Darius Ashford

The Stalwart Sword

Name: Darius Ashford
Nickname: Ash
Age: 37
Nameday: 14th sun of the 1st Astral moon(14/01)
Occupation: ex-Sultansworn now Guild Master
Job: Adventurer with The Starlit Knights
Status: Single
Eye colour: Sapphire Blue
Hair Colour: Brown
Race: Hyur Midlander
Birthplace: Ul'dah

Darius Ashford

The Stalwart Sword

Personality, Hobbies, and Interests
Personality Overview:
Darius is a man of stoic composure and unwavering principle. Even in moments of levity, there’s a weight behind his words a quiet reminder of the burdens he’s carried and the ideals he refuses to abandon. Honor, discipline, and compassion guide his every action, but beneath the polished exterior of a knight lies a deeply introspective man who has suffered betrayal, loss, and disillusionment. This has made him cautious, but not cynical he still believes in the goodness of people, especially those overlooked or cast aside.As a mentor and leader, Darius is stern but fair. He demands excellence not for his ego, but for the safety and growth of those who follow him. He has little tolerance for arrogance, cowardice, or cruelty, but often surprises new recruits with his patience and gentle encouragement.Core Traits:Honorable – Lives by a strict personal code even when the world does not.Reflective – Often found deep in thought, weighing decisions carefully.Protective – Feels responsible for others, especially the young or inexperienced.Charismatic through integrity – Commands respect not by force, but by example.Wounded yet resolute – His past betrayals have tempered but not broken him.Hobbies & Interests
1. Sword Forms & Martial Discipline
Even outside of combat, Darius practices sword techniques daily. To him, the blade is not just a weapon but a language a means of expression and philosophy. He teaches young adventurers not just how to fight, but why they must choose their battles.Favorite pastime: Early morning solo drills under the sunrise.Secret interest: Studying foreign fighting styles from Othard and Thavnair, admiring their philosophies.2. Campfire Storytelling & Guild Bonding
Though not one to speak idly, Darius knows the power of stories. Around a fire or at the guildhall’s common room, he shares tales of past battles, not to boast, but to teach. He’s also an attentive listener, encouraging others to share their own experiences.Notable trait: Remembers every recruit’s name and origin story.Occasional dry humor: Especially when recounting embarrassing youthful mistakes.3. Leathercraft & Weapon Care
From his upbringing in a family of craftspeople, Darius developed a deep appreciation for skilled handiwork. He often works on maintaining armor and weapons not just his own, but those of his guildmates.Hobby of pride: Customizing training blades for new recruits.Relaxation method: Polishing old pieces of gear while reflecting on their history.4. Letters & Journaling
Darius writes letters and records his thoughts in a personal journal. He believes in the value of legacy and written memory, perhaps as a way to preserve his ideals for future generations.What he writes: Field notes, moral reflections, messages to fallen comrades.Personal project: A growing manual of the Moonlit Knights’ teachings.5. Stargazing & Lunar Symbolism
He finds comfort in the moonlight, which he once saw as a guide when he was lost. Darius will often retreat to high vantage points or open fields just to stare up at the stars, using the moment to clear his mind and reaffirm his path.Spiritual belief: The moon watches over the lost and the honorable.Guild tradition: Every full moon, he holds a quiet vigil with those who wish to join him.Hidden Soft Spots & Subtle Quirks
Tends to over-prepare: Will pack extra supplies for everyone “just in case.”Fond of children: Though he has none of his own, he’s remarkably gentle with orphans or street urchins, often slipping them coin or food without drawing attention.Loves tea: Especially spiced Ul’dahn blends drinks it religiously, almost ceremonially.Collects old coins and relics: Not for value, but for the stories behind them.

Darius Ashford

The Stalwart Sword

Origins & Early Life
Born into a common family, Darius was raised in Ul’dah, a city of gold and deception. His family, was not rich nor poor, his father a stone mason his mother a tailor, they got by fairly well, with just enough money to live a happy life. His parents had always instilled in darius a sense of honor and thus he joined the Sultansworn because he believed that honor came from duty not how much gil you owned.From a young age, he trained relentlessly, mastering the sword under the guidance of a retired knight. Though his family name did not carry any power, his unyielding sense of justice set him apart. When he came of age, he pledged himself to the Sultansworn, swearing an oath to protect the innocent and uphold honor.---------------------------------------------------------------------The Fall of the Sultansworn & BetrayalHis rise within the Order of the Sultansworn was swift, too swift for some. Ul’dah’s Monetarists, those who ruled through wealth and influence, saw the Sultansworn as little more than a ceremonial force. When a coup attempt against the Sultana left the order disgraced and disbanded, Darius found himself branded a traitor for refusing to serve corrupt masters.Rather than bow to the Syndicate, he cast off his tabard and left Ul’dah behind, vowing to uphold the Paladin’s code not for a city, but for those who needed it most.---------------------------------------------------------------------The Wandering Knight & The Starlit OathFor years, Darius wandered the realm as a sword without a master, protecting trade caravans, defending villages from marauders, and mentoring young adventurers who lacked guidance.One fateful night in Gridania, he found himself aiding a group of rookie adventurers beset by bandits. Though victorious, they were woefully unprepared, their guild having sent them into danger without proper training. As they sat around a campfire, the moon casting silver light over their weary faces, Darius felt a new purpose take shape.He had spent years fighting for honor lost,perhaps it was time to build something lasting.---------------------------------------------------------------------The Birth of The Starlit KnightsGathering like-minded warriors, scholars, and mages, Darius founded The Starlit Knights, a guild dedicated not just to adventuring, but to mentorship, protection, and honor. Unlike other adventurer guilds that sought wealth and glory, the Starlit Knights swore a different oath:To stand as guardians where law cannot reach.To train those who seek adventure, so they may rise, not fall.To be a guiding light, even in the darkest nights.The guild took its name from Darius’s own path, a knight without a home, finding purpose beneath the open sky. Just as the stars shine for those who have lost their way, so too would the Starlit Knights guide and protect those who needed them.---------------------------------------------------------------------Guildmaster Ashford – The Starlit KnightNow, as the Guildmaster of the Moonlit Knights, Darius mentors new recruits, joins his guildmates on expeditions, and ensures the Oath remains unbroken. Though he no longer serves a throne, he serves a greater cause, one that will outlive kings and nations.To be an adventurer is not just to seek fortune, but to forge one’s own legend. And Darius would see that those legends were worth telling.

Thank you for reading my carrd and I hope you found my character interesting!
And of course there is always a few things to mention for OOC stuff!I engage in almost all kinds of RP
Lore breaking being the thing, I don't do.These should be common amongst all Rpers but I'll mention it anyway!
Keep OOC and IC seperate and vice versa
Treat me with kindness and I'll do the same to you!
If you wish to get in concact with me to plan RP my discord: zeviax_seraph