Name:
Taryn Rogers

Nickname:
“Teacup”, but only to those that know her very closely. It was her nickname as a child and has followed her throughout her life. She would take offense to anyone using it that she hadn’t approved.

Age:
26

Gender:
Female

Appearance:


Taryn is 5’4” with long black hair and blue eyes. She is petite and fairly lean from being outdoors and keeping an active lifestyle and profession. She takes genuinely good care of herself, however doesn't mind indulging from time to time. Her skin is naturally on the fair side, but she tans easily and is careful not to get burned. Clothing styles are a little more towards tom-boyish, though she still tailors her looks to highlight her figure. Flip-flops, tank-tops and frayed jean shorts are the norm. Rarely wears anything formal.

Personality:
When she first arrived as a semi-resident of Islas Azules, Taryn was as brash, straightforward and demanding as ever. She remains all of those things into the present day, however a few years on the islands, learning to really live on “island time” has mellowed her to some extent. The outer circle of acquaintances she has around the area would probably consider her no different than when she first arrived, but the closer cadre of friends she keeps would say with a smirk and a shrug, “Well, she’s not as bad as she was.”

When it comes to the government and politics of the islands she keeps a fairly neutral position with neither side truly working completely in her favor. The Flores keep the majority of the tourists and prospectors at a tolerable level and thus exclude the bulk of any competition she may have from outsiders, however they hide and withhold information for their own benefit. The Cardenas, on the other hand, are more willing to be open, but will invite in the same foreigners the Flores are keeping out. Taryn has no interest in digging in the seabed for diamonds, but is most definitely keen on keeping fewer ships on the horizon.

At a personal level, Taryn has a restless soul that is rarely satisfied. She’s extremely self-critical which contributes to her seemingly random mood swings and eccentricities. Her whims don’t always lead her to success though sometimes she can really find the unpredictable to be exhilarating despite the outcome. In relationships, she has used this to guard herself and her reputation maybe too much to give anyone a legitimate chance. Instead, she is endlessly testing and putting down hurdles for her ego to judge people unworthy.

Out on the open water when she’s running downwind at full canvas and the hull is gliding over the water of the Caribbean is when the most noticeable difference in attitude arises. She never felt the same sense of self or belonging when she was a child learning how to sail. It was there to some extent, but wasn’t the same feeling as having her own boat. Oftentimes when she needs to think, she’ll turn off the autopilot and steer the boat manually. It is a complete contrast to her normal pretentiousness.

Likes:
+Sailing
+Puzzles
+Spicy Food
+Ornate Dishes
+Sunsets
+Country Music

Dislikes:
-Politics
-Inactivity
-Effeminate Men
-Authority
-Insects
-Cruise Ships

Special Talent:
Taryn has a shockingly good memory, though it is not fully photographic in that she remembers certain specific details about people, places and events rather than complete images that let her recall the rest of the memory like labeled tabs on file folders. If she couldn’t place a name or a face from her past, she might remember what a person was wearing or where she saw them and the rest will come back from there.

Biography:

The Rogers name is among the oldest within the Fort Myers seaboard commercial district dating back to the post-Civil War period and the original foundation of the city. Those early settlers, migrants and their descendants operated the first steamboats along the Caloosahatchee River and the earliest commercial fishing enterprises into the Gulf of Mexico. As the town grew so did the family and the business that eventually divided into two separate entities: one within the state, following the Okeechobee Waterway for internal commerce and one into the open waters of the Gulf and beyond. The current iteration of the Rogers family by its male survivors migrated south first to Cape Coral, but pragmatically fostered ties with the growing port of Miami and shed its commercial fishing holdings to solely focus on the growth of international container traffic into and out of Miami to South America. After several mergers, lines of credit and careful negotiations, SouthEastern Apex Lines was born. A combination of Rogers Cargo Southeastern and the Miami-based, Apex Lines South.

Growing up with this pedigree, there was never a time when Taryn was without family, friends or followers that just wanted to be associated with a dominant name among the upper echelons of the Naples area. As a young teen there was a certain power and mystique associated with being able to jet off to Miami for a long weekend while her classmates took two hours to drive I-75. This exclusivity wasn’t without challenges though. Classes were extreme in both primary and secondary and partly served as a metric for parents to determine who would be suitable to follow in the family business. Taryn was not a particularly strong academic and clearly satisfied to leave the accounting and executive acumen to her older brother, however she excelled at the more practical disciplines of physics and geometry. As with everyone in the family she learned to sail both at home and in the young yachting club offered by the school. A firm understanding of the art of sailing and the family’s legacy on the water was simply a requirement.

In her teen social circles, Taryn began to develop the brash character for which she is mostly known. At a glance she is every bit the spoiled child that many would expect, but this stems from two separate facets that she realized as a teenager: The first being the roles people fill themselves into as leaders or followers. In her group of friends, she innately recognized how the girls followed the example she set or the advice she gave even if it was to their detriment and that she had a talent for their manipulation. Skirting on the edge of plausible deniability was one of her favorite games, staying just out of reach of disciplinary action. The second and less obvious was her growing rejection of her parents’ lifestyle. Throughout high school, Taryn was becoming more and more aware of the actual dysfunctional nature of their relationship. There was no violence or substance abuse, but there was most definitely a facade that was curated for appearances. She wasn’t sure if they even loved each other, but they stayed married despite seeming to lead completely separate lives. Finding out about her mother’s nonchalant infidelity made her even more repulsed and she found herself becoming as much the opposite as she could.

Taryn continued through college at the University of Miami and was glad to be away from home even if it was only a few hours away. She could feel the rift growing between herself and her mother particularly and separation felt like the best antidote. She majored in Marine Science and Maritime Archeology and finished her professional diving certification. The choice of curriculum was supported by her father who understood long ago that she would never be satisfied working from an office for the company and he largely suppressed the quips from her mother about Taryn throwing away her education to be, “Indiana Jane” instead of a dominant member of the family business. For Taryn, the choice wasn’t wholly rejectionist, but more of a want for something different while not completely removed from the familiar. She had an interest in both history and archeology as well as the science therein, however it was the puzzle that came alongside those events that was more captivating. The ecosystem of a setting or the deliberations of high-politics from ages passed were sometimes useful context, but the personal decisions of the man, or woman, standing behind the ship’s wheel were much more enthralling.

As a graduation gift, Taryn’s father chartered a boat to give Taryn and her chosen “crew” a chance at an actual treasure hunt, though the gesture was intended more as leisurely vacation, she could choose the destination and for fun, whatever “mystery” she wanted to hunt down with her newly minted qualifications. Having vacationed in and around Islas Azules since she was a child, she was familiar with the waters not far from the commercial shipping lanes. The chosen target was to be the unfound wreckage of the pirate vessel, Dire Wolf, originally built as a Spanish Man of War and captured by the British during the islands’ turbulent colonial period; it was eventually hijacked and taken again by pirates where it was given its final naming. The reason for the sinking was unknown, but is presumed to have gone down in a storm after an alleged sacking of the town following a heated disagreement between the crew and leaders of the settlement. The loss of the ship and the circumstances surrounding it stoked the legend of La Mujer Fatal, but in terms of pure investigation, most treasure hunters and historians point out the quick changes in ownership and lack of reliable records by pirates as the real reason the location of the wreck was never found.

For Taryn, the search for the ship and the thoughtfulness of the gift of adventure was exhilarating- at first. The entire excursion seemed to be cursed from the beginning. One of her friends got sick during the initial passage and the weather was terrible. Choppy waters made their time on the boat even more unpleasant and the underwater current seemed to drag them away from any prospective dive site. Over the course of two weeks of dogged sailing in and out of Isla Zafrio, much to the amusement of the locals, she was nearly ready to quit and rethink her whole trajectory in life. It was on the last day that the weather broke and an anomaly appeared on the deep water sonar scan…

The Twilight Sonnet was the shipwreck that waited below and ultimately the discovery with which Taryn is forever credited. Further research after the dive revealed the ship arrived at Islas Azules during the colonial period of British victory over the Spanish with a load of dynamite and other equipment for mining. After unloading her cargo, the ship took on a number of exports and spoils bound for London, including a cache of unusual blue diamonds, but was subsequently lost in a squall on its way to a rendezvous in Port Royal before the Atlantic passage.

The discovery immediately changed everything in Taryn’s world and set her squarely on her path as a “full-time” treasure hunter and adventurer. She even enjoyed some time as a minor celebrity in South Florida, on the internet and among various diving exploration organizations. She took it as a sign that Islas Azules were meant to be her home in the Caribbean Sea and after using part of the spoils of the discovery to set herself up in a way that she could only have dreamed, she sailed back to the Islands like a conqueror from old being the only person, to this day, to confirm the presence of ultra-rare blue diamonds from the island mythos.

At present, Taryn has not discovered anything else of serious note over the course of her few years being a semi-resident of the islands leading many of her skeptics and naysayers to regard her as a “one-hit wonder” in the maritime archeology community pointing out the sheer luck in her defining discovery and that she didn’t even come close to finding the wreck that she had originally sought. These criticisms are normally met with an eye-roll after hearing them for so long, not to mention that no one else has had any discoveries around Azul since despite the rush of attention after her initial success. Deep down though, the words still sting to some extent because she knows until she can replicate her success, they are right. She vehemently wants to make another to prove herself and believes at least one of the island’s dominant families, likely the Flores, have been withholding information that could point her to the actual location of the Dire Wolf’s wreck. The rest of the townspeople generally regard her as something of an enigma. The image on her mainsail is meant to represent La Mujer Fatal and believers in the legend are unsure how the Mujer could have cast such favor on an outsider.



Character Concept:

Taryn is a semi resident of Islas Azules in that she still keeps her US citizenship, but spends most of her time around the islands and being majority separated from her family which has been a good thing for the most part. She has a few close friends and relationships in the area and after a few years as a “local” has a good feel for island life. Most people find that she can be hard to deal with and that subtlety is not exactly one of her strongest traits. She’s aware of this to some extent and has tried to be more personable for the good of those that she allows to come sailing or diving. Personally, she’s very guarded about commitment and feels lonely when she doesn’t have her mind set to some task. For the time being, she’s set on extracting whatever information she can from whichever native family ends up becoming the dominant leadership on the islands.

Name: Chris MacDonald

Nickname: The Pilot or Captain Chris - He really dislikes the latter, but puts up with it.

Age: 36

Gender: Male

Occupation:

Pilot, ERA Aviation. A small family owned business specializing in tours, cargo and chartered flights for fishing and marine expeditions as well as a mail route that runs between Mexico, Belize and Islas Azules. They operate a single Cessna 206 amphibian that is based out of Isla Zafrio

Appearance:



Chris is a stout six foot and usually weighs between 175-185 lbs. He is very self critical about his physical condition as he didn’t begin exercising regularly until his early 20’s and was often self-conscious of his physique as a teenager. His clothing style is very informal/utilitarian consisting of t-shirts, shorts and other relaxed-work attire often branded with various company logos that he received for free.

