Melnar
The Scaly Warlord
Warlord Melnar Tabkumnomaltos (a.k.a. the Honorbound)
"Melnar is the deadliest entity in all of Koskalko because he is absolutely assured that what he is doing is right"Melnar is a Dragonborn paladin with the objective of finding and shattering the Sun Crown. In order to protect the monsters of Koskalko, Melnar's objective is to conquer Koskalko for the Orcs.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Generally, Melnar is healthy and physically strong. By virtue of Nommaltoso, he is resilient enough to endure most ordinary attacks. Only magic can injure Melnar beyond healing by his regeneration, such as when Melnar lost his left arm and acquired a magical burn across the left side his face.
Body Features
Covered in thick dark green scales, Melnar's skin is practically armor. On his chest, Melnar is covered in paler beige scales compared to his side and back. He is built powerfully, with muscular arms, and sturdy legs. A defining feature of Melnar's is the unnatural metal hand attached to his left arm, constructed of living silver, enchanted with animacy. This arm can shift into a dagger or other weapon when Melnar finds it necessary. Melnar also hauls around a stiff, slithering tail. Melnar typically dresses in durable chainmail armor, covering a brown robe. Though he rarely reveals this, hidden under his attire, large batlike pale wings stem from Melnar's back. These wings are because of his oath as a paladin of Nommaltoso. With them, Melnar is the purest Dragonborn, proclaimed heir to Nommaltoso as the rightful king of his race. One could even argue that these features make Melnar a true Dragon, only one of comparable size to most Dragonborn.
Facial Features
Possessing a long face characteristic of many Dragonborn, Melnar's face also connects to 2 large fins angling backwards behind his earholes. Melnar also has 2 keratinous protrusions on opposite sides of his chin, as well as a large durable plate of scales on his forward. Two dark yellow coals serve as Melnar's eyes, opposite a large flat nose, and above a large, typically agape jaw lined with teeth. Unlike most of the teeth in this mouth, from Melnar's lower jaw jut two tusk-like teeth protruding at an angle outwards. When breathing poison, Melnar can extend his jaws rather far apart, emitting a foul green gas like a flame blown from a torch. Aside from biology, along the left side of his face, Melnar was burned with magical fire. This side of Melnar's face is still black and scarred from that battle years ago. On the underside of Melnar's chin and along the front of his throat, his scales are a brighter beige color when compared to the rest of his body.
Identifying Characteristics
There are few Dragonborn in Koskalko. Melnar's race is enough to distinguish him from most others. Walking around covered with scales and dragging along an either limp or aggressively wriggling tail in a land most commonly populated by Dwarves, Elves, and Humans will attract many eyes. If further details are necessary, Melnar is of unusual height, even for a Dragonborn, reaching nearly 4 meters. In terms of build, too, Melnar is distinguishable. Many Dragonborn are similar in appearance to Lizardfolk, being thin, but with additional Draconic abilities. Melnar is of a build more reminiscent of an orc, standing tall and wide. Besides these biological features, Melnar's metal arm will often attract attention. This arm can serve as one would expect, but can also transform upon a single whim. A large burn also characteristically covers the left side of Melnar's face. Melnar typically wields a single longsword, and clothes himself in a regular brown robe covered with chainmail.
Physical quirks
Ignoring his unique race, Melnar's artificial left arm is enough to distinguish from almost anybody else in Koskalko. This left arm can transform at Melnar's command, though it typically serves its function as a fist. Facially, Melnar also bears a large burn from his left cheek to that eye. Even in terms of height, Melnar is abnormal for his race, nearing 4 meters tall. Even after acknowledging his race, Melnar is abnormal. Few Dragonborn have grown tails, while Melnar characteristically drags his around. Even fewer Dragonborn have grown wings. Though Melnar rarely reveals them, when it is necessary, he can open his wings and fly. Melnar has both of these features because of his oath to Nommaltoso. Other results of this oath include Melnar's proficiency in magic and remarkable durability and strength. For these reasons, Melnar can be considered either the purest Dragonborn, or a true Dragon in his own right.
