Marcus Arcturius

## History

### Early Life

The Arcturius Familia has been present for thousands of years, and was instrumental in the rise of technology in the **Kingdom of Catania**. This esteem and nobility of their House has given them significant sway in the current affairs of the Kingdom, but despite this influence, they tend to stay away from the politics of their patron Kingdom, preferring to remain neutral, with it's focus on things it deems "more important", which generally equates to the continued growth of their wealth, the safety of their people, and the improvement of their children.

The Children of the Arcturius Familia treated significantly well for the duration of their childhood, and trained extensively in numerous aspects of what their particular mentor deems most important. This was how Marcus was raised; in a Noble Villa within the Khaldun Dynasty, and given excessive amounts of training in handling people. Leadership, Diplomacy, judging individuals, and how to sense one's motives, as well as significant training in strategy and tactics, among many other things.

This upbringing gave Marcus a unique insight into the world and it's people, and gave him significant ambitions - which is always the goal of a Mentor of an Arcturius Scion. After all, should their Scion achieve Head of the Familia, they too become powerful in their own right. Regardless, Marcus took to his training like a fish to water, and entered into it with exceptional gusto, simultaneously engaging in swordplay, combat, and commanding as he grew.

His Mentor had taken it upon him to raise Marcus with numerous other children, who had already been given to House Arcturius as Household Servants, and they were destined to become his most loyal retainers, and from a young age, he commanded them, manipulated into becoming a leader by station, and by his Mentors. Despite this, he was clearly built well for it, as the other children looked up to him significantly.

When he was 10, his training became more intense, the swordplay lessons becoming more serious, and his retainers began to train alongside him as his Mentors pushed him to learn how to command in battle, pitting the children in mock battles against false enemies, often weakened, summoned monsters commanded not to inflict serious harm. This taught them the fundamentals of battle, and taught them how to face off against many superior foes, learning about their enemies.

Often, their foes were less substantial enemies - kobolds, goblins, the odd Hobgoblin, or perhaps even sometimes an orc. After all, children were no match for these hardened beasts. But as they grew, even these monsters became little match for a group of well-trained soldiers - even if they were a group of 14 year olds. As Marcus and his cohorts grew, they were given a final test of adulthood; they were to fight a Devil. A Bearded Devil, specifically, and this fight would be lethal.
It was a brutal affair. Marcus and his Cohort were thrust into battle against a superior foe, and spent what felt like an eternity in pitched combat with it, making constant, brief hit and runs, flanking it to get the best hits in, distracting it, gaining it's attention to focus one of the shielded men and women. By the end of it, nearly half of Marcus' cohort had been killed by the Devil, and Marcus himself had been wounded by it, although he would physically recover, mentally, it was hard to tell.

Marcus spent a month in healing from his injuries, and by the end of it, he seemed no worse for wear. He was back to his commanding, charismatic self, and had seemingly took to his duties with new gusto - when asked why, he simply said that he did not wish to forget, he only wished to become better. Striving to become better than he already was, Marcus repeatedly dove into his studies, teaching himself much of the ways of the world; histories, nobility, and more.

By the end of his training, when he was considered a fully fledged adult in the Arcturius Familia, Marcus' Mentors wished him farewell, and told him they had high hopes for him. As with all Scions of Arcturius, he was no longer a member of the Noble House, and must return to his House with a suitable item of power, an artifact of his family legacy, and prove that he deserves to be within the Familia, and perhaps, even claim the Head of House for himself.

### Adventuring

For several years after his 18th birthday, Marcus began his work - using his only holdings from his childhood, the Noble Villa he grew up in on the outskirts of Ashsuru, Marcus grew an acceptable amount of power. He had cohorts, lieutenants, soldiers, servants and followers. He had recruited Craftsmen and Merchants to aid him, plying their skills to him as best they could. In time, however, he sought more powerful allies, and sought more knowledge. Inevitably, this took him to the Myandra Kingdom, where he infiltrated a party of Nobles.

Marcus had learned that this particular Noble had something he sought - an item, a book of some power, containing knowledge within it that would help him in his neverending quest for the strength to defend those he has deemed as 'his kin'. Never one to shy away from some intrigue, he snuck into this noble's home, with the help of some of his followers, and stole a book. Unexpectedly, he was beset upon by one of the Noble's Bodyguards, a woman named **Alita**. She had taken out some of his men, and Marcus engaged her in a duel.

Although he held his own briefly, the flash of their swords clashing against one another with sparks and speed, he was outmatched - she was more skilled than he, and he was soundly defeated. Landing on his rear, he looked at her, ready to accept her death. But in her eyes, he saw something else - a sadness, a unique need. So he held up his hand, and spoke to her a few words: "Join me?" He asked, and to his surprise, she accepted. She took his offer, and he took her with him, away from a Noble who didn't appreciate her skill, her power, and into the fold of a group that she could truly shine in.

