♡ (yes it been to long but #NeverForget these two)
Send a ♡ to hear how my character would tell your character that they loved them without actually using the word “love.” // @wnyn
“Y’know..” A pause, a shrug. Jocelyn wondered if it would ever be easy for her. Most other people seemed to manage this just fine. Humans and immortals and any creatures in between.
I’m so very glad I had the chance to meet you.
Three hundred years and counting, and this.. this had not grown any easier for her. Give her Fearlings, throw her into a pit of monsters. She would prefer those any day and always.
I care about you.
She flashed a grin to the Yan nu, twirling her staff from her right hand to the left. Stop stalling, Jocelyn, seriously, you’re making this aaaawkward. The spirit cleared her throat.
You’re like a sister to me. You’re family and you’re a piece of home.
“Yeah, y’know.. I just think I should let you know that I got your back, always. Like, not like.. if we ever got caught in a battle side-by-side.. Oh I mean, that too. But I’m saying like.. if you were half-way across the world, across the universe, trapped inside walls of fire–geez that’s morbid, but really–I would fly to you in a heartbeat and help you out. No questions asked, you can always count on me.” And then, because it wasn’t Jocelyn to leave things stiff or emotional or tense, she raised three fingers solemnly and added, “Scout’s honor.”
2025 update : take this post with a heavy grain of salt. some things are still accurate in concept, but many have been reworked or fleshed out.
Under a read more because this got really long. Thank you for sending these !
10: How old is your race?
Much older than humankind, and by our standards, incredibly ancient. However, their lifespan plays a great deal in how their society has not changed as much as one would believe beyond their evolution from savage beasts to a structured society ( see #11 ). They have had around three major events ( thus far. Have to flesh out their history more, of course. ) Naturally, one of them was the Civil War that is believed to have invoked their extinction. I will definitely find a better name for it, hah. It lasted quite a long time, and had already reduced their numbers drastically.Before that, the creation of a Council in most tribes; the idea of following a specific set of individuals and their ideals. It introduced a structure in their life that was not entirely different than what they had before, and yet much more pronounced. From an outside perspective, they became much more like people than animals ( as we would perceive it ). For example, a more defined idea of trading was introduced as each individual began to have a sense of personal belongings; to actually be capable of sentimental value. Everyone ( with few exceptions ) trusts and adheres to their Council’s choices, which gives them great power over a tribe.
The first was when Savages become the Blessed. Though the name came later near the introduction of the Council, the clear difference between these two became obvious much earlier, especially when their bodies slowly adapted to climbing trees much more frequently. There had always been a certain line, but instead of it disappearing, it became more defined over the millennia.
Now, while the Savages, Blessed, and Outcasts ( names all given by the Blessed ) are best defined as factions, especially at first glance, the second can indeed be identified as a subspecies ( correct me if I am wrong ). They felt more comfortable climbing trees than sprinting through thickets from the very beginning, likely due to having been born in more tree-heavy locations, rather than the swamps or what few meadows there are ( and to flee from predators or surprise them from above ). Thus their bodies began to adapt early on, and soon their diets due to how difficult hunting was for most of them.
11: How long do the people live?
And the reason this species is so very ancient as a whole is that each individual lives for many thousand years. Banshee herself is around two thousand earth years old ( which is perhaps around 5-15 suns. Still need to decide on how long their nights and days last ), and although I would say she is akin to a young adult by our standard, they cannot really be compared in such a way. However, this is one of those things I have yet to truly decide anything on, beyond them being long-lived. I am thinking they grow into a stage of intelligence ( being perfectly aware and capable of judgement ) quite quickly, but then their physical growth slows down; perhaps at the height of a large dog.
I am playing with the thought that they never truly stop growing, and that there are extremely rare cases of 20-30 feet tall beasts. This could potentially be considered a phenomenon among their species and thus these behemoths receive almost as much reverence / respect as Nature itself. But we’re speaking the epitome of rare; a myth to most. Stories told to whelps about those chosen personally by Nature. And these beasts would likely be old enough to have been there during the first Council’s creation.
