[Shaok]

Full Name: Shaok Mianes Riku (Pronounced "Shay-oak My-ness Rye-Ku" And has the meaning of Sun warrior for Shaok, and Night Death for his middle. His last name is the name in a LONG line of Elven Nobles.)
Nicknames: Shao

Biographical:

Level: 80
Class: Monk
RP Power: He keeps it tucked back further than he lets people see, even in combat. He only goes all out when he is alone.

Race: Feir'Dal
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: (Closely guarded Secret)
Age: (Closely guarded Secret)
Hair: Blonde
Skin: Dark Tan
Eyes: Hazel
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 155LBS

Place of Residence: Has a tavern in Qeynos, but does not reside in any city.
Place of Birth: Kelethin

Relatives: All are long past dead
Enemies: Some Knights of Freeport
Allies: Everyone he considers a friend.

Occupation: Monk/Merchant/Scout/ occasionally Spy
Crafting: Carpenter

Appearance: Shaok has an adult Fier'Dal appearance to him. He prefers to keep his long blonde hair pulled back into a weaved pony tail, that goes down to the upper portion of his back. He stands very tall for his race, and has a very lean body, yet still strong for his size. His eyes have shimmering hazil eyes that have a feeling of agelessness to them, and he often schools his expression to be blank unless hes directly socializing. Across his face he has a few varying scars, and all down his chest and back he has scars of varying ages. The palms of his hands are calloused from both martial training, and bow training from many ages ago. His knuckles are very scratched up and are as dense as rocks. Because of this he lacks the ability to be gentle with people, as his hands are so rough. If it weren't for his body being so focused refining his ability, he could be described as quiet handsome. Shaok has no tattoos.

Fashion of Choice: Prefers to wear black, although not entirely picky about it.
Armor of Choice: None. He doesn't want the enemy to miss when its his time.
Weapons of Choice: Hand on hand, a tonfa when he is out in potential volatile situations, and a full length Bo when he goes some where that he knows he'll run into trouble

Personality:

Alignment: Neutral Good - He has conquered his inner demons, and the experience has left his mind even stronger than before, and for that he is appreciative to the Knights of Freeport for their hand in it. Although he has no desire to return head quarters to thank them in person, or buy them a round of Lucan's Ale.
Motivations: Balance/Peace for the good, Destruction for the evil (Which causes inner conflict obviously)
Disposition: Although generally his outward appearance is apathetic, he is anything but. He can take on being Happy and outgoing, to a livid state on the flick of a wrist if necessary. Usually he feels depressed from his history, but is able to lose that a variety of ways. It would really be much more accurate to say that his Disposition is different from person to person, rather than an over-all feeling.
Outlook: Words are stronger and more deadly than the sword. The sun will rise and the sun will set, there will always be a new day.

Religion/Philosophy: Is a follower of Tunare, but does not speak of it much because of a few incidents in his past. His philosophy is that of something you would imagine a Monk to have. He dedicates himself to a philosophy that emphasizes Compassion, Courage, Manners, Wisdom, Loyalty, Obedience, Truthfulness, Gracefulness, and Kindness. It would be an equivalent to the real world's Ninpo. His opinion on ruling would also be similar to that of a decentralized government.

Sexuality: Heterosexual, and he is reserved for only one person, his loyalty unwavering and indestructible.

Positive Personality Traits: Shaok is extremely loyal. He will defend his friends against impossible odds, and wont turn his back on them. Shaok has also been blessed with an extremely sharp memory.
Negative Personality Traits: Shaok is incredibly stubborn, and once his trust is broken, its near impossible to get it again. Which is bad because he is able to find himself trusting people quickly. Shaok also treats his enemies as an enemy as well.
Misc. Quirks: Enjoys playing in the market, tinkering with the economy almost. Shaok also likes to spend his time studying military tactics and strategies.

Interests:

Likes: Reading, studying, adventuring, socializing, tea, and combat where everything is at risk.
Dislikes: Traitors, thieves, rulers who have over stepped their lines of the relationship between a ruler and his citizens.

