<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/3/3e/Elvenknight.jpg)</div><strong>Zanthus Meloridan</strong><br/>2nd level Elven Paladin<br/>Plothook character sheet (http://plothook.net/RPG/profiler/view.php?id=12939)<br/><br/><strong>Background:</strong><br/>Zanthus is the third child of Marzan Meloridan, noteworthy in a race not known for their fecundity. The Meloridan line has long been known for its valorous deeds, tracing a clear heritage of heroism back to Sir Tellinar Meloridan, who fought against Treerazer Itself and was critical in the repulsion of that demon lord. Since that time the Meloridan name has been synonymous with the noble struggle against the forces of darkness. The blood of the Meloridan has always held a special affinity for the light, evidenced by their mystical ability to conjure illumination at will.<br/><br/>When the Worldwound opened, it surprised few to find that Marzan Meloridan uprooted his family from Kyonin and volunteered themselves into service in Kenabres. They were a welcome addition to the forces opposing the demonic onslaught. However the course of the next ninety years brought little but tragedy to the noble family. Marzan himself was crippled during the Second Crusade and to this day remains unable to walk, the demon-tainted wound resistant to all forms of divine healing. Zanthus' elder brother Zontran died in the Third Crusade. His elder sister, a staunch warrior in her own right, was lost during the Third Crusade. Her body was never recovered, and at the time there were even evil rumors that she had joined the demonic side.<br/><br/>Twelve years ago Zanthus, the last surviving child of Marzan, reached the age of adulthood. Few would count him the equal to his lost siblings, and Marzan would not be among that number. Although the Fourth Crusade was upon them, his father sent him away from Kenabres to return to the elven homeland, while refusing to travel himself. Perhaps it was fear of losing his last child. Perhaps it was a lack of confidence in Zanthus' abilities; while he had trained diligently at the Temple of Iomedae, he remained virtually untested in battle.<br/><br/>Zanthus was halfway through his journey, dutifully following his father's orders, when a vision from Iomedae prompted him to return to Kenabres. The Crusade was over, but opportunities for heroism remained. He is determined to live up to the family name, to prove his father wrong, and ultimately to bring an end to the evil that has afflicted what he now feels is his true homeland.<br/><br/><strong>Personality:</strong><br/>Zanthus presents himself as the epitome of elven valor and nobility. He can quote religious texts chapter and verse and advocates boldly for taking the fight to the enemy, giving no quarter, and expunging the demonic presence from the land. Privately, though, he is far less self-assured. His father's words have taken root in his heart, and he secretly believes that he will fail when truly tested. Disguising this fear can lead him to foolish bravado. Though he is 122 years old he still bears much of the folly of youth.<br/><br/><strong>Appearance:</strong><br/>Tall and slim, Zanthus seems a few pounds shy of filling out his armor. His long fine blond hair is worn free. Zanthus' skin is the hue of the dawn's light, his eyes are a bright blue, and his face is bereft of the creases of age and wisdom. He bears no visible scars.