Seraph Alastor [Luke 3rd alt]
Nov 3, 2014 20:56:20 GMT -6
Post by Seraph Alastor on Nov 3, 2014 20:56:20 GMT -6
Name: Seraph Alastor
Alias: Azrael, Archangel
Age: 30
Class: Halberdier
Birthplace: Etruria
Appearance:
[Normal Armor]
[Azrael]
A man known for his rather good looks and charm, Seraph is a light blond young man who despite years of combat experience and troubling times still manages to contain his rather elegant appearance. This is probably due to him taking heavily after his mother, almost looking nothing like his father if it wasn't for the fact that they share a similar hair color and apparently a similar glare in their eyes whenever they get angry. Seraph enjoys taking care of himself on the principle of the fact that one's body is a temple and most be upheld with the greatest of care.
There are no scars or blemish on his body and the man has quite the muscular and defined build from years of training and exercise. He stands at 6" 4", weighs about 220lbs and is graced with his mother's aqua blue eyes that are said to be one of his most attractive features. He has blonde, short hair that he keeps short to keep away from hair getting in his eyes and interfering with battle. No point in having hair that would obstruct your eyesight during a fight right?
Seraph is often seen in his armor but he isn't particularly picky when it comes to civilian wear. When it comes to more official business or gatherings he's dressed in fine cloaks and clothing as he was always thought to dress appropriately for someone of his standing and background when it came to those sort of things. He's often seen wearing a set of beautiful white armor often donned with a blue cape, which he takes off at times during a battle but only a serious one. Other than that the man isn't particularly picky about what he wears honestly, just as to be for obvious reasons. He does believe that it is beneficial to dress well as it gives people the impression that you are one who is refined and has good taste in dress, so nothing wrong with people thinking that of you.
Ever since becoming Kraft's "Archangel", Seraph has gone on many missions and assignments that would seem rather telling of Kraft's true nature if they were to get out. To counter this Seraph is often disguised whenever doing this wearing a black set of armor and going as the name Azrael. No one besides Kraft is aware of Seraph's alternate ego and it shall remain that way. Seraph is the beacon of hope of justice in Kraft's army, it would be quite troublesome if they were to lose that public view of Etruria's beloved hero.
Personality: Seraph at the surface seems like an easy man to understand, loyal, diligent and charismatic and while you would not be wrong labeling the man as such there is much more to him than one would expect. At his core Seraph is a man of honor and justice, one with undying loyalty to cause and great conviction rivaled by no man. While he has done one hell of a job to uphold this part of himself it is not without fault and doubt that the man has changed over the years and the once holy knight of Etruria has begun to have a skewed vision of the world he wanted to protect as a child.
At the beginning Seraph was the textbook definition of a knight. Honorable, loyal, chivalrous and compassionate. The man still holds on to all of this as he refuses to let these parts of him disappear. To those around him and especially his men he is something to aspire to despite his young age. He cares deeply for those around him and those he's sworn to protect. Always there for when they need a hand and hates to see them hurt in any way. Despite how much people ask of him to do and how many need his help he will do his damnedest to help.
Seraph is rather charismatic and those around him and naturally drawn to him, something that he's been taking advantage of. Nor does it help that his charming nature make him quite the target for admiration from the opposite sex, which when you’re a man as busy as Seraph is more of a curse than anything. Despite this he shows signs of not really getting to full of himself of all the attention and is a rather modest and humble man, often not wanting the spotlight on himself.
He enjoys a good challenge and often will either hold back or encourage someone to do their best, enemy or not. There is no honor and pride in beating someone who is not fighting at their best or his holding back on you, though it makes him a bit of a hypocrite as he does hold back. Seraph also enjoys working making him a bit of a workaholic and one that is quite scrupulous. The man hasn't actually sat back and relaxed in years, despite himself telling many that's what they should do when they get stressed.
It's no wonder why people often call him the hero of Etruria after meeting the man. But it also brings up the question of why someone like himself works so closely for Kraft seeing how he was quite loyal to the royal family. This has split people's feelings of the man in two, those who love him and admire him and those who despise him. Seraph embraces both and doesn't let either side get to him all that much and is willing to even help those who hate them as it is his duty to protect, despite their feelings toward him.
