Vjeran Varjo was born in a land where prejudice against beastfolk ran deep.
Captured and sold into slavery at a young age, he endured years of hardship before being secretly rescued by a mysterious benefactor who took him as a student. Under their guidance, he learned swordsmanship, stealth, discipline, and a simple creed: loyalty is worth more than gold.
In time, Vjeran became a Shadowguard, an unseen protector who served nobles from the shadows. He spent much of his tempered youth acting as an invisible shield, thwarting threats before they could strike and carrying out his duties without recognition or reward.
Years later, fate dealt Vjeran a cruel hand when he was contracted to protect the very noble who had once enslaved him. Returning to that estate forced him to witness the same injustice, malpractice and barbarism he once endured as a child. Unable to stand by any longer, let alone pledging his very services in the name of such things, he abandoned his duty and enacted vengeance in its stead.
By morning, the noble was found scattered in bloody pieces, the slaves were nowhere to be found, and the entire estate "mysteriously" burned to the ground.
After such an event, Vjeran turned his back on being a Shadowguard for good, and thus became a wandering sellsword, offering his blades, Pride and Prejudice, only to causes he personally deems worthy. Fiercely loyal, wary of authority, and unwilling to serve another master, he now travels on his own terms...
...yet something about the party captures his interest, and for reasons even he struggles to explain, he joins them and offers his blades without question, without hesitation, and without a second thought.
Quirks:
➛ Habitually chooses the high ground, or a nook out of sight, whenever possible.
➛ Developed a taste for fine foods, drinks and luxuries, but will actively deny being particular about them.
➛ Struggles to let his guard down, if at all— even in safe havens.
➛ His ears and tail constantly betray his mood.
➛ Occasionally has a flicker of teasing, playful behavior towards those he cares for and/or is close to.
Traits:
➛ Has a complicated relationship with gratitude and finds it hard to accept, as it makes him uncomfortable.
➛ Finds it easy to respect and trust someone whose actions speak louder than words.
➛ Never considers himself a hero, as he feels he's simply just doing the right thing.
➛ Has an affinity for the oppressed, and cannot easily turn a blind eye to those enduring such circumstances.
➛ Never turns his back on someone sleeping, and will usually volunteer for first and/or last watch.
Personality:
➛ Around strangers? Courteous, guarded, observant, and occasionally sarcastic.
➛ Around friends? Solicitous, teasing, dependable, surprisingly affectionate in subtle ways.
➛ Around enemies? Confident, calculating, provocative, and occasionally theatrical.