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Post by Matthew Williams on May 4, 2011 23:00:02 GMT -5
Country of Origin: Norway
Name: Lukas Dahlem
Gender: Male
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 148 lbs
Age: 25
Profession: Folklore Professor / Substitute Nurse
Appearance:
Personality:
There aren't many words to describe Lukas. But those who have had the (dis)pleasure of meeting the Norwegian can all agree that he is a man of few words. It's not that he doesn't talk, he just chooses to be difficult. He isn't a very open person, and this can show in the way that he conducts himself around others. Often a bit detached from conversations or somewhat lifeless in his approach to discussions unless it is a topic of interest to him.
However, when alcohol is added to the equation, you see completely different side to him. While he might not drink often, when Lukas does it's usually quite a bit. Usually, it's reserved for weekends or when he wants to procrastinate on the work he should actually be focusing on at that time. After he gets a bit of alcohol in his system, he tends to become quite a bit more personable and talkative. Though, he still remains soft in his tone of voice. Never becoming loud or obnoxious as some might expect. To those who know him, it might take them by surprise. To those who don't, they probably would never even notice he was drunk until Lukas passed out.
They say that when you take something you enjoy and turn it into a career, that you often end up hating it. This is not so for Lukas. In fact, in his profession you will find him to be the most talkative. He takes great pride in sharing the various folktales and meanings behind these stories with others. Finding that their moral lessons go far beyond anything found in modern literature. These folktales also happen to be of great importance to the blond. Many having been told to him by the various spirits Lukas has met over the twenty-five years of his life.
Lukas actually keeps a count of all these stories in a small, pocket-sized notebook that he always has on his person. Small colored tabs sticking out everywhere as little bookmarks. He uses these as references for when the textbooks do not tell all the details and as personal reminders of his childhood and the friends he's made.
Lukas also happens to be painstakingly honest. So much so that he comes across as rather blunt. Lukas doesn't spare anyone. The same blank expression on his face no matter the circumstance. It is this honesty that can often lead to problems for the Norwegian, though. He has no respect for authority figures and is not afraid to disobey any direct orders from the principal or otherwise. If someone even mentions that they are the boss or any sort of higher authority, he will simply ignore them and go about what he was doing in the first place.
This habit has caused Lukas to be kicked out from many schools, and is most likely a result of his strong belief in egalitarianism; the belief in the equality of all people. Though, he seems to take this quite literally. He treats his students just like he would his colleagues or an adult. If someone addresses him as 'Mr.' he'll be quick to correct them and just to call him by his first name. He does not believe in titles, and some might see that as going too far. Students able to show disrespect for a teacher. However, he finds that it actually gives the students a sense of familiarity and makes things a little less awkward during discussions.
While he might not smile often and is rather on the quiet side, Lukas does have a strong sense of compassion. But, be warned! This could spell trouble for anyone involved if it's a good day.
No matter who it is; be it a student, colleague, or even child on the street. If the Norwegian sees that you are sick in anyway (be it a headache or something more serious) he will immediately take control and take you to the nearest nurse's office, hospital, or your own dorm room. Lukas is a bit of a health-freak. He takes it upon himself to take care of the sick, whoever they might be. Though, he does not believe in modern medicine. The blond is rather firm in his belief that they harm the body more than help it. So, instead he opts to make his own potions and concoctions from all 'natural ingredients'. Naturally, these can all be hit or miss. Don't even try to tell him that you will not drink it, either. He will quite literally attempt to shove it down your throat (after all, most of these were taught to him by his friends.)
Lukas is also very much hardworking, though quite the procrastinator. He'll spend hours and hours working out a lesson plan, but when it comes to grading or waking up in the morning, he will wait until the last possible moment to get going. It all comes back to doing what he wants to do. If it does not interest him at that moment, then be assured that he will not get to it until he is ready. “Later...” being one of his favorite things to say in these times.
Likes:
- Hiking: While the area around World W Academy might not be as beautiful as he is accustomed to in Norway. Lukas still enjoys walking along a trail away from the bustling city life. It's here that he is reminded of his home and the simple joys of birds chirping, trees in the wind, and the animals roaming about.