Character Concept:

Chris and his family are expats that left the US in the very early 2000s not necessarily out of any sort of political motivation, but for a lucrative opportunity around Islas Azules. Though he was never one for social convention, over time he began to feel a sense of loss about the family leaving their roots in Florida for a foothold in the meteoric tourism industry along the Yucatan. He rarely voices it anymore, but some part of him still feels like a stranger in Azul which has likely amplified his natural introversion. As the islands’ only air charter service, the MacDonalds are key members of the community thanks in majority to a relationship built with Flores well before moving the business to the islands. Chris’ purest passion is flying the plane and he will still tell anyone he has an aviator’s dream job. As his father has moved mostly into retirement, Chris has taken over, but does not have the same suave charisma being more analytical and efficiency minded. He is friendly enough and well liked, but to see him out mingling during any kind of social event is a cause for surprise.

Character History:

Chris is a third generation aviator and native of the eastern Florida shore. His grandfather, Emory, was a flying-boat captain during WW2 and after the war used his skillset to specialize in aerial tourism and regional cargo throughout Florida, the Keys and into the Caribbean. He set up what would eventually become ERA Aviation, the combination of himself and his partner, Richard, a fellow pilot from the war. The business would grow as Emory brought his son, Michael, up through the ascending marketplace of private aviation charters in the southeast. The tradition was carried on through Chris and he learned to fly young, growing up with the company’s preference for Cessna aircraft. Many weekends were spent running cargo or passenger routes down to Miami and beyond rather than having much to do with the usual customs of small town life.

Growing up was a fairly standard high middle-class lifestyle for the 90s and early 00s. Chris and his younger sister both went to public school and family vacations were usually a once-a-year cruise or trip to somewhere semi-exclusive- one of which being Azul where the first talks were held with the Flores. The biggest difference locally for the MacDonald’s was the family business. Chris had no real interest in sports or innate sense of school spirit or any real dating life, just a few close friends which made it easy to replace those voids with the allure of flying. A steady hand, a course well set or a water landing deftly executed were more than enough satisfaction, though to much of the rest of his classmates and friends, this unusual income stream was more of a curiosity and the family was somewhat regarded as outliers by the long established names within the community.

Relocating to Azul was in the works for many years and something Michael would have dismissed completely while his father was still alive, knowing the patriarch would never leave the US, however time passed along with the founders. With no heirs having any interest in managing or working in a niche aviation business, Richard’s lucrative stake was sold by his family to outside investors leaving Michael as merely a voting member amongst competing interests and the bank. The time was right to make the move though it was no secret among the family that grandpoppy would be spinning in his grave at the thought. Thanks to the tenderly fostered relationship with the Flores however, Azul remained an obscure destination where the company could downsize and return to its early role as a tourism and cargo charter without the worry of competition. Michael sold his stake and kept only the Cessna 206 using the proceeds to pay for the move and set the family up free and clear on the islands as the plane’s sole owners.

Moving hardly phased Chris at first, having little attachment to his hometown and the excitement of flying in a new place providing a simple link to the rest of the world, just like in the early days of flight, was a setting he knew many pilots would never see. It was modern bush flying, but instead of mountains and trees, it was romanticized in a way with islands and sailboat masts. The sense of adventure was the same, though as years passed and routine settled with maturity of age, it was hard to deny that he was again an outsider in another place.

Chris is fairly reclusive and not overly social, though he’d still be considered a “regular” around Azul as he stops by the post office twice a week to drop off the mail run and to disperse the cargo pickups from Cancun. Other than those, he can be seen at the market or exercising in an open garage “gym” within the town center of Isla Zafrio. Most citizens have a generally positive opinion of Chris, particularly in light of the services and connections that the airplane provides. Not many people really know him outside of this role and he is almost completely defined by it within the community. He does not really delve into politics or solicit opinions without being asked. Chris has never been married and hasn’t dated in months.

Likes:

+Caffeine
+Wave Music (Witch House/Retrowave)
+Amateur Radio
+Reading
+Nighttime hours
+Cigars occasionally

Dislikes:

-Over Organization
-Large Gatherings
-The Mainland
-Sports
-Seafood (yes, really. He’s allergic)
-Social Media

Special Talent:

Chris has an exceptionally steady hand that translates well to flying, but also to other hobbies and interests. He doesn’t mind drawing, but rarely does and also has very good aim with a speargun or a firearm. Any sort of meticulous task that requires steady concentration suits him well and people tend to bring him problems that require such: small motors, radios and various electronics.

Supporting Information:

-Though it was originally pronounced E-R Aviation. The lettering on the plane has led most to pronounce it as Era and over time the name stuck. While Chris loves flying, he hates dealing with the blatantly corrupt and disorganized foreign mail authorities which routinely break, steal and search through the postage bound for Azul for which he consequently gets blamed, leading to the pejorative, “Error Aviation” that is tossed around when something is delayed or doesn't arrive in suitable condition.

-Chris and his Dad are Azul’s only HAM radio operators. They are qualified to operate a small HF station that sits on Michael’s property in the event of an emergency, but they are both known to get on the airwaves from time to time and talk to other operators around the world. Chris has no fear of heights, but can’t stand wearing a harness and climbing the tower to make a repair or perform maintenance on the antenna.

-ERA operates a single 1985 Cessna 206 amphibian. It has been strictly maintained and periodically refit to keep international certification standards and has gone through two major restorations/overhauls and upfits, one in the 90s and another in the late 00s that provided for modern avionics, a more powerful engine, short take-off and landing kit, extended baggage and several creature comfort/performance upgrades. It is very much a “working” airframe able to switch between cargo and passenger service easily and is the remaining holdover from the original business before the family moved to Azul. Chris has always flown it and regards it as “his” plane. Its high-pitched turbine is a source of annoyance for some.

-Chris’ sister, Jessica, is a nurse in Belize. She visits occasionally, but most definitely prefers the greater convenience of the city despite the crime and mostly corrupt government. She is married and has two children that adore coming to Azul. Chris or Michael will fly out to the international airport in Ladyville and pick them up for long weekends and holidays. Her parents wish she would just relocate to Azul for the safety of the grandkids, but her husband’s work keeps them on the mainland for the time being.

Name: Iris Cardenas
Nickname: Pollito (Familial), Bunny (Preferred, friendly)
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Occupation: Marine Biology Student (Intern)

Appearance:
Some Tunes

Iris is slightly tall, and her build is a bit heavier than is typical for her stature-- though few find her relative thickness to be of a disagreeable sort. A coupling of fitness and a love for food renders the term 'Buxom' to be utterly appropriate to describing her; full curves with tanned skin, dappled with freckles and moles from being kissed a little too frequently by the sun. She is hardly out of shape, to be clear, but she contrasts conventional pencil-thin ideations starkly.

Her hair is kept medium in length, though the style is a casual and low-maintenance cut. She is not someone who puts great manicure into her appearance; her makeup is kept minimal, with the typical extent lying in a lip gloss and eye shadow. Her nails are rarely doted upon, but are kept neat and trim. Her clothing can be described as 'sporty', though she tends to prefer the athleisure and lounge aspects of this genre. She could certainly make a striking figure when dolled up or planning to wow- but those nights are infrequent, and one is more likely to find her wearing a swimsuit to the store than a tight fitting dress or short skirt to the club.

Character Concept:
Iris is a young daughter to the Cardenas family. As such, the expectations for her were lesser than those for her elder kin. This bestowed upon Iris the fabled status of 'flying below the radar' when it came to escapades and tolerance for deviant qualities. A flaming bisexual with a stark disdain for authority, Iris is a firebrand and troublemaker who seemingly possesses no filter between her antagonistic thoughts and her scathing tongue.

She is a self saboteur, her own worst enemy. Every success is marred by doubts and backwards steps. Relationships brought to ruin by her need for games of proof and devotion. Academic records scarred by periods of lapsed focus and effort. Rebounds, of every definition, form the pillars of her social, academic, and spiritual core. Things become too good to be true, and she must scratch and poke at it until her own worm of doubt becomes self fulfilling. She has left a trail of broken hearts and loathing in her wake as she has travelled for her education, and she rarely spares a glance back as she moves onto the next ill-fated relationship or professional effort.

The only thing left unsullied by her self-sabotage is her love for the sea. Her role in the University of Miami's marine biology program has been hard-earned, despite her track record, and her intern status during her master's program is something she is genuinely proud of, but deep down she fears that that the proverbial shoe will drop-- or, perhaps, that she will throw it down herself just to prove to herself that her dreams are naught but a house of cards waiting to topple.

She earned the nickname 'Bunny' during the early days of this very internship. Her nose is quite expressive, often wriggling or shifting upon her face, and she has a curious habit of sniffing things and people somewhat more frequently than is perhaps common or courteous.

Character History:
Trouble. That word seems to define and surround Iris Cardenas. If she's not causing it, she's finding it. If she can't find it, it finds her. Her upbringing was overshadowed by her elder kin, and in the gaps of parental purview she found her freedoms and rebellion. What began as childish acting out soon developed into true rebellion. Drawing on the walls and running through the halls became staying out late and coming home tipsy. Brazen displays with young boys became daring infatuations with young girls- particularly with a girl two years her senior, one Ana Varela who happened to be a cousin to the prominent Flores family.

This teenaged infatuation was a doomed one, to be sure. Their secret tryst came to light. It was hardly Iris' first scandal, but insofar as her family was concerned it was to be her last. Her freedoms were sharply curtailed until her primary education was completed. These were two years of Hell on Earth for Iris, whose efforts to escape Isla Azul itself became frenetic. Her educational trajectory exponentially improved. Her prospects off-island grew with each improved grade and each refined essay. As much as both sides of this familial conflict hated it, the imposed social exile of Iris Cardenas had achieved the desired result; academic excellence. It had just severed whatever final threads of filial piety Iris had forgotten to take a hatchet to herself.

For a few months she moved out of her family home and onto a private beach-side house on Isla Zafrio. While there she exported her unexpectedly stellar academic record to the mainland and awaited word. She kept to herself as she awaited word, not leaving Isla Zafrio to visit her family one time in these critical months. She spent her days on the beach, at the bar, and in her home. The gulf between her and Ana seemed impossible for her to even begin attempting to broach- especially since Ana had begun dating others since their ill-fated tryst. It wasn't until Iris received word from a Mexico university that she finally felt like she could take an easy breath for the first time in years.

She left. She pursued her education- though the moment she was away from the eyes and reach of her parents, she regressed in many ways. University life was liberating. Old embers of rebellion found fuel and fire to rekindle her spirit. She became a social hurricane, whose grades fluctuated like the tides under the immense pressures of her ceaselessly evolving interpersonal relationships. She spent two different semesters under academic probation in her two years pursuing an associate's degree in the field of science, before transferring to Miami to continue towards her goal of Marine Biology.

The United States was a wild beast to Iris. Miami was massive, beyond massive, populated beyond comprehension. More people lived in her dorm than lived on the entire archipelago of Azul. The night life was loud. The night life was attractive. The men and women were devilish in their temptations. School was hard. School was chaos.

Iris excelled in chaos. Or, at least, she thought she did. Her grades remained passable, she rarely had to sleep alone, she had choices in all things, and in the end it seemed as if she could simply coast along through her bachelor's degree. That is, until she turned twenty two and received a letter from home; if grades did not improve, funding would cease. Iris was being threatened with being cut off, and once again she felt the familiar phantom grip of the familial ties that bound her life. School was hard. Life was chaos. Iris was trapped within this chaos.

She dug in deep and grades improved. Enough to truly put her up for consideration for her Master's Program. Twelve months of research in some far off ocean-side paradise was the dream, and Iris frantically pursued it with everything she had. She was driven by the fear of her family pulling the rug out from beneath her feet right as she was approaching the finish line. One last sprint, then truly she could be free. When her approval into the program arrived, she literally almost fainted. There's always a catch though, isn't there?

