Karim Alexsted: The New Hunter
A Hunter Newly Born
Karim Alexsted (a.k.a. Ember)
Dear Gythia
I made it to Abavale. It was a longer journey than I expected but I finally made it. Sister, I wish you could see this place for yourself. It's unlike anything I've seen before. The people. The places. The smells. The sounds. The tastes! Even the airships flying overhead make this city more and more grand. I was almost overwhelmed by all of it. I can't even begin to describe what it's like here so you'll have to see for yourself. Oh, and I joined the Hunters as well. You're probably just as shocked as I was. For some time, I thought it would take days. Thanks to one of the Hunters, it only took a few hours. Gods, they're more amazing than I thought they'd be. There are some things I'm not of a fan of but I can bare with. I have to since I can't come back.
I hope the rest of the family is doing well. Afterall, I did make a promise to come home day. I'm not sure when this letter will arrive but I'll no doubt be training to fight monsters. Hopefully, I'll have already gone on my first Hunt when you next receive a letter.
Your Brother,Karim Alexsted
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Karim is mixed between scrawny and lean since he's near the low end of average weight for someone of his height. Thanks to his time as a smith, he was able to keep a decent build and weight but his time in the Hunters should change that.
Body Features
Karim has slight muscle due to his activities in the past but not enough to be considered built. His arms and forearms have burn marks from when he practiced with magic. The majority of them are a dull color and nearly faded into his olive skin but some are darkened from recent events. Other than his eyes, Karim looks like an everyday normal human.
Facial Features
He has a oval face shape with rounded heterochromatic eyes and a rounded nose. Karim currently has no facial hair due to recently shaving. His rounded eyebrows appear faded due to a recent pyromancy accident.
Identifying Characteristics
- Heterochromia
Physical quirks
- Right hand is dominant
- Walks fast with medium length strides
- Sloaches
Special abilities
- Karim, like all living beings, has the ability to do magic and specializes in pyromancy. He also has a special form of pyrokinesis where he can manipulate existing flames instead of only the ones he creates.
Apparel & Accessories
When Karim first came to Abavale, his clothes were clearly from Whitespire. He wore a olive tunic accented by a dull brown coat. His sleeves were usually rolled up when he had to do physical labor or it was warm enough. He also wore black trousers with brown boots as well. Over all of it was a red half cloak that went diagonal from his right across his sternum. It also had a form of a collar.
Specialized Equipment
Armor
Since he's a member of the Hunters, Karim has received new gear from Eligius, leader of the Crafters. His torso armor is composed of two layers. The bottom layer is chainmail, made of a light variant of Asnese since it's secondary protection. It goes down to his wrists before cutting off. The top layer of the armor is scaled, stopping right above his elbows. His hands and part of his forearms are covered by scaled gauntlets as well.
Weapons
Karim still has the dantine sword he crafted but he was given a better sword by Eligius. It's a broadsword with a dull gray blade made from Strauntine. A hilt goes horizontal across the beginning of the blade, completely perpendicular to the handle. The handle is wrapped in black tanned leather and a black, rectangular pommel is located at the end.
Trinkets
Since Karim is a Hunter in the Warrior branch, he has a badge that symbolizes that. it has a crimson red dragon with two black swords forming an 'X' behind it. Across the top reads "The First and Last of Abavale."
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Kairm was born into tragedy, regrettably. His biological parents died when he was 3 years old as the Great Plague swept through Faterra. If not for the acts of a mysterious samaritan, he would've starved to deal. They took him to Whitespire, a small village close by and left him at the local church where the local priest, Father Lambert, cared for him until he was five years old. The local blacksmith, Richard Alexsted, always saw the boy being carried when he went to church and felt pity for him. As such, he decided to take him in and raise him with his wife, Mira. Since Karim was adopted, he now had an older brother, Alstard, and a younger sister, Gythia. Alstard was four year older than Karim and didn't like him much. In his eyes, he was just a stray that his father decided to take in. Since she was a year younger, Gythia didn't care much. She saw him as a new person, a new brother, to play with. As a result, Alstard just had to bare being with Karim since his family was so adamant about it.
