NOTE TO SELF: ADD MORE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AND EXPAND ON THOSE ALREADY THERE
Name: Anton Ruslovich Bogatyryanov, a.k.a. Anton Bogatyrov, a.k.a. The One-Eyed BullAge: 36
Race: Human
Physical Description:
Perhaps most noticeable about Anton is his badly mangled left eye. Members of the Prednistrov'ye neighborhood wagered that he sustained the horrific injury in one of the underground fighting rings that he frequented, and Anton let them think this, wary of ever letting the truth escape. Anton's peculiarities end not with with the scar on his face, but can also be found on almost every other part of his body; enveloped in intricate and symbolic tattoos, Anton's only clear skin is that which the public will see most: his neck and above, his wrists and below. It's theorized that the tattoos were done in this way so to keep the public from identifying him as a member of The Vizantiya Brotherhood.
He stands at 6'0" even and weighs in at a respectable 195lbs, carrying his head on the body of an athlete. Though not rippling like an Olympian nor bulbous like a bodybuilder, Anton is certainly of admirable build. He boasts a broad chest but also a thin waist which allows him speed in movement and strength in striking.
Both of his hands wear the marks of a warrior; small scars found across each knuckle from the fights he'd participate in as both a youth and as a man.
Possessions:
A simple war axe with a metallic bull's head at the bottom of the shaft, thought to have been crafted by the faceless blacksmiths in the bowels of the Prednistrov'ye neighborhood and given to Anton as thanks for his protection over the years. It's said that the axe has felled at least 10 men inside battle and out.
Thick leather armor with a dark purple fur-underlined coat that he'd stolen from Adriyan the tailor when he was 15. The armor was added to his collection later in life, but having owned the coat since a young man Anton often found himself having the coat adjusted to fit his ever-changing figure.
A blacksmith's hammer that could be considered a trademark of Anton's brutality; given that he'd never bring his axe on a job, Anton would carry the hammer in his waistband in its place. It's a sturdy tool, but it's seen its share of violence over the years.
An all-black horse that was given to Anton for his 18th birthday by Gogol the Blade. He's only ridden the horse a handful of times but made it a point to consistently groom and care for his steed.
Powers or Strengths:
Brutal power harnessed through years of physical altercations: brawls in the street, sanctioned fist-fights to settle disputes amongst members, and heavy lifting done on a trader's ship.
A warrior skilled in only one weapon, but what a master he is. He learned how to expertly use a war axe at a young age and often found himself improving on his skills by engaging in underground fighting rings that were often to the death.
Weaknesses and Flaws:
Anton is not as agile as some other skilled combatants; his focus is on the few, but calculated and deadly strikes. This style of fighting was tempered through years of sanctioned bouts in the criminal underworld often including weapons, but not always. He is said to have remained undefeated in the Prednistrov'ye fighting rings, but there have been those who claim to have beaten him.
"Forgive and forget" is not a phrase often associated with Anton as he does not let go of issues easily; he developed the inability to relieve himself of qualms through the work he'd done for the criminal underworld. You simply couldn't afford to let go of disrespect shown to you, or a disservice done to you, never mind the actual debts owed. Though he's long since left the life of a criminal behind there are still many aspects of it that have stayed with him.
One-eyed. How this came to be is told in the history below.
Personality Traits:
A mule is more easily persuaded than Anton. Stubborn is too soft a word to describe Anton's character, but that isn't to say that he's close-minded or ignorant. In fact it's been proven time and again that he is quite the opposite; often accepting others points of views and taking their accounts into consideration during discussions and disputes alike.
History:
Origins Story
Anton found little opportunity to get ahead in life as his father was a shipwright and his mother a whore; both affected by the quiet stranglehold The Vizantiya Brotherhood had on their residential neighborhood within Qadis. He was once destined to join his father in the construction of galleons but was given to the gangsters at the age of 13 in order to pay the crippling debt his parents had accumulated over the years. Many would consider this a curse, but Anton would later see it as a blessing; the Otets (leading figure) of the gang felt sympathy for Anton, telling him that he, too, suffered under unloving parents, saying that they are what urged him to create The Brotherhood in hopes of housing other wayward young men.
At first his duties were limited to delivering deeply coded messages between members on opposite sides of the city, but he would soon find himself among an elite group of enforcers known as "Akuly". Those who know of the faction theorize that Anton was put in service under these brutes because of his close relationship with the Otets, but others would say that it was his unwavering devotion to The Brotherhood and unforgiving brutality. Anton's work for the Otets would inevitably remain in the Akuly, but the work he would perform could make your stomach turn.