Iris never wanted to return to Azul. In fact, the current strife-ridden circumstances of the island's political drama have nothing to do with her return at all. Instead, it is the local dolphins that herald her return. The year-round presence of the unique aquatic fauna of Isla Azul, along with its long history of isolationism, have rendered the island of critical interest to marine biology programs across the globe. Much to Iris' chagrin, her enrollment in the University of Miami's coupled with her last name have provided a singly unique opportunity to those around her. She finds herself returning far sooner than she ever expected, among a small group of her peers and the head professor of the program, to the very place she was trying to run away from.

Her enrollment was the key to the kingdom, so to speak. A fact that plagues her and makes her privately wonder if she even earned her spot in the program.

Likes:

• The beach, the sun, the sand
• Physical Contact and Intimacy
• Late nights, full moons
• Cheap beer, good food
• Loud music

Dislikes:

• Storms
• Emotional Intimacy; "Sorry, we're just friends."
• Authority, pedantry
• Being cold
• Poor hygiene, bad smells, poor air quality

Special Talent:
Iris is a prolific swimmer and scuba diver. Her body type hindered her prospects as a professional athlete, but her stamina, endurance, breath capacity, and passion for the sea all render her a nearly aquatic creature when the siren calls. The addition of scuba equipment to these qualities is a boon of immense obviousness.

Supporting Information:

• Scuba Gear
• Private beach-side home on Isla Zafrio - Iris, before leaving Azul for university, had arranged to have her own domicile separate from the Cardenas estate. She still has the keys, though the home hasn't been used in years. It is mere yards from the sands of the beach itself, raised on stilts to withstand unexpected tidal surges or storm flooding.
• Insomniac - Iris suffers from a mild insomnia, and it is not uncommon for her to go a day or two without sleep if she does not have some form of chemical or medicinal aide.
• Chemically Tolerant - Her time travelling across Mexico and the United States in the pinnacle of her youth were not spent idle; Iris has a tolerance for both alcohol and recreational narcotics that would place her veritably in the 'big leagues' with salted sailors and grizzled fishermen alike. She knows what a bad trip is like, and can see the signs in others.
• Gremlins - Outside of the realm of her immediate workplace interests, she is quite technologically illiterate. She can read a SONAR and tag a dolphin with a tracker, but if you ask her to edit a PDF she might end up setting the computer on fire before making any meaningful headway. She can drive a boat, but not a car. Snapchat and Instagram? Totally fine. Fishy emails with hyperlinked text? Fifty-fifty shot at working on her.

Relevant NPCs

• Ana Varela - Iris' 'First Love', a cousin to the Flores family. They had their youthful fling when Iris was 14 and Ana was 16, and it ended in a relatively earth-shattering fashion when their romance was discovered by Iris' parents. Ana had begun to date others by the time Iris left Azul the first time, and who knows how the woman is doing when Iris returns?
• Jeffrey MacGilfoyle - Bad News, made flesh. Iris' peer and colleague in her master's program, a fellow student on the twelve month research project to Isla Azul. They had a fling. A dirty, messy, fling. He tried to define things; she refused to acknowledge. They get along like oil and fire. So far they've managed to keep things professional in the program, but their private affairs threaten to boil over due to their mutual hostility. An all-around playboy type, who has an infuriating knack for his chosen science.
• Professor Arwa El-Rehman - Iris respects her professor profoundly, and the woman's laid-back and casual approach to the research project has endeared her to her students immensely. She sees in Professor El-Rehman a true matronly figure that she never saw in her own mother. On being accepted into the research program, Iris and Arwa shared a few drinks in a private fashion to discuss Iris' future in the field and it helped form the core of Iris' plans for the future. Iris has a bit of a hopeless crush on the professor, despite their age differences and the woman's own marital status.

Dr Katrazyna "Katska" Nadezhda Kowalewska

Name: Dr Katrazyna Nadezhda Kowalewska
Nickname: “Kat or Katska”
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Occupation: Wreck researcher at Olympus Marine Recovery. Part of Olympus Heavy Engineering International.

An multi Billion pound UK based and owned heavy industrial company mostly based in Europe but has expanded to the United States in more recent years.

Appearance:


5’9 flat. 5'11 heals
Naturally Black hair
Pale silver eyes.
Fairly athletic. Active regularly in and in good shape. Paler skin tone has spent the last 3 months In arctic recently however and not that tanned yet.
Always needing glasses, goggles, Sunglasses or so prescription. Bad eyesight runs in the family.

Tattoos.
Left arm. Lower. Full periodic table.
Left arm shoulder and upper. Polish Eagle in black with red details.
Right upper arm. Small polar star with coordinates of where the team she was on found SS Marlin and the ship's name spelled out in morse code.



Somewhat of a goth ascetic at times, however will dress to the conditions and local area. She is mostly pragmatic about this and willing to adapt as needed to suit where she is. She however values comfort for both choices and weather and is more likely to be seen locally in casual wear or looser clothes than fancy wear. Though she can dress up when needed and make self more presentable and clean up well.

A favourite Necklace often worn of her grandmother's, Red beads of traditional red coral, passed down and a Polish Folk item.

Character Concept:

A wreck hunter, she is somewhat a modern adventurer, a exploreŕ of the largest And least known place on the entire planet. We know more about the moon than some of the deepest places on our planet.

Her work and her life became maybe too interlinked and her assignment to a more stable, slower paced and settled role is no accident. The company decided she was too good to lose, but needed some time to decompress and take a break off expedition.

Nat is an outsider, an unsettled soul she has been on the move in literal and general sense since she left home for university, working away on ship's and has racked up over 3 years of sea time In her time working for the company. Her latest assignment she has been sent as a more independent researcher and enjoys the freedom, privacy but misses the whole tight community the crew formed on expeditions.

Years at sea change things and you, Nat is a woman who is unsure how to take on her new role, and new task. Any idea of the future has been too busy and now she has too much time to think about such things. She is a keen reader, confident but not always sure how to interact with people who are settled and stable in their place of living.

Her greatest strengh of being her drive, determination and force that allowed her to accomplish her life so far with own effort also can be a double edged sword. She has pushed forward sometimes at her own expense and lack of a life independent of her career.

Island time is hard to get used to after such a life to say the least.

As for her hobby, she is a keen artist, drawing and working mostly In pen, Ink and charcoal favouring landscapes and such over portraits. She has spent long hours sat on the fore or aft deck in quiet hours drawing what she saw and enjoying a rare moment of quiet and peace aboard a busy ship.

She started in St Andrews joining a University art class and never stopped.

Will she find peace on the Islands? Or just another stop on the road?

Character History:
Born into a family of Polish farmers on the Polish Ukraine border near Liev. They were fairly well off but wanted her to stay and help take over and join the family farm. Kat did not. While her brother and sister eventually did follow the path their parents would prefer, Kat did not, much as she enjoyed her time at home and what they had that was not the life she wanted.

Initially her parents were frosty and disappointed but later years things had calmed and her relationship with them improved. She has returned home when can for major holidays but is too much of a wanderer to want to take over the Farm and her family have come to admit that their daughter is a soul not to be tied down.

She went abroad to study on a full ride scholarship, earning a place at St Andrews before taking her masters and doctorate under Olympus Heavy Engineering providing employment and funding. The first years where hard alone in a foreign nation but the small town she found self in was very much a place she could grow, build, and find others. Soon they had a small group they joked as the exiles club, all of them from foreign countries and all of them had defied expectation, family or other reasons. That small "family" still keeps in touch despite being often far flung in diffrent nations and even continents.

Hired straight out of university as a graduate due to her high marks and professors reference, working at first as a junior researcher, doing her masters degree and earning her PHD on study of how she led a small research team to track and locate the SS Marlins location. Newly gained her PHD Graduating from Imperial College London.

Starting out she began working in their support teams on shore, but soon earned a place on an older Goddess class the Hera operating in English channel to catalogue and check on various wrecks, then later more locations around the United Kingdom. Many of them were war wrecks or other navigation and environmental hazards.

Her most major achievement was In the arctic, deep into the cold and ice frontier where it still was a challenge. The SS Marlin, a Cargo vessel which was lost to enemy action and its recorded manifest was destroyed in the decades since. 3 months of hard work, crazy ideas in middle of the night and notebook after note book of ideas, turned out she was correct on location but it's cargo they were not.

The SS Marlin turned out to mostly carry baggage, oil would be pumped so the environment was safe from its decaying tanks, but 3 months in the far north was not easy. The baggage was no danger to anyone but a fish getting stuck In a decayed chest or case. It still was a suprise, the SS Marlin had far more baggage than a ship of that size and crew should, the mystery remained but answers where long dead and the job was done.

Joining the team locating the SS Vika off the back of the SS Marlins success, the Ship was one of a list contracted to attempt to locate toxic and dangerous shipwrecks. Its cargo was known to be heavy metals, but the exact manifest was very much missing. The need to locate it became more important due to the danger of Mercury or other metals posed, so Nat was sent.

All they had was the liberty ship went missing in 1944, this was one of the suspected routes after it never returned after the storm.

So Natska was now off to the Gulf of Mexico, a small island in the Gulf. Its local population was Maya… A new adventure, a new opportunity.

She is docked at the main island as far as it locally goes, closest to city hall and the main functions of the area. Deciding this was the best place to start her search on the official side. Though rumours say the old family's keep archives, secrets and information that are not known to the official record and very much guard it jealousy.

Likes:
Coffee. Sweet and cannot stand it black. Sweeter the better.
Cheesy rom coms and romance novels, the more paper back the better.
Music in general. If you hear music, it's her boat.
Keen Dancer.
Mangos… why. Who knows she loves them and that's that.
Spicy foods.
Yoga.

Dislikes:
Rather picky on sea food.
After so long on the move in the last few years she struggles to put down roots.
Has a nut allergy.
Grease and oil on hands, had never been able to get over it feeling odd.
Thunder storms. Been scared since childhood.
Thursdays.. always feels like a bad luck day.
Diet drinks. Diet makes her crave more sugar instead.
Smurfs scare her... somthing about the little blue things creep her all the way out.

Special Talent:
An excellent cook with most basic tinned, Freeze dried or so items found in a ships galley. During a previous expedition she was taught by the ship's cook, whom she later had a relationship with, aboard the Saga of Patroclus and has never lost the knack even when they went their different ways. Her volunteer duty aboard ship was helping out the cook and as well as better food, meant she knew that hers did not have nuts in it.

Supporting Information:

“Home” is a company charter of a 50 foot Princess motor Yacht named “Arognought” with main Dock at Isla Zafiro. It has been augmented with longer range tanks, an E bike secured in the main cabin as well as a small cabin has been converted to run a small underwater imaging suite etc. Only suitable for shallower waters and the larger ship operates further out.




She is qualified to pilot the vessel though is a less experienced sailor as spent most time on a larger ship.

The larger vessel is the “Saga of Jason” an 76m open water research and salvage vessel operating as the main ship supported by researchers in the local side. The company operates multiple Saga class vessels globally.



Fully Fluent in German, Polish, English and partially in Ukrainian and Spanish to least passable degree. She is a natural in languages. Russian she had a much harder time with for reasons yet to work out and only speaks the basics.

