Making An Antihero

Post » Mon Oct 03, 2011 8:39 pm

So far I've created:

A hope-filled Ranger haunted by his past:
Spoiler
Name : Fyrisi Llerayn
Race : Dunmer (Dark Elf)
Age: 28
Gender : Male
Body Type : 5'10'' Slender Muscular
Combat style : Dual Wielding Ranger
Weapon/s : Dual cutlass/short sword or Short sword/dagger combo
Clothing/armor : Dark Leather/hood (cloak if possible)
Hair : white
Eyes : red
Home : still searching

Story :
Spoiler
Born to a mother and father, both members of the Dark Brotherhood, he was raised to be an elite assassin, the perfect killer. The dark faction honed his body and his mind into an instrument of death... But his heart was untouchable. An inner war between his morality and his existence came to a dramatic conclusion when he was given his first contract: The warranted death of a child. His heart held his blade. Knowing that his life as well as the child became forfeit by his decision to spare her life, he took the child and left Cyrodiil, to the land of Valenwood.
Days turned to months with no sign of pursuit. Eventually, he and the child found shelter in the town called Haven, on the second floor of a 'hole-in-the-wall' tavern. But the dark faction were unforgiving. In the brotherhood's poetic darkness, it was Fyrisi's mother and father that tracked him down. Thinking their lives safe, Fyrisi left the child alone in their upstairs room, for just a moment, to purchase some bread and salted pork. On his departure, he plucked a single hair from head and wedged it between the door and the frame. As he passed through the tavern, he could feel extra eyes on his crossing. Something was off. As he reached the threshold of his door, he stopped and searched for any sign of disturbance.

The hair strand was still intact.

Time slowed as he entered the room. The view of his mother standing before him, blade placed upon the crying child’s throat, left him frozen in place. Though his senses were numbed for just a moment, it was a moment that gave his father the chance he needed to slip his own blade under the throat of Fyrisi.

“Hair in the door?” his father whispered in his ear. “Who do you think trained you, boy?”

A grim smile crossed his father’s face as he glanced from Fyrisi to his wife. The infectious smile found its way to his mother’s face. In Stunning revelation, Fyrisi screamed his denial of the coming actions. Without a second thought, his mother’s blade cut deep into the child’s throat, ending her cries forever. Tears fled his eyes as Fyrisi watched the last of the child’s life blood flow away from her body. His mother gazed upon her son with a feigned expression of sadness.

“Oh my dear, dear child,” she said as she walked towards Fyrisi, “To watch this poor child lay before must pain you so.”

She stopped only inches away from his face and caressed his cheek softly. As she leaned forward to kiss his forehead, she wiped away the tears flowing from his eyes. She pulled back and gazed directly into his tear-filled eyes.

“Let me take this wretched sight from your eyes my son.”

A smile spread across her face as Fyrisi’s father tightened his grip on him. With the same blood stained blade she killed the child with, she dug dip into Fyrisi’s eye socket and twisted slowly. Waves of pain ran through his body, but he showed no expression beyond his body tensing in response. No. He would not submit to the pain he felt. His thought fell inward. Perhaps he deserved such a fate as this… But not the child.

A simmering rage burned within Fyrisi Llerayn, that has never been felt before. His father loosened his grip at the heat he felt seething from his son’s body. His mother stopped her blade’s approach to his other eye for the same reasoning. Both his parent’s stepped away from Fyrisi at the heat they now felt upon their own skin. They looked to each other once more, but no infectious smile could be found. Blood poured from the wound that was once his eye. With his remaining eye, he gazed upon the fallen child's body one last time before his vision faded into red. At that defining moment, Fyrisi roared out in furious defiance a word he knew not, sending his mother and father through the splintered walls of the second floor room, above the tavern. His parents' bodies fell dead before they hit the ground. Fyrisi, with the loss of blood and expulsion of energy, fell unconscious to the ground.
Fyrisi awoke to find himself in the company of an elderly Bosmer. Consciousness faded to and fro with scattered visions of the elderly Wood-elf performing healing rituals over his broken eye. He felt his missing eye tingle with new sensations of life. His blind eye held vision in a new ability. He could see out of it, but not in the sense of vision he was accustomed to. This old Wood elf had done something to him that he could not explain. Nor could he explain why this Bosmer had helped him in the first place. Confusion painted Fyrisi’s face, obvious enough for the Bosmer to reply.

