Berserker
"Don't just follow orders, you're men, not machines! In your hearts you know what the right course of action is, the answer is sitting there waiting for you. Are you brave enough to look inside yourselves!?"
True Name: Hengest
Epithet: "The Wandering Mercenary from Denmark"
Origin: Legendary (5th Century)
Hidden Attribute: Heaven
Alignment: True Neutral
Likes: Animals, Honour
Dislikes: Broken Promises, Winter
Talents: Military Expeditions, Sailing
Natural Enemy: The British
Parameters: (As Hengest)
STR: (B) END: (B) AGI: (C) MGI: (D) LCK: (C) NP: (B)
Appearance:Hengest takes the form of a man around 35 years of age. At well over 6 feet, he towers over most ordinary men and has a defined, muscular build to boot which gives him a commanding air. He has a mess of wavy raven hair that is normally tied back so it doesn't interfere in battle. He also has a thick black beard and striking hazel eyes. Hengest wears a light layer of mail underneath a leather tunic, pants and boots - highlighting his status as a military leader and later king, since his men had to make due with just cloth for clothes.
For armaments, he carries his trusty Hildeleoma sword with him at all times - a magic sword passed down through the Skjöldung Royal family.
Character:Despite his size and thuggish looks, Hengest is a cold and collected military man. His no-nonsense stern attitude was feared, but his hard work ethic and intelligent command granted him a wealth of charisma and the eternal loyalty of his troops. While he might appear as extremely ruthless, he showed regretfulness and melancholy for his actions, particularly when he is forced to break his oaths. He holds his promise to serve his Master in particularly high regards and will do his upmost best to fight until the death to protect them.
Despite trying to present himself as an emotionless man, a great inner rage constantly burns within him. Hengest refers to this other half of himself as "Horsa", a mad warrior who only exists to enjoy the thrill of battle and is truly amoral. Hengest dislikes transforming into Horsa in front of his men and so normally opts to lead them as a general instead. No one is quite sure where Horsa originated from, but if Hengest had to guess he would speculate it has something to do with his ancestor Óðinn being rumoured to be an Old God of pagan times and was the source of the Berserker warriors. Even with his attempts at holding a serious demeanour, Hengest is not without his idiosyncrasies: he enjoys a great feast especially if alcohol is involved and is very fond of animals, often letting his guard down to play with them. Being summoned into the Berserker Class saddens him as he feels it represents the worst of his personality as well as preventing him from enjoying crossing blades with the other legendary heroes due to Mad Enhancement automatically activating when he enters combat.
His Wish upon the Holy Grail? To have quelled the blizzard that stopped him from arriving in time to save Prince Hnæf. He would sacrifice all the victories, wealth and fame he achieved later in life as it is worthless compared to saving a brother-in-arms who you let down.
Skills:
Class Skills
Divinity - (D)
The measure of whether one has Divine Spirit aptitude or not. At high levels, one is treated as a mixed race of a Divine Spirit, and the level declines when the Heroic Spirit's own rank as a Monster or Demonic Beast raises. It also has an effect which reduces special defensive values called 'purge defence' in proportion to the Divinity's Rank. It can break through Skills such as Protection of the Faith and Enlightenment of the Sacred Fig. As a mere descendant of the Germanic god - Óðinn, Hengest has this Skill at a low Rank.
Mad Enhancement - (B)
The Class Skill that characterizes a Berserker, raising basic parameters and strengthens one's physical abilities in exchange of hindering mental capacities and/or in exchange for their sense of reason. In some cases, it also affects and/or seals away some techniques, Personal Skills and Noble Phantasms. No one is quite sure why, but when Hengest personally takes to the battlefield he would transform into his alter-ego, "Horsa" the mad warrior and combat machine that lived only for fighting and would keep going until either he or the enemy was slain. Upon activation, "Horsa" receives a Rank up for all parameters except Luck and Mana, however his ability to hold complex thoughts is lost.
Personal Skills
Giant Beast Slaying - (B)
A Skill that denotes having abundant combat experience against giant enemy lifeforms. Hengest was famous for exterminating the Frisian Giants that were terrorising the Danish and then later when he was a mercenary under Vortigern he protected the British against various gigantic Phantasmal Beasts that roamed the land. As a result, Hengest gains a Plus Modifier to his physical Parameters when facing against an opponent that is "Large Class" or higher.
Military Tactics - (C)
The tactical knowledge used not for one-on-one combat situations, but for battles where many are mobilized. Bonus modifiers are provided during use of one's own Anti-Army Noble Phantasm or when dealing against an enemy Anti-Army Noble Phantasm. As a general in the Danish army under Prince Hnæf and later the leader of a band of wandering mercenaries that fought for Vortigern, Hengest has a wealth of experience in leading troops in a variety of environments and tactical situations. However, this Skill is completely sealed for the duration that Mad Enhancement is active in battle.
