M
Murasaki_Sama
Guest
Original poster
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This is a world with magic. Creatures from myths and legends walk side by side with mundane humans; while mages control the very forces of nature that man has always sought to control. Rather than lead to a paradise, this diversity of power has led to open conflict. Now creatures of magic, wild born mages, and gifted mundanes are kept as Axemi, bonded servants.
The Axemi, and the system of bonding humans and magical creatures to service, originated in the Empire of Qinqu. The nation is ruled by the Divine Daughter, her court of experienced politicians, the families of the Greater and Lesser Clans, and the holy Servants of Yuse Ana. It is home to a wide variety of races, many of whom are magical. In Veratis, the capital, all these competing factions live side by side. Political strife and in-fighting is common, especially at social events.
The fifth month of the seven hundred and thirteenth year of the Empire, as the Ra'Shala Emporium holds its monthly Fete, the court hosts the seasonal Ball, and the Council of Greater and Lesser Clans gathers for the first time in ten years, conflicts between the factions will ignite turmoil across the Empire.
The Axemi, and the system of bonding humans and magical creatures to service, originated in the Empire of Qinqu. The nation is ruled by the Divine Daughter, her court of experienced politicians, the families of the Greater and Lesser Clans, and the holy Servants of Yuse Ana. It is home to a wide variety of races, many of whom are magical. In Veratis, the capital, all these competing factions live side by side. Political strife and in-fighting is common, especially at social events.
The fifth month of the seven hundred and thirteenth year of the Empire, as the Ra'Shala Emporium holds its monthly Fete, the court hosts the seasonal Ball, and the Council of Greater and Lesser Clans gathers for the first time in ten years, conflicts between the factions will ignite turmoil across the Empire.
Qinqu has several factions competing for power. The Divine Daughter, currently the eldest living female descendant of the goddess Yuse Ana, and the priesthood devoted to her worship, have nominal authority over all citizens of the Empire.
However, the politician class holds most of the actual power, as they fill all administrated, legislative and military positions. Officially, anyone can become a civil servant; in truth, only those with the money to pay for a good education can pass the public exam, and therefore become a politician and a civil servant. Additionally, those with powerful connections rise faster and further than those without. Civil servants fill roles from tax collector, to consuls and magistrates of the Justice system, to provincial governors and Ministers of the Court.
The Council of Greater and Lesser Clans, made up of the powerful families of mages and magical creatures, holds a great deal of sway, although they have little official power. They prefer to send their sons and daughters to court to support powerful politicians, or to become civil servants themselves. As magic is rare, and carefully controlled by members of the Clans, only those wealthy enough to employ the services of a mage (or purchase the bond of an Axemi-lis) can reap the advantages of magical support. Mages prefer to create magical artifacts rather than hire themselves out exclusively to a single patron. Magical creatures, on the other hand, prefer to support members of their own race, or political factions with similar aims as their Clan/race. Magical races give their gifts rarely, and only at great cost. The Council claims to protect the magically gifted, but mostly they protect the Clans, allowing the other mages and magical creatures to fall victim to the Axemi trade.
However, the politician class holds most of the actual power, as they fill all administrated, legislative and military positions. Officially, anyone can become a civil servant; in truth, only those with the money to pay for a good education can pass the public exam, and therefore become a politician and a civil servant. Additionally, those with powerful connections rise faster and further than those without. Civil servants fill roles from tax collector, to consuls and magistrates of the Justice system, to provincial governors and Ministers of the Court.
The Council of Greater and Lesser Clans, made up of the powerful families of mages and magical creatures, holds a great deal of sway, although they have little official power. They prefer to send their sons and daughters to court to support powerful politicians, or to become civil servants themselves. As magic is rare, and carefully controlled by members of the Clans, only those wealthy enough to employ the services of a mage (or purchase the bond of an Axemi-lis) can reap the advantages of magical support. Mages prefer to create magical artifacts rather than hire themselves out exclusively to a single patron. Magical creatures, on the other hand, prefer to support members of their own race, or political factions with similar aims as their Clan/race. Magical races give their gifts rarely, and only at great cost. The Council claims to protect the magically gifted, but mostly they protect the Clans, allowing the other mages and magical creatures to fall victim to the Axemi trade.
