New character (Extra)

## Marin Vallance

".... that we all had our hands filthy from bloody coins, if only so they may appear as cardinal red as Pilate's?"

## Basic Appearance

### Distinguishable Features

A curled mustache, a goatee, and a tattoo by his lower left side of a net.

## Background

Born in the city of Quebec, Marin Vallance was nothing if not a prodigy in the light of the French experiment. Born to a lower family in **Champlain's New France**, Marin was noted for his mastery of the French language, as well as his aptitude for economics, from an early age. Chosen to be part of the *Coureur des bois* experiment, at thirteen, Marin was attemptively integrated amongst local Iroquois peoples. Emerging as 'Wendat-Francais', Marin vocally challenged notions of French imperialism, and noted his preference for "Three Sisters" living.

Eventually, Marin was 'retired' from his involvement with the natives, at his father's request, to come serve the trading business once more, but found his way back in French mainland not long thereafter.

Marin became a local commidity of Paris, serving as a tutor in Native studies, history and philosophy at the *Université de Paris,* Marin emerged a polymath with a notably contrarian attitude that assured his deference with the 30-years war, but nevertheless a patriot and valuable asset.

After serving for a sum 8 years at the university, Marin now in his early thirties had come to be considered a member of the French establishment, fashioning a relative nearness with **Richelieu**, which ultimately culminated in his involvement with The Blades.

## Personality and Behaviour

Marin is a passionate man, with an onerous relationship to the intellectual. A somewhat sardonic thinker, his pessimism is countered by his boisterousness and cynically derived charm.

A social individual, much of what drives Marin forward is his ability to appear both confident and warm-hearted, regardless of his personal biases. Even-so, in private he gladly revels in tearing down whatever presumptions some may have, in any matter. A quick-witted and scholarly thinker, he often muses within the philosophical realm, if only to distract him.

Though generally likeable, he has been accused of veiled sarcasm or subtle insults, and his passionate energies often has him appear irreverent towards authority, in favor of open discussion.

## Occupational Details

Marin serves as the strategic element of The Blades, being capable of mixing his multiple pasts as both a peasant, native, aristocrat and intellectual to gather information, as well as applying his scholarly acumen to outline and present intelligence. Offering his insights and connections into relevant elements such as maps, vital information and othersuch.

In more heated situations, whilst Marin has some training with weaponry, he often does best in a supportive role, noting tactics, taking out key targets, or simply remembering the best route through the streets of Paris.

When he is not scheming, Marin offers his halfway competent assistance as a medical practicioner, presenting a surprising amount of knowledge of herbs and othersuch from his time with the Iroquos.

## Likes/Hobbies/Interests

While he would prefer to not be considered a bookworm, Marin will gladly cause a ruckus for a book, manuscript or othersuch, even if theological in nature.

However, the primary passion of Marin's is the social aspect of a rigorous application of knowledge and logic. Marin prefers the company of learned, unpretentious, thinkers above much else, and sees that a lengthy fireside discourse on the premises of Aristotle, Pliny or Machiavelli is met with an equal quantity of naturalism and social theory.

## Dislikes/Fears/Phobias

Marin is generally doubtful of his righteousness, even if he does his utmost not to appear it. He therefor struggles with severe opposition to his agency or allegiances at large. Similarly, he has a nasty habit of avoiding camraderie, even if he, like most, crave it especially during these dark times.

## Strengths and Weaknesses

### **Strengths**

Scholastic Intelligence - Marin is a living library of information, and can often apply his knowledge to interpret or understand new information at a great pace.

Efficiency Oriented - Marin works well to employ effective measures and works tirelessly to avoid not knowing the next step.

Fantastic Company - At least on first impression, there are few who are not somewhat fascinated with his aptitude for the world at large, and his turn of phrase.

### **Weaknesses**

Lack of Piety - Marin is not a religious man. A dangerous thing to be in these times.

Lack of Principle - Marin is not a chaste nor temperate man. If he does anything, it is with intensity. That includes indulgences like wine.

Mediocre Combattant - While he is surprisingly effective with a hand weapon, he by far not the best shot in the Blades.

## Ambitions

Had he the power, he'd find that Draconian influence in France was monitored correctly, yet compassionately. He loathes the powerful who have no interest in the people, including the papacy.

In a more practical manner, he wants to figure out a way to infiltrate the Draconic measures. Information is key.

## Physical Skills

Dramatic Bravado

Marin has a penchant for the subtleties of movement. From footwork, acrobatics or dance, Marin does well at switching drinks, impressing guests or skulking the shadows.

The Strength of a Famer

Marin spent the entirety of his youth as a farmhand, especially in the ruralities of Northern America without modern tools. His back and legs are damn strong. So whilst he cannot sprint the fastest, there are certain physical activities like lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying where he pulls far above his weight.

## Intellectual Skills

Polymath

Philosophy, history, economics, mathematics, engineering, folklore, medical practice, architecture, art, politics, linguistics... He has taught in half, and been top of his class in the rest.

Keen Tongue and Wit

A strong memory, and a stronger sense of dramatic prose, Marin talks five layers deep, if only to dance around a subject.

## Clothing Style

Marin often finds himself attracted to simple clothes. When not required to, he'd prefer a simple shirt, pants, coat and worker's boots. If else, he'd prefer to entice rather than enterprise, often wearing darks accented with foreign and quirky details. He may even have been the inventor of the feathered hat!

## Weapon/s

Marin has no particular preference of weapons. Though he does have a treasured tomahawk in his chambers, with which he sleeps with under the pillow.

In recent times, he has been inspired by D'Leoncourt LeBeau to wield a Phantom Blade. He'd much rather prefer a quick stab, than a lengthy fight.

## Armour

Should combat be necessary, Marin has found that it is better to avoid it at all costs. When that fails, he tends to be exceptionally prepared, often incorporating the equipment off a purchased knight's armor. Yet most days, he has found it simpler to wear a chain-mail shirt, hidden under layers of cloth and a thin layer of gambeson, so that only a discerning ear or eye would note his middling level of protection, from say a sudden stab.