Karsen de Spencer
Sir Karsen de Spencer (a.k.a. Kar)
"When I was a boy, I dreamed of knighthood—the glory… the gallantry of it all. It’s every boy’s dream and it’s every man’s hobby to chase after glory. It wasn’t until I actually got on the battlefield—it wasn’t until I killed a man that I realized what that meant." — Karsen de Spencer
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
- Slightly crooked nose, broken as a teenager in a melee.
Facial Features
- Black hair
- Blue eyes
Special abilities
- Skilled in sword fighting
- Knowledgeable in battle tactics and survival skills
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Karsen is the oldest son of a cadet branch of the Spencer family. He has one younger sister, Liselotte, who married the Viscount of Devonsfield.
As the oldest son, Karsen was always expected to marry well and further the family line. This was especially important given the de Spencer's status as a cadet branch to the more prestigious side of the family.
Education
Karsen was schooled by a private tutor and taught the basics of swordplay from the Master-at-Arms at his family home. He learned reading, writing, arithmetic, philosophy, and the sciences.
Employment
As the eldest son of a minor lord, Karsen's only job is to further the family line. However, after he was knighted, he was recalled to the capital and given a new assignment to guard Semia's Champion.
After the war of succession ended, Karsen returned to his family estate. After a month, however, he returned and since stayed at court.
Accomplishments & Achievements
While in the Dianeran Royal Army, Karsen distinguished himself in battle. During a fierce skirmish with Coalition soldiers, Karsen saved a Lord General's life and dragged him out of a ditch to safety, killing several Coalition men to do so. When it was discovered he was a de Spencer, he was knighted on the battlefield and given a commendation for bravery.
Mental Trauma
Karsen's first real confrontation with death came as a solider, fighting against the Coalition. Being knighted on the battlefield ended up leading to his overall disillusionment with the idea of "glory" in death.
His disillusionment was further compounded after witnessing Semia's brutality towards the Champion, who he was assigned to protect. Her continued mistreatment was galling, especially when it continued after the two initiated an affair. This put Karsen directly at odds with the Crown, unable to actually do anything or stop it. The "agreement" between the two of non-interference was severely put to the test during this time, as well as during the Raid of Tregaron.
Intellectual Characteristics
Karsen often keeps his thoughts to himself, having a distaste for politics after what he witnessed during Semia's reign. While certainly intelligent, Karsen personally believes actions can speak loudest.
Morality & Philosophy
Karsen's morality on "the right thing" is a compromise: distasteful things must sometimes be done for the betterment of everyone else, including sacrifice. After seeing some bloodshed and violence in the last king's reign, Karsen is more than happy to be out of the Crown's service, preferring not to be a helpless pawn.
On the other side of the scale, Karsen often believes that power can make someone a worse individual and it can corrupt if given a chance. This explains his aversion to getting involved in politics, and his own lack of political ambition.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Karsen is motivated by the singular desire to do the right thing, though it's usually never easy. After being in the thick of war and battle, and witnessing Alena's sacrifice to the Well, he became more sure that sacrifice in the name of the greater good was often necessary. While he takes no pleasure in the idea of war, he's still willing to bear arms or fight when it's required of him. His outlook is a compromise after his childhood ideals were betrayed in the war and by King Semia.
Since the outbreak of Hellgates and the Fellwings' attacks, his primary desire has been to protect the people he cares about, even if they don't understand his actions.
Virtues & Personality perks
Karsen believes in honor, especially in combat or battle. This belief extends to putting others before himself, and protecting those who otherwise couldn't protect themselves.
Vices & Personality flaws
At times, Karsen can be judgmental or intransigent when his beliefs clash with others'.
Social
Contacts & Relations
- Alena Gottlieb: Current lover, formerly his charge for protection when she was Semia's Champion
- Emory Gottlieb: Friend, brother to Alena Gottlieb
Family Ties
- Ewan Spencer, Earl of Boswick: Uncle
- Henry Spencer: First cousin
- Liselotte, Viscountess of Devonsfield: Sister
Social Aptitude
Karsen is affable and friendly in social engagements, having grown up with the expectation he'd one day have a place at court. He's adept at hiding his annoyance or irritation behind a smile.
Mannerisms
Karsen often crosses his arms when in deep thought.
Relationships
Wealth & Financial state
As the first son of the de Spencer family, Karsen will inherit both his father's land and incomes. This includes several vineyards that supply the capital with wine.
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