"Lil' ol me? Why thank you mysterious shadow friend - and perhaps come out of the shadows and let's chat about that, hm? Can't risk it getting out that I'm a decent human being. I have a reputation as a pain in the ass to maintain." He grinned playfully, offered a wink, and twirled an unlit cigar between his fingers before wandering off.
Things had been too quiet for too long and there was chaos to stir up.
(Send me “💭” for my muse to blurt out a thought they’ve had about yours)
Tinnaire smiled and set up the dining table for three. Jencir was still gone, but she'd managed to wrestle Raxwel into bringing his brother over for drinks and take-away. 'I can't believe he never mentioned his brother! Scamp.'
@raxwel-blythe
Now remember, a lady rides sidesaddle, NOT astride. Your mother would be in hysterics at the very idea that a daughter of hers would ride a werewolf astride! Why, next you’ll be showing ankle…
5. Are there any characters that you want a ship for?
Not specifically.
Would it be nice to find some additional connections for a few of my characters - sure, I think it would allow for different types of development and potentially take them in different directions that what I might think up on my own, and if it doesn't happen it doesn't happen.
I don't think, at this point, I want a ship for any of my characters - it's sort of the same mindset. If it happens, cool. If it doesn't, that's fine too.
I'm also at a point, with ships - where I have to be pretty comfortable with the person on an OOC level, and that is something (mostly because I have such limited time and energy) that takes no small amount of time to develop. So, again - It'd be cool, but I'm not looking for it.
'Different kingdom…same nobles. They could shake up some habits. For me…little variety and all that. Don't suppose anyone has every told them about variety being the spice of life…'
Raxwel exhaled, unbothered by the plume of smoke, and appeared to be more interested in inspecting the cigar he held than the those passing by the spot he'd chosen to settle in for the afternoon.
The reality — as it often was — was something very different.
After several weeks in Silvermoon he'd come to the rather boring conclusion that whether it was nobility in Stormwind, nobility in Gilneas, or nobility here…they played all the same games, and they had all the same rules. Though they all wanted everyone to think it was different.
It really was quite disappointing.
They tried to dress it up and make it look a little different…but if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then…well…
He huffed, bringing the cigar to his lips once again.
Kyden had wandered off with Finn — a little adventure of his own (he'd gone to visit his mother and had taken Finn for emotional support…and also for help in case he got lost), and he could only do so much people watching when all the details were so painfully similar.
He was getting bored, and he tended to find trouble when he was bored.
The last thing he needed was to be chased by the city's guards…again.
Another exhale, another plume, his thoughts drifting — there was one possibility, though…how long had it been? Two years? Three? It had to have been longer than that.
The last time they spoke he didn't know about Reynault…he certainly didn't know about Kyden.
Raxwel hummed, considering what remained of the cigar for a long moment before disposing of it. He had…disappeared for no small amount of time. Perhaps a conversation was a bit over do.
T,
I seem to have found myself in your neck of the woods, if you will.
It's certainly no Dalaran, but at least this time I'm not scaling the walls to evade the guards…yet. Though I'm sure that will happen, given enough time.
You know me, given the time and opportunity I will find trouble. Or create it. One or the other.
If you've an interest - perhaps an opportunity to catch up? Since it's been no few years?
Let me know — I'll be in the city a few weeks longer.
13. What is something your OC does (to others) that they would not like if others did to them? Are they aware that they do this?
(Waves in Raxwel's general direction - You mean besides just being himself?)
Raxwel is an observant guy, and he adores to point out little details about situations (or people), particularly if he thinks it's going to get him ahead or get him a reaction that he believes is going to be entertaining (the boy hates being bored...and he tends to find trouble when he's bored).
It works out well enough when he's working (it's actually very beneficial when he's working). However, in his personal life (what personal life he has) it can be a problem.
And he certainly doesn't appreciate being on the receiving end of it.
Does he know that he does this - oh absolutely, and generally he enjoys doing it.
Is he going to stop - absolutely not. He's just learned to be a little more cautious about when and how he voices things.
Send ‘!!’ and I’ll write a para description of your muse from mine’s perspective, including:
Their looks, their personality, and who they are to my muse, + Etc!
