Post by Jasper Avery on Nov 27, 2010 12:43:44 GMT -5
Jonathan | 21 | Male | Whenever Needed | PM
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BALDUR MORGAN JASPER RODERICK AVERY
Jasper Morgan Avery | Immortal | Pansexual | Himself | Druid | Shane West[/color][/font]
run where you'll be safe, through the garden gate[/color][/font]
TO THE SHELTER OF MAGNOLIAS[/color][/font][/center]
- [NATURALISM] Being as the source of his power is the earth itself, his supply is plentiful. In addition to having a connection to and influence over plants and animals, a druid can also manipulate the natural energies of the earth directly, which extends to the elements and weather patterns.
- [RUNECRAFT] One of the most ancient and forgotten forms of magick, he can invoke and manipulate sigils from any number of sacred alphabets and imbue them with power for a range of effects that can be protective or destructive in nature.
- [DIVINATION] The druids were natural diviners, so he absorbs knowledge from the earth, sometimes without realizing he's even doing it. This gives him a tendency to sound like a bad palm reader at times, often giving vague pieces of advice that sound like they have some sort of heavier meaning behind them. This gives him an involuntary sense of intuition.
- [PERCEPTION] In addition to having heightened natural senses, he also has an additional sense that allows him to interact and understand others. Sometimes his senses bleed together, and he can often recognize individuals by their scents much as a vampire could, though it is less of their actual scent and more of an aural perception that sometimes presents itself as a taste or aroma.
- [LIMITED IMMORTALITY] Having performed a forbidden ritual to prolong his life, his immortality seems granted by the earth itself, though he's unsure of the triggers of his own downfall.
- [KNOWLEDGE] An important trait of the Druids is that they're always seeking information and education, valuing knowledge and intellect above all else. As such, Jasper has held a number of degrees over the years, having never stopped studying and learning. In addition to literature and medicine, he has also studied various forms of occultism and witchcraft over the years, though he finds such practices inferior to his own abilities. He is particularly qualified to be a veterinarian, both from his animal affinity and his studies of anatomy and biology.
- [ADAPTATION] While not really a definable skill, having lived through dozens of timespans and civilizations has given Jasper the ability to adapt quickly to changes in time or surroundings to allow him the ability to blend in.
- [TEMPTATION] Having a natural allure to him, he can use his natural essence to draw in others, much as a flower or venus flytrap attract animals or prey, or an animals colors can entice a mate. Having control over his pheromone production allows him to have a sort of hypnosis over humans and gives him a degree of influence over them, tempting them to do things the normally would not. This is usually sexual in nature, but can sometimes extend to other areas as well.
- [TRACKING] Before he became immortal, Jasper had to learn to survive off the land, and therefore became a natural hunter.
- [LOYALTY] Jasper can be quite deceptive, but those who find themselves in possession of his loyalty will never have to worry about being double-crossed. He stands by his word and is a fierce, even sometimes savage, protector.
- [HUMAN EMPATHY] While he considers humans to be sort of sad and lowly creatures, he also has a bit of a soft spot for them. They're so simple and transparent, but also can be quite extraordinary. Every now and then you find one or two that make you rethink your beliefs, and for someone who has lived for thousands of years, that says a lot. He feels bad for them, that they were put on this earth with no supernatural means of protecting themselves, and sometimes feels the need to take up that role for those who he deems worthy.
WEAKNESSES
- [THE UNKNOWN] His biggest weakness is the fact that he doesn't know much about his own immortality. Because the ritual he performed was forbidden and unprecedented magick, he has sought for years to study it without finding many answers. He has no idea what could kill him, and likely won't know until he comes into contact with it. It could be something very common, or it could be an ancient artifact that holds the key to granting and revoking his life.
- [CURIOSITY] Because of a druid's thirst for knowledge, Jasper always feels the need to investigate and experience firsthand, which sometimes gets him into situations he doesn't necessarily want to be in, though he can often fight his way out.
- [SELF-AWARENESS] Knowing that he is one of the oldest beings around has given him a sort of false sense of godliness. There are indeed beings that are older and more powerful than he, but they are few and far between, so Jasper is used to being the one in control. He sometimes gives himself more credit than is deserved.
