Ok, I feel like having a try... I know he doesn't have that much personality as he comes from an Action Game like Contra (which tend to have Excuse Plots).
I.C. the Meta. (Before character development)
1. How was your life at home?
If by home, you mean home dimension, then it's pretty hectic. It's not a safe place at all.
2. What's your main drive in life?
Do whatever it takes to survive.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
Depends on what kind of humans.
4. How do you fight?
My Main weapons are my Arm Cannons. These can also project energy blades for close combat. I am also able to copy technology and use them against my foes. Due to being fragile, I also use a "flicker" manouver to avoid attacks and pass through stuff.
5. Why do you fight?
To Survive.
6. What do you fight?
Anything that I deem an enemy.
7. What is your worst fear?
Having an incompetent partner die on me. That's why I Work Alone.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
I don't really have any material possessions.
9. Who is your closest friend?
Up to now, I was always alone.
10. What is your outlook on love?
If you mean Romantic love, then I don't really know how that feels. Heard of it before.
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Watching stuff on Metaspace's information channels.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be.
I can't really make a facial expression. But if I had one, I'd make an expressionless face.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
I can't feel love at all, due to being a genderless extradimensional Energy Being.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
When I was attacked by a horde of Black Virus. Nasty little bug programs. Those they infect become one of them, but luckily I avoided all of them.
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
I wouldn't deny that the supernatural exists. I have yet to see it, though.
16. What's your alignment and why?
Probably Chaotic Neutral. I really don't like strict governance.
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
We Metas know that nothing is perfect.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
I'd probably leave the impression of a loner at worst, or maybe an unlikely saviour at best. As for my funeral... I can't really die. If I am erased, Metaspace just sends in another copy of me.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
Hoverbike. Those are better than Drives (cars) and more fun than Aereons (airplanes)
20. What is your favorite vice?
Killing.
21. What do you do to relax?
I go into stasis mode, although I still keep an eye out for enemies.
22. What is your favorite color?
Cyan, like the light in my "eyes"
23. Who is your worst enemy?
The Enforcer Leader seems like a nasty entity. His rule of strict order needs to go down.
24. Whom do you most admire?
I don't really admire anybody. Not even myself.
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
I wish to gain True Companions who can accept me for who I am, and not die on me.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Give it back to them. I have no use for his currency.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
Nothing in particular.
28. What's your worst memory?
Well, I've been attacked and deleted multiple times. Often by stuff which I thought were less powerful.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
I'd probably say I'm kinda rich... if only because I nab the credits of my deleted foes.
30. Who raised you?
I don't really know... I've been existing for a long time, like most other Metas. Our kind don't have parents.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
I'm quite a skilled fighter and evader. I'd consider them a blessing as it helps me take down my foes.
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Survival.
33. How do you deal with failure?
Get on with it. Moping over failure will reduce the chances of survival.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
I don't have relatives.
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
I'd show them that I'm not a Mary Sue. Probably by provoking a stubborn person. There's a pretty high chance that they won't go out of character towards me.
36. How did you get your name?
I.C. = Identity Crisis.
37. What three tropes would give anyone a good idea of what you are?
38: What would you sacrifice for your country?
Country? You mean my home dimension? I'd sacrifice my own existence to protect it.
39: If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
The ultimate weapon, in terms of effectiveness against my enemies.
40: When do you feel your best?
When I'm in a fight, of course. The thrill of action and the will to survive- I like it.
41: When was your first kiss?
I've never kissed or been kissed.
42: What are your weaknesses?
I'm pretty fragile. Good luck trying to land a hit on me, though. Being alone also kind of sucks hard, but I think I can live with it.
43: If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it?
Probably not, I don't want everybody else to suffer.
44: How honest are you?
Depends on what I'm being asked about.
45: Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
5.
46: Have you ever been discriminated against?
Not many people know about my kind. They recently revealed themselves to the Multiverse. Amongst my own kind, there are quite a number who hate me, for killing their buddies. Then again, they deserved it.
New Question:
47: How do you feel about your government?
The Enforcer Government is too strict for its own good. They're trying to make a unified government, but I know there's many things wrong with that, and there's also some things they're secretive about...
edited 15th Sep '13 7:42:32 PM by ironcommando
...eheh
Sir Night, Wayward Hunter-Angel
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]"){kind=icon}
Interesting case of Medium Awareness. Could be funny.
Sir Night, Wayward Hunter-Angel
Since I don't want the thread to die, I'm rounding out my Malandanti characters with a nemesis of theirs:
Now Calling: Dispater
1. How was your life at home?
....D....
.....Deliver unto.....
....Unto me...
Deimos: My, my, brother. A Memetim, unable to answer questions of the living?
Phobos: What will they think of next? Gravity that makes a coherent direction of down?
Deimos: In any case, our general here does not remember his life.
Phobos: He is probably grateful for that. To the extent a dead soul turned metaphysical incarnation of the act of dying is capable of gratitude, in any case.
2. What's your main drive in life?
Deimos: Food, and a brief release from the nature of his flesh-life.
Phobos: Not one becomes a Memetim by having a happy one. Or even a melancholic one. Melancholy has beauty in it.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
Deimos: In life, the latter, in all reasonable bets. Not a one could blame him.
Phobos: Now, the former parts just taste exquisite.
4. How do you fight?
Deimos: With the curse scythe we made for him. Though it is a warscythe, so really more of a cutting spear.
Phobos: And the scythe is not pleased, either, but it cannot influence the actions of the unconscious.
5. Why do you fight?
Deimos: Food. Delicious food.
Phobos: For us as well as he.
6. What do you fight?
Deimos: What we deem nutritious.
Phobos: And what will leave good fertilizer.
7. What is your worst fear?
Deimos: Oh, he does not fear.
Phobos: The worst has happened.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
Deimos: He does not treasure, either.
Phobos: Though we collect.
9. Who is your closest friend?
Deimos: We hate to boast, but he values our company.
Phobos: We would call ourselves "masters", however.
10. What is your outlook on love?
(all three stare blankly, though Dispater was doing that into space already)
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Deimos: Stewing in own misery, we suppose.
Phobos: We can't ask him, after all.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be.
Deimos: I would say he already does.
Phobos: The blank stare of utter despondence really has an artistic quality to it, no?
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
Deimos: If we knew that, we would kill it.
Phobos: For its sake as well as ours.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
Deimos: He died drowned in it, we think.
Phobos: Though, is it really trouble if it is all you have known?
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
Deimos: He is undead. Had he a mind, he would be staring at you in disbelief.
Phobos: We possess more nuanced opinions, however.
16. What's your alignment and why?
Deimos: Feh. We would forward an Unknowable category for one such as he.
Phobos: And for us-is it evil if one needs despair to live?
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
Deimos: He is here, so it does not exist.
Phobos: Ours would be one where we may feed on all life, not just sapients. More food all around.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
Deimos: "He appreciated it."
Phobos:' On the other hand, we Outer do not trouble ourselves with lies-dead is dead, and no grave or legacy will change it.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
Deimos: The cosmic winds of superspace.
Phobos: Not coincidentally, ours as well.
20. What is your favourite vice?
Deimos: Gluttony. He would swallow a sun if it felt hope.
Phobos: Ours is lust and sensation. There are so many flavors of hopelessness, so little time to choose.
21. What do you do to relax?
....n....o....
...no....weary....nothing.....
.....respite.....
22. What is your favorite color?
Deimos: Well, he is mostly white, so...
Phobos: We like reds, greens, and blues.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
Deimos: Everyone and no one, as death does not play favorites.
Phobos: We are no one's enemy-the farmer does not detest his crop.
24. Whom do you most admire?
(blank stares again).
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
Deimos: Oblivion.
Phobos: And to leave an endless bounty.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Deimos: He would do nothing.
Phobos: And we would see if we hadn't collected an item of that set already.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
Deimos: ...what life? Honestly, his new existence would have been annihilate already were it not for us.
Phobos: We will do everything in our power to secure a crop.
28. What's your worst memory?
Deimos: He does not remember.
Phobos: If he did, he could not choose.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
Deimos: Irrelevant.
Phobos: He was rich in coin once, but that is gone.
30. Who raised you?
Deimos: One of the mysteries.
Phobos: Were they psychotically abusive, were they dead, or both? Or did something else lead him to the tearing of the Pale?
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
Deimos: He is unique as any other Memetim, with special abilities revolving around gravity. Were he conscious, they would probably be a blessing in comparison.
Phobos: We, on the other hand, are unique in only personality-controlling a Memetim is difficult, but any Outer can learn it.
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Deimos: Ending existence for him.
Phobos: Full bellies for us.
33. How do you deal with failure?
Deimos: I don't think he cares either way, does he, brother?
Phobos: I would agree there. We just learn from our mistakes.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
Deimos: That would be comforting, yes? Believing a Memetim was special in some way in life?
Phobos: Perhaps he was, and despair was born from disappointment?
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
Deimos: Wonder exactly what the insulter was smoking. Mindless monster, remember?
Phobos: We would be a little more responsive.
36. How did you get your name?
Deimos: Applied by those who fought him.
Phobos: Us as well. We Outer have names humans cannot comprehend.
37. What three tropes would give anyone a good idea of what you are?
Deimos: Perhaps shared among us, brother?
Phobos: I could not agree more.
- Emotion Eater: Deimos: He devours hope, trying to have the sensation he never felt in life.
Phobos: We feed on the resonance of despair left behind.
- Faux Affably Evil: Deimos: We are told that our banality towards the crop is frightening.
Phobos: From the crop's point of view, we are.
- Woobie, Destroyer of Worlds: Deimos: As with all Memetim. They are formed when a soul cannot cross the Veil to what lies beyond, but not because they possessed a purpose not to. Rather, they had no hope to guide them across, not one memory of happiness left uncorrupted by awfulness.
Phobos: And yet, he had a strong enough will to swim against the current. Tragic, really. Tragic, but useful.
38: What would you sacrifice for your country?
Deimos: A foolish question. He has no allegiance but that who can control him.
Phobos: We Outer do not have countries either. In fact, we're quite isolationist much of the time. Nonetheless, if there is a large enough bounty, we do not fight over it.
39: If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
Deimos: The ability to feel hope, we suspect.
Phobos: For us? A way to induce large-scale despair without causing the crop's destruction. That would make things far, far less difficult.
40: When do you feel your best?
Deimos: After a good meal.
Phobos: For all involved.
41: When was your first kiss?
...gone....
.....do not take....
42: What are your weaknesses?
Deimos: For one, he is very dim by human standards, and typical anti-undead measure drive him off.
Phobos: We are also quite physically weak, and have a hard time remaining in lower space for long periods.
44: How honest are you?
Deimos: Well, none of us can lie. He lost that ability, and Outer is based on concepts and thoughtforms, which cannot be faked.