___
Tinnaire and Raxwel
There was a cigar, waiting. Tinnaire's eyes softened, thinking on the man it was waiting for. She could picture his pleased with himself shit-eating grin and she could hear the warm richness of his voice, softened by bourbon and good conversation. She missed the days they met in Dalaran for coffee. She should send him a note, tell him to come to Silvermoon now that it was open. He'd have to sneak into the part of town her apartment was in--but he seemed to kind of like doing that. Raxwel was missed. It had been a season for an elf, but perhaps longer for a human--did he think she'd forgotten him? Had he forgotten her? Surely not. Life just gets in the way. It felt good to remember a platonic friendship that was easy and meaningful; she would try to reach out, send a letter.
14. Do you have any quotes tied to the character, either from the story itself or from another source that fit them?
People show their true colors, unintentionally. Pay attention.
Raxwel is an information broker - and even before he started working in that world he was able to watch people, notice things that other people didn't, and there were details that stood out that he would have loved to ignore and he couldn't.
It also speaks to him as a character (though he'd never admit it).
Raxwel doesn't think he's a good person - he doesn't think he'll ever be able to atone for the things he wasn't able to stop. And while he's been able to forgive himself...a bit, he still believes on a very fundamental level that he's broken and simply not worth the effort. He plays it off - with jokes, with snark and sarcasm, he'll be evasive as fuck. And if one pays attention to what he does and how he's really behaving underneath all the "fluff" to distract, they'd really see how broken he really is - still.
His son helps. His brother helps. His worg helps.
And he still makes a trip back to Gilneas once a year to visit two graves that he feels he failed to save.
People show their true colors, unintentionally. Pay attention.
Behind all the sarcasm, the bourbon, the cigars, and everything else is someone who is very good at pretending that everything is fine - because that's what the people around him need him to do. When it's not.
2. How long was the process before the character reached its final version? (or a version that would be clearly recognizable as the character?)
For this guy? Not long at all.
He hit the ground running, and he was into shenanigans right from the git go.
I had a pretty good idea of who Raxwel was and what kind of character he was going to be from the very beginning (he loves his trouble). He's gotten a bit more depth as time has gone on, but in terms of just being recognizable? I'd say within the first couple of months he stood out from the other characters I've played pretty well.
He is a shit-stirrer extraordinaire, always has been...and I don't see that changing any time soon.
How did you choose their name and why? Was it simply based on vibes or is there any specific meaning behind the name? Are the reasons behind their name different in- and out of universe?
This will not come as a shock to anyone who has known me for any length of time.
When I was putting the basic pieces of this guy together his name was one of the first things I wanted to figure out - and not going to lie, it was based on vibes. I found a list and went through them until I found one I thought "fit" and I could tolerate. I landed on Raxwel. (The same was true for his surname.)
Then I crossed my fingers and had to hope the name was available in game. (No special characters for this guy...and no spamming the randomizer button to mix up letters until they look like a name >.>, not that I've ever done that.)
These are more focused on the background stuff rather than the usual "what would the character do in XY situation" kinds of asks. I've been looking for something like this for quite a while and in the end decided to make my own. Feel free to use, go wild, enjoy
What was the original thought that led to the creation of this character?
How long was the process before the character reached its final version? (or a version that would be clearly recognizable as the character?)
What was the first thing you decided on, the character's name, appearance, personality or their role in the story?
And reverse, which one of the four things did you struggle with the most?
How did you choose their name and why? Was it simply based on vibes or is there any specific meaning behind the name? Are the reasons behind their name different in- and out of universe?
What was the thought process behind their appearance? Did you go mostly for the aesthetic or are there other reasons they look the way they do?
What is an aspect of their appearance that you like the most?
What is the origin of their personality? And let's be honest - how much of it is projecting?
How big is their role in the story? Do they make a frequent appearance or are they a character with little "screentime" but big influence? Or are they just a favourite background guy?
What is their main character arc in the story? Where do they start and how do they develop? Do they get a happy ending or is their story a tragic one?
Is there any existing character from other media that your character resembles? Was the resemblance intentional or was it a coincidence?
Do you have a playlist for the character? What songs do you associate with them and why?
Do you have a voice claim for the character? What do you imagine the character sounds like?
Do you have any quotes tied to the character, either from the story itself or from another source that fit them?
Have you ever made a moodboard for them?
Is there any memes or running jokes associated with the character, both in- and out of universe?
Are there any motifs or symbols associated with the character? How are they represented, in their design, personality or in some other way?