- Reading: As his profession dictates, Lukas has to enjoy reading. In fact, he likes it so much that he's become somewhat of a very speedy reader. He never dwells on a book for more than a few days (if not, only a few hours.) and takes in all the information accordingly. However, he is more of an auditory learner and needs to keep things written down in order to remind himself of what he had just read.
- Telling Stories: Yes, he may be a quiet man. But, it still remains that telling stories is one of his favorite pastimes. If he is in a mood (and not feeling completely lazy,) Lukas will sometimes go to the local library to tell these stories to children on weekends. If only because he knows that the children will appreciate them more than any high school student ever could.
- Sleeping: One of the major sources of his procrastination. This Norwegian loves his sleep and will make sure that he gets his full eight hours of rest every night. Even if it means putting off school work until the wee hours of the morning.
- Fishing: Often on his hikes, Lukas might stumble upon a fantastic fishing spot. Much like the folktales he immerses himself in, he finds a certain tranquility and love for the sport. Sometimes, he'll even bring catches home if he finds them worthy of being made into dinner. (A habit he picked up as a way of showing off to his parents.)
- Procrastinating: Lukas attempted to write a paragraph for this, but he said: “Later...” … In all seriousness, he can be extremely lazy when he wants to be. To the surprise of many, he always gets the job done before a deadline. Something that has baffled even his parents over the years.
Dislikes:
- Loud/Obnoxious People: He doesn't tolerate it in class and he doesn't tolerate it outside of class. In the Norwegian's mind, there is no need for noise. It is often hard enough to hear spirits enough as it is without all the noise added on. And don't think that Lukas won't say when he is annoyed either. He might even go so far as to hurl something in said person's general direction (or their face.)
- Authority Figures: Lukas has a remarkable disrespect for those in charge. Be it the police or even the principal of a school, the Norwegian does not listen to either. In a way, he does not like being told what to do. Often finding that his way delivers superior results over the ones of his superiors.
- Non-Listeners: Being a teacher, concerned health-freak, and a story teller. Lukas is not fond of those who do not listen. This might make him a hypocrite, but then again, the world is full of hypocrisy.
- Non-Believers: Not in the sense of Gods so much as the sense of the paranormal and fantastical. He is generally alright with those who are unsure, but the flat out denial sets off a trigger. Lukas's disapproval comes in many different forms, but the most common is simple: Ignoring said person.
- Computers: Perhaps it has to do with his love for books. Lukas can just barely manage to check his email on the contraptions and prefers using regular mail as means of keeping in touch with people.
Strengths:- Poker Face: Probably one of Lukas's trademark features. It's almost next to impossible to tell what is on this man's mind.
- Story Telling: More often than not, Lukas always sounds a bit distant. However, when it comes to telling stories he is usually full of life. Always acting out the bits as they should and putting full emotion into the tale.
- Using People's Words Against Them: It may sound silly, but he is rather good at it. Often as a means to tease or get back at someone.
- Memory: Lukas keeps the notebook on his person, just in case he forgets something. But, the man possesses an immpecable memory and can recite most of the stories he tells from his head alone.
- Attention to Detail: Due to his heightened senses, Lukas has a keen eye for the smallest details. Often, he will notice things about people or surroundings that take others by surprise.
- Potion Making: No matter how disgusting or useless some may be, he is very good at creating potions. Having picked up the talent thanks to some coaching from his parents and a few tips from the spirits at home.
- Offering Advice: He does it in a rather roundabout way, usually by telling a story. But to him it's using the stories for what they were intended. The advice he offers can vary by mileage, but it seems to help the ones who are willing to listen.
Weaknesses:
- Act now, Think later: Lukas can be a bit impulsive. Rarely thinking things through before acting out on them.
- Lack of Enthusiasm: Rarely, if ever does he get excited about things. Seeing spirits reminds him that he has seen the most of what this world has to offer. If there is anything left that might surprise him, then he has yet to encounter it. Classes and telling stories being the only exception.
- Comforting Others: Being the brutally honest individual that he is, Lukas is never one for sugar-coating matters. Thus, he has no real experience in the matter. If anything, he'll most likely make the situation worse. Pointing out the person's flaws and what they did wrong.
