Post by duff on Oct 12, 2008 13:21:12 GMT -5
Name: Dugald Fairbairn, though he always refers to himself as Duff, and was usually referred to as Duff by his 'Daddy'
Age: He turned 9 years old just a few months ago. How precious!
Gender: Male, obviously.
Abilities/skills: Duff has the ability to manipulate "Shadow Matter".
Shadow Matter is a mysterious, little known about thing. It can do several things, including the following, and some others. At a basic level, Shadow Matter can be used to manipulate actual shadows or can be concentrated into black, misty masses of energy. Shadow Matter in energy form can be harmless if controlled correctly, or can disturb matter in a hazardous manner. In his case, this Shadow Matter does not harm the user. At a higher level, Shadow Matter can be used to disturb matter so that passing through solid objects is possible. At a higher level than that, Shadow Matter can be used to transport objects and people to another location, similar to teleportation. At a high level, Shadow Matter can alter matter and energy. Shadow matter can cause mutation in organisms, course a concentration of energy through a medium, and create illusions. Shadow Matter can be used to bind together and animate items, and even things made entirely of Shadow Matter can be animated. Shadow Matter is plausible but very difficult to control to certain people, but those born in its presence, such as Duff, have a natural talent for it.
Duff, having little experience with using and controlling his abilities, cannot perform all of these actions. Mostly, he can only muster the basic level actions, such as shadow manipulation and the energy form, but he can also manage walking through solid objects. If he really tried, he might be able to manage the transportation. Duff may lose control of his powers. When this happens, it usually is a risk to other people, not him, because he's not harmed by the energy form of it. Other times, though, it can be a risk only to him, such as when shadows seem to try to swallow him up. He doesn't often lose control of his powers, but it does sometimes happen.
Job (if any): He's a peasant boy. Dood, he's 9.
Race: Most likely humanoid. It's hard to know, really.
Looks: Duff has a pail complexion, slim figure, and a baby face. He has somewhat short black hair that is naturally sleek and untangled, though it is a bit unkempt and in his face. His black eyes and little wings sprouting from his back are mutations caused by exposure to Shadow Matter during early developing stage. He quite often stands with his feet facing inward a bit and his upper body leaning slightly to one side, making him look a little queer. When nothing exciting is happening or he is being hesitant, he usually has a slight frown or straight face on, standing rigid all except for his queer posture. When he's in a positive mood, likely a wide or small smile accompanied by wide eyes occupies his face, while when he is in a negative mood, likely a look of desolation and hopelessness occupies his face with a frown and half-opened eyes. Either being poor and now living on the streets, he wears whatever clothing he can find, ripping holes in the back of the shirts to let his wings through or, if he finds a shirt big enough to accommodate them, he leaves them un-ripped.
Personality: On the most part, Duff is naive, playful, carefree and energetic. He's friendly and kind, though he can be a bit selfish and inconsiderate. He may get eager or determined, and can become impatient, but it isn't usually much of a task to distract him. He has a messy habit, and can be a bit careless and clumsy, but he takes care with certain things for one reason or another. He's very imaginative and artistic, and does a lot of daydreaming and thinking. He is quite curious about the world and its inner workings; there seems almost always to be an air of question and curiosity about him. He can be oddly sentimental for an 9-year-old, having a habit of digging deep into matters. He tends to—or at least seems to—not take some things seriously, as a game, but even so he is more understanding than may seem evident.
Duff is lacking of much real-life experience before now, despite him living in poverty. He can be easily fooled, not much understanding the nature of people and lies, though even he himself is a bit of a fibber; he may eavesdrop, or barge in/interrupt, or stick his nose in other people's business, or take things that aren't his, or the like, not understanding fully that or why it is considered 'wrong' or 'rude'. He can be a little quiet or hesitant around people, mostly due to his lack of public experience, but he's quite talkative and outgoing when he's comfortable enough. He has a unique way of doing things, which Euan always supported and which he takes pride in, but he still keeps an eye out for how others behave and knows how to act with manners and sophistication even if he doesn't fully understand it.