Phobos: But make no mistake. We do know how to not speak truth at all, and to selectively reveal it to cause the most potent despair.
45: Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
Deimos: The trope list.
Phobos: It was nice being able to explain ourselves.
46: Have you ever been discriminated against?
Deimos: ...Explain the meaning.
Phobos: We might be able to use it.
47: How do you feel about your government?
Deimos: Again-no conscious mind, no culture.
Phobos: The closest we get it the chain of dominance.
48: What are the people you work with like?
...all lost....
....gold devours....
49: If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
Deimos: "Thank you", perhaps?
Phobos: We do not bother with such things.
50: What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
Deimos: Does it matter? He cannot make those moral decisions.
Phobos: By human standards, it's more of a landmark we pass on the daily commute to us.
51: Describe yourself.
...hollow....hungry....
Deimos and Phobos: Farmers of despair.
52: What would your last meal be?
Deimos: ...That is a rather pointless question. He eats hope, his last meal would be his executioner's relief.
Phobos: A juicy, succulent suicide pact would be nice for us.
53: Would you sacrifice your humanity for your loved ones?
(Blank Stare 3: Return of the Dude What?)
54: When you kill a man, do you ever try to justify your actions?
Deimos: I do not believe he cares.
Phobos: And death is simply the result of we trying too hard. Or as part of a plan to engender despair.
55: What is your berserk button?
Deimos: Riches seem to draw his attention more than anything. We do not know why.
Phobos: We do not like starvation.
56: What is your age in earth years?
Deimos: Well, he has been a Memetim for a decade.
Phobos: We would suspect that we have lived for sixty cycles of your planet.
57: What was your relationship with your parents like?
Deimos: Review question 30.
Phobos: And we Outer reproduce through shedding planula, so we raised each other-two from the same polyp.
58: What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
Deimos: Greetings, delicious friend.
Phobos: It will be fun to crack you open.
What rises must fall, what falls may rise again.
Right here
I admit that I had a soft spot for characters that had Medium Awareness, maybe it's the whole meta part. I still haven't understand his goals though, will he had any? Or would he be a Static Character?
I think that I'd like their banters, demonic characters are always interesting for me, would he always interact with the others by these two? Or that will be a moment where he finally speaks? Those moments could be very memorable, so make it into a special occasion.
Anyway, here's mine:
Answering as Joshua Jamison, previously appears here
1. How was your life at home?
- Ever since my parents' death, I was adopted along with my big and little brother by my uncle and aunt. I get along with my brothers, as well as my uncle and my aunt. Nothing interesting here.
- Doing as little as possible while achieving as average as possible.
- Philosophical questions aren't my cup of tea.
- I'm a mage, which means that I could conjure hard lights that could be shaped and sized on my own bidding. It's very versatile, from a simple makeshift flashlight to a spear or a body armor, I prefer barriers though.
- Having demons, monsters, and other creatures who wanted me for some reason certainly robs me of my other choices.
- I'm not going to convince you whether this is true or not, but ever since those angels and demons interfered with my life, I've fought weird creatures and spirits that just keeps popping on my academy's vicinity. I guess they're taking a liking to me.
- Being taken by either the angels or the demons or other parties, or being overworked.
- An talisman from my grandparents, they said that it brings good luck. While it may have something to do with my "miraculous" recovery when I was just a kid, my parents died on the same day. But it's still dear to me nevertheless, it's not cursed or anything.
- Gerald Werther. I knew him since we're just kids, he always stood up for me, caring me like his own little brother. Though he's getting cranky at me ever since we enrolled at the academy, probably because I surpassed his grades or that he secretly had a superiority complex. But whatever...
- Honestly...I had no idea.
- Listening to my headphones while reading a book on the sofa or the bed.
- My uncaring look.
- That would be Sam, she's so passionate about everything and constantly dragged me along with her antics. But whatever, variety is the spice of life after all.
- When I somehow got into both heaven and hell's target list right now? Yes.
- I met angels, fought demons, so yeah. But I couldn't care less about them.
- A neutral party content on leaving things as they are. I don't like messing the status quo.
- When life just goes on without any interference.
- The sort of guy who would do a great sacrifice for everyone else, as hard as that sounds, a lonely funeral's fine by me.
- Cars, obviously.
- Sloth. I'd conserve energy as much as I can.
- Doing my pastime above, followed by a nap.
- Probably cyan, a nice, relaxing colour.
- Make that frenemy, definitely Gerald.
- My own family and friends, I always admired the way they could express and feel different emotions and finding their joys in life.
- My ordinary life, back.
- Unless it involves someone that I know of, then it's not my business.
- My parents' death, our house burned to the ground with them still inside while I'm completely helpless at that time.
- Nothing special again, average.
- After my parents' death, uncle Nicholas and aunt Janine. They're a talented pair of historian and painter, respectively.
- Having mage powers are neat, minus the discriminations. But my acting talent on the other hand, I revel every moment of it. And whatever caused me on the heaven and hell's target list, now that's a curse.
- An average job and a loving family.
- By giving up at that point, but Gerald always stubbornly forced me to do it again until I succeed.
- No, I even checked my family line to show those wings and horns that I'm not The Chosen One or The Antichrist, they didn't listen to me much.
- My older brother was named Caleb by my parents, and they probably wanted to complete the name theming.
- Not my business.
- The happiness of my family and (few) friends.
- Fresh from the bed, or letting loose of my emotions on the stage.
- I had none, yet.
- My apathetic mind and my frail body.
- No.
- Brutal Honesty. I don't see the point of sugarcoating something.
- 25
- Yes, it comes with being a mage on this modern day world. Even then, other fellow mages on the academy would label me as a weirdo.
- I don't care about it.
- A really good offer, and that's all I could say.
- A brilliant, apathetic, stoic mage with an acting talent.
- Anything prepared by Sam herself.
- As much as I don't want to admit it, yes I would .
- Why would I?
- When someone resorts to threatening a family and loved ones.
- 15
- Doing something that's right, even when other people might disagree.
- Oh no...oh no, no, no! Tell me that you guys don't want me, please..
- Graduating the academy, building my relationship with Sam, mend things up with Gerald, be more social, and hopefully resolving the whole "me on heaven and hell's target list".
- When I was enrolled at the mage academy.
- Both Gerald and Sam said that it's either my static expression, or my eyes.
- My seemingly uncaring personality.
- I loved them, what else I could say?
- Anything, from the classical peroids to the new ages. Sam and I would often share our song collections.
- I'm not going to answer that, thank you very much.
- They're willing to put up a lot with me, and that's saying something. As well as trying to cheer me up as if I'm a grumpy old man.
- Yes, when I was 60.
- Accepting the talisman probably.
- Saving my parents, for reasons that should be obvious.
Seems like a pretty interesting character with cool powers. Love his apathy when he answers with "Whatever" 
. Did his opinion on life change after his parent's death?
Those questions were answered before he had his Character Development (At the start of the game). Throughout the game, his opinions on others and things in general will change along with the rest of the characters.
I'll probably be making a Questions sheet for him after his Character Development.
edited 21st Sep '13 6:10:29 AM by ironcommando
...eheh
Professional Writer & Amateur Scholar
There are something about his apathy that rubs me in the wrong way. I mean, he ran into troubles and he wants to stay out of it (not to mention that he's a teenager), but he doesn't seem to be a very likable figure to me.
Oh, and from last page:
@Little Billy - Thanks for such an in-depth critiques! You made me realize how incomplete his character is. I especially really liked how you pointed out "he seems to have an unbelievable amount of resources and skills at his disposal and yet seems to have decided against using any of them." I never thought about this (really important) bit until you pointed it out.
I'm a (socialist) professional writer serializing a WWII alternate history webnovel.
Right here
Yes, though he didn't remember much about his parents, it's one of the things that changed his personality and outlook, in a way.
As for I.C. , could he be a Wild Card that changes from one group to another in search of those who accepted him as a True Companion? Not to mention his supposedly Chaotic Neutral alignment and his Desperately Looking for a Purpose in Life impression.
Oh yes, it is my intention to make his apathy unlikeable at the start (and a justification for his Limited Social Circle), but this is his pre-Character Development self. There's also a spoilered justification on his uncaring outlook at life on the Heroes Critique Thread link above. I also made precautions in case he's too unlikeable as a main protagonist at the start of the story by making other characters as POV protagonists since the story had an Ensemble Cast.
edited 20th Sep '13 4:50:45 PM by Bleedingbreath
What should I put here?
Straight Copy paste from the other thread, I get the feeling I'll need to do some work with her, but let's see:
1. How was your life at home?
I didn't have a home, or at least I don't think I did. I recall a few voices that sound, I guess that's the right word, familiar. I really don't know. Can I pass this or something?
2. What's your main drive in life?
I don't have one. I don't even know why I get up in the morning, all we do is walk and talk.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
Finn's great. He's said that "There's some right [er, you know]* out there." So they must be bad.
- *that would be her doing the censoring, not me. For all it matters.
4. How do you fight?
Fight?! I don't. I'd be useless anyway; can't hit something if you can't see it... If we ever needed to fight, Finn would step up.
5. Why do you fight?
Well, yeah.
6. What do you fight?
Are you even paying attention?
7. What is your worst fear?
Being alone would be awful. For any reason. I don't think I'd last more than a few days by myself.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
I don't own anything other than my clothes and this stick.
9. Who is your closest friend?
Finn. He's great. I said that I doubt I'd last longer than a few days alone, and he's the only reason I'm here to say that now.
10. What is your outlook on love?
It's great, isn't it?
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Finn, if you get my meaning.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be.
That's not really a fair question to ask a blind girl, is it? Something happy, I guess.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
Finn. He's just great.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
Almost starving to death was scary. It can be scary when I annoy Finn too, but that's not as scary.
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
No. It's exactly that, mumbo-jumbo.
16. What's your alignment and why?
Alignment? What do you mean?
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
I wish it was warmer, and there was food.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
That's an awful question! How dare you!
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
Transport? We just walk everywhere, is there an alternative?
20. What is your favourite vice?
Vice? Goodness, I don't know; there's so many and they all make me sound bad. Gluttony, I suppose, though I never actually get enough food.
21. What do you do to relax?
Sleep. On Finn.
22. What is your favorite colour?
Go to hell.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
I don't have one. I only know Finn, and I could never consider him an enemy.
24. Whom do you most admire?
Finn, obviously. He saved my life, gets me food, talks to me... What else could I want?
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
Food. All the food I could eat, and then some.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Money?
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
I don't know. I've never had to risk my life, I couldn't possibly answer.
28. What's your worst memory?
I would say almost starving to death, but that's when I met Finn. Or rather, when he found me.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
Finan-cial-ly? Stop with the gibberish!
30. Who raised you?
I don't know, and if I did, I wouldn't tell you.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?'''
