Zev Sternauge

Zev Sternauge 「ゼブ・スターンオッジ」 is the captain of the Black Bulls. He comes from the Forsaken Realm, originally from a small tribe of other Dwarf-Humans. He was forced out into the world when he was a younger man after his tribe was wiped out by an unknown enemy. Seeking to gain the power he needed to fight back and avenge his family, Zev turned his life's journey towards the Magic Knights. It took him some couple of years to become a magic knight, but when he did he was made a part of the Black Bulls. He was only a greenhorn when the Great War began, and going through it changed him deeply. Despite the many things he saw, the horrors of war, he was still able to retain his humanity at the least. He and his squad are openly met with contempt for the nobility due to their heritage, but Zev sees all of the Black Bulls as his family, and would do anything to ensure their safety.

History
Zev's upbringing was perhaps the greatest highlight of his life. He remembers his family all so well, his loving mother Yasi, his stern but close father Jon; and his two, troublesome little brothers. Then, never to forget, the many others that were a part of his village. People he grew up with, made memories with; they're all gone now. When he was just 20, tragedy struck as all of his village was burnt to the ground. He barely made it out with his life, and he would never forget the people that shaped his life into what it had been at that point. Seeking the power and knowledge he needed for revenge, he found his grimoire and went on a journey to become a Magic Knight. He wasn't accepted for nearly 2 years, until one day the former captain of the Black Bulls saw Zev's talent and accepted him into his squad.

Just as Zev was accepted into the Black Bulls, the Great War had already begun. His squad was on the front line, and while they did win many battles they also suffered many casualties. During this time, Zev's heart grew cold from grief. What little he had so far gained was already being taken away from him. He found hope again through Ferdinand Lunettes, the captain of the Golden Dawn. While he still struggled to maintain his humanity, he did his very best to make sure he would lose no one else again.

By the time the war ended, years later, Zev was already a veteran. The war had changed him, but the core of who he was remained the same. For his service, he was nominated as captain of the Black Bulls.

Now, many years have passed since the war, but its effects do clearly show on Zev sometimes. He has become overly-protective of his squad and considers them like a family of his.

Personality
Zev is a natural-born leader, with charming qualities and charisma to match with the highest of nobles, just without the stigma of some of their pompousness. He loves getting into deep, winding conversations and discussing matters of the world. He has a very loving personality. One that, very much, allows him to connect on a deeper level with those he surrounds himself with. He has seen many horrible things in his life, and does not flinch to even the worst of obscenities. His one weakness to this kind of thing is seeing members of the Black Bulls being hurt, something which he would never stand for.

From his years of experience on the battlefield, Zev has gained many traits intrinsic for a leader of his position. He understands people, and knows how to best put their talents to use. In all people who join the Black Bulls, he sees their potential and dedicates himself to drawing these hidden strengths out. He is generally empathetic, but not bound to his emotions either. He understands people's plights, and is willing to let them act out on their heart's desires, but not if it will end up hurting instead of helping them.

This sense of empathy is greater expanded upon in his reactions to other people. He loves to socialize, and finds it easy to make friends with people he's barely even met, especially over a drink. This gives him his sense of understanding, and a strong moral compass which he uses to pass judgement on others. Even with his squad, he enjoys relaxing with them as well as taking them out places to make fond memories. However, this same relation he holds with his squad is also one of his biggest weaknesses. Normally, Zev is a calm fighter who will not risk hurting himself or others. When members of his squad become involved in dangerous situations, or their lives are on the line, he has a tendency to lose his sense of self-control. His rage when his squad members are hurt drives him blind with fury, and can cause him to make mistakes he wouldn't normally make.

Likes
Conversation, debating, gold, moles; smoking.

Dislikes
bronze, dull moments, hawks; silence.

Appearance
Zev is a rather short person, with a stout physique. He has excellent poise, and never seems to slack. He has a flowing mane of long, brown hair that reaches down to his waist. He has chiseled features like that of a perfect marble statue, with deep, blue eyes like the ocean at night illuminated by pale moonlight. He has a a full beard the same shade as his brown hair. He has an incredibly toned body from years of hard work and training.

Frequently, Zev tends to wear a long, black cloak with golden trim. The top of this cloak is decorated by a capelet that is made completely from the fur of a brown bear, with a patch on the right side bearing the insignia of the Black Bulls. Underneath his cloak and capelet Zev wears a brigandine with steel plates. He wears this over a thin, wool tunic that is black like his cloak. He wears a dark shade of brown pants with knee-high boots made from leather.