Karim and Alstard's relationship was strained for three years as they slowly got used to each other. During that time, Richard and Mira did their best to make sure Karim felt like he belonged in the family. It would've worked if not for Alstard. However, that changed when he was eight years old. The three children were playing "together" when they strayed too close to the Stros Wilds, a forest east of Whitespire. A starving wolf who got separated from its pack shadowed them. Neither of his siblings noticed but Karim heard whispers that made him turn around and see the wolf. All three were terrified but Alstard stood in front as the protective older brother. Karim's emotions ran rampant and when the wolf attacked, he used magic for the first time. He used pyromancy and burned the wolf, distracting it long enough for the three Alexsted siblings to run away. However, it didn't take long for the wolf to come after them. Karim fell and was overwhelmed with fear as the wolf ran straight at him. Luckily, he was saved by the same mysterious man who brought him to Whitespire. The young boy didn't know that but was happy nonetheless. The mysterious man took the three children back to Whitespire, causing whispers to spread around town. While Richard and Mira were checking on the kids, the man pulled Karim aside and gave him a ring that had glowing orange symbols for a brief moment. When the boy asked why he was giving this to him, the man responded, "You'll know when the time is right." After that, the man disappeared never to be seen again.
Since Alstard was twelve and Karim had revealed he knew how to do magic, Richard had them join him at the forge. Karim lit the forge and kept the coals burning until he was ten when he was old enough to learn how to smith. With two extra hands at the forge, Richard's business got better, especially since the heating of the metals were better with Karim controlling the flames. Villages near Whitespire noticed this and started buying his goods. It reached a point where people in Lakecrest were buying goods from Richard's smithy. Sometimes, Richard would deliver the goods and took his kids along with him. However, Lakecrest was a far more popular town than Whitespire and as a result, there were more than just humans there. That was Karim's first exposure to non-humans but Richard never let him get too close since he was overprotective. One notable moment was when Karim was 10 and the pair came across a Veldas being savagely beaten by a group of drunk humans. The shapeshifter begged them to help but Richard walked away, demanding Karim to follow. However, the teen watched for a few moments before he obeyed, that image being burned in his mind. Later he asked his father why that Veldas was being beaten and Richard gave a severely racist explanation why. He said that the Veldas was a demon from a hellscape realm known as Aslandail. They once waged a terrible war against Faterra in a bid to conquer it and now their descendants are here to try again. That was the first time Karim received racist information from his father and it wouldn't be the last. In fact, he even asked for further information from the townspeople and Father Lambert, and they gave similar information. All of this would later paint his perception of non-humans as time went on.
Life was normal for Karim despite that. He worked at the forge with his brother and father, fished with his sister, and hung around Whitespire. The thought of ever leaving never crossed his mind until he was 14 years old. A pair of ogres moved into the Wilds next to Whitespire and the guards feared them attacking the town. Some of them went out on an expedition and never returned. When weeks went by, the townsfolk created a scouting party to find out what happened. Karim tried to join in but he was seen as too young and told to go home. 20 people when on that trip and only half of them returned. After that, going into the Wilds was forbidden. After a few days, several mercenaries who called themselves Hunters showed up. They offered to get rid of the ogres, for pay of course. Whitespire is able to scrape together 20 violets as payment for the contracts and the Hunters set out to get rid of the ogres. Their battle with the two goes out into an open and Karim watches from a distance in awe. Later that night, Karim goes to the tavern and talks to the Hunters. They tell him about Abavale and about how great the Hunters will be. When the young adult asked if they would take someone like him, most of the Hunters laughed at him and said that at best, he could make their weapons and armor. One of the Hunters, a Wolven, pulled Karim aside and told him that he could be a Hunter eventually, he just needs to train for it. Despite them being a non-human, Karim took those words to heart.