“She was my granddaughter. The child. I heard what happened,” he sighed, “You tried Fyrisi, and for that much I cannot thank you enough.”

He peered into Fyrisi’s ‘new’ eye.

“Your vision was beyond repair, I’m afraid,” he continued, “At least the only form of vision you’ve ever known.”

He paused to let Fyrisi catch up with what his words.

“What you see, how you see the world, is through your mind’s eye,” he continued, “Everyone has a ‘mind’s eye,’ Fyrisi, but not everyone understands how to use it, or what the abilities are. This is the gift I’ve given you. The only gift I can give you.”

The days turned to weeks as Fyrisi learned to cope with his new eye and his new abilities. His elderly host granted him the time he needed and even taught him how to turn his ‘mind’s eye’ off if needed. Fyrisi came to learn that this old Bosmer was once a renowned Ranger, but as age took his body, he became an acclaimed Shaman.

Feeling stronger than he had before, Fyrisi understood that it was time to move on. He had one more end to tie up. His inherited vengeance was far from quenched. He returned to the place he once called home, he returned to the people that taught him everything he knew; the Dark Brotherhood. Death came to his native branch of the dark faction.

In his studies as a pupil, Fyrisi was taught that in all the regions of Tamriel, there was none more primative than the lands of Skyrim. It was there, Fyrisi would seek refuge from the shadow of the Dark Brotherhood. As he crossed into the freezing borders of Skyrim, Fyrisi felt something tingle inside him. A tingle that sparked the memory of his parents demise. He never fully understood what took place that day, but at that moment, something told him that he would find his answers soon.

Imprisoned!

In the dark of night, Fyrisi crossed into the frozen borders of Skyrim. Seeking shelter from the cold, he happened across a lit campfire. Unsure of the men that surrounded the encampment, he circled the troupe hoping to gain a better understanding. Without too much examining, Fyrisi could tell the men were soldiers of Nordic decent. Weighing out his options Fyrisi, concluded that he was unsure of their intent, but was certain that if he didn't find warmth soon, he would surely die. As he slowly made his way towards the campsite, Fyrisi took note that the amount of tents displayed outnumbered the number of men surrounding the fire. Before he could react, four well armed soldiers surrounded him. He immediately scolded himself for such a simple oversight. Though Fyrisi was nothing more than a lonely traveller, the men viewed him as a spy- a well known profession for his race. He gave no resistance as the men took him as their prisoner. No words were spoken to him and no explanation was asked of him. He was a spy, there was nothing more to say- Death awaited him now.


In game: He seeks refuge in the wilderness, hiding from both the Dark Brotherhood and his own guilt. Once a promising assassin, now he uses his skills to guide his life through nature, becoming a Ranger.

After Story: Fyrisi was a Ranger before the foretold events happened, and he's a Ranger afterwards. The only difference now: before, he was forced, out of necessity, to go into the cities/villages, now he welcomes the oppurtunity. He is still hunted by the Dark Brotherhood. But now they hold no fear in his heart.


A grounded Warrior who seeks vengeance/his purpose
Spoiler
Name : Kalibor Wind-Walker
Race : Nord
Age: 26
Gender : Male
Body Type : 6'5'' muscular/stout
Combat style : Dual Wielding warrior
Weapon/s : Dual wielding short swords/maces/axes
Clothing/armor : Light armor
Hair : bald+full beard
Eyes : emerald green
Home : complicated

