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Arslan History & Personality
Aug. 13th, 2024 05:08 pmArslan was raised for a large portion of his life by a couple near the southern oceans, who later ended up murdered. It was around eight or nine that he was brought back to the Palace, to be raised towards taking his rightful place as the Prince of Pars (not that he didn't study before, but more study was now required as he neared the age of becoming a man).
At fourteen years of age, Lusitania, one of Pars' greatest enemies, threatened the kingdom. Arslan, by his father Andragoras' command, is sent to the front lines to participate in his first battle. Although sensing something is wrong, as an unusual fog covers the fields of Atropatene, Andragoras refuses to listen and battle soon breaks out at the front.
In many ways, this proves fortunate for the young prince, as he avoids the later burning oil field that takes out most of the Parsian army, although after a long fight Arslan finds himself un-horsed, and without a blade, a soldier bearing down on him in order to slay him. At this time, Arslan is saved by his loyal retainer, and one of the prior generals of the kingdom, Darun, who tells Arslan that, in order to preserve his lineage and hopefully take back the kingdom, that he must survive.
Following Darun's lead, Arslan is led to a small out of the way home up in the mountains, where Pars' formal historian, and now retired and aspiring artist, Narcus lives. Being old friends, Narcus takes them in for the night, and tells Arslan why the battle was lost, earning Arslan's respect as the boy realizes he has much knowledge. However, despite Darun's best attempts to get Narcus to join them, knowing the man has a vast knowledge of history and the strategy of war, Narcus only says he will help them for the time they remain in his home.
However, as morning approaches, Arslan is woken by the noise of horses approaching the house, and joining Darun out on the roof of Narcus' hut, spies a few soldiers from a traitorous general's unit approaching. Taking shelter in the rafters, Arslan and Darun listen as no further news is given of Andragoras, and indeed, it is said his protector, Darun's uncle Vaphrese, has been slain, his head now hanging outside the capital of Peshwal.
It is at this point that Arslan first shows an understanding of those around him, stopping Darun from drawing his sword and giving their position away. Narcus, managing to get the men to leave for the moment, then confronts Darun and Arslan as they descend from the rafters, accusing Darun of intentionally trying to get him involved in things, and once more refusing to assist. In his second show of understanding, Arslan offers Narcus recompense for his help, and instead of offering money as the artist presumes, Arslan offers to make him the royal artist when the kingdom is returned to it's former rule. Narcus accepts this, and the group sets out.
At Narcus' urging, and at his noting how things will go down, Arslan sets a trap for the traitor Karlan before he can begin a smear campaign against Arslan, and the group sets up at a damn. When found, the damn waters are opened and most of the soldiers washed away. The ones who remain are fought off by Arslan and Darun, although arrows shot at Arslan are deflected by two new teammates; Guibu and Farangis.
Darun takes to chasing Karlan, attempting to capture him so that Arslan can question him, but it fails and instead Darun is left hanging from the planks of a bridge and almost falls. It is Arslan who goes to assist him up, stating that he is glad that Darun did not go with Karlan to his death.
Afterwards, Arslan begins his campaign to free the slaves, but it doesn't go as planned. Not only do the slaves begin to chase them, but Lusitania finds out their location and the group must split up. Going with the minstral Guibu and Narcus' helper, Elam, he makes his way toward the fort of Peshawal.
While at Peshawal, Arslan spots a strange man attacking an old general and sword trainer known as Bachmann, and rushes to aid him. At this time, he meets Silvermask, who informs Arslan that he is not a king or an heir at all, something that confuses Arslan and which Bachmann partially confirms, although he is slain on accident while protecting Silvermask and cannot tell the group what he knows. Silvermask himself gets away, and Arslan begins to doubt himself.
It is Darun who reassures Arslan, stating that despite whatever was said, Arslan is indeed his finest liege and that he will support him. This settles Arslan, who goes to Narcus for the next step in regaining Pars. The now strategist's suggestion is to side with Prince Lajendra of Shindra, a country where the two princes are fighting for the throne. His reason for choosing Lajendra is that Lajendra only wishes to rule, where his brother, Gardeep, wishes to conquer things.