For the next four years, that's exactly what Karim did. Whenever he wasn't working, Karim practiced how to fight with a sword and practiced his magic as well. During trips to Lakecrest, Karim also found basic tomes that helped him learn more about magic. All the while, he hung on every tale of the Hunters exploits. He wanted so desperately to be one of them but he wasn't ready yet. When he heard about how two Hunters faced off against a murderous assassin, that was the final straw. He had to join them soon. That opportunity came sooner than he though since soon after his 18nd birthday, when his family found out about his 4 year training and his goal. His fears were unfounded however since his entire family was quite supportive of his choice even if it would take him far from their home. Armed with his personally crafted weapon and supplies, Karim set off on his journey to Abavale, determined to join the Hunters. Though, he did promise to one day visit Whitespire again and to write when he could.
It took a few days but Karim eventually made it to Abavale where the Hunters were based. Since this was his first time there, he had to ask around about the Hunters. He met a rather nice human merchant who was later harassed by three guild thugs. In fear, Karim left the merchant to his fate but berated himself later on for being such a coward. Later, he finally met Lali Crimson, a Hunter. After a major misadventure, they made it to the Hunters HQ where Karim was tested by fighting against Nier ShadowRiver , a Kadembre who instigated a conflict with the young human. In the ensuing fight, Karim proved himself to Ventus and was accepted into the Hunters. Now, he begins his new life with the Hunters, hoping to prove himself.
Gender Identity
He/Him
Sexuality
Heterosexual
Education
Karim started learning to read and write when he was at the Church of Dragons. Richard continued that when he started working in the smithy. He also taught him basic math so he could count the diamonds they made from selling goods. During his four year training session, Karim read basic tomes to learn more about magic which improved his reading skill.
Employment
Before the Hunters, Karim only worked for his father. At first, he took care of the forge and kept it burning with pyromancy. As he reached his teenage years, Richard had him smith tools, working his way up to weapons, and eventually armor.
Accomplishments & Achievements
- Karim proved to be quite a decent smith during his time in Abavale. He even made a sword of dantine, a metal that is hard to work with in Whitespire.
- Karim lasting as long as he did fighting Nier is something he feels an ounce of pride for. He hopes to do better next time.
- Finally joining the Hunters has lifted a weight off Karim's chest as he's finally able to do what he's been dreaming of for four years.
Failures & Embarrassments
- Karim had a crush on a girl back in Whitespire. However, he wasn't exactly inconspicuous about it and embarrassed himself rather regularly. She rejected him of course and he looks back on that phase with shame and regret.
- The young smith has a hard time keeping his emotions in check, starting fires that could've been devastating many a times.
- Karim feels good about standing up to Nier. However, he feels bad about how Nier put him to shame so easily. The fact he danced around him as if it was nothing always enrages him. He hopes to do the same thing Nier did to him.
Mental Trauma
- Despite the support of his family, Karim can't help but feel that he doesn't belong. He has a habit of segregating himself from a group even they act like he's one of them. It's a constant fear that at any moment he would be alone just like he had before Richard took him in.
- Karim still hasn't gotten over his first kill since it was so recent. Everytime he holds a weapon, he can't help but flash back to that moment. Lali's words were comforting but it doesn't make what he's done any less horrifying.
Intellectual Characteristics
Karim is always willing and wanting to learn more about a subject. He has a highly inquisitive nature which was apparent even when he was a child. Father Lambert was asked many questions about the Church of Dragons and the gods themselves; what they represented and the like. Karim can be quite perceptive at times, picking up on some topics while others, such as his blatant racism.
Morality & Philosophy
Karim is a naturally good person thanks to his upbringing and the people he was surrounded by. Despite the beliefs he has about non-humans, he doesn't think they should be killed for who they are. Though when it comes to killing, sapient life has always been an iffy topic for him. However, he knows and understands that he has to grow used to the idea. Someone told him, "Sometimes saving a life means ending another."
Taboos
- Attacking/Hurting Innocent People
- Criminal Activity
- Manipulation
- Betrayal
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Karim has three desires, all of which pushed him to join the Hunters.
- His first to help people and leave a mark behind. He can't stand aside and do nothing when people need aid. What he doesn't understand is that it stems from him allowing the Veldas to be beaten when they begged for help. It enrages him when he has the chance to help but doesn't out of apprehension.
