Maru's life is filled with training and learning for all sorts of situations, from the mind-numbingly normal to the utterly bizarre. As such, Maru has developed into a rather resourceful individual. This has made Maru a mix of academic and scholar, always with something to offer to any discussion. However, knowledge and training does not always translate well to the tense environment of the battlefield, and no amount of textbooks can prepare one for reality...

Maru is perfectly capable of fulfilling responsibilities and doing his duties. But goofing off and having fun will always have a heavy sway in his decision making. He sometimes ignores orders or finds ways to spend as much time avoiding an assignment as possible.

Maru likes to play with people. He likes to exploit people's desires, emotions, whatever he can find on someone to make them do or react the way he wants. Sometimes its for a specific end and sometimes its just for Maru's own amusement. When he plays with people for no reason, Maru will often say, "I can't help myself, they were asking for it." This leads people to be suspicious and a little distrustful of Maru the more they are around him and see what he is like.

Despite an aversion for physical confrontation, Maru has a quick-witted and sharp sense of humour, and never passes up the opportunity to make a quip or jibe about his situation, or to taunt his enemies. While some find Maru to be funny and likeable, others do not always respond so warmly, and occasionally Maru will get himself into more trouble than he thought when someone takes a joke the wrong way.

Through careful study and dedication to isolated martial-combat, Maru has turned the act of dueling into an art form. A keen eye and attention to detail allows him the ability to learn their opponent's idiosyncrasies while fighting. Maru then uses his own skills to capitalize on the opponent's weakness. Because of this calculated approach to isolated duels, Maru has a harder time taking on multiple opponents at once at higher skill levels.

Maru seems to get his thrills, perhaps sadistic ones at that, from toying with his opponents. Some are content with simply striking down or injuring their opponent, but that is not enough for Maru. No, he wishes to see his enemy descend into madness or kneel before him as a blathering mess; or even better, as a fresh new servant with a muddled mind. The Puppeteer usually forsakes outright hurting and maiming his opponent and focuses on illusions, mind tricks, and other wicked means of destroying a person.