At first, assisting in the battle between the two brothers, the king finally passes and decides to let the Gods decide who shall rule, and a one-on-one battle to the death between Lajendra and Gardeep's champion is called. Lajendra takes advantage of this, and convinces Arslan to loan him Darun, neglecting to tell anyone that Gardeep's champion an almost inhuman monster who feels no pain and has extremely tough skin. This causes Arslan to threaten Lajendra with death should Darun die, but thankfully, it does not occur.
After Arslan's managing to bring in Shindran help, many men begin to flock to join him in the hopes of retaking Pars. Leaving Peshawal, where Arslan and his men have been staying for a while - with the short excursion to Shindra - they finally go to begin taking back the various castles. At one, Arslan watches as the women and children jump to their deaths, wondering how a God would wish one to do this.
At this time he picks up a girl name Etoile, who he later leaves in charge of the many Lusitanians who did survive at the time; the few who were in town or unable to kill themselves, as he soon has to confront the country of Toran.
Using yet another of Narcus' strategies, bloodshed is spared on Pars' part, and Toran is pushed back for a time. It is about then that Arslan learns his Father, assumed dead, is really alive. Heading back to Ecbatana, the capital, Arslan is accused by his father of attempting a coup, and told to travel south, through enemy infested roads, on his own to collect 50,000 troops. Arslan does indeed set out, expecting nothing more than death.
[Personality]:
Arslan has a deeply developed personality, though almost every trait leads back to the same few reasonings; namely, his desire for righteousness and his concern for his people.
Although he does not understand everything there is to understand in the world, and in fact is lacking knowledge on many things that are not related to the Palace, Arslan knows that the people have it harder than himself, and is willing to learn and to listen. He dislikes the idea of slavery, and would like to see it abolished. On top of that, he sees no reason why a person of a lower status should be treated badly, and carries himself accordingly around those he meets. He will, when necessary, become a firm and political Prince. He certainly is aware he has power, but he will never abuse it unless there is a necessary reason to do so
An intelligent youth, Arslan knows when he is outmatched, and thus relies on his startegist, Narcus, for assistance in planning battles. Yet, he has his own way with words, convincing said strategist to join him, despite the fact Narcus had never wanted to return to the Kingdom of Pars ever again. He does this by speaking not only of how he's been scolded for the suggestion of abolishing slavery, a suggestion Narcus himself made, but of how he will appoint Narcus the royal painter when he takes back his kingdom, as he would rather see Narcus' works than that of the Lusitanian's hanging in the Palace. This ploy also shows that Arslan can understand a person on a deeper level, merely by listening to their words and watching their actions.
Arslan is also a trained fighter, although his lack of battle and his youth means he cannot stand up to anyone who is of a very high caliber. Still, he can defend himself well enough, and is not afraid to do so if necessary. In fact, despite the fact that some parts of his personality may suggest otherwise, he is a brave person who will do the right thing, even if the right thing is not exactly what he approves of.
One thing that sets Arslan apart from his father, King Andragoras, is that he is fiercly loyal to those of whom serve him, and to his people in general. The few times one sees him get truly angry is over said loyalty, and the best example would be when Darun, Arslan's protector and loyalest subject, is fighting for the Prince Lajendra in a battle to the death. Lajendra didn't bother to warn Arslan or Darun that the opponent he would be faced against is basically inhuman, and cannot feel pain, continuing to stand even when a blow that would render a regular man dead should drop him. Upon realizing this, Arslan draws his sword and warns Lajendra that, should Darun die, he will have his head. Arslan also at one point orders his army out to slay the army in front of them, despite the fact they would have been safer in the castle, because the enemy had decided to start burning, hanging and slaughtering the people of a neaby village in front of them.
A gentle person, Arslan is also well-respected for many reasons. Not only can he act like a proper, well-spoken, upstanding leader when he needs to, but his caring for the lives of others always shows through. In battle, he always orders that those who surrender be given quarter, and the unarmed are not to be killed. In addition, he listens when everyone speaks, taking in the desires of all those around him to try to move forward in the best possible course of action.
However, it should be noted that his belief of all being equal, at least to some extent, has gotten him into trouble. There are many who refuse to serve under him because he intends to abolish slavery. Some also believe him to be eccentric and idealistic, which to some is good, and to others, very bad. But Arslan is determined and will not back down on certain beliefs he has, slavery being one of them, as he was helped in the past by a slave who showed him no hostility and was raised by a wet nurse who, it is implied, taught him to respect people on their own merits.