The Akuly
The elite group of enforcers was led by 2 men: Gogol the Blade and Prokhor the Devil, twins with a fearsome reputation of employing torture as a means of extortion and interrogation; a tactic that would be passed down throughout the Akuly's ranks. The group had a peculiar means of granting membership: each of the twins would select a young man from the "Vnuchata" (the organization's lowest ranking members consisting entirely of hopefuls under the age of 16) and take them in. Gogol personally selected Anton who joined alongside childhood best friend and cousin Lavrentiy who was chosen by Prokhor.
Part of the initiation process is to have a cathedral tattooed on your back to symbolize that you live in the house of the Vizantiya with your brothers in arms. Anton received this tattoo at the age of 13. Each step forward, each task completed, and each notable event that can be associated with an individual earns them a tattoo representing things they've done for The Brotherhood. At this point Anton bore only a shark on his forearm to symbolize his place in the Akuly and a cathedral on his back to show his Vizantiya membership.
Anton's first task was to efficiently collect a debt during his first week.
There were many events similar to this one that would gain Anton the reputation of being a bull, and by extension the nickname "The Bull". The Otets said that he was "violent, dangerous, and almost uncontrollable."Gogol takes hold of Anton's shoulder and speaks quietly into his ear, "Man name is Adriyan. He live in row house across from dock. He own tailor. You know one? Tailor by Golden Duck Tavern." Anton nods once with no response, and Gogol continues, "He is owing to us many Bishani. Do what you thinking works, but get for me this money. Do not kill him, and do not making many noise. You get?" Once more Anton would offer a quiet nod in response. "Good. Go."
Anton travelled to the dock from the clubhouse in order to get a sense of direction, remembering that his target lived not far from there. He looked onto the inhabitants of the residential district through which he travelled, noting their averting gaze. He believed that they feared to look at him because of his inclusion in The Vizantiya Brotherhood. Not even beggars would ask him for anything; he held his head high, feeling like royalty. Seeing the ships stationed at the dock reminded him of his father which only filled him with a burning anger, further readying him for his upcoming task.
A 15 minute wayward stroll would happen to find him on the doorstep of the tailor he believed the target to be at. A door chime rang out as Anton walked inside. He looked around the shop; silk, velvet, furs, and leather were abound. He spied a deep purple coat with black wolf fur trim near the back, and he approached it. While examining the finely-crafted clothing item he was approached by a beautiful young woman his age. She asked him, "Hello, good sir. Is there anything I can help you with?" Though briefly taken aback by her beauty, Anton responded with a question of his own, "Where I find Adriyan?" The girl's face sank and she began to obviously scan Anton's body in search of distinguishing marks. She happened upon the shark on his forearm and spit in his face. "I don't know where he is, you scoundrel. Get out. Get out, now!"
Anton calmly wiped the spit from his face and looked around the store. There was only one other person present: a child who watched on. Anton nodded a few times, and turned his attention back to the girl. "I not hurt you. I not hurt you." Anton took the purple coat from its spot and left the tailor, all the while being berated by the young woman. All he had to go on now was that Adriyan lived in a row house across from the dock, and so he set out. He sat on a stone wall protecting one of the house's gardens and waited. He didn't know what to expect from his patience, but he recalled once being told "good things come to those who wait", and so that's what he did.
Hours passed and Anton's stomach began to grumble. He decided that he would return to the tailor tomorrow and attempt to complete the task then, but as he set off down the street, he heard a man's voice call after him. "Hey! Excuse me!" Anton turned to see who was calling after him. A man approached him with the young woman from the tailor. Anton smiled at the girl, "Oh, hello to you again, molodaya zhenshchina." The party approaching him seemed confused but were straightforward in their intentions nevertheless. "You stole from my shoppe today, vagrant?" Adriyan inquired.
