked both resentment and admiration, but his consistent battlefield successes silenced most critics. Today, he stands as one of Mivon's most respected military leaders, commanding the city's elite guard units and occasionally serving as a special envoy to neighboring powers. Despite his achievements, he remains keenly aware that his position depends on continued success and careful political maneuvering. - **Current Motivations:** - Securing Mivon's military position against increasing Pitaxian aggression - Building a truly meritocratic command structure within Mivon's forces - Developing a network of supporters independent of his current patrons - Establishing connections with the new powers emerging in the Stolen Lands - Seeking recognition that will permanently secure his position beyond questions of race - **Connections & Relationships:** - **[[Rulov Aldori]]**: His official superior in Mivon's power structure - **[[Character Cards/Other/Felisia d'Rocca]]**: Important patron who supplies his forces and provides political intelligence - **Lieutenant Jerik Volmar**: His most trusted subordinate and one of few who sees his less formal side - **[[The Blades of Exile]]**: Maintains connections with this mercenary company that includes several orcs - **Various dueling masters** who respect his skill regardless of his heritage - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **Mivon Military**: His primary professional identity and source of authority - **[[Aldori Swordlords]]**: Respected associate though not fully embraced as one of their own - **Independent Mercenary Companies**: Maintains relationships as potential auxiliary forces - **The Red Tusk Clan**: His birth clan that he occasionally monitors from a distance - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Crimson Edge**: His masterwork dueling saber, perfectly balanced for his fighting style - **Commander's Seal**: Symbol of his official authority in Mivon - **Red Metal Tusk**: His distinctive prosthetic that serves as both replacement and symbol - **Tournament Medals**: Collection of awards from his dueling career - **Strategic Maps**: Detailed and constantly updated maps of the region's military situation #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - Proving worth through competence rather than heritage - The tension between personal ambition and selfless service - Walking the line between orcish and human cultural expectations - Finding honor in a political system known for pragmatism over principle - **Player/GM Notes:** - Could serve as a military contact for parties operating in or near Mivon - Might hire adventurers for missions that require deniability - Provides a different perspective on orcish characters than typical stereotypes - Could become either a valuable ally or dangerous opponent depending on party actions - His position makes him both powerful and vulnerable, creating interesting story possibilities