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This contest is very simple, just write a profile skeleton for the current featured character to win them. There will be four City People to be won~

You are not expected to have a fully-fleshed out character, just a solid set of ideas for one which you will expand upon if you win. Charted out character traits with just a few sentences to explain them, and a general outline of history is enough. Even though it's not a completed profile you're submitting we should still be able to understand what your character is about at their core by reading their profile. You are welcome to write however much you're comfortable with, but don't feel obligated to spend too much time on these.

Procedures
There will be a new City Person featured in this thread every week or two
Please post all profiles in this thread.
If you win, you must complete a full profile and get it approved in the quests/character applications subforum before RPing.
This contest is completely free~


Currently
Another bird-themed and seemingly high class City Person is up for grabs. She is quite a beautiful lady and she knows how to flaunt it. Is she proud and mighty, or does her beauty come with a humble personality? Not that those are the only two options, let's see what you've got! You have until April 28th, 11:59 PM PST to tell us about her.




Form

Name: Penmanship
Nickname: Pen, to friends. Ole-Fuss-and-Feathers and Mother Hen to his political rivals.
Age (Appearance Wise): In his late forties.
Age (Actual): 73.
Personality:
Dedicated: The bird defends any cause he feels worthy with life, limb, and the strength of his powerful oration. The bird has been known to spend days crafting the perfect speech, eschewing sleep and food in order to pen the correct words. Though many politicians might waffle on their opinions and ideas, especially with physical and political pressure exerted, Penmanship staunchly stands by what he believes. Though he might back down temporarily in order to regroup his forces, Penmanship will not leave his beliefs by the wayside.
Humanitarian: Penmanship has dedicated his life to the advancement of all classes of City society. A chance encounter and an ill-fated romance in the Lower City led him from the typical elitist views of his class. He sees the rich vaulting themselves to the heavens, leaving the majority with little room in increasingly confusing settings. Through legislation, political marriages, and passionate oration, the old bird has slowly increased the lot of those below the High City's heavenly spires.
Perceptive: Nearly since birth, Penmanship has been attached to a House with political dealings. His long experience in the field grants him the ability to see the lies that people tell others and themselves. The bird is able to peer into another and find truth whether to demolish an opponent or help a friend.


Stubborn: Once the bird sets on a certain course, he is either incapable or unwilling of giving it up whether it is an economic program or a personal rivalry. It has taken many arguments, and down-right shouting matches, to steer the bird from set paths, leaving him with more than a few ruffled feathers.
Prideful: Penmanship has a high opinion of himself and his accomplishments. Sweet words spoken by a friend can sometimes muddy his perception. In addition, Pen is known to grow argumentative and even physically violent when his name is dragged through the mud. He will sometimes be unable to see the faults of his proposals or legislation due to his utter belief in himself and is hungry for recognition that he so rightly deserves. Though technically a High Person, he prides himself above their elitist tendencies and tosses the title aside in debate much to the horror of his political rivals.
Wrathful: Woe to anyone who becomes Penmanship's enemy! The bird will pursue them to the ends of the earth, bringing them discomfort and displeasure. Many former politicians caught the eagle's eye only to meet his rebuking lips. Penmanship will verbally lambast anyone who crosses him, forming eloquent and moving speeches for the mere purpose of destruction. Penmanship doesn't merely stop at eliminating his enemies from the field, however, but attempts to make their very existences bleak. There is a tale about how one of his Housemates was gravely wronged by a particular individual. Within the year, the man was penniless and deserted by former allies due to being a suspected plague-bringer.

Thoughts on the Forest: The Forest is a source of mystery and contemplation on the bird's part. Penmanship wishes to enter and explore the surroundings for the benefit of his fellow citizens, who strain in the rapidly filled city, but is surprisingly hesitant at the backlash he might suffer from those who view the Forest as holy. He also seems held back by the idea that political opponents would love for him to "disappear" in the papyrus folds of the forest.

Thoughts of Book Children: The Book Children are a source of curiosity for the old bird. Many recite books he is unable to find in the city's vaulted libraries, leading him to believe there exists a vast world outside of the City. Penmanship views the Book Children as strange, though welcome, citizens and strives for their rights alongside those of City People.

Thoughts on City People: Penmanship holds varying views of City People. He feels primarily pity for the Middle and Low People, while he tends to view those of his own standing with disdain. He believes that the High People are far too greedy and care too little for those that they should foster with noblesse oblige. Crime, squalid conditions, they are all used to denounce the Middle and Low People, but he feels these are merely products of the distasteful position the High People have placed them. Pen's thoughts might be skewed by the fact that, while he attempts to champion the poor, he is an outsider with all classes when it comes to personal relationships.


