Information
Dec. 1st, 2015 06:08 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aquatumultPLAYER
Name: Athena
Journal Username: everlastingsoul
Preferred Contact: Plurk: journeymancrystal
Current Characters: N/A
CHARACTER
Name: Walter (Waruta)
Canon: Tales of Legendia
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Race: Hylian-cursed (originally Zora)
Nationality: Zora (Labrynna)
Occupation: Zora guide and guardsman (prior to curse)
Patron Goddess: Farore
Backstory:
Walter was born in the Zora Sea south of the landmass known as Labrynna, under the birth name Waruta. As a Zora child, he remained surrounded by his kind in their underwater city, playing with the other children and learning of the sea's bounty, their land-walking neighbors, and (of course) the ocean god, Jabu Jabu. He was not quick to take to land-walking, spending the first ten years of his life with minimal time away from the water--and even then, away from land dwellers' civilizations. He wasn't raised to be incredibly adventurous and curious, and so he preferred remaining underwater.
His desire to become useful and dedicated to his people inspired him to become a Zora guardsman, perhaps even aspiring to be the captain of the guard. Close to the heart of the Zora, with the power and authority necessary to keep his people safe. To that end, he honed his body and skills, in many ways foregoing interaction with others his age in favor of training and studying. This led to discomfort and social awkwardness in his teenage years, which he struggled against as he came to the next hurdle in his aspirations: interacting with the rest of the world.
With the Zora interacting so closely with the country of Labrynna, it was expected that any who aspired to the royal guard be capable of interacting with the land dwellers. He was expected to spend time on Labrynnan ships and assist those navigating the Zora Sea--not only learning how to tolerate the land dwellers, but also learning how others viewed their territory and people.
His unsociable nature made things difficult; he decided that the experience itself was a burden to be tolerated, not going out of his way to speak with the sailors and ship passengers he could have befriended. Instead of correcting a sailor when they called him 'Walter,' he ignored the mistake until the misconception spread to the rest of the ship. (Some other Zora guides shrugged off the mistake, saying it wasn't an uncommon occurrence.) He looked upon his guide assignments with grim disdain, hoping that they would end sooner than later.
Of course, an attitude like that only served to extend his time as a guide; with his mindset and stubbornness, he wasn't learning anything. While he wasn't being violent towards his shipmates, he needed to make significant progress before returning underwater to become a guardsman. Walter was just beginning his third year as a Zora guide when he had his unfortunate encounter with a sorcerer aboard a ship heading for the mainland.
The altercation itself is hazy to Walter now, but the sorcerer was eccentric and annoyed enough to jostle other ship passengers. The sorcerer started spitting threats, possibly having lost money to one of the traveling salesmen or having choice words with a surly member of the crew, and Walter stepped in--a contrasting foe in a sea of human and Hylian faces, "but you're all just the same," the sorcerer sneered. The sorcerer sent out an eruption of magic just before the ship arrived at Aboda Harbor, sending some passengers fleeing right into the water--or knocking them in, as was the case for Walter.
When he came to on the shore, Walter was mercifully alone to take stock of the sorcerer's effects. Whatever spell had hit him had transformed him from a Zora to a Hylian, leaving him in shock as he tried to deal with the bizarre differences between his normal body and that of a non-Zora. He salvaged some clothing from scattered cargo on the beach and started for the closest town, unsettled and unsure of what to do about his situation.
He doesn't know if the sorcerer survived or if others on the doomed ship were ultimately cursed as well, but he's sure that he can't return home until he finds some way to curse himself.
Personality: Walter, at his heart, is a passionate, driven young Zora who would give his all for his people. He has a deep love and loyalty to his fellow Zora, wanting to dedicate his life to ensuring their safety and continued prosperity. He has a healthy respect for the historical accounts that led the Zora to Labrynna and the legends of Jabu Jabu, and will take offense to those who dismiss the Zora one way or another. While he isn't one to immediately jump to violence, he doesn't take well to insults aimed at his race or their deity, as the Zora themselves are a very proud race.
