OOCish: Major Character Study 100 Questions!
Part 1: The Basics
1. What is your full name?
Mathiu Silverberg
2. Where and when were you born?
Gregminister, Scarlet Moon Empire.
August 20, The Day of the Cryptic Secret
IS 423
3. Who are/were your parents? Did/do they have occupations?
Johnathan and Olivia. My father was one of the Emperor's closest advisors.
4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
I have a sister named Odessa, though I believe she is deceased. It is hard to tell in this place who is alive and who is dead...
She was ten years younger than I--our parents had difficulty having children--and always treated like the princess of the house. She was cute as a child, but she annoyed me then. I was too arrogant a teenager to realize that she just wanted her brother to pay attention to her. I regret now that I did not do that.
In later years, she became the idealist and I the realist. We disagreed on our place and role in the world. She wanted me to help her overthrow the emperor and I wanted her to see that war is an ugly, nasty thing. The last time I saw her, before she died, we had vicious words. I wanted to help her; to have her run away and to protect what she had left--her lover and the child she carried. Instead, she called me a coward. I called her a whore in not so many words. She slapped me. I deserved it.
5. Where do you live now, and with whom?
I live in Budehuc Castle's infirmary. I live alone, in a small room in the back of it. I have a bed, a desk, two dressers, a wardrobe closet, a small sofa, a coffee table and my favorite chair. Despite years in the military, I am a slob in my personal space.
6. What is your occupation?
I am the castle doctor, but I have also served as a military strategist in my past life.
7. Write a full physical description of the character. (Third Person)
Standing at 6’2” Mathiu is a rather tall fellow but lacks any sort of physical strength. Even though he is on the wrong side of thirty, he is still far too young to look as weary and haggard as he does. Lines of worry and regret cross his once-handsome face and his dark eyes hold a profound sadness that strikes through to his soul. His hair is a rich auburn color, more brown than red, and rather unkempt. Convenience rather than fashion dictates its style-long the back and hastily combed out of his face. His clothing is generally simple-khaki colored pants with a matching jacket and boots to his knees. But no matter what attire he dons, he always can be seen wearing a crimson scarf around his neck.
8. To which social class do you belong?
I was born into the nobility of the Scarlet Moon Empire. That doesn't matter now. Scarlet Moon is gone. I helped destroy it.
9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
I am not a strong man.
10. Are you right- or left-handed?
Right.
11. What does your voice sound like?
It's scratchy. Or at least it sound that way to me when I speak.
12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
Medical terms, herbs and "...."
I often use .... to show that I am thinking, considering the words of another, even if I don't choose to answer.
"I'm proud of you." Is something I should say more often to Apple and Hugo.
13. What do you have in your pockets?
A hole in the left one. I need to see a seamstress about that.
14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
I like to sketch, but I rarely show my work to anyone. I also drink a lot. I prefer Scotch. This behavior upsets many people and I should stop it, but it is difficult to do so.
Part 2: Growing Up
15. How would you describe your childhood in general?
My childhood was full off all the priviledges extended to those of the noble class. I wanted for nothing and my parents cared greatly for me. All of that changed when they were murdered. I was fifteen at that time.
16. What is your earliest memory?
Sitting on my father's lap as he and my uncle, Leon, played chess. I moved Father's pieces for him. He told me where to put them, though. Father always beat my uncle.
17. How much schooling have you had?
I was taught by private tutors until I was fifteen. Then, I began to study under Leon. I finished my schooling at Sodelt Military Academy in Harmonia.
18. Did you enjoy school?
Yes.
19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
I regret to say that I learned mostly everything about strategy from Leon.
I learned medicine at Sodelt and in private study.
20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
I admired my father. He never brought his work home with him; whatever he did at the palace was not discussed in our home. I heard him tell Leon once that you have to separate life from work lest work overtake life. I don't believe my uncle heeded that advice.
When I was fifteen, angry at the world for my parents' murder, I admired Leon. That was a mistake.
21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
I got along with Odessa well enough, though it was hard to relate to her due to the difference in our ages. I wasn't really a problem child, but I did have some moments. Beyond those, my parents and I got along.
22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a doctor.
23. As a child, what were your favorite activities?
Reading, sketching and playing chess. Sometimes I think Father just let me win, though.
24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
I was a well behaved (for the most part) child. I was polite, kind and usually quite happy.
25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
I only saw other children at social functions with my parents.
26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
I was sixteen and a new student at Sodelt. Her name was Kassandra.
27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
No, I am not. I was 19 years old and she was my fiance. Her name was Samantha. I was not happy that I was put into an arranged marriage, but I found that I did love her.
28. If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
The death of my parents led me to abandon desire to be a doctor and turned my attention to strategy.
The murder of my fiance (by arranged marriage, but we became fast friends) lead me to find more anger and to agree with some things I wouldn't have normally done...such as the attack on Kalekka.
The outcome of the battle at Kalekka made me look at myself as a demon. I decided to wander the world for a few years and eventually returned to my study of medicine.