Has a minor criminal record in Falkland Islands, Drunken Trespass onto a penguin area, though the situation was Knocked down to a fine and a few stern words. Also a warning in Scotland for misuse of traffic cones and making traffic go in circles.

Can drive a tractor, and is pretty good at it thanks to her dad teaching her, is a pretty good driver and can drive a pick up, farm truck, tractor, quad bike and few other things like basic welding thanks to helping on the family farm.

Family: (In Poland.)
Brother. Jacek Kowalewska, 22.
Sister. Angelica Kowalewska 27. (Married)
Father. Georgei Kowalewska 54.
Mother Jadzia Kowalewska 57.

Name:
Jewel Cardenas

Nickname:
“Azul Bebé”, or “Baby Blue”, a nickname given to her by her father that has begrudgingly stuck around and is what her family often addresses her as.

Age:
32

Gender:
Female

Appearance:


The 300 days of sunshine each year on Isles Azul, combined with Jewel's deep connection to the sea, have significantly influenced her appearance. Her skin, a warm, sun-kissed bronze, reflects her native ancestry but with a slightly darker tone than the rest of her family. Even into her thirties, she has remained wrinkle-free, a fortunate trait she attributes more to luck than any particular skincare regimen.

The ocean's influence is unmistakable when looking at Jewel. Years of ritualistic morning swims have turned her hair to a light sandy brown, streaked with highlights that shimmer like the shoreline at dawn. Her wavy tresses cascade to the middle of her back, often worn loose, though she sometimes secures them in a clip when the weather turns too warm. Standing at 5'6", her lithe and graceful figure contrasts with the indulgent lifestyle she enjoys, particularly her evening ritual of savoring a glass of the Cardenas’ finest wine. This nightly practice is her way of winding down after the day's demands, yet her figure remains as elegant as ever, thanks to a combination of good genes and the discipline instilled by childhood ballet classes.

On the island, she embraces simplicity, dressing in the relaxed, effortless style that defines the citizens of Azul. Makeup is minimal—just a touch of eyeliner and lip oil on most days—as she prefers to keep her look natural. When she does choose to dress up, it’s always with the intent to subtly enhance her features, not to create new ones. Her wardrobe leans toward neutral tones, reflecting the island's earthy palette, with the exception of the delicate blue diamond accessories she wears daily—small, sparkling reminders of her roots and the deep connection she feels to the place she calls home.

Personality:
Jewel Cardenas is a native of Azul, born into one of the island’s most prominent families. From an early age, she displayed a fierce independence that only grew stronger as she navigated the expectations of her family and community. Valuing her autonomy, Jewel has always been determined to carve out her own path, a drive that eventually led her to leave the island and build a career in a new city. Her strong will and determination to succeed on her own terms often meant distancing herself from the life that was predetermined for her.

Despite her independent nature, Jewel is deeply empathetic and caring, especially towards those she loves. She has a keen sense of the emotions of others, often finding herself in the role of confidante or mediator, whether with her siblings, friends, or clients. This empathy extends to her professional life, where she excels at understanding her clients' needs and desires, helping them find homes that truly resonate with them.

Jewel tends to be reserved, keeping her deepest thoughts and feelings close to her chest. She has a habit of absentmindedly twisting her hair when lost in thought, a small tell that often reveals her inner contemplation. Though she is warm and approachable, she maintains a certain distance, even from those closest to her. This guarded nature is partly a defense mechanism, developed in response to the pressures she faced growing up, and partly a means of protecting her cherished independence. She finds it challenging to fully open up, fearing vulnerability and the risks that come with letting others in too deeply.

In her approach to life, Jewel is pragmatic, recognizing the importance of making practical decisions, especially in her career. However, she also harbors an idealistic side, particularly in her dreams for the future and her hopes for Azul. She believes in the possibility of balancing tradition with progress, a vision that sometimes clashes with her more practical instincts, creating an internal tension that she constantly wrestles with.

Likes:
Sailing
The sea
Baking her favorite island treat, coconut bars
White wine
Art
Reading
Dancing
Yoga
Meaningful conversations
New experiences
Tall, dark, and handsome men
Ancestral stories

Dislikes:
Confrontation
Being micromanaged
Superficiality
Breaking tradition
Environmental negligence
Dishonesty
Stagnation

Special Talent:

Jewel has a natural talent for dancing, a skill she honed through years of ballet classes during her childhood on Azul. Her movements are graceful and fluid, a testament to the discipline and dedication she put into her training. Even though she no longer dances professionally, she often finds herself drawn to the rhythm of music, letting her body move instinctively. Dancing is a form of expression for Jewel, a way to connect with her emotions and release the stresses of life. Whether it's a spontaneous dance at a local festival or a quiet moment alone in her living room, Jewel's dancing is a beautiful blend of technique and passion, reflecting the depth of her inner world.

Biography:

Jewel Cardenas was born on a warm, golden afternoon in late summer, the firstborn of the Cardenas family—a name deeply woven into the fabric of Azul's history. From an early age, she was imbued with a sense of responsibility, not only as the eldest sibling but also as the future guardian of the family legacy. Her parents, Miguel and Elena Cardenas, were esteemed vineyard owners, renowned for their exquisite wines cherished both on the island and beyond.

Jewel’s childhood was a blend of idyllic island life and the unspoken burden of expectation. She spent her days running barefoot along the beach, her laughter mingling with the sound of the waves, and climbing the ancient fig trees that dotted the vineyard, often retreating to their branches with a book in hand, dreaming of the world beyond the horizon.

Her relationships with her family were close-knit, yet each was uniquely complex. As she grew older, the weight of her parents' expectations became more tangible. In high school, Jewel excelled academically and was deeply involved in community activities. However, as graduation neared, she felt increasingly suffocated by the life seemingly predestined for her. The prospect of stepping directly into the vineyard business alongside her parents filled her with a profound sense of anxiety.

Eager for change and a taste of independence, Jewel chose to attend college in Mexico City, far from the watchful eyes of her family and the tight-knit community of Isles Azul. The bustling city was a stark contrast to the tranquil island life she had known, and she thrived in the anonymity and vibrancy it offered. Studying business and marketing, she equipped herself with skills that would serve her well, whether she returned to the vineyard or pursued a different path. Mexico City gave her the space to explore her identity, free from the expectations that had always surrounded her.

During her college years, Jewel only returned to Isles Azul for holidays, where she was welcomed with warmth but also reminded of the life awaiting her. The tension between her love for her family and her desire for autonomy grew stronger with each visit. After graduating, the pressure to return home and take her place in the family business intensified, but Jewel wasn’t ready. She couldn’t reconcile the independent woman she had become with the life that awaited her on Azul.

Instead of returning, Jewel made the difficult decision to move to a new city on Mexico’s western coast, further distancing herself from the island. Her parents were disappointed, her father, Miguel, masking his sadness behind a stoic facade, while her mother, Elena, expressed her disapproval more openly, worried about what Jewel’s departure meant for the family’s future.

In this new city, Jewel started fresh, using her business acumen to establish a successful career in real estate. Her natural charm and dedication quickly earned her a reputation as a reliable and skilled agent. Despite her professional success, she often felt the absence of her family and the island keenly. She immersed herself in work, filling her days with clients and meetings, and her nights with yoga, cooking, and dancing—hobbies that reminded her of the peace she once felt on Azul.

Jewel built a good life for herself, relishing the independence and accomplishments she achieved on her own terms. Yet, every year, when Azul Days approached, she felt a pull back to the island—a mix of nostalgia, duty, and an unresolved sense of belonging. During these visits, she reconnected with her family and the community, feeling both a stranger and a native, caught between two worlds.

As the years passed, Isles Azul faced new challenges. The Flores family, long protectors of the island’s mythical blue diamond deposits, began to confront whispers of a new threat. Rumors spread that her father, Miguel, had discovered the location of these deposits and was considering mining them to boost the island’s economy and reduce reliance on foreign trade. This potential shift caused unrest among the islanders, who feared the consequences of exploiting their land.

Jewel’s story picks up as she returns to Isles Azul for the latest Azul Days festival. This time, the visit feels different. The island is abuzz with tension, and Jewel finds herself at the center of a brewing storm. As the eldest sibling, she faces mounting pressure from both her family and the community to return home permanently and run for mayor. The Cardenas name carries significant weight, and many believe that Jewel, with her education and experience, could be the leader Isles Azul needs in these uncertain times.

Torn between the life she has built on the mainland and the responsibilities awaiting her on Azul, Jewel must navigate her loyalties, her desires, and the complex dynamics of her family. The choices she makes in the coming days will shape not only her future but also the future of the island she has always cherished, even from afar.

Name: Jericho Bell
Nickname: Walls
Age: 41
Gender: Male
Occupation: Tour Guide and Fishing Expedition company owner

Appearance:



Jericho stands about 5 feet 10 inches tall. With short straight black hair, over well tanned skin. Bright piercing grey eyes, sharp as a hawk. Can see another ship at upwards of 15 kilometers on the open water. A closely cropped black beard, and mustache, covering his chin, and sideburns, round out the whole slightly grizzled adventurer look he's got going on. His clothing often consisting of salt stained linen clothing, shirts, belts, trousers, with good hearty leather work boots and hiking shoes. Owns no less then 12 fine leather, straw and/or wool boater style hats with various color hat ribbons that he'll switch out at random every other day or so.

His hands are rough and powerful from working his boat, and his physique well muscled despite being so lean and thin, from many days on the water or hiking the land of the islands.

Character History:

Jericho Bell, son of Samson Bell and Bonnie Read Bell nee Horley, both still alive in their early 70s. He was born a hearty and by his older sisters words, loud baby. The family story that is told even too this day, is that Jericho had wailed so.loud he woke an older patient on the far side of the hospital wing who spent 18 hours a day sleeping. Jericho was said to be destined for big things.

And how wrong and right people would be.

He went to elementary, and high schools as per normal. He was not your high end achiever, more a middle ground. He was good enough that he could continue without standing out. From an early age though Jericho wad clearly very fond of the outdoors. Any subject to do with the land and nature he just happily immersed himself in and internalized. Was he destined early for a career in natural sciences? Nature research? Well no. He went to university and got a bachelors in accounting. And maybe for the first year or two after university he tried to pursue a career as an accountant with a Jamaican banking company.

To figure out how he went from banking to tour guide actually means a trip back in time from where we are.

His grandfather on his mother's side was a born and bred Azulean, lived most of his live on the Azule Islands. Knew every inch of the accessible islands, like only a born Azulean could. Though Grandfather didn't really get on with his father, Jericho and his mother were Grandfather's favorite relations and vacations to Azules would mean fishing trips on Grandpa's old trawler boat, night cruises on the blue-green waters. And watching the waves rise. Jericho has fond memories of those trips. No one was prepared though for when grandpa passed on he left his fishing company, two old boats, a small storage warehouse and a private dock to Jericho and his mother. A tidy sum of money to Jericho's father. The company was in jerichos' mother's name. And it was her and Jericho who decided to clear house, selling the boats, and stored stock of dried fish for a sum, which was put away for Jericho.