He has spent less time around land dwellers than the average Labrynnan Zora, kept homebound and uncurious by a strict upbringing. This led to more discomfort than usual when presented with the reality that he would need to interact with land dwellers as a guide and guard, and he adapted by becoming cold and aloof. While he can take orders and interact with others, he usually comes across as terse and impatient with other races--like he has better things to do. Around those he is comfortable with (namely, his own people), the cold attitude eases to a quiet, focused sense of reservation.
Even out of his element and against unexpected odds, Walter is tenacious to the point of foolishness. He is unwavering in his desire to become a guard, and so he tolerates an extended assignment as a ship guide to prove he's capable. He wants to return to his people, and so he continues traveling despite not having any clue how to find a cure. This stubbornness translates into just about everything he does, including fighting. If he wants something badly enough, the only thing that will stop him is death itself.
Skills
Deep sea biology knowledge
Water currents and tidal knowledge
Elementary reading and writing skill
Navigation by celestial bodies
Ship upkeep (rigging usage, boating knots)
Basic "on land" survival skills
Knifework (especially for deboning fish and opening shells)
Fishing/underwater hunting
Swimming - Being a Zora in all but current form, Walter is a very adept swimmer. He may not have all the physical advantages anymore, but he knows how to cut through the water quickly and dive efficiently.
Combat - As part of his training to become a guard, Walter has learned how to fight with both the traditional spear and with his hands and feet. While he is still getting used to his limitations as a land dweller, learning to fight underwater has left him uncommonly fast while fighting on land. He is a decent shot while throwing a javelin or harpoon, but he much prefers melee combat.
Magic - Walter has a decent grasp of magic, having put more effort into it once he was working as a guide.
Spells/Tools
- Water magic (apprentice level)
- Wind magic (apprentice level)
- Telepathy (Hylian racial trait; completely unskilled with it)
Ambitions:
As detailed in his backstory, Walter is fueled by his desire to help protect his people. He doesn't bear any immediate ill will towards other races, but noticeable slights can easily be built into resentment. Of more pressing concern at the moment is being unable to physically be with his people, which will likely grow into distress and anger the longer he remains away from other Zora. If given the power of a wish at this point in time, it would be to return home and secure the safety of the Zora from outside threats.
SAMPLES
He swatted a sandfly as it landed on his cheek, facial muscles twitching into a frown as it soon became apparent that the sandfly had escaped. The buzzing wasn't quite as annoying at the flies themselves, but it was an unsettling sound when he was trying (in vain) to make a fire.
The absurdity of it all made him snort derisively. Zora had little use for fire, associating it more with smoke and uncomfortable heat. While they could tolerate it, there was such little need for it that he had never considered fire a viable option for magical study. Now, as he numbly clutched a mostly dry piece of flint and struck it against another rock, he sorely wished he had at least passed the most minor lessons to bring a spark into existence.
Land dwellers were amazingly incapable at living in their own environment without protective wear. Zora were never in danger of dying of exposure in their natural habitat, and clothing was entirely seen as accessories instead of requirements for surviving the night. Ill-fitting clothing was just about useless, sleeves pooling around his elbows as he furiously continued striking rocks together.
He ignored more sandflies landing on his exposed neck and shoulders when he finally saw a sizable spark. With renewed hope, he bent over his tiny gathering of twigs and dry grass for several more minutes until he was rewarded with the sight of embers and a curl of smoke. Finally. Finally.
The heat of a fire had never been so welcome. Rocks were abandoned in favor of more twigs and grass, tossed onto the growing flame and generating more smoke. His pale hands looked alien to him as he held them close to the fire, soaking as much heat as he could to fend off the descending chill. The buzzing sandflies scattered as the smoke began bothering them--an unexpected benefit.
Left to his thoughts, Walter pondered his next plan of action. He would be hungry by first light, and he wasn't sure how far he had to walk--or could walk, with his lack of knowledge of traveling speeds by land--until he found civilization. He muttered sour words over his predicament, hands curling into fists as he felt the night breeze rustle unfamiliar hair and ears.
