Allright then... meet Diado (uhm, again :))
The Story:
Once upon a time, a wise King lived in a far away country. He conquered many distant lands and brought prosperity to his people. Everyone loved the good King for his noble deeds (except for the peoples of the distant lands, who hated the goddamned tyrant) until one day, his young son disappeared. They searched and searched and searched the King's majestic castle but the little boy was nowhere to be found. Then, a warrior stepped up. A young and brave man, who pleaded the King - "Allow me, good sire, to search for your boy and I promise to return him here, safe and sound as he's always been."
The King wished to consult his oracle first, but the soldier's plea was so strong and heartfelt, he agreed; gave him food and new weapons and clothes and set him on his quest.
An year passed and the brave warrior returned - and indeed, the little Prince was with him, sound and unharmed.
The King asked the man, "What gift can equal the return of my son to safety? How can I show you my gratitude?"
"Sire," the reply went, "I only wish to serve you. Whatever you require me to do, whenever you or your progeny are in need, I will be there to help."
The King was deeply touched by this simple soldier's dedication, so he stood silent for a while and then spoke again.
"You are as loyal as you are brave, and I shall give you something that few have - a good wife and a home to live your days in peace. You no longer need to be a soldier and risk your life, for what you have achieved outdoes everyone else in this army. But I will only require of you one thing. That you keep your word - and if ever my progeny or me need your help, you will give it freely."
Years passed, and the memory of the great soldier's deed passed along with them. The King died and his son, now grown and married, took the crown. He didnt remember who took him away so many years ago, and he had also forgotten the man who returned him to his lands.
But one day, his own little daughter disappeared, and as panic took over the castle, nobody noticed the old and ragged man in soldierly clothes until he came up to the worried King and spoke to him.
"So I'm gone for fifty goddamned years and this is what happens? Youngsters these days, can't keep their nuts about'em. You're the same as your father, you know that?"
Everyone stood silent in amazement. Who was that man who allowed himself to speak like that to the King?
The King narrowed his eyes, then widened them in disbelief.
"You?! What are you doing here?"
"Same as always, Sire. I'm here to help."
Description:
Meet Diado - a skinny old man, who travels through land, sea and danger to find his King's lost daughter. It's been a long time since he last did that and he refuses to say neither what happened during the year of his first jorney, nor what he did afterwards or where he plans to head on now. Diado knows what he's doing and he's not going to be stopped by anything while on it.
So far, he's travelled many a mile and it seems he will travel many more. In fact, his journey will take him through parallel universes, distant continents and foreign lands. He'll face enemies - both old and new, and in order to get that little girl back to her father, there's one last and very old terror he'll have to face. In the mean time, anyone who tries to deter him is getting a right old kick in the face and if that doesnt help, perhaps a piece of metal in the stomach will do the trick.
Strengths: Diado may be old, but as he says, that only means he's experienced. He knows how to fight dirty and take advantage of his enemies' weaknesses and he's surprisingly agile and fast for his age.
Weaknesses: Well, despite all, Diado is old, which means various illnesses and afflictions are likely to strike him at any given time - from hearing problems to prostate trouble. Yeah, life just ain't what it used to be.
Pretty pictures - quite a superficial goal in life, huh? Too bad, I guess...