Favorite Foods: Simple bread
Favorite Drinks: Red Tea
Favorite Colors: Red

Details:

Played by What Famous Person: A younger looking Liam Neeson

Theme Songs: Animal Within

History: Shaok has had a very lengthy history, having lived longer the Feir'Dal naturally do. Beyond this information however, must be taken person by person interaction, as Shaok closely guards his past, as it torments him and knows it could easily be used to cripple him and take him down psychologically.

Shaok was one of the first two real friends I made when I moved to Qeynos... And so far, he's the only one who hasn't screwed me over. When we were captured by the Knights of Freeport, he was the one who kept me going. He kept me awake when I was badly hurt until a damn healer finally got there and he was the one who told me to keep fighting. He tried to keep my hope up, talking about how we would get out. And when we tried to escape with Onyxic, me and her were taken down pretty quick. But Shaok....he just would not go down. He kept fighting like a madman. It took the Knights a fair bit to finally take him out.

But then I woke up and I saw him acting all "The Overlord is Great, Sir!" my last day in the cells. Apparently the KoF was letting Masq play mind games with us and Shaok had been his first victim. I have to say, it scared me more than a lot of the stuff in that place scared me. That a guy so strong could crumble like that...

Finding out it was a just a trick afterwards was a huge relief.

An unexpected ally, but one I am glad to have. He is willing to risk all for what seems to him to be Right Action, to the point of putting life and liberty on the line for someone who could be just as useful dead as alive. I will not blind myself to the fact that for either side in this current fracas, my death is a rallying point. Whoever manages to claim the moral high ground from the blood and betrayal will have the full force of my colleagues' wrath at their disposal - and when roused, we are formidable foes.

He seems unwilling to play Teir'Dal politics, though. I can respect that. I can also respect his courage. I would be honored to have him on my payroll, and I am humbled someone of such iron conviction deigns to consider me worth risk.

I have had a few discussions with this elf and I find him to be surprisingly strong, not only of mind but of will and conviction to do what is right no matter the expense to himself. That he still lives, and, unless I miss my guess, has done so for more years than it might appear, speaks volumes for the power and character of this man.

I find my respect for him growing, something that is at loggerheads with my position. We should be enemies he and I and yet I cannot force myself to put him in that category. It does strike me as amusing given that he held my very life in his hands for some seconds and yet, I would have done the same had I been in his position. I cannot fault him for it or find it in me to be angry or vengeful for it.

I count him as a friend and hope the same can be thought from his end.

Ah yes...This is the monk, isn't it? I remember the first time I dealt with him...*laughs under her breath*...I wonder if he misses those teeth of his...
In any case...Yes...This one is strong. He can hold his own in battle, this is true...But can he master fear? Is he, like so many of his other soft skinned kin, easily vulnerable to the breaking of minds and the rending of flesh...
I see it in his eyes that he fights to protect those he loves...Admirable...But I wonder...What will he do when he cannot save those he loves?
Perhaps he will reveal his true character then...But only time will tell...

I have spent some time with Shaok. From the constructing of his tavern and to the every week practices of being his barmaid. He is a very fierce friend and for being a fier'dal and I being a tier'dal, I thought there might be some issues with him trusting me, but he never had any problems with me being what I am. That made me open my eyes a bit though, so I started to watch him. Had my sisters out watching him and telling me anything and everything that he did. He's a great guy, but likes the Knights of Freeport a bit too much? I mean, he has stayed there for a few days a couple times already. One would think that he wouldn't want to be caught and put through all of that if one could avoid it, but then I suppose he has friends over there so.. Take the risks with the perils? I'd say so about this man. That's all I have to say about him for now...

*the Kerra rubs his chin, then shrugs* I have to say that I don't really know the guy half as well as I ought to. He's a regular at the Training Room for about as long as I've been going there. Not a bad fighter either, but he's got some room for improvement. Strikes me as the sort who will bang his head against the wall trying to work out some problem that might be beyond him.

*he chuckles* At least, if is constant attempts to challenge me to a fight are any indication.

Anyway, he's a good enough sort. Tried to help out Euryale recently, though maybe I was a bit too prickly dealing with him then.