There is a darker side to Seraph, one he often hides from most people but lets it slip out every once in a while. It is more apparent whenever he is disguised as Azrael and it can be argued this is his true self, and he wouldn't really be able to argue with you at that. The man is going through a terrible inner struggle between keeping up appearance and letting himself act as he wishes. He has become borderline nihilistic due to all the things he has done and has see or experienced. Every once in a while one might see Seraph stop caring for his honor and justice and become quite callous and disregard the "hero" attitude.
Azrael shows no mercy and cuts down whoever stands in his way regardless of who it is. In this black armor Seraph acts out all of his frustrations and true emotions becoming the opposite of who he was. Though he can show signs of being honorable and kind but it is rare to see that. He becomes quite serious and the only thing he has in mind is the mission and nothing else. No man, woman or child will get in his way and becomes bold enough to even do things on his own despite his orders from Kraft.
He does this because he knows that if he were to die, especially by Kraft's hands things would become quite sour for the "Prophet". Public opinion of the man might go south and Seraph would damn well make sure they knew everything that had transpire because of him. Why doesn't he do this now? Because Seraph has become clouded and bound to his word, which he'd can't go back on. Often Seraph questions whether or not he even cares anymore about his honor and sense of justice or that he's working for a man who murdered a family he cared deeply about.
Only time will tell what Seraph Alastor chooses to do and whether that be succumb completely to Kraft's will and not question it, which he practically does now, or fight it and hold onto who he once was. The side of him remaining who he was is beginning to fade each day and more and more as time passes on. If it wasn't for that fact that he has to keep up appearances than long ago the persona of Azrael would have taken over a long time ago.
It just goes to show that no matter how pure and just one might think they are anyone is corruptible. Seraph however likes to be a bit enigmatic so it's hard to tell what the man is planning or what he's thinking and what he's feeling so it makes it hard to understand him. Which is a good thing as Seraph likes to keep people at emotional distance and doesn't let many people know much about self which is a bit odd considering how empathetic he can be towards others.
Background: In Etruria lives a family that for generations has produced nothing but the best of the best. They live on the principle that they must be a shining example of Etruria's best. They have held positions of power in Etrurian government for many years and plan on doing so for many to come. A family like this is held to high regards though throughout the past years public view of them has been changed. While they still hold power their usage of it and the view they have on those around them has been extremely skewed over the years and by many factors that would make any outsider confused.
Seraph Alastor was born the second child out of three to Geoffrey and Elaine Alastor. From the moment that he was born Seraph's fate was decided for him. The boy would grow up to learn the blade and join the Etrurian military, as their first born was already getting involved into politics. Growing up Seraph had no oppositions with this decision as he admired knights and wanted to be one from the moment he spotted some in all their splendor. The Alastor family was strict to Seraph, there was no room for mistakes and no room for anything that was less than perfect.
At a young age, one that was probably a bit too young, the boy began to learn the blade from a private teacher hired by his father. His teacher was just as rough as his father was but that was to be expected as the man was instructed to be such. Seraph was pushed in many ways that would make a grown man cry. Whenever he wasn't practicing his sword play he was taught by his mother everything else he would need to know. How to act like nobility, the realm of politics and whatever else the boy was going to need to know to be an outstanding Alastor.
As Seraph entered his teenage years the boy's thirst to test his skill grew and he would often sneak away from his home and join in with soldiers who often practiced their swordplay. His first experience doing this was one that he would never forget. Facing a man about three times his size, being mocked by the entire crowd for being "A pretty boy noble" and not having the same experience as the other men. This got Seraph's blood flowing, he had never experience such an adrenaline rush before. He easily handled the large male and shocked the entire crowd.
Word of this little outing got back to Seraph's father and that was the last time the boy ever did anything of the sort again. The boy continued his studies and training until he became old enough to join the military, though he was a bit young compared to others but his father pulled some strings. His father would have a lot of influence in Seraph's military career but the man surely made many achievements. He was an outstanding soldier and possibly one of the most well liked as well.
Always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone and his moral code of honor and justice struck true with many of his fellow comrades. It was no wonder that many grew to like Seraph and why he rose through the ranks rather quickly. Through hardship and lost Seraph strove as a soldier eventually landing himself in a rather impressive reputation as he's been known to go incredible measures for his men. The man had even gained himself the rank of High Officer which was impressive for his age at the time it happened. Despite being called a hero by some and a perfect example of a soldier to others, Seraph found himself wanting to do something more, something he hadn't thought of before. He was offered a chance to join the personal guard of the Etruria Royal family which he had no problem accepting.
