[hider=Wystan Blackmane, the Second Prince's Watchdog][table] [row][cell][/cell][cell][b][h2][color=silver][color=#7393B3]WYSTAN[/color] BLACKMANE[/color][/h2][/b][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][img]https://i.imgur.com/EGZWfHC.png[/img][/cell] [cell][color=#7393B3][b][sub]AGE, GENDER, HEIGHT, WEIGHT[/sub][/b][/color] 25, Male, 6'1", 86kg [color=#7393B3][b][sub]APPEARANCE[/sub][/b][/color] Wystan stands with decent learned posture at 6'1", and sports a slim yet athletic build after many years of ring training. In spite of his structure, he packs a hefty percentage of muscle and reconditioned bones, all of which go into his improving his training and fighting prowess. The man always did his best to take care of his body, because back in the fighting ring, it was his personal ticket to survival. He simply could not be subpar. [color=#7393B3][b][sub]EYECOLOR, SKIN TONE, HAIR COLOR/TEXTURE[/sub][/b][/color] Dimmed Gold - Neutral Midtone - Dark, thin hair, falls inches below shoulder level [color=#7393B3][b][sub]DISTINGUISHING FEATURES[/sub][/b][/color] Long, black hair, usually tied into a bun or ponytail. Often seen wearing darker tones. Under his vestments, his body is littered with scars that have yet to fade from his years in the ring. They travel all along his abdomen, shoulders, and back. Along with this, it should be no surprise that his knuckles, knees, shins, and forearms have all been repeatedly bruised and broken to heavily condition his bones-- a feature often favored in ring fighters. [color=#7393B3][b][sub]CLOTHING PREFERENCES[/sub][/b][/color] It is important that he is always ready to fight or move for the prince. Thus, he gravitates towards clothing that does not restrict his movements and has ample belt storage for his collection of weapons. However, he does not mind dressing up for special occasions that come along their way, somewhat enjoying the novelty in spite of all the tiny, suffocating collars and pinched shoes. [/cell][/row][row][cell][color=#7393B3][b][sub]DISLIKES[/sub][/b][/color] ➤ CAESONIAN DIVIDE: [indent]After witnessing the lives of people being taken in exchange for a [i]"good show"[/i] during his time at the ring, Wystan had no one else to blame except for the so-called structure of their outwardly attractive kingdom.[/indent] ➤ SCUM: [indent]Like the men who attend underground fight rings to watch and bid on children staking their lives for scraps and money. Like those who get their enjoyment watching others grovel for a chance at survival. As the prince's watchdog, Wystan often needs to bite his tongue in the presence of these folk in order to save Auguste some face. [/indent] ➤ WASTING FOOD: [indent]Leftovers are a sin. He would finish them for anyone if given permission.[/indent] ➤ KING EDIN ➤ RAIN ➤ WINTERS ➤ FEELING COLD [/cell][cell][color=#7393B3][b][sub]LIKES[/sub][/b][/color] ➤ PRINCE AUGUSTE:[indent]In the coldness of the underground world where individuals were forced to kill or be killed, the Second Prince gave him a chance to leave it all behind for life anew. Bought by the person who resembled a warm ray of sunlight, Wystan would vow to follow in the prince's footsteps as his ward-- to protect and to serve as his watchdog.[/indent] ➤ FIGHTING: [indent]Be it close-quarter combat, dirty fighting, or even dueling with a weapon (in no small thanks to Prince Auguste), Wystan has gotten used to enjoying the feeling of being in a fight. It is both a hobby and an outlet. More enthusiastic about the learning process rather than the outcome, he is quick to take up new weapons and has a keen interest in the techniques that come with each of them. [/indent] ➤ FOOD: [indent]Nonsense at cooking, very good at eating. Anything he is given always manages to be cleaned from his plate.