The Red Jarl (Ready)

[SteelEagle]

Name: Brann, known as the Jarl or Red Jarl

Gender: Male

Age: Buck

Species: Caribou

Eye Color: Green

Character Color: His coat is a dark brown, with a light greyish-brown streak from his throat to his tail along the underside.

Mane/Tail/Other: One antler is longer than the other by a full hoof after a recent sword fight. Tail and head-fur are unremarkable.

Physique: Rippling muscles define the average viking caribou raider physique and Jarl is no different.

Residence: Olin's Chosen, based out of nomadic viking encampments in the northern reaches of the badlands.

Occupation: Captain of the Longship Olin's Chosen and one of many newly appointed Jarls in Clan Olin.

Cutie Mark: None.

Notable Talents/Unique Traits: Clan symbols have been painted on him on both sides and his forehead, red-hooved and cracking symbols denoting the fury and fire of his homeland. A fast-rising captain noted for his tactical maturation and brilliance in personal combat, an expert in the use of a wide variety of weaponry.

Character Summary: Few caribou can claim to have lived an easy life, whether they be from the Whitescar or are members of clans who left recently in defiance of the High King. The Jarl is no different, with the added stipulation that this was by choice, not decree, as much as it ever could be for a member of his species. Born into high nobility of the Clan Aured, the Clan from whom the High King came from and bases his power, the Jarl showed from a young age a proclivity towards violence and riches even beyond his kin. As others were first learning to play with wooden axes and learned how to use shields by playing with safe equipment, the young Jarl cut himself literally and figuratively across the blades and sharp-edges of royal trainers far beyond his age. He excelled in his studies, conquering the use of a weapon and moving on in the time it took others to grasp the basics.

He joined various clan organizations devoted to aspects of caribou society, and it was here where he started to develop differently from others in the Aured. Many others had been involved in the cleansing of the Aured during their time in the Spine of the World Serpent while Jarl had been born afterward. The belief in their clan leader was tied up in an understanding of what he had done to reach this point. Jarl had no such memory and as a staunch traditionalist felt a growing separation under the Aured's slow march towards turning a new leaf. Ever possessed of a belief in Caribou superiority of arms and character and even more so of their natural right by might, it was hard for him to come to terms with the thought that the caribou would lower themselves to treating other nations and species as anything other than the beats of burden of a greater caribou future. Still, he excelled in any task given him. He mastered the basics of sailing both the Longships of the Sky and Sea and before long was chosen as a potential crew mate for the well-renowned Breaking Reefs. It was with this future in mind that he went on to take part in his Will Test.

Like others, his Test lasted nearly two weeks. In that time everything had changed. A new High King had been declared- the clan leader of the Aured. A series of proclamations had went out. The Caribou were to turn over a new leaf. No more raiding or violence against the civilized states of the world, no more arenas, a new set of laws- on paper, a new nation or ideology had taken hold while he was gone. As if by some dark providence however, he already had been given a new path. While out on the Will Test, he had met up with a selection of other caribou youngsters taking the test. Each one from a different clan but united by campfire traditional stories that espoused a belief in the old ways, they quickly became allies during the difficulties of the Will Test.

When they emerged, each one shared his horror at what had transpired. They were not alone. Dozens of clans nearly rose up in revolt but were stayed by the vast alliance arrayed against them. Instead, many left. The exodus was unlike any in Caribou history and Jarl wished to join, but found himself without a ship and distrusted by anybou he asked to join by his clan affiliation. Rather than submit or prostate himself at the hooves of another, Jarl decided to abide by the previous offer of joining thee Breaking Reefs...with the stipulation that his new-found allies join the crew. This was not much of an obstacle as the normal violence that strikes out across the capital whenever a new High King is crowned had left the ship less than operable because of a skeleton crew. Desperate for aid, the captain took the caribou on and set off after a small collection of vessels which had not only left the Whitescar, but made off with riches and gold from the royal treasury. They were members of Clan Olin.

It wasn't long until Jarl made his move. He challenged the captain to combat for command of the vessel. Being a simple warrior, he was not given the honor immediately. First he had to strike down the first mate in a duel, and then sent the Housecarl over the starboard side of the flying longship. Jarl and the Captain then engaged in a long duel, the clashing of swords becoming the thunk of warhammers and the smashing of war axes cracking against spears which were broken against shields which were rendered useless when a well-placed mace ended the reign of the captain. Impressed by his martial skill, most of the crew elected ti join him. Those that didn't did wha the Caribou did when they disagreed vehemently and after a short skirmish, the ship flew through the sky ever light. It found the ships of Clan Olin and Jarl used the seizure of the ship as a signal of his quality and abandonment of the Aured to get the Clan Leader of the Olin to accept him as a new member of the Olin.

Jarl got his clan symbology changed and joined the Olin in settling the north badlands, alongside the many other tribes that joined them. Rather than bide his time, he instead re-armed, replaced members of his crew as well as crewed stations that were now empty, and set out doing what caribou have been doing for eons- raiding the civilized lands. The Olin needed materials and riches to build a new homeland as well as fun the right army to one day overthrow the High King, and Jarl is the caribou for the job.

Aggressive, violent, and remorseless are all accurate terms to describe the Jarl in most aspects. To the civilized creatures of the world he is caribou and war incarnate, and his daring raids have struck Maretonia, Equestria, and Aquella alike. He will strike a military outpost or base out of the blue with the fury of a storm and the next morning leave a village a smoking ruin with all the finality of a raging wildfire. He respects strength and courage as well as honesty- more than one town has found itself spared the torch by the brave sacrifice of a few hearty stallions and mares. This does not stop him from taking much of what he was going to originally, but his respect for bravery keeps these cities as habitable rather than burned husks. He will also strike a deal for tribute if a city is rich and large enough and the effort to ransack it too much. On the other hoof, small towns run and inhabited by cowards and big cities who lie can and will be put to the flame. The weeping of schoomarms as they watch their beloved town burn down in front of them does not move him to anything but contempt.

Amongst his own crew he has one of two personalities. For the most part he can seem both gregarious yet ruthless. He prizes effectiveness and adherence to tradition over other considerations. A particularly effective warrior under his command can enjoy a great deal of freedom and a greater share of the loot. Yet if a warrior manages to dishonor himself or is found to be ineffective in battle or as a member of the crew, Jarl has no issue with removing the warrior- no matter the method or height.

His inner circle, many of which are those same friends he made during his Will Test, know a bit more. He can be quiet and courteous to those he honors and has a wide respect for those who impress him and has no problem asking for help. For a caribou equally possessed of a nearly insane belief in his own destiny- one he believes ends with him as the High King with the former one impaled below- this may seem odd, but he prizes effectiveness from himself as well. Much better to ask for information and make a better decision than to fall on the sword of his own ignorance. This same process has led to a softening of his stance on other species. While he still considers the caribou and the old ways innately superior, he is no fool and respects and values the insight of foreigners if they are bright and killed enough to overcome his own prejudices.

[Lux]

Great app! Nice to see a villain that can be used for future encounters.

[Bellosh]