[hider=Blu Moonblood][CENTER][img]https://i.imgur.com/AqbidS4.png[/img]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo4STdB0Klw&ab_channel=traqsoot[/youtube]
[/CENTER]
[i]"Can you imagine a world without music? My heart aches just thinking about it."[/i]
[table][row][/row][row][cell]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/m3SxZuP.png[/img]
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[sub][color=#4CCEB1]Blu Moonblood[/color]

[color=#4CCEB1]He/Him   [b]|[/b]   25   [b]|[/b]   Native American  [b]|[/b]   5'9"  [b]|[/b]   145lbs[/color]      
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[color=#4CCEB1]Wistful[/color]
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[color=#4CCEB1]Skills & Talents[/color][/sub]
[i]"Just listen..."[/i]
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[sub]

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Singing  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu has a beautiful singing voice—which others have described as otherworldly. He believes he inherited this gift from his ancestors. You can often hear him idly humming a lullaby.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Sleeping  ⫻[/color][/b] This may sound like a useless skill, but it's actually really beneficial. Blu can fall asleep anywhere—literally anywhere. Even short naps are enough to give him a substantial second wind.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Bilingual  ⫻[/color][/b] He speaks two languages: The indigenous language of his tribe and English.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Musical Instruments  ⫻[/color][/b] He is a master of playing his ocarina, a vessel flute that can create beautiful melodies. It's very handheld, so he wears it on a necklace made of horsehair. Blu has a natural affinity for music though and learned how to play several other musical instruments.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Burial Rites  ⫻[/color][/b] Due to his upbringing and profession, Blu knows how to perform a unique form of funeral rites and is knowledgeable about matters relating to the dead.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]Swimming  ⫻[/color][/b] Also a product of his upbringing, Blu is an above-average swimmer and can hold his breath underwater for about 4-5 minutes.
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[/cell][cell][sub][b] [color=#4CCEB1]Appearance[/color][/b][/sub]
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[i]"Even after I leave this world, I hope to stay this way. It's familiar..."[/i]

[indent]
Everyone says that he resembles his paternal grandmother—an expression of wistfulness and that soft gaze forever searching into the beyond. Without thinking, he emulates her dispositions as though they were second nature. Blu's voice is kind of low and airy, with a sort of smoothness that makes it calm and ideal for reading bedtime stories. He has a unique way of speaking—shaping his words in a poetic or dreamlike manner.

His most striking characteristic is his long thick hair—coupled with dark almond eyes, a cute nose, and kissable lips. Blu's got high cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a round face—giving him an overall soft and boyish appearance. He's only 5'9", with a slim body and such little body hair that he practically looks as hairless as a girl. When he is focusing/concentrating on a really important task, he instinctively puts his hair into a [url=https://i.imgur.com/5CKsT8S.jpg[url]ponytail[/url].

He has a Native American tribal tattoo on the back of his neck and a birthmark-like marking on the underside of his tongue. His staple piece is a dangling feather earring that he wears in his left ear—though you can't really see it until he pulls his hair back. He also wears his vessel flute on a necklace. Sometimes he wears his tribal rings and wrist cuffs. Other than that, his style changes based on how he feels, though he predominately wears long sleeve sweaters, jackets, and loose flowy-earthy garbs.
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[/cell][/row][/table][sub][b] [color=#4CCEB1]Psychology[/color][/b][/sub]
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[i]"We must do what we can to preserve the humanity of people, even for the dead."[/i]

[INDENT][b][color=#4CCEB1]MAIN GOAL  ⫻[/color][/b] To continue life as a musician. He hopes that his music will touch the hearts of others and inspire them to want to be better people for each other, themselves, and the planet. His goals may be unrealistic and too altruistic, but they are his goals nonetheless. If he can touch one person with his music, he is satisfied.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]PHILOSOPHY  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu believes that life and death are a vital part of the universe and that both are sacred and necessary to keep the balance. However, he feels as though the world does not value human life as it should, which leads to unnecessary and premature death. Through his music, he believes people can unite and put an end to the ridiculous bloodshed and stop causing each other so much suffering.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]SEXUALITY  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu is probably gay—but maybe bi. He's not really sure to be honest. He's never had sex with anyone before. He's never had a significant other or even had a first kiss. Although, since coming to Armaminta, he finds himself fancying other boys more than anyone else.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]FEARS  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu fears that he'll never have the chance to amend his actions and regain the favor of his Native American tribe. At the time, he fell for the allure and wonder of a new world outside of being a Funérailles. But at what cost? Will his tribe ever take him back? He fears that they may never. He also fears that he has disgraced his parents, grandparents, and ancestors by abruptly cutting off the legacy he was supposed to carry on—his supposed destiny.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]REPUTATION  ⫻[/color][/b] In Araminta, Blu has a favorable reputation with his audience. He regularly performs his music at small venues throughout the city, but nothing major. He doesn't want a big performance—he likes the intimacy and connections he can make with people at smaller shows. As a freelance music teacher, the parents of his students also see him as a positive member of the local community. No one really knows of his connection to James though. 

