Character Survey

[armorumvigiles]

Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
Stands at 5'11'', not lanky but not too stocky, muscular but toned due to 2 years of starvation and imprisonment. Since his muscles haven't atrophied, it can be implied that he had some sort of daily/weekly exercise regimen-- his build is athletic, but characteristic of a fighter's.

2. How old is he?
36!

3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
Always carries himself upright, with good posture. He's not rigid, though, and has a sense of relaxed ease to the way he carries himself.

4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
In good shape even with the two years of confinement in Nalbina prison: as stated above, it seems that he was kept under some sort of exercise routine so that he wouldn't whither away. He still has his fighter's build and his physical toughness, though he does have low vitality stats, lmao...

5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
He carries himself with the austerity of a soldier but with the fluidity of someone who is very much comfortable with the way he moves, and so the combination is a curious meld of formal with a touch of softness, geometric angles and lines softened by his general demeanor. When he fights, his stances are disciplined, trained and true, but in between the Dalmascan fighting style, his own Landissian movements bleed through-- Basch really is an interesting meld.

6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Basch definitely isn't an eyesore. He's physically fit, has clear, defined features, and a rather attractive set of eyes. He doesn't place too much emphasis in physical appearance, however, as one may be able to tell from his haphazardly grown hair and the way Basch seems to just slick it back and let nature take its course after that.
He would also be more attractive IF HE LEARNED HOW TO DRESS HIMSELF, seriously Basch what is going on with your outfit, bro.

7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Landissian-light, tanned by the Dalmascan sun. Scarred from battle and from his session in Nalbina.

8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
Sandy-blond, naturally wavy, and soft to the touch. Hard enough that it can be styled and slicked back without going completely flat, however.

9. What color are his eyes?
Blue, blue, the sky is blue~, aka blue-grey. Though okay, weirdly, Dissidia canon says that Gabranth's eyes are hazel? So idk what is going on there, since the Ultimania says that Basch's eyes are blue-grey. CONFUSION.

10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
A scar running along and across his left brow, differentiating him from his twin. The facial hair does that job, too.

11. What are his chief tension centers?
Around the shoulders and his lower back.

12. 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?
NONEXISTENT.
But no, the only thing we get to see in the way of wardrobe for Basch in canon is his hideous vest-potholder-man-lingerie getup, which was mostly picked out blindly from a closet. So, other than that, he wears the standard issue armor, or light clothes characteristic of Dalmascan attire... maybe something in the way of a loose, three-quarter sleeved white cotton-y shirt with kind of capri-length khaki pants? Nothing fancy at all, I'd imagine.

13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
I...what are well-fitting clothes in the Kingdom of Dalmasca...?! I have no idea if that outfit fits him well, but at least he seems comfortable in it. As only Basch can be, wearing a rainbow potholder that has decided to just take nest on his chest.

14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Nope! When he was in the Dalmascan army, he had army attire that he had to wear-- anytime else, I imagine that he got to get away with less constricting gear, unless he was doing bodyguarding or if he had to make rounds, in which case he'd be in military gear 24/7.

15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
COMMA-- no, boxers. Just. Boxers.

Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
Low, throaty, swaying from coarse to soft. Somewhat hoarse at times, but not unpleasantly so-- like a rumbling baritone.

2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
Evenly, clearly, and temperately. He doesn't raise his voice too often, and keeps a moderate volume, though his inflections get heated when his emotions run high.

3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
According to sources, he has a Southern British accent. He doesn't have any noticeable verbal tics, and doesn't have much in the way of recurring one-liners like Balthier does. He goes back and forth between using contractions ("I've", "I'll") and sometimes discarding them for the sake of sincerity or formality ("I am sorry").

4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
He speaks the standard hume language of Ivalice, with full fluency.

5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
Nope!

6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
He uses his words sparingly at times, but it doesn't seem like he struggles with them-- he speaks purposefully, but not heavily. He's capable of banter, but he doesn't do so quite as lightly or easily as other people.

7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
He's not inarticulate, by any means, but he's no orator. He uses his words well when he needs to, would be the best way to put it. He's a fighter, not a locutioner, but he doesn't stumble over his words by any means.

Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
Basch is a smart man, his instincts and knowledge of matters honed by years of being in military service and being required to think on his feet. As far as proper education goes, I imagine he got some sort of schooling in Landis, enough for him to read and write-- when he fled to Dalmasca, he got supplementary schooling in the army, which probably consisted mostly of military history and the like.

2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
He can do a bit of both, though he can be quite impulsive when he's so inclined. He has a pesky habit of knowing what the right course of action is instinctively, so to others, when Basch suddenly does something, it may seem jarring.

3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Intuitive and idealistic about the future, logical and practical about short-term plans. Though I imagine that he is, in fact, much more intuitive than he presents himself to be-- while he's by no means rash, he does act out of instinct often enough for someone who seems so stoic and serious-minded.

4. What kind of education has the character had?
I answered this already in the first question under this section! Very rudimentary education, with a good scattering of personal research and personal interests towards learning. He's a smart guy, mostly because he studied what he wanted to know and thusly absorbed all of it.

5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
I imagine that he knows a fair amount of Ivalice's history, seeing as how he was able to answer Vaan's questions regarding the Yensa desert and such. He must also know a lot of military strategy, though I don't think politics would be such a strong point of his-- he knows all about diplomacy and policy, of course, since he was Captain of the army, but policymaking and such isn't particularly what he was required to do.

6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
An introvert in some areas, and an extrovert in others. But mostly, he keeps things to himself and handles things on his own terms, while empathizing deeply with others. Basch is kind of hard to pinpoint in this case, because while he has no real intention of hiding or concealing himself, he's just naturally hard to read and has a demeanor about him that, if one doesn't know Basch well, would lead one to believe that Basch is just the man he presents himself to be, no more no less. Basch has a lot on his plate but he doesn't always show that, and doesn't really know that he doesn't let that show, if that makes sense?

7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Very even-tempered, stoic, serious-minded and driven, but not uptight.

8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
Basch embraces new people as he embraces new occurrences-- discerningly, but calmly. He's relaxed, holds himself as he usually does in any and all situations, and is fairly upfront. He's kind of blunt in the way that he really doesn't bother jazzing himself up or painting himself as anything other than he is, even in front of strangers (maybe especially in front of strangers).

9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
Either, depending on the situation, but he's very much an initiative guy when he has to be. (HELLO, GETTING CAUGHT BY GHIS TO SAVE ASHE)

10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Fight, if the fight isn't pointless. Even if the fight were pointless, he would stand his ground instead of fleeing, I think.

11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
Basch's humor is mostly a clever quip or two when he can spare it: "let them watch, I know something of cages", or "it won’t do much to lower the bounty on your head." In short, it's difficult to tell, sometimes, when Basch is trying to be funny/jest. His humor lies in subtle witticisms that may or may not be taken seriously, but it's not like he doesn't have a sense of humor.

12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
Not particularly! Just the RONSENTWIN ANGST factor.

13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
Basch leaving Landis was a defining moment for both of the Ronsentwins, and so was King Raminas' assassination.

14. What does he fear?
Being unable to protect those that he cares for.

15. What are his hopes or aspirations?
...To protect those that he cares for! And to protect the hopes of the future.

16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
The sad thing is, I don't think Basch really has anything to hide. His past in Landis and his regrets are probably things he doesn't want to actively talk about, since those things are his problems and his problems alone, but if prompted, he'd probably talk about it to some extent. He bears his problems with the same pride he does his honor, but yes, he would be discerning about who he divulges that to, I suppose.

Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Fairly nonexistent with his father, who died when Basch and Noah were young (headcanon), very good with his sickly mother who he had to leave regardless when Archadia invaded Landis. Basch was the responsible older child, and his mother somewhat relied on Basch to get things done around the house-- something Basch did do, without much protest.

2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
His twin brother, Noah fon Ronsenburg. If you look up 'complicated' in the dictionary, you see their faces next to the word-- there's bitterness, regret, conflict, missing bonds, unintended rifts, and inescapable attachments there, only to name a few of the issues that the Ronsentwins are packing.

3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
Nope! All Basch has in the way of family (had, even) was Noah, until he died on the Strahl.

4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
I'm not quite sure if Basch equates those that are close with him as family, since I think he has a hesitance towards using that term and is apprehensive about whether or not he's deserving of having one after he lost his own in Landis. But he cares deeply and is fiercely loyal to Ashe, which is a different sort of form of familial love altogether. The companions that he's made in his quest for the world are also invaluable to him.

