OccupationAside from departing from Kyoshi Island to seek aid, allies, and new recruits, Mei stays at a popular tea house in the lower ring of Ba Sing Se, earning her keep and making extra coin on the side for future endeavors.
Place of OriginKyoshi Island
ResidenceThe Lower Ring
AppearanceMei is broad, toned, and masculine, though her feminine curves are still identifiable depending on the clothes she wears. Her soft complexion isn't exactly complimented by the various scars and small bruises from consistent training; though some are a definite result of pure recklessness from a lack of delicacy during work. Mei is all-to familiar with small burns from spilling tea or cuts from chopping herbs, though this helped to build the callouses on her hands. Mei keeps her silky, brown hair short, and if it weren't for the womanly influence during her childhood, she would probably end up shaving it off since she finds her hair to be more detrimental than anything. Plump pink lips, deep blue eyes, and her prominent jawline add to her femininity, and her raspy, womanly voice helps to portray her already-matured body. Standing at 5'8, Mei is a perfect example of a strong Kyoshi Warrior who is proud of their heritage.
Although it'd seem suitable to wear her Kyoshi attire from time to time, Mei finds that it's very time consuming to sport such an embellished look. Also, she doesn't want to be depicted as a Kiyoshi Warrior for the sake of not wanting to cause any suspicions from her appearance. Thus, Mei is usually seen wearing her pale green,
tunic adorned with a thick, charcoal-colored belt that cinches her waist comfortably, matching the armguards that she wears.
PersonalityMei is a happy, adventurous soul that enjoys the early mornings and exploring uncharted areas. With an optimistic attitude and a consistently motivated nature, Mei is very goal-oriented, believing that she should spend the least amount of time procrastinating which also results in a great work-ethic and a passion for trying to improve. Thus, dedication, adventurous, joyful, and hopeful are all easily distinguishable traits that Mei possesses. Although, Mei is gullible and undoubtedly easy to manipulate or persuade, trusting in others far too simply. To add to this, Mei has a thin skin, taking criticism way too seriously and being hard on herself when she's left with any form of negative comments. In no way does this make Mei saddened or depressed, but instead makes her doubt herself and ruins her self-esteem. Mei's
greatest fears would be death by incineration or drowning, being helpless to an enemy or powerful force, and being alone. A
fatal flaw that Mei retains would be the denial of assistance, believing that she shouldn't require the help of others for tasks that are set for her, whether it be something as simple as starting a fire, or as complex as defending her homeland from a small legion of invaders.
Mei has a big-heart, having a strong characteristic of generosity and kindness, regardless of status. Though, her opinions change based more on the respect she receives rather than the status that the person holds. Granted, Mei will have a higher, more traditional, respect towards those of higher status, while having a more befriending, casual respect to those of equal or lower status. As for the Dai Li, Mei is still establishing her opinions on them from being sheltered away from their influence, having to trust in the stories she's told about them. While their actions can be unjustifiable, she believes that they are a protective force that has high potential of being beneficial, though if leaded improperly, they can become an evil force. However, Mei will attempt to deal with any presented problem on her own, regardless of the morals of any police force.
Likes and DislikesAt least three of each. Consider more than just likes 'good things' and dislikes 'bad things'.
• Sipping tea and good conversation
• Learning new things and showing people new things
• Practicing her Kyoshi traditions
• Meeting new people
• Negative people, Debby downers
• Snotty, selfish people
• Babies and looking after children
SkillsMartial Arts: The close-quarter combat of the Kyoshi suggests that it's necessary to utilize their style of martial arts. The style of martial arts focuses around dodging, deflecting, and counter-attacking rather than any methods of aggression and attacking head-on.
Proficiency with Fans: The Kyoshi are very skilled and harshly trained with the fans that they are known for using.
Proficiency with Katana and Shield: The Kyoshi are also trained with the ways of the Katana and their small, buckler shield.
Minor knowledge of herbs and teas: From working at a tea house, she has knowledge of specific herbs and how to brew them into teas for beneficial effects.
HistoryJust like any heroic, above-average story begins, Mei began training at a young age, but she didn't grow from having a natural talent for combat, but instead from having a dedicated personality that permitted growth through consistency. Being a known friend and formidable ally on the Kyoshi Island, Mei grew up with several companions to train, prosper, and enjoy life with. Aside from this happy lifestyle with constant teachings of the Kyoshi ways, they were exposed to little information about the war that was quickly developing. Mei, being a curious and adventurous young girl, her questions never ceased when she was presented with the knowledge of the current war. Therefore, she sought out her favored mentor for information about the current events that happened around the world, being the only Kyoshi student that seemed interested in anything political and current.
It wasn't long after that their homeland was unexpectedly invaded by a legion of fire-nation personal. The many students were so unfamiliar with the ruthless flames that were conjured, many being too full of fear to defend themselves, while others stood still indecisively on whether or not to flee or fight. For Mei, the choice was elementary after witnessing the deaths of her companions, unsheathing her weapons confidently and fearlessly unleashing her battle prowess that was backed by hours and hours of training. The Kyoshi elders, amazed by her vigor, fought at her side to fend off the invaders, seeing such great leadership potential within her. Afterwards, she was honored for her bravery against the invaders, though the acceptance was hard for she was still mourning the ones she loved.
Months after, Mei began to develop her stance on the war, having a building hatred for the fire nation from the attack. Therefore, she was chosen to set out to Ba Sing Se to recruit more Kiyoshi warriors to replace the numbers that were lost, and also seek aid from the King and leaders of the military for ensured protection on their lands. What was once happiness and innocence for the young Kiyoshi Warriors, it is now replaced with fear and forced courage. Mei despised this new atmosphere, leaving the Island and what is left of her companions in hopes to eliminate this new, undesired feeling that taints the air of their lands. Mei now lives with an old friend of the Kiyoshi Warriors in a tea house, working a good amount of time while trying to figure out her methods of mending her Kiyoshi sisters and their land.
AmbitionsWhat Mei hopes to be a short-term goal, is a good chunk of recruitment for the Kiyoshi Warriors, as well as a stronger alliance to Ba Sing Se and, possibly, the Dai Li for ensured protection at her homelands. Though her goals do not end here. Mei intends to become a strong influencer in the war, even if she is the only Kiyoshi Warrior to participate. Hopefully to end the war in victory and return to her homelands as a someone that represents the Kyoshi Warriors just as prominently as their founder, Avatar Kyoshi herself.
OtherAll artwork credit goes to the artists of A:TLA. I'm using Suki as my face-claim, from the allowance of the GM, since there is a very, very scarce amount of Kyoshi artwork.
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