survey

[lyriumcarved]

Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy? Tall and lanky.

2. How old is he? Late 20s, going to go with 28 at the end of DAII (making him around 22 in Act 1, 25 in Act 2).

3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch? He's got this tense slouching posture when standing in place that really looks like he's ready to flee at any moment. When waiting/standing around he also glances around furtively and seems anxious, usually standing well apart from everyone or facing away.

4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities? Generally physically fit from all that running around he does. He's got tattoos infused with lyrium of all things, but it's had no ill effects that you'd expect (not like a lyrium addict). He is in near constant pain thanks to the tattoos, though, and doesn't like to be touched much because of that.

5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid? Tense, so very tense, and skittish. He's like a feral cat... well, wolf. Very fluid overall in battle.

6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror? Fenris doesn't think about this very much, and admittedly has a hard time looking at himself in the mirror given the lyrium markings that cover him. He's more attractive than he'd give himself credit for, and even moreso when he smiles. (Or when he makes that wounded puppy look...)

7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred? Light overall.

8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style. Pale white, short, sometimes falls in his eyes or right near them.

9. What color are his eyes? Green.

10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features? The lyrium-infused tattoos that were etched all over his body are pretty damn noteworthy! They cover him from the chin and downward, symmetrically etched as seen here. They're mostly covered up, though the ones on his chin, neck, and arms are pretty visible. They're white, but take on an eerie lyriumy blue glow when his powers are activated.

11. What are his chief tension centers? Totally his back, look at that posture!

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? Practical overall, he never really thought about clothes much in his life as a slave, and there was no time to be concerned while on the run. He wears sturdy armor, though... which incidentally doesn't include shoes. just kind of stirrup things that wrap over his feet from his pants. (No shoes is maybe the most elf thing he does). Though he does allow himself some fun wardrobe additions when in a romance with Hawke: the Amell family crest hanging off his belt and a red band around his right glove.

13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them? Overall, they're well fitting.

14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences? Pretty much the same.

15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando? Boxers or even boxer-briefs, they just need to be really comfy and not all restrictive. (Isabela likes to guess the color!)



Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse? Hot Deep and manly, slight accent.

2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate? Talks easily when he chooses to talk, overall pretty evenly. Definitely doesn't hesitate, especially when angered.

3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics? Mostly, it's that he sounds like he's from Tevinter.

4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency? Tevene and Common, some Qunari language (but has a terrible accent for that one), bits of elvish. He's got a good talent for listening and picking them up!

5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations? Sometimes switches to Tevene when angry to swear, and for other reasons that might call for it.

6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words? He can be pretty cutting when he speaks his mind, so sometimes he does make sure to take time to consider his words more carefully.

7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change? Overall, somewhere in the middle... he's quite good at expressing himself and getting to the point.



Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart? Street-smart, he's been on the run for so long that it's just in his nature to be that way. He also didn't really have any opportunity to learn to read or anything as a slave in Tevinter, so what he knows he knows through direct experience. Still, he shows himself to be very intelligent despite the circumstances that he came from. He's clever, and easily picks things up by observing.

2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate? Thinks on his feet mainly because he's had to all that time on the run. He's gotten used to that overall and tends not to want to hang around too long when action is needed.

3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical? Practical, logical for the most part. He's been living in survival mode for a long time, though, so he does have times where he knows to trust his instincts.

4. What kind of education has the character had? As a Tevinter slave? No formal education at all. He reveals to Hawke that he hadn't learned to read up until that point, but would like to try. Yet he does seem overall very articulate, so he must have picked up vocabulary by listening to those around him, and learned as much as he could from whatever he heard... learning mostly through observation, pretty much. He also mentions he picked up Qunari language by listening to them, confirming that he's compensated for lack of formal learning by picking things up quick by observing/listening/experiencing.

5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about? Because his memories are gone, even he can't be completely sure. He does have knowledge of the Qun ways thanks to his time spent among the Fog Warriors. He also knows how to use a two-handed weapon, and use it well, and he's adept with his powers from the lyrium markings (he is pro at "reaching into someone's chest and squishing their heart"). He's great at survival and being on the run (not that being a fugitive is exactly something he'd enjoy doing more of though). He's still kind of looking for a direction in some ways, but he does feel passionately about tearing down slavers at every opportunity. He would like to improve his reading now that he's started learning thanks to a gift from Hawke.

