Description from original post (created 2013-02-11 18:15):
Backstory:Atmos Dranias was born third son of a wealthy Byzantine politician, during the rule of Emperor Michael III "the Drunkard." As a third son, his prospects in life were not so glamourous as his older siblings, convincing Atmos that a life as a merchant would be the better choice. With gold from his family, Atmos created an impressive fleet of merchant vessels with which to trade spices, silk, and fine steel goods from Antioch, to Syracuse, to Tripoli. Now in his forties, Atmos is a wealthy man, dressed in flowing, brightly colored clothes, interspersed with fine jewelry, a testament to his riches.His face is weathered, and his skin darkened, both testaments to his life under the mediterranean sun. He enjoys the company of educated men and women, and a good amphora of wine, all to himself.
In the evenings, Atmos can often be found on the deck of his ship, humming songs such as this one (though of course in greek, not english).
Bright and yellow, hard and cold
Molten, graven, hammered and rolled,
Heavy to get and light to hold,
Hoarded, bartered, bought and sold,
Look what we do, just for gold.
Notes on his clothing:
While silk would have been rare and expensive in his time (the 9th century), Atmos would have been successul enough to own at least a small wardrobe of more expensive clothing.
He wares a pallium, or roman cloak, tough leather boots that won't get ruined on the often wet deck of a ship, and plenty of jewelry imported from the North Africa.
notice the ring on each hand
Note: I might switch to a different skin, I haven't decided. I'm not extremely happy with this one.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Byzantine_emperors#Non-dynastic_.28813.E2.80.93820.29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_economy
Concept Sketch
Additional Resources
Map of the Byzantine Empire
Ship design, slightly later than Atmos lived, but applicable none the less, for a general understanding.
http://people.tamu.edu/~ryanlee/serce11th.html
Additional reading on various related subjects:
http://plaza.ufl.edu/hwinger/byz/overview.html
Leave a diamond if you liked it, that helps to no end! /end obnoxious message