The population of Qinqu is divided into several castes. At the top is the Divine Daughter and her extended family, the Qin, children of the goddess Yuse Ana. The next ruler of the Empire can only come from among the ranks of the Qin. Male children of this family generally become civil servants, since they have access to the best education and cannot inherit the throne. The current Divine Daughter is nearly 80 years old, and has yet to choose an Heir. Competition and in-fighting among the female Qin, their supporting political factions, and other factions, has become very intense over the last few years.
The second caste is made up of civil servants, who manage most of the Empire. In order to become a civil servant, one must pass a rather difficult exam. After that, one attains ranks by merit and personal achievement; although most politicians attain rank by bribery and powerful family connections.
Third in status, although equal in power to the civil servants, are the Servants of Yuse Ana, the goddess who founded the Empire and forged the peace between humans and the other races. The Servants conduct a number of rituals and ceremonies throughout the year, as well as serve as pages, handmaidens and advisers to the Divine Daughter. Since the purest souls are those in service to others, the Axemi system is managed by the priests and priestesses of Yuse Ana; they must sign off on any bond, any sale, or any emancipation.
Artisans, scholars, and members of the Greater and Lesser Clans make up the next caste. Artisans work as both skilled laborers and artists, and produce everything from normal, every day items, to works exquisite works of art. Scholars study anything from magic to mathematics, and work to advance knowledge of philosophy, the sciences and magical theory, if not actual magical practice. Members of the Greater and Lesser Clans are also often considered artisans and scholars, although some serve as civil servants, or soldiers.
After them come soldiers and lower ranking officers. Higher ranking officers are considered civil servants and rank with the powerful politicians. Members of the city guard are considered part of the military, while their officers, the magistrates, and the consuls are all civil servants.
Merchants, farmers and other normal citizens make up the second to last class. Some merchants, especially those that deal in Axemi, have enough power to socialize with high ranking politicians, Servants, and military officers. However, their actual social status remains negligible. Most trade is conducted with hard currency, gold, silver and bronze coins minted by government. Pure metals, gold and iron, for example, as well as both cut and uncut gemstones often serve as alternative forms of currency. Only desperate or near criminal merchants deal in direct barter of goods for goods, at least in the capital and larger cities. Small villages deal exclusively in barter.
The lowest caste is that of the Axemi, the humans, mages and magical creatures in bonded servitude. The bond, which marks ownership of the Axemi, is often traded and sold, and is a primary source of wealth and infamy for the nation of Qinqu, and especially the capital.
The second caste is made up of civil servants, who manage most of the Empire. In order to become a civil servant, one must pass a rather difficult exam. After that, one attains ranks by merit and personal achievement; although most politicians attain rank by bribery and powerful family connections.
Third in status, although equal in power to the civil servants, are the Servants of Yuse Ana, the goddess who founded the Empire and forged the peace between humans and the other races. The Servants conduct a number of rituals and ceremonies throughout the year, as well as serve as pages, handmaidens and advisers to the Divine Daughter. Since the purest souls are those in service to others, the Axemi system is managed by the priests and priestesses of Yuse Ana; they must sign off on any bond, any sale, or any emancipation.
Artisans, scholars, and members of the Greater and Lesser Clans make up the next caste. Artisans work as both skilled laborers and artists, and produce everything from normal, every day items, to works exquisite works of art. Scholars study anything from magic to mathematics, and work to advance knowledge of philosophy, the sciences and magical theory, if not actual magical practice. Members of the Greater and Lesser Clans are also often considered artisans and scholars, although some serve as civil servants, or soldiers.
After them come soldiers and lower ranking officers. Higher ranking officers are considered civil servants and rank with the powerful politicians. Members of the city guard are considered part of the military, while their officers, the magistrates, and the consuls are all civil servants.
Merchants, farmers and other normal citizens make up the second to last class. Some merchants, especially those that deal in Axemi, have enough power to socialize with high ranking politicians, Servants, and military officers. However, their actual social status remains negligible. Most trade is conducted with hard currency, gold, silver and bronze coins minted by government. Pure metals, gold and iron, for example, as well as both cut and uncut gemstones often serve as alternative forms of currency. Only desperate or near criminal merchants deal in direct barter of goods for goods, at least in the capital and larger cities. Small villages deal exclusively in barter.