- No Emotions: Lukas has a hard time expressing himself through emotions. Things that he says with the intention of being a joke come out extremely serious. He keeps all of his emotions hidden away deep where prying eyes cannot see.
- Fitting In: He has always been the odd duck, focusing more on his spirit friends than the living ones. As such, he is a bit socially awkward and has a hard time fitting in with others. It's never stopped him from making friends, but he just never fit in well with groups.
History: Living with his parents in a small suburban town in Norway, Lukas had always been a fairly happy child. Both his mother and father worked for the local university; his father, Johan, a professor in folklore. Dorthe, his mother, in botany. As such, they were often fairly busy during the week giving lectures and attending study sessions for their students (or in the case of his father, helping run the folklore club.) Lukas found himself at the care center provided by the university nearly three to four days a week. And it was there, at that building, where the boy met one of many friends that he would encounter throughout his lifetime.
Lukas never did catch this friends name or where exactly he came from. But the Norwegian child knew that his friend was very special. More than once, Lukas would tell the other children at the center of the tales that this new friend of his had told him. And while the children seemed to enjoy the stories, when Lukas would attempt to introduce said friend to them they claimed that there was no one there.
Distraught, the child did what any other young boy would do. He went to his mother and father, telling them about his his new friend and how none of the other children could see him. Every detail and every story he could remember. Dorthe merely chuckled and wondered how her son was able to conjure such a deep imaginary friend at such a young age. Lukas's father however, was intrigued.
One day, Johan brought home a book for his son. It was a rather large, thick book with lots of pictures. Of those pictures, he showed Lukas a portrait. Almost instantly, he recognized the figure as that of his friend. Apparently, it was called a Fairy. More than pleased with the excited reactions elicited from his son, Johan continued to tell him of the stories that he grew up with, the folktales that had been passed down from generations.
As the years went on, Lukas learned more and more about these mysterious beings. Whenever his father would introduce a new one, the boy would go seek it out; wanting to know more about how they lived and if they had any stories to share. And once Lukas had learned how to write, the stories were detailed in a small notebook. He wanted to remember everything that his new friends had to offer to him. Since the spirits, sadly, never stayed around long enough; the notebook was his own way of remembering them.
While Johan was ecstatic about his son's ability to see the beings he had only read about, Dorthe was a little less accepting the more time wore on.
Lukas wasn't anti-social by any means. He had his fair share of human friends and would always make time for them. However, once one gets older they start to see the world differently. The increasing frustration of no one believing in the beings and his love for old stories made him somewhat of an outcast. He was labelled 'different' and all but a handful of kids would actually associate with the boy.
Instead of trying to fit in, Lukas would often sit at home by the fireplace. Usually staring off into space while jotting down something in his book. Sometimes talking to, what seemed to his mother, thin-air. Dorthe worried for her boy and tried to encourage him to play with his friends. Most of the time, he would place a finger over his lips and asked her to please be quiet.
Naturally, this did not sit well with her and after awhile, arguments between her and her husband began. Dorthe arguing that her son was becoming a shut-in and Lukas was merely trying to follow in his father's footsteps. Yes, she blamed him for everything. And it was during these verbal squabbles that they never noticed Lukas listening intently from where he sat. The pen no moving and the spirits uneasy at all the noise being made.
Still, the now teenage boy continued his ways and his parents continued to fight. Once, another verbal argument started and instead of staying quiet, Lukas decided it was time to speak out. He slammed down his notebook and pen, telling them both to "Shut up, you are scaring my friends!" Dorthe, of course, not understanding that this meant Lukas himself was also terrified. And it only served to enrage his mother further. Now her son was talking back to them? This would not do.
In her fit of rage, Dorthe crossed the room and struck him across the face. Both Lukas and his father stood there dumbstruck. The boy had never spoken out to his parents in such a manner, and now it was painfully obvious why he had never attempted such an act.
After the incident, Lukas became quieter than usually. Always waiting to be talked to instead of going out and starting conversations. Dorthe and Johan eventually filed for divorce.They retained join-custody of Lukas, though the boy often stayed with his father.