No, unless you consider my blindness, and that's far from a blessing.
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Food and Finn. Oh! And a nice, warm blanket.
33. How do you deal with failure?
I've yet to actually do something that can properly fail, so I don't know.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
How many times do I need to tell you, I don't know anyone other than Finn. Now stop asking stupid questions.
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
I don't even know what that means.
36. How did you get your name?
It's just what Finn calls me.
37. What three tropes would give anyone a good idea of what you are?
38: What would you sacrifice for your country?
Again with the gibberish.
39: If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
Food.
40: When do you feel your best?
Just on the verge of sleep, beside Finn. Sex is nice, but it's not the same.
41: When was your first kiss?
It was Finn. I don't know when, sometime in the past.
42: What are your weaknesses?
I'm not strong, and I'm blind.
43: If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it?
In my image? Is that a dig?
44: How honest are you?
I've never told a lie.
45: Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
What? They're questions. Just pick one that wasn't stupid.
46: Have you ever been discriminated against?
No.
47: How do you feel about your government?
This is getting really annoying.
48: If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
My last words? I'm not answering that.
49: What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
Seriously, what does this mean? I'm nice to Finn, why would I ever not be?
50. How would you describe yourself?
I'm me. I don't know. Go ask Finn if you want me described.
51.What would you choose as your last meal and why?
Anything.
52: Would you sacrifice your humanity in order to save the ones you love?
My humanity? I'd sacrifice anything for Finn.
53: When you kill a man, do you ever try to justify your actions?
I've never killed anyone, and I don't ever want to. I don't even want to meet anyone else.
54: What is your Berserk Button?
People asking stupid questions over and over.
55: What is your age in Earth years?
I don't know. I'm not sure how long I've even been with Finn.
56: What do you believe to be honour?
I don't even know what that is.
57: What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
I don't know. He seemed okay, but not as nice as Finn.
58: Where do hope to be/what do you hope to be doing in five years?
Anything, as long as it is with Finn.
59: What was your proudest moment?
I don't think I've ever been proud of anything. We don't do enough.
60: What is your most distinctive physical feature?
...
61: Can you sum up your entire worldview in one phrase?
No.
62: What is your most distinctive feature?
SERIOUSLY, stop it.
63: What was your relationship with your parents like?
I hate you.
64: What's your preferred kind of music?
Birdsong.
65: What turns you on sexually?
Finn; and certain aspects of him.
66: What are the people you work with like?
I don't work with anyone, but Finn's great, like I said so many times earlier. Pay attention.
67: Would you ever 'settle down'?
I don't know what you mean by this.
68: What event or choice brought you to where you are today?
I don't know. I don't really make choices, I just go with what Finn does.
69: You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
Something that I don't remember. I wouldn't change anything that's happened with Finn.
70: Who is most precious to you?
Finn.
71: Have you ever enjoyed violence? Be honest!
I've never been violent.
72: Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
That's it. I'm done with these stupid questions.
edited 20th Sep '13 5:07:44 PM by Majormarks
I write stuff sometimes. I also sometimes make youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/majormarks
I like her animalistic nature and bluntness, but her constant referencing to 'Finn' could annoy me after a while. Just try not to overdo it too much, but what you have so far sounds good.
- 1. How was your life at home?
- 2. What's your main drive in life?
- 3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
- 4. How do you fight?
- 5. Why do you fight?
- 6. What do you fight?
- 7. What is your worst fear?
- 8. What is your most treasured material possession?
- 9. Who is your closest friend?
- 10. What is your outlook on love?
- 11. What is your favorite pastime?
- 12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be.
- 13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
- 14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
- 15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
- 16. What's your alignment and why?
- 17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
- 18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
- 19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
- 20. What is your favorite vice?
- 21. What do you do to relax?
- 22. What is your favorite color?
- 23. Who is your worst enemy?
- 24. Whom do you most admire?
- 25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
- 26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
- 27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
- 28. What's your worst memory?
- 29. Are you financially rich or poor?
- 30. Who raised you?
- 31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
- 32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
- 33. How do you deal with failure?
- 34. Do you have any famous relatives?
- 35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
- 36. How did you get your name?
- 37. What four tropes would give anyone a good idea of what you are?
- 38: What would you sacrifice for your country?
- 39: If you could have anything, no strings attached, what would it be?
- 40: When do you feel your best?
- 41: When was your first kiss?
- 42: What are your weaknesses?
- 43: If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it?
- 44: How honest are you?
- 45: Have you ever been discriminated against?
- 46: Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
- 47: How do you feel about your government?
- 48: What are the people you work with like?
- 49: Describe yourself.
- 50: What would your last meal be?
- 51: If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
- 52: Would you sacrafice your humanity for your loved ones?
- 53: When you kill, do you try to justify it?
- 54: What is your Berserk Button?
- 55: What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
- 55: What is your age in earth years?
- 59: What turns you on sexually?
- 63: What was your relationship with your parents like?
- 64: Would you ever 'settle down'?
- 65: What is your most defining skill or skills?
- 66. What event or choice brought you to where you are today?
- 68. You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
- 69. Who is most precious to you?
- 72. Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
edited 20th Sep '13 7:25:44 PM by TheMuse
Impudent Upstart
First, some comments.
@The_Muse: Click for Comments
So, to be honest I’m having a hard time coming up with a coherent picture of Brent. I mean, ok, so he seems like a nice guy. He knows what he likes and isn’t ashamed of it, and he likes art, so that’s interesting. I guess I can say he’s just content with life, and perfectly happy to just let it happen to him. Nothing seems out of place, but then nothing seems ‘in place’ either. I couldn’t really point to a single answer and say ‘yeah, this is a good example of how Brent talks!’ It all comes off as somewhat generic.
One thing I notice is that I got very little details about the world he lives in, or the specific conflicts in his life from his answers. Except for witnessing a goat slaughtering and being given a gold chain, I can’t recall many specific details about his life.
@Lelial: Click for Comments
Baron Vetala had a very distinctive voice. No inconsistencies stood out to me, though I thought it was kind of amusing that he described his enemy as a simple ‘ass’. I get the impression that Jonah Orcinus must really fluster him, otherwise he’d probably come up with a more descriptive insult. He mentions being vain, and I can totally see this in the way the questions are answered, I feel he puts a great value on appearing well composed and impressive. I liked the way he talked about his parents, he kept his haughty voice, but didn’t outright disdain them. It makes it seem to me that he’s really defined by his drive to free the truth from the Confederacy, not just his own ego.
As for Phobos and Deimos, their interviews were a mix of fun and scary to read. You’ve created a really interesting disconnect between the casualness of their voice and their true natures. Not much to say about Dispater itself, except you’ve left some intriguing clues about its past life.
A minor critique, but I felt like the phrase ‘anti-undead weapon’ seemed out of place. I guess it seemed like the sort of thing these ‘Outers’ would have their own term for.
@Bleedingbreath: Click for Comments
I think you’ve got an interesting character here, though I’m not sure I got a very good impression of his voice. Not sure if this is what you were going for, but some of his answers struck me as though he was actively working at being apathetic, instead of actually just being apathetic. Like the second question, he states that doing nothing is pretty much his life goal, so it’s a conscious decision on his part? He sounded most distinctive in the answers that referenced another person (such as Sam or Gerald) or used his catch phrase. I found it impressive he said he didn’t care about the angels and demons who have been bothering him. That’s some dedicated apathy right there.
I like the way he called the angels and demons ‘horns’ and ‘wings’. Also I like that he likes acting, it was nice to see him finally feel excited about something.
@Majormarks: Click for Comments
When I first started reading Suesse’s responses, I got the impression that she might be a child. She sounded very immature in my mind, especially in her impatience at some of the questions which she was (understandably) unprepared to answer. She seems like the sort of character who’d I’d feel sympathy for at first, but might become annoyed with after a time. Probably more for her willingness to let this Finn character do all her thinking for her, than for her ignorance or immaturity, however. Underneath all this, though, her character had a strong personality. She has definite opinions on things and knows what they are, and she’ll let you know what she thinks!
I’m not sure how I felt about this Finn character she is obviously infatuated with. Maybe it’s because of her immaturity, but I started getting this skeezy feeling about the guy. Like, ok, maybe he’s very nice and helpful but I could also see him being a manipulative creep who deliberately keeps her isolated and ignorant. All in all an interesting dynamic, her relationship with him is obviously very important.
Overall though her characterization felt consistent to me. Nothing sounded really ‘off’.
Here is another character I just posted in the Questions Thread I'd appreciate some thoughts on:
1. How was your life at home?
Well, as my father always said, we never ate like nobles. Not that we never wanted for anything. I see now it was a good life, but I was a fool and chafed at the quiet. When the harkers came to tell us there was a war, I couldn’t wait to leave.
2. What's your main drive in life?
Keeping my orchard free of pests. It’s a job fit for a giant: every year it seems more and more weeds find their way past my wall, and all the young ones have left, save Eitri and Lilith, so there aren’t as many helping hands.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
I’ve never put much stock in such questions. I say we either decide what to make of ourselves, or we let others decide for us.
4. How do you fight?
Never again.
5. Why do you fight?
I don’t. I have no quarrel with any man, and I do my best not to start any.
6. What do you fight?
Rabbits and weeds.
7. What is your worst fear?
That I’ll wake up and find the forest has taken my orchard back.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
My straw hat, I’d say. It keeps the sun out of my eyes, and is masterfully weaved, so it doesn’t scratch my scalp.
9. Who is your closest friend?
All my companions have probably forgotten about ‘Big Vic’ after all these years. I suppose I’d say the old man of the woods, though he’s a bit sharp to be a proper friend. Still, he has a good heart, and after listening to children chatter all day it’s a balm to listen to some sense.
10. What is your outlook on love?
Just another missed opportunity.
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Cooking the food I’ve grown and raised. Makes me feel like a proper king.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A frown. It’s what I wear usually, smiling makes my eye hurt.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
Eh, I can’t think of any woman who’d want me. I never learned to be gentle.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
Plenty of times, during the war. I still think it’s a boon I only lost the eye.
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
Oh yes. You don’t fight shiro in the dark without learning a thing or two about magic. Not that all the tales are true, but just because the bull isn’t brown doesn’t mean it doesn’t have horns.
16. What's your alignment and why?
I suppose there’s a piece of paper somewhere saying I’m still a citizen of the Twelve Kingdoms. If they haven’t lost it that is. Way I see it, I’ll follow their laws and clean their roads but I’m not fighting in their wars again.
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
A place that’s quiet and green, where men can tend to their farms families without bother.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
A man who did more good than ill in the end, I suppose. Actually, I hope nobody says anything. I hope all the young ones are out in the world, too busy to pay a mind to my passing. It’d be for the best.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
There’s no noble luxury as fine as riding a well bred horse. They’re good companions, even if you’re not on their backs. I wish more men were as reasonable.