The lowest caste is that of the Axemi, the humans, mages and magical creatures in bonded servitude. The bond, which marks ownership of the Axemi, is often traded and sold, and is a primary source of wealth and infamy for the nation of Qinqu, and especially the capital.
Humans, as well as mages and magical creatures born outside of the protection of the Greater and Lesser Clans, are often bonded into service; their bond is bought and sold. Those Axemi are born into the life, are bonded immediately, and then trained extensively before being sold as actual servants. At times free persons are bonded, generally at a very young age, and then undergo the same training. Loyalty to one's master is an essential part of the training of any Axemi; most people trust their Axemi without question, even if the Axemi have been bought and sold several times.
Axemi fulfill several useful roles in society. They can be trained as companions (who are often upgraded to concubines or bond-wives), tutors, cooks, artists, or performers. They can serve as body-guards or secretaries, butlers or nannies. While in service, Axemi can even rise to positions of great power; in Qinqu, even the achievements of bonded servants are rewarded.
Since their training is expensive and time consuming, Axemi are valued and well-treated. They are fed, clothed and cared for, even in their old age. Additionally, the law offers Axemi special protections. Anyone who harms an Axemi pays three fines (one to the training house, one to the owner/master, and one to the Servants of Yuse Ana), and often does hard labor or receives some other punishment as well.
While Axemi can be wed (while still bonded servants), they cannot inherit unless they are freed. There are only three ways to free an Axemi - in reward for a lifetime of service, before marriage, on one's deathbed (this is limited to a single Axemi per dying person, and is considered a passing on of the torch).
Like citizens, Axemi are divided into different classes; the nature of their servitude determines their rank. Human servants, regardless of their training, are called Axemi-ka. Different trading houses specialize in different types of Axemi-ka; some train the finest tutors, while others produce the most amusing, intelligent and beautiful of companions.
The mage-born humans who are bonded become Axemi-lis. While they were once very common, the destruction of the Kiseki Clan, the only family that knew how to make mage-collars, Axemi-lis have become extremely rare and expensive. Only the Ra'Shala Emporum, trainers of a wide variety of Axemika, trade in Axemi-lis.
Members of any magical race who are bonded become Axemi-ter, and are just as valued as Axemi-lis, perhaps even more so, for they have always been rare. The Council of Greater and Lesser Clans is much more enthusiastic about protecting members of the various magical races than they are about protecting human wild mages, those born outside of a magical lineage. The service of Axemi-ter is more form than function, and they are generally little more than arm-pieces of the extremely wealthy.
The lowest rank of Axemi are the manual laborers. They are bonded in adulthood, and are made up of criminals, debtors and captives of war. They have no special designation, and while they are not treated cruelly, they are not awarded the same care and consideration of other Axemi. Occassionally, an Axemi-ka is demoted to a field hand, often after an act of disloyalty.
Magic is the domain of a few gifted humans and members of various magically gifted races. While any human can, in theory, be born with magic, the gift tends to run in families. The most powerful of these families are part of the Council of Greater and Lesser Clans, the ruling body of all non-humans within the Empire. Magical races only agreed to be governed by humans if they could have representatives in the government, and so the Council was formed.
There are as many different schools of magic as there are magical creatures. Elemental mages deal with any of the seven elements (water, wind, fire, stone, metal, light/lightning, and darkness/shadows). Natural mages deal with innate talents, such as the Sight and healing by the laying on of hands. Academic mages control energies using arcana lingua and mathematically precise circle spells. They also deal in the use of crystals and herbs in magical spells; and, of course, in ceremonies of divination. Currently, academic magics are blending science and magic to produce new wonders.
Clockwork machines, such as printing presses and loom factories, are present in centers of learning, such as the larger cities of Qinqu and a few foreign ports. Mostly, however, gear based technology is limited to Veratis. Knowledge of plumbing, water pumps and aqueducts is also available in Veratis. Steam engines and electricity have not yet been discovered.
Despite this, the sciences, especially those of math and physics, are very advanced. Anything known to the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, Arabians or Chinese is known to the scholars of Qinqu. The sciences include such fields as physics, anatomy, medicine, mathematics, geology, history, cartography, biology, zoology, astronomy, literature, and more. Philosophy is also under the sciences, although it more closely resembles an art form, and is related more to magic than math.