So when the banking company laid off all their junior staff, Jericho included he didn't know what to do. But his mother reminded him of the company. And the money. He didn't know what he wanted to do, but it might be a way to restart. Jericho moved to the Azules at the age of 22, and settled in the old warehouse. Spending some time trying to figure out what to do. As he sat one day in the warehouse, looking at all the old tackle, nets and fishing gear, he recalled all the fun he had. And wondered if he could do the same with other people. So the first portion of his idea took form. He sold all the old stuff, refurbished the warehouse, repaired the dock, bought an eight person boat to start with, and began offering boating and fishing experiences. And it proved to be a success. Tourism and natural adventures being something Azule brought in for. When his clients started asking about iconic land locations, and hiking destinations, Jericho began more research. He got more fit. Learned trails and how to find locations. What was the Jericho Fishing Adventures, would become Bells Natural Tour Experiences.

Jericho would apply for a dual citizenship when he was 34, 13 years after he moved to Azules. A true local boy, accepted by the people around him. His Jamaican Patois a normal thing to hear about the islands by then.

Several years later at 41 and some change he had been cleaning up after a fishing trip, skinning and cleaning some fish for some customers when he had heard on a local TV station that the mayor of the islands had died. Everyone had been shocked. His neighbour's running out and shouting if he'd heard. People in a panic. Not sure what to do. Jericho listened closely ad the community watched listened and worried. He kept working but he shared the worry of the community. A sad thing to lose a neighbour. Everyone in the community waited and hoped for stability to come to the islands again.

Likes:

Finds a good port or rum rather nice. He prefers his spiced variants.

The occasional snort on a cigar, or a puff of the ganja.

The Wide open sea or ocean. Blue water and white foam as far as the eye can see.

Old stories about Pirates and Buccaneers on the high seas in old tall ships.

Old movies, pre-digital animation. Shows like the Duelists or Lawrence of Arabia.

Dislikes:

Predation on the natural world. He hates it when he goes from the Azules to Jamaica or the other way around and sees all the oil rigs and massive mining operations on the coast lines.

The continued attempts to modernize and urbanize the world.

People who don’t pay their respects and have kindness towards people who provide a service.

Special Talent: One of many talents. But the one he’s most proud of is the ability to find just the right place for a particular group of tourists. When they ask to see something, he can usually find a place or a situation that will make their jaws drop.

Supporting Information:

Bell Natural Tour Experiences - Originally a fishing company owned by his maternal grandfather, willed to him and his mother. Jericho turned the warehouse, dock and geared facility into a tourism and natural adventures company. Showing the beauty of the land and waters to people with the courage to venture out.

The Cheer - A 75 foot sport fishing boat, with room for 14 plus the owner. Three outboard motors, room for eight rods as well as catches and bait.

Bell Experiences company facilities - A renovated 80 foot by 115 foot warehouse to house goods, tackle, rods and gear as well as a company HQ. Also triples as Jerichos main place of residence with an apartment large enough for.maybe 2 people built onto the roof of the warehouse. Connected to this compound is a 50 foot Dock where Jericho parks The Cheer.

Crotch Rocket - Not really now, it's an old Rocky Mountain Dirt bicycle that he uses to get around the islands. Taking the ferries and bridges with it to get around.

Character Concept:

An Island Native, local guide and fishing expedition entrepreneur, knows the shores, waters and lands of the Islands. A dual citizenship from Jamaica and Islas Azules, having spent some of his formative years on the Jamaican isles, and then his family moved to Azules where he spent the majority of his young adult and adult life. It’s his grandfather's business that he now runs.

Jericho knows he’s not a full on Azule blood in type, but he’s been all over the islands except for Estrella, and he’s fell, and jumped and rolled and walked near every kilometer that he feels he’s got as much of the islands under his skin, as the island has his skin and blood on it.

Jericho got the nickname “Walls” for his stubbornness when it comes to protecting the Azules and Jamiacan wilderness. His hobbies of fishing and wilderness exploration has lead him to going to some amazing places on both island chains. And he’s stood in the path of companies and governments shoulder to shoulder with people to stop predation on the land.

Speaks good English, Portuguese, Spanish and spotty bits of French. Fluently speaks Jamaican Patois, and will often speak Patois mixed in with spattering of English and French mixed in.

His company makes his fairly well off, enough to pay the bills, and keep it running year to year. But he's no millionaire. His company is his baby though and he does it for the joy and love as well.

Name: Andrés Moruga
Nickname: N/A
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Occupation: Comic book artist

Appearance:


Standing at 6'0 and weighing 170 lbs. He has brown hair, a short beard and brown eyes. Andrés has a tan complexion and has above average build. Since he works out but not enough to earn a muscular or athletic build. He tends to wear casual clothes when he can help it. However, it does not stop him from wearing more formal or weather-specific clothing when needed. He does take care of himself, maintaining his hair length and the growth of is beard. Never letting himself go unless something is really negative in his life.

Character Concept: A native, Andrés is one who thought he would never return to the Isles. His family, the Moruga, was one of the oldest and prominent families in the Isles. Andrés was the second child of his family, and his father had planned out of life for him. But Andrés was one who would not conform to his father's wishes like his older brother did. He rebelled and after an argument with his father. Andrés was cut off, and Andrés chose to leave the Isles and live on the mainland. Where he would earn a living as a comic book artist. It was not a glamorous job, but he enjoyed drawing art and was a fan of comic books growing up. It seemed like a good choice to him, more so when his comic books became somewhat popular, and he was able to earn a living off of it.

Only he would return to the Isles on the insistence of his mother for Andrés's father was on his deathbed. Only to discover that his family's wealth was nearly gone. A good amount was wasted on a business venture and once his father died. Andrés's older brother would take what was left of the family's fortune and leave the Isles for his own reasons. Leaving what was left of the family without their wealth.

Now Andrés has a choice, he could continue his own path or help what is left of his family on the Isles and steer them towards a better future. While Andrés knows this will be a tough choice, he still cares for his mother, and it does make him feel bad about her state. He does not know what the Isles can offer him, even though he has had success on the mainland. Not to mention that his relationship with his father has tainted his memories of the Isles, and he does not know if he wants to stay.

Either through compassion or just wanting to get away, Andrés has to make a choice, and it will affect his family no matter what. The question is whether he will make the right choice for himself and not regret it.

Character History: Andrés was born the second child of the Moruga family, one of the oldest and most prominent families in the Isles, with the wealth to back it up. Now, growing up, Andrés did not want much. Since most of it was provided by his family, while there were some things he liked, like drawing, and was encouraged by his grandmother. His father had started to"guide" him towards a path that he wanted. A change that Andrés did not like and would grow to hate as his father became more and more strict about it. Starting arguments over it.

By the time he was eighteen, his father had planned out most of his future, and finally, Andrés had enough. Now, he was tired of what his father wanted and wanted the freedom to follow his own future. Andrés had one final argument with his father and by the end of it, his father would cut him off from the family. A decision that Andrés did not care about and with what money he had. He chose to leave the Isles and move to the mainland. Specifically to Chetumal, where he lived with a friend while trying to find a job.

As Andrés started to adjust to living on the mainland and in a city. He started doing old hobbies, now he was free of his father. On the advice of his friend and the fact, he was having trouble finding a job. Andrés started drawing and writing comic books, and after some failed attempts to attract an audience. He managed to gain a following over his latest comic and it started to become popular. Finally, becoming less of a burden to his friend, and he was able to support himself.

Now, by the time he had reached twenty-five, was when he got a call from his mother. Apparently, his father was dying and on his deathbed. She insisted that he return and at least attend his father's funeral. Andrés thought long and hard about this, and in the end. He chose to listen to his mother and return home to the Isles. Though what he found he did not expect.

For a while, he never talked to his father, and his father would die shortly after Andrés arrived on the Isles. Through his mother, he learned about the family's fortune, that a good amount of it was wasted on a failed business venture. After the funeral and after the will reading which Andrés expectly got nothing. His older brother got what was left of the family's fortune and said that living on the Isles was a waste and he would take what was left of the family's wealth elsewhere. Promptly moving from the Isles to somewhere on the mainland.

What was left of Andrés's family was devastated by the turns of events, and now the once prominent family in the Isles was a shadow of its former self. Unable to support their current lifestyle, and most of their holdings had to be sold off. Andrés had to help his family through that ordeal. Now, the Morugas only own a normal house and a cafe that is owned by his mother.

Now, his mother wants him to help rebuild what their family had lost and not lose anything else. Andrés realizes that he has a choice to make. While he does love his mother and he has not issues with his younger sister. He had a life and was happy on the mainland, and helping the family with rebuilding means giving up that up. But staying means he could direct what was left of the family towards something better and fix what his father and older brother caused.

Currently, Andrés is still on the Isles and has yet to make a choice. Helping out his family while readjusting to island life and relearning what the Isles have to offer. He does not know how long he will be on the Isles, but Andrés knows that whatever he does, he has to do what is best for him. Now, he just needs to figure that out.

Likes:
Art
Comic books
Seafood
Burgers
Star gazing

Dislikes:
His father
his older brother
Snakes
Being forced to do stuff
Coffee

Special Talent: Andrés is a natural artist ever since he started drawing when he was young and encouraged by his grandmother. It was a passion for him but, as he grew. His father would get in the way of his progress and encourage him to take up a new hobby. Still, he tried to persist with his passion but has to stop because of his father. But, after rebelling aganist his father and leaving the Isles. He started drawing again and found work thanks to his artistic skills.

Supporting Information:

Name: Izabel Perkins
Nickname: Izzy, Iz
Age: 24
Gender: Female
Occupation: Owner of

Appearance:

Izzy is a petite woman- five-foot-four and around one hundred and twenty pounds. Wavy brown hair falls past her shoulders, framing her heart shaped face. Her light green/gray eyes are gentle and kind, usually always seen with a sparkle in them. She dresses pretty casually for the island, usually in a pair of short denim shorts and a button-up shirt. A small butterfly tattoo stretches across the inside of her left wrist. She is often seen in her favorite pair of flip-flops around guests, but prefers to be barefoot. Her skin is pale with just a hint of kiss from the sun.

Character Concept: You'll never find a more complicated girl. While she is gentle, kind, and loving, Izzy is also very headstrong and stubborn. She always has a kind word and a caring disposition to guests, but she is quick to anger and will fight for what she thinks is right. If you're on her good side, she is the best friend anybody could ever have. But if she doesn't like you? You'll know right away. And if her mouth doesn't say it, her face definitely will.

She enjoys running her bed and breakfast, something she has dreamed about for years. Izabel loves to cook breakfast for her guests in the cafe and always has a fresh pot of coffee ready to serve. During the in between times, she is an avid surfer and loves being out on the waves with her best friend. She loves the island life and doesn't know anything different as she has resided in her house her entire life. Her bedroom in the house is on the main floor in the very back of the house, and her door is always open for her guests.

Her most favored possessions besides her house are her cat, Saphire, and her .

Character History: Having grown up on Isla Zafrio, Izzy really hasn't ventured much elsewhere. The island life is in her blood and will forever stay that way. She grew up as the only child of Bethany and Paul Perkins and never wanted for anything. After graduating from school, she decided to turn her family home into a bed and breakfast. She worked tirelessly as a surf instructor and a bartender in order to raise the funds to renovate her home. Now, the Whispering Waves has been popular since opening two years ago.

Her parents are still alive and well, but now live on Isla Ramiro and enjoying retirement. Izzy's father is well known as the former Chief of Trauma Services at the hospital on Isla Zafrio and was once the only surgeon on the island. Her mother had always been a simple housewife and mother, and taught Izzy everything she needed to know in regards to maintaining the house and cooking. They are hugely supportive of her career choice and will randomly pop in to visit.

