Heavy Cavalry Archer

Tsubodai chuckled to himself as he felt the weight of it, tossing it in his hands, amazed. How could it possibly be as light as a Griffon Feather? "Foolish, meat bag, foolish". Subtly shaking his head, the words were muttered under his breath as he drew both it in - in preparation - and the bow itself. The arrow sung and found it's mark once more with a satisfying thud. He knew he'd found a new favorite.

He'd never been one for modern technology. When his warband started training with rifles and machines, he withdrew and went into the wilderness alone to hone his skills with bow, sword and for survival further. He did not have a mind for Alchemy or Magitech. Strategy and tactics, as well as forces, levers and angles came naturally and the construction of the bow pleased him as he could see its' potential. He'd never even used a weapon he hadn't crafted himself, but this was something else. He'd have to make an exception.

"Aetherized". He growled the word menacingly. He'd not heard it before and it seemed alien to his tongue as he exaggerated it's movement to imitate the sound. The pathetic Asura had gurgled it out moments before as it lay smashed and writhing on the ground like an overgrown grub, freshly stepped upon by some monstrous boot. It was the victim of a stunning Hilt Bash and a remorseless Maul that had downed the puny fool quicker than it had called the Charr "bookah". He didn't even know what it meant, but he could tell by the way it was delivered with that arrogant air of superiority that there was nothing but disdain and disrespect. That was enough.

He wasn't sure what the engineer was even doing with an Aetherized longbow out here in the wilderness, it looked to be trying to test the bow, or master it's use, but Tsubodai could tell it didn't have the proficiency to wield the bow and slowed his gait momentarily to utter a few words of advice. The little wretch had imagined some slight and opened its big mouth in frustrated impotence with all the rage a three foot imp could muster.

Tsubodai looked over at the squirming figure, narrowed his eyes and frowned. The tiny engineer was still throwing junk in some amusing but ultimately misquided attempt at turning the tables. Tsubodai had simply ignored it and continued leisurely piercing arrows deep into the creature's fashionable outfit. It wasn't armor, not of the sort he knew anyway, it seemed to be chosen merely for form. He would take function over that anyday.

The joyous thought of kindling - only to crush - that pitiful desire to live brought a sinister sneer to Tsubodai's jaw and he clicked his fangs together in thought. Machination too was somewhat of a speciality for him and victory through trickery or deception of one's foe was exponentially more satisfying than one through skill alone. He calmly turned his back and walked away, leaving the pitiable lump behind him. Though while his were minor wounds, he applied the Unguent he'd made to them that would bring rapid recovery and he felt the rush of health and Fury that came with it.

The Engineer knew a brief moment of hope. He frantically tried to reach for his bandage and save himself. His mind raced as he tried to utilize his gadgetry to help when he heard the Charr shout two words, the guttural voice thick with smug malice.

"Sic Em!"

The massive Smokescale shadowstepped on top of him in an instant and there was nothing he could do. He saw the cavernous maw gnash and finally realised there would be no snatching victory from those jaws, they were truely defeat. His world decended into the mist.

Tsubodai whistled cheerfully for the Smokescale to join him at his side once more. "Welcome back, friend". It was an ugly beast, but devastating, and he could tell it took a ruthless pleasure in it's work with him. He could respect that. He roughly slapped it's haunch a few times as it shook its head and gleefully tossed a slab of Dolyak from his pouch which it snatched out of the air, but not before ripping a mouthful off for himself, the blood staining the fur of his jaw. He wiped it off absent mindedly on his arm, in thought. Was there any greater joy than to conquer one's enemies; to pursue them; to deprive them of their possessions? His grim smile spread as he thought of the hunts to come with this new bow combined with the smokescale's efficacy. Life was good.



I have based my Charr Ranger on Subedai (I prefer the T spelling, Tsubodai), the legendary Mongol Orlok (Strategic Military Commander) who won Genghis and Ogedai Khans an empire. He won more pitched battles and conqured more land area than anyone in history. He was famous for his intelligence, cunning and peerless ability.

I was going for a heavy cavalry archer look, mostly leather with some metal plate, studs and adornments, but all rather drab due to use, dust, blood and sweat. I used the Aetherized bow as a piece that did not suit the overall look, but to me it is a significant item as it symbolises his willingness to adapt to new technologies, which was a trait the Mongols definitely used to their advantage. I hope you enjoyed my little story and the armor set. Cheers!