Plera'in'erum / 'Rainer' (PC)

Please provide a brief (at least one short paragraph) backstory for your character.
Born in the year 8 BBY within the slums of Coruscant's underbelly, 'Rainer' knew little of his heritage save for his full name, the only thing left to give him any clue to who he was. Abandoned, or rather sold, Rainer was taken into a new family as an infant: a gang dedicated to trafficking both illicit goods and people on or off planet. From Death Stick supplies for the low level dealers, to smuggling innocents off-world to escape ISB persecution, nothing was off-limits. 'The Liberated', named for the amount of former prisoners within, operated for years in the Underworld, all the way back to the Galactic Republic, but found no major success compared to organized crime like the Black Sun. Even so, they found relative success in their field, enough to keep their operations afloat. Growing up as a fetcher, Rainer made excellent use of his size to deliver small cargo quickly and quietly. Thanks to his tenacity and early dedication to the gang, Rainer's responsibilities soon grew, along with the dangers that came with it. It was during this time that he formed an early partnership with a fellow young upstart by the name of Kia Lorane, a blind Human with a strange ability to perceive the world around her. At first, the two saw each other as rivals, always needing to take on the more dangerous assignment in order to get a leg up on the other.

Over time, however, Rainer and Kia began a friendship that covered each other's weaknesses. Kia's social presence was astounding, whilst Rainer's cunning saw the day won when things got tough. Eventually, their friendship and partnership turned to young love, the duo having fallen for each other over nearly a decade of working together. But it was not meant to be; some time during the fall of the Empire, a group of Dark Sided cultists had come after hearing of a blind, Force Sensitive woman within the Underground. Sensing danger, Kia and Rainer fled deep into the core, utilizing sewers, maintenance tunnels, and other dark passageways to make their escape. They intended to flee off-world, just as they had done for many people before them. But in a bizarre and cruel twist of fate, the ever-vigilante hunters found their mark: Kia Lorane. Pressed for time, especially with the incoming siege, Rainer and Kia were offered a rare opportunity: mercy, in exchange for her coming with them. To Rainer's despair, despite his protests, Kia accepted the deal. Heartbroken at her abduction, Rainer returned to The Liberated, only to find that much of the gang had been devastated by an Imperial crackdown; assets, individuals, both seized and thrown into custody. It was then that his hatred for the mysterious group first manifested and Rainer dedicated himself to building the funds to launch a rescue operation for her. Even that was not meant to be, for the Sacking of Coruscant came not soon after.

Much of the population was devastated, more dying still due to famine and plague. His life in ruins, Rainer did what he could to aid his fellow Underworlders, until the Republic came and regained control of the once-sprawling capital of the Galaxy. Leaving his home behind, Rainer would take on odd jobs, earning money where he could, but never relenting in his search for those that took Kia. Their cold presence struck a chord with him, leaving him with an instinctual memory of the Dark Side present within them, and he never forgot it... 'nor did he forgive. Having since recently learned of his Force Sensitivity, he now makes his way to the Jedi Academy on Dantooine...
Why does your character want to be a jedi? After his experiences with the Empire on Coruscant, particularly the abduction of his partner Kia by the Cultists, and the bombardment on the planet not long after, Rainer seeks justice for those who cannot defend themselves from those who abuse their power. On top of this, he hopes that his training and the knowledge he can gain will aid him in his search for her.
Are there aspects of your character’s background (people, events, places) that were more formative to your character’s current personal development? I would say the three biggest ones are between his gang, The Liberated, and what remains of them, his hatred for both Dark Side adherents and the newly formed Domain of Anaxes, and his search for Kia Lorane. Possibly even four with the identity of his parents and why they supposedly sold him, but I'll leave that up to anyone else if they want to explore that; I didn't put much thought into it, to be honest.
Describe the kinds of personal relationships you might have had in your past? Though there have been no real enemies of major note aside from possibly some rival gangs, maybe some Imperials here and there, it is mainly Kia Lorane. Kia Lorane was not only a childhood friend and a close companion within their gang, but the two had a budding relationship before it was cut short by her abduction.
What is most Jedi-like about your character? What is least Jedi-like about your character? Rainer's unflinching drive to see justice prevail, no matter his personal cost, is perhaps the most Jedi-like quality he has. To ensure that the innocent or weak are protected, that they are given their dues, and that peace can be restored. His least Jedi-like quality, however, is a deep-rooted hatred for those who effectively flipped his life upside down; between the Cultists taking Kia away through a threatening ultimatum, the Imperial bombardment on Coruscant, and the suffering of other worlds just to bring greater harm to the already beaten down core has sown deep, dark seeds into his heart: the perfect festering ground for the Dark Side.
Does your character have a strong idea of the Force? Do they experience it in a certain way or is it a mystery to them? Rainer never had a good concept of the Force, let alone what it was really capable of. Although he had some idea of it's strengths, particularly he and Kia's ability to sense danger, as well as allowing her to 'see' despite her blindness, he always equated it to some luck or skill in perceiving the world around him.
Some characters have dark (or great) secrets that they keep locked away from even their dearest friends. Does your character harbor a great regret or a secret aspiration that is central to their character? The blind, hate-fueled rage in his heart is not something he is particularly proud of. In fact, he is rather frightened of it, and knows that it may very well get him into trouble. Despite that, he shamefully keeps it to himself, and allows it to fester further. After all, his anger gives him focus.
What elements of your character are you most excited to explore, whether narrative or mechanical? I'm the most excited for both exploring the possibilities of finding Kia Lorane and what kind of tragedy can come from that, as well as his struggle with the conflict in his heart. Ultimately, a hard fought redemption is what I want for this character. The Dark Side is a powerful, alluring force that is difficult to break away from, but when it happens, it must be a powerful moment for the character. I want to see him either redeemed or find himself tip-toeing the line, ultimately choosing to let go, and finally freeing himself to become a true Jedi.
Does your character have a long-term plan, mechanically? Not particularly, but this may change as time goes on, depending on how the story develops. For now, his primary focus is finding Kia Lorane (whilst doing his duty as a Jedi, of course.)
The Dark Side tempts each Jedi differently. How does it prey upon your character's emotional weakness and what makes them susceptible to it? For Rainer, hatred has always helped keep him focused on his goals. It gives him a boost of energy when fatigue sets in, encourages him to press on during the most grueling moments, and corrupts his ideals: justice cannot be dispensed when cruelty directs the gavel. When he feels he is too weak, it reminds him of how little he could do to save Kia. When he sees the downtrodden pressed further into the mud by those above them, he recalls the devastation left behind by Ulgo. When the sensation of the Dark Side creep upon him, he sees the Inquisitor's visors. Hatred corrodes his heart, beckoning him to use it's power, and fight back for the good of others... or so it would have him believe.
Would you rather start your character as an Initiate or as a Padawan? An Initiate, please! This guy is NEW!

Rainer Character Sheet

Plera'in'erum / 'Rainer' (PC)

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