Marcus Visayas

Human / Monk

Submitted character story

Marcus grew up on a farm with his mother outside the outskirts of Salapagos, a village far in the east.  As a child, Marcus was physically active.  The misty woods just beyond his farm was his obstacle course, his imagination his adversary.  If he wasn’t fighting invisible goblins, he was working on daily farm chores.  His childhood life was modest, if not a little boring for such an active child.

One summer day, when he was 14, a group of bandits visited the farm.  They demanded all their coinage and farm produce or risk burning it all burning to the ground.  Marcus bravely stood up to the bandits, bare-handed.  He held his own for a bit, but was eventually outclassed and outnumbered.  As Marcus lay on the ground, weak and defeated, and with his mother trying to shelter him, a lone wanderer strolled in.  

The wanderer strolled in, his upper torso partially shirtless, partially covered in a royal blue robe.  Before Marcus could realize, one bandit was on the floor in front of him, knocked out.  It was then that Marcus became mesmerized by the acrobatic, lightning quick reflexes of the wanderer, using nothing but his fists and feet to take out the remaining bandits.  The attacks were crisp, clean and direct.  Time stood still.  Marcus was awestruck.  

When the dust settled, Marcus stood up and bowed to the stranger, thanking them for saving their lives and farm.  He pleaded the wandering monk to train him.  It was then that lone monk smiled and told Marcus that he saw much potential in him, witnessing his fight from afar.  The monk offered to stay at the farm for the summer season to train him and help with farm work in exchange for a meal to eat and a roof over his head.

The training was grueling, but Marcus already had a strong physical foundation.  The summer flew by quickly, but he had made astounding progress.  Marcus’ attacks were quicker, sharper, focused.  His core and physique became hardened.  He also picked up the quarterstaff to round out his arsenal, should the need arise.

When autumn came, the monk bid his farewell.  Since then Marcus would seek out training from fighters and martial artists visiting Salapagos.  He also, unbeknownst to his mother, participated in friendly village duels, in which he won several.  
At 18, Marcus made the choice to venture out of Salapagos to follow in the footsteps of the monk who had saved him, to protect those who can’t protect themselves.