"Oh, you are Adriyan, owner of tailor, father of whore?" Anton asked with humour in his voice. Before letting Adriyan respond, he pulled a blacksmith's hammer from his waistband and smacked Adriyan in the face, drawing blood immediately. The girl screamed and grabbed onto Anton's arm, but he shoved her to the floor. Adriyan stumbled and tripped over his own feet, laying prone. Anton walked to Adriyan's side slowly and with purpose. "You pay me Bishani now, OK?" Anton stepped on Adriyan's bicep and struck his elbow with the hammer. A bone snapped, and the shopkeep screamed out. "Aaach! I don't know what you're talking about!" Anton struck his elbow once more, causing another crack. "You not know? I remind you!" Anton raised the hammer but was knocked off balance by the girl who clawed at his face repeatedly, cutting his cheek open. Anton responded by pulling the girl's face into his head, causing her nose to break. The girl fell over in tears, and Adriyan scrambled to his feet and tried to flee. "You are run? You are leave whore daughter? Kovard! Ya ub'yu tebya! You understand? I KILLING you!" Anton whipped the blacksmith's hammer at the tailor, hitting his lower back, but causing no real inconvenience to him. Anton set off after the man in a sprint and leapt into the air, arms spread out, attempting to tackle Adriyan to the ground. His efforts were fruitful; Anton dragged the man to the ground and stood to his feet, giving Adriyan room. Adriyan started to stand but Anton ended his attempts with a swift kick to the face, causing a tooth to fly from the shopkeep's mouth. Adriyan fell to the floor, blood pouring from the gash under his eye and the new gap in his teeth. "I do favor to you, no? I save trip you trip for dentist!" Anton stepped in front of Adriyan and crouched before him. "Money. Give to me or I killing you, taking your shoppe, and whoring your daughter."
Adriyan looked up at Anton, "Fuck." Pant. "You." Pant.
"Fuck me? No, fuck you!" Anton stood up straight and attempted to kick Adriyan in the face again. By now many had started watching Anton's assault on Adriyan from their doorsteps, but Anton was determined to finish his job. Adriyan fell into unconsciousness after 6 vicious soccer kicks broke one of his hands that he was using to defend himself, and his jaw. Anton rolled them an over and searched his pockets, finally finding a linen pouch. He ripped it from Adriyan's person and peered inside to find 550 Bishani. "See? Was not so hard."
Anton made an attempt to hide his face as he sprinted down the street, passing a guard patrol. Though it was suspicious, the patrol didn't set after him until finding the broken and battered Adriyan, but by the time the guards had taken pursuit Anton was gone.
Anton's service for The Brotherhood would outlast the lives of the twins, leaving much deliberation to the Otets and Dyad'ka (second-in-commend of The Vizantiya Brotherhood) with regard to who would replace them. During the state of limbo within the Akuly, Anton haphazardly took on the duties of the twins; meticulously searching through the debt ledgers and ensuring that the other members of the Akuly were paid and fed. During this period Anton made sure that he was less directly involved in the street level activities so to avoid drawing the unnecessary attention of the militia that he'd already previously suffered through. It seemed only natural to put Anton in charge, but the Akuly had always been led by 2 heads, and so the Otets left the decision for who would be the 2nd head of the syndicate up to Anton.
Many believed Anton's choice would be his cousin Lavrentiy, but over the years it had been made clear that Lavrentiy would always be a foot soldier, albeit an invaluable one. So Anton thought on his decision long and hard, but was told that he had only the month to decide. He began to task the other members of the faction; collect a debt without violence, recruit a third party to collect the debt, be given the opportunity to protect a fruitful enterprise, things of that nature, things that related to strongarm activities. Though many tried and failed where very few others succeeded, the group still showed much promise. But no one more promising than one Semyon Kovkalon, a skinny bookkeeper-turned-gangster. He didn't have the appearance or the reputation of a heartless warrior, but it was clear to Anton that he was, and so that is who was brought up through the ranks to command the Akuly with Anton.
Anton the Bull and Semyon the Snake. They became known as Zhivotnoye Paket, or "Animal Pack", and they brought about the most successful era The Vizantiya Brotherhood had ever seen. With Semyon's bookkeeping abilities and contacts in the banks it was easy for them to acquire information on affluent members of the society and whether or not they had any relationship with gangs or politicians in the area, and with Anton's experience with extortion and torture they often found it easy to get these rich members of society to pay up. Anton's partnership with Semyon would finally give him a sense of security within the ever-shifting ranks of The Vizantiya Brotherhood, and vice versa.
