webboysurf

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

_{18 - Ares - Senior - 6’ - Brandon Flynn}

“I’m going to cut you off… I don’t really care, man.”

Aaron, to a partner on a group project

---

Appearance Details

Aaron West stands at a solid six feet even, and weighs anywhere between 170 and 185 lbs depending on how much he’s bulking up for a certain season. He usually has a cocky grin plastered on his face, only to be replaced by a focused stare or cold indifference when it’s called for. He wears his high school varsity jacket with pride nearly anywhere he goes, with the appropriate patches for his roles on the Football, Basketball, and Baseball teams. A closer look reveals that his Varsity jacket is the only thing Aaron keeps pristine: the soles of his shoes have been worn down and smoothed, his jeans are always covered in grass or dirt stains, and his shirts are all older and worn out.

Characterization

Aaron West was supposed to get out of here.

He was always running, from a young age. His parents say it’s because he was a born athlete, but he taught himself everything he knows. He rarely spent time home, his parents both being out working a shift or drinking themselves into a stupor to numb the pain of having to go in the next day. So, Aaron grew up on the local basketball courts, and was signed up for nearly every sports camp and little league team he could be. Anything to make sure he wasn’t home.

It wasn’t until high school Aaron pieced together how bad his home life was. Two parents that hated each other, but were too tired and jaded to seek happiness elsewhere. Besides, why chase a better life when they could just blame their kid? The only times they ever seemed to be interested in him was at the games of his they could make. He could be something one day. He was an investment. Not enough of one to put effort into making sure he stayed on top of his grades and didn’t have to repeat the 8th grade… but an investment nonetheless.

Despite being somewhat popular for being a triple sport athlete, Aaron has earned himself a reputation of being a difficult jerk. He’s been called everything from sardonic (a word he probably doesn’t even know) to downright arrogant and aggressive. His teammates put up with him as much as they can, but Aaron knows they’d never stick their neck out for him if they didn’t have to. At the end of the day, it’s for the best. He doesn’t want to be stuck in Alpena Heights like his parents, and there’s no point in making connections to a place that’ll be in his rearview the rest of his life. Everyone else is just baggage that’ll slow him down.

At least, that’s what he tells himself. It’s easier than admitting his own flaws, or how his devil-may-care attitude has hurt anyone who has tried to get close. Best for his ego to just claim they abandoned him, or that he doesn’t need anyone.

Of course, maybe he would have been something in another world. But here… the only thing Aaron has going for him is he can keep running.

He always keeps running.

Character Notes

- Aaron’s father is Henry West, a used car salesman who works at a dealership near the mall.

-Aaron’s mother is Barbara West, a waitress at a local diner.

-Aaron and his parents are only children.

Inventory

-Smartphone, 2 generations old and with a cracked screen.
-Backpack, half-full since he forgot half his textbooks at home.
-Pack of cinnamon gum
-Keys to his car, a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, which is in the student lot.

---

Post-P.R.C.U. Pitch Platter

Honestly, great pitches from you both. Personally, I think option 2 is the best sort of spiritual successor to allow for rough translations of characters, If we wanted to sort of continue in the same vein. I mean, the idea of it being a "rehabilitation center" leaves room for there to be more going on with the facility or program itself that lends itself to be perhaps more nefarious than it seems. And might just be a more interesting spin. The program could be opened up, like people suggested, in such a way that the characters are supervised and allowed to use their powers in service to their community.

Also, Pitch #4 looks really cool. It's clear a lot of work went into that pitch, and it looks like a cool dark fantasy. Though I realize that might be a tougher sell and doesn't allow us to continue with the characters we made... or even in the same genre.

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

I was a bit too snarky, but I'm not going to pretend like the body was still warm when it was pronounced dead.

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

I will start by saying the attention to detail in constructing this RP and the cultivation of an active player base that was invested in the world and characters to the point we were cheering on every single damn post is a remarkable feat. I haven't loved writing with a community as much as I've enjoyed writing with this community. But, as our thoughts are being asked, I have a few.

Honestly, not that surprised this is how things have turned out. We've had the brakes slammed on us several times after finding a solid groove early on, and it makes sense to end things here where they stand. There's no point in trying to keep this rolling, because there is no momentum. This RP was abandoned before this post was made, and it wasn't abandoned by the players.

I very much enjoyed RPing with everyone here. I loved the characters and the dynamics we were building. Despite the GM packing their toys and going home, I would love to write something of a similar style and vibe one day with you all, but perhaps with less restriction and railroading.