He keeps Euan and his teachings at mind, often wondering 'what would Daddy do?' or 'would Daddy be proud?' regarding his current situation.
Duff is very enthusiastic about fantasy and the unreal, and makes connections with the real world and fantasy quite a bit as well as playing 'pretend' and daydreaming. Duff is fascinated by art, and likes staring at it (when he can) and trying to make his own (when he can), though his efforts usually just come out as scribbles. He loves books, (oddly, and despite the lack of them during his lifetime due to poverty) especially picture books, though he isn't the best reader due to not being very well educated. He loves people, which can be dangerous with his lack of public experience. He likes copying or behaving like others (which might be acting, to a small scale), yet he still likes to find alternative means of doing things that in turn makes him "different". He seeks out knowledge, unconsciously, subconsciously, and consciously. He likes to keep a record of things (with what little knowledge of it he has), which contributes to his automatic habit of memorization, and vice versa. He has a particular interest in change and preservation odd for an 9-year-old. He has a particular obsession with sparkly, colorful, and or shiny things.
He takes it badly when people don't do what he wants or expected, often pitching a fit or putting on a sour disposition. He's also sensitive when it comes to his wings and eyes; if one were to insult either of them, he'd likely get very upset.
Duff doesn't understand why he's in the situation he is in now, on the streets, without any possessions or without his Daddy. Euan never told him about taxes, or the fact that training him to use his ability better was illegal. He hates the guard for what they did, and will throw rocks at them and whatnot if he sees them ((Refer to background if you're confused)).
Background: Duff knows nothing of his biological parents. For nearly as long as he can remember, he has been cared for by a man named Euan Darrow, who found him wandering around many years ago and took him in. Duff knows that Euan is not his actual father, but he reveres him as one.
From day one, Euan knew that there was something different about Duff.
When Euan had first found Duff, a child of only 3, battered, frightened, and nearly starved, wandering about the forest, he didn't know quite what to think. He took him to his small home, planning to take care of him only until his parents came looking. But, when he was removing the boy's tattered clothing to wash him up and treat his wounds, he noticed something he hadn't before: two tiny wings like that of a bird sprouting from his back. He knew that no decent parent would ever allow a child like this to leave their sight, and knew that he would soon attract undesired attention that would ruin the child's life. Second thoughts came up about what was to be done. If deathly worried parents didn't come looking soon, he would have to take care of him himself.
The parents never came.
And before long, other bizarre things about the child attracted Euan's attention. Shadows seemed to dance and waver about, not cast where they should, and little clouds of black mist ate up parts of the furniture and household items, and all of it happened only when the child was present. He did extensive [illegal] research, and after much effort, found a possible explanation: This child could bend Shadow Matter.
Despite these odd happenstances, Euan grew attached to Duff. He gave Duff his own last name, Fairbairn, believing it wrong for him to take up his. Before long, the nickname also arose, not an uncommon thing among close people, and in turn, before long Duff began to call Euan "Daddy". Euan paid much attention to raising Duff with close care. He used what understanding he had of Shadow Matter to teach Duff to control it better, which somehow was a success. Euan couldn't afford, in his poverty, to enroll Duff in the Academy, so he taught him from his small home, despite it being illegal.
He read stories to him as he lay in bed, even made up stories, some that Duff could relate to, and showed Duff paintings that he had made with the materials he could efford wiht the little money he had. He told him about how stories and works of art were made, and Duff was hooked. He wasn't very strict or harsh, or big on discipline, but he did believe in teaching Duff a bit about manners and proper behavior, even though there was scarcely anyone to show. Euan didn't go out in public with Duff very often, for fear of what could happen to him, but there were occasions that were considered by Duff as treats, like trips to a candy store when he could afford it.
He planned to never, ever let Duff out of his sight.
But it happened anyway... One day, he finally paid for his crimes—the illegal study and teaching of magic outside of the Academy and not paying taxes—and the guard came to his small home, everything possession from him, reclaiming the home, and throwing him in the dungeons. Duff was left alone to fend for himself, and now, he’s living on the streets in a wooden crate not far from the pace he once called home.