- His second is to explore the rest of Faterra. No matter his opinion on the other species, something about the rest of Faterra always fascinated him. When he heard or read about lands such as Nataka or Corvail, it made Karim want to see these places for himself. Hopefully, the Hunters can be the gateway for him reaching that goal.
- His final reason has been that Karim always wanted a place to belong. Even with a loving adoptive family, Karim didn't feel at home there. With recent events, that feeling has only gotten worse. He hopes to find a place to belong with the Hunters and find whatever he was lacking that made him feel like he didn't belong back in Whitespire.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies
- Smithing
- Swordsmanship (Sword only)
- Pyromancy
- Fishing
- Endurance
Ineptitudes
- Archery
- Combat
- Using a sword and shield
- Persuasion
- Close Quarters Combat
Likes & Dislikes
Likes
- Smithing
- Adventuring
- Magic
- Helping People
- Being a Hunter
Dislikes
- Being weak
- Being afraid
- Unprovoked Rudeness
- Killing though he's slowly getting used to it
- Coddling
Virtues & Personality perks
- Willing to give people a chance
- Determined
- Eager to Learn
- Perceptive at times
- Caring
- Self-sacrificial
Vices & Personality flaws
- Ignorant
- Fearful
- Pushes himself too far/hard
Personality Quirks
- Taps his foot a lot
- When sitting, he has a habit of shaking his leg
Hygiene
Karim has a basic idea of hygiene as he tries to keep himself clean. His time in Whitespire has made that more difficult as usual since they didn't bathe as much there. Due to the influence of the other Hunters, he's quickly getting that cut out of his system.
Social
Family Ties
- Adoptive Father - Richard Alexsted
- Adoptive Mother - Miya Alexsted
- Adoptive Older Brother - Alstard Alexsted
- Adoptive Younger Sister - Gythia Alexsted
Religious Views
Karim is a follower of the Church of Dragons, especially since the Church took care of him during his first two years in Abavale. He has had a lot of self-doubt and looked to the Church for help. It has lessened the doubt but hasn't gotten rid of it completely.
Social Aptitude
Karim's social skills leave a lot to be desired, especially in a place with half a million people. He feels cornered when walking through the streets of Abavale alone. Being in new situations actually make him more nervous which, along with being embarrassed, makes him stutter. All of these factors make him more of an introvert but when enraged or sad, he shows signs of extroversion.
Mannerisms
- Averts his eyes when embarrassed or when he doesn't want to talk about something
- Rubs the back of his neck when embarrassed
- Raises his voice accidentally when he gets excited or angry
- Prone to taking in the sights in a new/fantastic place, not watching where he's going
Hobbies & Pets
- Smithing
- Training
- Exploration
Speech
Karim as a deep voice with more of a eastern Oterran accent. He's prone to stutters in moments of high emotion except rage and sadness.
Relationships
Karim Alexsted: The New Hunter
Acquaintance (Important)Towards Lali Crimson: The Snow Hunter
1
Honest
Lali Crimson: The Snow Hunter
Acquaintance (Trivial)Towards Karim Alexsted: The New Hunter
1
Honest
History
Lali was the first Hunter Karim ever met and despite the fact that she was a non-human, Karim thought she was a good example of a Hunter. The fact that she stuck up for him even though they just met and also helped him in a time of great trauma has made her seem like a worthy ally. Add in the fact that she supported him when he faced off against Nier and Karim thinks she could be a friend someday. If he ever gets over the fact that she's an Aslandailian.
