Markus Valentine

Markus Valentine, of Serpent's Hollow of the Rising Winds

”Killing is an art. And I am the world's most accomplished artist.”

Photograph

Biography

Raised in an orphanage after his parents died in a mysterious house fire, Markus distinguished himself from the other children at the orphanage at an early age. His remarkable talent for stealth was already present in his life; at age 9 a caretaker discovered him clinging to the ceiling of the kitchen, trying to sneak snacks back to his room. At age 16 Markus left the orphanage, looking for clues to his past in a desperate search for any surviving family members. His search led him to Horace McCarthy, a wealthy trader who was believed to have had contact with Markus's parents before they died. It was McCarthy who told Markus all about his family's legendary history. The Valentine family was commonly known in the underbelly of society as a group of highly-skilled assassins, widely employed by nobles and VIPs as personal bodyguards. McCarthy also told Markus the truth about his parents' deaths. A rival assassin family, filled with jealousy and hatred for the Valentines, were responsible for the house fire that took the lives of Markus's parents. Enraged at finally learning the truth about his family's demise, Markus arrived at the rival family's manor with a group of mercenaries given to him by McCarthy. As his anger and hate welled up inside him, Markus released a savage war-cry from his lips. One by one he slayed the enemy assassins, as his mercenary allies watched in awe. Markus's skills were unbelievable. He moved with the speed of an arrow, and the deadly precision of a viper. Soon Markus was surrounded by the lifeless corpses of his enemies, his rage in full blast. After every assassin was dead, Markus burned the manor to the ground. As he watched the house burn, the fire in his eyes slowly turned to cold satisfaction. His revenge complete, Markus returned to McCarthy. McCarthy's men told him of Markus's incredible display of power, nicknaming him "Raze" for his brutal destruction of the rival's manor. After hearing this, McCarthy asked Markus to stay with him as his personal bodyguard. Markus agreed, and for several years he worked for Horace as his chief of security. A few days after Markus turned 20, he received shocking news. A customer of McCarthy's told Markus of a new and up-and-coming assassin in the underground who shared his infamous last name. For days Markus searched for this assassin, but to no avail. Markus returned home to a bloody and horrific sight. McCarthy's tradehouse lied in scorched ruin, and his blackened body was visible through the wreckage. Stricken by fear and grief over losing his family for the second time, Markus hastily fled the city. As he was walking the crossroads at night, he was ambushed by an unknown enemy. They quickly and effectively attacked him, giving him no chance to fight back. As he laid dying, Markus saw one enemy approach him, his sword raised high to deliver a killing blow. And a split second later, his head rolled off his shoulders. Markus could hear the screams of terror and dismay all around him, but he could not focus enough to determine who or what his assailants were screaming at. Right before Markus lost consciousness, he saw another figure crouch beside him, and lean in over his face. Markus was sure he heard a young man's voice before he blacked out. A few hours later, Markus woke up. He looked around him but no one was there. The only thing Markus noticed was a wrapped bundle with a note tied around it. The package was addressed to him. Markus opened the note, which read "Our paths shall cross again in Serpent's Hollow, brother." and unwrapped the package to reveal the Valentine family sword, which Markus had previously thought lost. With no doubt in his mind that his savior was truly his brother, Markus headed to Serpent's Hollow. When he arrived there, Markus set up shop as a local mercenary and created his mercenary company "The Crimson Guard". And now he waits patiently in Serpent's Hollow, hopeful for the day that he will be reunited with his brother.

Affiliated Groups

The Crimson Guard

Additional Images

   Link to image 1
   Link to image 2