At fourteen years of age, Lusitania, one of Pars' greatest enemies, threatened the kingdom. Arslan, by his father Andragoras' command, is sent to the front lines to participate in his first battle. Although sensing something is wrong, as an unusual fog covers the fields of Atropatene, Andragoras refuses to listen and battle soon breaks out at the front.
In many ways, this proves fortunate for the young prince, as he avoids the later burning oil field that takes out most of the Parsian army, although after a long fight Arslan finds himself un-horsed, and without a blade, a soldier bearing down on him in order to slay him. At this time, Arslan is saved by his loyal retainer, and one of the prior generals of the kingdom, Darun, who tells Arslan that, in order to preserve his lineage and hopefully take back the kingdom, that he must survive.
Following Darun's lead, Arslan is led to a small out of the way home up in the mountains, where Pars' formal historian, and now retired and aspiring artist, Narcus lives. Being old friends, Narcus takes them in for the night, and tells Arslan why the battle was lost, earning Arslan's respect as the boy realizes he has much knowledge. However, despite Darun's best attempts to get Narcus to join them, knowing the man has a vast knowledge of history and the strategy of war, Narcus only says he will help them for the time they remain in his home.
However, as morning approaches, Arslan is woken by the noise of horses approaching the house, and joining Darun out on the roof of Narcus' hut, spies a few soldiers from a traitorous general's unit approaching. Taking shelter in the rafters, Arslan and Darun listen as no further news is given of Andragoras, and indeed, it is said his protector, Darun's uncle Vaphrese, has been slain, his head now hanging outside the capital of Peshwal.
It is at this point that Arslan first shows an understanding of those around him, stopping Darun from drawing his sword and giving their position away. Narcus, managing to get the men to leave for the moment, then confronts Darun and Arslan as they descend from the rafters, accusing Darun of intentionally trying to get him involved in things, and once more refusing to assist. In his second show of understanding, Arslan offers Narcus recompense for his help, and instead of offering money as the artist presumes, Arslan offers to make him the royal artist when the kingdom is returned to it's former rule. Narcus accepts this, and the group sets out.
At Narcus' urging, and at his noting how things will go down, Arslan sets a trap for the traitor Karlan before he can begin a smear campaign against Arslan, and the group sets up at a damn. When found, the damn waters are opened and most of the soldiers washed away. The ones who remain are fought off by Arslan and Darun, although arrows shot at Arslan are deflected by two new teammates; Guibu and Farangis.
Darun takes to chasing Karlan, attempting to capture him so that Arslan can question him, but it fails and instead Darun is left hanging from the planks of a bridge and almost falls. It is Arslan who goes to assist him up, stating that he is glad that Darun did not go with Karlan to his death.
Afterwards, Arslan begins his campaign to free the slaves, but it doesn't go as planned. Not only do the slaves begin to chase them, but Lusitania finds out their location and the group must split up. Going with the minstral Guibu and Narcus' helper, Elam, he makes his way toward the fort of Peshawal.
While at Peshawal, Arslan spots a strange man attacking an old general and sword trainer known as Bachmann, and rushes to aid him. At this time, he meets Silvermask, who informs Arslan that he is not a king or an heir at all, something that confuses Arslan and which Bachmann partially confirms, although he is slain on accident while protecting Silvermask and cannot tell the group what he knows. Silvermask himself gets away, and Arslan begins to doubt himself.
It is Darun who reassures Arslan, stating that despite whatever was said, Arslan is indeed his finest liege and that he will support him. This settles Arslan, who goes to Narcus for the next step in regaining Pars. The now strategist's suggestion is to side with Prince Lajendra of Shindra, a country where the two princes are fighting for the throne. His reason for choosing Lajendra is that Lajendra only wishes to rule, where his brother, Gardeep, wishes to conquer things.
At first, assisting in the battle between the two brothers, the king finally passes and decides to let the Gods decide who shall rule, and a one-on-one battle to the death between Lajendra and Gardeep's champion is called. Lajendra takes advantage of this, and convinces Arslan to loan him Darun, neglecting to tell anyone that Gardeep's champion an almost inhuman monster who feels no pain and has extremely tough skin. This causes Arslan to threaten Lajendra with death should Darun die, but thankfully, it does not occur.