Special abilities
Because of his oath to Nommaltoso, Melnar is able to perform beyond the scope of most other individuals. He is a bearer of superior strength, both magical and physical. Perhaps Melnar's most incredible strength is his durability. Melnar is practically impossible to kill outside of a war of attrition without superiorly enchanted weapons or magic. He is strong enough to lift boulders and durable enough to withstand magical gusts of wind and thunderbolts. Because of this, Melnar expects to be able to wield the Thunderbolt, a mythical weapon that is rumored to incinerate most that so much as touch it. All of these extraordinary abilities can be attributed to Melnar's oath to Nommaltoso. In exchange for worshipping Nommaltoso, Melnar is granted supreme magical and physical power. Given that Nommaltoso is one of the most powerful beings in Koskalko, Melnar, one of his paladins, is equally remarkable their like. Other results of being a paladin of Nommaltoso include Melnar's growing of a tail and wings, which few Dragonborn share.
Apparel & Accessories
Specializing in most weapons, Melnar is always carrying around some item with which he can protect himself. Though Melnar prefers longswords, he is proficient in weapons from hammers to his own fists. In fact, Melnar is hardly ever without a weapon, as his left fist can literally transform into a dagger of its own, or function as a fist on its own. For apparel, Melnar prefers adorning an ordinary brown robe covered in chainmail and secured by a leather belt for his protection. To protect his feet, Melnar typically walks around in large boots fit for one of his size. Melnar's chainmail armor is differentiated by a single shoulder guard on the right side and a sheath for his blade on the left side. To assert his strength, Melnar often carries around torn pieces of the banners of princedoms that rebelled from him or resisted his expansion. These banners rest by his right hip, serving as a warning to all that might decide to oppose him.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
In 1069, Melnar was born to an Orc family in the Sea of Grass. He lived an early life typical of most Orcs. Melnar's harsh upbringing as a hunter-gatherer taught him survival skills, and toughened him, as it does with most Orcs. Even at this age, Melnar demonstrated remarkable intelligence. This trait manifested in his fascination with the Humans that lived to the north of his home. However, as Melnar learned about their history, he developed a hatred of them. He often went on tirades about how the Humans, who were dumber than Elves, less hardy than Dwarves, and weaker than Orcs, took the land from them. If they lacked the favor of a God, grumbled Melnar, they would hardly rule any section of Koskalko. These conversations attracted the attention of another deity, the ancient rival of light, in 1091. This God sated Melnar with the prospect of a world where Orcs reigned.
The 2 plotted against their mutual enemy. Melnar agreed to worship this God in exchange for a fraction of his power. They gathered an army, mostly of other servants of the darkness, wraiths from an alternate plane of existence. They prepared for war with the forces of light, and their first attack would involve the separation of the God of light from the material plane, plunging Koskalko into darkness. This could be done eradicating the Sun King's lineage. For centuries, Melnar established an empire, preparing to march northward when he could.
Education
Despite having had to endure a life of challenges, Melnar is educated well. He is extremely knowledgeable of the history of Koskalko and comprehends and applies the effects of worship into his expertise in magical combat. Melnar is also educated in rhetoric and is often able to convince opponents to put down arms against him. Resourceful, too, Melnar is likely capable of surviving even if he is stranded and without aid. To boot, Melnar was taught in etiquette, and is always courteous, even to his opponents. He is honorable, if ruthless, and loyal to his allies. Melnar is an educated and experienced combatant, capable with his fists as well as most weapons. Melnar has spent his recent years training to wield the Thunderbolt when it falls into his possession. Currently, Melnar specializes in longswords. Lastly, Melnar is a brilliant legislator and strategist, managing his vast empire efficiently and leading his armies tactically.
Accomplishments & Achievements
After devoting himself to the dragon Nommaltoso, Melnar studied magic. In the years spent preparing for completing his vision, Melnar expanded his magical capabilities. All these years of training have permitted Melnar to fulfill his self-imposed obligation to his people. In his life, Melnar has slain many opponents in search of the Thunderbolt. That being his sole objective, Melnar has expended countless resources and hours of his life to completing his goal. In his life, Melnar has already founded the Order of the Blind Dragon, dedicated to returning the Dragonborn to their former glory. Melnar's greatest accomplishments can almost all be attributed to the power bestowed upon him as a paladin of Nommaltoso. These include feats of tremendous strength, such as being able to lift a boulder to avoid being crushed, or simple accomplishments like having been able to form the third-largest nation in Koskalko in fewer than 3 decades.
