Stalk

The Iron General

A figure stares idly at several vats, his features shrouded by the darkness of the room. The dull glow of his visored, green face is reflected upon the surface of the vat, and an idle tune resounds as the figure hums a classical tune.
"Progress is fairly slow on multiple ends, this included, but I suppose I can't always have nice things. Besides, the other projects are coming along swimmingly. To think they would reach that Hazard Grade, it fills me with such joy."
His gaze lingers for a while on the vats, looking up to see face obscured by the liquid within.

"You hear that, buddy? It's no time to be sleeping around, we've got much work to do still."
His cackle resonates through the vast chamber. The armored man turns around, walking into the darkness - the echo of his footsteps growing more faint as the room falls silent once more.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

A mysterious figure clad in steel armor of advanced nature, infamous during his time as the Iron General serving the Steelsworn Empire. Little is known about his past before his time commanding the armies of Paleve, only that he rose quickly through the ranks of the clandestine Special Forces unit and became general towards the end of the Steelsworn Empire's life. He was widely known and feared throughout Muria at his height, easily outclassing the stratagem of Muria's brightest minds. He was also responsible for driving much of the Steelsworn Empire's innovations at all costs, and was an advocate for incorporating these elements into the Empire's tactics; the Steelsworn Gigant, the Empire's supermassive weapon of mass destruction that went rampant, was born from his mind. He mysteriously disappeared during the last large-scale battle of the Steelsworn War; it was believed that he perished during the war, but pre-crisis historians now think that he abandoned the battlefield.
Now, Stalk has resurfaced in the world stage - 40 years following his last appearance, this time as one of the leaders of the terrorist group Faust in Arcreach. He had gone into hiding following the war, before making himself known to Prince Cirran of Arcreach, his former adversary, and offered the prince a way to free Arcreach of the threats posed to it by both Izera and the Midnight Blight. Harnessing the energies of the Midnight Shards at the expense of unwilling subjects, he formed Faust alongside Cirrain, scholars of the Arcreach Arcanery and members of the Arcreach government. Stalk concocted a plan to overthrow Lord Cain, Cirran's father, and have the prince ascend to Godhood through a ritual known as Apotheosis, utilizing the namesake and authority of an ancient God of Mortalkind known as Primarch; by this strength, they could subjugate the Midlands and halt their campaign of conquest over Muria and push back against the Midnight Blight. This plan was foiled by Cirran's former retainers, who were caught up in this web of conspiracy, and Stalk was banished from Arcreach by the powers of the now-recovered Lord Cain, who was revealed to be the true incarnation of Primarch. Since then, he has never been seen from again in the Northern Reaches.
His most recent appearance is in the Frontiers, underneath Osmadh where he commanded an underground ring of smugglers transporting Midnight Shards.

Intellectual Characteristics

A self-proclaimed scholar, he is constantly driving innovation no matter where he is. In Faust, he was responsible for research into the Midnight Shards and their applications for their goals. In Paleve, he was the mastermind behind the Steelsworn Automatons - thought to be the precursor to the Warforged of modern times - and was responsible for the Steelsworn Gigant, a weapon of massive destruction capable of bringing Muria to its knees. In war, he demonstrates flexibility; though he frequently utilizes strategies aimed at crippling enemies before proper engagements, he is not adverse to using overwhelming force when necessary and often switches between the two at the drop of a needle.
Stalk will always prioritize his research subjects above all else, and maintains a high degree of investment to them so long as they continue to interest him. During the Faustian Crisis, he repeatedly disobeyed orders to kill the Prince's retainers despite their meddling, as he treats them as his research subject. He is no stranger to compromise as well, provided he also benefits from the exchange.

Morality & Philosophy

There are no boundaries to what's acceptable for Stalk - everything is simply a means to an end. He either disregards those around him or treats them as his precious research subjects if he takes interest in them. He tends to resort to the path of least resistance, but is somewhat of a sadist and relishes in the mental anguish of others.

Social

Contacts & Relations

Faust, the Circle of Ten, Arcreach Arcanery

Social Aptitude

Charismatic, manipulative and mocking. Revels in the displeasure of others.

Honorary & Occupational Titles

The Iron General, Faust Research Lead, The Snake

Age

???

Presentation

Masculine

Height

6'3"