Murtagh and Thorn

Rhax: You already approved this of course when I PMed you this but I just am posting it here so I have something to reference or link to when I need it for them. Just so you know why it's here. I'm not re-applying. xP
-------



Murtagh Morzansson

Other name: Kingkiller, Heir of the Forsworn, Shur’tugal, Empire's general and champion
Race: Human
Side: Empire
Magic User: Yes
Gender: Male
Preferred Weapon(s): Zar’oc, magic

Birthplace: Morzan’s castle
Age: 20
Birthday: April 15
Eyes: Gray
Hair: Dark Brown
Weight: 150
Height: 5’9”


Appearance: He is tanned, clean shaven and muscular from countless hours of training. Many say he is quite handsome, but he lets none near his heart, besides Thorn. His fierce gray eyes rarely tell anything of the pain or hardship he has been though. His skin is somewhat tanned and his dark brown hair is neither long nor short. His imposing figure comes from both looks as well as his power.

The long, twisting scar on his back that reaches from his right shoulder to his left hip only hints at his difficult past. The wound was inflicted at a young age and perhaps ironically by the sword that is now his own.

Murtagh often wears a suit of steel armor enchanted with magic. Zar’oc is always at his side, as is Thorn when he is in battle. When needed he sometimes may use his old yew bow, but more often than not Zar’oc and magic are his preferred methods of attack.

When not in battle Murtagh wears darker colors, such as black or grey, and often trimmed with gold, silver, or red. However, even when not in battle Zar’oc is still with him. He rarely is seen without the blood-red sword with him.

He often is calm and in command. He took to power and embraces the destruction he can cause. Being second only to Galbatorix, his air of command is not un-earned. The gedwey ignasia on his left hand shows his power and his right to have earned such a position.


Personality: Determination, bravery and fearlessness may be how some describe him. After all Murtagh often is calm and confident. He never gets involved in anything he does not care about or is not ordered to. Whether it is a fight or a journey he decides on he puts everything he is into it and sees it through.

He is very proud and perhaps this is both a flaw and strength. His life has been anything but easy and to survive it, is a feat worth being proud of. Murtagh’s harsh life led him to feel in constant danger. He never fully trusts anyone besides Thorn and prefers solitude while he views others with suspicion. He does not like to take a chance if it may be a danger to him or Thorn. He values Thorn’s and his life more than anything and would never sacrifice himself or Thorn to save another.

He is practical, though some would call it ruthlessness instead. If he perceives a threat to either him or Thorn he acts without a hesitation to defend even if that means killing the threat. He disregards the feelings and suffering of others and he shows little remorse in killing. While it may seem cold-hearted, Murtagh’s past has left no other option to him.

He is rather strong-willed and protects his mind with almost impenetrable barriers. His mind is his final sanctuary that only Galbatorix has ever broken. He is very intelligent but can be stubborn as well. When he decides something, nothing can change his mind. The only one who can sway his decision is Thorn.

He has no love for the Empire and unwillingly serves Galbatorix. He detests many of the things Galbatorix makes him carry out. However, he revels in his power and the destruction he can cause yet he avoids excessive bloodshed and cruelty when he can. His was a cruel lot in life and he enjoys striking back in revenge at the world that caused him so much grief.


---Likes: Power, Thorn, Safety
---Dislikes: Galbatorix, his past, cruelty
---Strengths: Pride, Magic, Swordsmanship
---Weakness: Thorn, Stubbornness


Family:
Morzan -- father
Selena – mother
Garrow -- uncle
Eragon -- half brother
Roran -- cousin
Katrina -- cousin-in-law


Not-So-Brief History: Murtagh was born to Selena and Morzan, in Morzan’s castle. He was taken from his mother at birth and given to a wet nurse. He seldom was able to see his mother except on brief visits. His childhood was unpleasant due to his violent and twisted father. When he was only three years-old Morzan threw Zar’roc at him in a drunken rage. The blood red sword cut into Murtagh’s back from shoulder to hip leaving a scar he’d keep for the rest of his life.

His mother disappeared early in his life to gain a better life for Eragon. However, when she returned she fell ill and died. When Morzan was slain by Brom, Murtagh was moved to live in King Galbatorix’s castle in Uru’baen where he generally avoided the courts and intrigues. He was taught swordplay from Tornac and with a lifetime of practice, he became a powerful warrior that few could match. He also gained experience in archery.

Murtagh remained in Uru’baen for much of his life. When he turned 18 he was summoned by the king and accepted an offer of friendship. He realized his mistake when Galbatorix commanded him to take soldiers to destroy Cantos on the account of rebels. He fled Uru’baen that very night with his teacher Tornac. Galbatorix anticipated his flight and guards were at the gates. Tornac was killed when they fought their way out and Murtagh fled to the estate of an old friend. He was unwilling to side with either the Varden or the Empire.