Extra: ((I didn't draw the reference image of Duff. All rights reserved to the original artist. The character, Duff, is my original idea, all rights reserved to me. No copy.))
Age: He turned 9 years old just a few months ago. How precious!
Gender: Male, obviously.
Abilities/skills: Duff has the ability to manipulate "Shadow Matter".
Shadow Matter is a mysterious, little known about thing. It can do several things, including the following, and some others. At a basic level, Shadow Matter can be used to manipulate actual shadows or can be concentrated into black, misty masses of energy. Shadow Matter in energy form can be harmless if controlled correctly, or can disturb matter in a hazardous manner. In his case, this Shadow Matter does not harm the user. At a higher level, Shadow Matter can be used to disturb matter so that passing through solid objects is possible. At a higher level than that, Shadow Matter can be used to transport objects and people to another location, similar to teleportation. At a high level, Shadow Matter can alter matter and energy. Shadow matter can cause mutation in organisms, course a concentration of energy through a medium, and create illusions. Shadow Matter can be used to bind together and animate items, and even things made entirely of Shadow Matter can be animated. Shadow Matter is plausible but very difficult to control to certain people, but those born in its presence, such as Duff, have a natural talent for it.
Duff, having little experience with using and controlling his abilities, cannot perform all of these actions. Mostly, he can only muster the basic level actions, such as shadow manipulation and the energy form, but he can also manage walking through solid objects. If he really tried, he might be able to manage the transportation. Duff may lose control of his powers. When this happens, it usually is a risk to other people, not him, because he's not harmed by the energy form of it. Other times, though, it can be a risk only to him, such as when shadows seem to try to swallow him up. He doesn't often lose control of his powers, but it does sometimes happen.
Job (if any): He's a peasant boy. Dood, he's 9.
Race: Most likely humanoid. It's hard to know, really.
Looks: Duff has a pail complexion, slim figure, and a baby face. He has somewhat short black hair that is naturally sleek and untangled, though it is a bit unkempt and in his face. His black eyes and little wings sprouting from his back are mutations caused by exposure to Shadow Matter during early developing stage. He quite often stands with his feet facing inward a bit and his upper body leaning slightly to one side, making him look a little queer. When nothing exciting is happening or he is being hesitant, he usually has a slight frown or straight face on, standing rigid all except for his queer posture. When he's in a positive mood, likely a wide or small smile accompanied by wide eyes occupies his face, while when he is in a negative mood, likely a look of desolation and hopelessness occupies his face with a frown and half-opened eyes. Either being poor and now living on the streets, he wears whatever clothing he can find, ripping holes in the back of the shirts to let his wings through or, if he finds a shirt big enough to accommodate them, he leaves them un-ripped.
Personality: On the most part, Duff is naive, playful, carefree and energetic. He's friendly and kind, though he can be a bit selfish and inconsiderate. He may get eager or determined, and can become impatient, but it isn't usually much of a task to distract him. He has a messy habit, and can be a bit careless and clumsy, but he takes care with certain things for one reason or another. He's very imaginative and artistic, and does a lot of daydreaming and thinking. He is quite curious about the world and its inner workings; there seems almost always to be an air of question and curiosity about him. He can be oddly sentimental for an 9-year-old, having a habit of digging deep into matters. He tends to—or at least seems to—not take some things seriously, as a game, but even so he is more understanding than may seem evident.
Duff is lacking of much real-life experience before now, despite him living in poverty. He can be easily fooled, not much understanding the nature of people and lies, though even he himself is a bit of a fibber; he may eavesdrop, or barge in/interrupt, or stick his nose in other people's business, or take things that aren't his, or the like, not understanding fully that or why it is considered 'wrong' or 'rude'. He can be a little quiet or hesitant around people, mostly due to his lack of public experience, but he's quite talkative and outgoing when he's comfortable enough. He has a unique way of doing things, which Euan always supported and which he takes pride in, but he still keeps an eye out for how others behave and knows how to act with manners and sophistication even if he doesn't fully understand it.
He keeps Euan and his teachings at mind, often wondering 'what would Daddy do?' or 'would Daddy be proud?' regarding his current situation.