Though it was a bit hard to leave his men, and it was harder for them to see him go, he felt he would serve best protecting the royal family. Seraph enjoyed his new position though he would at times get dragged away from his post to do other things. It was during this time that Seraph would often hear rumors that were quite troubling for him. Rumors of his father abusing power and doing things such as taking brides. Seraph didn't want to believe it was true but it was certainly possible as his father had become quite unusual as of late.
The man put all it to the back of his mind and focused solely on his job, it was more important than worrying about rumors. During the time that St. Elimine had supposedly rose from the dead and a man named Kraft began to take power, Seraph was extremely vigilant on the duties of protecting the royal family. If it wasn't for an apparent urgent summons from his father he would have probably shared the same fate they did that fated day but instead he was spared as some sort of cruel twist of fate.
Regardless, Seraph was called away from the castle and joined his father in their home where Seraph experienced his first encounter with the horrible truths of this world. Moments after arriving his was questioned by his father, questioned as to where his true loyalties lied. It was an unusual question to ask as Seraph figured it was an obvious one. Seraph, even then, believed his loyalties truly lied with his family as that was what he was taught all these years. His father, pleased with this answer, revealed to Seraph what he had been up to for the past few years.
Geoffrey was grabbing power where he could and in order to save his neck made a deal with Kraft. As long as he supported the Prophet in any and all ways he could the man could live. To show that he was serious about being on Kraft's side he swore over Seraph's allegiance as the public view of Seraph at the time was of a hero and it would benefit the Prophet to have someone like that on his side. Horrified by what had just been revealed to him, Seraph questioned what the fate of the royal family would be. He would have hurried straight there but it was quite obvious if he made any sudden moves things would go south fast.
To his great despair he was informed that during this entire time they were probably already "dealt" with. This news, everything that was just told to him was too much and he didn't believe it. There was no way that he was going to swear his loyalty to a man who removed the royal family from their rightful place. He was more appalled by the fact that his father was not only fine with this but was helping him. To prove all of this Seraph was taken to the castle which at this point the deed and already been done. Realizing this, and almost attack his father in a fit of rage, Seraph asked his father to explain himself and to tell him why he shouldn't cut him down right then and there.
It was explained to Seraph that regardless of whatever he wants things have already been set into motion and he had few options. Either he was to join the Prophet which was the wise decision or try and fight which would lead to not only Seraph's own death but the death of the entire Alastor family. Regardless the Prophet would get what he wanted, though it was apparent he'd rather have Seraph alive as someone of his skill would be useful. Seeing no other option Seraph reluctantly joined the Prophet and his father basically becoming their puppet for whatever sick and twisted games they wanted to play.
For Seraph to work under the Prophet he had to come up with an alias, or a disguise. It wouldn't look good if the poster boy was going around slaughter those who opposed the Prophet. Seraph was given a set of armor to wear whenever he went or more "private" missions for the Prophet and was given a new name, Azrael. Seraph was also given free reign while in this armor, as long he did not betray the Prophet or bring suspicion onto Etruria it did not matter what he did or how he did it as long as the job was done. As years went by the man built up the reputation of Azrael being nothing but an enigmatic knight who's loyalties and origins are unknown.
Outside of that and in the public eye Seraph was given the position of High Commander, something Seraph greatly opposed at first. He did not want to achieve such a rank under these circumstances, it felt like a kick to the stomach. Rising through the ranks due to his own sweat, blood and tears was how he wanted to do it. It was how he had reached the spot that he had and now this position was being tossed to him like a bone to a dog. Regardless of how he felt about it the lives of others were in his hands and his responsibilities had just grown.
At some point Seraph lost sight of things, of who he is, what he wants and where he stands. He has seen and experienced the cruel reality of the world and just how terrible it can be. His delusions of being a knight, being a hero, have almost lost all meaning to him. Though he has inklings of all those things his mind as become so far off that he's beginning to replace his old meanings of what it meant to be a hero and a knight to serving Kraft. Working for the Prophet has changed him and deluded his mind. In the beginning he was more rebellious, more willing to challenge the man but now he has become an obedient servant. What he really thinks and who he truly is now is something that is uncertain but one thing is certain. He will show no mercy to anyone who stands in his way.
