Sarmiento Family/Geraldo

First son of the Honorable Sarmiento Family and the eldest of 3 brothers.

A tall, well built man, Geraldo is easily the strongest of the Sarmiento family. Growing up in Azarons, Geraldo enjoyed wrestling the local youths. Strong as an ox, Geraldo's attitude seems to have taken the same liking.

Geraldo is a proud and strong man, whose loyalty to Azarons and the Principality of Zonasa are unwaivering. Rather direct in nature, Geraldo is a very simple man. In combat, he is wild as a Grizzly Bear. In peace, he is as docile as can be. When the line between the two is confused, Geraldo is as well. Diplomacy is not the greatest attribute of this young warrior.

In physical appearance, Geraldo is quite distinguished. Tall (nearly two meters or 6'4") with a rugged physique and a strong jaw. Atop his head sits a mop of wavy, blonde hair, often dirtied by his rough-housing nature. Geraldo does own a fine ceremonial suit and dress clothes, which he wears on occasion. On a daily basis, however, he can be seen wearing a simple tunic and trousers -- not so tattered as to be seen as a commoner, but most assuredly frowned upon by his proud and noble mother.

In battle, Geraldo leads his unit dressed in black. His equipment, described below, combined with black face paint make him quite the spectacle on the battle field. A black figure with soft eyes and a head of blonde hair is quite the site to be seen. However, when the battle horn sounds, Geraldo's eyes become bloodshot with a rage from some unknown source. The bloodthirsty eyes pop out from behind the black paint and soon enough Geraldo's hair becomes caked with blood. This figure alone intimidates all but the most noble of Geraldo's enemies, not to mention the weapons he wields.

Possessions:

Silver Family Ring - Geraldo, along with all of his brothers, wears his family ring with pride. A simple silver band with the family crest emblazoned upon it. Carefully crafted into the interior lining of the ring are three words -- Geraldo, Loyalty, and Courage. The skin under Geraldo's ring is callused and chapped, as the ring has not left Geraldo's finger since he was 16.

Midnight Flail -- Geraldo's weapon of choice in battle. A simple metal ball, charred the deepest black, adorned by ten spikes of seven inches in length. The weapon measures just over 4 feet from ball to handle. The extended range of the weapon often makes Geraldo an eye-catching figure on the battlefield, as he is often found in the middle of the fray, surrounded by a bubble approximately eight feet in diameter. This weapon strikes fear into the heart of all but the most courageous of Geraldo's adversaries. The bloody, ruthless nature of the weapon reflects the attitude of its wielder. On the battlefield, Geraldo has been described as a madman, a bull, and a tornado. Plowing forward through his enemies with wreckless abandon, Geraldo fulfills all three. Because Geraldo wields such unique weaponry, his swordsmanship is embarrassing. And by rushing into battle like a raging bull, he is likewise unable to learn much in the way of traditional leadership. Yet he has proven himself to be a competent Marshal of soldiers, as his journal will later exemplify.

Gaedria Shield -- A large, cumbersome shield. Made of the ancient oak, Gaedria, the greatest, strongest, oldest, and last tree to fall in the settlement of Azarons. Hardened by fire, this shield is unbreakable. Arrow nor Sword can pierce its shell. It is rumored only the axe that fell the tree would be able to crack its protection. Due to its size and cumbersome nature, however, Geraldo entrusts the shield to his scribe, Dunston, after the archery phase of ever battle. The scrawny young lad of 15 looks rather awkward as he runs off the field carrying the large shield.

Jagged Blade -- Geraldo's left-hand battle weapon. Used mainly for defensive purposes of parrying enemy blades, the dagger's blades effectively serve two purposes. The defensive purpose, being more important, allows Geraldo to 'catch' enemy blades mid-parry and with a flick of his wrist, wrench them from his opponents hands. The second, of course, is for the few opponents who elude the midnight flail and come close enough to receive a devastating strike from the blade, which is bound to leave a devastating scar, if not kill. Geraldo's youthful days of wrestling and brawling with peasant boys is revealed in his use of this weapon. Geraldo does not stab with the blade, as one might suspect, but rather punches wildly, using the different points to inflict rather unorthodox damage.

