Yarrow Panestella

(a.k.a. Crow)

Physical Description

Body Features

Yarrow's arms and torso are heavily scarred. The largest is a diagonal slashing scar running from his right collarbone all the way to a spot next to his navel. These scars have been received from years and years of training in swordsmanship with the rest of the Ravensguard. 
Said practice also lead to Yarrow developing several calluses on his hands.

Facial Features

Diamond shaped face, thin and very angular. Deep set eyes, thick eyebrows, straight nose.

Apparel & Accessories

Yarrow prefers light armor to heavy armor, allowing him to sneak around and stay agile. Typically this means gambesons, boiled-leather cuirasses, and occasionally brigadines. Yarrow favors darker colors like deep blue and black, as they're easy on his eyes and less distracting.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Yarrow was born to a Braltaran couple who fled to Telesmata to avoid the military draft. His parents mistook his disability as signs that ancient spirits had swapped out their child with a changeling. Refusing to accept their child's disability, they abandoned Yarrow at a cathedral. Yarrow likely would have been taken in by the temple were Harke not doing the rounds looking for potential fledgelings.
Harke keyed in on Yarrow, seeing potential in him. Yarrow took to training quickly- he became one of the Ravensguard's best sword fighters, putting even some of the seasoned members of the organization to shame. Yarrow also displayed a knack for identifying poisons just by scent. 
Almost immediately after Yarrow passed the Trial of Feathers, the majority of the Royal Family was assassinated as part of a conspiracy to prevent peace talks between Bralthe and Kalem. Only Princess Gladia Vanchora was spared, if only because she had snuck away from the event. Yarrow was given the responsibility of being Gladia's bodyguard while the rest of the Ravenguard worked on investigating the assassination of the Royal Family members and figuring out who was behind it. Though Gladia was initially unhappy with having Yarrow following her around, the two gradually opened up to each other.

Education

Yarrow knows how to read and write thanks to the Ravensguard, but his handwriting tends to be very messy. More important to his job as a Ravensguard talon-brother, Yarrow his versed in several physical disciplines: swordfighting (especially with two one-handed blades), climbing, acrobatics, and stealth.

Employment

On top of being a Ravensguard member in service of the Royal Family, Yarrow also serves as Queen Gladia's personal bodyguard after the rest of her family is assassinated.

Mental Trauma

Yarrow's abandonment by his parents left a deep mental scar that he hadn't ever really recovered from. Yarrow masks his autism whenever possible, fearing that if he let his true self show people will hate him. He hyperfixates on his failures and downplays his accomplishments, and feels like if he lets his emotions show, they'll only be a burden on others.

Intellectual Characteristics

Despite Pelera lacking any official word to describe the condition, Yarrow is autistic. His special interests are weapons (particularly knives and swords), armor, combat tactics, and after spending time guarding Gladia, cooking.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Yarrow's initial motivation is simply 'because it's my job'. However, as he spent more and more time with Gladia, he began to question his purpose and what he wants out of life.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Yarrow lacks social experience and often shies away from 'unnecessary' conversation. This gives some the false impression that he's aloof or rude, but in reality he just gets uncomfortable talking.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes: Swords, armor, rain, blueberries, climbing
Dislikes: Talking to people he doesn't know, crowds, bright lights

Virtues & Personality perks

Yarrow's strongest quality is his unwavering loyalty. He would give his life for Gladia without any hesitation

Personality Quirks

Yarrow has several stimming behaviors: running his fingers over the engravings of his sword's hilts, leg shaking, and biting his lips being the primary ones. He prefers dark places on account of having a low light tolerance.

Social

Speech

Rarely speaks, voice is slightly gravelly but very quiet. Tends to get to the point as quickly as possible and speaks bluntly. If flustered, Yarrow will frequently stumble over his words and have to correct himself.

Current Location

Narcella

Age

25

Pronouns

He/Him

Gender

Male

Eyes

Gray eyes, piercing

Hair

Ink-black, a messy curly mop

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale

Height

6'0"

Weight

160 lbs

Aligned Organization

Ravensguard