#kasakos

[nightmarist]

What are your ocs favourite seasons and why?

Sigurd's used to be Spring. He came from an agricultural village and he enjoyed helping on the fields, plowing, sowing, and tending to animals. Mostly wheat and grains, a few gourds and hearty vegetables in the harvest season later, but sowing and tending and growth are what he loved before he became what he is now. Now, he doesn't care for seasons. He doesn't remember seasons. Weeks, months, years can pass while he's in solitude, deep in the long-abandoned temples of old gods, lost in the depths of ancient books he's read a thousand times over trying and hoping to find at least one clue to resurrection.

Razvra's is also Spring. He prefers early spring when it's still slightly chilled, or monsoon and rainy season, but spring brings out the animals. As someone from the col mountains, it reminds him of home (though of course the biomes are still different), plus its just practical for both a bounty hunter for reward as well as an actual hunter for self-sustainment. Its also just very pretty.

Thomas would be summer. He gets extremely cold and is created for handling extreme heat. He hates cold to no end, and while he enjoyed his time becoming more like a human person in Russia, he is So glad to leave behind how cold some of those places were for the sake of his own personal survival. Heaters are nice but he can't exactly carry one with him when he goes prowling on the hunt.

I have my At Length Headcanon for seasons and a standardized calendar in Dragon Age also, so I'll kinda reference that w DA. tl;dr its basically just Ice/Winter, Rain, and Harvest season.

Dirthadin's favorite season would be closer to early winter, after harvest season. He like the slight chill and early frost, and it gives him an excuse to keep wearing big animal furs. It is not ideal, however, for archaeology. He prefers working in the early harvest season where things are softer, still damp from rain but warm enough to work in. Otherwise he generally hates the rainy season. Sopping wet is Not fun, animal fur doesnt feel or smell good in the rain, water can fuck up a good leather, and things are just difficult to properly dig, write, journal, transport, or otherwise study in the pouring rain by oneself.

Kasakos, Saarkadan, and Aribas all three tend to lean towards the middle of the rainy season, but still don't like Thedosian seasons as much. They prefer the humidity of Par Vollen and Rivaini shores, but living in Thedas and eventually Skyhold, they've gotten used to the temperamental weathers they have to travel in.

Valdyr, one of my Avvar OCs, really enjoys the Rain season. Rain feels good, the petrichor in the valley is a beautiful smell because of the lavenders and other flora, the rain brings by good water for animals and the people, Rams-Peak Hold has maintained good drainage so it doesn't over flood (but flood is still necessary to move dirt, sediment, etc). It's a time of change, and it's a blessing from the Lady of the Skies, tears of joy she weeps that bring life to all things on the floor.

Eiða, my other Avvar OC, while appreciates the rain blessings, prefers harvest season. There's work to be had during harvest season and, though she is a mage and apprentice augur which is its own labor, being with the people and helping them, as well as blessing the processes put into creating a large feast for everyone, and spirits become active during Avvarian holidays and feasts are always much more fun.

I'll think more about Camille and Philomené, I've been meaning to flesh them out more.

Thank you !! 🥺🥺

[nightmarist]

How does your oc laugh?

Sigurd — Rarely. In his younger days pre-necromancy, he smiled much more often, laughed brightly with teeth. Now, he'd just smile politely. There's more important things at stake than to expend energy on mirth.

Razvra — High, like he laughs from the back of his throat or from his head. It's lively with a full grin and raised shoulders, sometimes with his hand on his chest or on his leg. Sigurd misses it.

Dirthadin — A little mellifluous, a bird's chirp and titter more than a laugh with a slight wrinkle at the corners of his eyes and the bridge of his nose.

Kasakos — He tries not to, but the more he gets used to being allowed to do, well, anything, he'll grin with a low, grinding chuckle as if his vocal chords are old, rusty pipes. They might as well be since he hadn't been allowed to speak as a Saarebas.

Aribas — Loudly and proudly, throwing her head back, an emboldened guffaw from her diaphragm.

Saarkadan — A snort and a lopsided smile. If it's really funny, he'll turn away, laughing mostly to himself, a little louder than a chuckle.

Thank you <3<3

[nightmarist]

What kind of mannerisms do your ocs have?

Sigurd Helvega (non-DA, one of my longest standing OCs), he has no discernible pupil nor iris, so its hard to tell where exactly he's looking. Because of this, he has gotten into the habit of turning his head physically to show where he's looking, that he's paying attention, or pointing with a pair of fingers (a priestly gesture + his middle finger is long so its easier to pluck or touch things with), or an open palm gesture towards something. He moves slowly, very purposeful in everything he does.

He doesn't fidget, which creeps into notice after spending some time around him. How statuesque he stands and the way he holds himself exudes confidence - not arrogance, but a confidence that he knows exactly what he's doing at all times, every gesture is as natural and easy as breathing without a second guessed thought. When he stands still, his right hand holds the fingertips of his left hand, and it's a very deliberate gesture, one to show he's paying attention, and to show he's not armed (though it doesn't matter when he's a sorcerer-priest). He's very aware of his body and surroundings, and from it carries an almost eerie grace.

