Name: Damir Kirilovich Kozel Nickname:Always goes by his surname Gender: Male Age: 36 (12.27.1762) Occupation: Servant at the Fox & Hounds Inn Homeland: Katchia Residence: Western Palisade; living in the servants' quarters of Fox & Hounds Obligatory Man Man Song:Head On
Appearance
Easily overlooked for his short stature and underwhelming appearance, Kozel takes great pains to further downplay his existence, slinking about silently with all the practiced invisibility expected of a good servant: only there when needed, and at no other time. But if anyone ever did happen to stop him and take a closer look, they'd see a rather morose man, dark hair parted neatly to the side, but maybe he's not as clean-cut as he used to be. His jaw is often covered in stubble, and those once-bright blue eyes are deep-set and lined with exhaustion. He's got a sickly air to him, gaunt in the face with sunken cheeks, and one might then realize hey, he's not just short but a little thin, too, his wary gaze and fearful frown completing the portrait of a man who has fallen on hard times and would rather not be inconvenienced any further so just leave him be, would you?
Personality
Kozel is the kind of guy who becomes harder to like the more you get to know him. Professional that he is, he can at first be very polite, if not awkward in his stiffness, and very enthusiastic, if not over-eager to serve. This is in part because he takes his servant duties very seriously, a notorious workaholic always out to take over others' shifts. But at his core, Kozel is simply desperate to be liked. It's just too bad he makes that so hard for himself with how pushy and vocal he can be once given the chance, that is, once he feels he can drop the servant act.
Once a privileged noble in his home country, Kozel is still a prideful man with strong opinions about everything that absolutely must be heard. He is critical of any perceived faults while just as defensive of his own shortcomings, as he seems convinced he is a paragon of virtue. However, as worldly as he tries to seem, Kozel is actually pretty naive and ignorant to all sorts of matters, not to mention rather susceptible to flattery. It's no wonder he's easily manipulated or subdued despite his blustering. When he's not being needlessly blunt, he's back-pedaling, turned timid and cowardly should he meet someone who won't put up with his overbearing and moralistic attitude.
Intensity of emotion is the key with Kozel, and those intense emotions are generally bad. Tense and paranoid are seemingly his default states of mind, thoughts constantly reeling with suspicion and criticism. Quick to turn angry and even quicker to turn fearful, there is nothing Kozel hates more than being made a fool of as he assumes others, too, must be as judgmental as he is. It's rare to see a smile from him and even rarer to hear a laugh—though, to Kozel's chagrin, he can never hide how easily embarrassed he is with how readily he blushes. Prudish and uptight,a true man of the era.
Despite what a mouthy hard-a** he is, all uncompromising standards and high expectations, Kozel is also surprisingly compassionate. He can't turn anyone away should they need help, so while he will berate the hell out of any poor fool who comes to him, he is generous with his time and money, fretting and mother hen-like in secret. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Kozel is loyal to a fault once won over and, although he might never quite lose that rough edge, he holds boundless affection and esteem for those he considers true comrades, those he would do anything for. Anything, including... murder.
History
Yes, murder—though in actuality, Kozel never directly killed anyone himself. It would be more accurate to say he was complicit, or turned a blind eye to it. Whichever way it's put, the memories haunt him all the same. It's a bit of a complicated story, and not one Kozel would ever share freely, intent to forget as much as he can as he starts over. Spoiler'd below because this profile is long enough.
Originally from the country of Katchia, a small territory under Belastrana's control, Kozel was, quite proudly, of the intelligentsia class, born into a family of influence thanks to their political prominence in the growing independence movement of Katchia. He intended to keep the momentum going by publishing many pamphlets and essays calling for Katchia's complete separation from Belastrana's rule. Widely read by the learned man, most Katchians seemed to support the idea. Things should have gone smoothly, for the country and for Kozel. And then his sister married an Okrainan.