During the times that he spent with Johan, Lukas learned much about folktales, spirits, gods, and various different cultures. He was granted freedom to do what he liked (within boundaries, of course.) And despite the situation of his parents, continued to live happily. Lukas and his father grew extremely close, having a common interest. They would share stories with one another whenever they got free time, and by the time Lukas had finished high school, he had already obtained scholarships from the multiple essays he had written on the topic of folklore.
Johan couldn't have been prouder of his son and even his mother, who was less supportive of the matter was also proud that Lukas had managed to come this far.
While his high school life might have gone by without too much incident; college is a completely different beast. Having already been an outcast most of his school life, it was here that he found himself ridiculed for his major in folklore.
A bit childish in his approach to things, Lukas would often get into squabbles with his professors and fellow students. He had learned from past experiences that retaliating really only brought about more trouble, but this was topic in which he grew up with. Something that he and his father both held dear.
Sometimes, the spirits at the college would pick up on his unrest and act out for him. Always doing little things like pulling on hair or tripping people. And soon enough, people stopped picking on the Norwegian. He had allies in the most unusual of places, if he wanted them to help or not.
Throughout his college career, Lukas spent a majority of it at the library. Finding books on old gods and even some folklore from around the world. He studied these books religiously and even became completely absorbed in them. And it began to get him thinking.
Why was he the only one who could see these things? Why weren't there others?
Lukas dug deeper and deeper into this, not finding any records of people being able to see spirits. Of course, who would have believed them even if they had? It was at this moment that he had acquired a new goal: Find others who were like him.
Easier said than done, Lukas soon found out. And eventually, he let it slip by without much fuss. After going around the entire school and searching, he found no one. Others labeled him crazy and said it was impossible for anyone to be able to see these imaginary creatures.
The Norwegian fell back into his quiet self, distancing himself away from people once again. He's listen obediently to critique, even if he knew his professors were in the wrong and knew how to preform above and beyond what was expected of him. Secretly, Lukas told himself that he would only have to do all of this nonsense for four years and he was free.
After graduating, Lukas was accepted to work at the same university that his father had. Though it was merely as an aid and for substitutions until he could get his feet wet in the field.
For the most part, his job went smoothly. But it was when he would speak out against the inconsistencies in the curriculum that troubles arose. If it was a subject that Lukas knew about, he wouldn't be afraid to state that certain information was false. After all, the boy had been told from a young age that lying was severely frowned upon.
When the professor he was aid to would ask why it was wrong and then ask for a source. He would explain that his friends had told him otherwise and that they knew better. Of course, this didn't end well.
Calm, collected, and never raising his voice; Lukas would argue his point. And it was this argument that would lead him to being fired from three different universities. With a track record such as his, there was no real way for him to find work anywhere.
However, it was on a winter day that he received a letter from his father. It was a letter detailing mysterious occurrences at a school called World W Academy. Naturally, he was rather intrigued what these mysterious occurrences could be and sent in his application to the school. He was hired as a full-time teacher almost instantly.
If there were more like him, then maybe...
Weapon: Viking Sword and Shield
Statistics:
~Knowledge: 4 - Professor
~Courage: 4 - Brave
~Diligence: 2 - Persistent
~Expression: 2 - Eloquent
~Understanding: 1 - Basic
~Strength: ***
~Magic: ****
~Endurance: ***
~Agility: *****
~Luck: **
Persona:
~Name: Bragi
~Description: The Skaldic God of poetry. Renowned for his wisdom, fluency of speech, and skill with words.
~Arcana: The Moon
~Drain: ---
~Weak: Zio
~Null: Garu
~Resist: Pierce
~Skills:
- Offensive:
Fatal End - Inflicts a moderate amount of damage to one enemy.
Magarula - Inflicts a moderate amount of Wind damage to all
enemies.
Wind Break - Removes Wind Resist, Block, Repel, and Drain properties for 3 turns. One enemy.
- Defensive:
Makarakarn - Repel one elemental attack. All allies.
Mediarama - Recovers a moderate amount of HP. All allies.
Mind Charge - The next elemental attack will be 2.5 times greater in power. Self.
Roleplay Sample:
Did you read the rules...? ...Awesome SWEDISH pancakes.
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Post by Sadik Adnan on Jun 14, 2011 17:16:27 GMT -5
Lukas Dalem you have been....
xxxxxxxxAccepted! |
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