Giant Character Survey: Salkia-Based PART 3
When do they consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)?
-When it's necessary. When there are no other options. When he's backed into a corner or his loved ones are hanging in the balance.
When do they consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)?
-Needlessly, uselessly, for fun, or just because someone can.
What would they do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under their "wrong" circumstances, what would be their reaction?
-He's faced it before, and despite he himself having killed under those circumstances, he still finds it sickening.
What if it were their enemy?
-And that's where there is a disconnect. He wouldn't care. He'd probably see it as less work for him to have to do later. He might even be a little miffed that he didn't get to take his enemy down himself.
What if it were their friend?
-There would be no help for the one who did it. He would end their life as quick as he possibly could.
What if it were an innocent?
-He doesn't like to see innocent blood spilled. He would probably try to exact revenge for this "innocent".
What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)?
-He'd have to try and bring them out of it. He's faced this down before, too, and it's never pleasant.
What would they do if someone shot at (attacked) them?
-He'd retaliate.
What would they do if something were stolen from them?
-If it was something inconsequential he might feel a little miffed, but he'd let it go. If it was something very important (EX: The Puzzle somehow) he'd do whatever he had to to get it back.
What would they do if they were badly insulted publicly?
-What kind of insults? He'd probably shrug them off or retaliate with something sly; try not to let whoever it is get under his skin. In the end he knows that's the reason they're doing it, for reaction.
What would they do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death?
-He'd be devastated.
What is the one task they would absolutely refuse to do?
-Betraying, harming, or killing his friends and loved ones- or innocents for that matter.
What do they consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why?
-Murder; betrayal, manipulation and deception are right up there, however.
How do they feel about government (rulers) in general?
-His own was run by him and his Sacred Court and he thought he did an alright job. His father always was better at it and did a perfect job, as far as he was concerned.
Why do they feel that way?
-Because he was part of it, family was part of it. He was taught how to try and please, how to try and rule, what was fair and wasn't fair.
Do they support the current government of their homeland?
-Well of course.
If so, how far are they willing to go to defend the government? If not, do they actively oppose it?
-He would, of course, defend his father's ideals until his dying breath. His own are also hard to sway, but if really given a good argument and portrayal of what's wrong with the way he's doing things, he would look at it.
Do they belong to an anti-government organization?
-Absolutely not.
If so, describe the group and its aims.
-N\A
What form of government do they believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why?
-Obviously monarchy is the most obvious choice, being that he inherited his rule and government into his own hands. But with his Sacred Court who also acted as his advisors and were always by his side, this makes it more of a theocracy.
Have they ever been persecuted for their political stance?
-A tricky little thief sought to outright kill Atem and banish the royal line. But it was pretty obvious that he wanted to just rule the world, too, so their views couldn't have actually been that different (aside from the fact that Bakura just wanted to rule, Atem wanted to rule right)
If so, describe the occurrence and how it affected them?
-He had to fight a very long and tiresome battle throughout that entire escapade.
Are they a member of any non-religious group, cause, order, or organization?
-No.
If so describe it, its goals, and membership.
-N\A
How loyal are they to this group and why?
-N\A
How did they become a member?
-N\A
If they are a former member, did they leave voluntarily or involuntarily and why?
-N\A
Was it under good (amicable) conditions or bad?
-N\A
Are they being sought or hunted by the organization?
-N\A
If so, by whom and with what intent (to murder they, to force their return through blackmail or coercion, to spy on they and make sure they do not reveal any of the groups secrets)?
-N\A
Do they have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others?
-His pride is always noticed, as well as his logical state of mind and his quietness at times when he's inside his own mind.
If so, describe them and how they acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them.