"We've always been at war with Katchia," that's what any red-blooded Okrainan would tell you, and Katchians would be just as quick to call them lapdogs. Another territory under Belastrana's rule, Okraina shared the exact opposite sentiment of independence, seemingly quite happy to live under powerful Belastrana and reaping all the benefits that came with it. Tension had always existed on the borders between the two lands. They were simply never meant to mingle.
Except, Kozel's sister married an Okrainan, not that any of them knew the role he'd been given to play. As far as they knew, he was just an intelligent and charming new addition to the family, and Kozel found himself especially drawn in. The two men would spend a lot of time together discussing the politics roiling within the three countries, and really, Kozel should have been tipped off the first time his brother-in-law shared some pro-Belastranan opinions. But he listened instead, and the Okrainan agent had gained an important resource for bringing the country down from within.
He began influencing Kozel's writing, slowly steering his opinion away from the nationalistic bent he'd always had. And then he began inviting Kozel to meet a couple of his friends, and a few more, and eventually these meet-ups turned out to be a movement of more pro-Belastranan citizens. Despite his reluctance, Kozel became more involved in his brother-in-law's little group, reveling in their admiration and encouragement of his writing. They began asking for more, and for different topics. What about the corruption of the weak Katchian government? Why not acknowledge that Belastrana had done some good for Katchia?
The politics were growing more unstable. The tide was beginning to turn as Okraina only seemed to grow more aggressive on the border, and Belastrana put more pressure on the rather flimsy self-established Katchian government. Kozel's brother-in-law began to mirror this change as well, his activities for the movement growing far darker as he began capturing and assassinating political enemies right under Kozel's nose. Realizing he was in too deep far too late, Kozel was kept compliant by his brother-in-law's wrath as well, far cry from the initial praise that had drawn him in.
So, a part of Kozel might have thought it a small mercy, once he was taken away and imprisoned by the Katchian government for treason. Desperate for some internal stability, revolt was to be squashed from within, and he'd been reported. Probably by his brother-in-law, who had disappeared rather abruptly. All at once, Kozel's life had been destroyed, his family in pieces, and his country was next. Before he could be executed, war broke out. Okraina had invaded Katchia.
Kozel was lucky to escape when he did. He was rather unlucky to end up in Okraina, but that country was faring far better than his own in the war. It was a miserable time, living in fear as a refugee, helpless to watch his beloved country ravaged, wondering what happened to his family and knowing they were just as ignorant of his whereabouts, and eventually Kozel could take it no longer. He sought asylum again, but this time, he'd put more distance between himself and his old home. Over the sea, over to Sunderland.
Currently
It's been a few years now in this new country, and although Kozel is finding it a bit hard to let go of his bitterness, he has a stable job as a servant at the Fox & Hounds Inn of western Palisade. He doesn't really enjoy it, but the work keeps him busy, which is all he wants. Understandably, he makes it a point to avoid politics and tries to live as simply and as low-key as possible, determined to no longer make any ties with anyone.
This hasn't really worked out, as Kozel has made a friend in a regular patron of the inn, one shifty Mister Zharkov. Eventually invited along on a trip to Oldcastle, he's since returned with a rabbit and a strange totem taken from a tree they found in the nearby forest. Unable to get rid of the thing, Kozel mainly tries to forget its existence, even as it sits on his desk growing faintly...
The totem has since manifested a tiny baby goat, and Kozel is not having an easy time coping with this new upheaval in his life. It seems he's in it the long haul with Zharkov, who has since moved in with him. The growing involvement of Kozel's employers, the Varick brothers, only promises to add more difficulties to his life.
Miscellaneous
Tries to be skeptical and argumentative, but easily spooked into believing superstition and spiritual stuff, including the Old Ways he is so hesitant to acknowledge.
Has absolutely no combat experience. Most likely would try to run and hide from any confrontation unless riled up enough, and even then, he's kind of a puny guy.
Kozel is picking up Common alright, but he tends to mess things up the more flustered he gets and has a very obvious accent. Fluent in Katchian, near-fluent in Okrainan and Belastranan. Has excellent writing skills in his native language, practices writing in Common in what free time he allows himself.
