#info: ro

[throughriversandlakes]

The MC doesn't like physical contact much, but in some specific situations, they can't help but ask for someone to run their fingers gently through their hair, approaching like a cat that comes discreetly to lean in and ask for some petting. How did the ros react to that?

Thank you for the ask! Info under cut!

Zhao Ning

He's overly polite, and both culture and upbringing makes it so that he isn't that free with physical contact, either. But if a romanced Zhao Ning is faced with that request, he would be extremely courteous and gentle - if not a bit awkward - in his handling of your hair. He's not done things like this, before. He would run his fingers through/across your hair, maybe even a bit too softly. He'd take direction well if you told him where and how to play with your hair, though.

Meiduo Cairen

He's a caretaker, through and through. Would maybe even over-prepare - flower oils, herbal stuff, comb, all that. She's a giver, and she wants to offer the most physical comfort you'd let her give in this period of time. He'd let you doze off on him as he takes care of your hair, or would be happy to sit there for hours, a book in hand, gently running a comforting hand across your hair as you fall asleep. If you look up, you'd see her smiling gently, content in your trust.

Lin Jingshu

What? She's not doing that. She doesn't have time for this - oh! Um. You're leaning in? Fuck. Guess she has to cave immediately. She's flushing slightly - of course she is, she looks up to you, in a way, and this somewhat uncommon behavior, for you. A platonic Jingshu would pat you gingerly on the head, twice. Then awkwardly pat your shoulder. A romanced Jingshu would treat this like a meditation and task - stiff and awkward, but gentle and extremely focused.

Nalan Ruoyun

Usually - a raised brow. A small smile. she'd pet you, gently, elegant fingers swooping over the curve of your hair once or twice - and that's probably it. She's not much for physical contact either. But if she's romanced and sufficiently fond of you, she would ultimately ask you to sit down, and let her do your hair up in some way - she feels uncomfortable at a task-less activity, and this is the way she fulfills both her need for a completed goal and your ask for comfort.

Yang Qingyi

He's an annoyer. He will annoy you. Affectionately and fondly, but he will annoy you. Both a platonic and romantic Qingyi would give a teasing comment, and ruffle your hair without much politeness - like he's petting a puppy. He would fuck your hairstyle up if it won't be too high effort to put back, even. But he'll run his fingers through/across your hair after to tidy it back up; he's actually quite good at doing hair, especially intricate hairdos. A romanced Qingyi would also smack annoying kisses onto your head (if you allow him).

[unforgiven-if]

▼ PLAYER CHARACTER ▼

▽ The Spy - [30-40 | It's You] You're not young, nor inexperienced. Once a young rebel soldier of a world now in the Ascen Republic's grasp, you've fought their control most your life. Now, you hide beneath the facade of a mercenary Runner, while being one of the rebellion's most useful assets - as a spy, smuggler, informant, assassin, soldier - and whatever else they need you to be.

▼ ROMANTIC OPTIONS ▼

▽ Lux - [25 | M/F/NB] [RO] The Strategist

Young, but already one of the leaders in the rebellion. They've always treated you with quiet respect and courtesy, though you know their first priority will always be the cause. They're pragmatic and focused, but an optimist at heart - how else can you explain their lofty goal to organize all scattered rebellion cells into a central, connected force?

Appearance: Lux is around 5’10, average in build. Their skin tone is a dark umber, and their black, medium length locs are gathered into a low bun. Their dark brown eyes slope downwards gently, and are heavily hooded; twin circles of thin white light within indicate their eyes have been mod-enhanced. Circuit-like patterns dance from their temples down and around their neck, joining above their back. Their musculature is somewhat unclear, though they are broadened by two or three layers of bomber jackets and dark trench coats. Their features can be considered quite gentle.

▽ Viper - [30 | She/Her] [RO] The Mercenary

A client for your Runner persona. Viper's not her real name, though it suits her well, quick and mean as she is. You know nothing of the mercenary’s loyalties and true identity - which is a problem, since what she's seeking seems to be information on the rebellion. But it’s as they say - keep your friends close, and enemies closer. And Viper - bite as bad as her hiss - would be a dangerous enemy indeed.

