Holden Horne

Age: Mid 30s
Sex: Male
Race: Highlander Hyur
Height: 6 fulms, 4 ilms
Build: Athletic
Origin: Thanalan
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Marital Status: Pathologically Single
Occupation: Bounty Hunter

Appearance

Despite his rough-and-tumble profession, Holden is what many might consider to be conventionally attractive. He's tall, highly athletic, and has an oh-so easy smile... perhaps even a bit too easy, as if this broad-shouldered bounty hunter is a tad too comfortable weaponizing his good looks to get what he wants.In recent years, little crow's feet have begun to hug to corners of his eyes whenever he flashes that weapons-grade grin — a feature that some my find endearing, but that he himself is rather self-conscious about. The transition into 'middle age' is upon him, and there's no escaping it now.Friendly expressions aside, Holden's physique is precisely what one would expect from a man of his vocation — strong and lean and absolutely uncompromising in his devotion to the good gods of self-improvement. Growing up as he did, the Highlander spent most of his youth being made to feel inadequate and 'less than'. Now, with the power to shape his body towards whatever goal he desires, Holden has perhaps over-compensated for his past insecurities. The result is a stunning sculpture of muscle and mass — honed strong by years of hard labor and relentless self-discipline.As for the rest of the man, Holden is all practicality. His body may indeed be a jealous celebration of 'form', but everything else is pure 'function'. His clothes are always simple and practical, his hair is always kept shaved close to his scalp, and his beard is never unruly or especially long. He carries with him only what he must, and cares for fashion only as much as he absolutely has to.

Personality

Fiercely independent and a junky for self-improvement, Holden tends to prefer the company of similar personalities: the passionate, the highly-motivated, the independent and the self-confident. In general, he tends to look down upon the servile and the cowardly and will try to avoid the overly-submissive. Still, his demeanor is usually friendly (if at times a bit teasing), and anyone he's not actively pursuing for a job is bound to be on the receiving end of his courtesy and charm — assuming they're not trying to sell him something, that is.

Among strangers he is often modest, and among friends he is frequently cocky and playful. Among both, he has a self-depricating streak a malm wide and is just as likely to make himself the butt of a joke as anything else — all while the simmering suggestion of mischief comes alive in his eyes, calling out for another to share in the conspiracy.Professionally, however, the man is as no-nonsense as they come, possessing a focus and discipline for this craft that borders on religious. When his gil and his reputation are on the line, Holden becomes a true force of nature — his relentless endurance, uncanny intuition and stubborn refusal to accept failure all conspiring to make the bounty hunter a highly effective practitioner of his trade. He's also not usually the type to take charity cases or do pro bono work, subscribing strongly to the 'fuck you, pay me' mercenary mentality.

History

A Thanalan native, Holden's childhood was anything but enviable. A rancher's son from Camp Drybone, Holden grew up in the shadow of an abusive and alcoholic single father. Rather timid as a child, his early years were marked with fear, bitterness and resentment as he was forced to learn how to avoid provoking his father (and, when he couldn't, how to protect himself from the worst of his violent outbursts).By 10, the boy was already a scrappy fighter, and by 12, he was world-wary enough to run away from home and stay gone. His teenage years were mostly spent kicking around Ul'dah and the surrounding settlements where he begged, borrowed and stole for what he needed to survive.Once older, and with few other options, he found his way into the Immortal Flames were he served for several years, eventually reaching the rank of corporal.Taking orders was never Holden's strong suit, however, and soon the young man left the Flames for what he hopped would be greener pastures, first struggling to make a living as an adventurer, then eventually finding his footing as a bounty hunter — a profession which he continues to pursue to this day.

Hooks

Bounty HunterGot a mark that needs finding? Holden knows how to find them (and what to do with them when he does). Of course, the man won't do it out of the goodness of his heart, so don't be surprised when he asks for a pretty gil in exchange! After all— if you're good at something, never do it for free.

Former FlameAlthough his time in the Immortal Flames was mostly unremarkable, he did serve about a decade ago, and might still be recognized by anyone else who was enlisted at the time.
Were you a fellow cadet? Or maybe and old drinking buddy from the Brass Blades or Sultansworn he used to rub elbows with after a long rotation on duty?

Relentless Self-DisciplineWhile not afraid to indulge in the finer things of life from time to time, Holden is a creature of incredible discipline.As a result, he's managed to push his body to the furthest heights of physical performance. Have you seen (or literally crashed into) him during his daily morning run through the streets of Ul'dah? Or maybe you've spent enough time in the Pugilist's Guild to recognize him as a regular among those who train there? Perhaps he'd be up for a friendly spar?

World TravelerBy it's nature, bounty hunting is a job that forces Holden to travel all over the continent of Eorzea (and very occasionally, even farther afield). As such, it would not be unusual to find him just about anywhere.A chance meeting on the road? A cheerful presence in some remote inn? Or just a guy who looks like you can ask him for directions? All are great possibilities here.

Shameless FlirtHis one true weakness, Holden is a great lover of women. Willing to rise far beyond the normal call of duty if it means he might get to impress a pretty face, his love for the fairer sex has gotten him into trouble more than a time or two. He isn't naive, of course, and it takes more than the mere batting of eyelashes to manipulate this friendly flirt... and if he does suspect he's being played, he's likely to lose that roguish charm quite fast. But as far as hooks go, being an attractive woman is (usually) all it takes to get his attention.

...And All The RestThese are just some of the hooks available for Holden. A much, much more comprehensive list can be found by clicking the button below. If you still don't find anything that fits but have an interest in the character, send me a message and we can brainstorm something together!

• More Hooks!

OOC Info