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Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 8:10 pm
THE DETAILS
Katchia
A territory of Belastrana, the Katchia Kozel knew was steeped in war with its eternal rival and fellow territory, Okraina. Notable for trying to run its own more democratic government, Katchia was a very political-minded country and once a bastion for free speech—some say Katchia was born of Okrainan writers and philosophers fleeing their more oppressive home, and from there came the infamous, bitter enmity. Compelling! It's small, cold country that was moving towards rapid industrialization, hoping to prosper before being plunged into territorial dispute. Sort of analogous to the Slavic countries in culture and language, inspired by the American Revolution, admittedly a bizarre mix.
Despite its try for a democratic government, Katchia was still rather feudal in system, with clear class distinctions. Only nobles had the liberties of voting, free speech, and so on, peasants widely looked down on for their rampant illiteracy. Ideally, the upper classes would have worked in favor of the common good and their toiling subjects especially. In practice, the upper classes generally tried to keep the status quo or strengthen their own power. While being an intensely nationalistic and proud country that believed in equality for all of Katchia's blessed children, there was some mass hypocrisy going down.
Another dividing factor in Katchian society was the strength of the church. Politics were supposed to be the religion of the country, if you asked some older gentlemen shaking their fists at nobles these days, but the Order of the Kirghiz Light had gained strong influence in the government. The lines between the separation of church and state had become blurred, adding to its instability as constant in-fighting brought measures to a deadlock. It didn't help that many peasants and rural communities had their own wildly divergent beliefs. If the different schools of thought weren't soundly ignoring each other and making their own insular parties, they were fighting viciously for their supremacy in the government.
Despite it all, Kozel remembers Katchia fondly. He just wishes he hadn't failed her.
The Fox & Hounds Inn
A two-story inn located on the western side of Palisade near the Thrithing River, with its always-bustling tavern and well-kept stables, the Fox & Hounds Inn would probably be the darling of the district if not for owner Frank Varick, the Fox himself. Those stables are just about the only part of Fox & Hounds that's well-kept; it's otherwise earned a reputation for being a vice den where low-lives converge to carry out their immoral, if not outright illegal, business. Hey, you don't ask questions of Frank, and he won't ask questions of you, that's how it goes.
Respectably wealthy and only growing wealthier, probably for often doing business with the very low-lives he harbors, Frank tends to hire foreigners and younger people, those who wouldn't know he's totally fleecing them. Kozel, naturally, is oblivious to this practice, not that he does much with the meager pay he receives anyway. Wanting to cling to some semblance of respectability and unwilling to admit he might have made a poor choice in employment, Kozel is quick to defend against any insults or allegations against the Fox & Hounds, despite knowing in his heart of hearts that yeah, it really is a bastion of depravity he never would have set foot in had he'd had a choice.
Despite this sad loyalty, Frank is dismissive and impatient with Kozel, most everyone but especially Kozel, who tends to get on his nerves for always asking to work the front—you can't even speak Common right get out of my office.
Ah, the Fox & Hounds, where Kozel has decided to live the rest of his sad life.
Personality In direct contrast to his Chosen in nearly every way, Petrichor is a gentle and affectionate creature. He is eager to make nice with just about anyone who crosses his path, starved for positive attention or really, any attention all. While generally patient and obedient, two things Kozel can appreciate, even Petrichor is known to act out and get into mischief, pulled into little acts of rebellion or harmless rule-breaking. He loves to play and follows others cheerfully.
However, this Guardian is not one to ever become violent, and quickly turns penitent when scolded. He's a sensitive soul, easily distressed by conflict and more forceful personalities. Despite the shaky bond he shares with his Chosen, and Petrichor's slow growth and small size are proof of that, he picks up on Kozel's negative moods very keenly. More than anything, Petrichor wishes to be a comforting presence.
Hana, named after Kozel's sister because he's a sad weirdo, is perhaps the only animal he is not terrified of and even actually... secretly adores.