Appearance: Viper is around 5’6, lean and sharp looking. As a modded snake-hybrid, scales of interlocking teal and black rise across her cheekbones, obvious against her pale gold skin; short, fixed fangs also sit in her mouth. She has epicanthic folds, and her sharp eyes are almost ink-black in color. Her neck length, slightly wavy black hair has an unnatural sheen of turquoise when in light. Her sleek, armored tactical outfits are cut to show off the metallic glint of her modded arms, and are both fashionable and practical for a mercenary. Her features are considered quite attractive, though rather sharp.

▽ Nicodème Desrosiers Fabien- - [28 | He/They] [RO] The Politician

The successor of the Desrosiers Coalition, a well established noble trading family with a seat in the Ascen Republic. Gathered information shows him as a charming man - but meek, in matters of governance. Inoffensive to the extreme, with the only speck on his record a widely disputed marriage - though information on his wife remains sparse. You have not met him, and doubt that you will.

Appearance: Nicodème is a lithe, graceful figure, 6 feet in height. His long, platinum gold hair is often put into an intricate braid or gathered into a low ponytail. His light brown skin is almost flawless, dotted with small beauty marks. Deeply set, his grey eyes shine almost silver in light. His outfits are always tailored, simple but elegant, often sporting flower motifs and a warm-colored palette. They aren’t outwardly modded, but they almost certainly have impressive hidden tech. Their features are considered classically beautiful.

▼ OTHER CHARACTERS ▼

▽ Maria "May" Fayre - [34 | She/Her] The Pilot

Your oldest friend, ally and confidant - maybe something else, as well. She’s one of the only people who’s known the true “you” for longer than the Runner’s existed - you grew up together, even fought in the same war. A pilot and mechanic, she’s been paramount to your survival many a time.

Appearance: May stands at 5’4, full figured with quite a bit of muscle. Her reddish-brown hair is cut short, strands curling close to her scalp. Her skin is tanned and freckled, often slightly sunburnt. There’s an ever-present indentation her pilot goggles left around her round, hazel eyes. She's often seen in thick, practical bomber jackets, cargo pants, and heavy duty work gloves. Her features are considered quite soft.

▽ Isaac Theodore Abernathy - [62 | He/Him] The Officer

A corrupt corporate officer - as common as fish in the sea. He finds you a competent, under the table Runner, and you find him a good source of corps and government information. Be careful to balance his usefulness with his suspicion - a good corps source won’t stay good forever.

Appearance: 5’8, lacking in fat and musculature but heavily modded, Isaac is a dignified seeming man who looks around 40. His pale skin is shot through with a silver metallic sheen. His light brown hair is put in a neat, short ponytail. He looks the part of a respectful corporate officer, often wearing a well tailored officer uniform. He looks distinguished, though somewhat bland.

▽ Damen - [55 | They/Him] The Fixer

For an ex-pirate turned ex-bounty-hunter turned current Fixer, they're a friendly enough man with a very well established network. You want jobs? He's got them. Just don't let his gregarious nature fool you - he doesn't suffer incompetence.

Appearance: 6'3, broad and sturdy. They're heavily modded, though the tech is old and haphazard; multicolored patches of metal cut through their scarred, tattooed golden skin. Short and wavy, his greying hair looks constantly tousled. His brown eyes are deeply set under dark brows. Their outfits are generally durable and practical, though he also wears multiple pieces of golden jewellery. He can be considered intimidating.

[throughriversandlakes]

❖ REFERENCES ❖ PLAYLISTS ❖

❖ Zhao Ning [赵宁] - [24 | He/Him] [Pinterest] Just a scholar.

A mentor of your charge. A reserved young scholar with an air of melancholy, he’s a fish out of water in the martial world; nonetheless, he remains courteous and polite. Though his manners are impeccable, you barely know anything about him. He seems oddly familiar at times.

