Palladius Agrippa
Low Knight, Crest of Ruby
Played by: Brian
Name: Palladius Marcus Agrippa
Age: 23
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 205 lbs.
Background: Palladius Agrippa was born near the river Acheron in Thessaly, a land far from Cei Newydd. He was the son of a general and popular senator Marcus Agrippa and his wife Ophelia Praius. Born into a strict, political family he was very much his father's son, a proud man of strength, honor and virtue. Loved by the mob and blessed by Mars, the Agrippa family followed in the footsteps of their forefathers by continuing to forge an empire. By crushing tyrants with fearsome centurions and legionary units Thessaly rolled through the known world, brushing everyone who opposed their ideals aside. They soon became a symbol of liberation in the world.
Following a long and expensive campaign with Malcaria the empire found itself regressing, they needed a new conflict to reinvigorate popular support. The Malacarian war was put on hold while foreign policy turned to the barbarians in the north. The large army was to be led by Ostia Agrippa and his sixteen year old brother Palladius. The northern army became the most famous in Thessalian history, winning epic battles when they had no right. The Agrippa brothers were attributed with all the successes and became beloved by the soldiers and the mob alike.
Despite warnings from Marcus Agrippa the Senate refused to send more men and the army was eventually over run. Those few legionnaires that survived were bound and sold into slavery. For the next four years Palladius traveled widely under lock and chain, usually put to work as an infantryman in tyrannical armies and dark kingdoms. After a brutal spell in barbarian Valhallon he was sold to a Caledonian landowner.
Palladius served as a berserker for his rage was best suited in the ranks. He made short work of his duties and became intrigued by the man's flair for scripture. Both shared in the interests of war and politics and over a year a strange friendship grew. The Barons wealth was generational and his success created jealousy amongst his family. Powerful cousins from the north invaded his lands and killed the Baron while he defended his land. Palladius saw the opportunity and crossed the sea to Abertawe, a free man.
Freedom however came at a price. At twenty years old he landed in Dinas Dwr, with just a sword and the clothes on his back. He had nothing to live for only the dream that some day he might return home. He joined a band of mercenaries to feed his rage. Immediately he was noticed by Sir Arwel Llewellyn, a high knight of Abertawe. The knight offered Palladius a new life and the Thessalian reluctantly accepted. Arwel was a kind and generous man and taught Palladius much about faith and morality. After falling ill Arwel retired to Ast with his family and Agrippa was called forward to the Kings court. The knight looks forward to bleeding the land of tyranny, a tyranny he himself has fought against all his life.
Personality Profile: Under the reinforced armor Agrippa is a thoughtful, intelligent, and deeply religious man, but few ever get close enough to see this side of him. He prefers to keep his distance and lets others make the effort. Though still a young man he has experienced much in his lifetime. There are things he wishes no man should ever see and others he wishes he could paint for the worlds benefit. A deep thinker, he can often be found worlds away. He is loyal to his friends and ruthless on the battlefield.
Skills and Abilities: Palladius is proficient with sword and shield and most weapons associated with ground combat. While not always comfortable on a horse he has never shied away from the saddle. He rides fast and hard with little grace. The same can not be said for his battlefield charisma where he inspires men through actions rather than words.
Physical Profile: A strongly built man he has all the characteristics of a centurion. He is said to be very attractive and while he likes a hot bath now and again he has little vanity.
Special Notes: He has scars associated with slave work. The scarring on his back has since died down and only three to four large lashes remain. The letters SPQT are tattooed on his left arm in small black lettering. It stands for Senatus Populusque Thessalanus - for the senate and people of Thessaly. In life he has only one real cause, to return home a champion of men and liberator of tyrants.