5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
...Sob, Vossler... I recently read a fancomic that had Vossler finding Basch half-dead in the Dalmascan Estersand, and that is my new headcanon for how the two met.

6. Does he have other close friends?
Basch isn't a particularly difficult person to get along with, since he is very much laid-back, empathetic, and open to others. But in the way of close friends, I think his closest was Vossler, and then the companions that he made on his journey to save Ivalice.

7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
Already answered in the question above! Basch is serious-minded, but he's also very much a humble and kind person. He's hard to grasp, but he's easygoing enough that he's not repellent. I feel like people intimidate themselves instead of Basch intimidating them before they approach him, haha...

8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
EVERYONE, 'nuff said.

9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
Single and will probably remain single his whole life, sob.

10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
Nope!

11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
His first crush... probably just a nice girl in Landis when he was 14 or 15 or so, but less a crush than being on a bit more of a friendlier term with her than others. His latest... idk, I'm kind of inclined to just say that he hasn't been romantically involved with anyone in AGES.

12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
My mind should get out of bromance mode and stop saying "someone like Vossler but less of a stick in the mud", okay I'm going to leave this question before I make a bigger ass of myself

13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
Nope! But I think Basch does love kids and would want some if his life was more conducive to a sit-at-home type of lifestyle.

14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
...No...ah...? The Em...pire...? FFXII's ending cleared a lot of things for Basch with respect to his brother (I don't think he really considered Noah to be an enemy at all, really), and as for the Empire... taking on the title of 'Judge Magister Gabranth' really required Basch to reevaluate his stance on the Empire, I think? Poor Basch doesn't really have anything to vehemently hate or villainize, which is part of why his decisions are so hard to make and so honorable.

15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
Oh jeez, well, he's married to his duty so he's HONOR-SEXUAL. That's not to say that he doesn't have a healthy libido, probably, and as for his orientation...
...a 1 1/2 or 2 on the scale? Predominantly straight.

16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
As stated before, it's not a priority and it's never been a priority to him. He has a healthy drive, and he's slept with people before, but I imagine that for him, it's very much hinged on mutual respect and consent, especially considering that he doesn't make/can't really make romantic attachments due to the nature of his occupation/being a soldier.

17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
Turn-ons... I...don't even... probably being taunted and prodded would prompt him to be a little less "I AM SORRY" and careful about everything. Turn-offs would be anything forced, inflicting emotional or physical pain on the partner, and just general unpleasantness in bed... BASCH YOU ARE SO VANILLA WHAT IS THIS, he's embarrassing me

Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
I've always imagined Basch and Noah to both be Leos, because I find that a lot of the descriptions fit them really well.

2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
Basch is...an idealist. Whether or not that's spiritual or religious is up in the air, but he works for a sense of unwavering justice.

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?
HAHA YES VERY MUCH SO. Basch is literally a bundle of honor and duty, and he will not compromise it, even if it means shame upon himself. His commitment to upholding his virtues is most probably intimidating and boggling to some, mostly because it's a creed that was personally generated/inherent to himself and not something that spontaneously appeared at some point in his life.

4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
This is where it gets difficult-- Basch isn't an intolerant person by nature, since he does have a big heart and is understanding of people with different values (calling Balthier a trustworthy man despite the questionable nature of his occupation would be a good example of this). But, when it comes to fundamental injustices like war or invasion that go against his morals, he's very much against it and would fight to eradicate these things.

5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
I think it's less about prejudices for Basch and more about HOLY SHIT BASCH YOUR STANDARDS, WHAT ARE THEY. He literally holds such high standards for virtuous actions that anyone who falls under them is kind of intimidated by "hello, I am not like you and can never be like you, even if I tried and wanted to be." In that way, Basch can be kind of...difficult and hard to approach, and I could see people hating him for always being righteous and making other people look ugly in comparison. He also embraces things that normally people would shy away from (shame comes to mind), so that kind of adds to the "who do you think you are" factor.
Basch is complicated like that...

Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
After 2 years in Nalbina? DUDE IS DIRT BROKE. But after hours of grinding and collecting items and then eventually being a Judge Magister of Archadia? BIG BASCH PIMPIN'.