- [CLAUSTROPHOBIA] Due to his affinity for the earth and air, he can't remain in closed spaces for too long. Much as a plant needs space to grow and root itself, Jasper needs space in order to feel comfortable. Taking him out of that comfort zone is one of the only things after all this time that will cause him panic and is one of his greatest weaknesses.
- [TECHNOLOGY] Though he's grown with the times and is perfectly capable of using new scientific advances, Jasper really despises electronics and longs for a time when life was more primal, when loyalties belonged with one's people rather than one's devices.
- [VENGEANCE] Simply put, Jasper holds major grudges. Age-old rifts stay with him, and once crossed, it is nearly impossible for him to forgive that mistrust. With vampires especially, he has a sort of blind rage and will do whatever he needs to to see them ripped apart.
- [DESIRES OF THE FLESH] What is there to say? He's a man, and he has needs. Jasper comes from a time that was before modern sexual identification as straight, gay, or otherwise. To druids, sex was a celebration of the earth and life itself, and he retains that mindset that every time he is with someone, he his honoring the earth and his people. It is quite difficult for him to resist such temptations.
- [SAVAGE] He can be a bit brutal, sometimes getting carried away by bloodlust. His animal affinity causes him to take on more primal traits at times.
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you are weathered and worn
[/i][/color][/font]YOUR PETALS SOFT AND TORN[/color][/font][/center]
From so much time enjoying the sun's rays, he has a natural tan. Nothing Jersey Shore-esque, but enough to gently disguise his naturally pallid complexion. He usually has a goatee, but sometimes goes for a more clean-shaven or scruffy look depending on whether he feels the need to be presentable.
His tall, lean frame is lined with toned musculature that gives him a sleek and predatory appearance, much like a cheetah. Without the tail. And the spots. Okay, not is much like a cheetah at all really. His natural physique is slender and tight, with hair in all the right places. He has a few tribal markings that are out of sight when he is fully clothed, ancient druidic symbols that mark him to his clan. He has few scars, thanks to his skin's natural resistance to penetration, though he has a long, faint streak on his back where he was attacked by a prehistoric demon before his Rite of Immortality took place.
PERSONALITY "I've seen a lot of shit go down in this world and have taken an active role in many historic events. I like to be treated as such. So what if I'm a little bitter? I have a sharp, sarcastic tongue. Rash decisions aren't really my style, I like to study and formulate ideas before jumping into action. I don't care much for vampires. In fact, I would like to see their fangs torn slowly out and then throw their pitiful lifeless forms in a cage of tigers. I have been alone for a long time, living a nomadic life from place to place. My people have long since perished and I celebrate them every day. I believe there is a reason humans were born without power. I daresay they don't deserve it, though neither do some of the supes running around wild these days, thanks to irresponsible breeding. I have my own reasons for staying in Miami, but I don't intend to reveal all my cards at the moment.
I find humans fascinating. Really. Sometimes they just make absolutely no sense. Though I can say that I have loved humans in the past, and likely will again. Immortality is hard though. You can't get to attached to anyone or anything, time is always moving forward. It's a lesson I have learned over and over again. I do sometimes wish I could age normally, but I'd never admit that. Well, I guess I just did. Forget I said that.
I'm an asshole sometimes, I get it. It's not that I'm trying to be, it's just that…somehow most of what I say just sounds bitchy. So I'm cynical, deal with it. I wasn't always this way, but something about watching so much time pass you by hardens your armor.
I am very protective in nature. I have a need, it's sort of a nuisance really, to help the helpless. I'm not sure if it's out of care for them or out of high regard of myself. You could say that I like having enemies. Makes life interesting. True allies are few and far between, especially in the world of the supernatural where everyone seems to specialize in deception and dishonesty. My intentions aren't completely self-centered, I do truly want to help those that I call my friends. But when helping others helps myself, well that's always a better way to do things."