Alias: Azrael, Archangel
Age: 30
Class: Halberdier
Birthplace: Etruria
Appearance:
[Normal Armor]
[Azrael]
A man known for his rather good looks and charm, Seraph is a light blond young man who despite years of combat experience and troubling times still manages to contain his rather elegant appearance. This is probably due to him taking heavily after his mother, almost looking nothing like his father if it wasn't for the fact that they share a similar hair color and apparently a similar glare in their eyes whenever they get angry. Seraph enjoys taking care of himself on the principle of the fact that one's body is a temple and most be upheld with the greatest of care.
There are no scars or blemish on his body and the man has quite the muscular and defined build from years of training and exercise. He stands at 6" 4", weighs about 220lbs and is graced with his mother's aqua blue eyes that are said to be one of his most attractive features. He has blonde, short hair that he keeps short to keep away from hair getting in his eyes and interfering with battle. No point in having hair that would obstruct your eyesight during a fight right?
Seraph is often seen in his armor but he isn't particularly picky when it comes to civilian wear. When it comes to more official business or gatherings he's dressed in fine cloaks and clothing as he was always thought to dress appropriately for someone of his standing and background when it came to those sort of things. He's often seen wearing a set of beautiful white armor often donned with a blue cape, which he takes off at times during a battle but only a serious one. Other than that the man isn't particularly picky about what he wears honestly, just as to be for obvious reasons. He does believe that it is beneficial to dress well as it gives people the impression that you are one who is refined and has good taste in dress, so nothing wrong with people thinking that of you.
Ever since becoming Kraft's "Archangel", Seraph has gone on many missions and assignments that would seem rather telling of Kraft's true nature if they were to get out. To counter this Seraph is often disguised whenever doing this wearing a black set of armor and going as the name Azrael. No one besides Kraft is aware of Seraph's alternate ego and it shall remain that way. Seraph is the beacon of hope of justice in Kraft's army, it would be quite troublesome if they were to lose that public view of Etruria's beloved hero.
Personality: Seraph at the surface seems like an easy man to understand, loyal, diligent and charismatic and while you would not be wrong labeling the man as such there is much more to him than one would expect. At his core Seraph is a man of honor and justice, one with undying loyalty to cause and great conviction rivaled by no man. While he has done one hell of a job to uphold this part of himself it is not without fault and doubt that the man has changed over the years and the once holy knight of Etruria has begun to have a skewed vision of the world he wanted to protect as a child.
At the beginning Seraph was the textbook definition of a knight. Honorable, loyal, chivalrous and compassionate. The man still holds on to all of this as he refuses to let these parts of him disappear. To those around him and especially his men he is something to aspire to despite his young age. He cares deeply for those around him and those he's sworn to protect. Always there for when they need a hand and hates to see them hurt in any way. Despite how much people ask of him to do and how many need his help he will do his damnedest to help.
Seraph is rather charismatic and those around him and naturally drawn to him, something that he's been taking advantage of. Nor does it help that his charming nature make him quite the target for admiration from the opposite sex, which when you’re a man as busy as Seraph is more of a curse than anything. Despite this he shows signs of not really getting to full of himself of all the attention and is a rather modest and humble man, often not wanting the spotlight on himself.
He enjoys a good challenge and often will either hold back or encourage someone to do their best, enemy or not. There is no honor and pride in beating someone who is not fighting at their best or his holding back on you, though it makes him a bit of a hypocrite as he does hold back. Seraph also enjoys working making him a bit of a workaholic and one that is quite scrupulous. The man hasn't actually sat back and relaxed in years, despite himself telling many that's what they should do when they get stressed.
It's no wonder why people often call him the hero of Etruria after meeting the man. But it also brings up the question of why someone like himself works so closely for Kraft seeing how he was quite loyal to the royal family. This has split people's feelings of the man in two, those who love him and admire him and those who despise him. Seraph embraces both and doesn't let either side get to him all that much and is willing to even help those who hate them as it is his duty to protect, despite their feelings toward him.