6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert? Introvert, he holds a lot of things close, though he's the sort who can and will open up to people he trusts enough. A lone wolf by nature and circumstance, but not entirely opposed to company. The right sort of company.

7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven? Overall broody and bitter, and gives off these airs pretty constantly. He's melancholy and prone to thinking the worst, generally not someone to go to for an optimistic outlook. Yet there's a side of him that can and will relax, laugh and smile, even joke with the other companions. Very driven, initially by hatred: of Danarius and other slavers and of magic. Now he mostly turns that drive into kicking slaver's asses.

8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic? SUSPICIOUS. God, yeah, he's a "mistrust first and ask questions later" type. He'll keep new people at a distance until he knows they can be trusted. Mages get extra distrust and scrutiny before he feels like he can trust them. New situations overall would be overwhelming to him, and he'd be looking for an escape route in case of danger.

9. Is he more likely to act, or to react? Used to be react, he's spent the only life he knows reacting: obeying Danarius' every order, even when it meant killing people he'd befriended. Later on, he's reacting as he goes on the run, trying to stay a step ahead of the slavers. Then... he starts to act. He starts to take matters into his hands by purposefully going after Hadriana, then going to meet his sister. Even joining Hawke took action, a deliberate choice. So he has turned more to action.

10. Which is his default: fight or flight? Flight. It's the only way he had to survive, so it's more the flight of a feral... well, wolf, basically. He knows when it's best to get the hell out of a place... and he even runs from the Hawke relationship the first time around. (His main dialogue throughout the game is "We should move on"). Though he'll definitely fight when backed into a corner, and he's by no means a coward. He'll also pick fight if it's to defend someone he cares about or someone else worth defending.

11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks? You wouldn't think it, but Fenris not only appreciates humor, he has a pretty hilarious sense of humor. He jokes, he smiles, he laughs and it's hysterical because it's probably unexpected most of the time when it happens. He's quick to make dry, sarcastic remarks, showing plenty of wit in his banter with the rest of the party (dialogue with Varric is especially great at showing off his sense of humor). He's still not the go-to comedian of the group and he has that reputation as a somber type... but that makes his funny moments all the better when they happen.

12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them? There's the amnesia. During the procedure to give him his markings, Fenris lost his memory as a result. He has nothing at all from before that time, not even remembering why he got the markings in the first place. This also means he has no memories of his childhood or family... or even his real name, Leto (he was given the name "Fenris", or "little wolf", by Danarius). It definitely has an impact on him, but he tries to just get by with what he knows. The whole procedure that gave him the markings was especially traumatic, and he remembers that as being quite agonizing (and pretty much would be his first known memory). [Has flashes of memories if he sleeps with Hawke, but it's not entirely a pleasant experience].

13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person? Getting the tattoos, which erased his memories. Bonding with the Fog Warriors and tasting freedom. Being forced to kill the Fog Warriors. Becoming a fugitive. Killing Hadriana and Danarius. Meeting his sister and being betrayed by her. [Optional: Hawke or Isabela relationships]. Realizing he has friends.

14. What does he fear? Being taken back into slavery, Danarius. Magic, especially blood magic.

15. What are his hopes or aspirations? Still working on that one. He put so much into his loathing for his former master that killing him was almost a let-down, left him feeling adrift.

16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him? There's not much to find out, given he doesn't remember it. But he doesn't open up about much of his background until he really trusts someone, so he wouldn't be comfortable with basically anything getting out that he didn't want to talk about.



Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents. Unfortunately, he doesn't really remember them. :( He knows basically nothing about his father. He knows now that he must have loved his mother a great deal, to try and free her and his sister from slavery. His mother has since died, though.

2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like? Yes, a sister, Varania. He doesn't remember anything at all about growing up, but he now knows he must have been protective toward her, to go through with the lyrium markings in order to earn hers and their mother's freedom. Nowadays, though... their relationship is pretty well ruined, unfortunately. She had bargained with Danarius to help him find Fenris in exchange for an apprenticeship. Fenris would have killed her were it not for Hawke's intervention.

