Name: Liwanu (pr: Lee - Wah - Noo) or "Growling Bear"
Race: HumanDescription: Liwanu, 35 stands six feet and weighs 180 Lbs. Liwanu is an Amer-Asian with ancestry leading to China, Caribbean, Africa, Russia, and America. His dark skin is attributable to his African genes and his almond shaped eyes to his Asian genes. Liwanu is very muscular with leathery hands and calloused feet. He is considered by most to be a handsome man and he knows it.
The name "Growling Bear" was one he picked up as a child. He behaved in a manner complimentary of a bear and growled when he became angered. It is a nickname that has stuck with him.
Liwanu can be a happy go lucky kind of person if his needs are taken care of. If he feels disrespected or harmed in anyway, he will seek retribution believing that every person should be held accountable for his actions. He prefers not to have to fight women and children, but will if they fight him. If things are going the way Liwanu would prefer, then he finds ways to turn the situation around. He is at his best when under stress.
Liwanu is an honest man and hates his living environment while at the same time loving his family. He is torn between his environment and his clan. He understands how bad things are and would like to get away. He needs a reason to get away and go someplace. Fear of the unknown keeps him in place.
Generally Liwanu is quiet; reticent. Once he gets to know someone he warms up to them and becomes friendly. If Liwanu likes the person, that person will see his warm and inviting smile. For those that Liwanu does not particularly care for, they will see only his reticent expression; the door is closed.
- "Liwanu" | +
Strengths: - Dexterity; quick on his feet.
- Strength
- Stronger around fire
- Use of bladed weapons
- Use of firearms
- Experienced in Martial Arts (Tae Kwondo, Kempo Karate and Krav Maga)
Weakness: - Water/Water spells
- Void spells
- Lack of armor; wears cotton clothing
- Arrogant and given to allow his own pride to prevent him from seeing the truth. He has a tendency to underestimate opponents. This can cause him problems.
- Enjoys playing games of chance which may be good or bad, but tends to get him into trouble.
Biography: Liwanu grew up in a commune. His mother cared for him along with others who may or may not have been his natural born brothers and sisters. He always referred to them as brother or sister even though racially, they were as diverse as the rainbow in color. He never actually knew if he had a natural brother or sister and never cared to ask. The subject never came up. But the children who lived in the communal environment were all his brothers and sisters. His mother was the only woman he knew for sure was his mother. She was of Asian and Russian descent, but thoroughly American. He was aware that his father was of African and Caribbean descent, but never knew the man. His mother told him he died when Liwanu was not quite one year old.
A blessing from God or an inheritance from a father he never knew, Liwanu possessed the ability to manipulate fire. He gathers a pool of mana which is restored after a night's sleep. He has practiced the art of fire manipulation since he was aware of his gift; maybe age nine or ten?
As a child, the commune never went for food. There was always plenty on the table and the elders insured the children were fed; constantly being reminded they were the commune's future. Young Liwanu spent his days in classes with his "brothers and sisters" learning about the world they lived in, about math and science and even delved into literature. Liwanu enjoyed listening to stories and when he was skilled enough, reading.
At age five, he was introduced to Master Sensei Lei Xiang Minnow who taught Liwanu discipline and focus through martial arts training. He earned his first black belt in American Tae Kwando at age 11. Master Sensei Mook Kaduk trained him in American Kempo Karate at age 13 and he received his 1st Degree black belt at Age 18. He also received his 2nd degree black belt in tae kwondo at age 16 and the third degree black belt at age 25. Master Sensei Lei Xiang Minnow trained the young Liwanu in the use of the sword at age 10 initially using a wooden training sword. He was awarded a real sword made of steel at age 15 when he was considered to be a man.
To be a man, the boys of the commune were required to spend three nights outside the city. Boys were ready for this "test" at age 14 or 15 and chosen by the elders. They could carry one weapon and only the clothes on their back. They could survive as a group or as an individual. The highest survival rates among the boys were those who worked as a group.
When Liwanu went through the trials of manhood he entered the forest with six other boys. He doesn't talk much of the trials, but only three boys returned home when the trials were complete. It is generally believed that the other four boys, were considered weak and were consumed by the wild. Those experiences hardened Liwanu but also made him fearful of his environment. He honed his fire abilities during these trials. They did provide him with an unfair advantage.
