Arlene Dawes

Arlene Dawes is a Nightwalker military general and the leader of the Black Hollow faction in Favont. Known for her ruthless tactics and unyielding leadership, she is a polarising figure whose elitist ideology and controversial treatment of Ananans have shaped her legacy. Despite her strained relationship with Aeryn DeSteffen, she remains a pivotal figure in Favont's military history.

Background

Early Life

Arlene Dawes was born in 372 in Asbeet and orphaned at a young age. She grew up in the care of the Temple of Merinosis, where she became a thief and murderer. When the authorities came to arrest her, she fled to The Stiriphese to live as an outlaw.

Nightwalker Transformation

While in the Stiriphese, Arlene was captured by the Ananans and brought to Aeryn DeSteffen. Aeryn offered her protection from the authorities in exchange for 100 years of service in the army. Arlene accepted the offer, becoming a Nightwalker and using her skills in numerous wars.

Corbenite Suppression

In 432, the Corbenite movement significantly reduced Nightwalker influence, confining Arlene to the Stiriphese. She grew resentful during this period, believing herself superior to humans and Ananans. Her isolation further fueled her disdain for Ananan culture, faith, and language.

Exile and Black Hollow

In 591, civil war broke out in the Stiriphese between Arlene’s supporters and Aeryn’s. The conflict was brutal, with significant Nightwalker casualties. After her defeat, Arlene went into exile and entreated the King of Favont, who granted her Black Hollow Mountain in western Favont. Arlene and her followers settled there, establishing a society that enslaved Ananans and farmed them for their blood.

Professional Rivalry with Aeryn DeSteffen

Despite their opposing ideologies, Arlene and Aeryn maintained a professional relationship. Arlene’s military unit became the protectors of the royal family, while Aeryn continued to lead campaigns and engage in espionage. They fought together during the World Wars in 848 and 935, during which their relationship became more amicable, reflecting differing political stances rather than personal animosity.

The Reconstruction

In 941, Arlene played a significant role in The Reconstruction, which sought to subjugate the Ananan population. Although she participated in plans to eliminate Hannan Marisa, he ultimately evaded capture. Hannan completely burned her hands causing her to require a double amputation. She was fitted with high grade prosethtics which allow her to use her hands in a natural fashion. Following the Reconstruction, Arlene and Aeryn jointly accepted credit for the initiative and were praised for their contributions to Favont’s stability.

Personality

Arlene Dawes displays traits characteristic of the ENTJ-A (Commander) personality type, marked by strategic thinking, ambition, and a natural inclination for leadership. Her actions and decisions highlight her pragmatic approach and assertive demeanour, distinguishing her as a forceful and influential figure.

Strategic and Visionary

• Arlene consistently demonstrates the ability to assess situations and plan for the long term, such as accepting Aeryn’s offer to serve in the military to escape prosecution.
• She establishes Black Hollow as a stronghold for her ideology, reshaping it into a structured society reflecting her beliefs in Nightwalker superiority.

Ambitious and Commanding

• Arlene thrives in leadership roles, whether as a military commander or the head of her faction, asserting authority and inspiring loyalty among her followers.
• Her rebellion against Aeryn reflects her drive to claim power and autonomy, refusing to accept subordination even to her own kind.

Pragmatic and Unemotional

• Arlene prioritises efficiency and outcomes over sentimentality, as seen in her endorsement of Ananan enslavement during the Reconstruction.
• Her professional relationship with Aeryn, despite personal differences, shows her willingness to set aside emotions for the sake of strategic goals.

Assertive and Confident

• As an assertive individual, Arlene rarely hesitates to act, taking decisive steps to secure her vision of Nightwalker dominance.
• Her belief in her superiority over humans and Ananans drives her unyielding confidence in her decisions and ideology.

Arlene’s ENTJ-A personality fuels her relentless pursuit of power and influence, shaping her into a decisive and commanding leader unafraid of conflict or controversy.

Appearance

• Height: 5ft 10in
• Build: Slim and athletic
• Complexion: Fair
• Hair: Straight blonde hair, neatly styled
• Eyes: Brown
• Facial Features: Sharp, heart-shaped face with a constant smirk
• Clothing: Tailored suits in formal settings; full tactical gear when working

Demeanour

• Posture: Upright and commanding, projecting confidence and authority. She stands as if always ready to act, with a poised and deliberate stance.
• Speech: Firm and direct, with a tone that brooks no argument. She speaks with authority, choosing words carefully to convey control and purpose.
• Mannerisms: Often tilts her head slightly when speaking, as though scrutinising her audience. She occasionally adjusts her cuffs or straightens her jacket, a subtle reminder of her attention to detail and control.
• Movement: Calculated and deliberate, her movements are purposeful without wasted effort. She carries herself with the confidence of someone accustomed to command, exuding a quiet yet palpable intensity.

Skills and Abilities

• Master Strategist: Arlene’s talent for long-term strategic planning and calculated risk-taking enables her to outmanoeuvre opponents, even with limited resources. Her plans often incorporate psychological manipulation and misdirection to destabilise enemies before combat begins.
• Fearless Leadership: Arlene thrives under pressure, inspiring absolute loyalty from her troops through sheer confidence and decisiveness. Her ability to remain calm and authoritative in crises makes her an exceptional battlefield leader.
• Polarising Charisma: Arlene’s commanding presence and sharp wit make her a powerful orator, capable of rallying supporters or intimidating dissenters. Her charisma is divisive—she is loved by her allies and feared by her enemies.
• Innovative Warfare Tactics: She constantly seeks unorthodox methods, such as leveraging environmental factors or exploiting enemy weaknesses in unexpected ways. Her creativity in warfare sets her apart from more traditional generals.
• Unwavering Ruthlessness: Arlene does whatever it takes to achieve victory, making hard decisions that others may hesitate to consider. Her pragmatism and willingness to prioritise the greater goal make her both feared and respected.
• Faction Building: Arlene’s ability to build and maintain a fiercely loyal following despite her controversial views highlights her unique skill in managing internal politics and cultivating a shared ideology among her supporters.

Limitations

• Elitism: Her disdain for the poor and rigid hierarchical thinking can alienate potential allies and blind her to the strengths of unconventional or grassroots efforts.
• Resistance to Compromise: Arlene’s strong convictions and confidence in her methods make her inflexible in collaborative settings, often leading to conflict with those who challenge her authority.