NicholasCarlysle NAME: Nicholas Carlysle APPEARANCE: Nicholas is the polar opposite of his brother, Jacob; handsome, well-groomed, and serious. His aquiline features provide him with cultured nobility. Not even the faint scar running down his jawbone can detract from his appearance. His eyes are intelligent and piercing, drawing the attention with predatory allure. Nicholas usually wears the officer's uniform of the Light Aquilan Hussars, an elite company within the Carlysle Dragoons. The formfitting uniform barely hides the lean, muscular body beneath. When he moves, it gives the impression of a large cat; all grave and violent purpose. BACKGROUND: Second-born, Nicholas has been fighting for respect for all his life. Unlike his elder brother, Daniel, he immediately embraced the military mentality of House Carlysle. A small boy, he pushed himself mentally and physically to the limits and beyond. This drive was perhaps deepened by the constant attention his older brother continued to receive due to his charm and station rather than any real skill. During his youth, he formed a close bond with his younger brother, Jacob. Seeing the attention of his mother and father focused solely upon Daniel, he continued to encourage his intelligent, but rebellious, sibling. This bond continued through much of their lives and military careers. Midian, a Jovian moon in the Moab system, would shape Nicholas into the man he is today. The ceaseless guerrilla warfare there had ground several seasoned units to dust. The Empire’s conventional tactics simply did not work in this harsh environment. Lieutenant Nicholas Carlysle would change everything. A brilliant tactician, he began using the enemy’s methods against them and well as his own more fluid style of combat. Any unit under his command had vastly increased success rates, as well as higher survivability rates. His men followed him with almost fanatical devotion; the enemy feared him like no other, calling him “Old Nick.” Not even the death of his brother, Daniel, early into the campaign dissuaded him from taking increasingly dangerous assignments. This passion allowed Nicholas to move up through the ranks with surprising success, acquiring command positions typically reserved for the ‘Gentry.’ Indeed, his only near ‘failure’ in the field was caused by the bumbling of an artillery commander that nearly wiped his unit out, as well as almost cost him his life. Only the quick intervention by his young brother prevented Nicholas from becoming a victim of friendly fire. He has recently returned to Midian to form and train an elite company for Carlysle Dragoons, utilizing his tactics and experience from the Midian Campaign. Despite his young age, he has also been promoted to the rank of Major. However, since his return, his career has come into conflict with familial duties. After Daniel’s death, Nicholas’ father suffered a debilitating stroke. This has thrust Nicholas into the position of House Elder, one he does not enjoy. In his mind, he is a predator, not a politician. And yet, he is slowly learning that the two professions are not that unalike. NOTABLE SKILLS: Major Carlysle is a brilliant strategist, perhaps one of the finest in Carlysle history. Although many times unorthodox, his methods produce irrefutable results. This is combined with his leadership abilities that instill unwavering, almost fanatical, loyalty amongst his troops. Already an accomplished fencer before he left Aquila, he has studied many ancient sword disciplines, including Battôjutsu. Indeed, he is known to train his troops in the ancient art of Bushido and other Warrior codes. |
