Name: Jon Karayan
Gender: Male
DOB: December 10, AL 66
Age: 42
Patrol: White Shadow
Rank: Retired
Appearance: Not really considered one of the taller or more intimidating men, Karayan only stands at around 5'10" but still poses a powerful presence that exudes authority and demands respect during training or in a battle. But his turquoise-tinged green eyes are often dancing with mirth, his face almost always eased over in an easy expression of nonchalance. His black hair is naturally slightly spiked, but becomes even messier and more windblown when he's been out riding a lot; and in the summer, the dark strands take on a slight sun-kissed tone that betrays his long hours spent baking in the heat.
Personality:
For the most part, Karayan's as laidback and relaxed as you can get. Not to say that he doesn't care, but he certainly doesn't go out of his way to initimidate the "fresh meat" or randomly decide to have a drill in the middle of the night. If anything, Karayan can be considered quite the lazy man and during the downtimes, he'll be doing as little work as he can. Sleeping and eating pretty much makes up the majority of his workless days, and it's a wonder how he can still stay so fit at his age.
Nevertheless, when it comes down to it, Karayan can revert into leader mode in a battle. This is the rare time when he'll become tense and easily aggravated, becoming frustrated when riders fall out of formation or simply if things don't go as he planned. But he keeps his cool and almost never loses his composure, confidently commanding his Patrol and always on top of everything going on around him. Sometimes he's tempted to punch a Private in the face for doing something stupid, but he restrains himself and simply resorts to loud lecturing.
Since his retirement, Karayan hasn't found much reason to act all stiff and strict, though he does show the expected respect to ranking officers. Otherwise, he can be found lounging around the Fort as he woos the ladies and enjoys the little pleasures in life, more than happy to allow the new Captain and Lieutenant to stress. But when asked, he's willing to give his advice, plus a few inappropriately humorous comments.
History:
Enlisting into the Academy at a mere 13 years of age, Karayan wasn't too interested in becoming a Wolfrider, but his parents encouraged him onto the path. Despite his disinterest, Karayan worked hard and learned quickly, always coming out on top of his class. But failing to bond by the time he was 20, it seemed as if this wasn't the path for him. Finally at 21 years of age, a snowy white wolf pounced him into the snow out of nowhere and claimed Karayan as his rider.
For his snow white coat and bluish green tipped fur, Karayan thought it would be funny to name his wolf SnowySky, much to "Snowy's" annoyance. But the pair learned quickly as Apprentices and rose to become strong riders within their first two years. They rode as Private for a few years before Karayan decided to challenge a Sergeant, but he was defeated. Training harder and trying again a few months later, he finally managed to defeat a former Sergeant in a Beta Challenge and became the new Sergeant, managing to keep his rank for a few years.
Then Snowy became Alpha when Moonstride took him as her new mate, automatically promoting Karayan to Lieutenant. With his experience as a leader while a Sergeant, Karayan proved to be an extremely capable commander. He formulated and improved tactics and strategies, and when needed, he called the Patrol into practicing drills and exercises. And in real battle, few Wolfriders were injured under his command... until a new species appeared. Nobody was prepared for the poisonous bite and agile movements of the smaller centipedes, and this new enemy devastated the Wolfriders' ranks in both Patrols.
Although crippled by a venomous injury to his leg, Snowy has managed to survive but cannot move as he once could. Nevertheless, Karayan was promoted to Captain with the death of the Alpha female wolf since Riya lacked the experience of leadership. But within a short winter, the young woman had proven to be a capable commander, so Karayan retired with a relieved mind. Despite his old age, he has now taken on the job of full-time womanizer (and part-time advisor to Governess Shizuka).
