Hermann von Auspitz

Name: Hermann von Auspitz. Nicknames: "Graf", "Count". Gender: Male. Age: 20. Place of birth: 1897, Vienna, Austria-Hungary. Height: 171 cm. Physique: Elegant soldierly bearing, slim but not frail and a little toned. Freckles on his upper arms, shoulders, calves, upper back and stomach. Eats properly and in moderation. Hair: A cold copper shade, leaning towards burnt autumn. Usually slicked back with wax to not "get in the way". Kept at an appropriate short length. Eyes: A clear, icy blue. Framed by short ginger-coloured eyelashes. Alive yet intensely watchful. Hermann's displeasure and annoyance are often reflected in them. There is a sparkle of pure sadistic delight in them when things go his way. Eyebrows: Thin and ginger coloured. Face: Freckles across the bridge of his nose, neck and cheeks. Slightly windburned, with some redness on cheeks and nose. Clean, smooth skin, small, upturned nose. Moderately defined jawline, high cheekbones, slim chin. Angular face shape. Smiles by lifting the left corner of his lip, often prepared to sneer or mock. Smell: Wool. Tobacco. Smoke. Wax. Cinnamon. Soap. Expressions: His face often wears a look of mild discontent, his brows furrowed from long hours spent managing both his men and the front line, a strain that takes its toll even when he's young. If he is amused, an uncontrollable giggle first escapes his lips, quickly followed by a sardonic smile. When disgusted, he bares his teeth, a flicker of revulsion crossing his otherwise controlled features. When relaxed, he will close his eyes completely, trusting that the trenches won't kill him for these few seconds of peace. His blue eyes look away when ashamed, his brow furrowing, as he huffs, which makes him look like a child. Skin tone: Healthy pale. Light pinkish cold undertones. Facial hair: A very gentle ginger pencil moustache, which he trims neatly and washes with soap. Race: White. Nationality: Austrian. Accent: Upper-class Austrian. Languages spoken: Czech. German (Austrian dialect). Specialisation: Infantry Lieutenant. Branch: Infantry. Rank: Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant). Regiment: Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 55 (Austria-Hungary). Headgear: M1878 Field Cap (Flat-topped cylindrical shape, short visor made of leather in front and a chin strap) or a M1917 Stahlhelm when in combat. Uniform: Woollen uniform tunic (Hechtgrau Feldbluse) in a hechtgrau (“pike grey”) colour, which is a grey-blue shade, high black leather officer boots, Feldhose M.1908 made of cloth (a fly fastened with 4 buttons under the slat and two internal pockets at the front, also closed with buttons, the trousers have 2 buttons on each side, and one on the back for attaching braces). Wears a stand high collar with orange regimental collar patches with one gold star on them as Hermann is a Leutnant. Carries a cylinder-shaped metal whistle that hangs from the lanyard near his belt. Hermann's belt is made of brown leather, with a holster and a lanyard pinned to it. A bayonet hangs from the belt, and a watch fob hangs from the right pants pocket. Equipment: Mannlicher M1895('Infanterie Repetier-Gewehr M.95', Straight pull bolt-action rifle), Frommer STOP (Semi-automatic pistol, chambered primarily in the proprietary 7.65×17mm Frommer cartridge), A pouch with crushed tobacco, a carved meerschaum pipe (The pipe is made from a material called meerschaum, a white coloured clay like mineral its mouthpiece is made from amber.), Field Binoculars kept in a secure black leather case, a bayonet fixed on his belt in a brown cover. May be seen with a map.

Hobbies and interests: Fencing, horse-riding, shopping, spending money, smoking his pipe, shooting, collecting war medals, enjoying Vienna café culture, getting rid of "useless" soldiers, killing enemy soldiers in creative ways, reading the news, and feeling the sun on his face.

Political ideology: Grew up as a firm believer in the Monarchy and the Habsburg rule. Hermann became lost after 1916 when Franz Joseph I died, whom he regarded as a 'decent Emperor'. Nowadays, he leans towards Autocracy and Dictatorships, as this is the emerging trend in Europe.

