Alexandre Hazelwood

"All words have power. All you need to do is use the right ones."

Alexandre, a bard with a sunny disposition, seeks to support his allies and live to tell the tale. He is played by Blackheart.

## History

In the eerie city of Darkwall, where the moon's pale light barely pierced the eternal night, a young man named Alexandre struggled to survive amidst the iron rule of vampires and the undead. Born into a family who had fallen prey to the sinister allure of the Church of Zura, Alexandre witnessed firsthand the depths of darkness that consumed his home.

The Church, devoted to the worship of Zura, the lord of vampires, ensnared Alexandre's family with promises of power and immortality. Though they initially resisted, the allure of eternal life eventually seduced them, and they were indoctrinated into the ranks of the undead. A brand of Zura’s unholy symbol was seared onto the back of his hand – his words of servitude tumbled out, false and tasting of ash.

Yet, the oppressive nature of the Church soon became apparent, and Alexandre's family yearned to break free from its grasp. In a daring attempt to escape their captors, they fled through the labyrinthine streets of Darkwall, with the relentless pursuit of the cultists dogging their every step, into the forests beyond.

But tragedy struck as the cultists closed in on Alexandre's family. In a vicious and relentless pursuit, his parents and siblings were mercilessly slain, their lifeblood staining the forest floor. Amidst the chaos, Alexandre managed to slip through the clutches of the cultists, his heart heavy with grief and each step frantic to escape the pursuit of evil creatures.

Emerging from the shadows of the forest that separated Darkwall from the town of Aldermore, Alexandre found solace in the tranquil sanctuary it offered. Aldermore, bathed in warm hues and surrounded by vibrant nature, stood as a stark contrast to the malevolence that plagued his former city. It became his refuge, a haven where he could rebuild his shattered life.

## Now

Seeking solace and a means to express his emotions, Alexandre turned to his innate musical talents. The melodies that flowed from his fingertips resonated with the pain and loss that consumed him. He was determined to be a force for good, something to inspire and encourage others to be better. In the welcoming embrace of Aldermore's townsfolk, he found solace and understanding, sharing his compositions with those who would listen.

Though troubled by his past, Alexandre finds solace and purpose in his role as a minstrel, using his talents to inspire and support others. With every strum of his lute, he carries the memory of his family, their sacrifice forever etched in his heart, and their legacy living on through the stories he weaves with his music.

After all, the only thing a hero ever needs are friends, a righteous heart and a dashing coat.

## Appearance

Alexandre stands approximately six foot tall with a lean, powerful form. A well-maintained physique suggests that he takes care of his body, displaying an air of fitness and vitality. His short and slightly curly brown hair, neatly styled to look purposefully messy, complements his warm complexion and lends a sense of depth to his overall appearance. Captivating green eyes, reminiscent of emeralds, squinch as he smiles. A light dusting of well-groomed stubble adorns his jawline, adding an element of ruggedness to his otherwise refined appearance.

He generally dresses in darker, neutral colors; his sense of color speaking to his time with the the rugged crowd of Aldermore – wearing dependable clothes more resistant to wear, tear and staining. But he’s rarely seen without his dark leather coat, lovingly worn-in and perfectly accentuating his powerful form.

HeroForge Appearance:

## Personality

Alexandre is a genial, gentlemanly sort, quick with a joke and able to fit easily into both high society and low. His well-honed analytical mind is capable of extracting all manner of information from past experience and his own personal studies.

He's loyal to his friends, and sometimes seems to have a connection in every town. Believing strongly in the idea of “cooperation is the law of civilization”, Alexandre frequently attempts to befriend or be friendly with most everyone he meets. He’s just as likely to greet a visiting dignitary like an old friend as he is to inquire about how his personal guard’s day is going. While some find this behavior irritating, it costs nothing for him to be nice and, as he says, “At least I *tried* to be friendly”.

He speaks very little of what came before Aldermore, hiding behind a veil of sarcasm and wit like a king behind his walls. These thoughts are only shared with those closest to him.

## Powers and Abilities

While reasonably trained in combat, Alexandre generally fulfills a support role, shouting words of encouragement and utilizing his mish-mash of arcane abilities to guide his allies towards victory. He uses a specially designed instrument fit for warfare, his ever-present lute actually much heavier than it appears to be. He often employs it only as a last resort, so as not to unduly tip off his enemies to his abilities, believing that the best weapon is the one your foe never sees coming.

He’s also a competent writer and cook because everyone needs a hobby.

## **Friends and Associates**

**Eleanor Spellwood** – a remarkably unique and intelligent individual, Alexandre found her a kindred soul during his time in Aldermore. Both originally strangers to the community, stranger still when both were discovered to be Chosen, he found her demeanor and wit refreshing. It was not hard to develop an affection for the compelling caster and luckily those feelings were reciprocated.