20. What is your favorite vice?
Every now and again I drink more than my ration of cider, but I’ve no time for serious vices. When I was younger I was quite the brawler. A bit unfair because of my height but, well, I wasn’t named ‘Victor’ for nothing.
21. What do you do to relax?
Knit a new cloak for the young ones. Mine aren’t as fine as what they make in Woll, but they’ve kept us plenty warm come winter time.
22. What is your favorite color?
The first pink of dawn. Let’s you know the suns about to be up again. There’s no color more welcome when you fight shiro.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
None. Those I fought are long dead, and the only beings who have a right to fear me nowadays are rabbits and squirrels.
24. Whom do you most admire?
The old man. It takes courage to welcome a stranger into your home, especially one who was about to take your head. Then on top of that he took those kids in too. It’s not something I’d have done, especially not with winter coming. I was sure there wasn’t going to be enough food, sure we couldn’t possibly keep them. Somehow we made it. He’s a crusty old bastard, but he doesn’t let that stop him from being decent. He’s as poor as a monk but gives like kings should.
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
I’d wish for these blasted weeds to stay on their side of the wall. Chasing off rabbits is one thing but my back isn’t what it used to be. Soon I’ll be helpless to stop them. Or maybe I'd wish Eitri some sense. The boy could use it.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Holler at them to come back and pick it up.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
Nothing I can think of. I’ve got all I need.
28. What's your worst memory?
The day I broke my oath. I’d sworn never to touch a weapon again but one of the children, Tyn, wouldn’t stop badgering me. He wanted me to teach him to use a blade. He wanted to protect his siblings. Well, after what they’d been through, how could I fault him? So I gave him my smaller blade and taught him to use it. He learned quickly, and soon he was wearing the sword around his waist like a regular hero.
I was a dragon blasted fool to let him keep it. You see, something dark followed those kids when they came to the forest. One by one they fought it and beat it, all save one. One of his siblings had, well, I guess you'd call it an accident. They weren’t in their right mind, attacked him in the forest. He acted just as I’d trained him, and we found him standing over the body, blood on his blade. He did the right thing, all things considered. Saved his own life, perhaps, and his younger brothers and sisters to. Still, I can’t help but think that maybe we’d have found a way to save them both if he hadn’t had the blade. Or perhaps I’m being a fool. Still, mark this, I’ll never touch a sword again.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
Poorer than most, we’ve got only the orchard and pond to feed us. If it weren’t for the runts and runaways from the nearby farms we’d all be a lot thinner.
30. Who raised you?
My parents, as well as my old grandmother. They were folks of few words, though I remember grandmother used to sing to us. Even today I can remember their faces, but I probably wouldn't be able to recall their voices.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
Well, not sure if you’d call it a talent, but I’ve always been strong. I was always saddled with the dirtiest jobs back home. Well, I mean, you don’t plow a field with a sheep just to give the ox a rest. I suppose it’s been a blessing, I’ve won a fair share of fights without even needing to strike a blow.
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Just a patch of earth and the peace to tend it. A little rain never hurts, of course.
33. How do you deal with failure?
You move along. You revive a parched land with sweat, not tears.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
Well, I had an uncle who was a famous drunk.
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
Sounds like they’ve said all that needs to be said.
36. How did you get your name?
When my mother gave birth to my brother and I, I was the first to leave the womb. My parents weren’t the most creative minds in the Twelve Kingdoms. They called me Victor, and named my brother Loser. Of course we just called him ‘Loose’.
37. What would you sacrifice for your country?
I’ve already given them an eye. I suppose I’d still be willing to give a piece of my mind, if they’d have it.
38. If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
A good sturdy horse. I’ve found lost cats, dogs, goats and lambs in the forest, even a piglet once, but I’ve yet to find a sturdy foal. It would make the trips to Woll faster, and would make a good companion.
39. When do you feel your best?
Just after the last harvest has been stored, and the cider is brewing. When summer is over, but winter hasn’t begun.
40. When was your first kiss? What was it like?
It was after I left home. We had had just been outfitted with arms and assigned our unit. We were marching north and stopped in Taerinth for the night when we saw some poor inn keeper’s daughter being harassed by a pair of sailors. I scared them away and she gave me a kiss for my trouble. My mates never let me live it down.
41. What are your weaknesses?
Well, what with my eye missing I’m not nearly as good a shot as I once was. Used to be I could peg a rabbit with a rock and skin it for dinner. Now I’m content if I can make them run.
42. If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it.
Eh, I wouldn’t know where to begin. My orchard’s enough work for me.
43. How honest would you say you are, with others and yourself?
We were always straight in my family. We said little, but we spoke the truth. I used to be like that, but found it makes you somewhat unpopular. So I took to saying even less.
44. Have you ever been discriminated against?
There were a couple of towns where they wouldn’t let me in the inns. Thought a man of my size looked like trouble, I suppose. My officers –nobles, mostly- seemed to cherish giving me the dirtiest jobs. I think they thought it was fun, ordering around a man nearly twice their size.
45. Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
28. About my worst memory. I forgot my oath once. Don’t want it to happen again.
46. What thought keeps you from giving into despair in the darkest of times?
The wall I built in the forest, surrounding my orchard and keeping it safe. Reminds me my hands are good for building things too.
47. What is worth not the risk, but the certain cost of your life?
Protecting the young ones. The world doesn’t need more old men, and each of them could be a hero.
48. What would you compromise your principles for?
I know I swore an oath, but it doesn’t take much imagination to picture me breaking it again. I’m not like the old man, my will has been broken before. So I’ll just say, to prevent something that would compromise them even more.
49. How do you feel about your government?
Can’t say it fills me with pride. Still, I think Hyro and the other twelve knew what they were doing when they made the laws. At least we’re not ruled as they are in the Old Kingdoms. Here, at least, the idiot nobles have to compete with the idiot commoners.
50. What are the people you work with like.
The old man can be an irritable bastard, but he’s got a good heart. He only had a tiny garden patch when I first arrived, but when he caught me scrounging he invited me to share what he had. He claims he’s regretted it ever since, but I’ll never forget what he did. He’s wise too, wiser than I’ll ever be. Some men are just born with it, I suppose. Most of the young ones have grown up and gone, save for Eitri and Lilith. The boy’s a laggard. Doesn’t want to do a lick of work, and would much rather spend his days staring at the sky. Don’t know what he’d do if it weren’t for us. He got it into his head that he wants to be a magician. The old man doesn’t discourage it, but I think he’d be better off learning something practical. As for Lilith, well, she’s smart as a whip and you couldn’t ask for a better helper. Never stops asking questions, and you can tell when she’s not satisfied with your answers. She’ll give you this look, this look that says ‘all right, I know you won’t tell me. But I’m going to figure it out anyway.’ She can smell a lie a mile away, that girl.
51. How would your character describe him/herself?
Tall, grey and tough. With less hair and eyes than he used to have.
52. What would you choose as your last meal and why?
Mashed vegetable stew, warm cider and roasted pork, all raised in my own orchard. It’d remind me I’d done something right, for once.
53. If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
Eh, I’m terrible with things like this. “Mind your siblings!” for the children, I suppose.
54. Would you sacrifice your humanity for your loved ones?
As sure as I am of anything. They’ve got fresh lives ahead of them, mine would be no loss. The old have no right to hoard life at the expense of the young. We had our chance, now it’s up to them.
55. When you kill, do you try to justify it?
I don’t kill, not any more. Used to do it because I was ordered to, and soon enough there was plenty of justification even without orders. Turns out it doesn’t matter. They’re probably just as justified in wanting to kill you, so where does that leave you? Better to leave swords out of it all together.
56. What is your Berserk Button?
Sloth, especially among those who should know better.
57. What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
Couldn’t tell you. But I’m sure there’s something. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that promises aren’t worth the breath it takes to utter them.
58. What is your age in earth years?
Let’s see, I was well over twenty when I left for war. I stayed there for a good eight years, eight years too many, then spent a year or two wandering until I found the old man. Took me at least two years to get my orchard planted, and now it’s been at least a decade and a half since we found the young ones. That would make me… too old.
59. What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
The mage-boy reminds me of Eitri. Kind of an idiot, but then he’s young.
Not sure what to make of that Baron Vetala fellow. I'd peg him as a scholar with that sort of talk. Probably a noble as well. Sounds like he's in neck deep in one of their causes.
I think I've heard the old man warn Eitri about beings like those two. Never would have guessed evil spirits would be so talkative, still, beings I'd probably want to avoid.
I'm glad this Suesse found somebody reliable to take care of her. We'd be better off if more folks looked out for each other.
60. Where do hope to be/what do you hope to be doing in five years?
If I’m not in the ground, what I’m doing now.
61. What was your proudest moment?
Once I didn’t think I could be prouder of anything than my orchard. But then I helped bring Lilith into the world. I’d never have thought I’d be able to do a thing like that.
62. What turns you on sexually?
I’ve lost my fire years ago, but I remember a day when the smell of wet hair would make me feel quite friendly.
63. Can you sum up your entire worldview in one phrase?
The world can be a nasty place. No need to make it worse.
64. What's your preferred kind of music.
While I’ve been much for singing, I’ve always been fond of Irfrin dancing songs, the kind they play in the inns after everyone’s had too much to drink. Never much for dancing myself, of course, but it could lift my spirits. Like wine for your ears. I’ve quite an ear for Kiro’s songs as well. It’s been too quiet here, now that he and his kin have left.
65. What is your most distinctive feature.
Used to be my size, I don’t think I’ve ever had to look sunward to see into a man’s eyes. Nowadays, though, it would be the missing eye.
66. What was your relationship with your parents like?
Quiet. There would be days when we wouldn’t say a word to one another. I don’t think we needed to, we had our way of speaking without talking, if you follow me. Now I’d say they were like a roof. I never took notice of them, but now that I’ve left them behind I can say I miss them dearly.
67. Would you ever 'settle down'?
Already have. Best decision of my life.
68. What is your most defining skill or skills?
My strength. It’s always been what others have noticed about me.
69. What event or choice brought you to where you are today.
The decision to leave the farm and seek my fortune fighting the shiro. Stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
70. If you found yourself in some other story, what kind of story would it be and why?
One of those bard songs, the ones that tell the fates of foolish men. I’ve lived enough of it already, now I’m just waiting for the trick ending.
71. What do you believe to be honour.
True honour, you say? None of that noble filth? Well, I’d say it’s as simple as sticking to your word. You think it sounds easy, but even in this forest I find it takes all my effort to keep.
72. You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
I’d never have given Tyn that sword. I’d have told him to leave it be, to help his siblings by feeding them and building sturdy places for them to live. I’ve done worse things, but I made that mistake after I thought I’d learned better.
