Arden Cross

=Mission: Investigate Arden Cross=

Greetings Initiate,

Your new task is to investigate an individual by the name of Arden Cross. Cross is a long-time member of the Templar order, and a notorious Luddite. You can put down your smartphone; you won't be finding anything about him online.

Cross is currently on assignment in Kingsmouth, Maine. Yes, that's the little town with the shambling dead. Yes, you're going to have to go there. We've arranged a rendezvous in the area. Your contact should have a dossier with everything you need to get started.

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A word of advice, Initiate...Bullets have a funny way of not finding him. We strongly recommend a...peaceful engagement. Your assignment is to learn about Cross, not break him, so keep those trigger-happy hands in your pockets.

You will be sending your findings in a daily report to Headquarters. You may request additional information at any time via your transmitter.

By our clock, you have about two hours remaining to catch your flight. Best get moving, Initiate.

Query: Method
We really don't care how you acquire your information, so long as you get it. Trick him, endear yourself to him, seduce him. Do what you have to. Just remember that you aren't here to be his friend. Put your mission above anything else. You have our word that the ends do, in fact, justify the means.

Query: Behavior
Cross has a reputation for being something of a recluse. With the exception of his own transmitter, he doesn't use any method of communication more modern than a telephone. We're not even sure he owns a computer. You're beginning to see why you're necessary, yes?

Cross is a deeply religious man. He'll step into just about any church he sees, and often goes into retreat to pray. We'd like you to find out just how unshakable his faith really is. Find out about that pretty pendant he wears, too, while you're at it.

Given his preference to work alone, you may have some trouble coming up with excuses to stick around. Our sources tell us he'll follow his orders to the letter, though. You may want to look into finding a way to assign yourself as his partner temporarily.

Query: Childhood
A big, blank hole in our records. We know his abilities manifested early, we know his parents dropped off the map when he joined the Templars. What records we can find suggest he did poorly in school. He seemed to have a driven interest in the King Arthur of Camelot mythos, though we're not sure how that connects to anything, if it does.

We also know he's not talking about his past, and there's got to be a good reason why. Find out for us.

Query: Callista James
Another mystery. Callista James grew up in the same town Cross did, but she's much too young to have been one of his classmates, and our sources haven't pulled any record of a genealogical connection. But do not dismiss her importance in the equation. Cross has followed her like a pup from the Yorkshire Moors to Ealdwic. He seems to fancy himself her sword-slinging guardian angel.

If Cross proves obstinate, James may be a good contact point.

Query: Drystan
Ah, yes. The wolf. We're not sure where he came from, only that he follows at Cross's heels like a snarling shadow. Do take caution around him; a dog can smell a liar far better than a man can. Cross seems to use the animal as a way to judge a person's character. Maybe you should start carrying bacon bits in your pockets.

Query: Dangers
Take care not to invoke the man's wrath. We're told those dogged enough to finally provoke it don't soon forget it. And...do mind the sharp edges. He's been studying swordplay techniques since he was a boy. And don't forget about that magical bullet shield of "faith."

Cross is mulishly loyal, but he holds a grudge longer than a shaved cat. Play your cards carefully, Initiate. If he stonewalls you, the mission is as good as over.

Query: The Round Table Group
Cross is part of of a cabal called The Round Table. It's an old organization, but newly re-formed. His title within the cabal is "Sir Bors," but we're not sure what that means. Find out more about his role, but be careful. Cross may be solitary, but he's no lone wolf. He's likely got other members of the Round Table watching his back.

Query: Favorite Foods
How is this relevant...? Alright, according to our records, he's fond of stir fries, shepherd's pie, and Thai iced tea. We're not sure how that's going to help you.

Query: Taste in Music
Now you're just wasting time. Go catch that plane.

Trivia (OOC)
Arden's intense religious piety (sometimes to his own detriment) was inspired in part by Silas from the DaVinci Code. His severe and humorless personality is taken from Borus Redrum, a knight from the video game Suikoden III. To my amusement, Borus is only one letter away from Arden's title within the round Table cabal, Sir Bors.

There are a few songs that have helped me realize Arden's character. They are: How can I Keep from Singing, Ivory Tower, and Chevaliers de Sangreal.

OOC Information
As you probably guessed, this entire profile is a big RP hook. It's written to be accessible to any character, male or female, of any faction. If you're interested in picking it up, contact me and we'll make arrangements.

Note that Arden's in-game name at launch will be Paragonn.

Special thanks to Melyssah6 and MoonsongStockfor the stock images.