As time went on, Marcus would inevitably recruit many other's to his cause, finding them, recruiting them and making them loyal to him with the power of his charisma, and his ideals. Eventually, he needed a home for these people - and thus, chose to refit his Noble Villa into a mighty compound, a fort that would become known as **Fort Arcturius**. From here, Marcus conducts numerous missions and directs his troops to handle a variety of things across the world.

Marcus' primary goal, besides protecting other's and generally being a good person, is to find the spear of his ancient ancestor, Aelius Arcturius - Confige Caelum, Pierce the Heavens - Legend says that when a member of House Arcturius wields this spear, it will give him extraordinary strength, as well as a symbol of hope, expansion, and strength to provide to House Arcturius, and Catania. Although he has yet to find it, it is still his most important goal.

### The Age of Might

In the Age of Might, with the rising of the world, Marcus has begun to see more strife, and chaos in the world. He strives to change that, to protect the other peoples of the world, and has made an effort to find and recruit those of likeminded mentalities. He goes through the world, visiting taverns, adventuring guilds, groups of mercenaries and soldiers discarded by their Lords, and speaks to them. He drinks with them, breaks bread with them and tries to get a reasonable idea of their convictions. If they meet his personal criteria, he invites them to join House Arcturius; to fight for something important, something powerful, something that matters.

It is this charismatic conviction that plays an infectious role upon those he recruits, inevitably causing them over time, to share his ideals. He trains with his men, drinks with them, eats with them. He does not present himself as above them, but yet, he has thoroughly and repeatedly established that superiority through his actions over the years. Most recently, he has begun recruiting even more than before, expanding the Fort to accommodate even more people to continue the fight against the hated foes that rise in the world.
Of course, what spurred the recruitment drive is the stirrings of great, ancient beings from beneath the waves - aberrations, mutants, and monstrous creatures that seek the death or enslavement of those in the world, and that is not something Marcus would abide by. He put forth significant effort into training and assembling his men and women to send them on various missions and activities throughout the world, to aid other's, and slay foes.

When the being known as the Sleeper was destroyed, Marcus had learned much about a place called '**Sarishrinne**'. He knew that this place was going to be important, and in an effort to continue the expansion of Catania, he left, leaving his estate in the capable hands of his most trusted advisors and cohorts. He learned information about the continent from **Xalia**, and ventured to the new land. There, he learned much of the **Sarians**, their culture, their way of life, and how they handle things.

It was an interesting experience - and he spent some time sparring and training with the Sarians there, honing his skills. When he was finally ready to make the trip home, he did, taking his people with him, and a rough map of the area, and when he returned to Catania, he was met with joy from his people; for they were ecstatic that he had returned to lead them, and lead them he would. With newfound strength, and power, Marcus Arcturius was ready to claim his birthright.

## Appearance

By most standards, Marcus is a handsome individual - tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, and an athletic, muscular form. Marcus is typically adorned in a pleasant enough armor; lightweight, and easy to maneuver in, despite the fact it looks to be full-plate, much of it is adornments, designed to make his form more imposing, and flashy, giving him seeming more authority. Outside of his armor, Marcus is often found wearing more noble outfits; suits, ties, jewelry and other, similar attire.

## Personality

*"Some in Catania call me a Hero. To them, perhaps. To other's, to the beasts, monsters, and beings I have slain, I am a villain, and that is a title I accept with pride; when your enemy hates you so much, that you become a villain to them, is the moment that you have truly won."*

* Ostentatious
* Ambitious
* Proud
* Zealous
* Charismatic
* Intelligent

Marcus is known for being particularly charismatic and intelligent. He takes to new things with an immediate understanding so long as he sees it done just a few times, or has it explained to him properly. He grasps new concepts with ready ease, and can adapt to new ideas on the fly. He also sees the benefit of surrounding himself with skilled individuals who fulfill roles he is otherwise incapable of achieving. He acknowledges his faults, but strives to overcome them.

Despite these positive qualities, Marcus is incredibly zealous, proud, and ostentatious. He makes no attempts to hide what he does, and finds it beneath him to do so. Marcus has significant ego, finding his mark upon his body to be a sign of pride, and wears it proudly. He believes himself to be chosen above all other's, even if he is not a **Chosen** himself.

At the end of the day, however, Marcus truly feels for his people, and wishes to protect them. But it is darker than simple protection; much like his first ancestor, Aelius Arcturius, Marcus wishes to bring all those who would bend the knee into the Arcturius fold, to educate them, forcibly, if need be. In his mind, his people are the superior people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or species. So long as they follow his teachings, his will, his words, then they will rise to the top, no matter the cost.

### Religion

As complex of a man as Marcus is, it's unsurprising that his religious affliation is equally complex. Openly, Marcus rarely wears finery or jewelry dedicated to any one deity, but rather, he is typically found wearing a symbol of a Pantheon of Deities known as the Godclaw; a grouping of the most Lawful aspects of Godhood. Asmodeus, Abadar, Iomedae, Irori, and Torag. Although Marcus is open that he does, in particular, revere Asmodeus above the other aspects.

