Hansa, that character reminds me of an NPC (at least the quarterstaff part) that Scout and I inserted into our collective back story during a training session once. I remember that it didn't go well for him because this was beginner level training before the ether abilities were a factor and Kass (Scout's char) and Motya are both pretty melee focused. If LJ ends up accepting your character into the fold maybe you, Scout, and I can develop that back story a bit more; something like having the tables turned when the ether training takes place, a sort of payback or something like that.

Too bad Mal hasn't returned because I think Joos's character would have been an entertaining counterpoint to him, f that character were to be finalized.

Bunnita, I agree with LJ, I don't think we play into the depressing and deary too much it is just that the common background of the Red Seminary's hardships give the characters a coming point of familiarity. If your final wish is to go though I wish you luck and all as you leave. I honestly don't know how to feel about something I helped to create in this world driving someone away... and to think LJ had to reign me in on the Red Seminary training, my Marine mentality wanted to make it far worse before she reality checked me. :confused.