73. Who is most precious to you?
All the young ones are dear to me, but I’ve got a special love for the youngest girl, Lilith. I’ve known her since she was brought into this world. Don’t know how I’ll manage when she goes to the elf realms with her sister and brothers. Maybe I’ll have a horse to keep me company by then.
74. Who is the one person from your past you miss most?
My brother, Loose. When I left to fight the shiro I figured he’d leave the farm with me. But he stayed behind and I can’t help but wonder just what he thinks of his brother now?
75. Have you ever enjoyed violence? Be honest!
Does a fish love swimming? There’s nothing quite like a good brawl. Gets your heart pounding, your courage flowing, even the air smells crisper. Nothing better for a young man’s constitution. Thought the war would feel the same, I suppose.
76. What did you do yesterday?
After I fed the menagerie, I hunted for Eitri and made him help me finish pruning the orchard. Then I told him to fetch firewood and went to check our nets in the pond. Came back to find Lilith lugging a whole pile of branches herself, so I found the boy again –he was counting the gills on the inside of a mushroom!- and I dragged him back and told him to help store the early vegetables. Well, they started to disappear so I figured he was doing his job, but when I came down to get supplies for dinner I found him sleeping in the corner. If I spent as much time working as I did herding him about I’d have turned this whole forest into the world’s biggest orchard by now!
77. Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
I know I’ve made a mess of things, and I know others will do worse some day. Still, if even I can make things grow, I think there’s got to be some hope for just about everybody.
edited 20th Sep '13 9:24:49 PM by LittleBillyHaggardy
Nobody wants to be a pawn in the game of life. What they don't realize is the game of life is Minesweeper.
What should I put here?
I like Victor, he seems like the kind of guy I could sit down and talk with without wanting to brain them. He's obviously fond of his proverbs, which works well with him not talking much, why explain yourself when a saying can do it for you? There's nothing overly spectacular about him, but he is believable. I get the feeling that I could bump into him in a pub.
Now, for Finn.
- It was alright, mother was a whore, but she put food on the table. Mostly.
2. What's your main drive in life?
- Fuck, I don't have a drive. I just want to stay away from other people. With the obvious exception of Süße.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
- People'll do whatever the fuck they like without law to hold them back. Fuck all of them, they can keep themselves, and I'll keep myself.
4. How do you fight?
- I've a handgun and a shotgun that I keep for good measure. I've not had to use it yet.
5. Why do you fight?
- I'd shoot any asshole that so much as looked at either of us wrong.
6. What do you fight?
- Hunger, mainly. Food's a real bitch to find; good food, that is.
7. What is your worst fear?
- Süße making me do something I'd regret. Sometimes she needs reminding.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
- That's a hard question, I don't have much to my name. I suppose my canteen, fresh water isn't easy to come by.
9. Who is your closest friend?
- Süße.
10. What is your outlook on love?
- I don’t have an outlook, I just roll with it. Süße seems to like it when I say I love her, so I do.
11. What is your favorite pastime?
- Walking. There's something satisfying about putting tangible space between us and them.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Does it matter? The damn girl's blind.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
- Pfff. Süße, I guess.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
- The first few miles were terrfying. I couldn't run, of course, that would have tired me out too fast.
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
- Fuck no.
16. What's your alignment and why?
- Alignment? What do you think this is?
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
- One with just me, and all the food I could eat.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
- Funeral? That's an optimistic notion. I would say that I want Süße to remember me in a certain way, but she'd be dead in a week without me.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
- Walking. I don't have much of a choice. I don't know shit about cars.
20. What is your favorite vice?
- Every now and then I find a nice store of booze. That's fuckin' great. Then again, fuckin' is fucking great too.
21. What do you do to relax?
- Süße, heh. Cigarettes are nice too.
22. What is your favorite color?
- Favourite colour? Nice deep blue.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
- People. That's all you're getting.
24. Whom do you most admire?
- Me. I mean, who the fuck else has done anything admirable? I had the decency to save a starving girl, rather than rape and shoot her; unlike some people I've met.
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
- Food.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
- What the fuck use do I have for money? I'd probably shoot the wanker that dropped it and take his boots. I need some new boots.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
- No.
28. What's your worst memory?
- The meth lab in our settlement went up one day. Mother didn't take that well. I still have the scars.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
- Starving.
30. Who raised you?
- My mother.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
- Compassion, does that count as a talent? I know full fucking well it's unique.
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
- Food, and no cunts for a 500 mile radius.
33. How do you deal with failure?
- Shoot the fucker that told me I failed.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
- My mother was the town whore. You bet your ass she was famous.
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
- "Fuck you."
36. How did you get your name?
- It's a name.
37. What would you sacrifice for your country?
- Nothing.
38. If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
- Food.
39. When do you feel your best?
- Just as I climb off Süße, if you catch my meaning.
40. When was your first kiss? What was it like?
- A long time ago. Nice.
41. What are your weaknesses?
- Sometimes I'm forced to use violence. That's not my fault though.
42. If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it.
- Yeah. We could do with some nice people for once.
43. How honest would you say you are, with others and yourself?
- Very honest. If someone fucks up, I tell them. If they deserve a punch, I punch them.
44. Have you ever been discriminated against?
- I'm the son of a whore. Take a wild guess.
45. Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
- 32.
46. What thought keeps you from giving into despair in the darkest of times?
- The darkest of times? What dickhead's writing these questions? I don't know, I normally punch something. Hard.
47. What is worth not the risk, but the certain cost of your life?
- Fuck all.
48. What would you compromise your principles for?
- What principles?
49. How do you feel about your government?
- What goverment?
50. What are the people you work with like.
- Süße's nice. I knew there was a reason I took her with me, even after it became clear she was utterly fucking useless for everything but conversation and sex. She can be naive, but that's not really a bad thing; it means I never have to tell her more'n a few times.
51. How would your character describe him/herself?
- The nicest person you'll ever fucking meet.
52. What would you choose as your last meal and why?
- The biggest fucking pig you can imagine. No, fuck the pig, I want a goddamn cow.
53. If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
- "Fuck you"?
54. Would you sacrifice your humanity for your loved ones?
- My humanity? What the fuck does that mean? I've got nothing in common with the rest of humanity, the cunts.
55. When you kill, do you try to justify it?
- I haven't yet.
56. What is your Berserk Button?
- People.
57. What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
- The Moral Event Horizon? Nothing. I'm me through and through, and I'll never not be.
58. What is your age in earth years?
- 30.
59. What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
- I bet he'd stab one or both of us. The "nice" ones are always the worst.
60. Where do hope to be/what do you hope to be doing in five years?
- Breathing. Walking. Fucking.
61. What was your proudest moment?
- First time Süße fell asleep on my shoulder, I was glad I'd brought her along. It took a few days to break her in, but we got there.
62. What turns you on sexually?
- Women. Most shapes, all sizes.
63. Can you sum up your entire worldview in one phrase?
- "Fuck it."
64. What's your preferred kind of music.
- Music? The last time I heard music was some smug fucker beating on tin cans back home.
65. What is your most distinctive feature.
- You'd have to ask Süße. Oh wait, heh.
66. What was your relationship with your parents like?
- I probably met my father. Probably. My mother was alright when she was high.
67. Would you ever 'settle down'?
- No. We'd run out of food pretty fucking fast.
68. What is your most defining skill or skills?
- My ability to care about other people who need it.
69. What event or choice brought you to where you are today.
- Finding Süße.
70. If you found yourself in some other story, what kind of story would it be and why?
- Something full of rainbows and glittery unicorn shit.
71. What do you believe to be honour.
- Fuck off.
72. You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
- I have to? Fuck, I don't know. I like where I am too much.
73. Who is most precious to you?
- Süße, but that's not saying much.
74. Who is the one person from your past you miss most?
- No one. Fuck them all.
75. Have you ever enjoyed violence? Be honest!
- Yes. I enjoy breaking a deserving face or ten.
76. What did you do yesterday?
- Woke up. Went into the town with Süße. Found food, water, alcohol and condoms. Left the town. Went to sleep in a rusted stationwagon on the road.
77. Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
- I don't know. Surely someone else should answer this?
edited 23rd Sep '13 8:10:54 PM by Majormarks
I write stuff sometimes. I also sometimes make youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/majormarks
Impudent Upstart
Thanks for the thoughts on Victor. 'Nothing spectacular' is actually what I was aiming for with him.
Now for Finn: I got a very strong sense of character reading his answers. His most obvious trait is his cynicism, especially when it comes to the whole rest of humanity (exception: Suesse). But there were more interesting things as well. He described himself as being compassionate or a good person in more than one answer. Now perhaps he was being sarcastic and this went over my head, but I definitely got the impression that even if he was joking there was a grain of truth in it. He holds himself above the rest of humanity, albeit only above the incredibly low standards he has already set for them. Depending on the nature of the setting he lives in, this may even be justified.
He also seems to have a set of double standards when it comes to violence. In the “Why, How, Who” questions he made it clear he’d shoot whoever so much as ‘looked at either of us wrong’ and later on he discusses enjoying breaking deserving faces. But then in the ‘Greatest Weakness’ question he discusses being ‘forced’ to use violence. I’m guessing that he’s referring to hurting Suesse, as I don’t get the impression he’d be bothered much about using violence against anyone else. This was an interesting bit of self criticism coming from him (even if he qualified it with a ‘not my fault’). His view seems to be, everyone is a terrible nasty fucker already so it doesn’t matter what I do except for a few (perhaps only one) exceptions. I did note that he said he’d never actually had to use his guns yet, so his violent attitude could simply be bravado.
My favorite answer, I think, was his response to the ‘Dropped Money’ question. Really sums up his regard for others, and drives home the desperate nature of the setting.
As with Suesse, his most intriguing traits come from his interaction with the other character. Suesse’s obsession with Finn is obviously not reciprocated. I mean, it is clear that Finn cares for her on some level. He values her for sex at least, and he views his caring for her as a good thing. However, she figures into his answers a lot less than he figures into hers. His ‘Perfect World’ question even explicitly mentions being ‘just me’. I can see this as meaning two things: he values her because she’s ‘proof’ that he’s a decent person, but he doesn’t really have much interest in her as a person (aside from the sex and companionship benefits). Or he really does care for her but it doesn’t come across due to his personality.
The sketchy undercurrent about their relationship I got from Suesse’s answers is present here as well. The biggest thing that stood out to me are the hints that he uses violence against her. As I mentioned earlier, I interpreted his reluctant violent answers as referring to Suesse specifically. He expresses regret, but immediately qualifies it with excuses (its either Suesse ‘making him’ do something he’ll regret, or being ‘forced’ to use violence) so he could very easily be an abusive partner who knows on some level his actions are wrong, but is quick to pin the blame for his actions on outside factors. And, given what he reveals about the setting, there are outside factors galore. That he clearly views her not as an equal, but more like a child or dependent, further reinforces this interpretation for me. Of course I could be way off as his answers are just vague enough to allow for interpretations.