In addition to a thriving academic and scientific community, Qinqu also harbors some of the greatest artists of the day. Sculpture, painting, music, performing arts, embroidering, metal weaving and the crafting of jewelry, all are pursued with equal passion within the Empire. Because of the relative wealth of the nation, even normal citizens, lowly merchants and prosperous farmers can claim ownership of some piece of art, be it a silk embroidered jacket or a carved door post. Poetry, like philosphy, falls between two fields; in this case, between the science of literature within academia and a performing style of art.
The nation of Qinqu includes many different areas from mountains and prairies, to coasts and forests. The climate inland is generally temperate, with snow in the north and mountain regions. The rest of the Empire experiences a winter of almost non-stop rain, and in the case of the plains, heavy winds and frequent tornadoes. This season lasts anywhere form two weeks to three months, depending on the region. In Veratis, the monsoon seasons come just before the spring, and serves as down time for the court; most wealthy people flee inland, where this is less rain, and no chance of a hurricane or typhoon. The summer in Veratis, as well as long much of the coast, can be very hot, and very humid, although there is little actual rain fall during the summer months. The spring and fall differ only in whether people or planting or harvesting crops, since the weather is almost identical; mild, humid, with a few windy days, and the possibility of light showers.
Qinqu - the Empire of Qinqu spans most of the continent, and has outposts and colonies on several nearby islands, at least two other continents, and the entire Denit Archipelago. The capital city is Veratis.
Veratis - the capital of Qinqu. A large city set on the Tranquility Bay, Veratis is the center of the Axemi trade, the social and political life of the Empire, and is the home of the royal court. At the center of the city is the palace, which includes the Great Library and Institute. Directly around that are the homes of the powerful and wealthy, followed by the trade quarter and homes of the artisans, scholars and merchants in the north. In the south are the docks and the poor quarter. Veratis is controlled by a triumvirate of power; the Lord Magistrate, who manages the courts and city guard, the Lady Minister of Veratis, who deals with most of the administration of the city, including the collection and spending of taxes, and the High Priest of Yuse Ana, who serves as an intermediary between the Divine Daughter and the powerful civil servants of the court, as well as oversees all Axemi trade in the city proper (and therefore most of the trade throughout the world).
Ra-Shala Emporium - The Ra'Shala Emporium is a large, sprawling complex on the northern edge of Veratis. The main building is the Arena; it is the only part of the complex where buyers are allowed. There Asra hosts monthly Fetes, part party and part sales show. The exact nature of the event at the Fete changes monthly. These Fetes have become a hot-bed of political and social interaction, and are considered an event to look forward too.
The rest of the complex is the training facilities for the various Axemi, homes for employees and staff, and the private mansion of the Lady Asra Hanan. While technically part of the complex, and yet apart from it, is the Tower, home of the dark mage Tatari.
The Emporium does not specialize in any specific kind of Axemi-ka, although it now serves as the only source of Axemi-lis, and the main source of Axemi-ter. Her loyal lieutenants handle most of the daily routine. They are not entirely human; some of them are also Axemi. The lower ranks of the staff are made up almost entirely of Axemi, with a few free men and women thrown in for the sake of variety.
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In addition to basic game play rules, I also have a few requirements. Since I want this to be a small group RP, I will only be accepting four other roleplayers. In order to be fair, I also have to be strict. If you do not feel you can fulfill the requirements listed below, you may wish to reconsider joining the roleplay.[/dash]
Rules and Requirements
In addition to basic game play rules, I also have a few requirements. Since I want this to be a small group RP, I will only be accepting four other roleplayers. In order to be fair, I also have to be strict. If you do not feel you can fulfill the requirements listed below, you may wish to reconsider joining the roleplay.
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1. Posts regularly, but not too often. This means you should try to post at least 2 times per week, but not more than four times a day (except on posting frenzy days, naturally).
2. Feels comfortable with posts between two and ten paragraphs in length. Of course, quality always beats quantity.
3. Is fine playing more than one character at a time in the same RP. You must be willing to play at least 2 characters; there is currently no max amount of characters you can play.
