[Accepted]Adrae's Tajara Application

[Adrae]

BYOND Key:Adrae

Character Names:Lyla Mitchell, Topaz Woodward, Kristen Leach

Species you are applying to play:Tajara

What color do you plan on making your first alien character (Dionaea & IPCs exempt): Cream (RGB 205, 175, 149)

Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes

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Please provide well articulated answers to the following questions in a paragraph format. One paragraph minimum per question

Why do you wish to play this specific race: I like the lore behind both the race, and the current conflict. Their diversity is much more varied, with their various ethnicities each having their own roles. I feel like they are quite interesting, and that they have much more diverse opportunities than a human.

Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: The focus on the war, as well as the motivations for each faction, set the stage for different sorts of RP than humans can usually get. The staining for them all, trying to support their factions while keeping civil aboard the station, makes much more interesting drama.

 

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Character Name: Nenasheva Denisovna

Please provide a short backstory for this character, approximately 2 paragraphs"She doesn't rrrememberrr much of what happened that night. Only the firrres, and scrrreams. Fleeing. The bombs. The bannerrrs of the Rrrrepublic arrrmy as they waved above the burrrning."

Nenasheva spent most of her life on the move. When she was young, just on the cusp of becoming a teenager, her home was destroyed by the People's Repbulic army, and she fled with the survivors towards Dymtris. Refuge there was little better, as every day, more soldiers would be conscripted and sent to die. Terrified of being caught in the crossfire, she desperately pleaded and begged when she was conscripted. Thinking quickly, she offered her services to the recruitment and morale divison.

Soon enough, she found herself as a poster child, her face gracing signs, begging people to protect her, and to help the Kingdom. As the years went by, she began doing more seductive poses, wishing the soldiers well, and anxiously waiting to see them when they returned home. Finally, she began touring with a group, playing instruments to cheer on the troops. She rose to fame among the soldiers, but quickly found herself in more and more dangerous spots. Finally, after a surprise attack almost killed her, she took a break, leaving the planet.

She took a few jobs, and did a few modelling contracts, just to get her name out. Appearing in ads ranging from Zorane to Getmore, to even Battlemonsters, she became well-known, but burnt out. She had been saving her money for a time, but the cash didn't last. After a few years, she needed to find a new job to make ends meet. Looking through some fliers, she kept noticing the mentions of positions for Corporate Reporters. Quickly writing down the information for the companies offering those positions, she nods, looking over to see which of them had job openings that she could take. Narrowing it down to two, she flipped a coin from home. Catching it, she looked at the result. She was going to work for Nanotrasen.

What do you like about this character? This character, while being directly involved in the war, wasn't actually a fighter. Her activities were just as vital to the war effort (Or so she believes), while also representing a faction there is not much talk about. I think it could be quite interesting to have someone who believes in their faction, but is entirely unwilling to be violent for her beliefs.

How would you rate your role-playing ability?7/10, I guess?

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Notes:

[Doxxmedearly]

Adrae's first alien whitelist, how exciting! It's no secret that I'm a fan of your RP and characters, so you have my support in that aspect. Buuut since this is your first xeno app, I think I owe it to you to look over it closely.

Your answers for the "Why do you want to play this race" and "Identify what's different from being human" questions are shorter than I like. My focus is on the latter. It's great that you didn't just list mechanical differences, but it still leaves me lacking confidence that you understand that Tajara aren't just cat-humans. Noting the conflict is good, but I'd like to see you list a little more about them: What are their values, their social dynamics, their views of aliens and their cultures, and other things like that which influence how you might represent one on station. The main one I want you to note is that overall, Tajara are a conservative species. Nenasheva does not necessarily need to 100% fit in the mold, of course, but it is extremely important to keep in mind when it comes to her behavior, and how it might have been (and continue to be) influenced by said culture.

The character concept is interesting, and the story has a lot of good merits; being involved without being a fighter, the fear of conscription, the unique job... All very good! Unique and strong character concepts are something I expect from you. There are a few important blanks here that I think should be looked at, though. And I'm really only picking at these to make sure you understand the ideas fully, for when you make other characters.

1) "She left the planet." It makes it sound so easy. Did she get out with refugees? Was it difficult to leave, if she was still technically a part of the army? Where did she go next, and why?

2) To be a corporate reporter, she would need a relevant Bachelor's degree. Nothing in the backstory implies that she has this. Does she meet the education requirements?

3) More New Kingdom cats, nice. What are her views on the PRA and ALA, and how vocal is she about them? How do you feel like it will go when she meets a vocal Tajara from another faction?