However, none of this species are immortal. And when they are close to death, they will travel to a very specific swamp to lie themselves to rest ( the swamp’s name will be based around that ). I have still to figure the significance of it, and might change the details of it, but I am very likely to stay with the “drawn to a certain place upon death” concept. Likely to “be one with nature in death”.
15: How do they travel around?
The Blessed traverse almost only atop tree branches out of both caution and habit. Which is not quite as exhausting as it sounds, considering that some trees are so large, one would take a moment to even realize they are in fact inside a tree’s crown. A great amount even reach into the clouds. Despite seemingly odd to imagine, Banshee’s people are absolute masters at climbing. They are extremely flexible and much stronger than they appear ( when it comes to lifting weight ); especially their tails. They can easily swing from branch to branch, while clinging to any bark with their sharp claws or teeth.
The Savages on the other hand ( and most Outcasts ) prefer the ground; or at least the lower trees, considering that much of nature intertwines with each other, allowing you to traverse from muddy ground onto wooden branches. While they certainly have the tools to climb, they are far from accustomed to it ( more a question of knowledge about where to climb; recognizing the proper branches / paths, etc ), and would be outran ( outclimbed? hah ) by any Blessed without proving a challenge.
And as the Savages were not accustomed to climbing, so would Blessed have a hard time on the ground. Especially where the soil is loose, being used to a very solid surface to hold onto. Essentially, both of them have a home advantage through which they excel. The Savages perfectly blend into darker parts of nature with their dark coats, sneaking up on prey and easily escaping when necessary.
As a whole, these beasts are very fast with a lot of stamina, designed to hunt. As a gut feeling, I would say they match up to a cheetah, especially as they share a running cycle ( with the exception of Banshee ), but I don’t know how their long necks influence their speed. This one is also a good example.
20: How do they feel about technology?
Keeping pieces of it for your own is considered heresy. They do not like change. They refuse to deviate from what they have built, putting these pieces away under the “pretense” of being artifacts and offerings. Bringing these strange pieces ( like the one that caused Banshee’s mutation ) to the Singing Shrine put you into good graced with Nature ( coughthecouncilcough ). The common belief is that the Council knows best; and thus they know best what to do with these strange objects. You wouldn’t want to endanger the tribe with your curiosity, right ?
It is why they are only advanced as a society, and not in terms of science. Their beliefs are a chain that keeps them exactly where the Council wants them: away from these new and strange things that come crashing from the dark beyond occasionally. They see metal as something without Spirit; without Life. It is foreign and therefor bad. It is why Banshee is so very uncomfortable in modern times. It is essentially the equivalent of being surrounded by an empty graveyard. There never was anything alive to begin with, and yet it feels like death.
30: Is there any sort of class system?
The Savages go by the simple idea of strength equals authority, whereas the Outcasts struggle in coming to agreements beyond striking against the Blessed, considering they consist of both factions and their separate ideals are extremely different. Thus fights are actually quite common. But there are many with a voice of reason that keeps everything under control. Not an appointed leader, per say, but more of a respected figure. Often an older Savage, as it is more common for a Blessed to become and Outcast at a very young age.
The Blessed however do have a class system ! While it is little in scale, its influence is crucial to their lives. By default, their status in society is determined by the conditions under which they were born ( weather, genes, time, etc. ), as well as age. The closer to what they consider perfection one is, the higher the chance of becoming part of The Council. And perfection is a fickle thing. Rare genes ( ex. glowing crystals ) are loved, but rare weather ( rain / sunshine ) is despised.
The Council consists mostly of Shamans and Oracles: those who are responsible for both order and harmony. They are the highest authority and their ideals determine the ideals of the tribe they lead. To follow their guidance is to embrace perfection, and questioning their decisions and beliefs is considered blasphemy. While they truthfully have the best intentions, which was conveyed through their emotions and thus very few ever considered them deceptive, they are extremely manipulative when looking at it from the outside.
Anyone else, aside from the conditions under which someone was born ( which is the key factor, essentially ), is equal. As in, your job in society doesn’t matter. You can be a merchant, forager, builder, etc., and it doesn’t influence your status. Only your birth and age matter, and recovering from a bad omen ( like rain during Banshee’s birth ) is extremely difficult. The belief is that Nature judges you, but really, it’s the Council. Even if they themselves don’t see it that way.