4. Can play both male and female characters. The RP will quickly become imbalanced if people only play female character or only play male characters. Be fair to your fellow RPer, and play both genders.
5. Can contribute to world building and plot; is not passive, but is also not so aggressive that he/she doesn't stop to ask about things.
6. Is fine doing roleplays that aren't based entirely around romance. However, should also be comfortable with yaoi, yuri and het romances in the RP. You DO NOT have to play them, but I allow them all, so don't get on anyone's case because their female character pairs up with another female character.
7. [IMPORTANT] Has a working knowledge of mythology (any kind), legends, and fairy tales. Knowledge of mythical/magical creatures will work also.[/dash]
Requirements
1. Posts regularly, but not too often. This means you should try to post at least 2 times per week, but not more than four times a day (except on posting frenzy days, naturally).
2. Feels comfortable with posts between two and ten paragraphs in length. Of course, quality always beats quantity.
3. Is fine playing more than one character at a time in the same RP. You must be willing to play at least 2 characters; there is currently no max amount of characters you can play.
4. Can play both male and female characters. The RP will quickly become imbalanced if people only play female character or only play male characters. Be fair to your fellow RPer, and play both genders.
5. Can contribute to world building and plot; is not passive, but is also not so aggressive that he/she doesn't stop to ask about things.
6. Is fine doing roleplays that aren't based entirely around romance. However, should also be comfortable with yaoi, yuri and het romances in the RP. You DO NOT have to play them, but I allow them all, so don't get on anyone's case because their female character pairs up with another female character.
7. [IMPORTANT] Has a working knowledge of mythology (any kind), legends, and fairy tales. Knowledge of mythical/magical creatures will work also.
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2. Original characters only - any character who too closely resembles a character from a myth or legend will not be accepted. Be creative with your adaptions.
3. Keep graphic violence, sexual content and obscene language to a minimum. Cut to black anytime things get too heated.
4. If you are going to be gone for more than a few days, please tell the group in advance, and write your character off to the side so that no one is left waiting on you.
5. The GM's word is law.
6. Please use pretty formats in your RP posts. However, no full bold, full underline or full italics text. Additionally, text should be no smaller than standard forum size (2); if you use a font that makes the text look smaller, make the text bigger.
7. I reserve the right to change any and all rules without warning; although I will give notice of any changes.
8. Have fun![/dash]
Rules
1. No godmoding, autoing another person's character, autohitting or metagaming. If you are not sure what actions constitute autoing or metagaming, feel free to ask.2. Original characters only - any character who too closely resembles a character from a myth or legend will not be accepted. Be creative with your adaptions.
3. Keep graphic violence, sexual content and obscene language to a minimum. Cut to black anytime things get too heated.
4. If you are going to be gone for more than a few days, please tell the group in advance, and write your character off to the side so that no one is left waiting on you.
5. The GM's word is law.
6. Please use pretty formats in your RP posts. However, no full bold, full underline or full italics text. Additionally, text should be no smaller than standard forum size (2); if you use a font that makes the text look smaller, make the text bigger.
7. I reserve the right to change any and all rules without warning; although I will give notice of any changes.
8. Have fun!
Characters and Game Play
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The characters should be inspired by a myth, legend or fairy tale (or more than one, whatever). This does not mean characters should be exactly like a character from a myth or legend; simple that their should be some resemblance between the two. Plot points will also likely refer to or be inspired by events from myths, legends or fairy tales.
Fill our the character template offered below. Send it in a PM to Murasaki_Sama. (Do NOT post it in the OOC). If your character is accepted, then I will post the profile up. You will then receive a PM stating your Goal. Every character has a single goal; this should not be shared with other players, but must be explained In Game (take your time, make people guess). This goal will help your character interact with other characters, and will also give your character a part in the over all plot.
Additional plot ideas should be run by the GM, just to make sure they don't run counter to anything else that is going to happen. The GM (that would be me!) really wants to help everyone get their plot ideas into the RP, but some times that requires advance planning on the part of several people; timing of plot points is also very important, and so the GM wants to know what you have planned (roughly) and when it is going to do down.[/dash]
Game Play
The characters should be inspired by a myth, legend or fairy tale (or more than one, whatever). This does not mean characters should be exactly like a character from a myth or legend; simple that their should be some resemblance between the two. Plot points will also likely refer to or be inspired by events from myths, legends or fairy tales.