Most believe that Marcus is simply a particularly lawful man - and they would be correct, in some ways. To the outside world, Marcus presents himself as a Lawful man. In reality, he is beholden to the whims of Asmodeus; their relationship is symbotic, as Marcus aids Asmodeus in establishing a Foothold in Mythgate for his worship, and in return, Marcus is given Power. As the foremost Leader of the Asmodean Faith in Mythgate, Marcus is an incredibly charismatic and influential man, and the worshipers of Asmodeus see him as a Paragon of Charisma, without realizing that Marcus as a Suzerain is but one more contract by the Dark Prince.

The Dark Prince has made Marcus his Suzerain, knowing that the power will eventually corrupt Marcus. Marcus accepted the contract, knowing that he can resist that corruption, and use the power given for his own benefit. Cosmically, the end result is typically in Asmodeus' favor, but only time will tell.

## Friends & Foes

### Allies

#### Alita

**Alita** is one of Marcus' most loyal followers; commonly referred to as the Arcturius 'Dog of War', Marcus is affectionate and protective of her. On Sarenith the 18th, Year 8, Marcus and Alita were officially married, and Marcus named her the Empress of the Moon, for even when it is dark, she is his light.

**Grayson** is another one of Marcus' loyal followers. A young blind man, Marcus feels protective of him as well, not only for his loyalty, but his potential growth - although dealt a poor hand by life, Marcus admires the tenacity he has inorder to overcome his disability.

### Acquaintances

**Claude Taviter** has had little contact with Marcus outside of official business, yet despite this, Marcus still considers the man to be worthy of his respect, as someone who has formed a powerful organization meant to defend the continents from hostile entities. He does, however, believe that the Seers will inevitably grow powerful enough that they wish to interfere with the activities of other's, even if it does not threaten the world as a whole.

## Aspirations

* Attain all of his Familia Artifacts.
* Attain a proper base of Operations.
* Surround himself with loyal servants, soldiers, and workers.
* Grow in power.
* Create a new Kingdom for his people.

Marcus has simple aspirations, and all of them are geared towards better aiding him in his quest for more power. Surprisingly, unlike many of his ancestors, he has no desire to see any increase in technology across the world, and is more focused upon his own needs and ambitions, and later, his House's own well-being.

## Fighting Style

Marcus has mastered several different styles of combat, and it varies depending upon his weapon. However, his most constant feature is his ability to command: Marcus excels in the ability to tell other's what to do, and while some may dislike it or call him 'Bossy', the simple fact is that he knows what to do, when to do it. He has a commendable mastery over strategy, and tactics, and efficiently commands his friends, allies, acquaintances and party members alike with startling skill. As long as he is present, he will do his best to help his party, to make sure they fight at their most efficient.

Aside from that, he has several weapons as well.

* **The Spear (Familia Artifact Unattained):** The Style of the Spear is one of keeping out of reach, and presenting an inspiring front line for his people. With this style, Marcus will lead from the front, and has his Heraldry upon the Spear, to mark it as his people's flag. Any of his people who see this flag are spurred into action with it's presence. The chosen Familia Artifact for this style is known as **Confige Caelum - Pierce the Heavens**. This ancient spear was first wielded by Aelius Arcturius, the original ancestor of the Arcturius Family.
* **The Sword (Familia Artifact Unattained):** The Style of the Sword is one of direct damage, strength, and power. He wields a bastard sword in this style, and focuses on dealing damage to his enemies. Although he is not as strong as other's may be, Marcus still has some skill with his sword, and wields it in two hands. The chosen Familia Artifact for this style is known as **Ferrum Ignis Gloria - Blade of Flame & Glory**. This powerful Bastard Sword was owned by one of his ancient ancestors, known as Julius Arcturius. Julius was the Commander of the **Phoenix Knights** before he perished in battle against an Ancient White Dragon, his Blade has been lost since then.
* **The Staff (Familia Artifact Unattained):** The Style of the Staff is one of command, and leading from the back. This is perhaps the most potentially powerful Style, but one he rarely uses. He will not reveal this one unless needed. The chosen Familia Artifact for this style is known as **Imperator Mandatum - Emperor's Command**. This Staff was owned by one of his ancient ancestors, who's name has been wiped from Familia Records. He is only known as 'The Emperor'. The little research that Marcus has learned about him was that he once spent some time in Hell as a visitor, and seemed to have some contact with Devils.
* **The Shield (Familia Artifact Unattained):** The Style of the Shield is otherwise known as the Vanguard; charging into the fray and defending his allies, friends, and servants from the attacks of enemies. The chosen Familia Artifact for this style is known as **Defensor Populi - Defender of the People**. This Shield was owned by one of his ancient ancestors, known as Tiberius Arcturius, who once held off wave after wave of beastmen from the west to allow a village to fully evacuate, earning him the name 'The Vanguard'. He went on to lead numerous battles against the Beastmen of the West, and fell in battle during a major battle with one of the largest beastmen armies assembled; he fell defending the then King of Catania, along with many other's of the Kingsguard. Their sacrifice was not in vain, allowing them to win the battle, driving the beastmen back to their lands.