Within the Vanburen family, Blu is a mysterious figure. For some reason, James kept Blu relatively hidden from most of the Vanburen family, including the children. James might have mentioned that he'd taken in a Native American ward in passing, but no formal introductions between Blu and his children were made before his death. Blu may have met some of the extended family once or twice (like a cousin or aunt), but mostly, Blu was a treasured jewel that James tried to keep away from everyone.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]THOUGHTS ABOUT FATHER  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu had a very rose-tinted and limited view of James. He sees James as a generous beacon of holy light. James must have been very meticulous about the sides of himself that he showed to Blu. James was someone who helped Blu discover a new world and gain new experiences. Most importantly, Blu could rediscover himself outside of his identity as a Funérailles thanks to James.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]FLAWS  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu is hypersensitive to the emotions of other people around him. So much so, that it can have a direct impact on his immediate psychological temperament and make him somewhat susceptible to manipulation and deception. He feels empathy and compassion for others to a fault and can become saddened or angered when someone else is feeling that way too. Sometimes, he loses himself in the moment and is unable to differentiate between his own feelings and someone else's. The pain and hardships of others weigh on him heavily, so he has to work on not drowning in the pain of others. It is this empathic nature that drives him to be quite stubborn and headstrong. Once he comes to a decision, it's nearly impossible to convince him otherwise-even if the decision is wrong (even though his intentions are benevolent). Because of his sensitive nature, he cries easily, is very sentimental, highly nostalgic, and can become clingy.

Also, Blu tends to wear his emotions on his sleeve. He is the epitome of an open book. He's very easy to read. Because he is so innately open with his feelings, some people may try to use that to take advantage of him.
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[sub][b] [color=#4CCEB1]Backstory[/color][/b][/sub]
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[i]"May my requiem accompany you on the journey to the afterlife."[/i]

[indent]Death is a fascinating phenomenon. The one and only thing that is guaranteed in this world. It's all around us even when we may not notice it. Each day that passes, it beckons for us, sings its siren song to drag us into the depths. And there are those in this world who come face to face with it. These people are what this world calls, Funérailles. The role of a Funérailles is a peculiar profession and those who become one don't usually live their lives hoping to be such. For most, it chose them. The Funérailles oversee and perform a cultural custom called Mer de rêves (The Sea of Dreams).

It is a profession unique to Blu's Native American tribe, a seafaring folk who've lived near the ocean for centuries and pride themselves on being (what they believe) the descendants of their ocean fae and star celestial ancestors. But even within this tribe, Funérailles are few and far between.

Why you might ask?

Most Funérailles are sent off by their tribe to live their entire lives in isolation on very small islands far off the coast—most of which have long since fallen under U.S. jurisdiction. And aside from the regular U.S. military operatives who sentinel these small islands, a Funérailles's interactions usually only occur when people from the mainland bring them the dead bodies of their loved ones, escorted by the U.S. operatives of course. Upon being brought the dead, a Funérailles will perform the funeral rites or Mer de rêves on the body and bury the body at sea, along with a Mementeau, an object that represents the individual's life and dreams. And in the act of burying the body (in an aquatic eco-friendly sarcaphagous) with the Mementau, that person's soul can finally find peace now that their dreams have been released to the sea.

[center]"There is nothing more honourable in this world than a proper burial."[/center]

These underwater burials originated from the Old Religion of Blu's tribe and were closely tied to an ancient ceremony called the Festival of the Quiet. Nowadays, most of the religious aspects about it have been significantly diminished. Nonetheless, to have a loved one's remains cast to the depths of the sea by a Funérailles continues to be a great honour and way of showing respect to the dead. But it is an expensive alternative to traditional funerals and therefore, only the affluent can afford it. The Department of Justice Policy on Indian Sovereignty and Government-to-Government Relations with Indian Tribes reaffirms the value and significance of such a custom for Blu's tribe. Even still, it is a highly regulated tradition in collaboration with the U.S. government and Blu's tribe. 

