RyverStyx - Tajara Application

[RyverStyx]

BYOND Key: RyverStyx
Character Names:

 
Species you are applying to play: Tajara
What color do you plan on making your first alien character: Silver (RGB 192, 192, 192 / Hex #c0c0c0)
Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes

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:

The Tajaran history and lore is incredibly fascinating to me. For starters, the four separate ethnicities of Tajara show the wide array of playstyles that an individual can use when playing as a Tajara while also having deep impact in both a character's backstory and lore.  To me it is incredibly interesting the way Tajaran evolution has both naturally evolved as well as the way that Tajaran politics and tensions have caused selective breeding within their population. This means that no two Tajara would be alike- and it also causes possible rifts when meeting other Tajara.

The Uprisings that also plague Adhomai's past is probably my favorite part about the Tajaran lore and it is one of the main reasons I would love to play a Tajara. The total dynamic shift of Tajaran civilization and culture will cause a lot of interesting story points for both my character and those who my character comes into contact with! The expansive lore for the PRA, ALA, DPRA, and NKA seemed overwhelming to me at first but now I look at it as a whole new story that I would love to be a part of! I am also curious as to how the lore will progress in the future; whether that be through events, updates, or more.

Whenever I play a character I am looking to advance not only my own story but everyone else's on the station. The wealth of Tajaran lore and the different ways that a Tajara can interact with both other species and their own is truly astounding; there are definitely many ways for a character to progress not only their own story but the Aurora's story as a whole!

Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human:

In-game mechanics for Tajara differ somewhat from a human- although the difference is not major it should still be taken into account when roleplaying. For instance, a Tajara should know that they do not punch (instead they utilize their claws). For a human who is angry just punching someone won't normally get you in a whole lot of trouble. But, as a Tajara if you scratch someone and draw blood it will be seen as more serious. Likewise- Tajara take more brute damage with the tradeoff of being quicker. Their fur even makes them more comfortable in colder environments in-game. This means that they are prone to overheating if an area is too hot. Also- The different breeds of Tajara will affect the way you role-play within the game. Of course there are many more small in-game mechanics that differ but I simply do not want to repeat from the wiki.

However, the in-game mechanics are not the only thing to consider when role-playing as a Tajara. The different split between the breeds of the Tajara in the lore will lead to a different role-play experience as well. A member of a different breed may look down on a Zhan for example due to the perceived inferiority of their intellect. On the opposite end of the spectrum a Njarir’Akhran may be given a greater status when you first meet them in-game. The lore, breed, accent, and background should be taken into account when roleplaying with other Tajara in round and in game.

Character Name: Artem Kuznetsov
Please provide a short backstory for this character

Artem was born in Tampiska during the year of 2440 to two M'sai parents; Varis and Maria Kuznetsov, both of whom worked in cargo inspections of the factories of Tampiska. While the family was not religious they were S'rand'marr Worshipers in name. Artem's parents were very secretive about what they did in their free time; giving Artem little info during his younger years and often leaving him alone in their house once he was old enough to somewhat look out for himself. Artem's sister, Anya, was born in the year of 2450 when Artem was 10. Artem had a special attachment to his younger sister Anya; and often took the role of her caretaker when his parents were absent.

It would later come to light that Varis and Maria were part of early dissident movements and would later join the Liberation Army after it's formation. With the ALA coming into formation during the year of 2451, 11 year old Artem's parents attempted to push their viewpoints onto him. They told him that they were not truly free under the PRA and that true freedom needs to be fought for and won. While Artem had his reserves... he ultimately trusted his parent's viewpoint (even though he resented them slightly for being absent most of his life).

In the year 2455 his parents were meeting with 2 other Liberation Army members in the living area of their family home. Artem and Anya quietly play on the floor underneath the dining room table with toys; completely oblivious to the various parts of machinery and papers atop the table as well as the discussion going on from the connected living room. Artem fondly remembers the way that Anya giggled and laughed as they made their small dolls dance and talk.

However, all of the sudden, everything turned into a blur. Artem was suddenly laying on the floor across the room and could not feel his right arm. He could not hear a thing; aside from the extremely loud ringing that now occupied his ears. He was extremely confused and could see his little sister, Anya, laying still- bleeding from a wound on her head. As it turns out, the machinery atop the table was a small explosive device in the making; intended for use in the ALA's fights against the PRA. The room was in absolute chaos- All of the adults immediately rushed to their aide. However, to Artem, it seemed like time slowed down and an eternity passed before they reached him.

The following night was a complete whirlwind of various ALA doctors looking at Artem's wounds in secret due to the fear that going to an established hospital would alert the PRA to their illegal deeds. Artem would frequently cry out for his sister but his parents would only turn and hide their faces. Later in the night, to Artem's horror, it was revealed that Anya was sitting directly underneath the explosive... She did not survive. Artem was inconsolable; the one family member who actually cared about him was cruelly ripped away in an instant. Artem was plagued with what-ifs. What if he was sitting in Anya's spot? Would she still live? What if Artem had alerted the authorities to his parents illegal activities? What if they decided to play in the living room instead? These questions ran repeatedly through his head. They plagued his mind throughout his restless nights at the ALA doctor's secret clinics.