-Atem has gained his pride over many, many years. He's just a prideful person, being a ruler and God-King will do that to you, but he always tried to not let it get the best of him. Sometimes it's not helpful though, when he's Dueling or talking about something or doing something that he knows he's good at or is right about. Logic comes with Dueling too, as well as in sticky situations, and he's a quick thinker to boot. Quietness is more reserved around new people or when he's feeling particularly solemn or off his own game. He's learned this through a number of people- when it is better to hold your tongue than to speak foolishly.
How do they react if made fun of for any of these things?
-A stare, an eye-roll, a scoff.
Do they have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed?
-He tends to shift a lot, if he's standing- he also has defense stances, such as arms going over his chest or his hip shifting outward, a hand going to rest on it. He sometimes runs a hand through his hair when he's just played out or lightly stressed.
If so, are there any reasons behind them from their past?
-The hip shifts are more of a prideful peacock thing. He's displaying that he can be outwardly aggressive or that you're not getting to him or that he wants more. Crossing his arms over his chest just feels protective, like he can protect himself from anything by doing it. The hair thing is just something he started doing after a long while; it goes good with a sigh. Quite dramatic.
Do they have an unusual gait or accent?
-His accent is heavy when he's speaking his native tongue and grows deeper when he's rushed or overly emotional, obviously. But his Japanese sounds like he could have been born there, too, thanks to Yuugi.
If so, where did they acquire them?
-Egypt and Japan respectively (or a young Japanese boy if you want to be more specific).
Are there any circumstances where they become more (or less) evident?
-His emotions play a big part in his natural tongue.
How do they feel and react if made fun of for any of these things?
-Who would dare? He's never encountered this before.
What place would they most like to visit?
-He's not much for traveling.
What (if any) are their favorite forms of art?
-He really does enjoy literature; written word, obviously. Music can sometimes be inspiring, too.
What is their most treasured possession?
-His Puzzle. Despite what it is and all the trouble it's caused, it's the one thing that gives him the most power- and the only remaining tie to his people, Yuugi and his father that he has left.
What things could he/ she not live without?
-The normal amenities- though he dissolves pretty quickly without his friends. This comes from being used to being alone, afraid, and no one. Having made so many friends, it's really hard to have to go back to that.
Do they have a good luck charm?
-Jounouchi? That guy is pretty lucky.
If their life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would they do in those remaining hours?
-Atem is constantly living with the notion that at any moment he could die, that he could be taken away. But he tries not to let that overtake him. If it was imminent, however, he would just spend as much time as he could saying goodbye, and alternatively listening to Seto bark about how there's no way he'll allow it. A Duel or two, would be nice as well.
Do they have a "Black-and-White" view of reality or can they see shades of grey?
-I think in the beginning he was definitely trained to try to see all aspects of things, all sides of a story (grey). After being locked up it became very cut and dry (black and white). You do bad you are bad, you annoy my friends you're going to die (despite the fact that he was and did bad very often but he never said he wasn't a hypocrite at least or that he didn't acknowledge he was a terrible person). It's shifted back to grey again with the help of Yuugi and friends.
Do they prefer to tear down or build up?
-Build up, always, even if there's a chance you'll lose it all.
Are they deliberate or spontaneous?
-Very deliberate and thought out. He gets flustered when spontaneous things are thrown his way (see: Date with Anzu).
Do they prefer the town or the country?
-He loved the life of the city back in Egypt. But he's probably carrying a little flame for beautiful countryside after having experienced it in his journeys with Yuugi.
If made to decide, would they rather be deaf or blind? Why?
-Deaf, most likely. His eyesight is very valuable to him in a metaphorical and literal sense. Can he see and sense wrong doings, and can he see and touch things dear to him. Worst of all, being blind might prevent him from Dueling and we can't have that. Aside that, he does enjoy watching his friends and loves smile and be warm. Not being able to hear them and hear the roar of a duel monster would be devastating, but not being able to see them would be much more so.
How do they feel about magic, myth, and the supernatural?
-He has tamed magic, has become myth to some and was a supernatural being at one point in his life.
Do they remember their dreams?