When he heard news of a new Dragon Rider he decided to follow the trail of the Ra’zac in hopes of finding the Rider. He tracked them to Dras-Leona where he was able to help rescue Eragon and Saphire from the Ra’zac.

From there he traveled with Eragon to Gil’ead where Eragon was captured. With Saphira’s help Murtagh rescued him and Arya. He agreed to go with Eragon to find the Varden to save Arya. While traveling across the Hadarac Desert they were attacked by slavers. Murtagh beheaded the incapacitated bandit leader, which resulted in a conflict between him and Eragon.

When they neared the Varden a band of Kull pursued them. Murtagh opted to enter the Varden rather than face the Kull on his own. Once with the Varden he was recognized as the son of Morzan and was imprisoned in Tronjheim after he refused to allow the Twins to probe his mind. During his imprisonment, he read works from the vast library of Tronjheim.

During the battle under Farthen Dur he was given the chance to prove himself and fought alongside the Varden. He accompanied Ajihad as they drove the last of the Urgals out. Though he had proven himself to the Varden he did not share their desire to destroy the Empire. While exiting one of the tunnels he was captured by the Twins and a group of Kull and brought back to Uru’baen.

Galbatorix mercilessly tortured him for his rebellion. When Thorn hatched, Galbatorix forced them to swear allegiance to him in the Ancient language. With Thorn Murtagh grew even more powerful only to be surpassed by Galbatorix. Galbatorix taught him the dark secrets of magic and he was given several Eldunari by the king, which only increased his power and abilities. During this time, Galbatorix used magic to increase Thorn’s size considerably so he could fight against Saphira.

Later, Thorn and Murtagh then joined the Empire forces at the Burning Plains with orders to try to capture Eragon and Saphira. During the battle, Murtagh killed King Hrothgar, which earned him the name Kingkiller. When he confronted Eragon he defeated his half brother and claimed Zar’roc from him and revealed Morzan was Eragon’s father. But he spared Eragon and Saphira on Thorn’s urging.

Upon his return to Uru’baen, Galbatorix was furious that he had let Eragon and Saphira go. After the Ra’zac were killed he turned his anger on Thorn and Murtagh and punished them severely. They were then forced to swear additional oaths to ensure their complete obedience.

He was sent with a troop of painless soldier to attack the Varden once more. He fought Eragon again and was surprised by Eragon’s now elf-like-speed and strength. Eragon told him if he changed his true name, he could escape Galbatorix. However, Murtagh knew he couldn’t change himself easily and attacked Eragon. In a battle of magic, several of the elves helping Eragon fainted which allowed Murtagh and Thorn to escape unharmed. He swore he’d return to defeat them and become more powerful.

After the Battle of Burning Plains he gained increased speed and strength that was equal to most elves. Combined with his sword skills he became an extremely dangerous and powerful Rider.
Murtagh returned to Uru’baen before he journeyed to Gil’ead where he faced Oromis and Glaedr. He was fearful but he and Thorn battled them fiercely. He grew angry at Oromis for not having revealed himself sooner. For he believed the old Rider might could’ve helped him and Thorn. Galbatorix assumed control over Murtagh and when he failed to persuade them to join the Empire’s side, he attacked Oromis dealing a fatal blow. While Glaedr tried to get to the elves for help Thorn killed Glaedr sending him plummeting which killed Oromis as well..
Upon the old Rider’s death, Murtagh and Thorn turned upon the elves wreaking havoc and destruction before they returned to Uru’baen. There he learned of the Varden’s advancement and was dispatched to Belatona. The Varden overcame the city and he and the Empire forces retreated to Dras-Leona.

---

Thorn

Other name: Blödh Bjartskular
Race: Dragon
Side: Empire
Age: 1 year
Gender: Male
Birthplace: Urû’baen (Empire)


Appearance: In full glamour and pride, Thorn’s crimson scales shine like freshly spilled blood or a newly opened red rose. He is a compact dragon with strong muscles in his limbs to support his shear size. While he can fly as well as any, his strength and build make him more suited to aerial fighting than anything. His eyes are of a dark ruby color that holds most everyone in contempt. When he is in a good mood his expression changes to one of mirth and joy for life.

His neck spikes are snow white and stand out stark against his crimson form. He had only two cheek spikes and his horns are crescent shaped. He is nearly the size of two houses due to Galbatorix’s magic to increase his size. Thorn bears very few scars from battle as Murtagh sees to healing any injuries. The only mark on Thorn is that he is missing three feet of his tail, which was bitten off by Glaedr.


Where he hatched: In Uru’baen.


