Markus Ahenobarbus Galeo

Markus is a Dwarven Knight played by David Jaramillo. Markus was my first non-human character. It was also a chance to test another Player's Handbook 2 classes. Markus's personality was pretty similar to David Sevelin except Markus was no coward. Unlike most the characters I make; Markus to be very devoted to his cause. He truly believes in the Cult of the Dragon. He was made to be almost the polar opposite to my first character in this campaign, Malendore. I took the chance of playing a very large Dwarf. There were several times when I was afraid it would get me killed. Luckily, it is easier to play Markus.

Description

 * Appearance: Markus Galeo is the Collosus among Dwarves. He stands at a staggering 4 Feet 10 Inches tall.  Markus is almost the height of a human, but he obviously a dwarf because he is also very wide and muscular.  Markus also has a hardy belly from enjoying the finer things in life.  He has a large red beard and wears full plate most of the time.  He often holds his weapon and shield with him as well.  Markus is generally has a focused look on his face, but when he is not working; he tries to celebrate.

Gear
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 * Weapons:


 * Dwarven War Axe +1


 * Heavy Steel Shield +1


 * Armor:
 * Full Plate +2


 * Other:


 * Magic Items:
 * (Head)
 * (Eyes)
 * (Neck) Amulet of natural Armor +1
 * (Cloak)[
 * (Vest)
 * (Bracers)
 * (Gloves)
 * (Boots)
 * (Ring 1) Ring of Protection +1
 * (Ring 2)

Personality
He is only evil by choice. He does not love the pain of others or seek it, but he is a Knight with the ambition of bringing the Cult of the Dragon to the top of the world Markus will do anything to make it happen. He believes in his own strength and has no political or influential ambition. He only wishes to be powerful and make the dreams of Sammaster come to fruition. He is stern but friendly and respectful. Markus has is eager to engage in battle, but tries to remain calm as often as possible. He spent most of his life reading rather than fighting so, he is used to the finer things in life. Markus is the most loyal soldier a man can find anywhere. After the incident in Mulmaster, he is seeking a way to repay the Cult of the Dragon. There is nothing that brings Markus into a rage like betrayel. His goals are to avenge the Cult in Mulmaster by helping the cult and exposing Dolbek Meyer as a traitor. Because he has several objectives on his mind at all times, Markus is usually serious. When he is not working, he tries to loosen himself up and enjoy life. There is nothing he enjoys more than a cold glass after a job well done.

History
From the Vaasa. Markus is part of a richer village with a personal library. Markus lived most of his life in leisure. Markus was a fan of little things in life like smoking pipe and a good cold glass. Markus read a lot on history, and often found himself interested in the tales of evil villains. Markus had the ambition to want to become powerful and aid the conquest of a villain to help the tides of change. History was at its most interesting when good was almost about to loose. Markus had the desire to become evil, but did not have the ambition. Markus Galeo left his family in search of what he has looking for. His family was neutral and took respect that he wanted to become more. As a dwarf, he yearned for battle he wasn’t getting in his current lifestyle. He wanted to know more about the words of Sammaster, and though Markus did not make it clear to his family that he wanted to join the Cult of the Dragon, they did know that his quest did have something to do with them. Markus didn’t really know how to fight very well though. At the ripe young age of 87 years Markus left his to look for the Cult of the Dragon. Markus traveled west through the mountains first.