Oh. Yeah. About that apprenticeship. She's a mage of all things. That also seriously complicated everything between them.

3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand? He had a mother, who's now deceased... and who he doesn't remember. He has no idea about his father. Or other blood relatives, for that matter.

4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them? His companions have become his family, whether he likes it or not. (Yeah, I'm listing the rivalrous ones here too).

Anders: Ugh. UGH UGH UGH. Believes that Anders is a danger to himself and society. Fenris doesn't have a very high opinion of Anders at all, and the feeling is mutual. He's always quick to make snide remarks toward or about Anders. It's because of the magic, of course, but the real trouble is that Anders is bonded with an abomination. They constantly clash on the mages vs. templars matter.

Aveline: Gets along well enough despite her lawfulness sometimes being a bit much. She does seem to sort of let him slide when it comes to living at the mansion. He picks up on the fact she's doing a courting tradition too. Has her husband over to his house occasionally for games of diamondback. They share the same opinions of slavers.

Bethany: (If alive) Feels guarded toward her, but not as bad as toward most other mages. Mostly, it's because she doesn't do any creepy weird shit, like have a thing possess her or practice blood magic. He even makes a remark that she "wasn't weak". He really can't understand why she'd rather be an apostate on the run rather than submit to the safety of the circles. Overall, though, it's a more favorable relationship than the other mages in the party.

Carver: (if alive) Overall finds him a bit... insufferable and obnoxious, but hey, he's not a mage!

Hawke: Great respect. Hawke is someone who Fenris was able to open up to more than most any of their companions, and he was there for a lot of huge moments in Fenris' recent life (like killing the slavers, Hadriana and Danarius). Hawke is someone who Fenris gives his full loyalty... even if it means supporting mages, surprisingly. Made sure to give his condolences when Hawke's mother was killed. Hawke also stopped him from killing his own sister not to mention kept Danarius from taking him back. Fenris told his whole backstory to Hawke, too, or at least what he knew of it, which wasn't easy to talk about. Possibly a romantic interest, so Hawke is also the most important person to him. (Open to rivalry too, of course, which brings a whole new dynamic to him and Hawke).

Isabela: Enjoys her company, finds her easy to get along with, and finds her overall attractive. Sometimes she says sexual things that are so unexpected he doesn't know wtf to think. Though on occasion he'll even gladly flirt right back at her when she makes her suggestive remarks. Sometimes he might sort of seem to be rolling his eyes at some of the things she says, but he enjoys her company. She's lively and free spirited, which is a great contrast to his more brooding demeanor. They definitely share feelings about freeing slaves... though they're divided on mages (she thinks everyone should be free, he thinks mages are too dangerous for their own good). They also similar moral views (bad people deserve what's coming to them, and sometimes you have to go ahead and deal with shit on your own). If not in a ship with Hakwe, he'll sleep with her, though keeps feelings out of it.

Merrill: Thinks she's a naive child playing with fire. She's into blood magic. Enough said. He's openly disdainful toward her, and even comments that she demonstrates the reason "no one takes the Dalish seriously." They share a racial heritage, being elves, but it stops there. Fenris doesn't consider elven history his own history in the way it is for her. He gets really frustrated and annoyed with her talk of their "people." He thinks she's dangerous, just a step away from becoming an abomination. He even calls her a monster at one point.

Varric: The one who brings out the humor and the more "fun" side of Fenris. Varric is the one who he'll play cards with and hang out for a drink or several at the Hanged Man. Exchanging witty banter is kind of their thing. He does sometimes get annoyed at Varric constantly picking on his "brooding", but has learned to put up with it, and fire back with sarcasm. He calls Varric odd or strange on more than one occasion, the guy can be downright baffling sometimes... even the mere fact he seems to hold no firm opinion of mages vs templars (that he'll admit).

5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet? Maybe he had one as a slave, but he somehow doubts that. Hawke is basically the closest thing to a BFF he ends up having, the one he spills the most personal stuff to.

6. Does he have other close friends? Not really. He keeps to himself for the most part and in one conversation, Varric mentions how like a ghost he is even after three years, and it couldn't hurt him to make more friends. Though he does mention in one that Aveline's husband, Donnic, comes over on occasion for card games.