Armor -- On the field of battle Geraldo continues his theme of all black. Studded black leather vambraces and shin guards protect his legs and arms. Black leather gloves with small three inch spikes at the fore knuckles upon his hands. A spiked helm adorns his head. A light, black leather cuirass protects his chest, allowing for maximum mobility on the battlefield.

A Journal follows:

I AM GERALDO.

Soon after my 17th birthday, I quickly set out from the family house as soon as I was able, taking up knighthood in the Principality of Zonasa. In just two years since leaving my father´s house I have defended my homeland from two invasions and spearheaded a counter-attack. Scaled the walls of mighty Anacan 3, yes 3 times I did. Conquered a capital, constructed a very fine estate in the land of my youth.

I have risen rather quickly, my successes reflecting my bold, ambitious nature. Within my first year serving my former liege, Sir Alexi, I participated in as many battles as men twice my age. Defending the people of Batesaor against Nighthelmian tyranny, I bravely stood on the front line, throwing the dark invaders back off the strong city walls. Twice.

However, my initial success was short lived. In the next two battles, I knew nothing but defeat and frustration. Leading my men bravely on a quick counter strike against Nighthelmian forces, I was shocked to find my amibition matched by few of my fellow nobles. The others had been slowed on their journey, no doubt the work of enemy infiltrator scum. I found myself alone with my men on the battlefield. We were slaughtered. Questioning my loyalties, I refitted and returned to battle in a second defence against the Nighthelmian invasion, only again to be frustrated in battle. For while my men and I lay in waiting, dug in and prepared to strike down our foe, the glorious armies of Zonasa's allies in Greater Aenilia (including the unit of his brother J.I.) surged from behind us, crashing over our lines like a glorious gold and red wave, swallowing the purple and black army whole, striking them down with ease. With a perfectly clean sword and completely demoralized unit, the Nighthelmian surrender crushed my spirits. It is dificult to be prepare for battle, only to have it waged infront of you. Thoroughly depressed and convinced I had missed the greatest battle the Far East would ever see, my heart lept at the news of the upcoming battle with the Commonwealth at the walls of Anacan.

Finally, my Black Shields would be able to show their valor, and that they did. Participating in four assaults on the city, we liberated Anacan from their oppressors and quickly our once powerful enemy was reduced. A rebellion from within persued as noble dukes succeeded from the Commonwealth. Every very single one of us returned from that conquest with multiple scars to prove it. Thanks to the work of two very skilled doctors, all of those who were not slain on the field of battle, returned to service (i.e. of 39 men, 17 were killed and 22 came back wounded, plus myself, and all of the wounded lived to see their homes in Zonasa once more). The Black Shields will live forever in legends, singing praises of their courage, valor, and refusal to simply die. Their training and service complete, the Black Shields have earned their reprieve. They currently stand vigil guard over my home and native region of Azarons.

I participated in my first tournament few days before my 20th birthday. Sadly I spent too much time at the pub and showed up a little inebriated to my events. Misjudgments and the errs of youth I suppose, but damn good times! Who wants to do it again?? Next tourney, count me in! Keep that pretty young maid in the green robes away from me! Tricky little vixen. She steals my pants far too often. And she only likes me when I´m drunk... oh well, all the more reason to drink! Come lads, lets fill our bottomless mugs with mead and suckle till we can suckle no more!

Upon returning from the tourney I have been granted the county of Paplarmi and then Hutael. Both regions responded well to my leadership I feel, as everything has been running at full potential. I was entrusted with a professor position in the short-lived Royal Academy, so that I might teach younger *ahem* newer nobles in the ways of the Principality. Rather odd, that I at 20 years of age taught... Oh well, I should hope to pass off the little knowledge I have and garner respect from my future realm mates.

Additionally I have raised funds for a new temple to Magna Aenilia Ecclesia in Hutael. One day I desire to recruit a top-notch archery training facility within the region as well.

At 21 I have become the Marshal of the Protectors of the Principality. With good Lord Carloman as my second in command, I have yet to lead the Principality on the battlefield. We shall hope that time comes soon.