Duff is very enthusiastic about fantasy and the unreal, and makes connections with the real world and fantasy quite a bit as well as playing 'pretend' and daydreaming. Duff is fascinated by art, and likes staring at it (when he can) and trying to make his own (when he can), though his efforts usually just come out as scribbles. He loves books, (oddly, and despite the lack of them during his lifetime due to poverty) especially picture books, though he isn't the best reader due to not being very well educated. He loves people, which can be dangerous with his lack of public experience. He likes copying or behaving like others (which might be acting, to a small scale), yet he still likes to find alternative means of doing things that in turn makes him "different". He seeks out knowledge, unconsciously, subconsciously, and consciously. He likes to keep a record of things (with what little knowledge of it he has), which contributes to his automatic habit of memorization, and vice versa. He has a particular interest in change and preservation odd for an 9-year-old. He has a particular obsession with sparkly, colorful, and or shiny things.
He takes it badly when people don't do what he wants or expected, often pitching a fit or putting on a sour disposition. He's also sensitive when it comes to his wings and eyes; if one were to insult either of them, he'd likely get very upset.
Duff doesn't understand why he's in the situation he is in now, on the streets, without any possessions or without his Daddy. Euan never told him about taxes, or the fact that training him to use his ability better was illegal. He hates the guard for what they did, and will throw rocks at them and whatnot if he sees them ((Refer to background if you're confused)).
Background: Duff knows nothing of his biological parents. For nearly as long as he can remember, he has been cared for by a man named Euan Darrow, who found him wandering around many years ago and took him in. Duff knows that Euan is not his actual father, but he reveres him as one.
From day one, Euan knew that there was something different about Duff.
When Euan had first found Duff, a child of only 3, battered, frightened, and nearly starved, wandering about the forest, he didn't know quite what to think. He took him to his small home, planning to take care of him only until his parents came looking. But, when he was removing the boy's tattered clothing to wash him up and treat his wounds, he noticed something he hadn't before: two tiny wings like that of a bird sprouting from his back. He knew that no decent parent would ever allow a child like this to leave their sight, and knew that he would soon attract undesired attention that would ruin the child's life. Second thoughts came up about what was to be done. If deathly worried parents didn't come looking soon, he would have to take care of him himself.
The parents never came.
And before long, other bizarre things about the child attracted Euan's attention. Shadows seemed to dance and waver about, not cast where they should, and little clouds of black mist ate up parts of the furniture and household items, and all of it happened only when the child was present. He did extensive [illegal] research, and after much effort, found a possible explanation: This child could bend Shadow Matter.
Despite these odd happenstances, Euan grew attached to Duff. He gave Duff his own last name, Fairbairn, believing it wrong for him to take up his. Before long, the nickname also arose, not an uncommon thing among close people, and in turn, before long Duff began to call Euan "Daddy". Euan paid much attention to raising Duff with close care. He used what understanding he had of Shadow Matter to teach Duff to control it better, which somehow was a success. Euan couldn't afford, in his poverty, to enroll Duff in the Academy, so he taught him from his small home, despite it being illegal.
He read stories to him as he lay in bed, even made up stories, some that Duff could relate to, and showed Duff paintings that he had made with the materials he could efford wiht the little money he had. He told him about how stories and works of art were made, and Duff was hooked. He wasn't very strict or harsh, or big on discipline, but he did believe in teaching Duff a bit about manners and proper behavior, even though there was scarcely anyone to show. Euan didn't go out in public with Duff very often, for fear of what could happen to him, but there were occasions that were considered by Duff as treats, like trips to a candy store when he could afford it.
He planned to never, ever let Duff out of his sight.
But it happened anyway... One day, he finally paid for his crimes—the illegal study and teaching of magic outside of the Academy and not paying taxes—and the guard came to his small home, everything possession from him, reclaiming the home, and throwing him in the dungeons. Duff was left alone to fend for himself, and now, he’s living on the streets in a wooden crate not far from the pace he once called home.
Extra: ((I didn't draw the reference image of Duff. All rights reserved to the original artist. The character, Duff, is my original idea, all rights reserved to me. No copy.))
