Christopher Merrick (ˈkrɪstəfər ˈmɛrɪk)

Christopher "Topher" Merrick is a highly dedicated and skilled Alliance Officer within the Dragonguard. In his current role as a Fleet Admiral in the Navy, he is responsible for overseeing all naval operations, ensuring that strategic maritime defenses and logistics are effectively implemented across various theaters of operations.
Topher's extensive knowledge of naval tactics and logistics plays a crucial role in his effectiveness as a leader. His ability to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of naval warfare sets him apart, allowing him to navigate his fleet through challenging and often perilous missions.
Beyond his tactical acumen, Topher possesses a remarkable talent for inspiring and leading his officers and crew. His leadership style combines decisiveness and empathy, earning him the respect and admiration of those under his command. As a result, he has become a central figure in the Dragonguard, a beacon of strength and reliability in both calm and tumultuous seas.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Topher was born and raised in the scenic town of Eldrya, situated on an island in an estuary. From a young age, he developed a deep passion for kayaking, frequently spending weekends on the water. He would often find himself captivated by the ships of the Dragonguard navy as they sailed by. He admired their precision and strength, dreaming of one day joining their ranks.
For many years, Topher dedicated himself to serving in the Dragonguard. During his time in the ranks, he diligently completed the requisite service time that would qualify him for a promotion to officer status. He recognized the significance of furthering his education and enrolled in the rigorous officer training program.
This journey led him to Rayhaven, where he temporarily relocated to partake in the A-school classes at the prestigious Rayhaven Dragonguard Academy. Throughout the program, he was immersed in advanced military strategies, leadership skills, and tactical operations. Upon successfully completing his studies at the academy, Topher returned to his home in Eldrya, where he continued his training to fulfill the requirements needed to attain the rank of Lieutenant. His commitment and hard work paid off as he diligently rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike along the way.
Eventually, after many years of unwavering dedication and exceptional service, Topher encountered a pivotal moment in his career—an opportunity to ascend to the prestigious rank of Fleet Admiral. Recognizing the importance of this position and the impact he could have on the Dragonguard, he seized the chance, marking a significant milestone in his life.

Personality Characteristics

Likes & Dislikes

Woodworking

Topher enjoys woodworking and likes to assist others with small house renovations in his spare time. His skill set is primarily centered around carpentry, where he excels in crafting and shaping wood to create functional pieces. However, he harbors a noticeable disdain for working with drywall, often finding the material cumbersome and less rewarding. He prefers to channel his efforts into aspects of construction.

Sailing

Topher harbors a strong passion for sailing across the vast, open blue waters. He is drawn not only to the thrill of the journey but also to the opportunity to explore diverse locations and immerse himself in the cultures of various cities along the way. This profound love for adventure and exploration was one of the main motivations behind his decision to join the Dragonguard Navy.

Uno

While he likes to play the Uno card game with family, he despises it because he is not very good and loses quite often.

Personality Quirks

Anytime Topher drinks from a soda can, he always breaks off the tab after opening it. He used to put it in his drink, but after accidentally swallowing the metal tab once, he stopped putting it in.

Social

Hobbies & Pets

In addition to his passion for sailing the blue waters, Topher has a deep appreciation for woodworking. Over the years, he has taken on numerous projects for family and friends, showcasing his talents and creativity in crafting a wide variety of wooden items, intricate accessories, and other woodcrafts. Whether building custom shelves, repairing furniture, or constructing wooden frames, Topher loves bringing his ideas to life in a tangible way.

Pets

Topher is a proud owner of a delightful pet dog named Karma, based on the phrase "Karma's a bitch." She is a playful black and white collie-retriever mix, whose energetic spirit fills their home with joy. She has brown eyes and distinctive white fur on her chest. Karma loves to chase squirrels and lizards in the backyard, darting around with agility and excitement. However, her playful demeanor takes a turn when the postman arrives; she's known to growl vigorously, standing her ground.
Topher has a unique way of interacting with Karma that brings out her playful nature. He often tells her, "Hey, Karma, you're a dog," a phrase that never fails to make her wag her tail. To further engage her, he likes to tease Karma by quickly asking, "Who's there?" or "What is it?"—the quickness and tone of the phrases instantly perk up her ears.
To spark a lively play session, Topher often imitates the playful huffing sound that Karma makes when she is feeling especially energetic and eager to play. This playful interaction is a cherished aspect of their bond, highlighting the delightful energy and companionship they enjoy together.

Nicknames / Aliases

Topher /toʊfər/

Chris /ˈkrɪs/

Chief Squid

Affiliation

Dragonguard

Companion

Unknown

Species

Human

Currently Held Titles

• Fleet Admiral

Age

Adult

Birthplace

Eldrya

Pronouns

He / Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Brown

Hair

Short, black

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Light

Quotes & Catchphrases

Shut up, fish.
Hey, Karma, you're a dog.

Trivia

This character was based on Nulcheck's oldest brother, Chris, who is a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy.

A running joke between Nulcheck and his brother Chris is asking if he is a Fleet Admiral yet. (Fleet Admiral in the U.S. Navy is a 5-star officer rank, reserved for special times. His brother is enlisted, not an officer.)

The character's pet was a real dog; Nulcheck's brother had a black and white collie-retriever named "Karma," but had unfortunately passed away due to cancer.

The last name of the character, "Merrick," is derived from the word mere, meaning "sea."