Vespasian

== Name ==
Metellus Publius Vespasian.
== Physical Traits ==
Vespasian is a squat, bulky man in the latter part of middle age. The left side of his face has been reduced to a blackened lump of burnt scar tissue, a mangled crater standing in place of his left eye. The other is an unremarkable brown hue, and glares balefully at his surroundings from beneath a bushy grey eyebrow. The unruly stubble that adorns his lower face is a similar colour, as is the rapidly receeding hair which clings to the sides of his skull. A long nose protrudes from the centre of his face, crooked and bent after being clumsily reset numerous times. A smattering of yellowed front teeth are left behind the thin lips that frame his large, lopsided mouth. A single cauliflour ear can seen on the right side of his head, a small, blackened stump standing in place of the other. He appears to wear his various wounds and scars with the pride that most soldiers would reserve for medals.
His head stands atop a short neck that is fully as wide as his jaw - thickened from years of supporting the added weight of a helmet. The skin that covers his stout frame is tanned and leathery, covered by a myriad of imperfections, be they scars, blemishes, or the ugly welts that result from spending too long in plate armour. He sports a large barrel chest, with broad shoulders to match. A pairly of burly, hairy arms end with a pair of large, calloused hands, tipped with thick, stumpy fingers. A not inconsiderable paunch hangs around his midsection, supported in turn by a pair of short, powerful legs.
Vespasian can almost always be found clad in a well-maintained suit of plate amour which covers almost all of his body, barring the armpits, neck and the back of his elbows and kness, which are instead protected by chainmail for ease of movement. Beneath his armour he wears a grubby, sweat stained padded jack. A heavy, enclosing helm sits atop his head, leaving only his eye, cheeks and mouth visible. A shortsword can be found sheathed at his side, unremarkable but for the care with which it has been maintained. A sturdy leather pouch can be found on his other hip, filled with whatever he deems to be useful. Across his broad back is slung a large pavise shield, it's surface battered and scorched. Upon careful observation, a multitide of small notches can be seen, chiseled into it's underside, covering more than half of it's surface.
Vespasian's voice is gruff and authoritative, laden with the tone of one who is used to being obeyed. He is able to raise it to a bellow at a moment's notice, capable of being heard above the din of battle by all in earshot.
He carries himself with the poise and martial grace of a veteran, able to move with ease in his plate armour. His coming is heralded by the cacophony of metallic clanks that it emits with the even the slightest movement.
== Race and Class ==
Human Warrior
== Guild ==
Northwind Free Company
== Occupation ==
Likes to think of himself as a professional soldier, and someting of a veteran.
Currently serving as a Lieutenant with the Argent Crusade.
== Family ==
Father - Gaius Flavius Vespasian. (Presumed dead at Darrowshire, Metellus has no idea his father was a Scarlet, and vehemently denies any such claims.)
Mother - Maria Vespasian (Killed at the Battle of Darrowshire)
Wife - Lydia Plavia Vespasia (Killed at the Battle of Darrowshire)
Daughter - Julia Vespasia (Killed at the Battle of Darrowshire)
Daughter - Alania Vespasia (Killed at the Battle of Darrowshire)
== Criminal Record ==
Clean.
== Current Status ==
Currently part of the garrison force in Hearthglen.
== Background ==
Vespasian was born in the town of Darrowshire, the eldest of four siblings. As was expected of the son of one of the towns blacksmiths, he began to learn his Father's profession, under his tutelage. He was also a prominent member of the town militia. He lived a relatively sheltered and average life, notable only for his piety, until the start of the Second War. He was drafted into the army, along with most of the able-bodied men of the town, serving as an infantryman. He slowly crawled up the ranks to sergeant, after his notable service at the seiges of Lordaeron and Blackrock. After the war, he remained in the army, stationed in Lordaeron as part of the garrison force. A few months later, just before the outbreak of the plague, he was approached by a representative of the Order of the Silver Hand, which was now gravely under-strength, due to losses suffered in the Second War. On account of his piety and notable military service, Vespasian was asked to become a paladin, an offer which he immediately accepted.
He began his paladin training in Lordaeron, along with many other recently-inducted novices. Though he excelled at the martial aspects of the training, he struggled to learn even the most basic blessings and spells. He was still in training when the plague broke out, and Arthas assassinated king Terenas. After the disbanding of the order, and the death of Uther, the novices and their tutors fled and went into hiding in what was to become the Western Plaguelands, leaving their training unfinished. It wasn't until months later that Vespasian discovered that Darrowshire had been destroyed by the Scourge, and that, presumably, his whole family had been slain in the attack. The fact that, despite all his years of military service and paladin training, he had not been able to defend those closest to him in thier darkest hour, turned Vespasian into the embittered, sour and pessimistic man that he is today.
He eventually joined the Scarlet Crusade, after Arthas fled back to Northrend, hungry for vengence against the undead that had destroyed his homeland. However, as time went on, he began to despair at the blind zealotry that the order had started to exhibit. As such, he defected to the newly formed Argent Dawn shortly after it's creation, and stayed there for many years, fighting a series of skirmishes and pitched battles against the undead in the plaguelands. He never finished his paladin training, and to this day is only capable of performing the simplest blessings and exorcisms, with next to no knowledge of healing with the Light. He was present at the battle of Light's Hope chapel, witnessing the creation of the Argent Crusade and the Knights of the Ebon Blade. He traveled to Northrend, along with most of his comrades from the Argent Dawn, as part of the Argent Crusade's forces, fighting in numerous battles across Northrend, until the eventual defeat of the Lich King.
After the Lich King's defeat, and the disbanding of the majority of the Argent Crusade's forces, Vespasian, with no home to return to, made his way to Stormwind, where his military experience soon saw him become an officer in the city guard. However, the monotonous life of a city guard grates on Vespasian's conscience, as he yearns for a chance to fight for and reclaim his homeland, something he feels he was cheated from doing in the Third War.
Vespasian has now managed to re-enlist with the Crusade where he serves as a drill sergeant. The Battalion is currently part of the garrison occupying the Fortress of Hearthglen. Recently, he was granted an honourable discharge from service with the Crusade, leaving for reasons as of yet unknown. He has signed up with the Northwind Free Company, much to his own chargin.
== Personal Notes ==
Stout defensive fighter, especially while using a shield and one handed weapon.
An utterly by the book and starchy individual, he obeys orders without question and complies with every law and rule to the letter.
Seemingly devoid of a sense of humour - always appears to be in a serious and businesslike frame of mind.
Bitter and grumpy, at all times.
Utterly subservient to those of higher rank.
Often patronising to civilians and those with less military experience than him.
Extremely harsh when it comes to enforcing discipline.
Excessively self-disciplined, he refuses to drink, smoke, or enter a romantic relationship with a woman, when asked why, he has been known to reply: "Why put a woman through the pain of losing a husband, and the child the agony of losing a father?"
== Quotes ==
"The armies of the scourge possess absolute discipline, their morale is unwavering. They fear nothing, and obey orders without question. We must emulate them in this if we ever hope to defeat them"
"Nothing is worth fighting for that isn't worth dying for."
"Back in line, you cretins!"
Category:Characters
Category:Alliance
Category:Human
Category:Paladin