Dirthadin drums with his fingers when he thinks, and leans on his staff, often uses it as a walking stick. A little rap of his fingertips on a book, on his staff, on a wall he's examining, etc. He moves very quickly, and thinks on his feet, he looks almost like a bird with the little tics of his head when he's looking at things.

He thinks quickly, and his body shows it, from half-mumblings of half-words, to sharp, sudden turns when he's walking or exploring. He curls up into himself when he's sitting, crouching, or writing - it's not exactly good for his back, but it's a slight animalistic gesture he's learned subconsciously, it makes him small and more unnoticeable. At times, when sitting, because he has long, thin limbs, he'll loop one arm around the top of his bent knee, the other underneath, and lay his head.

Thomas Ivanov, (non-DA), he's an alien, insectoid, but with many aspects of his physiology he has to cover or hide. He covers his mouth when he smiles to hide his sharp teeth. He has four eyes, but the upper two stay closed when he's stealthed as a human. He keeps his cicada wings folded against his back and down the back of his trousers. He blinks one eye at a time. It's an instinct, so that he always has at least one eye open to watch for any danger.

His speech is somewhat stilted, human communication is different from animals, they have to say complicated thoughts to be understood, and Thomas is cursed with being caught between intrinsic animal instinct and humanoid complexity by the way he was created. He huffs through his nose when he gets annoyed by something. He doesn't emote expressively much, but his jaw sets if he's in public and is angry. otherwise, in genuine anger or fear or other adrenaline-inducing stressors, he'll bare his teeth, hiss, and click his wings, sometimes his teeth chatter.

Kasakos, my Tal-Vashoth Mage, "Herald of Andraste" , who bears the Anchor, (but distinctly is not the Inquisitor). At first has little to discern besides standing tall, still, and offering a grunt of approval or disapproval. But he's still new to independence outside the Qun, and finds himself learning how to relax, especially as a mage. He's much more uncertain about everything around him, and proceeds with caution, but more a kind of caution like a frightened child than an angry, wounded animal some may mistake him for.

He likes to touch things, helps ground him when dealing with new sensory information. He knows his size, and species, is intimidating, so he makes a point to be slow, and make slow, harmless gestures, like raising his hand to show the back of his fingers when he wants to take something or touch something, using just his fingertips to touch, as if he's afraid of his own size and magic ability.

Aribas, the official "Inquisitor", Tal-Vashoth spear-thrower, and friend and protector to Kasakos. Like many Qunari/Tal-Vashoth, she stands tall and intimidating, it's just the way Qunari battle training makes their fighters. She keeps her hands and person to herself when on official business, arms crossed, legs apart, an authoritative pose. Makes strong eye contact with whomever she is addressed. But off duty, or with closer friends, she is physically affectionate, something she revels in after leaving the Qun.

Her hand strongly patting a back or a shoulder (almost pushing people into the ground but she's getting a hang of the smaller folk), holding a shoulder or an arm, taking hold of a wrist or forearm to gently tug to show something, lending her arm out to shield or stop someone or something, and when further social relationships develop, full hugs, strong bear hugs that could crush your spine and take you off the ground. She's getting used to being allowed to be Tal Vashoth, and sometimes stands more at ease, with weight leaned on one side, arms crossed or hands at her waist. She rubs the back of her neck when facing difficult decisions, or the base of her horn when in thought.

Saarkadan was an assassin and spy before becoming Tal-Vashoth, and learned how to better hide his gait and mannerisms, and it eventually developed naturally. He's also friend to Kasakos and Aribas, having aided their leave from the Qun. He acts much more casual than most Vashoth save The Iron Bull. He leans somewhat forward with his head craned somewhat low, thumbs looped into his trousers or belt. He almost always has weight on one leg, easier to jump into a stands or leap out of danger.

He likes observing quietly, and has a sly, sharp smile most times. He'll physically wave something off that is serious. he understands it's serious, but it helps both himself and sometimes others round him to at least pretend it's not a big deal. He'll click his tongue when he gets annoyed, sometimes accidentally bite off the end of a roll he's smoking. He'll stand taller when he gets angry, he has a very quiet, seething anger compared to Aribas or Kasakos. He'll kick his heel into the ground a couple times when he's getting ready to do something manual, intended as a means to test the ground before he vanishes, leaps, runs, etc but became habitual everywhere.

I'll have to develop the newer DA ones a bit more, but these are a few of my mains.

Thanks !!

[nightmarist]

9, 10, 7, 6, 12, for whichever characters you want to talk about!

Hell yes, I'll do my Inquisition OCs !

Dirthadin, a former Dalish Keeper, Kasakos, bearer of the Anchor, Aribas, Tal-Vashoth spear thrower and leader of the Inquisition (leads for Kasakos), and Saarkadan, a Tal-Vashoth assassin and friend of Aribas and Kasakos from the same (former) mercenary Tal-Vashoth company.