7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people? Fenris can be hard to get to know. He doesn't like to be coddled, but likes to have his problems understood. He also doesn't hold back when he dislikes something intensely: you will know about it. This can make him hard to get along with to some people... and it's fully possible to become his rival in the game if you rub him the wrong way. He stubbornly sticks to his convictions and can't be pushed. Things which earn his friendship: going against magic/mages/blood magic, going against slavery, siding with elves and protecting innocents. He actually can be a pretty easygoing and surprisingly talkative person when you become his friend: he will open up to those he's close enough to. He'll even crack a joke or a smile around friends.

8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends? Friends are all he has now, so they're it. He likes the idea of family, and wanted to find his at one time and then... well... things didn't work out so great.

9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once? No marriages. Currently single [or with Hawke depending on things].

10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse? Depending on decisions, this could be Hawke, he's had some flings with Isabela though it's mostly physical for that relationship.

11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest? He can't remember a first. :( His latest would either be Hawke or Isabela, maybe a bit of both.

12. What does he look for in a romantic partner? Someone who helps him relax is great, he's still "on the run" in some ways, so he needs someone who can just help him slow down. Someone who makes him feel valued for who he is. He's not picky about race or gender. While he really doesn't try to look at mages as potential partners, if trust builds right, he'll even go for them. Above all else, trust is the most important thing. Also, no sharing. You are his when things finally go that way and he gets over his insecurities (tells Zevran to back off when he hits on Hawke for instance, if in a Hawkeship). He's ok with more casual things with feelings left out (Isabela-ship), but even then he still prefers keeping things exclusive between them.

13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any? No children. He isn't really too sure or thinking about it much at all at this time. He's been living a life on the run for a long time, after all...

14. Does he have any rivals or enemies? Danarius is #1 on the enemy list and needs to die die die right now. His loathing for his former master is off the charts. Hadriana, Danarius' apprentice, is also up there and just as awful: she ridiculed him, denied him meals and interrupted his sleep. As for rivals... Fenris really clashes with Anders, whose feelings are mutual. Fenris isn't too fond of Merrill either, given she's not only a mage but a blood mage. Interestingly, Merrill doesn't share the loathing. In general, Fenris is extremely cautious of mages he doesn't know, and tends to think of them as rivals first before getting to know them.

15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale? 3-ish, maybe a slight leaning more toward women (given we see him with Isabela), but not exclusively, given he's capable of pairing with either male/female Hawke.

16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him? Fenris isn't usually actively looking for intimacy, and considering his past and the fact that his markings frequently pain him, he has other concerns. Yet, he can and will get involved with someone if they're the right person. (Hawke is a potential partner, and Isabela potentially too). It just takes work to get past his prickly exterior. He prefers a direct approach when it comes to sex (he gets right to the point about asking Isabela back around for more).

17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits? BE DIRECT. Honesty and just getting to the point go a long way for Fenris and entering a relationship. Turned on by respect, honestly, he doesn't remember anything in the past, so he's still figuring things out. But he needs someone he can trust first and foremost. He also seems fond of flirtation, and flirtatious types (that Isabela romance). He's turned off by coddling, anyone who dismisses his concerns, and so on. The only weird thing are his markings, but they don't impede him from overall enjoying sex.


Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type? Probably Cancer. His moodiness makes this a good contender and he also keeps up a sort of metaphorical crab shell around himself as a means of self-preservation. Literally is crabby. Yet also very loyal and protective of those he cares about. Highly sensitive under that hard exterior. Plus, Cancer's planet is the moon... seems appropriate for a guy who's got such wolfy associations.

2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life? It's complicated. He's not really religious. He even makes a remark in banter that the Maker "abandoned" him, indicating that he does believe but he's sort of... skeptical about that Maker really doing anything useful for him. ("It doesn't feel like the Maker cares for me... or anyone.") He doesn't believe it's worth waiting around for some kind of divine intervention, it's necessary to take action instead. Yet he seems to want to believe, or try to follow some sort of moral code ("To kill oneself is a sin in the eyes of the Maker").

