Post by tino on Oct 17, 2012 21:12:51 GMT -5
Tino Jorma Väinämöinen
Name:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Tino Väinämöinen[/font]
Nickname:[/font][/size][/b][/u] “Kukka”, the word for “flower” in the dead Finnish language (though that’s only ever used by family). He’s also used to responding to “Baby Face”, with mild contempt.[/font]
Nationality:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Medese [[Finland]][/font]
Gender:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Male[/font]
Age:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Twenty-seven[/font]
Social Rank:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Nobility[/font]
Occupation:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Pawn[/font]
Hair Color:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Somewhere between light blonde and an odd tone of silver. [/font]
Eye Color:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Violet[/font]
Weight:[/font][/size][/b][/u] 144 pounds (around 65 kilos)[/font]
Height:[/font][/size][/b][/u] 5’ 7’’ (170 cm)[/font]
Special Features:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Compared to his fellow Pawns, Tino appears to be young; with a slightly shorter height and an innocent face, it's difficult to believe his actual age (or occupation, for that matter). The job of a Pawn is anything but easy and normally leaves nobles with more aged and worn of a face, but this somehow hasn’t applied to him yet.[/font]
Likes:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Dislikes:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Strengths:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Weaknesses:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Dreams:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Fears:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Personality:[/font][/size][/b][/u] As many people would be able to tell you, Tino is generally a bright and sociable man who can talk your ear off if you aren't careful. His entire essence gives off optimism and politeness. He’s a very extroverted man, relying on the happiness of others to stay content. Though it’s far from true, one could take a look at him and assume that he’s never dealt with burden once in his life. Tino is also much older and stronger than he looks, which he has very mixed feelings about. People often mistake him for a rookie or a citizen (even a woman, sometimes!), and while it grates on his nerves, Tino can’t really blame them. A lot of the time, he wishes that he could appear tougher. He’s never content with his outward appearance.
Now, he’s done his best to hide his faults behind a cheerful smile and a pleasant attitude, but on blistering, exhaustive days, they can’t help but protrude. For example, Tino can be overly judgmental. This is something that he’s unable to help - appearance is critical to how he perceives someone, especially upon first meeting them. Tino never puts assumptions into words, but it’s obvious throughout his actions how he feels about the person he’s speaking to. Emotion can simply be read on his face, which is something he desperately wishes he could control. If he’s anxious, he fidgets and words spill from his mouth. If he’s upset, the hurt is as plain as day in his eyes. But through this, a positive observation can be made: Tino genuinely favors most people, explaining his regular outward attitude. If there is a chance that he grows to dislike someone, he isn’t unkind to them. Rather, an obvious hint is that he grows quiet, with a look of discomfort or strained politeness on his face. Another chip in his armor includes being overly worrisome (whether for his own case or anyone else’s).
As one would expect from a Pawn, behind that innocent face is a darker, combative side. The attitude only ever shows itself in the heat of a battle; a deeply rooted thrill in the world of dog-eat-dog. He becomes more determined than usual, following orders to their very last detail and reprimanding those who do not. War is nothing to be taken lightly - through years of combat and training, that fact is burned into his mind. Anyone who has seen him in these instances holds a much different outlook on him as a whole. A few of these aspects have even adapted to his normal personality. For example, he is much more cautious around strangers than he would have been ten years ago. It’s true that his blissful innocence came to a crashing halt once he grew older, but the mark of a close-knit, loving family is still primarily evident. A hundred battles could come and go, and at the end of the day, Tino would still remain friendly and good-natured outside of the field.[/font]
History:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Tino grew up in a house known as a haven of sorts for unwanted children. It started a few weeks after his birth, when he was left bundled up on the newlywed’s doorstep. Some neighbors looked down on his adoptive parents, while others silently pitied the “distraught” couple - while in reality, the two parents didn’t mind one bit. They were a pair that had considered adoption even before his arrival, and they were more than happy to grow a family of their own. And grow one they certainly did; four babies were to follow, all seemingly from different mothers. Because he was the oldest, Tino wasn’t used to a spoiled life - he always had to watch over his younger sisters, and they ended up getting more of their parents’ attention. He didn’t really mind that, though. The flush of pride he felt whenever he was called a “responsible big brother” won over his jealousy. Besides that, his mothers had the patience of saints throughout his childhood. Though not every day was perfect, they lived relatively peacefully in the household.
