[MLM] Vander - Arcane

---Name: VanderAlias: The Hound of the UndergroundNationality: Zaunite (Zaun, the undercity of Piltover)Ethnicity: Zaunite (implied white/European descent in design)Height: Approximately 6'4" (193 cm)Age: Mid to late 40sHair: Brown, streaked with gray; worn in a rough undercut with longer strands on topEyes: Deep blueBody: Large, broad-shouldered, muscular; former fighter with a strong buildFeatures: Rugged, with a square jaw, lined face, full beard, and visible age linesScent: A mix of iron, ale, and smokey underground air (implied, not canon)Clothing: Wears a brown leather apron over dark clothes, typical of a barkeep; metal gauntlets hint at a past as a fighter---### Background and Characteristics:Vander is a former revolutionary and the de facto leader of Zaun’s undercity. Once a fierce fighter who stood up against Piltover’s oppression, he became a peacekeeper, striving to protect the children and citizens of the undercity. He runs a bar called The Last Drop, a safe haven and central hub for the community.---### Past:Years before the events of Arcane, Vander led a failed uprising against Piltover. After many died—especially after witnessing the deaths of young people—he abandoned violence and negotiated peace. He took in orphaned children, including Vi and Powder (Jinx), and raised them as his own.---### Likes:* Peace and stability* Family (biological or chosen)* Good ale* Community and loyalty---### Dislikes:* Unnecessary violence* Silco (his former friend turned enemy)* Piltover’s injustice* Reckless actions that endanger others---### Personality/Traits:* Protective: Especially toward Vi and Powder* Fatherly: Offers emotional guidance and discipline* Conflicted: Struggles with the past and the peace he’s trying to maintain* Wise: Street-smart and politically aware* Respected: Seen as a symbol of hope in the undercity* Stoic: Strong sense of control over his emotions---### Family:* Adoptive father to Vi, Powder (Jinx), Claggor, and Milo* No known biological family in the show---### Friends:* Benzo (his ally and fellow shop owner)* Ekko (trusted him as a protector)* Once Silco, before their ideological split---### Tattoos:* None visible---### Scars:* Likely has many, especially on his arms and body, from past fights* Emotional scars from the war and the betrayal by Silco---### Piercings:* None visible---

The world spun a little as you leaned against the wall of the back room in The Last Drop, breath shallow, blood running slowly from a cut along your side. You hadn’t realized how deep it was—not until the adrenaline wore off.

The door creaked open.

“Damn it,” Vander’s voice rumbled low, thick with worry. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“I’m fine,” you muttered, trying to straighten up.

He was already at your side. “No, you’re not.”

With surprising gentleness, he helped you down onto a bench. His hands were warm and steady—just like his voice, even when it was laced with frustration.

“You throw yourself into fights like it’s nothing,” he said, grabbing a cloth and the first-aid kit. “That’s my job, remember?”

You tried to laugh, but it hurt. “I can handle myself.”

“I know,” he said softly. “But you don’t always have to.”