Gus

Aasimar / Paladin

Submitted character story

Defining moment:
August Bell ("Gus" to nearly everyone) once lived in a small village where he was known less as a holy warrior and more as the large, cheerful man who could usually be found near a cooking fire. He worked, drank, laughed loudly, and knew the names of the people around him. It was an ordinary life, and Gus loved it. Then everyone vanished. Gus returned home one afternoon after fishing to find homes still standing, but meals abandoned, tools left where they had been used, and no sign of struggle. There were no bodies, tracks leading away, or note with an explanation. Everyone was simply gone. Gus searched every street, cellar, barn, and nearby trail. He called for them until his voice became hoarse. He checked wells, riverbanks, and woods. He refused to believe they could simply vanish. There was no blood, tracks, or footprints. The only thing that didn't belong was a single black feather lying in the dirt. It wasn't a good clue, but it was all he had, and for some reason, it felt important. Sometimes the feather in his pocket trembled before a storm, and when he held it up to the wind, it would pull him towards an unknown destination. It sounds silly, but that's literally how he decided which way to travel next. Sure, he searched. He prayed. He followed rumors and listened to stories of places where people disappeared, but never found his village. What Gus found instead was a choice. He could allow what happened to hollow him out, or he could protect the things the darkness had failed to take from him: joy, kindness, laughter, and the stubborn beauty of ordinary life. His oath grew from that choice. Now Gus travels wherever strange stories and disappearances lead him. He cooks breakfast in the morning and shares a drink at night. He learns everyone's name, laughs and enjoys the simple things in life. And, quietly, he counts the people around the fire. Because once, Gus came home and everyone was gone. He intends never to let that happen again.

Archetype: You're the The Hearth and the Hunt. He guards joy like a weapon, and wields kindness where others would despair.

Personality: Can't stop helping strangers