It didn't start like that, of course. Snatched from the Wardwood after his second trek in, the original plan was to eat the captured rabbit, but Kozel found himself getting attached to the creature as he held onto it throughout the disastrous journey. After some intense soul-searching and a humiliating argument with the man who had caught the rabbit in the first place, Kozel decided, yes, maybe he does like the rabbit a little (a lot).
Docile to an almost worrisome degree, Hana is hardly perturbed by things and easily handled by her owner and strangers alike. It's probably why Kozel is so fond of her: he isn't in a constant state of paranoia that she will attack, comforted by her easy and predictable manner. With how wound-up Kozel so often is, it's a blessing to have such a reliable and oh-so-soft stress relief to come home to for some nice, extended pettings. Hana certainly doesn't complain. If everyone knows Kozel as an uptight, jittery man, Hana would try to explain the more subdued, affectionate side she knows... but she's a rabbit, so no one will ever know that Kozel can be doting. Score.
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 2:57 am
THE PESTS
these rats are the worst thing to happen in kozel's life
No, don't even try to correct him on the fact that they're mice, because he'd just as sooner call them demons hellbent specifically on making his life at Fox & Hounds Inn a complete nightmare. Now, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but the growing mouse problem really is very upsetting to Kozel when he tries his hardest to keep things clean and orderly. He seems convinced there's a specific trio always cropping up and mocking him, horrified that such filthy little creatures should enjoy his cooking.
It doesn't help that the hapless servant is actually too soft-hearted to kill any mice he finds, more likely to pitch a fit and try to recruit someone else (usually another animal he normally despises, like Whisky or Dozor) to do the job. No one really seems to care as much as Kozel does, and it's just another thing for him to get really agitated about.
Upon meeting a fellow foreigner staying at the Fox & Hounds Inn, Kozel decides he absolutely must have tea with him. A relatively lovely time is had, save for Kozel being frightened by Zharkov's grimalkin and no good news to be heard about the ongoing war between Katchia and Okraina, but the seeds of friendship are sown...!
Apparently, tea is not enough for Kozel, who now wishes to win over Zharkov completely. Determined to show off, he makes the mistake of repeatedly bugging the guy while he is in the middle of business. It... it doesn't go well. After an intense confrontation, apologies are made, and Kozel learns a little something about limits.
Another chance run-in with a fellow foreigner, this time outside of the inn, Kozel is a little less enthusiastic and a little more belittling. Friendship: Not even once.
Kozel is persuaded by Zharkov to come along on a trip to Oldcastle, then further dragged along into the nearby wood on a bizarre whim, where the two bumbling idiots find themselves taking a spill, getting lost, and staying in the forest overnight. The next day, they come across a strange tree covered in toy dogs, Kozel punches Zharkov in the face, and they come out of the Wardwood with a totem each and less understanding than ever.
Unable to cope with the totem he has taken, Kozel resolves to return it to the Wardwood. Zharkov accompanies him, and it's a damn good thing, too—so much terrible BS ensues that Kozel is only left further traumatized. Bonds are tested, blood and tears are shed, defenseless animals are taken from their homes and the hunters become the hunted... Will the totem ever be returned? Spoilers: No.
Zharkov ends up behind bars after a drunken brawl and... Kozel doesn't take it well. When does he ever take anything well? The newly-manifested fawn certainly complicates matters, as both men realize the "souvenirs" they've stolen mean more than they bargained for. But at the end of the day, amendments are made and bonds are strengthened: time for wacky roommate shenanigans.
With the winter solstice looming on Kozel's thoughts, his Guardian finds it a good time to manifest! Shame, when Kozel was meaning to surrender his totem to the spirits. Zharkov ends up finding the new-"born" fawn, the two men get into a tiff about it, but everything works out because it's a heartwarming holiday story, dammit.
The title says it all. With Kozel out of commission, Zharkov offers to take his job over while he recovers. But more importantly, tt's his opportunity to finally meet the infamous Frank Varick and make a rapport with the man he will eventually work closely with. The infamous Frank Varick mostly spends this meeting just lusting over Zharkov's fox companion Dozor.