Unless I picked up on something that really wasn't supposed to be there, I'd say all his answers seemed constant and in character.
edited 30th Sep '13 7:06:42 PM by LittleBillyHaggardy
Nobody wants to be a pawn in the game of life. What they don't realize is the game of life is Minesweeper.
To start off, I can tell that the kind of work Finn's from isn't my thing. Feel free to take everything I say with as much salt as you desire.
Finn's quite misanthropic. The sheer amount of mistrust for everyone makes me wonder if he's been betrayed some time in the past and, if he was, how bad it was. Even his relationship with Süße seems more concerned with her as a source of sex than her as a person. It's telling that the things that would make him most happy exclude her.
It's kind of hard for me to say anything more about him beyond angry and violent; those're just so overwhelming in his answers. Even his humor is intense sardonicism, rather than any other sort of joking or levity. It's kind of predictable, and I've seen it before. The levels it's taken to don't help things for me.
However, if nothing else, he's consistent about it. There's none of this "he's actually sweet on the inside once you get to know him" stuff. He really is that angry.
All right, here goes. Xavier Sunyo.
Pretty good. Not much to complain about. Stable. Can't really ask for much else.
2. What's your main drive in life?
Erm... not sure, actually. Probably to learn about the past. I mean, I'm an arcanoarchaeologist. And I'm pretty content with how I am right now. Except for the digs that involve bullets flying at me.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
No. Human nature is fundamentally too complex to be summed up as "good" or "evil". And don't you think that just talking about human nature is rather speciesist? Even if you included chimeras, though, my answer'd stay the same.
4. How do you fight?
With a sword, if I can get my hands on one. Or sword-equivalent, like a machete. In this age of bullets, it's kind of outdated, but it's the only thing I'm not terrible with. I'm glad that I don't need to use it more often.
5. Why do you fight?
Well, because people are trying to kill me, I... guess. I mean, it's not like fighting is a major part of my day-to-day life or anything.
6. What do you fight?
...Seriously, what's up with all these questions about fighting?
7. What is your worst fear?
That one day the stress — from any source — will be too much for me and I'll have to commit myself to a psych hospital. It just feels like I'd be losing some core value of myself.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
There's this one gold ring that's got a really nice emerald set in it. Quite beautiful. Probably worth a pretty penny, but I haven't gotten it appraised, and I'm never going to. It doesn't have any sentimental value or anything, just looks impressive.
9. Who is your closest friend?
Mai Xiang. She's the other arcanoarchaeologist at Whitefish, and we really know each other a lot. It's all strictly platonic, though.
10. What is your outlook on love?
That's kind of a vague question about a vague concept. Don't really think I can answer that. Pass.
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Either reading or fencing. Reading because it's calm and you can proceed at your own pace. Fencing for... kind of the opposite reasons, really. Sometimes you just need an adrenaline rush.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be.
If I had to, it'd probably be that one look of earnest interest when you're hearing about something that's just really grabbing you.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
Smart, pretty, all those clichés, although I really want someone who speaks her mind and has her own opinions. I want them to be their own person.
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
Too often. Been hunted by werewolves, stranded on an island with a sociopath and his mercenaries, attacked by a doomsday cult — several times, actually — and used as a pawn by a crime lord. I've asked the gods if they could please stop it, but neither of them seem to have heard me. Then again, I'm still alive, so...
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
Um. Seriously? Are you freaking kidding me? My job title is "arcanoarchaeologist". Arcanoarchaeologist. It's kind of the study of the use of "all that occult mumbo-jumbo" throughout history. I've used that mumbo-jumbo myself numerous times. Asking me if I believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo is like asking the Pope if he's Catholic.
16. What's your alignment and why?
Somewhere between lawful good and neutral good. I really try to keep to my and society's morals, but there are some situations where that really isn't an option.
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
...Never really thought about that before. Um... Primarily a place where no one needs to commit a crime just to stay on their feet. And the police are really good at catching criminals who do it just because.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
That I was a likeable person who tried to treat everyone with a shred of decency. Kinda bland, I know, but it's all I got right now.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
Trains. Planes and cars are too cramped and make my wings go numb. That feeling is terrible. Worse than wet socks. (What? Haven't you worn wet socks before?)
20. What is your favorite vice?
Gambling. Although I have a rule: don't take anything like credit cards or checkbooks, just in case, and bring no more than $500 in cash. Doesn't stop me from almost always walking out with less than a hundred, though.
21. What do you do to relax?
Depends on the mood I'm in, although I usually fly or read.
22. What is your favorite color?
Blue. Simple, goes with a lot of stuff.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
Haven't a goddamn clue. Am I supposed to keep tabs on my enemies or something? I'm a college professor, for crying out loud. I suppose Marion Rakivata, since she's one of the few of my enemies who hasn't wound up dead, and while she's in jail, she's still the head of a crime syndicate.
24. Whom do you most admire?
Isaac Newton. The guy was brilliant.
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
Beyond the usual "unlimited wishes" loophole that's probably been closed in every way you can imagine, that my life would never be in serious danger. Nor the lives of those around me, now that I think about it.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Tell them about it and try to give it back. Although if someone lost that much money that easily, it's probably a test or something. Or the guy's stinking rich anyway and wouldn't care. I'd still try to give it back, though.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
Probably not. Although I've risked my life a few times to prevent something from happening, so I dunno. We are talking material possessions here, right? Like I said, probably not.
28. What's your worst memory?
Well, there was one time when I was taken by surprise by someone who wanted to kill me, and I panicked and went for a telekinetic neck-snap; y-you know, those always kill instantly in the movies. B-but in the real world, it j-just... s-so I had to... N-next question, please.
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
Middle-class.
30. Who raised you?
My parents.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
I know a significant amount of languages, although a good chunk of them are dead. Still, blessing. Not a lot of people can speak Quechua (here, anyway).
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Not completely sure, but privacy's a big part of that. Oh, and independence. Of authorities, of aid programs, of most things.
33. How do you deal with failure?
Accept it and move on. There really isn't much use living in the past. Sometimes, though, if it was big, I mope about it for a few days.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
Not exactly famous, but great-great-grandfather helped design Stonehenge. Very few people have heard of him, specifically, though, so I kind of doubt this counts. It's an observatory, by the way. Meant to test astrology. Turns out divination's a load of crap. (Bet the psychics didn't see that coming!)
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
Pah ha ha, yeah, right. Your definition of "Mary Sue" must be different than mine.
36. How did you get your name?
Original? My parents liked the name "Kivern", so that's what they gave me. Current? After the Emergence, I knew I'd fit in better to human society if I had a human name. "Xavier" was close to "Kivern" and I liked it, so I picked it.
37. What three tropes would give anyone a good idea of what you are?
Well, um...
- Adventurer Archaeologist, although I'd really prefer that the "adventurer" part be left off.
- Classical Antihero. I'm kind of a wuss.
- Action Survivor. See above and add in a general lack of combat skills, since fencing doesn't compare well to real swordfighting.
38: What would you sacrifice for your country?
I don't know, honestly. What exactly is gained if I sacrifice the whatever?
39: If you could have anything, no strings attached, what would it be?
Safety. Or a jacuzzi. Can't decide right now, and while safety would be good, I really want a jacuzzi, but they're a bit too expensive for my tastes.
40: When do you feel your best?
When I'm helping someone in some way. It just feels really good to see someone succeed. Either that, or when I've just been through hell and I know I'm safe now. It's almost intoxicating, hanging on by the skin of your teeth and coming out on top. Almost.
41: When was your first kiss?
I don't kiss. Snouts aren't designed for it, and it comes out quite... French, if you know what I mean. Too intimate for me.
42: What are your weaknesses?
Well, I'm... kinda vain, to be honest. And there are times when I stress easily. Probably more that aren't coming to mind right now. Are these weakness combat weaknesses, psychological, emotional, physical, what?
43: If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it?
No. I don't know what's best for people.
44: How honest are you?
Pretty honest. I don't really see the value in this question, though, since I can't think of many liars that would actively tell you they're liars unless you already know they're a liar.
45: Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
Probably the "worst memory" one. The things people remember badly can tell you a lot about them.
46: Have you ever been discriminated against?
Yeah. Kinda comes with the territory of being a chimera. Mostly, it's not bad, except for the one time I almost got lynched by a bunch of drunk Klansmen.
47: How do you feel about your government?
Politicians are stupid. It's like, the moment you become a politician, your IQ gets halved or something. And not just American ones, this is all over the world.
48: If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
Depends on how I'm dying. If I'm getting killed by someone, some observation that really cuts my killer deep.
49: What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
No clue. And it'd probably feel justified to me, so I wouldn't look like I crossed it.
50: How would you describe yourself?
An arcanoarchaeologist at a college out in the middle of nowhere.
51: What would you choose as your last meal and why?
Chicken cordon bleu. It's simple, but I think it's amazing.
52: Would you sacrifice your humanity in order to save the ones you love?
I don't have any humanity to sacrifice. My draconity, on the other hand, probably.
53: When you kill a man, do you ever try to justify your actions?
Only as a knee-jerk reaction. Whenever I think back on it later, most of my excuses seem weak. Does this happen often enough among people that you need to include this question?
54: What is your Berserk Button?
Dunno. Used to be speciesist slurs, but I've grown out of those. I'm kind of mellow.
55: What is your age in Earth years?
633.
56: What was your relationship with your parents like?
Good, loving, and uneventful.
57: What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
Um... Noooooooo comment...
58: Where do hope to be/what do you hope to be doing in five years?
What I'm doing now. I like my life as it is, thank you very much.
59: What was your proudest moment?
Telekinetically ripping a jet engine from a plane. It left me in a coma for three days and gave me temporary anterograde amnesia, but I ripped a jet engine from a plane. It's got several hundred thousand hits on YouTube.
60: What is your most distinctive physical feature?
My missing eye. Although it's a bit more damaging than most people think, since you're missing like a third of your vision. I need to turn my head a bit to one side to keep everything in view. On the other hand, I have to admit that it does make me look kind of sexy. In my view, anyway.
61: Can you sum up your entire worldview in one phrase?
No. Attempting to sum up everything into a single sentence would leave you with one hell of a run-on sentence.
62: What's your preferred kind of music?
Drum 'n' bass.
63: What turns you on sexually?
Heh heh... pass.
64. Would you ever 'settle down'?
I keep trying to settle down, but fate keeps bashing me over the head and throwing me into danger every few years.
65. What event or choice brought you to where you are today?
Studying to become an arcanoarchaeologist, I guess. I mean, there isn't really one single event that's shaped my life.
66. If you found yourself in some other story, what kind of story would it be and why?
Slice of life. Less chance of getting killed, no matter how infrequent it is now. Unless it's a really fucked up slice of life.
