Piper’s Bio/Analysis
Underswap Papyrus, Piper, he smokes, has good ideas, and holds a helluva grudge. A natural story teller, he knows how to play people. A bit of a hypocrite but he tries to be a decent person. He's fairly well accepted the state of things, and this new world they live in. He's comfortable, and plays his part without complaint. He can't deny, it's relatively peaceful, and they're not imprisoned anymore. In theory this should all be good things. But all he really wants is for things to go back to how they were. Before this new world. Before Chara. Before Temmie. Back when he was just the clever lazy little brother. Back when everything was still simple.
Highly intuitive, Piper trusts his instincts above most else. He picks up insights and ideas that others don't, and is usually uncannily accurate, both when it comes to people and concepts. Most of the gang brings him any plans before fully settling on them. Whether this is a plan of action, plans to build something, or plans for the weekend, Pip probably has something insightful to say. It helps that he has the intelligence to back his insights up. He's studied several topics, and isn't afraid to seek out more. If he feels he can't adequately explain something, he will track down information he needs to do so. He doesn't particularly like to partake in the hands on parts, and its rare you'll find him helping actually build anything, but he'll make sure you know the best way to build it yourself. His patience with those he chooses to help is near limitless, and he will explain as many times and ways as needed to make sure they understand.
These insights extend to people as well. His ability to detect lies helps, but even without he has remarkable skill for reading people. He can pick up someones basic nature and natural disposition quickly. Within minutes he'll know everything he needs to to get what he wants from any interaction. He knows what to say and how to act to shift the energy and favor of a crowd. He hates social interaction, but he excels at it. He twists and spins words and thoughts and history, until you're doing everything he wants and thinking it was your idea the whole time. As much as he hates liars, he's quite an accomplished one. He once hated this, this talent, this aspect of himself. But as with most things, time dulled this hate, until it faded into grudging resignation. A grim acceptance or himself. It's wretched and terrible and undeniably a part of him. He has accepted it's place in his life and the world. He has a part to play, and he will play it well, however distasteful he may find it.
One of the side effects of his ability to read people, and his history in the underground, is that he has massive trust issues. While not as paranoid as some of his Fell counterparts, he has solid walls he keeps between himself and everyone else. He holds his true self separate from the face he presents. Very little of his true nature bleeds through, a deliberate and careful choice. He doesn't want to give a mark, stranger, or outsider the chance to get close and hurt him or his loved ones. Getting through these walls is a feat of gentle patience. Pushing is never a good idea. Genuinely kind and earnest people will wear him down over time. Honesty is a requirement. He'd much rather be told you don't want to tell him than to be lied to. Dishonesty will not only set back to the start, but even place one at an unfavorable position, one that is difficult to ever recover from. He's stubborn and will hold a grudge as long as he damn well pleases. There are acts from decades ago he still holds against their perpetrators. Once he has made up his mind about someone, it can seem impossible to change it. He can be vindictive and spiteful, and will find ways to make the lives of those who have crossed him as difficult as possible without being traceable back to him.
Despite this vindictive streak, Pip hates conflict and will avoid it as much as possible. Whether that is verbal or physical conflict is irrelevant. He does and says whatever he needs to to avoid getting into anything resembling a fight. His laid back, aloof seeming disposition is a mask for what is ultimately a sensitive soul. He may not react, but he is actually quite easy to hurt if one figures out the right buttons to push. There is much about himself he dislikes, and someone clever and cruel enough could capitalize on this. It would have little to no immediate effect, he is a damn good actor, and values keeping his head clear in any altercation, physical or otherwise. But the long term ramifications could be great. Once he starts doubting it's hard for him to stop, and he spirals easily. It takes time, and constant, consistent support to get him stable again.
Piper loves deeply, with a relaxed intensity. His family is the most important thing to him. There is nothing he wouldn't do for them. He guards his loved ones zealously, and can be not only protective, but a bit territorial. It's not that he doesn't want them to make friends or connections outside of their circle/clan, it's that he doesn't trust others not to harm them. Anyone and everyone is a potential threat until prove otherwise. He will casually interrogate anyone who tries to get close, and nothing said is said in confidence. He will share everything he hears with the gang. They can do with it what they will. Secrets are for those who can be trusted. Outsiders don't get to have any.
That isn't to say that Pip is always harsh or cold. He is typically quite laid back, and capable of having plenty of fun. He enjoys a good drink, especially with his buddies, and can cut loose and have a good time. He's a troublemaker, and will stir up mischief whenever he can. He isn't fond of tricks or pranks that could actually hurt anyone, but anything short of that is fair game. He's playful, can crack a good joke, and will join in on harmless mayhem at any opportunity. He also enjoys just laying back and relaxing, and will do so whenever possible. He rarely passes the chance to just kick back and chill in good company. He also greatly enjoys writing in his free time, and for all that he hates his duplicitous nature, he will admit he appreciates being able to spin a good story. Piper is a troubled but loving man, who just wants life to truly settle down.
So there we go, a glimpse into some of what makes Piper. Hmu with thoughts, ideas, opinions anytime!