Jan. 11th, 2013
smash app.
Jan. 11th, 2013 12:44 pmOut-of-Character Information
• Name: Laurennn• Are you over 15? Yes. Yes, I am.
• Time Zone: PST
• Reliable Method of Contact:
• Anything Else?: Work, two classes, and another character in another game. Slow—Moderately paced tagging!
•
In-Character Information
Name: (That Damn Bird) CrowGame: The Longest Journey (1999)
Teacher: Professor Bird. Except don't call him Bird. That's rood.
Canon Point: Middle/End of 'Chapter Thirteen: The Longest Journey', at the Tower of Balance. (Before the Epilogue)
Age: At least 20 years.
Class: Crow's class will be self-titled Birds: Why We Are Awesome.
This will include lessons such as the Finer Art of Roosting, How to Preen Properly (Winter/Summer Lectures), and How to Court That Special Sparrow.
Living Arrangement: That tree. In that one spot. Where people sit under. (Watch out.)
Backstory
My full name is That Damn Bird. I learned that when I was two weeks old.
"That damn bird," the old man would say. "No good ball of feathers!".
A good majority of Crow's youth was spent inside a large chest. And to this you may be waggling your brow a little—except no. By chest, I mean old fashioned, hard-wood box. Crow was obtained by the Old Sailor shortly after he hatched; either through trade, gift, or theft. (Most likely the first, considering the Old Sailor's gambling problem.) And all Crow really knows is that he's been the victim of a horrible torture for nearly twenty years of his life. Being caged."That damn bird," the old man would say. "No good ball of feathers!".
Let's take a step back and briefly explain the world of Arcadia. Arcadia is the result of one world being split into two many centuries ago; the sister-world that was created was named Stark, our world. While Stark evolved into a world of technology and science, Arcadia became a place of magic and nature. In Stark, languages are widespread and various, in Arcadia the language is that of Alltongue—All creatures speak the same tongue and have the ability to understand each other. Some are better this than others. Some creatures don't speak at all.
Being a world of nature and magic, Crow has been exposed to some pretty heavy stuff when compared to someone from Stark. Oh, wait. he met April Ryan. Who just so happened to be a human from Stark. Though their meeting didn't being as well as he had intended.
You see, the Old Sailor lost Crow in a bet for gazillionth time. And he was being put up as a prize for anyone who could win one nasty haggler's game of cups. Then April Ryan came around and used not-magic (science) to win the game! Score! He's suddenly got his freedom from a not-so-bad looking human lady! ...Except no. Again. This human basically took her right back to the Old Sailor to be shoved right into the trunk. AGAIN. Screw that crap. The moment he could, Crow totally flew that coop. Right off to find April, of course. And it may be a little confusing why he would go right to the shoulder of the woman who imprisoned him, but she was bound for big things. Crow knew that somehow this start Stark-ian was going to change something in Arcadia. Maybe even bring a balance.
After he decided that he was going to help April on her longest journey, Crow became April's eyes-in-the-sky as she traveled on land and ocean. And even if helping April meant carrying mystic water in his beak at two minute intervals— He found himself doing anything a bird could do to help a very special human friend. He became very fond of April's company and worried about her in times that she left Arcadia back to her world of Stark.
Maybe in another life—where April was a bird—Crow may have settled down and roosted with her or something.
It's one of Crow's last meetings with April, April is able to teleport Crow across the land of Arcadia with an ability known as Shifting. Here, April asks for Crow's help. She wants him to carry a mystical water in his beak and take it deeeeeep into a crevice of nothing. Literally nothing but a fine mist going infinitely into the world. The water in Crow's beak is able to create a bridge from the nothingness which April then crossed, meanwhile Crow was basically making his entire way back up out of the canyon. When he surfaced through the mist, he only found himself high in the sky. Like he only breached through a thick cloud during a morning flight through the cool air. And when he descended to the nearest land...?
He definitely wasn't in Arcadia anymore.
Personality
I can be a hero, too. Just like Crowboy!