Personality: Thorn longs to be free of Galbatorix’s enslavement more than anything else. He shares Murtagh’s resentment, but enjoys the power he and Murtagh have. Like his rider, his life has not been pleasant and he sometimes seeks revenge upon the world that caused his suffering.

However, he has more compassion towards others than he lets on. Only Murtagh really understands this aspect of him. He does not wish to harm those who are innocent or those who may have been able to help him and Murtagh gain their freedom. Despite his wishes, he has to obey orders, and seldom does he have the chance to show any compassion.

He cares very much about his rider and would never willingly let any harm come upon Murtagh. He is the only one who can persuade Murtagh otherwise once he has made up his mind. One such time was during the battle of the burning plains he urged Murtagh to show Saphira and Eragon mercy.


---Likes: Power, freedom, peace
---Dislikes: enslavement, being alone
---Strengths: knowledge, physical strength, aerial combat
---Weakness: Murtagh, arrogance


Family:
Fundor -- gold -- father -- deceased
Lenora – brown – mother -- deceased


Not-So-Brief History: Thorn’s egg fell into Galbatorix’s possession during the fall. For decades after he remained in Uru’baen in the king’s treasury. Those Galbatorix choose to come near him in hopes he’d hatch were always disappointed. For nearly a hundred years, he remained in his egg.

When Murtagh was brought before him, he saw something in him that the others had lacked and hatched for him. He needed Murtagh and much as Murtagh needed him. It wasn’t long after Murtagh refused to swear fealty, that Galbatorix tortured Thorn until Murtagh swore alliance. Using their true names Galbatorix and forced them into his service with unbreakable oaths.

Galbatorix used his magic and the strength of the Eldunari to speed Thorn’s growth so that he would be able to fight against Saphira. Training with Galbatorix and Shruikan, Murtagh and Thorn became a formidable pair that few could match. Shruikan instructed Thorn in aerial combat and often fought against Thorn to help the young dragon gain experience in battle.

The king gave them several Eldunari to strengthen them. And once the first part of their training was complete they were dispatched to the Burning Plains to capture Saphira. By now, Thorn had gained the ability to breathe fire. There Thorn’s experience and knowledge of aerial combat helped him hold his own against Saphire despite his lack of armor and age. Despite a massive injury from Eragon, Thorn continued to fight and defeated Saphira. It wasn’t until then that Thorn urged Murtagh to show them mercy.

When the pair returned to Uru’baen without Saphira, Galbatorix punished them severely and made them swear additional oaths to ensure absolute obedience. The king learned of Eragon’s elven abilities and bestowed more power upon them. Strengthening Thorn and increasing Murtagh’s speed beyond human abilities.

Later they flew to Surda with an army of painless soldiers to attack the Varden. There they fought Eragon and Saphira once more and at Thorn’s insistence heard Eragon out, that if they could change their true names they could be free. Neither Thorn nor Murtagh thought there was much hope in that and attacked Eragon and Saphira but were defeated and forced to flee.

Once back in Uru’baen they were berated by Galbatorix for failing to capture Saphira. Then from there they were dispatched to the north to help fight off the Elven army at Gil’ead. There they confronted Glaedr and Oromis. During the fight, Glaedr bit off three feet of Thorn’s tail. During the fight Galbatorix took over Murtagh and delt a fatal blow to Oromis. Thorn took off in pursuit of the fleeing Glaedr and managed to deal a lethal blow killing both rider and dragon.

Once back in Uru’baen they were again dispatched to Belatona to stop the Varden’s advancement. However, the Varden overcame the city and the Empire forces retreated to Dras-Leona.

---

Roleplay Sample

~~~~
Naturally Murtagh was seated right next to the king. He was dressed in formal clothing consisting of a long sleeve white shirt with a dark red crimson vest. His black hair was tidy and he fully looked the part. His power was second to none except Galbatorix. He only glanced at Shruikan as his massive head swung over to Galbatorix. "What dragon isn't possessive of his rider?" he commented when Galbatorix apologized to the servant for his dragon's intrusion. The feeling was not just the dragon's possessiveness but that of the Rider in return as well. In some regard Murtagh could be described as possessive of Thorn. No life was more important to him than his and Thorn's.

He gently touched Shruikan's mind. Ebrithil, he greeted him. You must teach teach Thorn sometime how to hold his drink as well as you do. The comment was more of a joke than anything but through his link to Thorn there was truth in it. Thorn was getting a bit drunk from the mead. Murtagh didn't have to look at Thorn to know what he was doing or where he was but he did so anyways. He turned slightly in his seat to glance at the crimson beast near Shruikan.

Thorn glanced up at him and made eye contact for a moment before he turned back to his meal and ate the last chunk of the boar he had been given. He unsteady picked up a barrel in his mouth and then tipped the remaining contents of the mead into his mouth.