Jonmarc

"The armor is just an empty shell. What matters is who fills it."

A quiet former knight turned adventurer, Jonmarc's stares unflinchingly into the future - his determination as strong as the strength of his arm.

### Background

Jonmarc was born in the heart of the kingdom of Catania, where rolling hills met vibrant meadows. Born to a family of humble farmers, he grew up tending to the fields and dreaming of a life beyond the boundaries of his village. His parents had instilled in him values of hard work, honesty, and loyalty.

One fateful day, the heralds of a Catanian noble house arrived in Jonmarc's village, seeking youths with promise to serve as squires in the lord's castle – a respectable house with a name known for bravery and chivalry. Jonmarc's heart quickened at the thought of a life of valor and adventure, far from the dirt of the fields.

Driven by the allure of knighthood and the promise of a better future, Jonmarc seized the opportunity and volunteered. While he was untrained and headstrong, his determination and potential caught the eye of Lord Marsten, a noble known for his fairness and compassion. Under Lord Marston's patronage, Jonmarc began his training, learning the ways of the sword and the code of chivalry.

As Jonmarc trained alongside his fellow squires, he forged bonds of camaraderie and learned the values of courage, humility, and loyalty. His natural talent for combat and his dedication to his duties earned him the respect of his peers and superiors alike. Moreover, he was quite taken with the written word and excelled in academic pursuits such as history, magic and medicine. His talents and accolades only improved on his discovery of being Chosen. He was well on his way to becoming a knight, a dream that had seemed out of reach from his family's modest farmland.

But fate had a cruel twist in store for him.

Rumors of treasonous plots reached the ears of the lord's advisors, casting suspicion on Jonmarc's family. The whispers spoke of secret meetings and clandestine alliances, suggesting that Jonmarc's family was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the lord's rule. Unbeknownst to Jonmarc, a rival noble house sought to undermine Lord Marsten's power. Using false information and forged documents, they accused Jonmarc's family of treason, claiming that they had aided rebels in a plot to overthrow the throne. Despite Jonmarc's protests and pleas, his family was arrested and branded traitors.

Trapped in a nightmare he could not escape, Jonmarc's world shattered as he watched his family's honor tarnished and their lives extinguished – the rival’s soldiers arrived, branding Jonmarc's family traitors and executing them without mercy in the name of “justice”. His heart heavy with grief and rage, he confronted those who had orchestrated the betrayal, seeking answers and justice. But his pursuit only led him to a dungeon cell, imprisoned on charges that were as false as they were devastating.

Fueled by grief, anger, and the burning desire for justice, he managed to escape from his prison. Disguised and haunted by the memories of his family's unjust demise, he revoked his old name and adopted the name Jonmarc—a combination of his own name and his family's legacy.

But now he had the names and the faces of those responsible.

Tracking a group of bold, young nobles to a local tavern was a simple enough feat – follow the trail of coin and arrogance. Under a moonless night, the tavern was warm and loud; filled with the triumph and laughter of those who had ripped away his fate. Cloaked and waiting patiently outside, Jonmarc whispered a prayer to whatever god would listen – his fist clenching the hilt of his sword tight and his eyes unflinchingly gazing forward from his helmet’s visor. He waited for the perfect moment.

And then he was gone.

### Now

Now, Jonmarc's struggles led him to question where he fits in a world marked by injustice and betrayal. He grapples with feelings of displacement, yearning for a sense of purpose that matched the heroism he once aspired to. With a sword in his hand and a fire in his heart, Jonmarc fights not only for his family's honor but for a new identity—an identity forged through adversity, shaped by his values, and defined by his own actions. Through his journey of self-discovery, he seeks not just a place to belong, but a legacy of his own making that would shine as a beacon of light amidst the darkness of his past.

### Appearance

Standing at an impressive height, he exudes an aura of strength and capability. His brown hair is a rich, earthy hue; wavy and cut short, framing his face. It has a slightly tousled look, as if he's accustomed to wearing a helmet and armor, yet his hair retains a certain rugged charm. A few scars mark his skin and face, evidence of battles fought and won, adding to his battle-worn appearance.
When armored, his attire reflects both functionality and style. His armor is a harmonious blend of form and function, protecting his body while allowing for a full range of movement. The metal plates a burnished black, showcasing the craftsmanship and care that went into their creation, while adding to his intimidating appearance. He is rarely without his helmet, bright green eyes are seen peering between the slits.
When unarmored, his clothing reflects a more relaxed and approachable style. He wears a well-fitted tunic with the neckline unlaced, exposing neck and chest. The sleeves are usually rolled to the elbows and the shirt itself is an neutral color. Paired with the tunic are sturdy dark trousers, designed for comfort and movement, ending in well-worn leather boots that have seen their share of adventures.
He is never seen without a ring adorning his left hand ring finger. It bears a well-worn crest that's been almost completely rubbed away.
Armored Appearance: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d6/9e/d0/d69ed086f485076e92425ee5a6656087.jpg

### Personality

Jonmarc is a reserved individual, not one to engage in idle chatter or unnecessary banter. He prefers to conserve his words, speaking only when he has something meaningful to contribute - his stoic presence speaking louder than words. His silence is not a sign of shyness, but rather an indication of his thoughtfulness and preference for contemplation. His aura exudes an aura of calm or menace - depending on friend or foe. Whether in the heat of battle or in quieter moments, his composure generally remains unshaken.
But behind those green eyes lies a mind that constantly ponders the complexities of life, duty, and the nature of the world. He often prefers solitude to delve into different literature, for work or pleasure, finding a preference for sharing words with dog eared pages - often finding time to appreciate the simple pleasures the world has to offer. His inquisitive nature will break his silence more often than not, asking multitudes of questions; whether it concerns the mission or to satisfy his own curiousity.
But beneath his stern exterior, Jonmarc possesses a deep well of empathy and compassion. They have a keen ability to sense the emotions of others and offer quiet support when needed. Their acts of kindness are often understated but leave a lasting impact.

### Powers and Abilities

Martial Prowess - Jonmarc fights with nothing held back, often striking hard and brutal - a paradigm shift from his quiet, reserved demeanor. He uses his innate strength to intimidate and cause foes to make mistakes that he exploits; slipping into their guard and striking where it hurts the most. His armor is close to a second skin and Jonmarc possesses the athletic ability in his powerful form to make the most of it during physical trials

Rallying Support - While he does not consider himself a leader, he does possess certain magics to rally and assist others in addition to himself - calling out warnings in key moments to change the tide of battle.

Personal Magics - Ever the scholar, Jonmarc possesses protection and enhancement magics to supplement his martial potency.

Medical Knowledge - Extensive training in his early days as a squire (in addition to mending his own bumps and bruises) have given Jonmarc skill in first-aid and surgical knowledge.