Violation of the Warrior Code - (A)
Hengest's "Treachery of the Long Knives" Noble Phantasm reduced to a mere Skill in his Berserker Class. A man who trampled on his oaths of peace and loyalty again and again throughout his life. Hengest abandoned his honour as a military man and warrior in order to claim both vengeance and to protect his men. However, violence begets violence until he was trapped in an endless cycle of death. As a result, Hengest can negate enemy Skills that try to suppress his killing intent such as Charisma and Proof of Friendship. He also gains a boost to his chances of scoring a Critical hit against those of the Lawful Alignment.
Noble Phantasm:
Royal Road of Burning LightHildeleoma
[Type: Anti-Unit], [Noble Phantasm Rank: B], [Maximum Range - 1-2 Metres], [Maximum Number of Targets - 1~10]
A Holy Sword originally belonging to the Skjöldung royal family, Prince Hnæf used it last before it found its way into the hands of his right hand man - Hengest. Despite being an old heirloom, it is still a mighty sword that held up against even Giants before ultimately being shattered against the Dark Dragon that was Vortigern. However, its true strength lies within its mysterious power - it is said that when one worthy of being King wields it then the blade will glow with an Otherworldly light and majestic flames will come forth from each swing. The mad berserker Horsa is unworthy so either Hengest must be knocked out of Mad Enhancement by the enemy or else his Master will have to use a Command Spell to forcibly deactivate it. Once Hengest has regained his senses, he will have a brief window in which he can ignite Hildeleoma in flames in order to amplify its power and allow him to cut through defences that he couldn't before whilst also imparting a Burn status to the enemy. Once Mad Enhancement resumes, Hildeleoma turns back into a normal blade.
However, Hildeleoma should normally be a Noble Phantasm easily on the same level as Caladbolg and Excalibur. The thing holding it back is Hengest himself as despite being a warrior he is still a relatively normal man and so he cannot bring out the true potential of the sword, thus its heavy Rank Down. Had someone like Artoria been wielding it, she would be launching beams of burning light that would easily cut through mountains. This doesn't bother Hengest however, as he truly believes that a true warrior is measured by their skill in combat, not by how many beams they can fire.
Lore:A retainer for Prince Hnæf of the Danes, Hengest was a loyal warrior and general in Hnæf's army. The Danes were at war with the Frisian Giants and the final battle took place in Finnsburg - the stronghold of the Frisian leader Finn. The main Danish force led by the Prince had invaded it but were surrounded by Finn's forces. The battle lasted for five days before Prince Hnæf was tragically slain. Because the Long Winter was raging on, General Hengest arrived just too late to assist his lord. Things were at a heated stalemate and Finn decided that since neither side could leave Finnsburg because of the constant blizzard, a truce was the best solution as both sides had also incurred heavy loses. Finn even went as far as swearing an oath to Hengest that he and his men would be recompensed with land, treasure and feasts, plus if any of Finn's men caused trouble, they would be put to death. Hengest agreed and Prince Hnæf was laid to rest on a funeral pyre, afterwhich a feast was held to calm things down. During which a young boy and son of one of the fallen Danes - Hunlafing came up to Hengest and placed the Prince's sword "Hildeleoma" on the General's lap. Hengest immediately understood the significance of the action, his men felt that avenging the Prince was more important than land, treasure or even the possibility of the Danes being completely wiped out. Torn between his loyalties to his Prince and his promise of peace, Hengest stood up and walked to the centre of the room taking Hildeleoma with him. An oppressive silence swept over the banquet as Hengest closed his eyes. When he opened them again he was no longer Hengest, military general but rather "Horsa" - the mad berserker who immediately drew Hildeleoma and cut Finn in half. Conflict once again broke out as the Danes and Giants drew their swords in vengeance. But now that Horsa had been awakened, the Giants stood little chance as they were swiftly cut down one by one until only the Danes were left standing.
Despite avenging his lord, upon returning home the King blamed Hengest for letting the Prince be slain and so he was relieved of his position in the army. Dejected, Hengest left the country along with his most loyal followers to wander the world as a mercenary. Eventually they came across the British Isles which was in turmoil because of the death of Constantine III which ended Roman rule in Britain. They landed nearby on the small deserted Isle of Thanet and set up camp there as winter was coming. But to their surprise, the overlord of Britain - Vortigern had sent a messenger welcoming them to stay on the mainland. When they met in person, Vortigern explained that his new nation was under threat from all sides from Picts, Gaels and Phantasmal Beasts wandering the land and he needed a military force immediately to handle the threat. They agreed that Hengest and his men would become a militia under Vortigern in exchange for gaining the land of Kent, with Hengest being made a Vassal King under a sworn blood oath to the Overlord Vortigern.