Appearance: A tall, willowy man with handsome, elegant features. He has slightly slanted, black phoenix eyes that always carry a hint of deep contemplation. His nose is high and straight, set above thin lips and a sharp jawline. His skin is fair and unblemished aside from a small mole underneath his eye, and his hands are often stained with ink. His blue-black hair is often gather into a half bun, secured with ribbons and a wooden pin, with the remainder flowing down his back. His clothes are usually dark in color, simple yet refined.

❖ Meiduo Cairen [梅朵才仁] - [29 | He/Him, She/Her] [RO][Pinterest] The “Temple in Bloom” [满寺花].

She saved your life once. A physician first and martial artist second, he approaches his work with stern diligence, and people with gentle humility and humor. A pacifist and Buddhist at heart, he always extends a helping hand to others - always saves, and never kills.

Appearance: A very tall, graceful person with broad shoulders, gentle, downturned warm-brown eyes, defined cheekbones, and full lips often curved in a soft smile. His russet brown skin is heavily freckled, and a scar pulls from his left cheek to forehead, bisecting her left brow. Her thick black-brown hair is tied into numerous tiny braids, and often gathered into a single plait, hanging to his hips. He wears a single golden earring adorned with a plum blossom design, and her daily attire consists of practical robes in soft, warm colors.

❖ Lin Jingshu [林静姝] - [22 | She/Her][Pinterest] The “Thousand-Blades Soar as Wild Swifts” [千刀狂飞燕].

A young, straightforward spitfire with a heart of gold. She’s got the nimbleness of a swift and the temper of a raging torrent, with a fighting style to match both. Naturally blunt to a fault, she rarely resorts to tact or diplomacy in her dealings with others.

Appearance: A lean, athletic young woman who often dresses in a masculine, martial manner. Her sharp, dark-brown almond eyes are set in a delicate face beset by obvious annoyance, and her straight brows are constantly furrowed. Her lightly tanned skin is dotted sparsely with small moles. She often wears her long black hair in a bun affixed with a ribbon and pin, or in a hair-gathering crown. She wears an eye-catching long sabre in a black scabbard on her hip, its length easily matching her height.

❖ Nalan Ruoyun [纳兰若云] - [37 | She/Her][Pinterest] The “Spring Night Rain” [春夜雨].

Few know her real name or face - you’re one of the few with this rare privilege. Under her elegant, soft-spoken mask, she’s cynical, pragmatic, and almost cold-hearted. With keen insight, extraordinary intelligence, and almost terrifying dedication, she ranks among the elite of the underground intelligence world, her intellect nearly unmatched.

[Special Routes: Poly relationship with Yang Qingyi]

Appearance: A magnificent, full-figured woman with enigmatic, light brown fox eyes. Her jet-black hair is always meticulously styled, usually bedecked with jewellery; her fashion and makeup are the same, always beautiful, grandiose and elegant. Her straight, narrow nose sits elegantly above heart shaped red lips, the expression on her soft, round face often carrying a gentle air of mystery. Her porcelain skin seems flawless, save for the faint laugh lines at the corners of her eyes.

❖ Yang Qingyi [羊青逸] - [42 | He/Him][Pinterest] The “Green Python Who Strangles Mountains” [青蟒绞山].

A smooth-talking, sly old goat - according to his own words. He looks the part of an experienced, worldly martial artist, and has a flippant, wild attitude to match. You’ve been acquainted for quite a while; he's still got the bad habit of calling you “kid”.

[Special Routes: Friends with benefits | Poly relationship with Nalan Ruoyun]

Appearance: A toned, disheveled man. His narrow hazel eyes are oddly striking, and often hold a glint of mischief. His tousled greying black mane is hastily tied into a messy ponytail, his stubble untrimmed, and he often wears his green robes open, with his bronze chest and shoulders exposed. He wears several cheap jade ornaments strung up with leather cords. Two intricate serpentine tattoos coil symmetrically around his ribs, winding across his entire back.