As a young man, Liwanu has learned to deal with his fears gaining confidence in his abilities and slowly becoming ready to venture outside. He was probably ready years ago, but life has treated him well. Only recent events have motivated him to seriously consider leaving home and heading into the neighboring province.
Possessions: Liwanu wears cotton trousers and a shirt with a silk lined leather hooded black cloak and soft leather shoes. He carries a small leather pouch fastened to his belt and tucked into his cloak containing a half a dozen gold coins and a few silver pieces. A small pack rests on his shoulders. A length of Gypsum Crystal on a leather cord acts as a necklace. A few pouches containing material components for spells are available to him. He carries a
pair of swords slung beneath his backpack, protruding from his right side about waist high. The
bō staff serves as a walking stick during his travels. HE carries food and water as well. Although he is experienced with the use of firearms, he does not carry one. If the opportunity should arise to employ one, he will without hesitation.
Available Fire Spells: Aura of Flame - When cast, this spell provides a barrier against physical attacks from harming Liwanu. It either absorbs the energy of an attack or burns/melts materials that attempt to get near Liwanu. There is a 33% a physical object will be burned or melted in some manner if it passes through this barrier rendering it ineffective. Liwanu must have a piece of Gypsum Crystal in his possession and must utter or think,
liesmas uz in order for his body to appear to become engulfed in flame. This spell can be turned off by the caster at will. This spell consumes 1% of Liwanu's mana ever five minutes of use.
Burning Hands - When cast, this spell causes a cone of fire to emanate from Liwanu's hands. This blast of fire and heat will last for mere seconds and then die down. It causes a small amount of fire damage upon the target. Liwanu must utter or think,
ardens manus and have a piece of Gypsum Crystal in his possession. This spell consumes 5% of Liwanu's mana.
Chasing Osano-Wo - When cast, this spell launches a powerful bolt of fire from the caster's hands toward a target. The caster can hold the ball for several seconds or longer to release it when he desires. This spell does moderate to significant damage to its intended target. Liwanu must utter or think
ignis globus to create the ball. Then he must focus on his target and mentally cast it from his hands to the target. There is no material component. This spell is instantaneous and consumes 10% of his mana.
Disrupt the Aura - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu to create an imbalance in the target's energy or mana pool which would prevent healing. Liwanu must utter or think,
perturbo while holding a small petal from a star magnolia flower. The flower petal is consumed during the spell casting and costs 2% of Liwanu's mana.
Fire Seeds - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu to turn acorns and berries into grenades and bombs. Liwanu must utter or think,
Edatur telum and sprinkle the powder of Anise Magnolia upon the berries and acorns. The nutty bombs will cause small amounts of damage to anyone within 10 feet of the explosion. Repeated explosions increase damage over time. This spell consumes 5% of Liwanu's mana affecting roughly 20 acorns and berries.
Fire Walking - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu to enable those touched to withstand the heat of non-magical fires, so the targets are invulnerable to normal fire damage. Liwanu must utter or think,
ignus praesidium and blow the powder of Kobushi Magnolia upon the targets. This spell consumes 2% of Liwanu's mana.
Flaming Sphere - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu to give the target a brief burst of speed, but leaving him drained afterwards. Liwanu must utter or think,
globum ignis and hold a sample of sulfur powder in his hand. This spell consumes 2% of Liwanu's mana.
Fury of Osano-Wo - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu, preying to Osano-Wo, to call upon lightning to attack his target. Liwanu must utter or think,
fulgur percusserit and to raise his Bo Staff up into the air, pointed at the clouds or at least skyward. The lightning strike causes moderate to high fire damage to the target. This spell consumes 25% of Liwanu's mana.
Heart of the Inferno - When cast, this spell allows Liwanu to launch a bolt of fire. Liwanu must utter or think,
ignis globus while focusing on his target. Each bolt of fire inflicts a small amount of damage and can be fired repeatedly as it consumes Liwanu's mana. This spell consumes 5% of Liwanu's mana.