She doesn't pay much attention to the politics of Azul, preferring to stay in her little bubble with her cat and best friend. As long as she is left alone to run her business as she pleases, everything is perfect in her little world.

Izzy is a second generation resident as both of her parents are immigrants to the island. She has never found a need to leave the island, nor does she see any in the future. The young woman has gotten to know a lot of travelers thank to her previous jobs and her current ownership, but her heart always remains with the locals. She is quite a staple around the island and knows everybody by name. And if someone is not that familiar with her, they definitely know her father.

Likes:
*Surfing
*Cooking
*Coffee. Needs at least three a day.
*Seafood
*Nature
*Any and all animals. Even the creepy crawly ones.
*Reading
*Cuddling
*Singing

Dislikes:
*People who chew with their mouth open.
*Slobs and untidy guests.
*Cold weather
*Oranges. Allergic to them.
*People who are rude to service workers.
*Politics

Special Talent: Singing. Izzy always has a song in her head and likes to sing when doing mundane chores in the house. She is an alto and has great rhythm.

Supporting Information: Owns a black cat named who likes to lounge around the bed and breakfast, always looking for cuddles from guests.

Owner and operator of Whispering Waves Bed and Breakfast, which also has a small cafe in the downstairs lounge. The house has five bedrooms and four baths, with three bedrooms being on the top floor and the other two on the bottom. Two bathrooms are upstairs, one downstairs, and one in the master bedroom. With a wraparound porch overlooking the ocean, guests can enjoy their coffee on the veranda or on the upstairs balcony. All rooms have a queen sized poster bed and a wardrobe for their clothing. There are no televisions in the house as the main attraction is the ocean itself.

Name: Cordelia Flores
Nickname: Cori
Age: 33
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Appearance:

• Physique: Cori stands 5 foot 9 ¾ inches with an hourglass figure that is fit and toned. A flat stomach that has the hint of definition to washboard abs. Her legs and arms are toned and defined as well. Her bone structure is very aesthetically pleasing so she doesn't look too delicate or overly bulky.
• Hair: She is a natural redhead with some naturally lightened sections that shine golden like honey, most notably near the crown of her head. Farther down they taper off into a rich coppery red in a thick silky straight fall to her hips. [*]Complexion: Her complexion is like most natural redheads; as fair as a cloud and shows even the slightest blush. But unlike most redheads Cori does not have freckles on her face. Those reside on her back, across her shoulders and down her arms.
• Eyes: Her lashes are long and thick but more of a deep brown than soot black. Her eyes are the gray of a storm at sea and shaped like a cat's eyes.
• Style: Cori is found most often wearing Bermuda shorts, tank tops, swimsuit tops, daisy dukes, wet shoes, sandals or converse typically. She also cleans up well but gravitates towards well made outfits over flash. She doesn't wear heels often because she is already tall but enjoys them once in a while. Makeup is rare beyond a flavored gloss.

Character Concept: Cori is the widow of the middle Flores boy, Jose, who died three years ago. She is married into a native family and retains her US Citizenship. Her family is very supportive, though things with her mother are very tense because her mother, while they love each other, don't understand one another. Cori has many people who call her friends but since Jose’s death she has been a little more wrapped up in her animal sanctuary and only recently has been going back into society. Cori runs a wildlife sanctuary and aquarium on Isla Cuadro within the National Park. She is passionate about conservation of wildlife and resources, putting money toward making changes in how the Islands fish and creating spaces that harmonize with nature. Her hobbies include horseback riding, singing, swimming, free diving, and reading.

Personality: Cori is a spitfire. Stubborn, passionate, loyal and intelligent. She is polite in a very southern US way. Her temper matches the stereotype about her hair as well as being short. She's always looking out for the underdog. She does sit back and assess the situation before jumping in. Cori is witty and charming. Her set downs are always delivered with a smile. She’s very hard to offend but get her there and she can be vicious. She can politically distance herself while not making you feel like you’re getting the shaft. Cori doesn't like to be beholden to anyone including her family. She's down played the whole rich girl thing her whole life. As a trust fund baby she understands the culture and likes to appreciate it from a far. She likes to live modestly and rarely touches the trust fund her parents set up for her. Cori is very generous and loving, as well as kind and genuinely supportive.

Likes: Swimming, free diving, surfing, myths, animals especially marine animals, coffee, fruit baskets rather than flowers.

Dislikes: Commercialization, littering, stupid people, Starbucks, injustice.

Special Talent: Cori has a hypnotic voice whether she is speaking or singing she seems to entrance people.

Character History: Cori was born Cordelia Anne Gardner on March 24th 1990 to Martha Ann (Decker) Gardner and Thomas Oliver Gardner; an upper class couple who lived in Savannah Georgia. Martha was a highly sought after party planner and Thomas was an equally sought after architect. Cori has two older brothers and a younger brother. The oldest brother's name is Micha Thomas who was six when she was born; her younger older brother’s name is Joshua Oliver was four when she was born.

Savannah, Georgia didn't know what hit them. She absolutely was adored by her older brothers. She may not have been the baby brother they asked for but she sure acted like it. Cori was fearless and climbed everything and jumped off things knowing her brothers would catch her. There wasn't a mud puddle safe from her little feet. Her mother gave up on trying to dress her in cute little dresses because Cori played too hard. Oshkosh overalls in bright colors and white t-shirts were a staple for Martha. Martha, who had planned to have another child two years after Cori decided that she needed two extra years before she had another baby.

When Cori was four they welcomed Joseph Thomas as the last child. It was unfortunate that Joseph wasn't a girl, his temperament was more suited toward it. This evened out Cori so that she became interested in more girly things. Don't think she lost her edge, she just became more polished. She put up with her mother pushing girly things on her because Joseph aka Joey seemed to really like it. Beauty Pageants became a thing as did music lessons, singing lessons and dance lessons. Those Cori enjoyed, it was the Pageant itself she loathed.

By her teenage years her mother had the expectation that Cori would be a cheerleader. She was disappointed as her daughter gravitated to the sciences and academically was well on her way to an ivy league school. Cori did keep up with the Pageants and was officially going to a Cotillion Club to "polish" her manners. Her father was especially excited to see that his daughter was planning on going to Yale to get her degree. He had gone there for architecture and even though she was more interested in Biology he let her know he was proud of her.

College was excellent for Cori; she got her degree in Marine Biology and her mother backed off as her launch into society rolled around. At the age of twenty-four Cori; at the behest of her father and a bet from her brothers that she’d never make it through the whole thing; went to NYC for The International Debutante Ball. Meeting Jose Flores was the highlight of her night. It wasn’t love at first sight but the attraction was there. The Gardners stayed with the Flores family on the Azul Islands that summer and watched Cori and Jose get closer.

The couple became exclusive and after three years became engaged on New Year's Eve 2017 as Cori had just set up a sanctuary within the National Park on the Islands. The wedding was planned for New Year’s Day 2019. Married in the Flores family church on Isla Ramilo on January 1st 2019. Unfortunately Jose would be dead within months afterward. Most would call it an accident. Carelessness on Jose’s part. But Cori had always thought that it was more. It had been raining and it was late at night. The bike was old and could have been faulty. But Cori always thought that it had been tampered with and that was how the accident had happened. It was three years ago and Cori had withdrawn into herself for a few years until recently.

Supporting Information: Morgan horse named Imp from her in-laws as a wedding present. Great Dane named Brutus a present from her brothers.

Miscellaneous Information:

• Cori speaks Spanish, French, German and Japanese fluently. Mandarin and Italian only conversationally.
• Cori can’t explain but she knows that the “accident” with her late husband was no accident. She has pressed the Policia yearly to investigate more.

Name: Bob Townsend, Jr.
Nickname: Bobby T.
Age: 43
Gender: Male
Occupation: Real Estate Broker at Townsend-Chigusa Holdings International

Appearance:
Bobby is in excellent shape for a middle-aged man, thanks in no small part to his obsessive diet and workout routine. He has sandy blonde hair that's combed back just enough to look a bit unkempt, and a beard that's carefully groomed to give him a certain air of rugged independence. He frequently wears garish or tacky ties with his impeccable suits, and is almost never seen without his favorite pair of mirrored shades. Bobby puts a tremendous amount of time, effort, and care into looking casual and messy.

Character Concept:

"Bobby T" is a charming, laid-back, personable kind of guy, the kind who will buy everyone a round at the bar, and has a bottomless well of off-color jokes that are dirty enough to raise an eyebrow but not enough to offend. He likes to hear people's stories, find out their wants and their needs and their goals, get to know everyone he meets, and do whatever he can to help them...and have plenty of fun along the way.

Of course, 'Bobby T' is the front. Behind the mirrored shades and the ridiculous tie, Bob Townsend Jr. is a deeply insecure narcissist who uses any means necessary to further his own career. The black-sheep heir to one of America's largest real estate firms, Bob Jr. has spent his life living in the shadow of his overbearing father...which is why he likes to spend his days somewhere sunny. What was once a rebellious streak in his younger years has grown into ruthless ambition: if he can't escape following his father's footsteps, he'll instead outdo him so far that everyone will forget the old man and love him instead.

Bobby has come to Azul looking for his next big opportunity, with the long-term goal of turning this little archipelago into the next big tourist hot-spot.

Character History:

Bob Townsend Jr, "Bobby T" to his friends (which might include you, if you're lucky) was the middle child of Bob Townsend, Sr., one of the most successful real estate moguls in America. With his older brother Richard starting his own law firm and his sister Meredith becoming a doctor, Bobby Jr. always felt like he was struggling to meet his father's expectations. He spent his younger years as a rich kid playing rebel, burning through his trust-fund money on wild parties and lavish trips as he bounced from one career to another. Eventually, though, all of his failed attempts to forge his own identity led him back underneath his old man's shadow, and he took at job in the family business.

To nobody's surprise but his own, Bobby T was a natural at closing deals, and by 35 he had rebuilt the fortune he had pissed away in his twenties. His disarming, laid-back attitude, combined with his keen eye for seeing an opportunity and ruthlessness in seizing it, has landed him several lucrative contracts, especially in the hotel and tourism industries. While still a far cry from the top of the heap, most people at Townsend Holdings (having recently merged with a competitor to become Townsend-Chigusa Holdings International) believe it is only a matter of time before he makes a play for his father's throne. He just needs a big project, one crowning achievement, to get him onto the board.

Which, incidentally, is what has brought him to Azul. For the past six months, Bobby T. has been talking with members of the Cardenas family about plans to expand their winery. This, however, is just a front for his long-term plans. Townsend-Chigusa has been looking for a "development-ready market," a little spit of land somewhere in the Caribbean that they can turn into the next big tourist destination. Bobby has come to Azul to scout out the local flavor, participate in some of the local customs, buy a hotel or two, and look for a big enough tract of land to bulldoze so his father's company can set up a billion-dollar resort.

Likes:
-Making people laugh
-Long conversations where people really open up to him
-Adrenaline/any kind of 'thrilling' activity (racing, cliff diving, sex with a stranger, etc)
-Spicy food
-Cigars
-Rum
-90s alt-rock music

Dislikes:
-Anything with coconut
-Being told no
-Women over 40
-People who won't shut up about their politics or idealism
-Other corporate 'suits' like himself
-Himself

Special Talent:

Bobby is a skilled helicopter pilot, preferring to fly himself wherever he needs to be rather than have someone do it for him. This is partly to feed his hunger for thrills, and partly so he can feel like he's more 'self-sufficient' than other corporate big-shots.