In the following days Artem's wounds on his arm worsened- the doctors had did all they could for it but it seemed too far gone. Artem's arm would have to be amputated for fear of infection forming and spreading to his body. This further infuriated Artem. He thought, "Why should I suffer due to my parents negligence? What if I was taken to a REAL doctor; would I still have my arm? Why should Anya be ripped from this world due to their beliefs?". He vowed that when he was able; he would make things right... And he knew just what to do. He hid his true feelings and thoughts from his parents. Instead he showed them the complete opposite. He pretended that this incident strengthened his trust in the ALA. He asked to be included in more meetings. More campaigns. He wanted to be all-in.

In 2456, around a year after the incident, the now 16 year-old Artem had collected all the info that he needed. He quietly slipped out of an ongoing meeting armed with documents, photographs, and evidence he had collected in the past year; he quietly made his way to the local PRA installation. He handed over this evidence in exchange for one thing; a new, robotic arm. The PRA members were impressed with Artem's collection of names, evidence, and photographs. They readily agreed to his proposition and told Artem that they would follow him to the ongoing ALA meeting with the intention of arresting the dissidents. As Artem reached the location various PRA agents surrounded the building and burst inside. Various accounts of rifle-fire could be heard from within the building and after a short while the fighting seemed to grow quiet. Various ALA members were being pulled from the building with different wounds. Artem watched as his parents were escorted out the door. He could do nothing but stare coldly at them as the realization showed on their face. Their own son was a traitor to their cause.

After the incident Artem was relocated to Nal'tor with his newly made robotic arm. However, he did have to undergo intense interviews and interrogations to make sure he posed no threat to the PRA. After he was deemed a non-threat he was placed into a cargo inspection role (much like his parents were), as well as cargo security, which he worked at for 2 years. During this time period Artem perfected his Republican Siik'maas accent and took interest in the Visionary Hadiism movement. After this point, Artem's parents were just a memory lost in the wind. His only true family died that day in his dining room. After his home-city of Tampiska came under ALA rule in 2458 Artem was almost conscripted into the Republican Army.

However, since Artem had had enough of war and NanoTrasen employees were exempt from the draft he came into contact with a NanoTrasen recruiter. Due to being an M'sai and having some security work history the NanoTrasen recruiter that Artem came into contact with was quite insistent on having Artem join their corporate security team. Artem weighed his options and found corporate security to be a better chance at a fuller life than that of a soldier. Before the conscription came into existence Artem had already signed a contract with NanoTrasen corporate security under the Non-human Species Integration Program.

From the year 2458 - 2463 Artem was a member of the security team aboard the NSS Exodus. It was rather uneventful throughout his time working there but he did note that the humans were oft unkind. The fact that Artem joined under the Non-human Species Integration Program seemed to do more harm for his social life than it did help. Humans would often remark that he took the job from someone more deserving. Due to this Artem wanted a change of pace and a chance to meet friendlier faces. In 2463 he requested a pay-raise and transfer to the NSS Aurora due to the lucrative Phoron industry that seemed to be booming there. While a raise is pending the transfer was successful.

What do you like about this character?

I like the very intense backstory that this character has. They have a lot of soul and history that can be played out in-game in numerous ways. I also believe that it would be a good character to further the roleplay that takes place on the NSS Aurora. The interactions that this character can have with both humans and Tajara, as well as other species, is something that really intrigues me. I also feel that the way the Tajara lore is incorporated in this character has a chance to showcase the struggles that plague the Tajara homeworld.

The way that Artem can work his role as a security guard is also intriguing to me. He would prefer to avoid conflict when possible; having seen enough of it in his life. However, it's come to be one of the only lines of work that he knows. This has many ways it can play out in round and I'm really excited to explore that aspect!

How would you rate your role-playing ability?

I would say that my roleplaying ability is fairly flexible. I can transition from character to character quite easily while maintaining their individual personalities. While some of my characters are often more eccentric I can also play a more quiet, brooding type! As long as my character has an in-depth backstory and I feel a connection to them I will give it my all while roleplaying! Overall I would say my role-playing abilities are a 👍.

[WickedCybs]

You've done a lot of reading, it seems. The only questions I have are how your character sees the NKA and if their religious inclinations ever changed.

[RyverStyx]

6 minutes ago, WickedCybs said:

You've done a lot of reading, it seems. The only questions I have are how your character sees the NKA and if their religious inclinations ever changed.

Artem views the NKA as a rebel kingdom. This is due to the fact that Artem views the PRA as the only legitimate ruling state of Adhomai. (Let me know if you want some more expansion this)

As far as Artem's religion is concerned; he is trending towards becoming an atheist. While his parents (and himself by extension) were S'rand'marr Worshipers in name the fact that the PRA is a secular state has only strengthened Artem's views that religion is not entirely needed in day to day life. So if anything I would say their views have become more secularized to the point that they do not actively think of their religion.

[WickedCybs]

3 hours ago, RyverStyx said:

Artem views the NKA as a rebel kingdom. This is due to the fact that Artem views the PRA as the only legitimate ruling state of Adhomai. (Let me know if you want some more expansion this)

As far as Artem's religion is concerned; he is trending towards becoming an atheist. While his parents (and himself by extension) were S'rand'marr Worshipers in name the fact that the PRA is a secular state has only strengthened Artem's views that religion is not entirely needed in day to day life. So if anything I would say their views have become more secularized to the point that they do not actively think of their religion.

I think those are fine enough answers for a PRA character, good luck with the application.

[Alberyk]

I have nothing to ask here. The application displays a good knowledge of the lore and uses it well to create a character.

Application accepted.