Crow is heavily motivated by a fictional show (from another reality, mind you) called Crowboy. April Ryan described Crowboy to be a sort of 'puppet show' about a Crow who was a cowboy (whatever a cow is) who rode on hiS OWN PERSONAL ALBATROSS HOLY CRAPPP. And that April decided Crow's name based on this Crowboy who was a hero in many towns in Stark. This bird sounds beaking awesome, so of COURSE Crow decided that he wanted to be much like this Crowboy. This may have also been made on the fact that April is a very close friend and he would never want to do anything to let her down—especially if she was expecting him to be as amazing as Crowboy...
So you'd think that Crow were something dependable, since he followed April Ryan around Arcadia and risk his own beak a few times for her sake. Not exactly. He's actually a bit of a flake. When the going gets tough, Crow gets going. He's never one for physical altercations and will actively avoid doing so. This will certainly apply when he's amongst large crowds or even slightly intimidating acquaintances. Just the prevention the loss of tail feathers and all.
He's definitely a more hands-off type of bird. Yet extremely touchy. He won't fly too high or to low. Won't do this. Won't do that. It's real hot and cold when it comes to what he will and won't do for people, especially people he doesn't know very well. In that respect, he's extremely street-smart though not intellectual. (This is even realized in canon where he compares brain sizes with April.) He knows just what's best for him and sticks to it. If not, he'll most likely be seeing the broiling side of a pot due to a stupid mistake. ...Which has most likely almost happened before. No doubt.
There are exceptions to the rules, of course. What are rules if ya can't break 'em, am I right? And Crow is no exception to that. After all, what good is moving at the speed of wind if you can't peck at a grump or snatch away a valuable every now and then. That's rhetorical; it's definitely a good thing. With enough prompt, Crow may just feel free to take advantage of it too. Going back to the "Crow Knows Best For Crow" bit— he'll definitely stay out of some bad stuff. He'll just need a full story and two-sided report before making any decisions that involve the use of his beak, thank you.
You may also notice that Crow is an easily amused creature. A bird of simple tastes, as it were. He'll make small jokes that make only be hilarious to him, alternatively he may make jokes he doesn't realize are jokes and only get it several seconds after he's made said joke, if at all.
...
Ahahahahahahaha! That's funny! I kill myself! "Flap your wings and fly". Oh baby, that's a zinger!
Anything Else?
Crow will have gathered some mystical Balance dust on his wings (plot-device) and be able to shift himself into a human form. Back-and-forth, of course. Being grounded will only irritate him, or freak him out. Or both. This human appearance will resemble this young musical man; Standing at about five feet, six inches. Raven black hair. Deep golden-orange eyes. Chances are though that he won't be in this human form very often, considering it strange and unnatural, unless he really needs to be or feels like it.
SIDEBAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Say you've become a good friend to Crow. (It won't be difficult; a few favors here, a few meals there, maybe picking at his fleas for an hour or two...) Just know that you are not. April. Ryan. April Ryan was special. Is special. None of this wishy-washy, wibbly-wobbly shifting from world to world stuff from anyone but April. So if you even think of disappearing for extended periods of time and expecting the same amount of courtesy that Crow showed April... think. again. buck-o. Ain't happenin'. No way. You disappear on Crow, Crow disappears on you. That's how this works.
~*~Fun Fact~*~ Crow's physical appearance (as a bird) and attitude actually more accurately represent a raven and not a crow. Though in Arcadia birds are unlikely named in this "Stark" fashion, so Crow's actual breed is never clarified beyond 'bird' and his name, 'crow'.
In-Character 1st person sample:
Okay. Uh-huh. Okay. So... Wait, No. I got this. We're in Stark.
[ Let him just peck his feathers a little. Twist his neck around to loosen up. ]
I'm in Stark. I got that. But... How. Exactly? Just. How? All of April's talk about the Balance and how we can't exist in each other's realms or—... something... uh... Okay, so I wasn't really paying attention to the details or anything. But how the heck am I in Stark?!
[ Yeah. He really wasn't paying attention. And now he really wishes he had... ]
Okay, okay. In Stark. Got it. Not complaining. Just observing.
...
So has anybody actually seen April around? Ryan? ...April Ryan. Kind of average human-looking. A girl. With hair and... clothes.
In-Character 3rd person sample:
Nothing ruffles Crow's small patch of down feathers like being confused. Usually it's just something he expects and accepts. And he really isn't very bright most of the time; He knows that. This was something completely different though.