For someone who would never, ever claim to be a kind being in the least, Atieno does have an understated sweetness about them if one ever gets close enough to find out. For all their seemingly callous and indifferent moments, in their general interactions with most beings - Atieno treats people with a certain kind of regard that isn’t limited to whether they’re mortal, immortal, whatever species.
They’re extremely fair-minded and much more sympathetic to others than they’d like to admit. And they will never outright admit to themselves more than likely. It’s just not in their nature.
20. Does your character like animals? What are some of their favorite animals? Would they want pets? What about mythological creatures?
Ati has a casual interest in animals - just as she has a casual interest in most species of different life. They probably aren’t likely to have any pets - but they are likely to look after someone’s pets as a favor - just to see how it might be like.
Mythological creatures are some of her favorite creatures. The deadlier to mankind the better as far as she is concerned.21. What is one of your character’s biggest fears? How would they react when dealing with this fear?
I guess she has a fear of seeing all of her work come undone. And it will come to an end when this universe ends - so she’ll have to face the fear firsthand. The only saving grace is that another universe starts right after that so chances are it’ll just be another part of the cycle.
However, at the moment of the initial disintegration, she will be extremely dismayed and probably will disappear to who knows where - probably an alternate dimension as it all gets worked out - since she can’t bear to see it all come undone in front of her.
22. What kind of tattoos, piercings, birthmarks, freckles, and other such unique physical features do they have?
In the humanoid form she has markings on her back and a little bit on her arms - detailing the swirls of the universe. She also has an eyebrow piercing and several in her ears.
23. What is your character like when it comes to school? What subjects are they good/bad at? Do they get in trouble a lot or are well behaved?
Atieno never really had to attend school since that wasn’t really a thing for her. But if she did, she’d be a pretty good student overall. Rather studious and dedicated to her studies - particularly good at the sciences and history. I think she would be pretty good at all subjects but she’d have to work a little harder to do some of the advanced math she’s capable of doing.
24. In their own words, how would your character describe what their lover is like?
[uh. I ..I don’t really have an answer for this. I mean if I were to use Cadillac if I could for an example maybe: “Magnificently terrifying. But wonderful nonetheless. With a flair for the theatrical.”]
[need more lovers honestly. still taking applications //bricked]
25. Is there something traumatic from your character’s past that greatly affects them even to this day?Basically seeing the destruction of different galaxies. Seeing work undone often weights a ton on her and serves as a reminder that no matter what she does, chances are her efforts will be ruined by some event or another even in the long term.26. What is their lover like sexually? How do they feel about their lover’s quirks, needs, etc?
[don’t know the details about that yet. >.>]
[but if anyone wants to volunteer info - feel free]
27. If your character was going to get arrested, what would be the most likely reason for it?
Stealing something. Or just not generally obeying authority because ‘your petty human laws ain’t shit. Bye.’
she’d break out anyway because can’t nothing or anyone hold her.
28. If your character became a celebrity, what would they be famous for?
Being fabulous. And crafting cool tricks with their cosmic magic.
29. What is one of the most courageous things your character has ever done for a loved one?
Probably uh helped them escape from imprisonment. She’s done this a number of times because she values everyone’s ability to have the freedom that they want.
30. When it comes to the arts (music, film, theater, etc), what does your character like?
Music: soul, funk, industrial, new wave, post punk, vaporwave, a lot of electronic music, rap (depends heavily on the artist)
Genres of literature/movies: horror, scifi, comedy, adventure
she might be --- abrasive sometimes, but she’s not HARSH to those who are undeserving of it. a tinge of her own personal awkwardness has her UNSURE if the figure before her is ALRIGHT, her upper teeth coming to cover her lower lip as she tugs her scarf closer. ❝ i don’t have much --- but do you need something to eat? we could share. ❞
---- ❝ I'M AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE OF STRENGT! FEAR THE TASTE OF MY METAL-BENDING WRATH! which should happen any minute now.. hold on.. ❞ and with the inexplicable power of mind the gem managed to lift an entire paperclip at least four centermeters above the ground. ❝ haha! watch this you CLOD! ❞ it then frightfully hovers towards the individual with an intimidating slow rate.
