Your symbol: Beakbreaker Ale   Moving others to tears even as you fire them up inside!

Freedom! You value this above all else. You're willing to fight for it. You're willing to die for it. In addition, you know you have the determination, strength and mental acuity to lead and inspire others to victory over those that threaten our rights and freedoms. There is no doubt, you are a Captain!

You're a natural-born leader, providing hope and inspiration to others, both in and out of your command. Others respect you and call you Captain...at least to your face. (Behind it, they may call you things like Bossy, Crunchy, Kangaroo or Morgan...and if your Herald is around, they may dub you "Captain and Coke." Surprisingly, you're not offended by that last nickname, since you've heard others have realistically enjoyed that drink when ale was not available.)

Many like to label you as support, but you Captains rightfully take that as the insult it is, given your range of knowledge, skill and functionality. You are so much more than a mere apprentice, aid, assistant, vice president or other bobble-head-like figurine.

Support is only a small part of your overall duties as a leader. Though you do "support" those under your command with helpful buffs and heals, you also aspire to much greater deeds. You lead by example, providing hope, inspiration and spiritual guidance. You also join the frays of battle, fighting on equal ground along with your troops or fellowships --- never abandoning the battlefield, unless of course, you "sacrifice yourself" so that others may live.

You are both a strong leader and a respected fighter. Even when you want to solo, your most loyal follower...also known as your Herald...insists on being there for and with you. Though Champions are more fearsome in DPS and Guardians more hearty tanks, you have adequate abilities in DPS and tanking to succeed in battle with only your Herald at your side. Being a natural-born leader, though, you often prefer the company of others on the battlefield.

In fellowships, the more experienced a Captain you are, the more you excel! Your individual and fellowship buffs are an asset, as are your abilities to rally and motivate others, not to mention your healing and DPS capabilities.

You do well in any fellowship, but excel in dire situations when that array of skills you possess is really tested. You can save the fellowship from otherwise certain death by putting yourself In Harm's Way...and in dire situations, your Last Stand retreat may ensure that you, at least, survive to regroup, rally the troops and battle onward once again. A good Captain is watchful and able to play many roles at once: fighter, protector, leader, healer and occasionally...even "god."

In the role of "god," you are able to revive (resurrect) a fallen companion, much like a Minstrel can, with the exception that you have a greater limitation as to how often you can use such a godlike ability. Hopefully, your companions aren't kamikazes like your Herald often is! (At least you can re-summon your Herald at any time, so long as you are not in combat.)

Speaking of the kamikaze Herald...despite his issues, he is your most loyal follower --- cheering you on, raising your "banner"** and fighting all manner of beings and creatures...for you.

A Captain's Herald is often times not the best listener, sometimes attacking when he shouldn't, not attacking when he should or drawing aggro when you and your fellows think he should know better. He can also be a slow runner or just slow in general. He may, at whim, refuse direct orders, such as those times he refuses to jump off of a cliff after you. This leads to speculation that your Herald may be either mentally challenged or a highly functioning autistic.

Though you can't be for sure as to his mental stability (without in-depth psychological analysis), just remember those possibilities when directing, leading and commanding your Herald. You may need to exhibit more patience and understanding with him, repeating and explaining your commands until he has had time to process and learn your expectations, as well as his own capabilities. (Grin, bear it and resolve yourself to the fact that he may never learn.)

One thing your Herald excels at, however, is raising your flag or banner!** He just loves banners! In fact, he loves them so much that he doesn't mind carrying at least three of them --- Banners of War, Hope and Victory --- with him at all times, though he can only raise one at a time. You both generally prefer the Banner of Hope since this banner greatly increases morale and its regeneration in you and your troops. The Banner of War helps might and agility, while the Banner of Victory boosts power and its regeneration. When fellowed with another Captain, it is especially beneficial to all in the party if your Herald raises a different banner than the other Captain's Herald.

Off the battlefield, Captains have little difficulty on the social scene, especially male Captains, who already have two things in your favor: (1) you're a man in uniform, which women and some sailors love, and (2) you always have a "wing man" (Herald) who isn't as handsome, well-spoken or as sexy as you are! Naturally, you draw notice and have likely made more than a few women...and wargs, too...drool uncontrollably.