[/indent] ➤ ANIMALS ➤ CHILDREN ➤ BAD JOKES ➤ WARMTH[/cell][/row][/table][hr] [color=#7393B3][b][sub]HOBBIES[/sub][/b][/color] ➤ Sparring with Prince Auguste ➤ Running errands for Prince Auguste ➤ Connecting with friends in the lower-end district ➤ Training/Fighting ➤ Exercising ➤ Eating at the castle / travelling to eat ➤ Saving money ➤ Taking care of stray cats [color=#7393B3][b][sub]LIFE GOAL[/sub][/b][/color] To stay by Prince Auguste's side to see His Highness' plans come to fruition. Wystan hopes for a better Caesonia, and he thoroughly believes that the prince has what it takes to make this happen. [color=#7393B3][b][sub]SEXUALITY[/sub][/b][/color] Pansexual [color=#7393B3][b][sub]PERSONALITY[/sub][/b][/color] STOIC | ADAPTABLE | GOAL-ORIENTED | FOCUSED | STRICT | KIND | LOYAL | HONEST [hider= PERSONALITY SUMMARY][color=#7393B3][b][sub]SUMMARY[/sub][/b][/color] Wystan is described as a stoic young man who enjoys silence and is fiercely loyal to the Danrose's second prince, Auguste. While the latter may be true, he is actually an extremely adaptive individual, so long as he takes the time to observe his surroundings. As such, the prince's watchdog is quick to acknowledge, accept, and adjust himself accordingly to any given situation, as was required by his past occupation and his current affiliation with the Danrose family. In order to survive, Wystan has learned how to set aside his feelings to overcome the many obstacles that have threatened to snuff him out in the past. What looked like strength, courage, and determination to others were all just mere byproducts of his laser focus on surviving the damply-trodden hell otherwise known as the Caesonian slums. Unbeknownst to him, these emotions often brew inside him beneath his calm, stoic demeanor, with the only true opportunity to release them in spars and fights, thus taking them very, very seriously. Subsequently, following his long-time occupation in the underground fight rings, he is goal-oriented, vigilant, strict, and ruthless by nature, and will stop at nothing to do what is asked of him, even if it strikes a sore place in his heart in the future. Such is a quality that was admired by those in charge of the rings, and equally so within the Danrose household. Though this may be the case, as a commoner himself, Wystan treats those like him with kindness and respect, some of the things he believes are severely lacking within the Caesonian kingdom. The watchdog may be vigilant in battle, but thanks to Prince Auguste, his attentiveness has grown to extend far beyond the concern of survival and more to the consideration of his master, and those around him. Underneath his hardened, battle-scarred exterior, however, lies a simple man with simple wants for fulfillment. Past all the lessons learned through strife, and all the scars earned in blood, Wystan is an honest individual who's charted an untraditional path towards a good life. Nevertheless, he is determined on following it to wherever his undying loyalty to Prince Auguste may lead. [/hider] [hider=BACKGROUND] [color=#7393B3][b][sub]BACKGROUND[/sub][/b][/color] [color=gray][i]"See, not much is known about that Wystan before he came to be the second prince's ward. People say he sort of just... appeared out of thin air, and then suddenly His Highness had a man attached to him by the hip. Absurd."[/i][/color][hr] [indent]Upon King Edin's outrage, news floating around at the Danrose castle didn't help quell the unease brought about by a dirty, ragged, bleeding youngster at their doorstep. Like an injured puppy, frail from its many days of fighting to survive, and surviving to fight, Wystan's pitiful state was not so different from his earliest days of life as an orphan. Children sold on the streets of Caesonia for drugs, money, and other unsavory currencies were the norm. Wystan was one of them. With no mother and father to speak of, the young child coasted through life managing whatever odd-jobs he could find. Impoverished kids could only do so much, and so he lived hand-to-mouth. Naturally, this wasn't enough for a growing child. With starved body, mind, and instincts heavily shifted into survival mode, he was quick to join the next best money-making scheme in the city: underground fighting rings. A contract-bound relationship between dealers, bidders, and competitors ranging from numbers nobody cared enough to think about. People say he was the worst fighter around the lower-district, others say he was the complete opposite: a dark horse trained to show up and run the race. Of course, being an illegal organization, no records were made to document his or other competitors' journeys. All that [i]is[/i] known about the company is that they make children fight to the death. Those who were willing fought and lived, and those who were weak didn't. Of the inestimable number of participants, only he survived until the age of 17. However, living to the age of 17 was already pushing luck. Entering puberty where some boys grew faster than the others, and the stakes for fights were