Despite his overtly cheerful nature, Tino had a difficult time making friends as a child. With doe-eyes and a below-average height, other boys his age didn’t want to be around him, often claiming that he looked “way too much like a girl”. As he grew older, the taunts bothered him more and more. He shouldn’t have taken the words to heart, but they lodged in his mind, opening up questions he’d never considered.
What would make him more like a boy, then?
He asked that question once, and one kid stared him down and grounded out,
“You gotta be tough. An’ you’re not tough at all.”
The nagging in the back of his mind refused to cease. He wasn’t tough, or strong, or able to protect anyone - even himself. And that, he started to believe, wasn’t good at all.
Being an honest child, he voiced all of these complaints to his parents. Both mothers had differing views, but eventually sent him away for a week to visit his great-uncle in Pariter.
His great-uncle was a former Paritian knight, honorably discharged when his left arm had been sliced clean off in battle. He was a very well-rounded man: strong, independent, but also steadfast and friendly. He was more than willing to help Tino become stronger, and did so by teaching him basics of combat: sword-fighting, self-defense, and even some hunting. Tino grew to actually enjoy the tasks, and ended up spending half of his time in Pariter and half with his family in Medius. His role model liked to set Tino up with challenges on the spot - and the most bizarre of all was the day he was dragged to meet with another boy.
As soon as Tino set eyes on the noble’s son, he was sure that their encounter was a test of wits. He was much taller, quiet, and god was he scary! Tino couldn’t help but stumble on words and glance away. A little while later, he was able to spout out normal conversation, to which he’d receive answers of about two or three words. It was difficult at the start, but as Tino came back day after day, gradually, his conversation was built more from curiosity than defense. This boy seemed so distant, so over-bearingly lonely, and he really hadn’t done one bad thing since they’d first met. Even if he glared more than he talked, it didn’t make him mean. It just made him different, and Tino was different, too. What was the harm in being different together?
His persistence must have won out in the end, because from a certain point onward, they became very close friends. In fact, Tino spent more time in Pariter because of him - he practiced combat frequently with his great-uncle, only visiting his family back in Medius once a month or so, and then for the entirety of the summer (the heat in Pariter was too persistent for him to concentrate). He learned things about his friend that he never would have guessed at first glance, and little by little, Tino conquered his impending anxiety. It happily lasted this way for a few years.
His Paritian routine came to a halt in Spring of his eighteenth year, when he was elected to become a Pawn of Medius. Tino was overwhelmed by the news - of course he wanted to be stronger, but the thought of fighting for his life...honestly, it flat-out frightened him. His family (and especially his great-uncle) were themselves overjoyed, proud that a noble would be in the family once again. He could only blame himself, considering that he was so intent on learning how to battle year-round. He fretted over the decision for weeks, too worried to tell anyone how he felt for once, even his best friend. In the end, he made the firm decision to just grin and bear it, knowing that backing out of the occupation would be impossible. He was to start training around the beginning of that summer.
Tino kept it hidden from his friend until the day he had to leave back to Medius for good. He knew that he’d have to tell him, just not how, exactly. For the first time in a while, he felt anxious again. And he quickly realized that he wasn’t the only one; his friend was fidgeting around as well. When Tino asked what was wrong, he was answered with a kiss. Then a door in the face, as he was locked out of the boy’s room.
He was shocked, to say the least. And very, very worried. Tino stood outside of the boy’s room for what felt like hours, asking repeatedly if he was alright and hoping for an explanation. Even after he confessed about having to move back to Medius, there was no answer from the other side of the door. Eventually, his great-uncle came to bring him back.