9. What do they do with their free time? Do they have any vices?

Dirthadin is a bit of a workaholic so his archaeology and undertaking are his usual day to day life. He searches for Dalish treasures, artefacts, and corpses usually. He reburies corpses in proper burial sites when possible, using necromancy to move them. Sometimes it's creepy seeing an army of the dead walk up a mountain following a gaunt, dressed-in-black elf. Whatever he can't physically take, like carvings or paintings in a mountain or things too fragile to move, he draws them in a journal. No real vices, he's pretty straight edge. Talks with Dorian, Maeve, Vivienne, and Alexius about magic theory. Sometimes Solas though they butt heads about opinions on Dalish historical importance. Enjoys Blackwall's company quite a lot <3 Especially woodworking with him.

Aribas loves to drink. Anything, even if it tastes like nug piss. She's loud and obnoxious when drunk. Dances on tables (that won't break) when drunk, and learning silly human drinking songs. It's one of the few times she doesn't have to be so stern and intimidating (well, still intimidating). Makes bets with Sera, sometimes, mostly whether or not Sera can do XYZ and Sera always wins. Not that she ever minds. <3

Saarkadan likes quiet in his free time. Avoids taverns, usually, but might hang around the outside wall if there's a bard inside to listen. He bird-watches often, and likes to be in the trees. Volunteers as a target for Cullen's troop training, occasionally to Cullen's dismay but Saarkadan has proven very efficient at evasive maneuver. Also provides insight on how to kill Large things. Vices mostly just smoking in his free time.

Kasakos is still learning how to enjoy things. It's been about 11 years since he left the Qun, but it still takes so much time for him to get comfortable with new things. If he's not hanging around Saarkadan like a lost puppy, he's drawing things in the sand or doing macrame knots. He likes pretty things, and likes to stare at the paintings Solas makes in Skyhold. He likes the stories art tells. He can't read, but wants to. Usually tries to talk with Solas, Varric, or bards that aren't scared of him since he likes listening to stories and learning new words. Doesn't mind Cassandra's company, she's usually nice about the fact neither of them quite... "do" free time or basic life enjoyments. She tells him a little about the Chantry since he's curious, but he doesn't really believe in anything. Never really got a chance to. Not really looking to, though.

10. Have they ever been seriously injured? What was the outcome?

Saarkadan has a few scars on his stomach for being stabbed and arrow-pierced. His throat was cut, but the dumb human who tried to kill him didn't cut deep enough. He has a scar over his jugular for it now.

Kasakos has been injured by the sheer fact he's a former saarebas / qunari mage. His horns were sawed off, his mouth sewn shut, he has some scars on his face and body where restricting armor dug into his skin. His horns have grown back but they're gnarled and twisted.

Aribas and Dirthadin have yet to be seriously injured, just a few knicks here or there. Dirth has broken his ankle before, but it otherwise healed fine.

7. Did they ever work a normal, everyday job?

Hmmm yes and no? Dirthadin provides research for the Inquisition and Maeve, and sort of just does rogue archaeology work. kasakos, Saarkadan, and Aribas were mercenaries before, all left the Qun around the same time and just banded together for it. In the Qun they were simple soldiers in the same unit as Kasakos. Aribas occasionally elects herself as bartender. Otherwise, not really, their circumstances don't really let them pursue a normal job.

6. Which aspects of the culture they were born into holds the most significance for them?

Dirthadin is a Dalish mage. he used to be a Keeper, so it'shis duty to hold all the knowledge of the Dalish and pass it on. In pursuit of higher knowledge, he just.... Abandoned his clan. He trained his First and Second but only very briefly (for a Keeper), gave everyone the warning, and left. His clan is still bitter about it. Some worry about him since he was family, but others not so much. Because of his Dalish ancestry and obsession with Dalish history, he's made it his (impossible) life goal to collect it all.

Aribas and Saarkadan are both fomer Qunari turned Tal-Vashoth. Saarkadan doesn't hate the Qun, but thinks it only works in particular circumstances. It didn't for him. Aribas hates the fucking Qun and named herself "Aribas" in mockery of the triumvirate (Arishok, Ariqun, Arigena). "Bas" meaning "thing" and is a slur against anyone who isn't Qunari.

Kasakos doesn't mind the Qun. But he was miserable. He's a mage. He hates that the fact of his birth is something that means he is a horrible thing, a Saare Bas. He wants to have purpose, but doesn't want to become tranquil either. He is still navigating his feelings. He wasn't allowed to have feelings, so it's not just metaphorical for navigating his culture, but a literal trauma placed against him.

12. How efficient are they with things like crafting potions or repairing their own armor?

Dirthadin is very efficient at potion crafting. He's good with cloth and leather work but metalworking is beyond him, he has to get it professionally repaired or (usually) just gets new pieces.

Kasakos isn't very adept at much anything. He is proficient in Casting Dangerous Spells. He knows how to tie knots and weave, though. Macrame, baskets, armor... Shibari.

Aribas isn't very good at making things. She throws things.

Saarkadan is good with poisons. Occasional grenades, but prefers poison. He's a good cook. if you trust him not to poison you. Honestly, he's such a good cook you wouldn't mind being poisoned. He can patch a hole in his armor and with Gaatlok/Qunari Balck Powder can solder a patch in armor in a pinch.

Thanks !!