Noble Orc
Markus was attacked quickly after being set on his journey by rogue Orcs. Suddenly their leader appeared, a statue of power among Orcs, a true fight for a Dwarven Warlord. He demanded that his group not be reduced to pure thievery. Markus thought for sure that he would be dead in the face of a Warlord… Markus was set free…  “ Petty Dwarf, consider yourself lucky you were spared. I could see that you were no opponent for any of my men, or me… My men are made of very well-trained powerful orcs, excuse these new fools.”  He hands Markus his things. “I suggest you watch your step better next time, if they had killed you behind my back, they would have been rewarded instead of punished.” Markus got up quickly and left ran off he is saw an Orcish Necromancer arrive on the scene. “ A necromancer” Markus said. “Do you know where I can find the followers of Sammaster?” The necromancer had an aura of absolute evil… as he sneered when he heard that. “What would you want with the Cult of the Dragon?” Markus exclaimed, I am interested in them, I don’t know what for…?”  The Necromancer starts laughing…  “You fool, they are an evil organization… What do you intend on accomplishing? Do you want to join them… and if you do, I will kill you in you in one word.” The warlord interjects “Enough Croznoc,  you listen to me. Let this fool go. Let him live knowing we spared him.” Croznoc says angrily “He is a dwarf and wants to join the Cult of the Dragon. We should kill him now. He is a possible enemy of ours” The warlord curls his finger in his beard and begins laughing as he whispers “Croznoc, you are worried over nothing. Think about this, the Cult of the Dragon is an organization of casters and people who act in the shadow of their own deception. A Dwarf with no battle experience is likely to drag the organization down more than he would help. I think that this Dwarf would actually be more harm to the organization alive than dead. Let him be…” Croznoc lowers his hand “ fine, Icthorac, I will do just that”  Croznoc turns his head towards Markus “Leave and escape before I decide to change my mind about sparing your life.”  Markus takes this opportunity to leave them. In later months traveling away to several years he would always remember those two orcs who seemed smart and noble. Markus hated them, but he felt as if he felt a kindred spirit of battle in that orc. This was inspiration. Markus now knew how he wanted to train himself. He wanted to become a knight. Markus would train himself in combat and learn how to become a knight worthy of the followers of the tome.



Markus enters the Cult of the Dragon
Markus was able to find a an establishment with the Cult. Markus traveled through the mountains and ended up a little bit north of the Moonsea. This area was not that organized and though Markus still had to be careful, he was not in the most recognized of cells. He learned that saying the name of the organization implies evil and gets most people, villains or heroes in a rage. He found subtle nuances to speak the name and was able to keep a secret somewhat efficiently. Markus did find himself in other close spots, but none as threatening as the first experience with the orcs. Upon finding the organization, he was met with large resistance. Markus had a very hard time proving that he was the perfect member for the Cult of the Dragon. He actually lived in the town for over a year before they saw his devotion to living the interest in the town. Markus was a knight, a warrior, something not looked heavily upon by the Cult of the Dragon, but at the same time, adds some variety to the organization. Upon reading the actual words of Sammaster and hearing the chants of a Wearer of Purple, Markus was almost instantly enthralled by these words. Markus did not say it, but his family was rich because his ancestors were dwarves heroes that defeated a powerful red dragon and took the spoils of his massive treasure. The dragon’s family vowed revenge, and though no major attack has arrived, Markus knows the fear of dragons and was always intrigued about the nature of dracoliches. Markus was a devoted member from that point on. The members around where he was strongly affected by being so close to the Moonsea and this had a strong impact in the type of work that this Cult of the Dragon Cell did.



Recent History
Markus spent around 10 years in the organization. Markus knows the trades and is aware of the organization’s functions and activities. As a more senior member, Markus became less afraid to act dwarven and act with his knightly code of honor. Markus became aware of his location and the situation. He was a member inside of Mulmaster. The present was a very dangerous time for Mulmaster as they were reaching their extinction. Few members took an opportunity to help in a place called Silverymoon. Markus read about a recent addition to the history book before he arrived at the organization about an epic battle that took place in Silverymoon. Markus seemed very interested in going to legendary battlegrounds for the Cult of the Dragon and Alustriel. Atleast one member left, while Markus stood to fight to the for the Cult of the Dragon. This was a slow siege and chase that has been going on for years. Markus aided the cause with whatever the cell would ask, but as the situation got worse, the cell prepared for the upcoming battle. As the fight got truly dangerous, Markus was defeated as well as the rest of the cult members. Markus was part of a large battle, and not being a caster, he was left for dead as higher members attempted their last possible solution, to call a dracolich. The Cloaks of Mulmaster, were slowly pinning down the Mulmaster Cell. The cell was destroyed, but Markus was left alive. Someone from outside the cult saved Markus and he helped Markus get back on his feet and recover from his injuries. The man that saved Markus gave him a request of a place to go. Markus still wanted to persue cult interests and he also remembers the one man that betrayed them. His name was Dolbek Meyer. With that thought in mind, the man that saved Markus was able to teleport Markus to a place fairly close to Silverymoon. Markus never even knew the name of the person that saved him and helped him go to Silverymoon. Markus was one of the most devoted members to his cell and wanted to be useful to the cult. He could have gone back to his home land, but decided that he would be more useful serving his organization. Going to Silverymooon also gave Markus incentive to find the traitor of his cell, Dolbek Meyer.

People that Markus Knows
Dolbek Meyer- The Ultimate Traitor, I want to kill him. The deed is done. Dolbek is dead.

