Name: Darren Mason

Realm of Origin: Sukata

Age: 17

Description: Darren Mason is a slim and trim 5'8, his body toned by years of martial arts and manual labor. A dark-skinned young man who likes to keep a very clean-shaven look to himself, he is generally mistaken to be much younger than he really is. His head is always kept bald, and not a trace of beard stubble is present on his face. He has a bright smile that seems to glow among the darkness of his complexion. Most people don't realize how strong Darren really is- he isn't that largely built, which has caused many to perceive him as being much weaker than he really is. Very few would believe that this young man was part of the team constructing the wall around Ardonis, or that he could shatter stone with a well-placed punch.

Personality: Darren possesses a strong work ethic, and therefore is not opposed to getting his hands a little dirty with some good old-fashioned labor. He's somewhat lacking in the department of social graces, and some women have found his social ineptitude to be 'cute' on occasion. Darren's willing to try and see the good in anyone, and will go out of his way to avoid a fight if possible. However, should he be involved in either a competition or a situation that he can't avoid, he becomes intensely focused and gives it his all, taking a certain degree of pleasure in the art of combat. He is also an accomplished artist, generally drawing when agitated, angry, or confused as a means of
escape.

Abilities: Not only is Darren quite accomplished in the ways of the martial arts, he has also learned to take control of the fire magic infused deep within his being to a degree. While he is no mage, he has been able to deliver blows laced with flame to an opponent. He chooses not to use this against just anyone, as he is aware that he could seriously injure someone if he isn't careful.

History: Upon the death of his mother when he was about seven, Darren Mason became an introvert, shying away from most of his peers; for a number of years, his closest friend had been his sister Simone, the only person he felt truly understood him. As a youth, Darren had the pleasure of being the target of a number of bullies within the village of Kari, back on Sukata. The scrawny young man with few friends was often harassed daily until he finally decided to fight back- it was a noble, if not brief effort, as Darren was quite outnumbered. It was at that moment when another figure jumped into the fray, proceeding to not only beat back the others, but to also knock two of Kharim Hintz, their ringleader's, teeth out. As the bullies tearfully fled the area, Darren was surprised upon seeing who his savior had been. Standing before him was a young girl about his age with long, black hair and bright blue eyes asking him if he was all right. Darren immediately recognized her as being the village Elder's tomboy daughter, Natalie.

The two became friends, though Darren was a little annoyed that every time he got in trouble, Natalie would be the one to bail him out. He felt that he had to become stronger, and after so many rescues, he decided to take up the martial arts.

Years later, Darren, Natalie, and several of their friends were out playing in the forest (against their parents wishes, and by Natalie's suggestion) when one of Martosa's realmwalking armies led by Grendel attacked Kari, home of the Fire Gem. Many of the villagers were killed trying to defend the Gem, but it would be in vain- upon obtaining the artifact, Lord Grendel destroyed the entire village as a show of the Gem's strength. The fiery explosion could be felt for miles- in it, Darren lost both his father and his sister.

There were very few survivors, most of which were the children that had been playing in the woods at the time. It wasn't long after the incident when a team of Dragoons from the royal capital showed up to escort those that survived to safety. Darren and the others only stayed in the city for a few weeks before they were bound for Haven.

Darren quickly found himself alone in Ardonis, struggling to find his place in the new world. He lived on the streets of the city for a while, until he found employment in the construction of the wall around Ardonis. He immersed himself in his labor, trying not to think about what the future might hold for him. Needless to say, when he finally met with Natalie again after two years, he was more than willing to leave Ardonis. If there was someone that could help him make sense of things in his life, he knew it would be Natalie.

Inventory: Darren doesn't carry much in his duffel bag, save some changes in clothes, a sketch pad, some pencils, a few travel necessities, and a nice little bit of Ardonian money, saved from his days laboring on the wall. He generally wears a pair of brown workpants, work boots, and a simple tee shirt. When fighting, he's likely to don a pair of fingerless black gloves to protect his fists.

Quote: "Sure, I could sit around and complain how bad things have been in the past. But I'd like to think that I'm a bigger person than that. I'm not going to forget the experiences that have made me who I am today, but at the same time I'm not going to let them hold me back."