Failures & Embarrassments
In a typical conversation, Melnar might attribute to himself 2 great failures. The first great mistake of these 2 shaped Melnar's identity. Melnar's home was ruined by a Human army. This event was the catalyst of Melnar's crusade, and through it, he lost his left arm. Melnar dedicated himself to preventing such an atrocity from ever occurring again afterward. After this battle, Melnar only ever experienced a military defeat once more. In 1489, Melnar and his armies assembled at the Wall of Bas. There, he encountered one of his greatest enemies, the King of Mamalto Arkana II. In this great battle, Arkana and Melnar met, and in the battle, Arkana injured Melnar with a great scar along the left side of his face. After this battle, Melnar's defeated army was forced to retreat, its expansion halted for many years. To this day, Arkana remains one of Melnar's greatest enemies. Melnar's army has yet to return to the Wall of Bas.
Intellectual Characteristics
Perhaps the most intelligent being in all of Koskalko, Melnar is proficient in almost all intellectual fields. Melnar is knowledgeable of Koskalko's history as well as magic. He is also a capable legislator and tactician. Melnar effectively rules a vast empire and is of great renown as a general. In under 3 decades, Melnar was able to conquer a vast section of the Quarrellands. Not only was Melnar's conquest a military feat of its own, but afterwards, maintaining his empire required sophisticated administration. Though his dominance was asserted through violence, Melnar fostered order and peace within his empire. Melnar is even sophisticated in the art of debate. Eloquence lends aid to Melnar in this aspect of his intellect. Frequently, Melnar will argue against his opponents before battling, declaring his motivation for ceaseless conquest. Lastly, Melnar is a master of manipulation, moving around political opponents like pawns in preparation for war.
Morality & Philosophy
Ardently believing that the ends always justify the means, Melnar does not hesitate to end countless lives if he knows it is necessary to execute his vision. Despite the consensus of Melnar's victims being that Melnar is a ruthless savage, many in Melnar's army obey Melnar of their own accord. Melnar is loyal to his subordinates and benevolent to the people in his empire. Though he permits slaughter, he only permits sensible slaughter. Though Melnar may be empathetic, he is unforgiving of betrayal or failure in his inferiors. Melnar often punishes towns in his towns that revolt without mercy, and if any of his lesser servants betray or fail him, they are typically punished. Along with unwavering determination, Melnar's thirst for vengeance characterizes him. Those who have defeated or embarrassed him become the victims of his revenge, and will never escape his search. Melnar believes in a philosophy of powerful government, believing that only with the guidance of a philosopher-king can a civilization be guided to prosperity from brutality.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Almost all of Melnar's actions are caused by a single event in his past. Long ago, Melnar's people were attacked by a Human army. Though Melnar resisted valiantly, he and the defending Dragonborn were defeated, with only a few to climb from the rubble and form the Order of the Blind Dragon. Melnar swore revenge against those who had wronged them. He sought for a new age of prosperity for the Dragonborn, hoping to conquer all of Koskalko, preventing another atrocity such as what he endured from occurring again. This sole desire for revenge, coupled with Melnar's compassion for his fellow Dragonborn, that convinces him to toil endlessly and tirelessly for his people. Melnar takes this motivation and channels it to complete his singular objective, being the conquest of Koskalko. After learning of the Thunderbolt from Nesernar, Melnar has acquired a secondary aim, the acquisition of the Thunderbolt, and wielding it as a weapon of conquest.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Though Melnar is educated in the history of Koskalko, his perception of history was rather skewed by the Dragonborn. Any Human scholar would argue that the Dragonborn, Goblins, and Orcs provoked their own conquest by raiding Human settlements. Regardless of which perspective represents the truth, Melnar's bias surfaces in his acceptance of 1 retelling of history and absolute refusal to listen to the other. Combat is another discipline of Melnar's. Melnar is proficient in martial arts and most weapons, specializing in the longsword. Additionally, Melnar is a brilliant military strategist. Linguistically, Melnar is also sophisticated. He is proficient in Draconic and Olti, and is even eloquent in both of these languages. In terms of his ineptitudes, Melnar is a rather weak economist and mathematician. He typically charges others within his empire with the duty of facilitating trade, managing the logistics, and printing money in his empire.
