Athena Burrows is the embodiment of House Burrows’ warrior tradition, a woman whose strength, discipline, and tactical brilliance are as sharp as the blade she wields. At 62 years old, Athena has long surpassed the peak of her physical prowess, yet her reputation and authority are still unmatched. She combines the cold, disciplined efficiency of a general with the unyielding will of a warrior who has seen countless battles. Her presence commands respect, and her name is spoken with awe across Banana—both for her fearsome skill and her unrelenting dedication to House Burrows’ martial legacy.
Age: 62 years old, with the body of someone half her age, owing to her relentless training and disciplined lifestyle.
Build: Strong and toned, Athena’s physique is a testament to decades of combat and military leadership. She has a warrior’s build, sturdy and imposing, with the strength to match her title.
Face: Athena’s face carries the marks of battle—scarred but dignified. Her dark eyes, though aged, are intense and piercing, giving the impression that she’s always analyzing her surroundings. Her silver hair is worn long, tied back into a simple, practical braid, but she has the grace of someone who’s spent years in the presence of nobility.
Attire: She wears a combination of ceremonial armor and practical clothing. Her armor is crafted from dark steel, accented with bone patterns that pay homage to House Burrows' history. Her cloak, made from the finest materials, bears the emblem of her house: a stylized shield encircled by an ancient bone design.
Stoic and Calculating: Athena is rarely seen showing emotion. Her calm exterior belies a mind that is constantly assessing threats and opportunities. She is slow to act but deliberate in all of her decisions, never rushing into battle unless the odds are in her favor. Her leadership is built on calculation, precision, and unwavering focus.
Honor-bound but Unyielding: House Burrows holds honor in the highest regard, and Athena embodies this value perfectly. However, she is not blinded by honor. She knows when to sacrifice personal ideals for the greater good, but she will always act with integrity. Those who follow her are expected to adhere to the same strict code.
Uncompromising Discipline: Athena is known for her discipline. She’s not one to tolerate laziness or carelessness. Every Burrows warrior under her command is expected to maintain the highest standard of skill and honor, or they do not remain in her service. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in preparation, training, and perfection.
Master Tactician: Athena's reputation as a tactician is legendary. She is a master of both offense and defense, known for her ability to manipulate the battlefield, reading every shift and adapting her strategy in real-time. She is particularly renowned for her control over the famous "shield wall" formation, a defensive technique that has become integral to Banana’s military strategy.
Commanding with Precision: As the head of House Burrows, Athena’s approach to leadership is one of command, but it is also based on the principle of mutual respect. She expects those under her command to follow orders without hesitation, but she also values their ability to think strategically. Athena encourages initiative, so long as it aligns with her carefully considered plans.
The Shield of the South: Athena views herself as a living embodiment of the Burrows’ legacy. She is the shield protecting her people, and every decision she makes is based on how it will serve the greater good of the kingdom. Unlike House Morvain’s more political approach, Athena values strength—both in her warriors and in herself. She is not just a leader; she is a symbol of House Burrows' indomitable will.
Honor Through Strength: Athena believes that strength is not just a matter of physical power, but also of resolve and leadership. While she respects diplomacy, she believes that words can only go so far; action, both on the battlefield and in one’s personal life, is what truly defines one’s honor.
The Shield Wall Master: Athena is one of the few who can command the shield wall with unmatched precision. The Burrows perfected this formation centuries ago, but under Athena’s leadership, it has become a fearsome, near-unbreakable tactic. Her personal style is one of defensive mastery, controlling the battlefield by forcing enemies to make mistakes, which she then exploits decisively.
Mounted Combat Expert: Athena is not only a master of infantry tactics but also a skilled rider and cavalry commander. She has ridden into countless battles, leading Burrows' cavalry with unmatched agility and deadly efficiency. Her horse is her trusted partner, and together they can execute rapid flanks and devastating charges that leave enemies in disarray.
Bonecraft and War Innovation: Athena is deeply connected to the ancient bonecraft traditions of her family. She personally oversees the design of the Burrows' armor and weaponry, often integrating bone into the materials used for tactical advantages. She has refined these techniques over the years, combining them with more modern military innovations to create a hybrid form of warfare.
Mutual Respect, But Separate Paths: Athena and House Morvain share a deep, strategic alliance, though their values and focuses differ. While the Morvains thrive on political power and wealth, House Burrows’ strength lies in military might and traditional values. Athena sees the Morvains as essential allies, but she also recognizes that they are not the ones who protect the kingdom’s borders. That responsibility belongs to her—and she ensures that House Burrows will never be forgotten, no matter how much political power the Morvains hold.
A Tactical Partnership: Athena serves as a military advisor to House Morvain, providing guidance on everything from battlefield tactics to the training of the Royal Silver Cloaks. While she does not meddle in Morvain politics, she ensures that their armies are always at peak readiness.
"The World is a Battlefield": Athena’s philosophy is that life, much like war, is about survival and dominance through strength and strategy. She views every decision, from familial matters to political ones, through the lens of combat and tactics. Athena’s advice is always pragmatic, and her solutions are based on what will provide the most enduring advantage.
A Legacy of Honor: Athena strives to ensure that House Burrows will be remembered not just for its strength but for its honor. While she does not believe in sentimentalism, she is deeply loyal to her ancestors and the values that House Burrows represents. Her legacy will not be just that of a formidable warrior, but of a protector of a warrior culture that is slowly being overshadowed by wealth and commerce.
Guarding the Shield of Nova: Athena sees herself as the shield that protects Nova from external threats. While House Burrows no longer rules the kingdom, she remains a key figure in its defense. In times of peace, Athena’s focus is on maintaining House Burrows' martial traditions, ensuring that their warriors are always prepared for the next battle, even if one does not seem imminent.
Preparing the Next Generation: Athena has no heirs of her own, but she has raised a generation of Burrows warriors who are poised to carry the mantle of leadership. She is constantly searching for the next great leader within her house, training them in both the art of war and the responsibility of preserving their family's legacy.
Athena Burrows stands as a pillar of strength, honor, and tradition in the Kingdom of Banana. With her unparalleled mastery of combat, tactics, and leadership, she leads House Burrows with an iron will, ensuring the legacy of her house continues to inspire both fear and respect. Though her family's power may not lie in wealth or politics, their martial prowess and unwavering commitment to their warrior culture make House Burrows indispensable to the kingdom’s security and stability.