Alister Fargon- Mulmaster wearer or purple- He was my leader. Sadly, he is most likely dead.

The Cloaks of Mulmaster- They killed all of my friends. One day if I live that long, I will get my revenge.

Cynell- The leader of the Silver Knights. He might be looking for me.

Leonard Gileen- The Vice Commander of the Silver Knights. He is probably looking for me. Luckily more important things are happening in Silverymoon.

Traitors: Roon Maxist, Ronaya Youngblood, Thasidus Stoneridge, Ianegar Whitehorn. Thasidus and Deifling are no longer traitors. Those who would martyr themselves for the cult are heroes. Thasidus was misguided by Roon Maxist, the second in command of the traitors. Ianegar Whitehorn is protecting the Tome with his life, a sacred text that only a true member would protect. Ronaya Youngblood is a traitor, but the present Wearer of Purple, and I must obey her.

Odal and Teirum, they are strange and though Teirum seems like true blue, he is not trust worthy. Odal is insane, has no honor and does not care for the Cult of the Dragon. He is better off dead.

Pre-Session
In the presession Markus arrived at the Gates of Silverymoon. Upon his purpose, Markus lied and gave them a composite story of his meeting with the noble orcs and the destruction of his home in Mulmaster. This coincided with the fear of the orcs directly north of Silverymoon. Markus was taken to Barracks where he met Lenard Gillen, the head of the Silver Knights, to confirm this. Then he was taken somewhere else where Markus added to the lie by saying that the attack in Mulmaster happened where his orc encounter happened. Markus was able to get out without major suspicion, and he was given temporary housing by the Silver Knights. Markus looked for Either Dolbek Meyer or any information on the Cult of the Dragon by referring to it as the “Tome”. He had a tour with a member or the cell, but got no information. He met up with a member of the spell-guard, but had no idea who it was. Markus had no idea what he was actually looking for when he was looking for a contact in the Cult of the Dragon. A voice spoke to him and he was knocked unconscious. He found himself in a room with two men being interrogated. Markus refused to give in to demands. These two threw the blindfolds away. Markus did not know either of these two, but they revealed themselves as Cult of the Dragon, but did not actually say it once. Markus received a beating during the interrogation, but they soon untied him and Markus joined the cell in Silverymoon.

Current Whereabouts
Deceased: Summertide 26, 1377 DR During his time in the Silvermoon Cell, Markus witnessed a Coup de tat. The Wearer of Purple was killed and his wife took control of the cell. Markus knew he was surrounded by traitors, but knew that there was nothing that he could do. This was a strong inner conflict that made it hard for him to act decisively. Ronaya was the new Wearer of Purple, but she was a traitor. He decided to listen to the new Wearer of Purple, but Markus received no orders. It did not take long for her reckless actions to lead to the downfall of the Silverymoon Cell. Markus had a terrible feeling of nostalgia. He knew that this cell would suffer a similar fate to the cell in Mulmaster. Markus wondered why so many of the members praised when a crazy leader took charge. Markus knew that this would lead to everyone's death. Ronaya's son Ara caused an incident that would segway into the death of the cell. This would start a conflict between the Wearer of Purple and the High Lord Mage. This also lead to the capture of Dolbek Meyer. In classic form, Dolbek gladly gave the names and position of all of his comrads to save his own skin. Dolbek would live out the rest of his life in the same nature as Markus expected. In the end, Ronaya leaves Silvermoon and the cell was destroyed. Malendore slipped the name of a villain to a harper and then allowing himself to be followed. Roon Maxist, probably the greatest of the traitors was killed in Slverymoon. Diefling and Thasidus died so that both Markus and Ienagar could leave the city. A white dragon killed Dolbek, a horrible death worthy of a fiend like Dolbek. His only alliance was himself. Ienagar and Markus both tried to make it to the den of the White Dragon; and while traveling, several people joined Markus and Ienagar. Markus met Teirum and Odal, two new people showed up. Teirum was a member of the Cult of the Dragon, but Markus had no attachments to Odal. Markus was badly wounded in a battle with Orcs and Demons when a women saved him. The new group of people made it to the cave and Markus met his new master, a Great Wyrm White Dragon. Markus went to Sundabar with the group to help pay for the Dragon's generocity. While persuing the Orc Camp, Markus was dropped and captured in battle. In classic form, he was would not give the location of his comrads. Markus was killed in his interrogation. In the end, he had nothing left, but his pride.