Story :
Spoiler
Skyrim was a land he never knew, though his blood knew it as his native home. His mother died during his birth. His father (a Ranger), broken by the loss of his love, bore his child south; to lands and tongues foreign to their own. They became nomads, travelling from land to land, from town to town. When it came time to gather up and travel to the next destination, his father would simply explain their direction with a single word, whether it be territory, town, or country. His father, finding work of all trades, some jobs less desirable than others and a few he could never speak of without hanging his head. But he loved his son and desired to give him only the best. With the money he made, he spent on an lessons for his son that few people, and fewer Nords, received. Though he educated by great scholars in every tongue spoken in Tamriel, trained by some of the most esteemed fighters and rogues in all the lands, Kalibor's most valued lessons came from his father's own words of wisdom. He was taught the ways of a good man, true to be true to his own heart. As Kalibor grew to be a man, he noticed that from time to time, his father would look at him with saddened eyes. He could tell that his father desired to tell him what pain laid buried beneath... But he never did and Kalibor never pushed the point.
One day, Kalibor awoke to find his father was missing. Stepping out of the room his father and he shared, he made his way up the stairs into the tavern above. Their he found his father wrapping up a conversation with a fellow Nord. He turned from the stranger and locked eyes with his son . The look on his father's pale face was wrought with stress and fear.
"I must talk with you this night," his father exhaled, "but for now, I must make a small trip North, to the border and you WILL stay here." The stern tone of his father's voice at the end of the sentence told Kalibor not to argue otherwise. It was late in the night and his father still had not returned. Kalibor grew concerned to the point where he cared not for his father's subtle threat and gathered some belongings. Just as he turned to leave their room, the door burst open, with his father pale as a ghost, clutching his chest. Kalibor caught him as he fell to the ground. His father's breathing came with labor. As he gazed upon the man he grew to know as 'larger than life,' he knew, with weeping eyes, that his father was dying. His father's eyes beckoned him to come closer. In a final breath, his father whispered a single word that gave Kalibor the direction of his next destination: "Skyrim."

Crossing into Skyrim, he is immediately seized and considered a traitor for reasons he knows not. He would see this through, knowing full-well that his father knew of greater plans for Kalibor, and trusted in the spirit of his father that he would make it out of this alive.


In game: Unsure of his place in the happenings of Skyrim or what his next step should be, Kalibor makes his way to the first village he finds. He accidentally lands himself in a simple life. A job he is satisfied with, a roof over his head, and even a woman to love him. During a trip to a nearby city he and his wife were making to sell goods for profit, they were attacked a dragon. His wife did not survive the encounter, but he did... barely. This is the catalyst that sets Kalibor in the direction the prophecy set for him, the direction his father set for him. Kalibor is Dovahkiin.

After Story: Kalibor, fulfilling his part in the prophecy- seeks a simpler life once more. But as long as there are dragons there will be the Dovahkiin.


But now I'm looking into making a 3rd character.

The Antihero.-a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.


What I do know I want thus far is:
Spoiler

Race: Imperial
Class: Assassin
Faction: Dark Brotherhood
Combat style: unforgiving/fierce/silent
Weapons: (Major)dual-wielding swords (Minor) Bow/magic

Personality: Methodical. Structured. An assassin to the core, but holds no value over wealth and/or material luxuries. What coin he does acquire usually is recycled and served to help in other 'contracts.' A professional and always has an air of control about him. Every move he makes or word he speaks is calculated to achieve a desired effect. He never allows emotions or the circumstances, no matter how dire, to master him- Only rare instances do they surface. He is a chameleon in his own right, both hiding in the shadows as well as hiding in plain sight. Though he rarely speaks, he holds a silver tongue. Seeded deep beneath the cold emotionless assassin that he is, lies a sense of good. But what 'good deeds' that happen to transpire through his actions often are muddied into grudging acceptance, and rarely end without him finding some personal benefit from it.


I know this seems like quite a bit for many people, but for me this isn't enough. These are just surface qualities. I'm having a hard time putting together a backstory simply because I usually only develop 'Good natured' characters. This would be the closest I would come to making a character with any sense of 'evil.' I don't want to make him completely evil simply because I feel that the MQ just won't allow you to create a pure villain.


-YES, there are plenty of Artemis Entreri inspired characteristics involved thus far, but as I continue to mold this character, it won't be so closely reflective. Artemis Entreri is a solid example of an assassin/antihero and a decent foundation for my character. As I further develop this character though, he will be inspired and molded by MANY aspects and perhaps other fictional characters. Nothing's truly original. Everything is derived from some previous inspiration. It's the details that make it unique


So the reason why I'm making this a thread is because I want to hear some thoughts from all you fine folk:

What is an Antihero to you?

Also:

I don't expect anyone to make me a full background story for my character, but some thoughts and ideas would be nice.

Why is he the way he is?
What led him to be an assassin?
Origins?