2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
It's gone from: Landissian civilian--> refugee/deserter--> footsoldier--> Captain--> traitor/Kingslayer--> dead man walking--> literally dead man walking
I. I don't even know. Basch has a complicated life.

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?
Post-game, in Larsa's pimpcastle in Archades, alone.

4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
On the occasional trips to the bar/Bhujerban madhu, things needed to maintain his armor/sword in good condition, haircuts.

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?
Pre-canon, he was a soldier, and very much good at his occupation-- he wasn't a soldier for nothing, after all. Post-game, he's still somewhat of a soldier, though his occupation as a Magister of the Ninth is much more demanding and difficult than being Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg of Dalmasca. I imagine that he does prefer being by Ashe's side and being her sword, but if he makes that distinction, he'll chide himself on it. He's not an unhappy person post-canon, not by any means, since he has his duty to uphold and is contributing to peace.

6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
BASCH HAS NO HOBBIES... but no I jest, he trains a lot in his free time, occasionally does the spot of reading, and my headcanon is that he likes breeding/taking care of chocobos. He also likes to fish! He's a patient dude, after all.

7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
He eats three square meals a day sufficiently, and drinks when he can afford to. My headcanon is that he secretly likes his share of sweets.

Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:
(I'll do associations:)

1. Color? Red-gold
2. Smell? The smell of hot sand and warm underbrush
3. Time of day? Just past midday
4. Season? Summer
5. Book? Les Miserables
6. Music? folk singers
7. Place? Landis, Dalmascan desert
8. Substance? Bhujerban madhu
9. Plant? sunflower
10. Animal? Chocobo...

END
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AND ANOTHER ONE, minus all the questions I already answered to avoid being redundant:


Basics
Name: Captain Honorface fon Virtuearms of Landalmasca
Age: 36 ripe years of all manliness
Birthdate: I have no idea...
Birthplace: Landis, a republic that is no more
Languages spoken: The standard hume language!

Bloodtype: headcanon says O
Height: 5'11''
Weight: MAN WEIGHT
Dominant Hand: Right
Hair: dusty honey blond~
Eyes: I don't care what Dissidia says, blue-grey
Skin: he has it

Occupation: his resume boasts: being a Landissian refugee, being a Captain for a bit, and then being a Kingslayer, and then being a dead man walking. Prestigious track record indeed.
Residence: His address line used to be Shackle 1, Birdcage Place, Solitary Confinement, Nalbina Prison, for about 2 years

oh man I'm getting so lazy

History
Childhood: Nice, until Archadia decided to say "NO HAPPINESS EVER FOR ANYONE"

OKAY I'M JUST GOING TO DO THE MISC. SECTION.

Misc.
Advice that you, the mun, would give them:

To my dearest Captain Basch fon Ronsenburg:

Please make your way to the nearest shopping mall of your convenience, and purchase these items:

1 (one) collared shirt
1 (one) pair of sensible pants
1 (one) nicely tailored suit
3 (three) outfits chosen by someone who is not you, preferably Balthier

Lovingly yours,

Freshy

P.S. : Please don't burden yourself so much with everyone's problems. Please remember to breathe once in a while. Take care of yourself.

Would they get along with you? HAHA PROBABLY NOT he'd think I was so obnoxious...
The most awesome thing they've done: MANAGE TO LIVE.
The time you wanted to slap them the most: Probably at Vossler's death scene. I understand Basch, but sometimes I just want to shake him and go SAY SOMETHING.
What would be the most awesome AU ever for them? GENERAL HOSPITAL: BASCH STYLE
Boxers or briefs? Boxers~
If they were in a 70s shoujo manga, how much would they sparkle? He's the middle-aged gentleman that is stoic all the time until he finally cracks a smile, and then suddenly the room is full of sparkles and rainbows.

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AND BECAUSE ROBYN MADE ME (Robyn ilu)

THE SEX FACE MEME
character: armorumvigiles | [Basch fon Ronsenburg]

desire

can't stand it anymorekissmind going blank from tensionfirst impression seeing xxx











receiving a blowjobfeeling irritated from getting bittenabout to come but holding backreleaseexhaustion











softlypassionatelyexpression after seeing partner's reaction"did it feel good?"passed out











link to meme code