Supporting Information:



Machiko Chigusa: Bobby's "babysitter" from the Chigusa side of the merger, Machiko is the no-nonsense counterpart to Bobby's all-nonsense persona. She is businesslike when he's playful, blunt when he's being smooth, and seems to only be aware of the concept of 'fun' as something that happens to other people.



Ronaldo Cortez: A local who grew up on Isla Zafrio, Ronaldo is Bobby's personal security while he's on Azul. More often that not, he spends most of his days showing Bobby the local restaurants and clubs, all the places the locals go because the tourists wouldn't know about them. He is, however, well-trained and armed if anyone happens to see an American flashing money around and starts getting ideas.



La Casa Del Sol Nasciento: The hotel whose penthouse Bobby has been staying in since arriving on the islands. It's the oldest hotel on Isla Zafrio, and by most accounts, the second best, with a killer view of the beach, a rooftop pool, and most of the amenities a reasonably well-to-do jet-setter could expect. Bobby is considering buying the property, if only so he can pull off an 'underdog' story by turning it around to beat the much larger and more successful Casa de la Contessa down the street.



Jealousy: Bobby's private chopper, Jealousy is what he calls his Airbus H155 helicopter. Only one of 70 in the world, it's one of the fastest copters on the planet, can comfortably seat up to 12, and acts as the big 'showstopper' of any performance Bobby puts on when he really wants to impress someone. The name isn't a reference to its luxurious features or its outrageous price tag, but actually a reference to his favorite song from the 90s, The Gin Blossoms' "Hey Jealousy."

Name: Eloy Kan
Nickname: Loy (only by Izzy), E, Eel, Surf Daddy, Fixit Kan
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Occupation: Owner of Make Waves Surf School, local handyman (boats and otherwise), volunteer.

Appearance: When you look at Eloy, everything about him screams native Azulian. His family, culture, and inheritance are deeply rooted in Mayan culture, however. Due to this, he doesn't shy away from wearing cultural clothing or items, and keeps his dark brown hair longer, curled by the salty sea water his locks get dipped in at least once every day. His skin is tanned by being out in the sun most of the time, boosted by his ethnicity. The frequent dips in the waves leave his skin soft and smooth, and he tends to take care of it well due to his exposure to the elements. This man won't shy away from having a skin creme or two in his home. Moisturising is key! A tube of zinc sunscreen for his cheeks and nose is almost always in his pocket, especially when he goes surfing.

At 6'2 and 190lbs, one shouldn't be picking a fight with the man, even though he's quite the pacifist, and likes to solve issues with communication. Even then, sometimes he would like to toss his students to waves when they push him too far. While he doesn't visit any sort of gym, his physical work at the surfing school, his repairman jobs and overall activity around the island ensure his daily steps are well exceeded and leave him muscular and strong.

Eloy's wardrobe consists mostly of a multitude of swimming trunks, airy light shirts, tank tops and flip-flops. A part of his closet is reserved for responsible sportswear, mainly for surfing, as he wants to give a good example to his local students and the tourists who come for quick courses. For his repairman jobs, he tends to wear cargo shorts and work boots. While Eloy's clothing style is beyond simple, he always wears a Mayan sun disk necklace, though most unfamiliar with the culture would assume it's just a coin. On his left wrist, one would usually find a couple of wristbands, which are made by himself, those dear to him or students giving him a present at the end of the season. At this point, he has so many he changes them out every couple of days or so.

Character Concept: Eloy lives and breathes Azul and its community. His community. His family has lived on Azul for the longest time, yet never held prominent positions on the island. Even so, his family and he are well known among the locals, especially the lower-income and middle class. Eloy continues the legacy of his father to be an asset to the island and its inhabitants. The people, the island, and the ocean have a special place in his heart and he does a lot for all aspects of Azul. The bulk of the income he gets from tourists booking surfing lessons and buying equipment he puts back into his community, funding volunteer projects, sponsoring local businesses and using the rest to keep his business and himself afloat. As such, he lives quite the sober minimalistic life, and he is quite fond of it, too.

He is the type of guy to take a dip in sea every morning, just him and his snorkel, examining the sea life and enjoying the tranquillity of being below the water. He can hold his breath for a long time and can be under for extended periods. While has taken and graduated diving classes and has skill in that department, he does like connecting with the ocean in just his swimming trunks more. Sundown, in the orange of the lowering sun, is one of his favourite moments to surf, as surfing remains his biggest passion.

Not that he would notice that his house is small and creaky, as he's rarely home. Eloy has a small "issue" when it comes to deciding and as such he has never fully decided on what to do with his life. Instead? He became a jack of all trades, always busy, always running around, always in demand. While his surfing school is the most prominent feature in his life, and his pride, it isn't open all seasons which leaves him with a lot of downtime. During downtime, Eloy started feeling useless, which isn't like him. So, instead, he started offering his handyman skills to locals which have now developed into a full-blown hireable service. And while he has an official e-mail and booking service, most locals either call him on his personal cell to come over or wave him down when they spot him. Eloy especially has a knack for the maintenance of boats, which is why he's often tinkering around the harbour. He has yet to decide on a name for this handyman-for-hire service, and perhaps it will always stay that way. The locals have taken to just saying "Call Kan, he can fix it".

When no one needs a lightbulb fixed or a wooden porch replaced, he could be found at the local home for the elderly, where his own father resides, volunteering with whatever the staff needs. He does groceries and errands for the elderly Rodriquez couple down the beach of his house and helps out anyone who needs it with anything. A more regular fixture in his schedule is helping out at the Whispering Waves, the bed and breakfast owned by his best friend Izzy, who have been mates since kindergarten. He mostly does repairs there, but doesn't shy away from helping where needed, there, too.

Perhaps keeping himself so busy distracts him from thinking about his mistakes in life, and what he actually wants to do with it. Is he making enough of a difference to the people of Azul? Because change might be coming, and could he sit idly around while all he knows in Azul may be changed?

Character History: Eloy, meaning renowned warrior, was born to Fabio and Itza Kan. Both were simple people, living a modest life in a house by the beach on Isla Zafrio. The home had been acquired a couple of generations ago at a much more favourable price, and while it could only suit a family of 4, with small rooms and simple style, its access to the beach was a prominent and sought-after feature nowadays. If Eloy were to sell it, he'd surely become wealthy. That is if he fixed it up a little. He still lives there, by himself, and the once lovely yellow-painted house surrounded by flowers and plants carefully kept by his mother is now more of a sorry excuse for a shack, its paint faded and blistering.

He grew up happy, loved and taught to love the life of the island. Simple, sandy and community-orientated. Love your neighbours. Fabio was much like Eloy in some regard. He was a fisherman, taking his boat out to the seas and practising sustainable fishing practices. He always knew of the best spots and got the biggest crabs and lobsters. Little Eloy often went along with his father, growing a love for the ocean in its serenity and brutality. Even so, he found that sitting on a boat atop the water didn't connect him enough with the spirit of the ocean, as he felt it calling to him from a young age.

Luckily, there was his mother, who also worked for Fabio but joined a group of women from the island for the finer touches of letting the sea provide. Their diving practices are known around the island, and they often get jokingly called La Mujer Fatal. The group of women, now with daughters taking over, are free divers, going under for hours to harvest sea urchins, critters, and abalones for local businesses and markets. It was diving with his mother and the aunties that he truly learned to understand the ocean and her whims. He found himself often distracted, studying the passing marine life instead of focussing on his task; earning money for his parents.

When his father didn't work, they surfed. As a middle schooler, Eloy was already one with his board due to his father, and he shared this passion with the girl from a few houses over, Izabel, who was in his class. Her parents were immigrants, but he could feel the soul of Azul in her as they surfed together, taught by Fabio. Naturally, they became best friends.

But even with all the ocean's splendid beauty, allure and tranquillity, she had her darker, temperamental side. In the summer after he graduated high school, a sudden storm hit the island. Not too grand, but it struck deeply for Eloy. While his father's fishing boat had made it safely back to shore in the nick of time, the sea had seemed angry, lashing out at the islands that day. His mother never resurfaced from her dive. In the days following, a big group of locals walked the sandy shores and rocky outcroppings in search of Itza Kan. It had been a local fisherman who had found her lifeless body washed ashore between two rocks.

The plans of the young man who was at the start of his life changed drastically. While he had originally decided to leave for the mainland to get an education which he could bring back to better Azul Island, he decided to remain with his father instead, who was heartbroken over the ordeal. For the next two years, he worked tirelessly in order to afford the bills while his father sat on the couch and withered away in his sorrows, his heart left at sea. What she gives, she can take, and Eloy will never forget that. But the ocean kept calling to him, and despite what she took, he found that her waves, creatures and salt kept him sane and feeling tethered to his life. It was then that he decided not to leave Azul at all.

He had been too late in realising the truth; his father wasn't just heartbroken, he was also slipping mentally, being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. At first, he tried to have his father stay at home while Eloy worked his ass off to support them, but after a couple of escape attempts and close calls, Eloy had to make the decision to house his father in the local home for the elderly, where he visits him frequently.

Which wasn't sitting well with the woman he was in a relationship with. A blonde daughter of an expat, who hadn't worked a single day in her life to afford her lavish lifestyle. Oftentimes now Eloy wondered what he ever saw in her, but perhaps he was searching for some type of connection. A therapist would likely have a field day with his reasonings. Emily had expected him to just ditch his father in a home and move with her to the mainland to "live their lives". But he was living it right here, and she left the island without him and the ring he had given her.

Deciding not to sit idly by, Eloy started his Make Waves Surfing School with the little money he managed to save up. At first, he taught the local kids but then found a profitable market with the tourists. His best friend Izzy worked as an instructor alongside him while she saved up for her own business, too.

Now, after all that, Eloy is more relaxed, enjoying life and his amount of busy, but he knows there are still things internally he's not addressing or processing, just coasting by.

Likes:
✓ The ocean and everything she has to offer (Surfing, swimming, freediving)
✓ Seafood
✓ Local businesses
✓ Plants, especially succulents
✓ Getting creative in solving maintenance issues
✓ Attention due to his looks (though he wouldn't admit to it, he kind of blushes when tourist ladies spot him on the beach)
✓ Mint tea
✓ Community involvement
✓ Physical contact
✓ Having a distinct, own smell (salt and sandalwood)
Dislikes:
✗ People littering on beaches, or anywhere
✗ Disrespect against Mayan or Azulian culture
✗ Commercialisation
✗ Doing laundry
✗ Chain businesses
✗ Lazy people
✗ Bad weather, or storms (bad memories)
✗ People who wear too much perfume or cologne

Special Talent: Deep connection with the sea. He understands the waves, the temperament of Mother Nature and the tranquillity of below the surface. He knows the best surfing spots, dead spots in the water where sailboats lie still, the winds around the island, the best fishing spots and the entire map of the reef around Azul is in his mind. Aside from that, he's handy, especially in boat maintenance.