And so the days past with Hengest and his men tirelessly fighting on behalf of the Overlord. However, despite the riches and food his mind was not at ease as he could sense the dark ambition within his new lord and how it would ultimately lead to the ruin of the both of them. Therefore he made a decision, he told his men to make sure to carry their long knives concealed at the upcoming banquet at Ægelesthrep, where all of Vortigern's chiefs will be there. During the banquet, Hengest had his beautiful daughter sit next to Vortigern and supply him with endless wine whilst seducing him. Upon Hengest's secret command, the Danes drew their long knives and started slaughtering the British Chiefs, until only Vortigern remained. However, Vortigern remained unmoved by the violence and when Hengest moved to strike him with his sword - Vortigern simply caught the blade between his fingers before tossing Hengist into the air. His body then started to warp and change, gaining scales and horns but still retaining its humanoid shape. "Hmm...too early to do a complete transformation eh? No matter, it'll still be enough to wipe out the curs who dared to bite the hand that fed them." Vortigern chuckled as he approached Hengest who ordered an immediate retreat of his men before closing his eyes. From the depths of his soul, roared Horsa who charged at the Dragon Overlord.
Three days later, a young man was walking through the remains of Ægelesthrep. He wandered amongst the ruins until he found something unexpected - Hengest's unconscious body lying half submerged in the nearby river. The youth pulled his body onto the shore before sitting down beside him and waited. When Hengest awoke he saw what initially looked like Vortigern staring down at him, but upon closer inspection he was much younger with shorter hair and teal coloured eyes. The young man explained that he had came looking for Vortigern after hearing about the battle between Hengest and him and how the clash of Dragon's Breath against Hildeleoma's burning light could be seen for miles, and then he spoke of what had transpired in the days since then. Hengest looked down at his sword which had most of its blade shattered in the final clash before sighing. The young man then sadly said he would have to take Hengest into custody to quell the activities of his men who are rampaging across Britain to avenge their seemingly dead leader. Hengest got to his feet and said: "I cannot do that boy. I swore to my men that I would die a soldier. I cannot become anything else, even if it means meeting a futile end by your blade here." The young man also rose and offered to lend Hengest a sword to replace Hildeleoma but Hengest shook his head and said: "This is more than just a sword, it is the reminder that my inaction lead to the death of my sworn brother. Even with the blade in half, the weight of my sins has not diminished in the least." The young man nodded and together they both walked into the shallow river, drawing their swords and taking to their stances. Hengest closed his eyes... but when he opened them he was surprised to find that Horsa did not respond. Had being tossed around by Vortigern damaged his brain, or maybe... Hengest started laughing.
"Heh, I guess it was always just me shouting at the world, using the shield of madness to hide my pain from my men. Hark! I am Hengest, disgraced military general and now puppet king, standing before you now. I challenge you boy!"
"You'll find me no mere "boy". Son of the last Emperor, former leader of the Dragon squadron and future King of this island - "Uther Pendragon" is what they call me nowadays. Let's see who fate smiles upon today, come at me Hengest!"
That day metal rang out as it clashed and what was left of the ruins of Ægelesthrep were destroyed as the two warriors fought, and although Hengest lost his life that day, his legacy would continue as the vassal kingdom of Kent survived and even though it was absorbed into King Arthur's kingdom, the people who settled there intermingled with the natives and would become the "English" we know today.
Relationships:Arthur/Artoria Pendragon - "Child of Uther and slayer of the Dragon Overlord, come. Let me see if you are capable of standing up to your father's might."
Beowulf - "We have never met, and yet you recognised me immediately. My sword? Ah yes, it looks too similar to your Næġling. No wonder it gave away my identity."
Brynhildr - "How strange. You seem to have a similar air to me. Are you too related to Óðinn perhaps?"
Knights of the Round Table - "Hmph, so these are the greatest warriors of the next generation? I see that I'll have to beat some discipline and honour into you juvenile troublemakers."
Merlin - "You have my condolences. Had I survived I would have never ordered Uther's assassination from poisoning. A great warrior like him should only have died honourably in battle."
Valkyries - "What beautiful maidens. I could only hope that I be worthy of being carried off to Valhalla one day..."
Creator's Notes:Before anyone asks, yes I did combine the brothers Hengest and Horsa into one person. I basically didn't want to do the whole "dual Servants" ala Bonny/Mary, especially as Horsa is largely irrelevant compared to Hengest, so I used the idea to make Horsa a split personality instead in the vein of Wolfgang Grimmer from the brilliant manga - "Monster". Hengest's personality owes a lot to André Gide - one of the antagonists from Bungou Stray Dogs, what with his whole disgraced soldier looking for a battlefield to die on character.
I was super tempted to write the Lore section as a dialogue between Beowulf and Hrothgar, discussing the legend of Hengest in order to reflect the whole "story within a story" thing...but that would be way too much effort.
Unsuprisingly (though anachronistically), the Faceclaim is from the viking manga - "Vinland Saga".
As usual, all comments and criticisms are welcome~