I look forward to having another fight with him again soon.

Shaok. Until recently I had no idea that he was such the enigma. I have learned to know him over the past several months. A customer of the Hammer and then I became a customer of his own venue, the Light N' Shadow. Upon making acquaintance for the first time, he was a quiet 'Dal who liked his corner. Something I appreciate as that is my own way of learning the lay of the land in a new pub. I have enjoyed our casual banter these many months. Including our thoughts with regards to operating successful business in Qeynos. I have come learn that he is just full of surprises. He is rather proactive with regards to keeping appraised of Freeport activities. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he was captured and tortured by Third Brigade. And managed to escape. I can not imagine enduring the experience. But he did.

Then there is the question of Evora. A Monk who was the first Kerra to hear the Word of the Tranquil. I have important questions for her. Apparently, Shaok has been searching for her too? Why would this Feir'dal have such an interest?

Three things in recent weeks seem to linger at the front of my mind. All connected to Shaok. First, was his offer to allow me to guest bartend at the Light N' Shadow on Friday nights. Uncertain of any reliable availability, I did not commit to the offer. Though I was surprised and honored to have been noticed. Secondly, Shaok's propensity for knowing the business of the Third Brigade. He suggested that my own supplies for the Hammer be thoroughly monitored. When asked why, he only told me that the Third Brigade had big plans for the Kerra and Ratonga of Qeynos. Not skilled enough (my words) to focus, specifically, upon their Ratonga enemies within Vagabond Knights, they plan to target all of the furred instead. He had been instructed to discreetly share this warning with all bar and pub owners of Qeynos. Which in and of itself raised my brow. I pressed Shaok to share how he knows this information? I just want to know who has enough vested interest to offer me such warning? On these point's Shaoks memory goes faulty. I want to believe him. I really do. And there is no harm in seeing my supplies further scrutinized. I just want to better understand his loyalty.

Finally, word reached me of the untimely demise of Amixa Parnel. Murdered upon the streets of Freeport. A woman who he casually asked my advise about. He knew she was of the Third Brigade. Yet he was personally drawn to her. I did not feel that I was a reliable sounding board regarding Shaok's interest, so evaded the offer of any real opinion. Now she is dead. I have not since seen Shaok. I can only imagine he must have been shaken by the news. Propoganda has since followed that would imply - though not by name - that he may have killed her. My instinct says that this is far from the truth. I hope that Shaok is alright and will walk into the Hammer again in weeks to come?

He is a friend, and I trust him. He is a strong fighter and one day we shall both have to fight to our fullest just to see what each other can do. Until then, he has not given me a reason to not call him a friend, so that is that.

Bumped into this fella during tha scuffle in Nettleville.

He seemed cool enough, though I guess it's sorta unfair o'me ta make any judgements on him when tha only time I've actually -seen- him, I was nearly blind with rage.

Bird seems ta think tha world o'him, so he can't be -that- bad.

I always thought of him as quiet, reserved, and humble. When the Freeport Militia send their cavalry unit into Qeynos to get him, however, it makes me curious as to what secret he is hiding...a secret that made him desperate enough to ask a Nerian Teir'dal for martial assistance.

I complied, mainly because he was polite enough to say, "Please," and he agreed to return a favor in the future. I will say nothing ill of him, nor will I look for any fault.

I will, for the time being, consider this one an ally.

Shaok? <the feir'dal smiles as she remebers> he was kind enough to deliver a warning to me. He is either a another defender of kelethin, or an opponate of oppression. Either way I would be happy to be a friend to him should he ever need it. I hope he is doing well, and would be pleased to get to know him better some time.

Diplomat or not. If I catch him, he'll beg for death.

Shaok is a highly dangerous Qeynosian terrorist. He is responsible for the death of one of my boys, and has on several occasions attacked the city of Freeport.

Unfortunately for him, the 3rd Cavalry Division exists to hunt scum like Shaok down. That damn fairy boy will regret ever having taken up arms against the city of Lucan D'lere.

