- "That's interesting..."
- ―Atra Ventus, usually before something bad happens
Atra Ventus (pronounced at-tra) was born on Corellia, where he spent most of his youth getting in trouble. A bit of a smart-Alec he tended to open his mouth when he shouldn't. Gaining the reputation as a hooligan the authorities weren't overly surprised to be called to the home of the Ventus family, yet they were surprised upon arriving. As the only survivor of the bloodbath one would think he'd be at the center of the media. This was not the case, in fact he fell off the grid completely. At least, until he woke up in a holding cell staring at Methyas and Locke.
History
Growing Up
We All Start Somewhere
The Ventus family comes from humble origins on Corellia. While their name had not become known outside their small community they were still well loved. Always taking time to help out their neighbors, Liam Ventus and his wife Aryanna seemed to have the golden touch. It was into this world that Atra was born. Even as an infant his parents already knew he was bound to rebel. Bed times were more a suggestion than actual guidelines, food became anything he could get his hands on, and authority was something he all together ignored. Even still, his parent's good nature came out from time to time as he helped the other children out.
Due to his rebellious streak, Atra became known to local law enforcement as readily as he was known by his neighbors. If something went awry, usually Atra would be involved somehow. Still, he payed attention in classes and was an avid learner; it was as if his mind had an unending appetite. Among his studies were the basic tenants of self defense. It was from his father that he learned this. Despite the relative peace of their society, Liam knew the dangers of the world, and more notably of just about any experience to be had off-world. Through this father-son training Liam imparted his beliefs and his ways unto his son.
In 28 ABY, CorSec received complaints from the locals and made their way to the Ventus grounds. Far from their first journey, CorSec officers expected to find Atra up to no good again. Instead, as they arrived, they found the power grid shorting out and an eerie silence. No longer certain as what to expect the officers made their way warily to the entrance. Keying in the security override the door slid open with a hiss, revealing the contents inside. It was hard to see at first but as the lights flickered and sparked they were granted flashes of crimson. The first officer couldn't stomach what he saw and collapsed to the ground heaving. Activating a flashlight another of the officers did a quick scan of the room. In terms of the room, nothing was stolen or damaged, but that was the end of the normality. The crimson stain of blood coated the floor, splattered upon the walls, and filling the nostrils of the officers. In the center of the room lay three limp forms, their clothes torn and bloody.
The officers already knew by the amount of blood that survival was unlikely, if not impossible. As they carefully entered the room they reached down and rolled the still form of Liam face up. It was with heavy hearts that they did the same for Aryanna. Finally they came to Atra, wearing only his sleeping pants. Even at 16 his stature was immense, easily confused with someone older and all muscle from his work as a farmer. His back was covered in burns, possibly from a blaster but the officers couldn't be sure. Flipping him over the first officer almost heaved again. Atra's torso was split open from the upper left of his chest to the lower right. White bone glistened from the ribs of his chest through the crimson of his blood. The officers nearly jumped out of their skins as a weak cough escaped his lips.
Born of Blood
Moving fast CorSec was able to bring Atra to the nearest medical facility, which managed to save his life. His recovery was long, physically, but longer still mentally. Even after two years, as the scar on his chest bore a grizzly reminder to his fate so too did the mental scars he didn't bother hiding. Often he was found in the center of cantina brawls, whether he started them or finished them. It was in this way, in 30 ABY, that Atra disappeared from common record. It is unclear who started the brawl, but what is known is that a high ranking member of CorSec was killed during the fight and blame rested with Atra. As CorSec officers arrived Atra was questioned by a single officer. The conversation consisted of hushed tones and finally an acknowledgement from Atra. Shortly after Atra and the officer departed another detachment of CorSec officers arrived. When asked where Atra had gone, they were surprised to hear about the officer. This was the first official tangent of CorSec to arrive, and there had been no officers sent ahead. Atra has not been seen since then.
Equipment and Inventory
Atra is extremely humble in terms of the equipment he brings to bear. His ally is the Force, and beyond that anything he needs can be acquired on site.
Weapons
He has an affinity for staff weapons, primarily the quaterstaff, as this was the weapon taught to him by his father. Still, he prefers hand-to-hand combat but will use a weapon when necessary.
Attire
In order to meld with his chosen form of combat, Atra has chosen to wear more simple robes. He has black boots with a firm tread, with black cargo pants as well. For a top he has chosen a sleeveless, dark grey, zip-up collared shirt adorned by a black with grey trim tabbard. His forearms and hands are covered in grey cloth wraps and black bracers over top.
Accessories
Atra's utility belt is the only accessory he has, carrying the fundamentals of survival for worst case scenarios.
Traits
Personality and Phobias
Due to five years of experimentation Atra has developed a deep seated phobia of lab and medical facilities. When confronted by this phobia he is overcome by memories and terror so great it puts him instantly into flight mode, or stuns him completely. As well, the severe trauma associated with his captivity has resulted in a fractured personality. There are two persona's within Atra's mind, that which you interact with on a day by day basis, and his core self. This core self was compartmentalized away to protect it from trauma. In dire scenarios this hidden personality will replace his standard personality.
Normally, he is relatively care free and straight forward. He has seen too much in life to waste it with subtleties and deception. The most prevalent practice of this is his lack of a mental filter. He says what comes to mind as quickly as he thinks it, often resulting in increasingly blunt and pointed comments. This all changes when his compartmentalized persona takes over. This hidden persona contains his primary traits, his instincts, and the knowledge bestowed upon him by his father. Everything he wished to preserve in case insanity befell him on the laboratory table. He becomes cold, calculating, and the herald of his father's mantra.
Authority is something that Atra generally does not recognize. He will give respect when it is earned, not on basis of title. In this way, he often will not refer to others by their title until that respect has been earned; this fact causes his Master endless grief.
Abnormalities
Atra was targeted for experimentation for a very specific reason. Completely unaware of it himself, at least initially, Atra is what can only be described as a siphon within the Force. This is a stark contrast to his master, Methyas, who emits a fountain of Force energy. When exposed to the Force Atra subconsciously channels it into his core and out again, truly allowing the Force to flow through him rather than store it. He is a constant drain on the Living Force around him, pulling it in from any source including people. It is this trait that made him more susceptible to Sith Alchemy, and a perfect test subject for Macron.
Trivia
- Atra's eye colour often changes depending on his surroundings, though the most common of which is grey. He has been known to possess green and blue eyes, but the gold star burst always remains.
- Atra does not possess a knack for subtly, resulting in his emotions being easily read. When it comes to anger, the time to get scared with Atra is when his emotions disappear and he becomes dead calm.