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

<Snipped quote by webboysurf>

For sure should do something there. Ethan would certainly try to befriend him, as much as he would any other team-mate. It really comes down to how well you think Aaron would reciprocate to someone like him; annoyingly optimistic, not too bright, and eager to follow the crowd. The idea of a one-sided thing where Ethan obliviously thinks they're buddies, but Aaron barely tolerates him, is funny to me too.

On Ethan's side, he'd likely look up to Aaron to a certain degree, respecting how much he's accomplished on his own without always needing to rely on others. He'd make an effort to include Aaron in other group/team meet-ups outside of school, even if he usually blows them off.

@Tackytaff

Honestly, love the idea/dynamic that Ethan thinks Aaron is his friend and Aaron just sees Ethan as this guy he just can't get away from. Though I think Aaron likes Ethan more than he's willing to admit to himself. To an extent, Ethan is what Aaron could be if he wasn't so caught up in his own crap and ego. They're foils in an interesting way that could play nicely.

@webboysurf I sort of had it in mind that it was some guy that turned out to be "not so good" but I am willing to suspend that if you want them to have that dynamic.

@PatientBean

Was just tossing it out as an option, don't want to mess with whatever you have planned.

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

Well, since we've got a few character sheets in, does anyone want to work on any character interactions/relationships? I know none of them accepted yet, but just in case anyone wants to workshop something ahead of time.

@Kuro

Well, I don't think Aaron would know or remember Jess in any way, so I don't know if our characters would have any history or prior connections/interactions. Don't imagine Jess would like Aaron very much. I think the same goes with Hera, though I imagine both would probably know the name.

@Tackytaff: I feel like Aaron and Ethan would have to know each other pretty well, especially if they're on the same teams. Ethan seems to have less of an ego issue, so might be one of the few people Aaron could get along with well.

@PatientBean: Seems like Quinn and Aaron would probably know each other. There is room for Aaron to have been the person Quinn dated her sophomore year, as Aaron probably would have made the varsity team that year (though Ethan is also a pretty solid, perhaps more socially advantageous choice). Otherwise, they'd probably run in somewhat similar circles, but might not be close since Aaron isn't particularly popular.

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

I'm with @Kuro in that regard.

Shelter: A Zombie Survival Story

What the heck, why not.

Aaron West

_{18 - Ares - Senior - 6’ - Brandon Flynn}

“I’m going to cut you off… I don’t really care, man.”

Aaron, to a partner on a group project

---

Appearance Details

Aaron West stands at a solid six feet even, and weighs anywhere between 170 and 185 lbs depending on how much he’s bulking up for a certain season. He usually has a cocky grin plastered on his face, only to be replaced by a focused stare or cold indifference when it’s called for. He wears his high school varsity jacket with pride nearly anywhere he goes, with the appropriate patches for his roles on the Football, Basketball, and Baseball teams. A closer look reveals that his Varsity jacket is the only thing Aaron keeps pristine: the soles of his shoes have been worn down and smoothed, his jeans are always covered in grass or dirt stains, and his shirts are all older and worn out.

Characterization

Aaron West was supposed to get out of here.

He was always running, from a young age. His parents say it’s because he was a born athlete, but he taught himself everything he knows. He rarely spent time home, his parents both being out working a shift or drinking themselves into a stupor to numb the pain of having to go in the next day. So, Aaron grew up on the local basketball courts, and was signed up for nearly every sports camp and little league team he could be. Anything to make sure he wasn’t home.

It wasn’t until high school Aaron pieced together how bad his home life was. Two parents that hated each other, but were too tired and jaded to seek happiness elsewhere. Besides, why chase a better life when they could just blame their kid? The only times they ever seemed to be interested in him was at the games of his they could make. He could be something one day. He was an investment. Not enough of one to put effort into making sure he stayed on top of his grades and didn’t have to repeat the 8th grade… but an investment nonetheless.

Despite being somewhat popular for being a triple sport athlete, Aaron has earned himself a reputation of being a difficult jerk. He’s been called everything from sardonic (a word he probably doesn’t even know) to downright arrogant and aggressive. His teammates put up with him as much as they can, but Aaron knows they’d never stick their neck out for him if they didn’t have to. At the end of the day, it’s for the best. He doesn’t want to be stuck in Alpena Heights like his parents, and there’s no point in making connections to a place that’ll be in his rearview the rest of his life. Everyone else is just baggage that’ll slow him down.

At least, that’s what he tells himself. It’s easier than admitting his own flaws, or how his devil-may-care attitude has hurt anyone who has tried to get close. Best for his ego to just claim they abandoned him, or that he doesn’t need anyone.