Olekseia, the Civil War, and the Fall of the Brotherhood
Anton grew cold and unloving as the years went on; his life was rife with violence and underworld politics that granted him very little room for personal endeavors. But against all odds, Anton still found himself in love, though the woman he'd fallen for was near-off limits: the daughter of the Dyad'ka. Anton fancied her to be unlike any other; she carried herself with pride, but lived as a kindred spirit. Her hair was a dark brown, wavy by nature, and always draped over her shoulders. Her eyes were bluer than the sky above and told more about her character than anything she'd ever done.
Anton asked Vitaliy, the Dyad'ka, for his blessing to court the young woman, but Vitaliy forbid it. Anton attempted to go over his head and beg the Otets' blessing, but was told that it was not his decision. Anton was stricken with grief; she was the only creature he'd ever felt anything for, and he would never be able to pursue her. But Anton never let the cruelty of fate stand before him in his endeavors, and he'd wager that this would be situation would be no different.
Anton caught the girl in the garden of The Brotherhood's estate and approached her.
Anton and Olekseia's love affair carried on for 2 years in secrecy, urging them to take every caution they needed to keep their relationship in the shadows. But they would eventually grow tired of sneaking around and hiding their affection for one another, so it was inevitable that they would misstep, revealing their relationship to all."Hi." Anton spoke with no confidence, something not alike his character at all. Olekseia was on bended knee, catering to the flowers when she heard Anton's voice.
Olekseia looked up at Anton and smiled. "Hello."
Anton noticed that the flowers Olekseia was catering to were chrysanthemums. He pointed at them, "Khrizantema?"
Olekseia nodded and retained her smile. "My favorite."
Anton shook the butterflies away and become steely in his composure once more. "They are beauty, like girl who tends for them." Anton paced slowly back and forth behind Olekseia. "You are daughter for Vitaliy?"
"Yes, he's my father." Olekseia turned back to the flowers and continued to water them and attend to their stems.
"You come for me tomorrow night, for take for walk through business district. I get for you nice things."
Olekseia looked up to take Anton's face into view once more. She found him to be rough-looking, but somehow found beauty beneath his grit. "Yes, that would be nice."
"I am Anton." Anton walked away after speaking.
"I'm Olekseia."
"I know."
Vitaliy summoned Anton to the captain's quarters of a galleon on the dock.
Life After the Brotherhood"As punishment for defying my orders, Anton, I'm going to have to take something from you as compensation," said Vitaliy.
"You take Golden Duck racket, is yours. You take, you have this now. Whatever you are want, you take. Please forgiving me, Dyad'ka."
Vitaliy nodded to 2 figures behind Anton who would lock the door in response. Vitaliy drew a dagger from its sheath, "It's not that kind of compensation, Anton."
Anton's chin raised and his back straightened. "I not run from any man."
Vitaliy nodded, "I know, Anton. This is why we like you."
Anton stepped towards Vitaliy and the 2 men behind him followed. They grabbed onto his arms and held him in place. Anton closed his eyes and breathed deeply in through his nose when Vitaliy suddenly slashed the dagger across his eye, causing blood to pour down his face. Anton fell in agony, screaming in pain. Vitaliy wiped the blade, "You should not have defied me, Anton."
| A WEEK PASSED |
Anton stood before the small army he'd amassed over the years and examined them. Like the soldiers before him, pride stood in his heart beside rage, and love commanded them both. This was not revenge for what Vitaliy had done to him, but this was Anton's only option to win Olekseia. This was not a trial in the deadly fighting rings of the underground; the stakes were much higher, much more valuable than his life or the 1,000 Bishani pot; this time the prize was Olekseia. 60 men stood clad in armor with their weapons in hand, waiting for the order. The warehouse around them stank of sawdust and cotton, but the only thing the soldiers cared for was the battle that awaited them.
Semyon joined Anton at the head of their ranks. "They will die for you."
Anton turned to Semyon and looked him in the eyes. "And I for them." Anton put his hand on the back of Semyon's neck and led him around the troops. "You hear this?" A deep, slow, but steady beat of drums shook the warehouse.
"The drums, zemlyak?"
"Da, the drums. They are telling us story. We all are be told a story by song of drum. You listen and it speak. Sometimes the drum will sing for you song of joy and summer, and other time they will sing for you song of pain and loss."
Semyon and Anton arrived back at the head of their soldiers when Semyon asked, "What are they saying now?"
Anton looked over his soldiers and growled out the word... "War."
Anton gave his men the signal and they began singing war songs in the secret Brotherhood language of Fenya. They followed Anton and Semyon from the warehouse, down the street, and onto the dock, where they were met by Vitaliy and his men. Anton's crew stood on the street while he met with the Dyad'ka in the middle. "There is no ill will in this battle, Anton," said Vitaliy.