raised higher was dangerous for everyone involved. Needless to say, Wystan was quickly beaten down a notch. Competitors often collaborated together to form parties that took out lone competitors one by one, and he was no exception to it. Still, he endured his ceaseless bullies, and he continued to fight. With no goal in mind other than to survive, he was willing to try even if it meant broken bones, torn skin, and bloodied joints. Eventually, he realized that there was such a thing as too many broken bones, too much torn skin, and a few too many bloody joints. After suffering too much blood loss before the match, everything dimmed in the middle of the ring that day, until a light shone upon him and gently shook him awake hours later.[/indent][hr] [color=gray][i]"What rumors I've heard explicitly state that on one fateful day, he was picked up by the kindly prince on a stroke of luck. How lucky it was for him, to be so bruised and battered to the point of arousing pity in a Caesonian prince, enough to be bought in, given shelter, food, a warm bed, and even clothing. Who would've thought that one day this mutt would grow into the second prince's watchdog!"[/i][/color] [/hider] [color=#7393B3][b][sub]CURRENT OCCUPATION[/sub][/b][/color] ➤ The Second Prince's Ward/Watchdog ➤ Caesonian Royal Combat Instructor / Battlemaster [color=#7393B3][b][sub]PAST OCCUPATION[/sub][/b][/color] Underground Ring Fighter [color=#7393B3][b][sub]SKILLS[/sub][/b][/color] ➤ Brawling, Dirty Fighting, Close-Quarter Combat ➤ A Wide Range of Weaponry ➤ Body conditioning ➤ Excellent Stamina and Endurance ➤ Pressure Points, Lesser Known Vital Areas ➤ Subterfuge, Acting Under a Disguise ➤ Basic Attendant Duties (except cooking) ➤ Basic Carpentry, Table-Waiting, Housecleaning, Tailoring [hr] [hider=QUESTIONNAIRE] "Hello, Wystan." [right][color=#a2cffe][b]"Why was I brought here?"[/b][/color][/right] "You're here for an interview." [right][color=#a2cffe][b]"An interview?"[/b][/color][/right] "That's right." [right][color=#a2cffe][b]"So, the prince didn't request for my presence?"[/b][/color][/right] "Well, n--" [right]The screeching of furniture is heard as the second prince's watchdog gets up from his seat.[/right] "Please, wait! Your prince-- he agreed to this..." [right][color=#a2cffe][b]"He did?"[/b][/color] The watchdog sits back down, seemingly satisfied. [color=#a2cffe][b]"Very well."[/b][/color][/right][hr] [sub]DID YOU GROW UP NURTURED OR NEGLECTED?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "The latter."[/b][/color] - "...Is that all?" [color=#a2cffe][b]- "Disclosing any information about my past may put the prince's name at risk. I request that you ask no further."[/b][/color] Wystan's eyes narrow at the interviewer's follow-up question. -The interview sighs lightly in response before moving on. [sub]WHEN YOU WERE UPSET, WHERE WAS YOUR SANCTUARY?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "The ring."[/b][/color] Wystan gives a thoughtful nod at this. The interviewer simply blinks at him. The what? [sub]WHAT WERE YOU LIKE IN YOUR TEENAGE YEARS?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "A fighter. No more and no less than the other kids who fought with me. I'm still the same-- just smaller, back then."[/b][/color] Oh, [i]those[/i] rings. The interviewer nods eagerly, finally able to get something out of the man. [sub]HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO YOUR PARENTS?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I had none."[/b][/color] [sub]DO YOU HAVE ANY TRAUMA THAT HAUNTS YOU?[/sub] - Wystan squints his eyes, frowning as he thinks. After ten seconds, the man slowly shakes his head, seemingly unsure of his answer. [sub]WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?[/sub] - For what seems to be ten minutes, the prince's watchdog goes on to ramble about the many different pressure points within one's body and the most vital of vitals. The interviewer suppresses his groan of frustration at least several times, cracking his neck as he waits eagerly for Wystan to finish. Did he think he think he was tutoring his younger self? [sub]WERE YOU AN OBEDIENT CHILD OR DEFIANT?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "Obedient. Obedience meant survival."[/b][/color] [sub]WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET?[/sub] - Wystan frowns again, his eyes slowly fall to the floor. [color=#a2cffe][b]"I made friends back at the ring. I don't know if I have the right to say that I miss them."