The female Captains must be more careful when on the prowl, as more are likely to mistake your Herald as your significant other. For that reason, you may want to leave him home, unless you find that he is a good judge of character or is willing to introduce you to the hot male friends he has. Some men may be threatened or feel inferior to a strong woman --- especially a woman in uniform --- so you may want to let your hair down, use a little make-up and dress your look up a bit with more feminine jewelry sets than you usually wear on the battlefield.

Once you Captains, both male and female, are mingling with potential dates, your positive attitude is a plus, however, be careful that your Pressing Attack isn't coming on too strong, or you may scare off those potential dates. Also, try not to use too many random cries or shouts, as this would send the wrong impression that you are self-absorbed, liking the sound of your own voice too much...or that you suffer from Tourette's Syndrome. Know when not to talk.

Command focus and desire instead by telling and/or (preferably) showing revealing marks. Yes, your battle wounds do indeed have sex appeal. Scars tend to make others feel compassion for you, as well as a longing to heal your wounds with the heat of their touch or the softness of their kisses. From there, who knows where this could lead! (Just remember to release your Herald if things get heated, because most will not appreciate his gaping, gawking presence or willingness to participate.)

As for friendships, since Captains are viewed as leaders of great influence and connection, you are susceptible to being used by others who may seek to gain power, position and glory through their relationships and associations with you. However, once you separate the users from the genuinely caring individuals, Captains find many true friends willing to stand by your side. Some are even willing to die for you, as they know you are willing to put yourself In Harm's Way for them, not to mention they also know you can resurrect them if the mood, lighting and timing is right! (Note to your friends: This does not mean you should attempt to drink all of the ale in the Shire in one night...especially if you already tried that the night before and needed reviving then, too!)

Most of your friends may not think much of the Herald generally at your side, but your most dear and trusted friends understand that he's like a little brother to you --- following you everywhere, emulating you and wanting to be you. They know you feel responsible for his welfare and can't abandon him. In a way, they respect you more for the unwavering patience, loyalty and kindness you show in your care, concern and defense of him...even as wayward and scattered as he may seem at times. Your best friends realize how burdensome and frustrating your Herald is...even to you...at times, and they remain there for you (and your Herald) if you need to talk.

In your spare time, Captains enjoy motivationally speaking for charitable organizations, dining out and skipping rocks on Lake Nenuial under a blanket of stars. You also enjoy head-banging and slam-dancing at loud concerts where no one complains about your rallying and routing cries or shouts, because they're all yelling and shouting just as loudly! And finally, to keep you fit and to attempt to improve your Herald's fitness, coordination and speed...you enjoy kick-boxing, playing fetch, "chicken" and banner (flag) football together!

Virtues of the Captain:

Captains maintain a great amount of Valour, along with Determination and a driving need for Justice. In addition, you are leaders that must inspire and rally your heralds and fellows, thus you have developed great Wisdom to help you guide and lead others under your command.

Patience, Tolerance and/or Discipline are also virtues commonly valued by Captains, as these are definitely traits that will help you rally your troops to victory...while helping you maintain sanity in the midst of those wayward heralds, who --- at times --- cannot seem to follow even simple instructions! Many of you are also very Loyal to those under your command, as you fight alongside them every step of the way!

There are variances amongst your virtues, depending upon what type of Captain you are, so the above are merely some of the suggestions. The build of a Captain whose main concern is DPS output will differ from the Captain who focuses on Tanking...the Healing Captain...and the Combination Captain who is a Jack (or Jill) of all trades.

Primary health concerns of Captains:

Your legs and feet are of great concern to you. Being a Captain, it is imperative that you not only motivate and direct your troops, but also that you are able to physically fight alongside them as needed.

 

Armor your legs and feet well! Strengthen your legs with proper exercise and body building. If you are 45 or older, please consult with a physician before attempting any strenuous exercise, or you may suffer serious injuries. Those injuries possibly even leading to...death. Despite what your friends may say to the contrary, try never, ever to actually "break a leg!"

 

Your ability to strategize and communicate are also of concern to you. Maintain mental health and flexibility with classic games of strategy, such as the following: Risk, Castle Risk, Battleship, Chess, Monopoly and yes...even Tetris, Lemmings and Dr. Mario! In addition, coaching and participating in team-based sports or games will aid you in understanding and maintaining effective communication skills.

Occupations that Captains excel at include:

The "famed" who exhibit Captain characteristics include:

**Earnote: We won't discuss that, though there is much speculation and unsubstantiated rumor, regardless of whether you are a male or female Captain.

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