There is a darker side to Seraph, one he often hides from most people but lets it slip out every once in a while. It is more apparent whenever he is disguised as Azrael and it can be argued this is his true self, and he wouldn't really be able to argue with you at that. The man is going through a terrible inner struggle between keeping up appearance and letting himself act as he wishes. He has become borderline nihilistic due to all the things he has done and has see or experienced. Every once in a while one might see Seraph stop caring for his honor and justice and become quite callous and disregard the "hero" attitude.
Azrael shows no mercy and cuts down whoever stands in his way regardless of who it is. In this black armor Seraph acts out all of his frustrations and true emotions becoming the opposite of who he was. Though he can show signs of being honorable and kind but it is rare to see that. He becomes quite serious and the only thing he has in mind is the mission and nothing else. No man, woman or child will get in his way and becomes bold enough to even do things on his own despite his orders from Kraft.
He does this because he knows that if he were to die, especially by Kraft's hands things would become quite sour for the "Prophet". Public opinion of the man might go south and Seraph would damn well make sure they knew everything that had transpire because of him. Why doesn't he do this now? Because Seraph has become clouded and bound to his word, which he'd can't go back on. Often Seraph questions whether or not he even cares anymore about his honor and sense of justice or that he's working for a man who murdered a family he cared deeply about.
Only time will tell what Seraph Alastor chooses to do and whether that be succumb completely to Kraft's will and not question it, which he practically does now, or fight it and hold onto who he once was. The side of him remaining who he was is beginning to fade each day and more and more as time passes on. If it wasn't for that fact that he has to keep up appearances than long ago the persona of Azrael would have taken over a long time ago.
It just goes to show that no matter how pure and just one might think they are anyone is corruptible. Seraph however likes to be a bit enigmatic so it's hard to tell what the man is planning or what he's thinking and what he's feeling so it makes it hard to understand him. Which is a good thing as Seraph likes to keep people at emotional distance and doesn't let many people know much about self which is a bit odd considering how empathetic he can be towards others.
Background: In Etruria lives a family that for generations has produced nothing but the best of the best. They live on the principle that they must be a shining example of Etruria's best. They have held positions of power in Etrurian government for many years and plan on doing so for many to come. A family like this is held to high regards though throughout the past years public view of them has been changed. While they still hold power their usage of it and the view they have on those around them has been extremely skewed over the years and by many factors that would make any outsider confused.
Seraph Alastor was born the second child out of three to Geoffrey and Elaine Alastor. From the moment that he was born Seraph's fate was decided for him. The boy would grow up to learn the blade and join the Etrurian military, as their first born was already getting involved into politics. Growing up Seraph had no oppositions with this decision as he admired knights and wanted to be one from the moment he spotted some in all their splendor. The Alastor family was strict to Seraph, there was no room for mistakes and no room for anything that was less than perfect.
At a young age, one that was probably a bit too young, the boy began to learn the blade from a private teacher hired by his father. His teacher was just as rough as his father was but that was to be expected as the man was instructed to be such. Seraph was pushed in many ways that would make a grown man cry. Whenever he wasn't practicing his sword play he was taught by his mother everything else he would need to know. How to act like nobility, the realm of politics and whatever else the boy was going to need to know to be an outstanding Alastor.
As Seraph entered his teenage years the boy's thirst to test his skill grew and he would often sneak away from his home and join in with soldiers who often practiced their swordplay. His first experience doing this was one that he would never forget. Facing a man about three times his size, being mocked by the entire crowd for being "A pretty boy noble" and not having the same experience as the other men. This got Seraph's blood flowing, he had never experience such an adrenaline rush before. He easily handled the large male and shocked the entire crowd.
Word of this little outing got back to Seraph's father and that was the last time the boy ever did anything of the sort again. The boy continued his studies and training until he became old enough to join the military, though he was a bit young compared to others but his father pulled some strings. His father would have a lot of influence in Seraph's military career but the man surely made many achievements. He was an outstanding soldier and possibly one of the most well liked as well.
Always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone and his moral code of honor and justice struck true with many of his fellow comrades. It was no wonder that many grew to like Seraph and why he rose through the ranks rather quickly. Through hardship and lost Seraph strove as a soldier eventually landing himself in a rather impressive reputation as he's been known to go incredible measures for his men. The man had even gained himself the rank of High Officer which was impressive for his age at the time it happened. Despite being called a hero by some and a perfect example of a soldier to others, Seraph found himself wanting to do something more, something he hadn't thought of before. He was offered a chance to join the personal guard of the Etruria Royal family which he had no problem accepting.