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? Being among the Fog Warriors was really Fenris' first taste of freedom and had a huge influence on him. Before that time he didn't really even think of it, there was no chance. But among that group of rebel Qunari, he started to value freedom and the idea of fighting for it. Overall, he seems somewhere in the Neutral region, leaning somewhat Chaotic. He values protecting the weak and innocent, yet he's fueled hardcore by hatred and personal revenge, and would probably put his own interests a little above some unachievable "greater good". At one point in banter, he even warns Hawke that Hawke gets too involved in others' affairs, and shouldn't take such risks. Fenris also won't hesitate to take the life of someone who's deserving in his eyes... even his own sister. He would love nothing more than to see the magister class fall in Tevinter, too. On the other hand, he would not want to kill anyone innocent to make such a thing happen.

4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent? It depends. When it comes to mages and unusual magic practices (especially blood magic), he's completely hateful, with no toleration whatsoever. He can learn to tolerate mages, on a case by case basis, but even then he's still always wary. He's tolerant of other beliefs though... In particular, he learned a lot about the Qunari during his time among the Fog Warriors, so has an understanding of their ways (even if he'd never, ever join them: he may respect them as people, but he sees their culture as terrible and oppressive, thanks to his Qunari experience among the freedom-loving Fog Warriors).

5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them? No racial prejudices... Fenris' one huge prejudice is against mages. It's not without good reason, though he often does take it too far. His experiences as a slave in Tevinter showed him the worst sides of magic with the Magisters, and to him all mages are basically just a step away from becoming abominations. He fears magic so in turn fears/mistrusts those who wield it and isn't really good at giving mages the benefit of the doubt. He firmly believes that if circles were abolished and mages freed, they'd just rise up and become like the magisters of Tevinter. His zero tolerance for this sort of thing makes him come off pretty harsh toward mages in the game (Anders and Merrill in particular). Yet he is capable of forming friendships with them, and even potential relationships (mage Hawke for instance).


Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt? At the moment, he's not too bad off, managing to get by working with Hawke and being a mercenary in general. He's comfortable, not especially rich although he occupies his master's old mansion in the rich part of town.

2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him? Fenris was an elven slave in Tevinter, growing up, and was once known as Leto. Eventually, he would compete and win a competition to have the lyrium markings carved into his flesh... in order to free his sister and mother. Later on, Fenris' status changes again as he goes on the run from his former master, leaving behind a life of slavery. He's still a fugitive when he meets up with Hawke... eventually, he kills Danarius and is essentially free from that point on.

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? Fenris lives in a mansion located in the rich residential section of Hightown. It formerly belonged to Danarius, but he's taken it over. It actually looks to be somewhat in disarray, since Danarius has moved on from it.

4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on? Weapons, mainly, or their maintenance. Food and drink for sure, and he'll throw in bets for card games at the Hanged Man. [Gifts if in a relationship].

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? Killing slavers. That's his living. He is damn good at it. Basically, he becomes a mercenary and goes around killing the slavers who try to catch refugees and such.

6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time? Choreographing dance routines around the mansion Fenris spends free time drinking/brooding, or at the Hanged Man playing cards, especially Wicked Grace (revealed in party banter with Varric).

7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods? Regularly eats meals, nothing too unusual there. He's used to skipping them, and it's still a luxury to be able to sit, relax and eat without looking over his shoulder for someone coming after him. He also often got denied meals as a slave, so there is no chance he's going to go without now that he can. Drinks wine, whether in celebration or other reasons.



Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:

1. Color? Glowing blue
2. Smell? Any sort of lyrium-scent
3. Time of day? Night, especially a full moon (wolf associations)
4. Season? Winter
5. Book? The Book of Shartan, a gift from Hawke and the one he learned to read with.
6. Music? Not much for music, he even says he likes quiet.
7. Place? Tevinter, Seheron
8. Substance? Lyrium!
9. Plant? Anything prickly and thorny.
10. Animal? Wolf. (His name means "little wolf").
11. Food/Drink? Wine for sure, specifically Agreggio Pavali. Food anything but fish yuck fish. Likes apples in particular.
12. Pets? Nope.
13. Weapons? The Blade of Mercy, a two-handed greatsword and gift from Hawke.
14. Items? Gifts from Hawke, including the Book of Shartan and the Blade of Mercy.
15. Myers-Briggs? ISTJ
16. Element? Lyrium?? No, probably fire for his anger, a smoldering, simmering fire.


END
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