Supporting Information:

Name: Naoya 'Nathaniel' Tanaka
Nickname: Nate
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Occupation: Owner of the Sunny Side Cafe/Side Car Bar on Isla Zafrio/Barista/Batender

Appearance: Nate is of Asian descent, standing at about 6 feet tall, with a athletic build. Dark of hair, he has blue eyes that comes from the European side of his family. During the day, Nate can be seen behind the bar at the Sunny Side Cafe, making coffee, pulling espressos and chatting with the patrons. Typically, he wears a blue suit with a white shirt and an apron while at work. When not at work, his sense of dress is more relaxed, opting for linen slacks, light dress shirts and pairs of loafers to match. He does have some tattoos, mostly covered during work by the sleeves of his usual attire, except for the ones on his forearms when he has he sleeves rolled up.


Character Concept: Nate was not born in Islas Azul. He moved to the islands after finishing his education in Japan. On the surface, he is just the friendly neighborhood cafe owner that likes to chat with the patrons and makes a killer cup of joe in the morning. He is also quite the accomplished bartender when his cafe transfers into a sort of a speakeasy that bucks the trend of the typical tourist pub. That is not to say his establishment does not welcome tourists. In reality, his establishment is mainly geared towards the ones that visit the islands but do not want to go where everyone seemingly is already going. Every other club is blasting loud music, doing two-for-one specials, trying to attract visitors that are looking for a cheap thrill. His establishment, he decided, would turn that trend on it's head. He did away with the flashy neon lights, and the massive queue right in the front of the bar. Instead, he would occasionally slip a card to random patrons throughout the morning, letting them know that there is a bar behind the counter, through what appeared to be a standard storage room, and down a couple of flights of stairs.

Character History: Nate was born, and grew up in Japan, to a strict family. Dad worked and supported the family, Mom stayed home and raised the kids. That's the way a family is structured, or so Nate was taught. Nate was not given many opportunities to explore his own hobbies and passions. His father thought of those things as unnecessary wastes of time. His only job, his father would often say, is to get good grades in school, and land a lucrative job. Getting married and having children were also expected of him. His life was not his own, as his father had a hand in everything and interfered whenever Nate tried to do something that did not fit his father's plan.

At home, Nate had to walk on eggshells. One misstep, and his father's wrath would be felt by not only himself, but his mother as well. His father would blame any mistake that Nate had as a misdoing by his mother as well. Punishment were usually verbal, but at times it had been physical as well. In any case, this made Nate hyper-aware of his surroundings and the moods of the people around him. He learned to observe quietly, and to put up a jovial facade in order to keep himself out of the path of his father.

While at school, he picked up the habit of visiting a small bar near his college. He got to know the owner of the establishment, Mr. Ueno. Through their frequent conversations, Nate learned that Mr. Ueno used to be a world-class bartender, having won prestigious competitions both domestically and abroad. This only served to pique Nate's interest in bartending and mixology as a whole.

Of course, his father did not support this habit. His father drank, frequently. But, his thoughts about drinking stopped at "Men should drink either whisky, or beer." nothing else. The idea of Nate making a living as a bartender simply did not make sense to his father. "Ah, that's shit. What? You're going to stand behind the bar and shake a metal cup for some other man? Are you a sissy? Nonsense. I forbid it." Nate vividly remembered his father saying to him.

Undeterred, Nate continued to visit Mr. Ueno whenever he can. Step by step, Nate learned the subtle art of asking poignant questions, observing the body language and visual ques his patrons may give him. This continued on for weeks, and then months. He technically did not lie to his father. He told him that he had extracurricular activities after school and that he would be coming home late sometimes. He would make his way to Mr. Ueno's bar as soon as his classes were finished, sometimes during prep time for the pub.

Eventually, Mr. Ueno asked about why Nate was spending so much time at the pub, sometimes even during off-hours. Nate would answer truthfully. That he wanted to be a bartender after school. Mr. Ueno simply nodded and carried on with his own prep work. This back and forth would go on to evolve into Mr. Ueno asking, more so telling in actuality, Nate to complete some of the prep work for him. His excuse would always be something along the lines of "I'm an old man, you young'ns should do more to help us older folks." or "You're just paying for the food I'm going to give you later on. Go on, get to work!"

Slowly, Mr. Ueno would ask Nate to mix him a drink or two before the pub opened. It started with simple drinks like whisky highball, gimlet or Aperol spritz. Of course, he would lace constructive criticism into actual insults. "This glass isn't cold enough! You need to ice the cup longer, at least another 30 seconds!", "Too much simple syrup! I can hardly taste the gin at this point. Find the balance! The balance!", "Ah this shit is just plain bad, why are you wasting my product? Go remake me another one! This time, get it right!" were some common criticism Mr. Ueno would throw at Nate.

This continued for the majority of the last few years of Nate's college education. Unpaid training with Mr. Ueno, and unrelenting pressure at home to stay on top of his school work and land a good corporate job so he can start building his future. On the day of his graduation, the first words from his father were not congratulatory in nature. "Ok. Now that you're done with school, and I'm done paying for it, where are you going to work? The local financial advisory firm? Or are you going into medicine? Perhaps you're starting at a law firm?" This simply goes to show how much attention his father paid him while he was in school. He listed off the three typical fields Asian parents want their kids to work in. Finance, medical, and law. How original.

"Well, dad, if you paid any attention, you would know what I did not study medicine, or law. Yes, I studied finance, but I am not going into that shit field that work their people to the bones and then work them some more. No. Mr. Ueno offered me a job as a bartender at his pub. Thats where I'm going."

His father found those words both incredulous and amusing. Never has Nate talk back to him this way. "Nonsense. No son of mine will work in some dingy bar, shaking drinks for tips. No. You're joining the local financial firm. I don't care if you start by sweeping their floors. As long as you work in the building, you can tell others that you work for them." Nate took in a deep breath, gave a filial bow to his mother. "I am moving out. I don't want anything to do with you. I've already packed my bags. Mom has known for a while now. Yes, she did not tell you about it. No, I will not change my mind. Good bye father, mother. Thank you for everything. I would say that I will visit, but I don't assume you'd want me to." He said. His father was incensed. He wanted to yell at Nate. However, realizing that they were in public, and he has his image to uphold, all he said was "This is your fault. You did not raise this boy well. I gave you two everything you needed, and then some. Look at what has happened." in a rage-filled, but hushed, voice. His mother paid her husband no mind and simply walked up to Nate, giving him a hug. "Best of luck son. You're always welcome at home. I will miss you. I will come visit you." His father turned to face his wife, stunned. "Nonsense. He is not welcome under my roof. You will not visit him anywhere." in the same hushed voice as before. "I will visit him where and when I choose. You no longer control me. I will not divorce you. Nor will I accept a divorce proposal from you. Not because I love you. But because I do not want you to remarry and ruin another woman."

From then on, Nate stayed at the pub, building a small nook for himself in one of the back rooms. Mr. Ueno had learned about the family dynamic of Nate's family through their numerous conversations. He does not charge Nate rent, "As long as you don't make bad drinks and lose all of my customers. That's good enough for me." he would say. For a while, Mr. Ueno took on an advisory/mentor role, as Nate took over the bartending duties. This continued on until Mr. Ueno decided to retire and simply let Nate continue running the business as if it was his own. Nate understands how much of a boost this was to his career. Nate made sure he continued to make payments to Mr. Ueno all the way until he passed away, 5 years after he retired.

Nate never thought himself to be the sentimental type. But, after Mr. Ueno's passing, he found it rather difficult to keep working at a place that reminded him so much of all that had happened. Nor did it feel right to keep using Mr. Ueno's namesake to make a living. Throughout the years of simply living at where he worked and not having to pay rent, Nate was able to save a decent amount of money. The business also did well, while Nate was running it. Comes to find out, Mr. Ueno had no children, or heirs. Unbeknownst to Nate, Mr. Ueno had actually gifted the deed to the storefront in which the pub originally occupied to Nate. All Mr. Ueno left, along with the deed, was a simply handwritten letter that read "Fly, son. Fly." written in traditional Kanji on oldschool parchment paper with a calligraphy brush. Nate chuckled, as he folded the letter back how it was originally folded. This was just like Mr. Ueno. No fuss, and straight to the point.

Nate sold the storefront. Local developers have wanted to buy the location for years and Mr. Ueno never agreed. Fetching a fantastic price, Nate took the deal, and made a sizeable contribution to a charity that Mr. Ueno often talked about and kept the rest. Going home, Nate realized that he hadn't been home in years. Of course his father and mother still lived in the same house, but are essentially separated at this point. Nate greeted his mother with a bow, then a hug. "Mom, I'm leaving. Mr. Ueno had passed away and I've saved up enough money to start my own business." His mother simply nodded. "Of course son. I know you will shine. You're my son after all." she said, smiling. His father came down the stairs at this time, seeing Nate and scoffed. "Oh. Come begging for us to help you, is it?" "No dad. I'm leaving. I'm starting my own business. Here. This is yours. I don't owe you anything anymore." Nate handed him a large envelop, full of cash. The actual amount was about two times what his father had paid for in all of Nate's education, starting from kindergarten. "Mother. This is for you. Please enjoy retirement. You're always welcome to visit me. Just give me a call and I'll book you a first class flight." His mother smiled, and rejected the money. "No, son. You need this for your business." "Mother, please. I have enough for the business. This is yours I insist that you keep it." After some back and forth, his mother reluctantly accepted and Nate took his leave.

Arriving on Isla Azul, Nate first found a job at a local cafe, that served hearty breakfast and decent coffee to locals and visitors alike. Nate treated this as a opportunity to get acclimated to his new home, learn a different skill and scope out the potential patrons for his bar as well. The owner was getting up there in age and have talked about walking away and retiring. Nate took this opportunity to take over the business, using nearly half of his remaining funds what he brought over from Japan to buy the business outright from the previous owner. Keeping the name and daytime business going, Nate shifted himself away from front line operations at the cafe to a more managerial role, allowing the more tenured team members to take on elevated roles at the cafe while Nate planned to transfer part of the cafe into his ideal bar.

Knowing that he has to embrace the tourists, as they are a major source of income for many businesses on the island, Nate decided to go with a speakeasy concept. Renovations began about 2 years after he arrived on Isla Azul, and took over the Sunny Side Cafe. He was very hands-on during that process, designing the interior of the small bar room just like the old school speakeasys that he has always liked. As of the name of his establishment, Sidecar was the last drink Mr. Ueno told Nate to make for him, and it was this last drink that Nate earned a genuine praise from the old man. "This. This is gold, kid. This will take you places."

Taking a paint brush, and taking some black paint, Nate painted several Enso around the cafe, all used as a path to lead would be patrons to a unassuming storage area in the cafe. Of course, this area is closed to the public during the daytime hours. However, as the cafe closes and the sun sets, the lights specifically aimed to point at the unassuming symbols would make them glow a faint blue, leading to a now unblocked door with yet another faint blue symbol painted directly at the center of the door.

"Find enlightenment through Enso" would be the only phrase on the cards Nate would hand to random patrons at the cafe. His bar staff are told to only let patrons in that present them with the card that also glowed faint blue under the UV lights.

Enlightenment and elegance as a state of mind.

Likes:

• Himself
• Money
• People watching

Dislikes:

• Rules
• A poorly made drink, be it alcoholic or caffeinated
• His childhood

Special Talent:

• Bartending
• Coffee making
• Cooking

Supporting Information:

• He lives in a one-bedroom apartment near his cafe on Isla Zafrio
• He drives a small Japanese Kei Truck with the truck bed covered by what looks like a pine box with two window cut outs. In reality, he had modified the truck into a small camper, with simple gear that he can take with him if he wanted to do some car camping