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Alexandra Ryan
 
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Post » Tue Oct 04, 2011 3:06 am

Name-Artemis Entreri. I think you know the rest. Lol
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Cash n Class
 
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Post » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:36 am

Name-Artemis Entreri. I think you know the rest. Lol


Someone else noticed the horrible R.A. Salvatore rip-off characters as well I take it.
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sarah taylor
 
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Post » Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:15 pm

The Salvatore rip-off characters are fairly obvious.

What's his fourth character going to be? A female human archer hopelessly torn between her love for the 1st and 2nd characters ...
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gandalf
 
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Post » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:36 am

YES, there are plenty of Artemis Entreri inspired characteristics involved thus far, but as I continue to mold this character, it won't be so closely reflective. Artemis Entreri is a solid example of an assassin/antihero and a decent foundation for my character. As I further develop this character though, he will be inspired and molded by MANY aspects and perhaps other fictional characters. Nothing's truly original. Everything is derived from some previous inspiration. It's the details that make it unique.


But thanks to the first three people for your amazing input. Not exactly the input I'm asking for though. Just need some ideas as to which way I should take this character.
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Jade Muggeridge
 
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Post » Mon Oct 03, 2011 3:42 pm

To me, an antihero is often a cliche Mary Sue borne by unskilled writers fulfilling their desires with wide mass author-insertions. Numerous end up as cool and practical assassins, level-headed and emotionless. Their calm exterior is what authors create to separate them from simple murderers (unless they're totally going for that). Their poker face cracks only under certain situations, often encountering any sort of reference to their past--That girl. That rival. That boss. That mission.

BUT IT IS NOT A BAD THING. There are many writers who tweak, change, and develop their characters, and I enjoy a lot of stories that typify the antihero(-assassin) stereotype. Sometimes because I'm in the mood for a slasherfic or action movie, other times because the authors/directors/whoever create very engaging characters.

Just some food for thought. A lot of the chars people are coming up with here are pretty interesting.

Nothing's truly original. Everything is derived from some previous inspiration. It's the details that make it unique

Totally! Definitely!
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Aliish Sheldonn
 
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Post » Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:41 pm

To me, an antihero is often a cliche Mary Sue borne by unskilled writers fulfilling their desires with wide mass author-insertions. Numerous end up as cool and practical assassins, level-headed and emotionless. Their calm exterior is what authors create to separate them from simple murderers (unless they're totally going for that). Their poker face cracks only under certain situations, often encountering any sort of reference to their past--That girl. That rival. That boss. That mission.

BUT IT IS NOT A BAD THING. There are many writers who tweak, change, and develop their characters, and I enjoy a lot of stories that typify the antihero(-assassin) stereotype. Sometimes because I'm in the mood for a slasherfic or action movie, other times because the authors/directors/whoever create very engaging characters.

Just some food for thought. A lot of the chars people are coming up with here are pretty interesting.


Totally! Definitely!



Definitely something to think about. The type I am going after is very cliche in itself and that is something I need to consider; do I wish to stick to the 'beaten path' or try to branch out and truly explore the spectrums of the 'antihero.'
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Chloé
 
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Post » Tue Oct 04, 2011 2:00 am

YES, there are plenty of Artemis Entreri inspired characteristics involved thus far, but as I continue to mold this character, it won't be so closely reflective. Artemis Entreri is a solid example of an assassin/antihero and a decent foundation for my character. As I further develop this character though, he will be inspired and molded by MANY aspects and perhaps other fictional characters. Nothing's truly original. Everything is derived from some previous inspiration. It's the details that make it unique.


But thanks to the first three people for your amazing input. Not exactly the input I'm asking for though. Just need some ideas as to which way I should take this character.

I said Artemis Entreri in a good way. I love RA Salvatore and the Drizzt series. If you want to RP characters similar to his own I cannot fault you. But don't take it like I was insulting you. I wasn't.
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Emily Rose
 
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Post » Mon Oct 03, 2011 1:16 pm

I said Artemis Entreri in a good way. I love RA Salvatore and the Drizzt series. If you want to RP characters similar to his own I cannot fault you. But don't take it like I was insulting you. I wasn't.


I wasn't. No worries on that one. Lol, if anything your post was the best presented out of the three. But all three are accepted either way and right in pointing the similarities out. This further illuminates my point that I need outward ideas/thoughts from all of you to make this character my own in a sense.
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Richard Dixon
 
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