The distant sound of waves crashing on the beach was the only thing that eased his anger that night.
Name: Athena
Journal Username: everlastingsoul
Preferred Contact: Plurk: journeymancrystal
Current Characters: N/A
CHARACTER
Name: Walter (Waruta)
Canon: Tales of Legendia
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Race: Hylian-cursed (originally Zora)
Nationality: Zora (Labrynna)
Occupation: Zora guide and guardsman (prior to curse)
Patron Goddess: Farore
Backstory:
Walter was born in the Zora Sea south of the landmass known as Labrynna, under the birth name Waruta. As a Zora child, he remained surrounded by his kind in their underwater city, playing with the other children and learning of the sea's bounty, their land-walking neighbors, and (of course) the ocean god, Jabu Jabu. He was not quick to take to land-walking, spending the first ten years of his life with minimal time away from the water--and even then, away from land dwellers' civilizations. He wasn't raised to be incredibly adventurous and curious, and so he preferred remaining underwater.
His desire to become useful and dedicated to his people inspired him to become a Zora guardsman, perhaps even aspiring to be the captain of the guard. Close to the heart of the Zora, with the power and authority necessary to keep his people safe. To that end, he honed his body and skills, in many ways foregoing interaction with others his age in favor of training and studying. This led to discomfort and social awkwardness in his teenage years, which he struggled against as he came to the next hurdle in his aspirations: interacting with the rest of the world.
With the Zora interacting so closely with the country of Labrynna, it was expected that any who aspired to the royal guard be capable of interacting with the land dwellers. He was expected to spend time on Labrynnan ships and assist those navigating the Zora Sea--not only learning how to tolerate the land dwellers, but also learning how others viewed their territory and people.
His unsociable nature made things difficult; he decided that the experience itself was a burden to be tolerated, not going out of his way to speak with the sailors and ship passengers he could have befriended. Instead of correcting a sailor when they called him 'Walter,' he ignored the mistake until the misconception spread to the rest of the ship. (Some other Zora guides shrugged off the mistake, saying it wasn't an uncommon occurrence.) He looked upon his guide assignments with grim disdain, hoping that they would end sooner than later.
Of course, an attitude like that only served to extend his time as a guide; with his mindset and stubbornness, he wasn't learning anything. While he wasn't being violent towards his shipmates, he needed to make significant progress before returning underwater to become a guardsman. Walter was just beginning his third year as a Zora guide when he had his unfortunate encounter with a sorcerer aboard a ship heading for the mainland.
The altercation itself is hazy to Walter now, but the sorcerer was eccentric and annoyed enough to jostle other ship passengers. The sorcerer started spitting threats, possibly having lost money to one of the traveling salesmen or having choice words with a surly member of the crew, and Walter stepped in--a contrasting foe in a sea of human and Hylian faces, "but you're all just the same," the sorcerer sneered. The sorcerer sent out an eruption of magic just before the ship arrived at Aboda Harbor, sending some passengers fleeing right into the water--or knocking them in, as was the case for Walter.
When he came to on the shore, Walter was mercifully alone to take stock of the sorcerer's effects. Whatever spell had hit him had transformed him from a Zora to a Hylian, leaving him in shock as he tried to deal with the bizarre differences between his normal body and that of a non-Zora. He salvaged some clothing from scattered cargo on the beach and started for the closest town, unsettled and unsure of what to do about his situation.
He doesn't know if the sorcerer survived or if others on the doomed ship were ultimately cursed as well, but he's sure that he can't return home until he finds some way to curse himself.
Personality: Walter, at his heart, is a passionate, driven young Zora who would give his all for his people. He has a deep love and loyalty to his fellow Zora, wanting to dedicate his life to ensuring their safety and continued prosperity. He has a healthy respect for the historical accounts that led the Zora to Labrynna and the legends of Jabu Jabu, and will take offense to those who dismiss the Zora one way or another. While he isn't one to immediately jump to violence, he doesn't take well to insults aimed at his race or their deity, as the Zora themselves are a very proud race.