Eventually, I opened a school. I don't believe good education should be hoarded by the wealthy.
Part 3: Past Influences
29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
Kalekka.
30. Who has had the most influence on you?
Unfortunately, Leon.
31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Overthrowing the emperor was quite a feat.
Saving the lives of patients is important, too.
But I really think my greatest achievement is Apple.
32. What is your greatest regret?
Kalekka.
33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
Kalekka. I must have been soulless at that point in my life. I grew a conscience after that.
34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
No.
35. When was the time you were the most frightened?
The day my parents were murdered, the emperor's knights came to the house and surrounded it. They were supposed to there to protect us, but that whole night I was terrified. Every time their horses' hooves danced on the cobblestones, I shuddered. I cried a lot that night, too.
36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
I fell from a horse in front of the Emperor's Army. The men didn't let me forget it for a month.
37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
Kalekka. I should have never allowed that to happen.
38. What is your best memory?
Waking up next to Samantha.
39. What is your worst memory?
Standing at the graves of my parents and asking Leon to teach me in the hopes to avenge their deaths. If I could change one moment of my life, that would be it.
Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
I'm a realist.
41. What is your greatest fear?
That I will become Leon.
42. What are your religious views?
I believe in God.
43. What are your political views?
I avoid conflict.
44. What are your views on sex?
I don't understand the question. It is natural and normal. I loved Samantha. The others...I did not love, but I was arrogant and young.
45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
No. I am not.
I have been wars. I don't believe it is acceptable to kill anyone, but in war, that is not possible.
46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Murder.
47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
Yes.
48. What do you believe makes a successful life?
That one life has breathed easier.
49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
I am honest. There is nothing left to hide about my life at this point. I have accepted my faults and mistakes.
50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
No.
51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
Taking another life.
52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
Apple. She is my daughter and I would give my life for her, as any parent would.
Part 5: Relationships With Others
53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
I generally keep them at a distance if I do not know them well.
54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
Apple.
Elza is a close second.
55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
I respect Salome. He seems like a good man who is dedicated to doing the right thing.
56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
My current friends are: Hugo, Elza, Queen...probably others...I am not very social. I don't know if they would consider me a friend or an acquaintance.
57. Do you have a spouse or significant other?
I suppose Elza is my significant other.
58. Have you ever been in love?
Yes. Three times in my life, now. First, Samantha. Then Rekion...though I don't think she ever returned my affections. Now, Elza.
59. What do you look for in a potential lover?
Trust.
60. How close are you to your family?
I am close to Apple.
I avoid Leon.
61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
Apple is my daughter by a woman I knew for a night.
I don't think I would want small children of my own at this point.
62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
Apple, Elza, Queen, Hugo, Master Thomas, Salome.
63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
Anyone in this castle would defend it. I don't know who would specifically defend me...
64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
Aside from Apple, Hugo, Queen and Elza, I honestly do not know.
65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
Leon, though I despise myself more for agreeing to his methods.
66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
Avoid it.
67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Not in social situations. I avoid those.
68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
No, I do not.
69. Do you care what others think of you?
At this point in my life, I am what I am.
Part 6: Likes And Dislikes
70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
I like to draw.
Sometimes I fish.
71. What is your most treasured possession?
My sketch book.
72. What is your favorite color?
Red
73. What is your favorite food?
Fish, cooked with lemon, white wine and capers.
74. What, if anything, do you like to read?
I like to read medical texts.
75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
Soft music.
76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
I drink too much. I know I should quit and I want to, but I cannot easily do so. I think many people in my family struggled with alcohol.
77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
In the infirmary, working.
78. What makes you laugh?
Dry humor, usually.
79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
War. Killing. Taking of another life. It offends me, but it doesn't shock me. Humans are a violent species.
80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
I would work on the pile of paperwork on my desk.
81. How do you deal with stress?
Sadly, I drink.
82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I need a plan.
83. What are your pet peeves?
People who knock on the infirmary door and then run away.
People who ask when I will open my eyes.
Part 7: Self Images And Etc.
84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you.
I get up and treat the patients in the infirmary. I spend my day keeping up with my paperwork. I sketch. Sometimes, I fish.
85. What is your greatest strength as a person?
I have the ability to make difficult decisions and keep a cool head while doing so.
86. What is your greatest weakness?
I am often too anti-social and I spend too much time dwelling on the past instead of living in the present.
87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would stop drinking.
88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Introverted.
89. Are you generally organized or messy?
Messy.
90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
Good: Medicine, strategy, cooking
Bad: Singing, Physical combat of any type, social events
91. Do you like yourself?
I can tolerate myself.
92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that RPG characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)
I am not an adventurer or a hero.
93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
To find forgiveness for my sins.
94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Still here, still serving as castle doctor.
95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
In my sleep.
96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
Spend the night with Elza.
Have a drink with Apple.
Fish.
97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
Being a good father.
98. What three words best describe your personality?
Reclusive, introspective and intuitive
99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
Quiet, drunk and compassionate.
100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character?
Forgive yourself, already, Mathiu. You're a good man.