His death raises as many questions as his life did, none of them I will suppose I have answered now. He seemed nice, and how he got involved in that mess in Freeport that lead to his execution, I will never know. I have no idea of he was guilty, innocent, or suicidal. I suppose I never shall, and more's the pity for it. I hate unfinished stories.

He is dead now to the world. Set upon by hungry hyenas in Freeport's execution pit. He was a pain in Freeport's backside one too many times and paid for it. I honor his memory for trying to save the life of myself and many others. He did warn me of a poisoning attack months ago. He warned others too. I thought we had spoiled those efforts. I was wrong. I suspect an echo of his actions and his execution will continue to be felt. I now protect the secret entrusted to me.

I did not know Shoak very well, but every time I did run into him he was sitting quietly alone in thought. He never failed with a friendly greeting always had kinds words for me. I have heard may conflicting rumors concerning his deeds, but now I suppose I will never know.

***Edited for changes on his alignment on becoming more unstable***

*Rei grins impishly as she remembers the first time she met the quiet-seeming monk.*

There he as, bold as brass, taking up the entire dock sitting on that blood-thirsty creature he calls a horse.I was edgin' around them both, and attempting to lighten the levity of the situation, when lo and behold! The monk *does* have a sense of humor!
Time has passed now, and I have come to see Shaok in a different light. He is extremey loyal, compassionate and very good at his chosen profession. He is a good friend, and takes the role of friend very seriously.

Shaok and I met at a very odd time in both our lives, and it drew us together as friends. We've gained a healthy respect for each other, and a trust in each other that we can't explain. I definatly look forward to being his friend the days and months to come, as he continues to adapt to all he's been through, and find his place in Norrath again.

Shaok..now there is an interesting fellow. From our sporadic and chance meetings, I have gathered that he is a bit of an anamoly. He is not that talkative, but it cannot be denied that there is a burning intellect and strength hidden behind that 'calm' demeanor he has whenever I see him. I look forward to have him sitting at my side at my tavern, as a judge, when I host my bardic competition. I only hope that he is not tone deaf or something else equally tragic..

-Devolnu Taliesin

This man is a good fighter with a very fit, healthy body. I had the pleasure of working with him for many hours, even though he is not a very talkative sort. It takes a lot of time and effort to get any words of substance out of him. Such type is good to train with.

I would not be averse to working with him again.

Araxus sat quietly at the dining room table, waiting patiently for the water to boil. Before brewing the tea for his daughter, the young assassin tried it on himself, though in retrospect he'd built up enough immunities to poisons through his training that he may not have known himself if it was poisoned. He had a very hard time just trusting people though, and it gave him peace of mind.

Guess he ain't all that bad, he though, reflecting on the meetings between Shaok and himself in the Thirsty Mummy. He did help m'sister. Seems to wanna keep me informed fer some reason. Dunno why. Glancing over his shoulder, he checked on the water the water. Glad Sryiah can finally get some sleep, though. Kid's been tossin' and turnin' damned near every night.

The assassin shifted slightly. He wasn't used to getting warnings when shit was about to hit the gnomish fan. He also wasn't used to anyone being so readily helpful. He didn't know exactly how to take to it. Was there some sort of motive behind it? Was there something he wanted? The half elf didn't have much to offer aside of a very specific skill set.

Looking to the bag of tealeaves the wood elf gave him, he shook his head, "What d'ya want?"

I've dealt with him a few times, I've spent time in a cell across from him only to exchange hostilities, Something I wish I haven't done, He would have made a good ally, but a even better friend. Only recently have me and him come to terms not to pull each others throat out at first glance.

I's remembers meeting hims in the Nutshell some, let's see, few weeks back. He wasses quite polites, but we's didn't speak muches after thats aside from a few "Hey theres" and "Hellos". I's sees him as the type of persons who's mostly watches a rooms befores interractings wif its, but not in the senses of seeing if the room is worthys of his times. More like he's not wanting toos arouse a big fuss by's doing somethings wrongs or insultings. I's guess I's saying that he's sort of blends while still sticking outs as someones yus could talk toos. Mebbe I's learn more the next time I's sees him in Kelethins, but one thing for sures, if he's ever took up bartendings, he's would be's the most knowledgeable persons around.