LIKES The earth, Cajun food, mythology, Impressionist art, sex, sarcasm, chocolate, patchouli, Vivaldi, silver, Stonehenge, amethyst, peanut butter, reality television, shifters, oak trees, France, knowledge, and being generally mysterious and alluring.
DISLIKES People who are stupid enough to lie to him, babies, peas, death metal, fast food, witches, mornings, waterbeds, Britney Spears, animal cruelty, Christianity, and young beings that think they're hot shit.
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the lovers who have tainted you, they pulled you into the night
[/i][/color][/font]THEY TOUCHED YOUR SKIN WITH VELVET GLOVES AND MADE YOU FEEL ALIVE[/color][/font][/center]
Born to the legendary Celtic goddess Brighid and the leader of the Druid clan that built Stonehenge itself, Roderick Odin, power was always in his blood. His people age much slower than mortals, so he had plenty of time to absorb all of the knowledge that he could regarding their beliefs and abilities. The island of Tlaghta, where he was born, was covered in a lush forest, the perfect place for Jasper to get in touch with the earth and his surroundings. It was also a place of ancient power. Because of his unique genealogy, he was always more naturally gifted than even the older Druids of his clan. He worked tirelessly to learn how to access nature, influence and communicate with plants and animals. He mastered their runic alphabet, symbols that would draw energy to him. He learned to be a hunter, foraging for food from the earth. But he wanted more.
So he approached Simon Magus, famed Druid and one of the Elders from his clan, about increasing his power. Magus was jealous of his abilities and wanted to trick Jasper, to steal his power. So he lured the younger druid into a sacred ritual, one that he claimed would multiply Jasper's power. In truth, it would drain Jasper of his natural ability. Like a leech, Simon Magus wanted to drain him dry. They went to the middle of the forest on Samhain, an ancient day of celebration for the druids when the veil between worlds was thin and more power could be called forth. They lit a bonfire and began the rite. During the ritual, however, Jasper realized what was really going on when he recognized the old language his 'friend' was using. While Simon was distracted weaving the intricate web in which he would attempt to trap Jasper's abilities, the younger druid called vines up from the ground, roots and thorny leaves growing spontaneously around the elder's legs and restricting his movement. He then called the animals forth from the forest, all of whom converged on Simon Magus and ripped him to pieces.
Not one to waste the significance of the day, Jasper took control of the ritual and used the blood sacrifice to perform the Rite of Immortality, an ancient ritual that he'd learned a century before but was forbidden for druids to use because of their beliefs. Feeling the draw of power, his clan arrived in the clearing just as he finished the ritual. Jasper knew the scene did not paint him in a very forgiving light - he'd just performed a forbidden ritual and sacrificed an old and beloved member of the clan. Jasper tried explaining how Magus had deceived him, and some even knew it was true. But honestly, most were afraid of Jasper's power and this was the perfect opportunity to cast him out. So he left everything he'd known. It ended up being the wisest decision he could have made, as the rest of his clan and nearly all other druids died out over time.
So from that point he lived a fairly nomadic life, never staying in one place for too long. Different points in history found him in different places. He was present for the Viking rule, an era when he particularly felt he belonged because of his Nordic blood. He spent much time in Italy and Greece before moving over to the "New World" and became part of the colonies in America, where he may or may not have had something to do with the Lost Colony and a certain word being carved into a tree... He made his way back to Europe after that, spending some time in France during Napoleon's rule. He was a teacher to the mystic Rasputin, years before the man became crazed and caused the fall of the last czar. The guilt from that tragedy still plagues Jasper to this day.
Having been back in the Americas for a while now, he'd taken up residence in New Orleans for the better part of the last century or so, watching the vampire politics from afar and seeing the world of the supes around him evolve. He had a feeling that a new era was dawning. After all, when you've lived to see so many, you can sort of spot the indicators that a big change is coming. One of the defining moments that history would look back on as an important event on the world timeline. And it would be a moment Jasper would use to his advantage, to further his own agenda, yet another piece of history his story would take root in. Though how he got summoned to Miami, of all places, has yet to be seen.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Most of Jasper's development I think would involve his integration into the new gang of Scoobies. He has always felt a deep hatred for vampires, so following being summoned, he would probably be tempted to ally with them temporarily just to further his own agenda. He is an ancient being, one of the Old Ones, so I think most of the development for him would be watching his relationship with the group and its members change over time. He is much more human than the other gods of old, so he is prone to the same emotions they all feel, which gives him much more possibilities for allegiances, friendships, romance, and even rivalries within the group. I would love to see them have an influence over his behavior, maybe see a shift in his character due to their impact on his life and finding loyalty within their group. Which is not to say that it won't be a rocky road, especially to begin with. Jasper is not one to be tamed.