That was the last time Tino had seen his only true friend.
Almost a decade has passed since then, and Tino underwent more changes than he’d ever expected. Training as a Pawn was brutal, and the battles even worse. He toughed through each and every one of them, becoming a man in the process. And though the hardships were formidable, somehow, Tino regained his happiness again. He's still the same man today that he was ten years ago; only now, he's finally tough.
Additional Information:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
- His family has a very obscure understanding of Finnish, a dead language from long ago. Though their past generations did their best to preserve any amount of the language that they could, as time wore on, less and less knowledge was retained. Currently, his family only knows a few trivial words here and there, such as his nickname and simple words like “moi” and “näkemiin” (“hi” and “goodbye”).
- Tino does his best to stay as far away from alcohol as possible. It’s not as if he doesn’t enjoy the taste of vodka once in a while, or that his alcohol tolerance is low; no, it’s done more for the benefit of those around him. What was once a cheerful, carefree man turns into a bitter, near-murderous drunk. He’s never quite sure why this happens, and always veers away from spirits at social gatherings. Just in case.[/font]
Roleplay Sample:[/font][/size][/b][/u]
Dear Mom and Äiti,
The year passed by very quickly, didn’t it? I can’t believe that it’s already December!’
Tino sat at his desk, quill and paper at the ready, writing away to his family. With his permanent station in the castle of Medius, this was the only form of communication he could have with his loved ones. Across from him was a window pane, letting in the bright moon as his source of light.
’I’m sorry that I haven’t gotten to write sooner. Everyone’s been very busy in the castle, holding meetings and the like. From what I’ve heard, we may even be going into battle at some point.’
He had to pause for a moment here, frowning at the paper. He was all too used to what that meant - spiraling downward into a combative cycle, in a constant fight for the safety of the kingdom. It was never easy, and never enjoyable. Considering what to write next, he tapped the quill to his mouth. The feathered end tickled at his nose and he sneezed, which he couldn’t help but laugh at. Mood easily heightened again, he went on writing.
’But I don’t know yet. It could be a rumor. Still, you guys should stock up on rations, okay? Just to be safe!
Steady footsteps loudly made their trek through the hallway and to his door and squeaked at a halt. Then three prompt knocks on the door.
“Väi...” Words broken through with a grumble. “...However the hell you pronounce it...You’ve got patrol duty tonight! Up and at it!”
“Okay, I’ll be right out!” He called as he stood up and searched for his coat. He found it left carelessly at the foot of the bed and quickly shrugged it on. He almost finished lacing up his boots before realizing that he hadn’t even finished the paper yet! Tino rushed over and scribbled out hurried words.
Anyway, I thought I should let you know that I’m doing well. My apologies for such a short letter. Give my love to everyone, and if all goes well, I might come and visit for the holidays! Keep your fingers crossed!’
“I don’t have all day, kid...”
“Sorry, I’ll only be a moment!” Gosh, what an impatient man. Tino propped his foot up onto the chair’s back, finishing the shoelace knot. As a last reassurance, he glanced off into the pale glow of the winter’s night and grinned. Snowflakes were starting to fall.
Nothing could break his blissful mood after that familiar sight.
He pulled on a knit hat as an added last thought, composed himself, then set out for the door. Just another night.
He mentally added the final three words.
With love,
Tino[/font]
Alias:[/font][/size][/b][/u] I'd prefer Sal, or Salmi.[/font]
Age:[/font][/size][/b][/u] 15[/font]
Experience:[/font][/size][/b][/u] About two years.[/font]
Additional Information:[/font][/size][/b][/u] Though I love studying languages, I know next to nothing about Finnish. Any foreign words that I use will more than likely be picked up from an online translator, so I apologize for any inaccuracy![/font]
Credits:
[/font]Application Code made by B and C. Lyrics by Temposhark, song “Don’t Mess With Me”[/font][/center]