67. What do you believe to be honor?
Sticking to your morals and keeping your word. If you're willing to throw away who you are just to get ahead, then you're not really someone who can be depended upon.
68. You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
I don't know. I mean, I can't really tell how any single event would change me that much, and I don't know if it's for the better or worse. Can I make an incredibly small change, like wearing a red shirt instead of a blue one? Maybe my conception, so that I get better genes and grow up taller, but everything else stays the same.
69. Who is most precious to you?
Erm... precious? Probably Rokael Metun. She's been there for me in my worst moments.
70. Who is the one person from your past you miss most?
Sento Lemhari. Old metallurgy/smithing master. Great fun to be around, had these crazy stories, told good jokes, listened to you when you needed to get something off your chest. I was really sad when he died, even if it was of old age.
71. Have you ever enjoyed violence? Be honest!
NO.
72. What did you do yesterday?
Gave some lectures, graded some tests. Not much, really. I'm a teacher; uneventful is fine by me.
73. Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
Mostly idealist, but there's some cynicism coming in. I've seen a lot of trouble in the world, but at the same time, it's all bad, or even mostly bad.
edited 28th Sep '13 7:58:34 PM by TeraChimera
What should I put here?
@Billy
Thanks for that, and all the comments you've left about my other characters here. You're great at picking characters apart and spotting stuff that I hadn't even noticed I'd included. I feel almost guilty that I couldn't reciprocate in kind with my comments about Victor.
@Tera
You seem to have seen what I was going for, which is always great to see. I don't want the reader to rally behind him as a paragon of morality or anything of the sort.
As for Xavier,
- 4 - Swords in settings that involve guns aren't always a great idea. It's entirely possible to do it right, but I'd advise treading carefully.
- 8 - Is there a reason it hasn't been appraised? If it's a family heirloom or something, surely he'd refer to it as "my mother's ring"?
- 14 - I feel as though someone that's been through all this would have picked up how to use a handgun. He might not be as good as he is with a blade, but you've gotta admit that projectiles have serious advantages over melee.
- 15 - While a very fitting comparison, would Xavier know who the Pope is? Does he exist in this world? You've referenced a pair of gods and magic, which suggests your story isn't set on earth; but then again, maybe I'm wrong.
- 24 - Isaac Newton makes the answer to the above quite clear. I would point out that readers might get disorientated; you know how the creepiest stuff is monsters that look almost human? A setting that is exactly like Earth but with a few major changes could prove a bit too weird. That's all down to execution, though.
- 28 - That's a pretty quick change from "sure, let me tell you about it" to "let's move on".
- 31 - Generally, you don't speak dead languages, because no one is around to tell you how to pronounce stuff. You can speak latin because so much of it is still around in modern languages, ancient Greek on the other hand... Minor point, but you know.
- 36 - Personally, I wouldn't say Xavier is close to Kivern; unless Xavier's species is like Icelandic, where they have the same alphabet, but with some differing pronounciation for the letters. If it's a romanisation/they both speak english, I don't know.
I feel like that's kinda nit-picky, but that's a sign that you're not making any massive mistakes. You seem to know who he is and what he's doing, I got some interesting Indiana Jones vibes off him, but not enough to make me call "RIP OFF" or anything.
Right here
@ Little Billy - Thank you for your comments (you're very good at giving excellent constructive criticisms IMO), and yes, being a Lazy Bum is his life goal (somewhat). Some character development would fix that later on. As for Victor, he seems to be an old, world weary guy who had Seen It All and looking for a nice and quiet life. What's his role on the story? His characteristics would make a good mentor or even a storyteller for the young ones.
Finn seems like a lively Anti-Hero for me, I guess you should be careful on making him too unsympathetic and making the readers dislike him. What does Suess' role on his life other than the ones you mentioned?
I can see that Xavier's a good person, and that he's a very competent archaeologist. As Majormarks mentioned above me, while archaeologists are almost always associated with Indy, yours seems to be remarkably different than him. Also, since he's also a teacher/lecturer from what I can get from the Q&A, what happened to his class while he's out for adventuring?
Currently planning for my next character, but I reckon it'd take some time.
I'm aiming for a realistic tone for his story, so his adventures technically aren't adventures per se; they're more ordinary, university-sponsored digs that go awry in some way. While he's out on a dig, he appoints a substitute of some kind.
Impudent Upstart
@Major Marks: You're welcome, though I'm sure sometimes I see stuff that isn't really there. Also no worries about the critique length. If there's nothing much to say then there's nothing much to say.
@Bleedingbreath: Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful. As for Victor, he is indeed a mentor figure for the younger protagonist (Eitri). He serves as the voice of experience throughout the story, after he's forced to venture into the world again.
@Tera Chimera: some thoughts:
One of the first things that struck me about Xavier was his voice. His answers were all given in a very casual, expressive tone that I’d associate more with a teenager or young adult than a college professor. Not that there’s anything wrong with him being unorthodox, of course. The other big thing I noticed was his intelligence, which I think you showed well in his analytical responses to the questions, especially when he answered with a question of his own, or talked through his reasoning behind his answers. There were some inconsistencies in his voice I noticed, mostly in terms of his level of emotion. He seems very reserved in some questions, and quite excitable in others. For example, he seems very enthusiastic about his telekinetic plane ownage, and is very firm about not enjoying violence, but then he sort of casually mentions almost getting killed by racists as though it’s no big deal. Perhaps he’s just the sort to accentuate the positive, or just gets excited about a few specific subjects, but it struck me as somewhat random.
I got some ‘Indiana Jones’ vibes as well, but I like the ‘reluctant adventurer’ role you’re giving him. I did get the impression that perhaps he enjoys his brushes with adventure a little more than his reluctant answers would suggest. Only the ‘worst memory’ response really suggested otherwise strongly to me. Also, I think you did a good job of integrating his being a chimera into a good number of the answers. The fact that he has telekinetic powers was a little less fleshed out, though I suppose if it’s a power he’s always had he wouldn’t call much attention to it. He certainly knows a lot of people with interesting names.
I think he's interesting, and not just because he's a dragon-man with telekinesis. Maybe relook at a few details, but unless anything I said seems way off the mark I think you've got him down fairly well.
Here is another character of mine I posted in the 'Questions' Thread a few days back. He's a secondary character in my main story, but features more prominently in the short story I posted in the con-crit thread:
Now answering is Averice, a typical bird man who is one of Vlenn's current companions.
1. How was your life at home?
Lousy. Loud, dirty, stinky, I hated it. There was never enough to eat, and somebody was always ready to snatch what you did have. And the screeching! There was always some idiot screeching at somebody or another for no dragon blasted reason. It was impossible to get a decent night’s sleep.
2. What's your main drive in life?
Keeping myself fat and free.
3. Do you believe that human nature is fundamentally good or fundamentally evil?
Fundamentally stupid, that’s what I think. I think the lot of them are jealous they don’t have wings. Can’t say I blame them.
4. How do you fight?
With my talons and beak. They’re sharp as any dagger you wingless ones can forge.
5. Why do you fight?
Usually because some dragon blasted fools trying to steal my food. That or they think I look like food myself.
6. What do you fight?
Anything that messes with me I think I can beat. Otherwise, what’s the point?
7. What is your worst fear?
That I’ll lose my wings and have to spend the rest of my days crawling on the ground, like the wretched wingless ones.
8. What is your most treasured material possession?
Well, I am partial to this cloak I suppose. Keeps me warm, but I wouldn’t shed any tears if I lost it.
9. Who is your closest friend?
I’d say Vlenn. For a wingless one she’s got a great deal of sense. Not that that’s saying much, mind you, but she’s got a knack for finding food, so we make a good team.
10. What is your outlook on love?
Love is a wingless delusion. It’s all a trick those dull feathered female schemers pull to make you share your food with them.
11. What is your favorite pastime?
Flying. Not for hunting or scouting or anything, just flying for the sake of feeling the sun on my feathers and watching the wingless ones crawl along beneath me.
12. If you could have one facial expression for the rest of your life, what would it be?
What a stupid question! Why would I care? I’d never see it.
13. Describe your ideal love interest, or explain your lack of interest.
Why would I want to take a mate? Then I’d have to build a nest, and help her protect it, and before you know it we’d have a bunch of greedy little bastards to feed. No thank you!
14. Have you ever thought you were neck-deep in trouble?
I was born neck deep in trouble. The worst I’d say was that time I stopped to hunt that black cat. How was I supposed to know it was a shira witch in disguise? Next thing I knew I was in a cage, and she was cackling about using my entrails to read a young man’s fortune. If it weren’t for Vlenn and Saddowsai, I’d have been finished.
15. Do you believe in all that occult mumbo-jumbo?
Eh, I think it’s mostly wingless trickery and empty squawking. But I know that shiroean magic is real, and that’s more than enough for me!
16. What's your alignment and why?
I don’t owe anybody anything.
17. Describe your idea of a perfect world.
One filled with tall cliffs and trees, with oceans and fields overflowing with fat rodents and lazy fish. No cities, no people, no other birds, just fields of food, a breeze to drift on, and the sun to keep my wings warm.
18. What sort of impression do you want to leave as a person? What would you like for people to say about you at your funeral?
Impression? I want people to think I was the fastest bird man they ever saw. I want them to shake their fists and curse the fact that they could never catch me. I don’t give a rat’s tail what they say at my funeral. Who cares? I won’t be there.
19. What is your preferred type of long-range transportation?
My own two wings. But if we’re talking the sorts of things those wingless ones build, then I like ships, especially the sorts with masts. They’re like floating perches! Not only that, but you’re surrounded by fresh fish.
20. What is your favorite vice?
Well, I guess since you wingless ones are always talking about eating as though it were a crime, then that. Personally, I think all ‘vices’ are just talents others are jealous of.
21. What do you do to relax?
Drift along and look for something easy to catch and eat. Otherwise I’ll sun my wings.
22. What is your favorite color?
Whatever color my feathers are. I think Vlenn called them ‘blueish grey’.
23. Who is your worst enemy?
Worst enemy? Haven’t got any. I try not to stick around when I’ve annoyed people. I suppose it would be Saddowsai. She isn’t fond of me, and believe me, the feeling is mutual. I think she’s jealous of my wings.
24. Whom do you most admire?
Who is there to admire? You wingless ones are stupid at best and dangerous at worst, and all other bird men are loud and greedy. If anything, they should all admire me.
25. If you could have one wish granted, what would it be?
Waterproof feathers. Nothing’s worse than being forced to land because your wings are waterlogged.
26. If someone dropped a large sum of money and no one was looking, what would you do?
Take it and fly off! If I know anything about wingless ones, it’s that they love stuff that’s useless and shiny, so having a bit of money around could be handy.
27. Is there anything you would risk your life to get?
Sure, food! No use waiting around to starve.