He has spent less time around land dwellers than the average Labrynnan Zora, kept homebound and uncurious by a strict upbringing. This led to more discomfort than usual when presented with the reality that he would need to interact with land dwellers as a guide and guard, and he adapted by becoming cold and aloof. While he can take orders and interact with others, he usually comes across as terse and impatient with other races--like he has better things to do. Around those he is comfortable with (namely, his own people), the cold attitude eases to a quiet, focused sense of reservation.
Even out of his element and against unexpected odds, Walter is tenacious to the point of foolishness. He is unwavering in his desire to become a guard, and so he tolerates an extended assignment as a ship guide to prove he's capable. He wants to return to his people, and so he continues traveling despite not having any clue how to find a cure. This stubbornness translates into just about everything he does, including fighting. If he wants something badly enough, the only thing that will stop him is death itself.
Skills
Deep sea biology knowledge
Water currents and tidal knowledge
Elementary reading and writing skill
Navigation by celestial bodies
Ship upkeep (rigging usage, boating knots)
Basic "on land" survival skills
Knifework (especially for deboning fish and opening shells)
Fishing/underwater hunting
Swimming - Being a Zora in all but current form, Walter is a very adept swimmer. He may not have all the physical advantages anymore, but he knows how to cut through the water quickly and dive efficiently.
Combat - As part of his training to become a guard, Walter has learned how to fight with both the traditional spear and with his hands and feet. While he is still getting used to his limitations as a land dweller, learning to fight underwater has left him uncommonly fast while fighting on land. He is a decent shot while throwing a javelin or harpoon, but he much prefers melee combat.
Magic - Walter has a decent grasp of magic, having put more effort into it once he was working as a guide.
Spells/Tools
- Water magic (apprentice level)
- Wind magic (apprentice level)
- Telepathy (Hylian racial trait; completely unskilled with it)
Ambitions:
As detailed in his backstory, Walter is fueled by his desire to help protect his people. He doesn't bear any immediate ill will towards other races, but noticeable slights can easily be built into resentment. Of more pressing concern at the moment is being unable to physically be with his people, which will likely grow into distress and anger the longer he remains away from other Zora. If given the power of a wish at this point in time, it would be to return home and secure the safety of the Zora from outside threats.
SAMPLES
He swatted a sandfly as it landed on his cheek, facial muscles twitching into a frown as it soon became apparent that the sandfly had escaped. The buzzing wasn't quite as annoying at the flies themselves, but it was an unsettling sound when he was trying (in vain) to make a fire.
The absurdity of it all made him snort derisively. Zora had little use for fire, associating it more with smoke and uncomfortable heat. While they could tolerate it, there was such little need for it that he had never considered fire a viable option for magical study. Now, as he numbly clutched a mostly dry piece of flint and struck it against another rock, he sorely wished he had at least passed the most minor lessons to bring a spark into existence.
Land dwellers were amazingly incapable at living in their own environment without protective wear. Zora were never in danger of dying of exposure in their natural habitat, and clothing was entirely seen as accessories instead of requirements for surviving the night. Ill-fitting clothing was just about useless, sleeves pooling around his elbows as he furiously continued striking rocks together.
He ignored more sandflies landing on his exposed neck and shoulders when he finally saw a sizable spark. With renewed hope, he bent over his tiny gathering of twigs and dry grass for several more minutes until he was rewarded with the sight of embers and a curl of smoke. Finally. Finally.
The heat of a fire had never been so welcome. Rocks were abandoned in favor of more twigs and grass, tossed onto the growing flame and generating more smoke. His pale hands looked alien to him as he held them close to the fire, soaking as much heat as he could to fend off the descending chill. The buzzing sandflies scattered as the smoke began bothering them--an unexpected benefit.
Left to his thoughts, Walter pondered his next plan of action. He would be hungry by first light, and he wasn't sure how far he had to walk--or could walk, with his lack of knowledge of traveling speeds by land--until he found civilization. He muttered sour words over his predicament, hands curling into fists as he felt the night breeze rustle unfamiliar hair and ears.
The distant sound of waves crashing on the beach was the only thing that eased his anger that night.