After Arslan's managing to bring in Shindran help, many men begin to flock to join him in the hopes of retaking Pars. Leaving Peshawal, where Arslan and his men have been staying for a while - with the short excursion to Shindra - they finally go to begin taking back the various castles. At one, Arslan watches as the women and children jump to their deaths, wondering how a God would wish one to do this.
At this time he picks up a girl name Etoile, who he later leaves in charge of the many Lusitanians who did survive at the time; the few who were in town or unable to kill themselves, as he soon has to confront the country of Toran.
Using yet another of Narcus' strategies, bloodshed is spared on Pars' part, and Toran is pushed back for a time. It is about then that Arslan learns his Father, assumed dead, is really alive. Heading back to Ecbatana, the capital, Arslan is accused by his father of attempting a coup, and told to travel south, through enemy infested roads, on his own to collect 50,000 troops. Arslan does indeed set out, expecting nothing more than death.
[Personality]:
Arslan has a deeply developed personality, though almost every trait leads back to the same few reasonings; namely, his desire for righteousness and his concern for his people.
Although he does not understand everything there is to understand in the world, and in fact is lacking knowledge on many things that are not related to the Palace, Arslan knows that the people have it harder than himself, and is willing to learn and to listen. He dislikes the idea of slavery, and would like to see it abolished. On top of that, he sees no reason why a person of a lower status should be treated badly, and carries himself accordingly around those he meets. He will, when necessary, become a firm and political Prince. He certainly is aware he has power, but he will never abuse it unless there is a necessary reason to do so
An intelligent youth, Arslan knows when he is outmatched, and thus relies on his startegist, Narcus, for assistance in planning battles. Yet, he has his own way with words, convincing said strategist to join him, despite the fact Narcus had never wanted to return to the Kingdom of Pars ever again. He does this by speaking not only of how he's been scolded for the suggestion of abolishing slavery, a suggestion Narcus himself made, but of how he will appoint Narcus the royal painter when he takes back his kingdom, as he would rather see Narcus' works than that of the Lusitanian's hanging in the Palace. This ploy also shows that Arslan can understand a person on a deeper level, merely by listening to their words and watching their actions.
Arslan is also a trained fighter, although his lack of battle and his youth means he cannot stand up to anyone who is of a very high caliber. Still, he can defend himself well enough, and is not afraid to do so if necessary. In fact, despite the fact that some parts of his personality may suggest otherwise, he is a brave person who will do the right thing, even if the right thing is not exactly what he approves of.
One thing that sets Arslan apart from his father, King Andragoras, is that he is fiercly loyal to those of whom serve him, and to his people in general. The few times one sees him get truly angry is over said loyalty, and the best example would be when Darun, Arslan's protector and loyalest subject, is fighting for the Prince Lajendra in a battle to the death. Lajendra didn't bother to warn Arslan or Darun that the opponent he would be faced against is basically inhuman, and cannot feel pain, continuing to stand even when a blow that would render a regular man dead should drop him. Upon realizing this, Arslan draws his sword and warns Lajendra that, should Darun die, he will have his head. Arslan also at one point orders his army out to slay the army in front of them, despite the fact they would have been safer in the castle, because the enemy had decided to start burning, hanging and slaughtering the people of a neaby village in front of them.
A gentle person, Arslan is also well-respected for many reasons. Not only can he act like a proper, well-spoken, upstanding leader when he needs to, but his caring for the lives of others always shows through. In battle, he always orders that those who surrender be given quarter, and the unarmed are not to be killed. In addition, he listens when everyone speaks, taking in the desires of all those around him to try to move forward in the best possible course of action.
However, it should be noted that his belief of all being equal, at least to some extent, has gotten him into trouble. There are many who refuse to serve under him because he intends to abolish slavery. Some also believe him to be eccentric and idealistic, which to some is good, and to others, very bad. But Arslan is determined and will not back down on certain beliefs he has, slavery being one of them, as he was helped in the past by a slave who showed him no hostility and was raised by a wet nurse who, it is implied, taught him to respect people on their own merits.