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Too Many Years | None | shelter of magnolias;;
Seated in one of the metal chairs in a lush courtyard in the French Quarter, right near the river, it was a secluded place that found Jasper sitting at a table with a book in one hand and a steaming retro mug in the other, from which he sipped loudly. He was in one corner of the private garden sitting close to an ornate fountain, with only one or two other customers out there.
The Bottom of the Cup Tea Room was one of the few occult shops that wasn't invaded with witches. Jasper could find no peace when witches were running around all over the place, practicing their diluted magicks. Plus they all had this aura of cheap incense that surrounded them in a cloud of fraudulence. It was intolerable. They all were grasping at straws to achieve some sense of power. Most of them had no power beyond what they read from books anyway. They ran rampant through the French Quarter like overpopulated rabbits throwing poorly constructed hexes at each other and trying to intimidate people. All of the occult stores in the quarter were filled with them, but not this one. It was mostly only visited by the occasional psychic and a lot of locals who had a sense of the mystical and just needed some guidance. The man who owned the place was a fairly gifted intuitive, though sometimes he needed to mind his own business.
Sipping slowly at the herbal concoction in front of him, he glanced up when something caught his attention. It was fairly strong, and had a different energy pattern than a vampire or otherwise. The smell of incense filled his senses, though it was a richer scent. It wasn't so much of a physical scent in the air as it was how his druidic senses perceived the presence of others. Much like vampires can taste the difference among species, Jasper's psyche could identify them as well. Though most witches really did smell like cheap incense. This was different. Cloves, it was like being surrounded by cloves. It was a beacon, calling out to Jasper. But as he looked around he couldn't tell where it was coming from since the only other two people in the courtyard were mortals dressed like hippies.
Power was magnetic. Powerful people were drawn to other powerful people. It was like one of the laws of physics or something. So Jasper knew all he had to do was bide his time and the source of the clove aura would present itself to him. And he was correct, as usual, as the brunette walked - no, it was more of a strut - strutted toward him. Glancing up to meet her gaze, his eyes narrowed. She was so...shiny. In all senses of the word. It was her aura, her persona. It didn't match the powerful energy that leaked out of her skin. It was like little precocious Shirley Temple had joined him in the courtyard.
Placing his old, tattered, leather-bound book down on the table, Jasper stood, partly out of acknowledgment and partly out of intrigue. The plants that lined the wall behind him even leaned closer for a little inspection, mirroring the druid's movement. The earth is stubborn. That's really the only good way to put it. The plants, the animals, they did what they wanted, what they were naturally led to do. Plants grew in the direction of the sun. Animals followed instinct and intuition. And druids were the physical embodiment of all of that. Unless a constant supply of power was supplied to the world, he would find plants making their way to him as if they had a mind of their own. Upon realizing their reaction, he turned a look of displeasure at the plants that lined the brick will of the courtyard. Immediately they snapped to attention, resuming their plant-like appearance rather than that of curious bystanders with a mind for eavesdropping. "Sorry about that."
"Who are you? You have this…this…" He waved his hands around in the air in an attempt to illustrate the sheer brightness that she exuded. It wasn't frequent that he was at a loss for words. The smell of cloves was so strong now with her right next to him. "…this sense about you."
He pulled out the chair opposite his and offered it to the girl. "Sit, I insist." Glancing through the window to the inside of the store, he motioned for the girl at the tea counter for two more cups of tea, as his own was empty. He didn't bother asking her for a drink preference. If she doesn't like tea, she has no place at my table.
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