The Naming of Things - Solo - WIP
Unfortunately, even Kozel knows his new Guardian can't go un-named. With no one else to turn to, he seeks Frank for guidance.
Now Hiring - Prokhor, Frank, & Kozel (eventually) - Ongoing
Out of the kindness of his heart, Frank takes in a pitiful, destitute foreigner to work at his glittering establishment. The very same pitiful, destitute foreigner Kozel disparaged for not having a respectable job. Awkward.
In the wrong place at the right time, Kozel is dragged along by Noah to build a snowman, piss Frank off, go incognito as they visit a certain butcher—all culminating in getting caught in the middle of a fight between the two Varick brothers.
The Naming of Things II - Solo - WIP
In a startling reversal of all known fact, it's Frank who turns to Kozel for advice on naming a new cat. But mostly just to torment him.
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:16 pm
THE CAST
Frank Varick - Current Employer, Occasional Advisor
"My employer is one of the most boorish, unpleasant, and violent men I have had the misfortune of knowing, and yet even he finds success and respect instead of the comeuppance he so richly deserves. It truly speaks for the moral decay of western Palisade's low society."
Now that Frank has become more involved in the lives of the Wardens living and working under his inn's roof, Kozel's opinion on his boss has only gotten worse. He's still terrified of the man, of course, but he's finding it harder to keep quiet when Frank pushes him, which is often.
"Only slightly less unpleasant than his brother, he replaces brutishness with drunkenness. It is only a shame he cannot see what we all see, and that is that no one likes him. He is still very much an undisciplined child."
While Kozel finds it difficult to see Noah past his vice, he does pity him more than anything. The man has been kind to him on occasion, and while he won't admit it, he wishes he could help him in some way. Of the Varick brothers, he'd rather side with Noah, child or not.
"She did not at all suit the atmosphere of the inn, but I am glad to have had her for tea... if only to have kept her away from corrupting influences."
Kozel always did get along better with the ladies, and sitting down for a proper and polite tea party with this young woman was a breath of fresh air. With his hidden doting streak, he does have to wonder how she's doing nowadays, and wouldn't mind seeing her again. If it didn't mean her setting foot in Fox & Hounds again, anyway.
"I do not hesitate to say that Zharkov is my only true ally in this country. He is very dear to me, but it is for that very same reason I find myself worried for his integrity. Nonetheless, he brings me comfort in a manner that no one else can."
It's taken some time, but Kozel trusts Zharkov. He may not always agree with his fellow foreigner, different as they are, but there's no one else he'd rather face this whole Warden business with. There's a lot they still don't know about each other, but on Kozel's side, at least, he holds a lot of hidden admiration.
"It is sad to see a young man so idle and without ambition, but I suppose if Okrainans are not dangerous, they are useless. It would explain a lot about the country. I hope I do not see this Zaytsev fellow again, but if I do, I would not be surprised to find him turned a beggar instead of a clown."
Sometimes Kozel gets mad that Okrainans exist and just has to blow a little steam on some poor innocent b*****d, okay, jeez.
"His manner is coarse, his looks are suspicious, and I am sure he is not to be trusted, but does anyone believe me? No, of course not!"
Thanks to Ferdinand, of all people, being the one to reveal to Kozel and Zharkov the true nature of their Guardians, Kozel holds some misplaced bitterness towards him. The butcher's sardonic way of riling Kozel up makes him easy to hate, though.
One might notice how pale Kozel becomes upon hearing his brother mention this name. The even more astute might notice the way his jaw tightens in unspoken fury.
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Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:23 am
THE CREDITS
Wardwood - Official art and shop concept by Umbrology
Petrichor colored by Chrystali
Hana colored by Umbrology
Kozel in profile post by bottleshark
Petrichor in profile post by trundlebug
Kozel in details post by zloi medved
Petrichor in story post by pasta deity
Kozel & Zharkov in cast post by Olympia-Aurion
Kozel in credits post (here!) by golden utensils
Most art throughout can be clicked for original size.
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