Does the character have other characters connected to them? Do you have a family tree and "offscreen" connections made up for them or do they exist in a vacuum purely for the purpose of the story?
What is your general favourite thing about the character? What is your least favourite?
Bonus question: share any additional thoughts, art, favourite scenes, anything you've been waiting for a chance to ramble about
He'd told Kyden he was going they were going to find trouble.
He hadn't defined what exactly he'd meant by that…and done so intentionally. Where was the fun in giving away all the details ahead of time?
Besides — if he'd told Kyden what he'd had planned then he wouldn't have gotten to see the absolutely look of pure unadulterated shock, followed by the almost unnatural shade of red the poor boy had turned when he'd realized where they were going.
It was impressive, really.
Almost as impressive as how focused he managed to stay on his drink.
Or he pretended to be on his drink.
If the tips of his ears hadn't been a lovely shade of red he might have been a little more convincing.
"Stare a little harder at the bottom of the glass and maybe it'll swallow you whole." Raxwel paused, his own glass part way to his lips. "…of course, that would defeat the purpose of our trip here…I'm fairly certain with the right person it could be a much more enjoyable experience."
He took a long sip before leveling Kyden with an amused look. "If you'd get out of your own way for a bit."
There were noises…he assumed were words, mumbled in response.
"Want to try that again?"
Kyden sighed, downing what was in his glass before looking up and responding, much clearer this time. "I said I'm not in my own way…"
"No?" Raxwel quirked an eyebrow in question before shifting his attention towards one of the hostesses as she walked by. He offered a quick smile and a wink, earning a coy smile in return and waited for the woman to move past before turning his attention back to the conversation at hand. "You've been busy trying to manifest a hole in the floor since we got here. There have been at least three women who have taken an interest in you since we sat down and you, good sir, were completely oblivious. Now-" He grabbed the bottle off the table, purchased earlier in the evening, and poured himself a healthy amount after refilling Kyden's glass.
Gods help him, it was going to be a long night. "I realize no one was around to teach you how any of this works, but this hiding under that hood of yours is going to stop."
"Raxwel, I don't think - "
"Nuh uh. Not saying you're gonna be able to charm your way out of a jail cell, but for fucks sake, Kyden…You gotta learn when someone is interested."
"Wha-"
"Blonde or brunette?"
"I don't…"
Raxwel set his glass down, reaching over and setting a hand on either side of Kyden's face before gently turning him to face towards the bar where two of the establishment's employees where eyeing the pair of them. "Blonde? Or Brunette?"
"O-oh. Um. I…"
It helped to be observant. Raxwel watched Kyden's gaze, facial expression…they'd have to talk about his lack of communication skills later.
So much to learn, so little time.
"Blonde it is. Drink up."
He pushed Kyden up out of his chair and handed him his drink before giving him a firm slap on the ass. "And go get 'em tiger. I'll take care of the tab, hm? I'm sure she'll take care of you."
"Raxwel….I really…I'm not…"
"Go. Or I suppose your big brother can introduce you…if you really want…."
"No! No…I got it."
It took a few more moments for Kyden to work up the courage to walk over, and Raxwel only kept an eye on him for a bit longer before turning his attention to his drink, leaving his brother to his own devices.
He was about halfway through his glass when he heard the footsteps approach - not quite as long as he thought it was going to take…perhaps Kyden wasn't as bad as he thought he was.
"Seeing as your friend stole my partner in crime for the evening, it seems only fitting that I should steal his."
He nodded slowly, lowering his glass to the table — not resisting when the woman settled onto his lap. "You make a fair point. It would be a terrible shame to leave you wanting and lonely this evening, my lady. Let's see what can be done about that, hm?"
Was it the most traditional way of bonding and pulling his brother out of that social isolation of his…No. And if it worked…that's all that really mattered.
He wasn't difficult to find for someone who knew how to look.
After traveling with him for over a year, Raxwel had learned well enough the type of spots that Kyden tended t o 'hide' when he wanted to think. And given that he'd been retreating to the same spot since they'd arrived, there was a very good chance that he'd fallen back on the same habit.
Having a worg who caught on to his brother's scent helped too (he didn't much feel like transforming just to hunt the kid down).
And true to form, Kyden was settled under the same tree he usually was, back settled against the trunk, tossing little pebbles out into the water.