4) What are her views on the war, overall? Does she miss home?

5) How does she view Tau Ceti, and aliens in general?

Where the app stands right now, I'm neutral. I know you have the RP chops to play damn near any character, but I need to know that you have a grasp on the species before I can hit you with that good, good +1.

[Adrae]

Okay, so, I'm going to go through these in order, just so that I can make sure that I cover the points.

 

Your answers for the "Why do you want to play this race" and "Identify what's different from being human" questions are shorter than I like. My focus is on the latter. It's great that you didn't just list mechanical differences, but it still leaves me lacking confidence that you understand that Tajara aren't just cat-humans. Noting the conflict is good, but I'd like to see you list a little more about them: What are their values, their social dynamics, their views of aliens and their cultures, and other things like that which influence how you might represent one on station. The main one I want you to note is that overall, Tajara are a conservative species. Nenasheva does not necessarily need to 100% fit in the mold, of course, but it is extremely important to keep in mind when it comes to her behavior, and how it might have been (and continue to be) influenced by said culture.

 

While, for me, conservative is a bit difficult, I plan on having Nena be extremely shy and modest when she isn't in her "entertainer" role. While helping troops with morale, certain flirtation and clothing are expected, but when she is not acting to help the army, (So, most times), she would be wearing long dresses, not speaking back with sharp barbs or quips, and obeying all orders given to her by those in authority. She wouldn't be relentlessly beating down sec's door to do an interview, but politely requesting that they offer a statement or opinion. It's going to be difficult to do it properly, and I know I'm going to make some mistakes as Nena slips back into her entertainment persona, but I plan on her trying to keep her feelings inside for the most part. Even the inherent racism among the Tajara will be less noticeable, since she was taught to be able to respect everyone, regardless of race. They are all fighting for a better tomorrow after all. She just wishes Zhan-Khazan would bathe more often...

 

1) "She left the planet." It makes it sound so easy. Did she get out with refugees? Was it difficult to leave, if she was still technically a part of the army? Where did she go next, and why?

While it wasn't easy for her to leave, both emotionally and economically, she was offered the chance to leave her home in exchange for a good amount of financial support for the Kingdom. Her new specific job was not to her liking, but it was for the good of the Kingdom, and she regretfully appeared in a clothing magazine, wearing much less than she would've liked. She was offered an honorable discharge, provided she would still answer letters and send videos cheering on the soldiers every few weeks, which she gratefully accepted. Now released to the galaxy at large, she would follow major advertisement agencies from place to place, never staying longer than a few weeks, until she finally got stressed out and quit.

 

2) To be a corporate reporter, she would need a relevant Bachelor's degree. Nothing in the backstory implies that she has this. Does she meet the education requirements?

I would think that the Kingdom, with its focus on creating a new order and bringing light to the genocides of the Republicans, would make sure that their entertainment and morale officers would at least have digital media training, if only to be prepared to creatively enhance photos. Add that to classes she could take while doing her advertisements and modeling, and she would be able to have a degree soon enough.

 

3) More New Kingdom cats, nice. What are her views on the PRA and ALA, and how vocal is she about them? How do you feel like it will go when she meets a vocal Tajara from another faction?

The ALA are a faction so far removed from the area she was in that she's never really encountered them. In a moderately controversial view, she thinks that the NKA and ALA could actually fit together, and make a world where everyone is happy. While they wouldn't fit perfectly, it would be better than a world with Republicanism. She would enjoy talking to them, since she views them as brothers and sisters in arms against the scourge that is Hadii.

The PRA killed her friends, her family, her home. Their very existence is a monument to their sins, and the only redeeming factor of the PRA is that they haven't slaughtered the people of the Sana Sahira, but it's just a matter of time until the demon named Hadii sets his sights on the City of the Suns. Republicanism is genocide, bloodshed, and oppression. While she would not fight them, she would attempt to debate their ethics, since doubt is the first step to realizing that they are serving Raskara in the flesh. Once they recognize their wrongs, they can rise up against the evil of the PRA.

Of course, if they were to become violent or she was to believe she was in danger, she would unashamedly ensure others would be on hand to save her from the violent barbarians. She always had a flair for the dramatic.

 

4) What are her views on the war, overall? Does she miss home?

Her original home is gone, but Dymtris is her new home. She misses it terribly, but knows she can do more by being away than being there. She believes the war is justified, as the PRA are a source of evil, and need to be stopped before they slaughter more innocents.

 

5) How does she view Tau Ceti, and aliens in general?