The air smelled strange and it was certainly much warmer than moments before. He was just in that dark-mysterious-ominous place with April, wasn't he? The one with the giant floating tower he didn't like and that really dangerous magic-water that he was just holding in his beak like it was no big deal? All because April asked him too? Yeah, that Tower of Balance place. He was just there. And suddenly he wasn't.
Give it to a tiny bird brain to even piece together the possibility of another shift or whatever it was... Because how else did April get him to the outside of that tower from half-way across the map anyway? And why then of all times? It just didn't make any sense. From this, Crow could only assume the worst. That something went horribly wrong with April and she felt that sending him away was the best thing for him. Oh, April...
As he came down on the first solid piece of land available, he realized how modern everything looked. Not even modern to him, but modern to what maybe April might have talked to him about once. With uniformed structures and people walking around. At least the chirping of birds sounded familiar to him. Crow fluffed his feathers and flew across to the nearest tree.
He hated the thought of approaching strangers at a time like this. But a bird had to do what a bird had to do.
how's my flying?
Jan. 11th, 2013 03:56 pm

Crow is one of my newest muses. Because of this, I'm still in a few early stages of developing his voice and style, as well as doing research on his breed of bird (raven) in order to understand his possible habits and instinctive traits. Luckily, his in-game personality makes that much easier to adapt into an actual character. Before making any critique on Crow as a character, please take a look at these links to understand what I have actually looked at for Crow so far. I am more than happy to discuss any of my decisions!
• link
• link
• link
Everything else, I will not be butthurt over criticism. I promise. In fact, I gladly accept it!
Comments are screened, not anon. I will make links to game HMD threads for anons to comment.
Crow
The Longest Journey
The Longest Journey
[OOC]
Backtagging & Threadhopping: Yes. Good.
Fourthwalling: Errr, you can kind of do this with Crow. He wouldn't entirely understand. Just let me know before so we can work it out.
Offensive subjects (elaborate): There isn't much that offends Crow unless you do into how stupid birds can be.[IC]
Hugging and flirting with Crow: Totally. He won't be that into you unless you're a bird though.
Kissing: Are you a bird? No? Then no.
Fighting: Crow is careful to avoid physical confrontations, but he'll certainly peck you if you piss him off.
Injuring (include limits and severity): Plucking a few feathers is about the extent of injuries I'd allow. (The equivalent of bruises in his human form? Fist-fighting would be the maximum unless you talk with more about doing more.)
Killing: Why is this even an option.
Using telepathy/mind reading abilities on this character: Uh-huh! All that 'magic' crap is totally acceptable! ...psychic, magic. Same thing.
Warnings: Crow is first-and-foremost a BIRD.
He will not just BE in his human form unless I state, so do not assume that he's just in it during a thread or event.
I will be very sure and certain to state when he is in his human body.
Alternatively, look at the icon I use. I use human icons for human!Crow and bird icons for bird!Crow.
Most likely I will make an OOC note of sorts at the end of an entry or tag just to make sure that you understand this.
If you're not sure if Crow is in his bird or human form at any time, feel free to ask me and I'll be more than happy to confirm it for you!
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( survey )
( survey )
How old is Crow? At least 20.
How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Describe his coat: color, texture, style.
What color are his eyes?
What are his chief tension centers?

Describe his height and build.
Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
What color are his eyes?
Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
What are his chief tension centers?
What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Boxers, briefs or commando?
Speech
Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
4. What kind of education has the character had?
5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
14. What does he fear?
15. What are his hopes or aspirations?
16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
6. Does he have other close friends?
7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?
6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:
1. Color?
2. Smell?
3. Time of day?
4. Season?
5. Book?
6. Music?
7. Place?
8. Substance?
9. Plant?
10. Animal?
END
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Network Archive
Jan. 11th, 2013 07:26 pm• 03.05.13 | video 001.
• 03.13.13 | connor.
• 03.19.13 | connor.
• 03.19.13 | naoya.
• 04.01.13 | voice 002.
• 03.13.13 | connor.
• 03.19.13 | connor.
• 03.19.13 | naoya.
• 04.01.13 | voice 002.