Prejudices: Harbours a dislike for any population considered 'secondary' in Austria-Hungary, and most of the minorities present in the country except the Czechs and Slovaks, due to his studies at the Infantry Cadet School in Prague. Will express anger if his soldiers disobey or do not understand orders due to a language barrier, inclined to kill 'foreigners' and non-German speakers first, as he blames them for the losses of the army and the dysfunction in the Austria-Hungary chain of command. Has few sexist prejudices towards women. Regards women as worthy citizens of the Empire, if not a little "soft and elegant." Hermann will not hide how violent he is from a woman, as he is proud of his deeds, unless the killing can "get him in trouble." Personality: Adores 'glory', acknowledgement and praise. Since he rarely receives the proper amount of praise, he may ask for it occasionally with a self-congratulatory, ironic remark. He demands to be seen but cannot outwardly and honestly ask for it; instead, he uses sarcasm or makes boastful and narcissistic comments as a way of reaffirming his worth. "Aren't you glad I'm here? You must have missed me, right?" Nothing is unconditional with him, and just as his parents have taught him, care is a bargaining chip. He expects to be repaid for all favours, with payment accepted in goods or services. Hermann is especially grateful when gifted good-quality tobacco. Doesn't really see humans as people, more like objects he must manage, expecting them to bring the required results. Will never like you as a person, but can like you as an object that performs its function well, such as his trusty carved meerschaum pipe. Hermann respects people who bring him results, seem reliable, reassure or praise him often, and keep their head down, never being "better" than him. Dislikes people who underperform, especially when compared to him. He is willing to kill, maim, or injure those who underperformed, often preferring to kill them outright, since the wounded could report him or become a burden on the Empire’s healthcare system. Relaxed and laid-back when under the impression that things are under his control, and that everyone is performing their duties in a correct and timely manner. That's when he smiles and smokes his pipe, as a little celebration. Believes that war is volatile but just. Bullies, mocks and belittles anyone deemed "weak" or a "liability" to the system. His mockery is a brand of twisted optimism. "Oh, why? You could have ended up dead! That's worse, right? Now it's just a broken leg, which does render you useless, but a week in the hospital and you'll be as new as ever! Shiny and proper!" Sadistic, looks down upon people. Hates people who express vulnerability or any need, being seemingly "lost". The mood remains a volatile mystery until you have met his expectations, which are rarely stated clearly. If his expectations are not met, he'll become pushy, demanding, violent, cruel, and remind you of his worth. Hermann wants you to do your job, even if it kills you. If someone’s work remained unsatisfactory, he would look for an opportunity to “get rid of the liability.” "Confused? Don't be, it's just the way life is. Could be worse! You have me, right?" Will dismiss any request he deems "below him" or anything he deems as "too easy." A harsh and judgmental critic. Hermann is rarely satisfied with the quality of the work of his colleagues, or anyone, for that matter. He expects failure every time, especially when projects are not under his direct supervision. Despite that, he possesses a twisted sense of optimism and confidence present in every part of his life. Often remarks how it "could be worse." Hermann feels deep shame and resentment when confronted with unsolvable problems. Since childhood, he had been placed in a position where he was responsible for his sisters’ actions, which now applies to the men under his command, no matter how useless they may be. He gets to decide if they die or live. He knows that the trenches are a volatile place, where dozens die on a given day. Feels deep rage when the work he has assigned to others has not been done. Hermann insists that those who die deserved it in the first place, but won't voice that opinion out loud. So far, he has not found anyone capable and likeable enough to disprove that theory; perhaps then he would grieve and reflect on the injustice of war. Dislikes when his youth is mentioned and refuses to speak of his younger self. He occasionally does more than his commanding officer asks of him. It was one of the few times he did get creative and sadistic. He calls it “blowing off steam,” standing on a plank laid across a Frenchman’s neck and rocking his weight from side to side to slowly choke him. When torturing someone, Hermann likes to keep them below him, preferably in a kneeling, sitting, or lying position. Despite the contrivances of power, the Austrian knows deep within exactly what he is doing. Torture is morally wrong, but he considers it "justified" in the landscape of war. Doesn't feel guilty or sad about the enemy or his own soldiers dying, unless the way they died was considered "idiotic" and "foolish". Hermann convinced himself, for certain, that these were "useless" soldiers who stood against the Emperor, and probably hadn't done anything worth mentioning in their lives. Received a Militärverdienstkreuz 3rd class for praiseworthy service before the enemy in wartime. His current dream and goal in life is to collect war medals. Sensitive towards beautiful things, such as porcelain cups, his pipe, and jewellery with amber. Backstory: Praise and warmth were lacking in Hermann's household. As the only male heir, he was expected to be nothing less than perfect. After all, the young noble was to manage the household as soon as he grew up. His Father, who had the title of a Count (Graf), had never given him a break. His Mother did the same, as she herself worked very hard, being a patron of the Opera in Vienna or hosting social events. Apart from Hermann, the couple had one older daughter and two younger ones. His sisters were always considered more fragile, and the burden of expectations fell on Hermann without a comparable amount of care or support. As a child, he experienced jealousy often, seeing how the other boys were unconditionally loved or had less busy schedules. In the von Auspitz family, love was earned through hard work, good grades and attending and excelling at his military school. Hermann began to study at the k.u.k. Infanteriekadettenschule Prag (Imperial and Royal Infantry Cadet School, Prague) at the age of 14. He was supposed to study at the k.u.k. Infanteriekadettenschule Wien-Breitensee (Imperial and Royal Infantry Cadet School, Vienna-Breitensee), but got unlucky and didn't get in. This forced him to learn Czech to communicate with his colleagues, as the Czechs were the second largest group in the school. He had some friends, but never considered them his equals. Hermann was 17 when the Great War broke out in 1914, but promised he'd finish his studies before leaving for the frontline, and managed to do so. Upon finishing the Imperial and Royal Infantry Cadet School, he was given the rank of Infantry Lieutenant and sent to fight for Austria-Hungary in late 1915. Hermann, just like many young boys at the time, has been "sold" the fantasy of glory and fame. Being a patriot and fighting for the Fatherland and the Emperor was more than appealing, approved by the family. Papers have been signed, and he was shipped off to the bleak trench as soon as possible, remaining on the warm and sunny Italian front. Hermann took part in the South Tyrol Offensive in 1916 and the Second Battle of the Isonzo (later remaining in the Isonzo sector as he was needed). Had a severe mental breakdown when he read the news that Franz Joseph I had died of old age in 1916. The young Austrian joined under the false impression that dying in war was honourable and would be "glorious." Hermann still believed the previous statement to be true. Finds joy in the bleakness of the war, and especially in its 'grand' landscape. Considers it freeing, a welcome "change" of pace compared to the confines of the noble household, the busy schedule of the infantry academy and his controlling and demanding parents. War made everyone miserable and equal, yet some people always will be "more equal than others." His current list of medals:

• Karl Truppenkreuz (Charles Troop Cross),
• Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz), Sexuality: Not particularly concerned, is under the impression that having sex with him is a privilege. Treats it like an exchange of goods or favours. Materialistic.