People who know about the custom understand that Mer de rêves is a privilege. It is much more honorable than having the bodies of your loved ones thrown into a giant heat vac or buried with hundreds of other random bodies.

Blu's grandparents knew that he was destined to become a Funérailles—even before he was born. After his parents met their untimely demise in a sea-faring accident, Blu's tribe chose him as the next Funérailles (as his grandparents had predicted) and his grandfather began training him in the ways of the profession—day in and day out. You can only become an official Funérailles if the teachings are directly taught and passed down to you by another Funérailles. Also, a true Funérailles has a small marking under their tongue, signifying them as such. This marking or birthmark—if you will—is believed to come from the ancestors.

At the age of 11, Blu was sent off to an island off the coast to begin performing the Mer de rêves-the replacement for a previous Funérailles who passed away. Over the course of six years, Blu would continue to fulfill his role, as he was seemingly destined to do so. Burying the dead at sea, laying out their ashes, and playing a melody to help their spirits pass on. Eventually, a man named James Vanburen would arrive on the island, seeking Blu's services for the burial of one of his many many children—Blu would eventually come to learn. James seemed like any other affluent individual who came to perform this special burial. But, there was a light that burned within the man—none like any other—and yet—an unimaginable sadness lingered there too.

It was this interaction—the strong emotion shared between Blu and James—that a Kindling-Event triggered. It was like a dream—a vision of the past where his ancestors spoke to him about his heritage, his role as a Funérailles, and the magic they would bestow to him through the use of his Ocarina. And their final message to him you might ask...

[i]"You will have the power to unite us all..."[/i]

Whatever that meant, Blu would not know for a very long time.

Throughout that year, James Vanburen made several visits to Blu, greeting him with the untimely demise of one child after another. Over time, they would learn more about each other and begin to form a familial bond that almost reminded Blu of his own dearly departed father. The following year, at the age of 18, Blu's paternal grandparents passed away from illness (Blu had never met his maternal side of the family). With no other immediate family members to speak of and having not received any formal/traditional education since age 11, James took Blu in as his ward. In turn, Blu gained a father figure that he'd been lacking for so long.

Leaving his life as a Funérailles behind him (and disgraced by his tribe for leaving his duty), an 18 year old Blu would spend the next seven years integrating into the foreign city of Araminta—catching up on education, meeting new people, and forging a new way of living for himself. Eventually, Blu would begin working as a freelance music teacher and with the continued generosity of James, got his own apartment in the heart of the city—where he currently resides till this day. 

He still misses the ocean from time to time though—the smell of the sea mist—the sound of the waves. Perhaps, one day, he'll return to his duty as a Funérailles and regain the favor of his tribe.

Maybe. 
Someday.

[/indent]

[sub][b] [color=#4CCEB1]Abstraction[/color][/b][/sub]
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[i]"Follow the starlight—and you'll find hope."[/i]

[indent][b][color=#4CCEB1]TYPE  ⫻[/color][/b] Adept

[b][color=#4CCEB1]ABSTRACTION ⫻[/color][/b] Pink-Lavender Lux. Channeler; An indigenous vessel flute--like an ocarina--passed down through the generations of his Native American tribe. 

[b][color=#4CCEB1]ABSTRACTION DESCRIPTION  ⫻[/color][/b] Blu channels his spells through his ocarina, which he uses to play different melodies—with each melody having a different effect. As he plays the vessel flute, it generates a stream of iridescent 'starlight', connecting like a tether to anyone that hears it--though it's more potent on The Blind. The stream of 'starlight' tethering from himself to other people is only visible to other Extra Normal Beings—but he can selectively decide who can and cannot hear it.

[b]First Melody - Hope:[/b] This melody inspires feelings of hope, adoration, inspiration, and joy.

[b]Second Melody - Vitesse:[/b] This melody amplifies the powers of other Extra Normal Beings and increases other people's physical capabilities—like stamina and running speed.

[b]Third Melody - Pacify:[/b] This melody can placate and pacify people—making them less hostile, a bit more suggestive—and overall filling them with a general feeling of calm and peace within.