[/b][/color] [h2][u]ROMANCE[/u][/h2] [sub]HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I'm only a commoner."[/b][/color] Wystan says in all seriousness, shaking his head. [color=#a2cffe][b]"I don't dare dream."[/b][/color] [sub]WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN A PARTNER TO YOU?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "Someone who is warm. Like the sun. A person who finds the strength to treat others with kindness..."[/b][/color] Wystan nods. [color=#a2cffe][b]"That takes effort."[/b][/color] [sub]HOW DO YOU DISPLAY YOUR LOVE? WHAT IS YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I've never heard of love languages."[/b][/color] Wystan's cold demeanor melts ever so slightly as he raises a hand to lightly scratch behind his head. [color=#a2cffe][b]"...I don't have much, but I would be willing to give everything I have."[/b][/color] [sub]HAVE YOUR HAD YOUR FIRST KISS? WHAT WAS IT LIKE?[/sub] - Wystan's eyes glaze over as he recalls the time he smacked teeth with another boy as he was pushed into the ring. The man grimaces, thanking his lucky stars that he got to keep his incisors that day. [color=#a2cffe][b]"Painful."[/b][/color] [sub]DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? WHY OR WHY NOT?[/sub] - Wystan tries to think. It seems love is a difficult concept for him to grasp. He feels he has a faint idea, however, he refuses to say anything about his very first meeting with the prince to avoid getting him into trouble. [color=#a2cffe][b]"I'm not quite sure."[/b][/color] Was love similar to undying loyalty? The watchdog scratches his chin. [color=#a2cffe][b]"This is a difficult question. Let us move on."[/b][/color] [sub]What does marriage mean to you?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I do not know."[/b][/color] Wystan says, oddly resolute. It's clear he was never taught about this type of thing.[color=#a2cffe][b]"Is this a contractual relationship? I think I was married once."[/b][/color] - "No, err... nevermind." [sub]ARE YOU CURRENTLY CRUSHING ON ANYONE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "...I have tried many techniques in the ring, but I've never crushed anyone, no."[/b][/color] - The interviewer restrains themselves from facepalming. [sub]DO YOU EVER CONSIDER HAVING CHILDREN IN THE FUTURE?[/sub] - Wystan's face retains its somber neutrality, expression unreadable. [color=#a2cffe][b]"I dare not dream."[/b][/color] [u]PERSONALITY[/u] [sub]DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL SUNDAY MORNING.[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "Waking up before the roosters' crow, and heading outside to spar with Prince Auguste. Even if it is for a short while, we don't need to worry about our responsibilities during this time."[/b][/color] [sub]WHAT KIND OF PERSON DO YOU ASPIRE TO BE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "A man of integrity-- one strong enough for the prince to rely on. I have a long way to go, still."[/b][/color] [sub]WHAT BAD HABITS DO YOU HAVE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "The prince has told me I bite my nails when I am idle. I am not sure why, nor do I notice it myself unless he mentions it."[/b][/color] [sub]IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND CHANGE ANYTHING IN YOUR PAST, WHAT WOULD IT BE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I don't think I want to change anything. I'm not sure if I could."[/b][/color] [sub]WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?[/sub] - Wystan is silent as he looks out the window, catching a glimpse of the prince arriving home in a horse-drawn carriage. [sub]WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "Those who sully my prince's name."[/b][/color] Wystan states. [color=#a2cffe][b]"As such, it would also be in your best interest that this interview stays private."[/b][/color] -"...Noted." [sub]WHEN YOU ARE IN A SOUR MOOD, DO YOU LIKE TO BE ALONE OR WITH OTHERS?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "I like to train or spar with whoever chooses to be my partner for the day. Being alone is not something I mind, either."[/b][/color] [sub]ARE YOU MORE LIKELY TO FIGHT WITH YOUR FISTS OR YOUR TONGUE?[/sub] [color=#a2cffe][b]- "The former. It's good. Prince Auguste understands my sentiment."[/b][/color] [/hider] [/hider]