Of course, maybe he would have been something in another world. But here… the only thing Aaron has going for him is he can keep running.

He always keeps running.

Character Notes

- Aaron’s father is Henry West, a used car salesman who works at a dealership near the mall.

-Aaron’s mother is Barbara West, a waitress at a local diner.

-Aaron and his parents are only children.

Inventory

-Smartphone, 2 generations old and with a cracked screen.
-Backpack, half-full since he forgot half his textbooks at home.
-Pack of cinnamon gum
-Keys to his car, a 2012 Hyundai Sonata, which is in the student lot.

---

Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

_{Location: Team Swap Ceremony - P.R.C.U. Campus}

First Class #2.60 : I'm Still Here

---

_{Mention(s) and Interaction(s): The Newbies: Coop @psych0pomp, Elle @Skai, Simone and Layla @Lord Wraith}

Previously: Rumbling

Rory felt a heavy burden as soon as he felt the small tremors in the ground. Katja’s voice had clued him in that it wasn’t Haleigh’s powers, which was a momentary relief. But as soon as Katja had stepped in and spat her words at him, it was clear Rory’s action had the desired effect: they weren’t mad at the others anymore. At least, Katja wasn’t. But as Katja stared him down, and put a firm hand on his shoulder, the words sunk in. He had misread Katja, at least in part. He took her silence and her kindness as maturity, especially given all she had experienced. But now, Rory could have sworn he saw glimpses into the past.

This wasn’t just about the team.

He was relieved when Katja finally let go, even if it was followed by an indirect threat. They had made their position clear. It was selfish, but Rory couldn’t claim his was any less so. He saw the expression on Katja’s face change when they looked at Trace. There was even a hint of a smile. It was better than the misery she had been wallowing in before. That realization was bittersweet for Rory, and he just shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. Of course, Inigo had to go and make things worse. A more direct threat, this time. He wasn’t wrong, but he lacked tact. Another provoking attack.

Yet another poor reading of a teammate.

The faculty finally stepped in and moved the ceremony along. The teams were finalized. Rory was glad to be done with the dramatics as he had fallen back in line and watched four of his teammates scatter. Four new additions swept in, strangers as far as Rory was concerned. They seemed to want to be part of the team, at least. That much gave him a little hope, as he took a few steps forward to greet them. He shoved that heavy feeling in his gut deep down, and put a smile back on his face. He held out a fist to bump each of them in greeting. ”Hey guys, welcome to Blackjack. Name’s Rory. I’m from Ottawa, used to do a lot of wrestling back in high school.”

Nailed it.

”Glad you joined us.” Rory’s face dawned in realization as he looked between the newcomers and the various House captains. He recognized the colors of his father’s house, and his new home. Though what twinkled in his eyes was a realization as he reached into his pants pocket to pull out his phone, a smartphone a couple generations out of date and riddled with small cracks and dents. He tossed it to the nearest newcomer with reckless abandon. ”Make sure to add your numbers in, I want to try and get a group chat started for us before classes start. There’s no passcode, my brother kept breaking into it anyway.” He gave a small, polite wave as he backed away.

Rory turned on a dime and quickly marched over towards the captain for House Canis, giving a small nod as he approached. ”Uh… Rory Tyler. I’d like to accept the invitation to House Canis.” He held out the entire envelope of invitations towards them, hoping to pass off the loose papers. He couldn’t exactly fit them in his pocket.

Greetings and Salutations Rory, We are pleased to announce that after review, we have found you to possess great loyalty, a trait that we truly hold dear and revere in House Canis. We hope that you'll make ours your House of choice upon receiving your offers. Sincerely, Aiden Roth

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Pacific Royal Collegiate & University - [CLOSED]

_{Location: Team Swap Ceremony - P.R.C.U. Campus}

First Class #2.49 : Rumbling

---

_{Mention(s) and Interaction(s): Haleigh @Kuro}

Previously: Cat's out of the Bag

"You certain you want to do this? I'm not going to claim to know you. Hell, you can brush me off as unsolicited advice. But, just for a second, I want you to pause and look back at what you're leaving behind. I'm sure tensions are running high after what happened. People feel hurt. Depressed. Angry. That kind of feeling doesn't easily go away. It needs time to heal; certainly more time than a week. Trust me, I know how it goes more than most. By all means, if you still want to switch, then switch. But to me, it looks like Blackjack still gives a shit about you. You even have some of them on the verge of tears at the thought of you leaving them behind for another team."