[b]Fourth Melody - Dream:[/b] This melody can make people feel drowsy, and then eventually, it puts them to sleep.

[b]Fifth Melody - Heal:[/b] This melody can nullify emotional and physical pain, though overuse on an individual can create a sort of addictive reliance or continued desire for it.

[b]Six Melody - Hither:[/b] This melody can draw people to him, even from far away.

[b]Seventh Melody - Scream:[/b] This melody has destructive qualities and can bring despair, fear, misery, anguish, and pain. (NOT YET LEARNED)

[b]Hidden Melody - Sing:[/b] With time, he may learn to use his spells with his singing voice alone—but not just yet. (NOT YET LEARNED)

[b][color=#4CCEB1]LIMITS  ⫻[/color][/b] The obvious limitation is that the subject has to hear the Melodies that are being played. So they are limited but as far as people can logically hear them, they're still effective if enhanced or replayed by any devices. After the subject no longer hears the Melody; they will no longer be affected by the Abstraction. Their effects are not instant, however, and they become more and more effective the longer they hear it.

[b][color=#4CCEB1]WEAKNESSES  ⫻[/color][/b] While Blu is able to pick and choose who gets affected by his Melodies, he will receive the effects of ANY of the melodies he plays. While they may not be a problem with the First and Sixth melody (and he receives no effects from the Second), in the event of the Third, Fourth, and Seventh, he will receive the effects in full. In addition, an Extra-Normal being may severe the bind that connects his songs to others.
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[sup][b] [color=#4CCEB1]Other[/color][/b][/sup]
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[i]♪♫♬ "Let the wind blow, and carry my heart away with it." ♪♫♬[/i]
[indent]- That's his favorite line from one of his songs.
- Blu also loves animals and has a dog, two cats, and a rabbit.[/INDENT]
[hider=Alternate Theme Song]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wib3nJOsb3Q&ab_channel=MOHAND[/youtube]
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[img]https://i.imgur.com/xuTtJyR.png[/img]


[hider=Blu's relationships]
[table][row][cell][h1][color=gold]Oscar Vanburen[/color][/h1][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/CCAXPFF.png[/img]

[sup][i]"He reminds me of James, someone whose warm and fills me with starlight."[/i][/sup]
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[color=2e2c2c]...................................................................[/color][/cell][cell]When a person passes on to the afterlife, sometimes their spirit may linger in our world and take shelter within the body of a loved one, slowly altering their personality to mirror their own. I only knew Oscar for a short while before James' death, but I believe that, maybe, some fragment of James resides within him. Oscar just radiates with the same glow that emanated from James, at least the James I knew. To meet someone so reliable and bright, of course I become but a moth, beguiled by my own heart to remain close to him.[/cell][/row][/table][hr][table][row][cell][h1][color=darkgray]Ezra Vanburen[/color][/h1][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9KaRiOc.png[/img]

[sup][i]"I think he's quite nice actually, just seems a bit weary is all."[/i][/sup]
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[color=2e2c2c]...................................................................[/color][/cell][cell]Last summer, I studied art and learned about chiaroscuro. It is an art technique defined by the contrast of shadow and light within a painting. Sometimes I think of chiaroscuro when I think of Ezra. Though our few moments together have always been fleeting, he's never not been kind to me. It's just...I don't know. Sometimes I get this strange feeling that he harbors little concern for me. As the eldest of James' children, I understand the burden he's had to bear. Am I just another unmarked weight to place on his shoulders? I feel regretful that that may be so.[/cell][/row][/table][hr][table][row][cell][h1][color=steelblue]Shane Vanburen[/color][/h1][/cell][cell][/cell][/row][row][cell][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/nX3quKN.png[/img]

[sup][i]"When I look in his eyes, why does something feel broken?"[/i][/sup]
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[color=2e2c2c]...................................................................[/color][/cell][cell]My grandmother always said "Even the darkest waters harbor a world brimming with life". Be that as it may, I fear those shadowy depths. I spent so many years filling them with the bodies of the departed, and yet, the fear I felt for those same waters never faded. So now I don't know who to fear more, the skeletal abyss or Shane? Whenever he looks at me, I feel my veins turn to ice and my fingertips go numb. From the way his gaze splits my essence in two, I don't think he's very fond of my being here.[/cell][/row][/table]
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