Though it was a bit hard to leave his men, and it was harder for them to see him go, he felt he would serve best protecting the royal family. Seraph enjoyed his new position though he would at times get dragged away from his post to do other things. It was during this time that Seraph would often hear rumors that were quite troubling for him. Rumors of his father abusing power and doing things such as taking brides. Seraph didn't want to believe it was true but it was certainly possible as his father had become quite unusual as of late.
The man put all it to the back of his mind and focused solely on his job, it was more important than worrying about rumors. During the time that St. Elimine had supposedly rose from the dead and a man named Kraft began to take power, Seraph was extremely vigilant on the duties of protecting the royal family. If it wasn't for an apparent urgent summons from his father he would have probably shared the same fate they did that fated day but instead he was spared as some sort of cruel twist of fate.
Regardless, Seraph was called away from the castle and joined his father in their home where Seraph experienced his first encounter with the horrible truths of this world. Moments after arriving his was questioned by his father, questioned as to where his true loyalties lied. It was an unusual question to ask as Seraph figured it was an obvious one. Seraph, even then, believed his loyalties truly lied with his family as that was what he was taught all these years. His father, pleased with this answer, revealed to Seraph what he had been up to for the past few years.
Geoffrey was grabbing power where he could and in order to save his neck made a deal with Kraft. As long as he supported the Prophet in any and all ways he could the man could live. To show that he was serious about being on Kraft's side he swore over Seraph's allegiance as the public view of Seraph at the time was of a hero and it would benefit the Prophet to have someone like that on his side. Horrified by what had just been revealed to him, Seraph questioned what the fate of the royal family would be. He would have hurried straight there but it was quite obvious if he made any sudden moves things would go south fast.
To his great despair he was informed that during this entire time they were probably already "dealt" with. This news, everything that was just told to him was too much and he didn't believe it. There was no way that he was going to swear his loyalty to a man who removed the royal family from their rightful place. He was more appalled by the fact that his father was not only fine with this but was helping him. To prove all of this Seraph was taken to the castle which at this point the deed and already been done. Realizing this, and almost attack his father in a fit of rage, Seraph asked his father to explain himself and to tell him why he shouldn't cut him down right then and there.
It was explained to Seraph that regardless of whatever he wants things have already been set into motion and he had few options. Either he was to join the Prophet which was the wise decision or try and fight which would lead to not only Seraph's own death but the death of the entire Alastor family. Regardless the Prophet would get what he wanted, though it was apparent he'd rather have Seraph alive as someone of his skill would be useful. Seeing no other option Seraph reluctantly joined the Prophet and his father basically becoming their puppet for whatever sick and twisted games they wanted to play.
For Seraph to work under the Prophet he had to come up with an alias, or a disguise. It wouldn't look good if the poster boy was going around slaughter those who opposed the Prophet. Seraph was given a set of armor to wear whenever he went or more "private" missions for the Prophet and was given a new name, Azrael. Seraph was also given free reign while in this armor, as long he did not betray the Prophet or bring suspicion onto Etruria it did not matter what he did or how he did it as long as the job was done. As years went by the man built up the reputation of Azrael being nothing but an enigmatic knight who's loyalties and origins are unknown.
Outside of that and in the public eye Seraph was given the position of High Commander, something Seraph greatly opposed at first. He did not want to achieve such a rank under these circumstances, it felt like a kick to the stomach. Rising through the ranks due to his own sweat, blood and tears was how he wanted to do it. It was how he had reached the spot that he had and now this position was being tossed to him like a bone to a dog. Regardless of how he felt about it the lives of others were in his hands and his responsibilities had just grown.
At some point Seraph lost sight of things, of who he is, what he wants and where he stands. He has seen and experienced the cruel reality of the world and just how terrible it can be. His delusions of being a knight, being a hero, have almost lost all meaning to him. Though he has inklings of all those things his mind as become so far off that he's beginning to replace his old meanings of what it meant to be a hero and a knight to serving Kraft. Working for the Prophet has changed him and deluded his mind. In the beginning he was more rebellious, more willing to challenge the man but now he has become an obedient servant. What he really thinks and who he truly is now is something that is uncertain but one thing is certain. He will show no mercy to anyone who stands in his way.