Likes & Dislikes
Rarely does Melnar pleasure himself with entertainment or foods, claiming that he will rest when there is no more work to be done. He claims that he will only be truly satisfied once his vision is realized. After all that has happened to Melnar, conquering Koskalko has become his singular desire. Unless this vision is fulfilled, Melnar cannot rest happily. Because of this, Melnar is rarely free, and more often expressing his dislikes. Melnar hates betrayal or failure in his subordinates. Cities that resist his armies draw his ire, and those in his ranks who have betrayed him immediately become the targets of his vengeance. In fact, Melnar would often execute his lesser servants for large failures. Though Melnar resides in a grim citadel, he often admires the beautiful scenery of the land he now rules over. Melnar plans to take up farming after the war is done. He has few other hobbies, though he claims to simply prefer peace.
Virtues & Personality perks
Despite being a ruthless unforgiving conqueror, Melnar is rather virtuous. Melnar is honorable to his enemies and loyal to his servants. He is also dedicated to doing whatever is necessary to achieve his desires, even if his ultimate goal will likely be the death of thousands. Melnar is also a brilliant and charismatic tactician, swaying people to fight for him and leading them to victory in nearly every battle. Other strengths of Melnar include his wisdom. Melnar is wise about the history of Koskalko, and is proficient and Draconic and Olti. Typically, Melnar shares Dragonborn maxims with his enemies and is renowned for possessing accurate judgment as to the proper action in conflict. Melnar is even a master of combat, in both martial arts and most weapons. Particularly, Melnar wields the longsword. Most superficially, Melnar contains the power of Nommaltoso, and is therefore extraordinarily durable and strong.
Vices & Personality flaws
Despite all of Melnar's virtues, he encounters immense difficulty in cooperating and accepting failure. Melnar prefers to be in charge and often pursues and punishes ruthlessly those that fail him. Another of Melnar's flaws is his extreme confidence. Melnar is so confident in his abilities that he is rarely ever convinced to retreat, only ever accepting failure once in his military history. This confidence even extends to a dose of narcissism on Melnar's personality. Melnar is convinced that he will be remembered as a hero by his fellow Dragonborn, and a great ruler by the peoples he has conquered. This flaw even extends so far as to result in Melnar believing that he is the only entity in all of Koskalko entitled to rule. Melnar's perception of history is also skewed, for he cannot accept any view of history suggesting that the Humans might have been even only partially justified in the war against the Dragonborn.
Hygiene
Few people in the rest of Koskalko maintain hygiene besides nobles. Remarkably, Melnar regularly bathes himself to maintain his domineering appearance. However, given that Melnar is practically immortal, a lack of personal hygiene can never result in his death or sickness. Although Melnar does not see much of the importance of maintaining his own personal hygiene, he has sought to improve the hygiene of his Dragonborn citizens, further distinguishing them from the lowly and savage Dwarves, Elves, and Humans. At Melnar's request, communal baths have been constructed in major cities across his domain. In his generosity towards his own people, Melnar even facilitates the production, purchase, and transportation of soaps across his empire. Though Melnar extends generosity with the intent of benefitting the people of his nation, it should be noted that these public baths are specifically for the Dragonborn, constituting the elite in Melnar's vision of society.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Because of his dislike of the races of Dwarves, Elves, and Humans, Melnar typically only befriends other Dragonborn. Of those in his ranks, Melnar most likes his 4 disciples, who are feared just as Melnar is. Though Melnar considers these people his friends, this is often hidden by his grim resolve to conquer the Quarrellands and subjugate all the races of Koskalko besides the Dragonborn. Though he has made few friends, Melnar has accumulated, over his years, countless enemies. His greatest opponent is the Human King Arkana II, who, at the Battle of Bas, defeated Melnar and his armies, leaving Melnar with a magical burn over the left side of his face. Since that day, Melnar has decided that King Arkana II is destined to die at his hand. Melnar hardly knows many of his other enemies, as his actions are rarely executed by himself, and the people that suffer from them visualize him as the target of their revenge without having actually met him.