Fill our the character template offered below. Send it in a PM to Murasaki_Sama. (Do NOT post it in the OOC). If your character is accepted, then I will post the profile up. You will then receive a PM stating your Goal. Every character has a single goal; this should not be shared with other players, but must be explained In Game (take your time, make people guess). This goal will help your character interact with other characters, and will also give your character a part in the over all plot.
Additional plot ideas should be run by the GM, just to make sure they don't run counter to anything else that is going to happen. The GM (that would be me!) really wants to help everyone get their plot ideas into the RP, but some times that requires advance planning on the part of several people; timing of plot points is also very important, and so the GM wants to know what you have planned (roughly) and when it is going to do down.
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Characters must be based on at least one myth, fairy tale or legend. You may play any sort of mythical or magical creature (although it is unlikely I will accept vampires or werewolves), as well as humans or human mages. Characters can be free or Axemi. All characters (at the start) must be somewhere in Veratis.
The character skeleton is very detailed; please fill it out completely. Secrets are great, but I need to understand your character in order to work them into the plot and to give them a goal. The skeleton is provided in non-parse so that the coding remains intact. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT alter the code in any way!
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Characters
Characters must be based on at least one myth, fairy tale or legend. You may play any sort of mythical or magical creature (although it is unlikely I will accept vampires or werewolves), as well as humans or human mages. Characters can be free or Axemi. All characters (at the start) must be somewhere in Veratis.
The character skeleton is very detailed; please fill it out completely. Secrets are great, but I need to understand your character in order to work them into the plot and to give them a goal. The skeleton is provided in non-parse so that the coding remains intact. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT alter the code in any way!
[noparse]
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CHARACTER NAME
~Nickname~
"Actual Quote"
~ by (who said the quote?)
~Nickname~
"Actual Quote"
~ by (who said the quote?)
Basic Info
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Age: (Keep it reasonable, try to be above 15 if possible)
Gender: (male or female?)
Height: (shouldn't have to explain this one)
Race: (human, mermaid, whatever)
Status: (Free person or Axemi; what kind of Axemi?)
Occupation/Caste (What does your character do, and what caste are they in?)
Inspiration: (List of fairy tales and myths character is based on)
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[[Reference Images. Post as Links]]
╔═══════════════════════════════════╗
Age: (Keep it reasonable, try to be above 15 if possible)
Gender: (male or female?)
Height: (shouldn't have to explain this one)
Race: (human, mermaid, whatever)
Status: (Free person or Axemi; what kind of Axemi?)
Occupation/Caste (What does your character do, and what caste are they in?)
Inspiration: (List of fairy tales and myths character is based on)
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[[Reference Images. Post as Links]]
In Depth
╔════════════════════════════════ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═
╚════════════════════════════════ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═Physical Description: (Body, clothes, whatever. Be brief.)
Interests: (Likes/dislikes, hobbies, ect)
Skills: (Be reasonable, but make them interesting.)
Home/Family/Relationships: (Siblings, parents, whatever; love interests, rivals, best friends)
Responsibilities: (What jobs/tasks does this character carry out? What are they in charge of?)
Motivations/Aspirations: (What does your character want? Do they seek freedom, are they just in it for the money, or is something else motivating their actions?)
Interests: (Likes/dislikes, hobbies, ect)
Skills: (Be reasonable, but make them interesting.)
Home/Family/Relationships: (Siblings, parents, whatever; love interests, rivals, best friends)
Responsibilities: (What jobs/tasks does this character carry out? What are they in charge of?)
Motivations/Aspirations: (What does your character want? Do they seek freedom, are they just in it for the money, or is something else motivating their actions?)
Details
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Personality: (Rough outline is fine)
Biography: (Try for at least three paragraphs, but don't go into too much unneeded detail.)
Extra: (Any little tidbits you feel the need to add? Add them here!)
═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ═ ════════════════════════════════╝Biography: (Try for at least three paragraphs, but don't go into too much unneeded detail.)
Extra: (Any little tidbits you feel the need to add? Add them here!)