28. What's your worst memory?
Sitting in my own filth back in the nest, trying to get some sleep while all the other idiots are screeching and fighting, and being hungry on top of it all!
29. Are you financially rich or poor?
What a wingless question! Poor, I suppose, but I don’t have much use for money anyway.
30. Who raised you?
My brother. What an idiot! He was an odd egg, let me tell you. He was born with the strongest set of wings in our entire aerie, but for some reason he acted like a she-bird! He covered his wings with mud and dirt so they’d be brown like the other females. Then he started clucking about and waiting for the others to make a nest for him. Of course they wouldn’t have that! They chased him away. So what did the idiot do? He made a nest for himself! He built it all on his own then just sat in it, as though expecting to lay his own eggs!
Of course he couldn’t, so he went ahead and did the next best thing. He went from nest to nest and stole late born hatchlings. That’s how he found me. I couldn’t make it out of my egg, you see, and my brothers and sisters, the greedy bastards, had pushed me out of the nest so they could have more food. Anyway, my brother jumped in and took me to his nest and then raised me like his own. A few years later he stole another hatchling, my sister. Raised us both. Don’t know why the dope felt like he should do it, but I wouldn’t be alive without him.
31. Do you have any unique talents? Do you consider them a blessing or a curse?
Talents? Well, flying is certainly a talent of mine. Not just that I can do it- any mangy pigeon can fly!- but I’m good at it. The best. Even when I was with my brother and sister, they knew it. My sister was the smartest, my brother the strongest but me? The best flyer. Why would it ever be a curse?
32. What's the minimum you need for a happy life?
Plenty of delicious animals to hunt.
33. How do you deal with failure?
I get out of there as quick as I can. No use trying to save a lost cause, fly away and try again another day.
34. Do you have any famous relatives?
I don’t even know who my relatives are. We bird men don’t waste time remembering stuff our long-dead ancestors did. That’s what you wingless ones specialize in.
35. What would you say to being told that you are a Mary Sue (regardless of whether this is true or not)?
Saying who in the what now?
36. How did you get your name?
My brother gave it to me, I guess. I think he thought it sounded impressive or something. He was odd, that one.
37. What would you sacrifice for your country?
Nothing, even if I had a country. Who wants to lose anything for a stinking piece of land or family of nobles?
38. If you could have anything, no string attached, what would it be?
A dead whale. I found one on a beach once… I didn’t have to hunt for food for a whole month! It only tasted ok, but it attracted whole armies of delicious crabs and smaller birds! Or perhaps two dead whales…
39. When do you feel your best?
When I’m flying high in the sky, and I can look down and see some wingless ones beneath me, walking. Especially when I know that they can see me.
40. When was your first kiss? What was it like?
- Clacks beak* “When was your first kiss?” Don’t be an idiot.
41. What are your weaknesses?
Well, I hate flying in the rain. It gets my wings wet, and makes them so heavy I can barely lift them. Also arrows. Never mess with human archers, that’s what I’ve learned. They’re uncanny with those things.
42. If you had a chance to remake the world in your own image, would you do it?
Why would I want to? The world’s already set up so those of us with wings come out on top. No need to improve a good situation.
43. How honest would you say you are, with others and yourself?
Honesty? Sounds like a wingless notion. I’m honest when it won’t get me killed, and otherwise I’ll say what I please.
44. Have you ever been discriminated against?
Well, we bird folk aren’t exactly popular for some reason. I’ve been chased from my share of villages, stones thrown at me, stuff like that. Just jealous I suppose.
45. Which of these questions did you consider to be the most important?
The one about my talents. It’s always nice to remember.
46. What thought keeps you from giving into despair in the darkest of times?
That I can just spread my wings and fly away from this mess if it ever gets too bad. I keep reminding Vlenn and Saddowsai, but they never seem to take the hint.
47. What is worth not the risk, but the certain cost of your life?
Nothing I can think of.
48. What would you compromise your principles for?
Again, I leave principles to the wingless ones. You mean, what would I give up food for? My life I suppose. If I had to pick, being alive and hungry is typically better than being dead and … well. Probably still hungry.
49. How do you feel about your government?
Don’t have one. I dwell in the Twelve Kingdoms though. It’s filled with wingless, nothing special. They all follow silly laws and run around scratching food from the earth. Sometimes they put out bounties for beast folk like me, so they’re more a bother than not.
50. What are the people you work with like?
Vlenn’s all right, for a wingless one. She let me out of the witch’s cage, after all. Not only that but she’s pretty smart. She knows how to get food and avoid danger. She’s got some stupid notions though, like most wingless ones. She seems to have something against stealing, at least usually, which is just plain foolish. She says she’s on some sort of journey, and I’m just along for the ride. The place is supposed to be a center of riches and wealth so there’s bound to be scraps for a bird like me.
As for Saddowsai, well, she’s as pleasant as a cold gust on a stormy night. Always quiet and sulking in the darkness, sharpening her knives and glaring at you if you so much as breath too loudly. When she speaks it’s not reassuring either. If she’s not telling you to shut up, she’s reminding us about how easy it is to die, or something equally cheerful. She’s a shiroean, in case you couldn’t guess. Vlenn thinks she’s all right, but if I had a choice I’d leave her behind. Nothing good comes with meddling with their kind, they’ve got magic in their veins. Scary magic.
51. How would your character describe him/herself?
A creature with brilliant plumage, and a magnificent wingspan, fish catcher and sheep snatcher extraordinaire.
52. What would you choose as your last meal and why?
Fish. A whole pile of fresh fish, live and flopping. None of that wingless cooking ruining their flavors.
53. If you could pick your Famous Last Words, what would they be?
An earsplitting warscreech. I’d make whoever got me go deaf if I could. If I could gouge out their eyes too, I’d do that as well.
54. Would you sacrifice your humanity for your loved ones.
Can’t sacrifice what you don’t have. Especially not to save something you don’t have.
55. When you kill, do you try to justify it?
Why bother? I was either hungry, or they started it!
56. What is your Berserk Button?
I don’t like it when people steal what’s mine. Touch it and I’ll take a finger as recompense.
57. What would drive you over the Moral Event Horizon?
Drive over a what? I don’t think us beast folk have those.
58. What is your age in earth years?
Who knows? We bird men don’t waste our precious days counting the stars or watching the sun. How do you know some years aren’t a little longer than others anyway? You can’t control the winds or the rain, who’s to say the stars are any more reliable? There’s no way to be sure. Better to just enjoy life as you have it.
59. What is your impression of the above character, based on their responses?
A dragon man eh? Can't say I've ever met one of those. Think I'll keep it that way. Doubt he'd be able to out fly me though.
60. Where do hope to be/what do you hope to be doing in five years?
Flying, or eating something delicious.
61. What was your proudest moment?
Once, after I finally left my nest and lost my brother and sister, I was taken on by a group of wingless ones as a look out and scout. They were pirates of some sort I think. Anyway, they didn’t plan accordingly and ran out of food in the middle of the sea. They weren’t any good at fishing, so they decided that I would make a good meal. The idiots forgot I could fly! Watching their faces as I flew away was the best I’ve ever felt. Greedy bastards. Hope they ate each other.
62. What turns you on sexually?
I told you before, I don’t fall for the whole nut brown plumage and soft warbling tricks.
63. Can you sum up your entire worldview in one phrase?
Sure, those who fly look down on those who can’t.
64. What's your preferred kind of music?
My own. None of that wingless groaning or twanging for me, thanks.
65. What is your most distinctive feature?
My magnificent plumage. Don’t think I’ve ever met another bird man with quite the same color.
66. What was your relationship with your parents like?
Brief. They laid my egg and left me to my siblings. If it hadn’t been for my idiot brother I’d have been pecked to death and eaten.
As for my brother, well, he was a bit dim, but very strong. He looked out for my sister and I as though we were his own hatchlings. Tried to keep us fed, but we usually went to sleep hungry. When we were old enough to fly he took us out of that filth encrusted place. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand what possessed him to risk his life for us like that, but I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him, so he was all right by my sight.
67. Would you ever 'settle down'?
What a wingless thing to ask. Not unless all the food vanished everywhere else in the world.
68. What is your most defining skill or skills?
My flight, for sure. I’ve not met another being who can fly as fast as I.
69. What event or choice brought you to where you are today?
Going after a boar that was hanging from a tree. My sister was right, it had no business being there. Not like I had a choice though, we hadn’t had anything to eat for a whole day! Well, turns out some unusually clever wingless one had set it up as a trap. Next thing I know arrows and nets are flying our way. I only just got away. Not sure what happened to my brother or sister. I’d probably still be with them if it weren’t for that.
70. If you found yourself in some other story, what kind of story would it be and why?
I’d be in one of those ballads, the kind wingless ones tell each other. They’d talk about how they never caught me, and how I stole fifty sheep every year.
71. What do you believe to be honour?
Just some wingless word. I think it means risking your life for another being, or something stupid like that.
72. You have to change one major event in your past. What do you pick and why?
Probably would never have taken the bait all those years ago. I knew it smelled weird and my sister said not to touch it. Really should have listened to her.
73. Who is most precious to you?
Vlenn I suppose. She freed me from a cage and we help each other stay fed. She’s not half as clever as my sister was, but for a wingless one she’s decent company.
74. Who is the one person from your past you miss most?
My brother, I guess. He was big and strong and didn’t mind doing his fair share of the work, while Vlenn and Saddowsai expect me to do all the scouting and searching for them. Wouldn’t mind having my sister around again either. She was greedy and snappish, but at least she understood what it was like to fly.
75. Have you ever enjoyed violence? Be honest!
Of course! Nothing feels better than snapping up some furry little morsel in your claws.
76. What did you do yesterday?
I flew in circles, scouting about for the next village. While I was at it I caught us a pair of rabbits for dinner. Honestly, I don’t know what those wingless ones would do if it weren’t for me. We’re heading north, which I’m not too happy about, but I’ve survived winters before.
77. Where on the scale of idealism and cynicism do you stand?
Another lot of wingless notions. I’ll perch wherever it’s most comfortable.
Eitri is immensely naive. It's very realistic for a boy who's been with a small group of people for the majority of his life. I'm torn between wishing he never loses that positive outlook and hoping he gets the experience he really does need. He is a farm boy, and nothing wrong with that but it may look cliché. He's nice and I like him. The potential growth for his character throughout the story isn't new, but I'd enjoy seeing it.
![[up]](https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/smiles/arrow_up.png "[up]")
I'll admit I'm biased because I love villains with a cause, but he's the best kind of Visionary Villain. He's sympathetic for a moment and then reality comes back. I think the Baron might have some people Rooting for the Empire because he isn't a classic villain and he's human. His response to question 66 was great. He's not new either, but that doesn't make him any less interesting.
RISE