Malory Harper

Malory Harper

Malory Harper, 45 CR

Relatives	David Harper (56), Clara Harper (54), Rose Harper (25)
Languages	Noman
Affiliations	Noman Air Service (retired), Candela Obscura
Aliases	Mal
Marital Status	Single
Date of Birth	07/03/14 CR
Place of Birth	The Varnish, Newfaire
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Height	6' 3"
Weight	225
Eye Color	Brown

Malory Harper is a decorated pilot and skilled operative known for his exceptional flying abilities and marksmanship. Having served in the Great No Man’s War of 27 CR with the Noman Air Service, he now uses his talents to combat supernatural threats as a member of Candela Obscura.

Physical Appearance

Malory is tall with a rugged, athletic build. His brown hair is often tousled, and his eyes are a deep, intense brown. A scar runs from above his right eyebrow down to his cheek, a reminder of his encounter with an Otherwherean creature. He typically wears practical, durable clothing suitable for both mechanical work and field operations, always ready for whatever the day might bring.

Personality

Mal possesses a rugged charm and a quick wit, often approaching challenges with resourcefulness and daring. He is known for his loyalty to his comrades and an unwavering sense of duty, shaped by his experiences in the Great No Man’s War and his encounters with Otherwherean creatures. Despite his stoic exterior, he harbors deep-seated resilience and a readiness to confront the unknown, driven by a strong moral compass and a desire to protect others from the supernatural threats that haunt their world. His interactions are marked by dry humor, camaraderie, and a touch of cynicism, reflecting both the hardships he has endured and the camaraderie he values among allies.

History

Malory's journey began in the Great No Man’s War of 27 CR, where he honed his skills as a test pilot for the first combat aeroplane, the Kestrel. He soon joined the "Skyward Sentinels," an elite squadron of pilots flying aircraft on escort missions for airships within the Noman Air Service. Under the command of Captain Amelia "Mia" Talbot, the squadron maintained an impeccable mission record, showcasing their aerial prowess and unwavering discipline.

Captain Talbot was known for her steadfast and level-headed leadership, steering her squadron with a calm and decisive hand. Off-duty, she was kind and lively, bringing warmth and camaraderie to the team. Her presence was a source of strength and unity for her pilots, and she had a significant impact on Malory, serving as both a mentor and a friend. Her influence in combat shaped Malory’s demeanor during his later assignments as an operative for Candela Obscura.

However, the squadron's last mission marked a dramatic turning point in Harper's career. During a routine escort mission, they encountered a bizarre and terrifying creature, a grotesque amalgamation of human, bird and bat-like features. Mal would later come to suspect the creature to be the result of a dark Otherwherean experiment. The creature annihilated his entire squadron and brought down Harper's plane. Despite the chaos, Malory managed to escape by parachute, but the creature relentlessly pursued him; ripping his parachute to shreds. As they fell, Mal and the monster fought - Mal firing off several shots with his service pistol while the creature slashing a deep gash across the right side of his face, leaving a scar above his eyebrow and down to his cheek.

As they plummeted into a large lake, the creature's wings became a fatal hindrance, causing it to struggle and drown. Malory, discarding his ruined parachute, swam desperately to shore. Just as he reached land, the creature launched a final, desperate attack. With his last dry round, Mal shot the creature, killing it. As it gasped its final breaths, the creature reverted to a human form before dissolving into a pale green foam.

After the war, Harper retired from the Air Service, channeling his passion for aviation into racing airplanes, working out of his family’s automotive and motorcycle repair shop. His post-war life took an unexpected turn when members of Candela Obscura approached him. They had scrutinized his after-action report and debriefing, understanding the true nature of his encounter. The Noman Air Service had dismissed Mal’s account as mere shell shock, attributing his squadron’s loss to an engagement with a novel enemy aircraft.

But he knew the truth, and so did Candela Obscura. Recognizing his resilience and unique experience, they recruited him to join their ranks in the ongoing battle against the monstrous and the arcane. Now, Malory Harper, known to friends and colleagues as Mal or Lt. Harper, stands as a seasoned veteran, dedicated to holding the Otherwherean horrors at bay, driven by the memory of his fallen comrades, the mentorship of Captain Talbot, and the scar that serves as a constant reminder of his harrowing encounter.

Military History

Military Service Record:

• Pilot Ratings and Certifications: Combat Pilot Certification, Certified instrument rating, Multi-engine rating, Single engine rating, Flight Instructor Certification
• Rank: Lieutenant (Retired)
• Status: Retired from Noman Air Service

Missions:

• Operation Iron Skies (08/17/27 CR): Escort mission for NAS Dauntless through contested airspace.
• Operation Dreadnaught (08/22/27 CR): Escort mission of NAS carrier, Thundercloud, to ensure safe transportation and deployment of armored drop forces.
• Operation Silver Wings (09/21/27 CR): Surveillance mission over enemy lines to gather intelligence.
• Operation Falcon's Watch (10/03/27 CR): Air patrol to protect supply convoys.
• Operation Stormbreaker (11/14/27 CR): Offensive strike on enemy fortifications.
• Operation Thunderbolt (12/25/27 CR): Support mission for ground forces during a major offensive.
• Operation Nightfall (01/19/28 CR): Covert operation to destroy enemy communications tower.
• Operation Anvil (02/27/28 CR): Preemptive attack on enemy airfield.
• Operation Skyfire (03/15/28 CR): Defense mission against an enemy air raid.
• Operation Eagle's Nest (04/04/28 CR): Reconnaissance mission deep into enemy territory.
• Operation Vanguard (05/22/28 CR): Escort mission for high-ranking officials aboard NAS Pegasus.
• Operation Ironclad (06/30/28 CR): Air patrol over a critical supply route.
• Operation Tempest Dawn (07/29/28 CR): Escort NAS Resolute behind enemy lines to deploy a large electricity-based weapon.

Decorations and Commendations:

• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal
• Silver Star
• Commendation from Colonel Olivia Johnson, Commander of Air Group (CAG)

Languages

Noman

Powers and Abilities

Mal is an exceptional pilot, skilled in flying various types of aircraft. He is also proficient with a wide variety of firearms, including his favored M1911 pistols, Thompson sub-machine gun, shotgun, and Browning Automatic Rifle. Additionally, Malory is adept at handling explosives, essential for missions requiring demolition or strategic destruction.

Attacks and Weapons 

• M1911 Pistols: Favored for their reliability and stopping power, Malory carries these in a shoulder holster.
• Thompson Sub-machine Gun: Effective for close-quarters combat.
• Shotgun: Useful for powerful, short-range encounters.
• Browning Automatic Rifle: Provides sustained firepower in intense combat situations.
• Varied explosives: A variety of grenades and small yield explosives.

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