"Don't worry about me, I heard the rules," She said in a sickeningly sweet tone to the transfer student offering up unsought opinions. "I know what I'm doing."

"She can think for herself, y'know. Keep your two cents out of our business and make your choice already."

Rory kept his fists clenched in his pockets, looking down at the ground and refusing to make eye contact with the three who stepped forward in the line. There they were, all fighting again. Fighting to leave, and to be independent. Some stranger was trying to stop things more than any of them were. A part of Rory hated himself for letting a stranger voice a desire for the others to stay. Another part hated that he wanted to supersede their decisions. His right hand had clenched itself around the crumpled eulogy, as he hadn’t bothered to change since the funeral. He remained silent, though. Inigo and Makenna were defending Trace to the end. And here he was, in some ways rooting against the three and hoping they would come back.

"Enough, Iñigo." Haleigh snapped in an assertive, commanding tone. "Drop the act. You know she's saying what we're all thinking."

Summoning all the courage she had, Haleigh stood up and pushed away the wheelchair. Although Tad had assured her back then that the inhibitor he had given Haleigh would allow her to walk as long as she wore it, she didn't quite trust him at the time. But this was different. She couldn't keep allowing things to hold her back; she needed to face things head-on.

Seemingly terrified, cautious steps soon turned into a full walk as Haleigh approached the center of the triangle where the four had stood amongst each other.

"Maybe I was... a little too harsh earlier. I'm sorry. I've been stressed out since the incident. We all have been. But she has a point. Blackjack needs each other more than ever. We need unity more than ever. I know some of us have had... differences in opinion, to say the least, but I don't want to see us fall apart like this. I know it'll probably be difficult, and honestly I'm probably making a fool out of myself here because you've likely already made up your minds, but please reconsider. If not for me, then for everyone else. We can work things out. I'm sure of it."

Haleigh held out her hand, hoping at least one of them would take her offer. She made an attempt, time would only tell if the three would leave her feeling spurned once more.

Rory’s eyes locked on Haleigh, as his mind circled back to the conversation around the fire. This literal step held with it more intent than any word she could mutter now. But the message and the meaning crept in and ate away at him instantaneously. His eyes turned to the cameras for a brief moment, trying to shove down the anxiety of being in such a public space without the comfort of having a playbook to follow. This whole situation had gotten out of hand. But Rory sighed, and scooted over to fill some empty space in their formation to get closer to the cluster of action. As he spoke, he kept his voice low while matching Haleigh’s assertive tone. That ever present awkward smile had faded. His eyes locked on Haleigh. "Stop this, Haleigh.”

Rory’s eyes turned to Makenna, Inigo, and Trace. His brow furrowed as he frowned. He was unable to mask the sadness plastered on his face. ”We’ve made our choice. They’ve made theirs. We haven’t really felt like a team from the beginning. Calliope was the first to really say it… and Cass…” The name haunted him a little, and felt like clay in his mouth. He had to swallow hard to clear it from his throat. ”He… he said at the fire that there isn’t a right or wrong decision, whether to stay or leave. I think he is… was right. Not the whole thing with, like, watering grass. But none of us chose to be on this team before now. Now we get to choose.”

The pit in Rory’s stomach grew larger. He let loose the words that had been building up in his chest, gnawing at his innards. One fist clenched at the paper in his pocket, as his other hand reached up to place a hand on Haleigh’s shoulder as he stood behind her. ”I’m with Blackjack until the end, despite you and Luce trying to paint me and them as enemies. And Luce couldn’t even be bothered to come here.” Rory felt his anger rise at that last sentiment, as if he had just finally realized it. He took a small breath to reset, speaking calmly again. ”I agree Blackjack needs to stay united, but they’re not Blackjack anymore. The choice has been made. They have to live with it, seems unfair to try and guilt them back after you pushed them away. Besides, if they do come back… then what? I’ve been on a lot of teams, and you never compete well if you don’t trust the people at your side. And you never trust the guys who are forced to be there. Blackjack never felt like a team when we were forced to be. I say we make the most of what we have, Haleigh, and move on… I say we let them go, ok?”

His hand gave Haleigh's shoulder a soft squeeze. He wasn't sure if he did the right thing. Maybe he did the worst thing he could have. But his eyes turned to his three former teammates, and he gave them a solemn nod. He was out of words. Hopefully they understood. Hyperion was wrong about him. He didn't give a damn about his own comfort. All he cared about in this moment was theirs.

Even if they were leaving him alone.

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