Relationship Reasoning
Karim's Reasoning
Lali stood up for Karim when she could've let him fend off the guild thugs alone. She was encouraging to him when he was dealing with the fact that he most likely killed someone and later on when he had to fight Nier who outclassed him in every way possible.Lali's Reasoning
Karim has the potential to become a great Hunter if he can temper his skill. She isn't a fan of his blatant racism but she knows that he isn't doing it on person. She hopes to help him become a great Hunter and show him how non-humans are different than what Whitespire townsfolk have told him.Commonalities & Shared Interests
- Forced to leave home
- Want to be Monster Hunters
- Natural talent in elemental magic
- Both were traumatized by death
Shared Acquaintances
- Ventus Lightborn
- Nier ShadowRiver
- Ciel Goldspire
- Lucian Tenebrae
- Fari Williams
History
Karim was introduced to Ventus thanks to Lali during his first day in the city. The Hunter was professional and poised as he spoke to the young man. He feigned doubt at Karim's resolve and was greeted with how strong it was. After his bout with Nier, Ventus was even more impressed and decided to allow him in the Hunters. Not as a Crafter as other hunters suggested to him but as a Warrior, to fight against the monsters the Wolven had killed for years.
Nicknames & Petnames
Ventus refers to Karim as Ignis sometimes, due to his nature affinity with flames. Since he hasn't been on a proper Hunt yet, he has yet to receive a Hunter title like Lali.
Relationship Reasoning
The two have known each other for a short time but Ventus sees talent in Karim, treating him as a comrade just like all the others. Karim finds it rather strange a Wolven would this proper since he has only heard about them being mercenaries who do anything for gold.
Commonalities & Shared Interests
- Hunting Monsters
- Reading
- Magic Studying
Shared Acquaintances
- Lali Crimson
- Nier ShadowRiver
- Ciel Goldspire
- Rinji Mizuno
- Akii Miyoshi
- Alexander Browne
- Fari Wiliams
- Lucian Tenebrae
Karim Alexsted: The New Hunter
Fellow Hunter (Trivial)Towards Nier ShadowRiver: The Shadarsi Hunter
-5
Honest
Nier ShadowRiver: The Shadarsi Hunter
Fellow Hunter (Trivial)Towards Karim Alexsted: The New Hunter
-4
Subversive
History
The two Hunters have a rocky start to their relationship, starting as an antagonistic banter between them. Or rather Nier talking to Karim. Their recent fight
Nicknames & Petnames
- Nier calls Karim Ember, alluding to his skill in pyromancy and his general knack for it.
- Karim calls Nier Lizard, slipping back into racial slurs against the Kadembre he despises currently.
Relationship Reasoning
Karim completely hates Nier for his general attitude and his lack of respect toward anyone in the Hunters. It doesn't help the fact he was the exact same Assassin who the Hunters brought down back in 1221 DY. He was able to get a pass after killing so many people, becoming a stain on the Hunter's reputation in the Human's eyes.
Nier dislikes Karim because he's the same as every other human. Self important and thinking they're above the other species. There's also the fact he was able to join despite having barely any skill and unable to land a blow on the Kadembre during their sparring match.
Show spoiler
(He doesn't consider the fireball that threw them to opposite sides of the pit as a hit.)
Commonalities & Shared Interests
- Both are Hunters
- Both have a knack for Elemental Magic
Shared Acquaintances
- Lali Crimson
- Ventus Natus Lumine
- Lucian Tenebrae
- Ciel Goldspire
- Fari Williams
Wealth & Financial state
While Karim was growing up, he seemed more middle class thanks to his family. He made quite a few diamonds while working under his father as well. Now that he's on his own, Karim is dependent on the money he makes from the Hunters. He has nagging fear everytime his mind wanders to the money subject. He has been told not to worry about it but that doesn't stop him from doing so anyway.
Current Location
Species
Ethnicity
Adrien
Year of Birth
1204 DY
18 Years old
Birthplace
Whitespire, Oterra
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Current Residence
The Gold Dragon Inn, Abavale
Gender
Male
Eyes
Left eye - Sea Blue
Right eye - Hazel Brown
Right eye - Hazel Brown
Hair
Short shadow black hair, tied back in a ponytail
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Tanned Skin
Height
6'1
Weight
144 lb
Quotes & Catchphrases
- "I can't sit around and do nothing when innocent people are in danger!
- "I will never stop fighting until my body's broken and the goddess of death drags my soul to Shesra!
- I've never had a place to belong... Maybe I can find it with all of you."
Aligned Organization
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