Anton spit in Vitaliy's face and kicked him in the chest, sending him back 3 paces. "No, this not ill will. This! Is! War!" Anton drew his axe and swung for Vitaliy's head who expertly dodged the attack. Though Anton was younger and more agile than Vitaliy, the old man was surely no slouch. Each men's ranks charged in from opposing sides and engaged one another in battle. The tides of the war pushed Vitaliy and Anton away from each other, forcing them to fend off other attackers. A blade grazed Anton's arm, drawing blood, but the assailant was quickly struck down by Semyon's pernach caved the man's skull in.
The war would last 10 minutes before Anton found Vitaliy. Both men were battered and covered in blood, but still very much ready to fight. Vitaliy thrusted his sword forward, but Anton knocked it to the side with his axe, swinging it over his head and sending it down towards Vitaliy's head. The axe dug into Vitaliy's skull; an anticlimactic end to a short-lived fight. Vitaliy fell to his knees, blood dripping down his face. Suddenly a luminescent bolt shot into the crowd and knocked over a group of the fighters. Anton turned to see the militia quickly approaching to end the battle. He pushed through the crowd in search of Semyon, but found only the lifeless corpse of his friend.
Anton turned to his men and told them, "If any you survive, tell Olekseia I love her. Thanks to you for your loyalty. Godspeed." He turned and bolted towards one of the ships, using the battle as a smoke screen. He climbed aboard one of the trade ships and laid in wait.
Anton left behind not only money, possessions, and business, but also friends, love, and many cherished memories. He'd spend the next 7 years at sea with a trading ship who only neglected to turn him into authorities because the second hand was from Prednistrov'ye in Qadis (the neighborhood where The Vizantiya Brotherhood operated). Anton learned a legitimate trade at last after so many years spent murdering and strongarming for his gang; he learned to track and stock inventory. Most of the work Anton performed was physical labor, but he could find little to complain about. At last his mind could rest and he wouldn't have to worry about assassins in the night or the militia coming to take him away.
The Brotherhood regularly practised racism and performed hate crimes on citizens of other races, and so this was ingrained in Anton's character. That is, at least, until he travelled with the ship. During his time with the traders he'd met many people of different creed and color and learned to love people for who they are and not what they look like. He would struggle from time to time, finding himself in brawls in taverns and the like, but for the most part he had finally overcome his prejudices.
But even though this may have been the most enjoyable time of his life, he still felt like something was missing, that something wasn't right: Olekseia wasn't there to feel through life with him. There was a hole in his heart that would never be filled, and this was the darkest influence on Anton's life. Not the violence.
Sleepless Nights
He started hearing her voice during the colder months. Not minutes after he'd drift into unconsciousness he would hear Olekseia begging him to return to Qadis, to save her. At first it was just her voice, but soon he would see her face in the water, and at the ports. He would fear going to sleep for he would have to suffer through losing Olekseia all over again. Every time he'd hear her or see her, it would take something out of him.
Anton conferred with a mystic in Tian Xia who suggested that he return to Qadis in search of his lost love. At first he thought the mystic to be crazy and dismissed the notion, but soon Semyon would speak to Anton in the night.
"Zemlyak, where are you going?"
"Wherever wind take me, Semyon."
Semyon's voice came in many tones and from all directions. "The winds are not taking you to Qadis."
"I know this."
"You need to come back, Anton."
Anton sighed. "And for why? No more is there for me, zmeya."
"She is."
Anton froze. "Who?"
Silence.
"Who is there for me, zmeya? Semyon! Answer me, Semyon!"
Suddenly the door to Anton's room creaked open. "Anton?" The second hand of the ship spoke out. "Are you alright?"
Anton was sweating and shaking. "I am --" Gulp. "I am fine."
"You were talking to yourself again, Anton."
Anton stood from his bed and looked at the man. "You not hear?"
"I hear only you."
Anton's gaze found the floor. "I need to go."
"I know, Anton. We set course for Qadis yesterday."
Anton nodded a few times as tears streamed down his face. It was not just the illness in his mind that drove him mad, but the hole in his heart. Semyon was gone, Lavrentiy was gone, and he had no way of knowing if Olekseia was gone, too. He had to answer this question, and so he decided he would finally make that attempt. He would finally return to Qadis.