-Too vividly, sometimes.
Describe a typical dream they might have.
-Sounds, feelings, colors and blurbs. Most of his more pleasant dreams are either ones he can't remember or ones that have scenes going by too quickly for him to realize.
Describe their worst nightmares.
-Watching the death of his parents (seeing their dead bodies), feeling the pain of loss, dying on the battlefield, being confined in darkness, being alone, being disowned or betrayed by the people he loves, not being able to save the people he loves.
Career/Training
Where and how were they educated?
-In the palace; via scrolls, legends, facts, data, books and other things usually used to educate someone.
Who trained them in their class or job?
-Various tutors that are usually tasked with training young royalty.
What was their relationship with their teacher(s)/mentor(s)?
-Probably not very good when he was younger. He was a bit restless and kind of just wanted to play hide and seek a lot of the time. But when he grew a bit older he really did buckle down and take everything to heart and mind.
How did they happen across this teacher or mentor?
-They were chosen by his father and mother, no doubt.
Was their mentor kind, stern, cruel, indifferent?
-I could see mentors trying to be firm, but also scared of angering a young Prince.
Is this person or institution still in existence?
-No way.
Were they forced into their profession by parents or peers?
-Well... technically, on being a Pharaoh. His profession now is kind of being the King of Games. That was more forced by fate, than anything.
Did circumstances dictate their choice of profession?
-All the way. Being born a prince and having his father die gave him the throne. Being locked away as a spirit and found by Yuugi in a world of card games gave him the chance to be the King at them.
Were they a prize student or did they just barely pass?
-In the earlier years he probably slacked and didn't pay much attention, like I said. But around 10ish he buckled down and was a very astute child and a quick learner.
Look at their skills. How did they acquire them (especially the unusual ones)?
-Most of his skills are logic and game based. He came into his own with most of those, being really good at games and strategy even when he was younger. He was able to think quick on his feet or on the board and outwit every single person who came up against him. Today that still true, for the most part. They came in under necessity and want to be a very good ruler, some just with natural talent.
Have they ever done anything else for a living?
-With this skill set and the fact that card games rule everything in the YGO world, there's not much he could or would want to do with his skill set.
How do they function in combat (maneuvers, weaknesses)?
-He's small, light and quick on his feet. He's usually always one step ahead of his opponent. Sometimes his smugness or arrogance can cost him a great deal, however, and give his enemies a chance to strike back. Even after all these years he still has to work on that.
How would they best be defeated?
-Striking when he's weak or overly confident and being absolutely relentless afterwards- don't give him a chance to recover because he will. Then it's over for you.
Have they ever received any awards or honors?
-A ruling hand over the entire Egypt in his past life, the title of King of Games in this one.
What have they done that was considered "outstanding" in their occupation by others in their field?
-Atem was seen as a very good leader (as good as or better than his father but he would never believe it). And he's an excellent gamer, always on top of everyone else.
What are their long-term goals in work?
-If he ever gets back to Domino, I'm sure he'd like to keep on playing games until he just can't anymore.
Describe any traumatic experiences in their present occupation that has affected them deeply in some way.
-Losing is always very hard for Atem. When he loses it means he is simply not good enough or he's got something very big to learn. Every time Atem has lost a game it's been due to the fact that he really screwed up in some way, shape, or form. Losing is hard for him. It really forces him to have to take a look at himself and what he's done wrong.
How do their relatives and friends view their present occupation?
-They think it's the most awesome thing ever, obviously.
Is there anything that they don't currently know how to do that they wish they could?
-He's finding out about all these new games that Yuugi's time has. He wants to learn how to play them all (and become good at them\perfect strategies for them).
Are they envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are they sullen and morose about it?
-Yuugi always seems to shine through with this quality. Atem's not really sullen, maybe a slight bit envious, but more than anything he's curious. How Yuugi can always keep a positive is remarkable to him.
PART 4