Family Ties
Descended from Nommaltoso, Melnar is a Dragonborn of the purest kind. One could even argue that because Melnar possesses tails and wings, he is actually more of a Dragon than a Dragonborn. Because Nommaltoso is a green Dragon, Melnar is able to breathe toxic gas at will. Nommaltoso has birthed many children, to the extent where Melnar knows none of his blood siblings. Despite this, Melnar considers some of the other Dragonborn in his ranks to constitute his brethren. Because there are only a few remaining Dragonborn, Melnar experiences a self-imposed obligation to his fellow Dragonborn. Melnar hopes to foster a fraternity between all of the Dragonborn, referring to many of his Dragonborn peers as, "brothers." Within Melnar's circle of 4 disciples, the most valued members in the Order of the Blind Dragon, Melnar experiences a bond reminiscent of family. Melnar has been with his 4 disciples for so long that he considers each of them a brother to him.
Religious Views
To retain his extraordinary power, Melnar must worship Nommaltoso on a constant basis. Nommaltoso grants Melnar this power as long as Melnar worships him. Though Melnar worships Nommaltoso as a god, the people of his nation are demanded to worship Melnar, channeling their power into their king. Because Melnar is granted power through being worshipped by his people and worshipping Nommaltoso, he channels the power of countless people, making him one of the most powerful people in all of Koskalko. In terms of other religious views, worshipping Nommaltoso as a god lacks major tenets. For the religion Melnar is creating as a state religion, the tenets are legalistic in nature, with the state placed as the universal authority on morality. Melnar personally believes in the philosophy that the ends always justify the means, making his conquest of Koskalko justified so long as the result is the benefit of the Dragonborn.
Social Aptitude
Remarkably charismatic, Melnar is often able to convince his enemies to put down arms against him. He is confident in his abilities to the point of arrogance, with a towering ego. Melnar believes himself to be the only person in all of Koskalko worthy of ruling the whole nation. This narcissism even results in Melnar forcing his servants to refer to him with the title, "Lord." For these reasons, Melnar can be a tad unpleasant to engage in conversation. However, in terms of etiquette and manners, Melnar is remarkably civil, especially considering his reputation as a cruel, megalomaniacal savage. He even cordially and humbly engages in conversation with his lesser opponents, preferring to avoid unnecessary violence when it is possible, which surprises many who have only heard stories of the ruthless Melnar. Melnar is even eloquent enough to convince potential enemies, even if not to join his side, at least stop resisting him.
Wealth & Financial state
As a king, Melnar is expected to be wealthy. Taxes from all across his nation are directed to him to afford to fund all the facilities of government. Though he could easily accept all this wealth, Melnar appeals to humility, claiming that the money gathered via taxes belongs to the people, and should only be used for them. Melnar only decides what the taxes pay for. When Melnar still frequently warred with neighboring kingdoms, the majority of taxes were spent constructing the weapons of war and compensating soldiers for their miserable circumstances. Now, Melnar decides for larger portions of this revenue to be spent on infrastructure. Because of this, Melnar lives in relative poverty. He resides in a grim citadel from which he conducts all the business of government and military. Despite being a king, he lacks the luxuries many princes in the northern Quarrellands possess. Melnar admits that wealth will not provide him happiness, but fulfilling his vision. Even if the war is over, Melnar does not seek wealth. He will rule, and hopefully then rest.
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Melnar is a paladin of Nommaltoso. He prefers for his servants to refer to him as, "Lord," to satiate his egomania. Melnar's enemies typically refer to him as a Warlord, as he brings destruction wherever he goes.
Children
Gender
Male
Eyes
Dark yellow, bloodshot
Hair
Short black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Dark olive green
Height
3.8 m.
Weight
220 kg.
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