"You know, it's usually polite to leave some kind of notice if you're going to disappear before light. Or not stay in the room at all."
Kyden paused, hesitating a moment before throwing the pebble in his hand . "I had every intention of going back to the room last night before I didn't…I wasn't going far…and I didn't think I was going to be gone long."
"Thought wrong."
Raxwel sat down, promptly laying back — his hands behind his head as Finn flopped down between the two brothers. "So…you going to tell me what drove you out here, or am I going to have to pry it out of you?"
"Just thinking."
"Well, as has been established by 'thinking' you wouldn't be out here long among other things, your thinking is not exactly accurate today sooooo…." Raxwel hung on the last word, letting the silence linger.
A few other throws, a few more splashes — the silence extended until Finn yawned loudly and rolled onto his side, flopping his head onto Kyden's lap.
"Alright then — me ask something different. Innkeep mentioned a certain someone accidentally put on an impromptu concert for those hanging out around the bar last night. And that that same someone promptly exited stage right as soon as they were paid their first compliment."
Kyden shifted, throwing another few pebbles — his supply was getting dangerously low.
"Not that anyone knew who they were, since they had their hood up and wouldn't talk to anyone. You know…gods forbid they receive any kind of praise…" Raxwel pulled his lighter from his vest, twirling it around between his fingers.
"So, if we're trying this again…and just putting the pieces together here…want to tell me what's so absolutely horrifying about being seen, Kyden?"
Kyden exhaled slowly, putting down the pebble he'd been holding and leaning back fully against the trunk of the tree.
He didn't answer right away, fingers moving through Finn's fur as he gathered his thoughts. "…I'm used to being overlooked. That's been -" he shrugged,"- my whole life? It's even been useful sometimes — like the other day, because then I just disappear into the crowd and finding me is almost impossible. And when people forget me, well, you learn not to let it hurt. So the idea of being seen…really seen and having the same thing happen."
An abrupt shake of the head. "I'd rather be some nameless hooded figure that no one ever glances at again. It hurts less."
"Does it?"
Raxwel sat up, pulling a case from his vest and removing a cigar. He wasn't looking at his brother as he clipped the end and replaced the case within his vest before eyeing the cigar critically.
"…What?"
"Does it hurt less? I'm an observant bastard, Kyden. And I've watched you the whole time we've been here. I've seen the longing glances at the groups of people, the comfortable interactions, laughing and engaging with one another. You say it's easier and it hurts less to be out here — and it might feel that way because you've lived your whole life like that until you started traveling with me, but does it really?" He settled the cigar between his lips and took his time in lighting it.
"You didn't have to go down and sit at that piano — nice of you to share you knew how to play, by the way — and you did it anyway." He exhaled a plume of smoke as he glanced out across the water. "Life is gonna hurt one way or the other kid, and it feels a hell of a lot harder to deal with alone."
Kyden said nothing, Finn's fur suddenly the most interesting thing he could find, only moving when Raxwel nudged his shoulder.
"I'm not going anywhere…and you might find that there are others that might want to get to know you too."
"…And if they don't?"
"Well…That's their loss then — and you've always got Finn and I, and we'll move on to the next city soon enough." He picked up a pebble and offered it up to Kyden, who plucked it from his palm with a confused look.
"What's this for?"
Raxwel pointed back towards the city where one guard was half dozing. "See that guard?"
"….yeah?"
"Twenty gold if you nail him with the rock."
"W-what?"
Raxwel exhaled another plume of smoke as he shifted to settle back against the tree. "One, I'm pretty sure that's the bastard that chased me the last time I was here. Two, I bet you're not as invisible as you think you are, and this'll prove it. Three, I don't think you've that good of an arm."
Kyden narrowed his eyes. "I could hit him if I wanted to."
"Then prove it."
"Y-you're just trying to goad me into this…"
"No, I really don't think you can do it." (He absolutely was, and it was working.)
"I absolutely can."
Raxwel motioned in the direction of the guard in question, half awake as the man was.
"I'm waiting."
"F-fine!" Kyden nudged Finn, who begrudgingly moved off of him. He stood, weight the pebble in his hand before trying to gauge the distance and letting the pebble fly.
Much to Raxwel's amusement, the pebble did in fact hit it's intended target…and his brother was not as invisible as he thought he was.