Tau Ceti has had some troubles lately. With the attack of the Lii'dra, the solar system is finally realizing how awful wide-scale conflict is. The people who live there are skillful and strong, but they don't know true hardship. They, who've never lost their brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, or loved ones to one of their own kind. In that sense, she envies them.

Humans, she is confused by. They have so many people, all shouting different things, and it is hard to find any unification among them. They are chaos incarnate, and yet, somehow managed to expand and even find Adhomai

The Skrell, she respects. They understand the concept of political unity, and have saved more lives than she would ever be able to count, through their medical technology and skill.

The Vaurca, she sympathizes with. They've lost their home, and have been welcomed into a new home. While some people can't seem to understand that not all vaurca are bad, she understands the idea. After all, not all Tajara are good.

The Unathi, she fears. They represent what could happen if the PRA wins: Her whole world wiped out in a cloud of ash, dust, and radiation. They are a strong people, but are a constant reminder that her world could face the same end soon.

IPCs are just machines that have thoughts. Interesting, but subject to more flaws than organics. After all, you can't ask an IPC to truly understand music, or to truly comprehend the beauty of the sunrise. For that, she pities them.

[Doxxmedearly]

Wow. For the most part, these are extremely good answers.

 

Her new specific job was not to her liking, but it was for the good of the Kingdom, and she regretfully appeared in a clothing magazine, wearing much less than she would've liked. She was offered an honorable discharge, provided she would still answer letters and send videos cheering on the soldiers every few weeks, which she gratefully accepted. Now released to the galaxy at large, she would follow major advertisement agencies from place to place, never staying longer than a few weeks, until she finally got stressed out and quit.

This is so good. I love it. I love that going away from her planet was taxing, that her opportunities she found in alien space made her uncomfortable (But you have to do what you can to eat)... it's really one of the most solid takes on an immigration story I've seen. And this explains, to me, the transition from model to reporter. I definitely think her experience in morale work would make her a prime pick for a job that involves putting a positive spin on corporate news.

 

Of course, if they were to become violent or she was to believe she was in danger, she would unashamedly ensure others would be on hand to save her from the violent barbarians. She always had a flair for the dramatic.

I really like this; it gives me a sense of personality that shows her dramatic flair, while retaining some of her original fear when it came to fighting.

 

The ALA are a faction so far removed from the area she was in that she's never really encountered them. In a moderately controversial view, she thinks that the NKA and ALA could actually fit together, and make a world where everyone is happy. While they wouldn't fit perfectly, it would be better than a world with Republicanism. She would enjoy talking to them, since she views them as brothers and sisters in arms against the scourge that is Hadii.

I don't know how to feel about it! The ALA isn't exactly pals with the NKA. I want to hear Mofo's input on this. I feel like it CAN be justified, but it's a stretch. I still like that she doesn't dislike both opposing factions equally.

 

The PRA killed her friends, her family, her home. Their very existence is a monument to their sins, and the only redeeming factor of the PRA is that they haven't slaughtered the people of the Sana Sahira, but it's just a matter of time until the demon named Hadii sets his sights on the City of the Suns. Republicanism is genocide, bloodshed, and oppression. While she would not fight them, she would attempt to debate their ethics, since doubt is the first step to realizing that they are serving Raskara in the flesh. Once they recognize their wrongs, they can rise up against the evil of the PRA.

Excellent.

 

While, for me, conservative is a bit difficult, I plan on having Nena be extremely shy and modest when she isn't in her "entertainer" role. While helping troops with morale, certain flirtation and clothing are expected, but when she is not acting to help the army, (So, most times), she would be wearing long dresses, not speaking back with sharp barbs or quips, and obeying all orders given to her by those in authority. She wouldn't be relentlessly beating down sec's door to do an interview, but politely requesting that they offer a statement or opinion.

They are all fighting for a better tomorrow after all. She just wishes Zhan-Khazan would bathe more often...

 

These answers overall have done so much in telling me about your character, and that you understand how to play them. You did an excellent job, as I expected. Strong +1 from me.

[Mofo1995]

The application is good, but at first it wasn't clear to me that she was a kingdom kat other than having fled to Dymtris. Based on how her home was destroyed by commie commisars when she was on the cusp of being a teen, that would put it at some 10/11 years ago, so it also took some context clues to put together your kool kat would be in her early 20's or so by now. At first I was uncertain about how I felt about a pinup model and USO-type performer. But now that I've dwelled on the thought for a little while, I think it's a fresh and welcome take on the war experience, and I'm willing to accept this application.