History:

Penmanship was found by a wealthy couple who immediately noticed the nobility and strength that the child carried and brought him into their world. He was given the best in tutors, food, and clothing with every advantage laid before him but he was unconcerned. The bird indulged himself in the vices of the city rather than seeking to serve, indulging in gambling, alcohol, and prostitutes. While he indulged in all of the sin of the Middle and Lower City, he looked down upon them with all the relish of a noble. It was a chance encounter in the Lower City that changed his life. It was there that Penmanship met a Low Person who was the visual and verbal superior of any of his high-born compatriots.

A romance-blossomed, far more serious than his previous dalliances, and Penmanship was made aware of the inherent inequality in the City. As more people piled in, the rich escaped to the skies, leaving the impoverished out of sight and mind. Penmanship began to question his previous beliefs and stances, and his argumentative nature was turned against the status quo. With new drive and intiative, entered houses of debate and graduated to politics in a nascent 'liberal' faction, using the wealth and power of at his disposal.

His parents, at first cheered by his movement to politics, grew horrified at the policies he pushed for and enacted in addition to the increasingly obvious low-born company he kept. The death of a Low Person would be of no consequence, and if the murder cut their son from such maddening policies and poor familiars...

The incident backfired. A blood-covered Penmanship arrived at the Parliament, the limp form of his beloved in his arms. Members, horrified at his appearance, decried him, called him insane for his piece of 'baggage' and the lack of decorum and demanding he leave with such an obvious travesty before them. It was there that Penmanship launched into one of his most fierce and memorable speeches. The oration, known as "the Crimson Rebuke," brought to attention the inherent humanity of the Low and Middle Classes. When combined with the bird's ferocity and his evidence of the dismissive nature of the High People toward their "lessers," many were shamed into backing Penamnship and strengthening the bird's political power.

The greatest savagery of his career was also born from the incident. Over years, Penmanship withdrew his finances from those of his family's, all the while studying their moves. His parents escaped murder charges due to the lack of "convincing testimony" as a peasant murderer didn't carry the prominence of two nobles. Technically illegal, but widely accepted, business practices were eventually conducted by his parents, and Penmanship launched forward with the fervor of one betrayed, pushing investigations and using every bit of his political power in order for a conviction. His parents were imprisoned, their estate taken by the City, and Penmanship orchestrated every step. The fate of his parents served as an example to any who might cross the avian.

Penmanship has spent the last several decades in the pursuit of equality, using a mixture of kindness, subtlety, brashness, and cruelty to obtain his aims. Alongside his House Rusk, he has forged a brilliant career in the political arena.

Favorite Things: Accolades, debates, aged brandy, books, rainy days, social justice.

Hated Things: Braggarts, social inequality, the High Class, political rivals.

Yer darn right!

And now, I perform my victory dance!

Name: Plumeria
Nickname(s): Plume, Madame Plume (an affectionate nickname from a dear friend)
Age: 50, appears to be in her early twenties.

Personality:

Romantic-- Ah, l’amour. In her heart of hearts, Madame Plume is a true believer in romance, and is waiting to be swept off of her feet. Some day, the right man will come along and fill her days with bliss. Until that time, Plumeria contents herself with grand gestures and beautiful surroundings. She often sees romance where none may be found, and easily convinces herself that two people are meant to join their lives together, whether that is their heart’s desire or not. I’m afraid she’s a bit of a matchmaker. However, her romantic nature does not confine itself to such things as love, and can be found in her poetry, and in the things with which she surrounds herself. Beautiful sights, beautiful words will set Plumeria’s heart a fluttering, and she takes great pleasure in the luxuries life has afforded her.

Vivacious-- Plumeria is the sole of elegance, but behind that delicate facade is a mind that is both active and full of mischief. She hides such things behind a fluttering fan and social niceties, but there can be no mistaking that Plume is a saucy creature. She loves best of all to be caught up in the throes of a heated debate, her text sweeping before her in an eloquent stream of tart responses-- each carefully designed to singe the ears of he or she who has wandered into the lady’s daintily gloved hands. Ah, but this vivacious attitude carries into all things, and I’m afraid that Plumeria is a bit flirt. She enjoys bridling those around her, as well as winning their adoration where she may. She is full of spunk and spirit.

Decorous-- Why, surely you jest! The lady is highly dignified, even when casting her lures, or sending up barbs. She is high minded, and genteel, thank you very much. There is a proper ordering to things, and as far as she is concerned, Plumeria has found it. She delights in fine social events, places where all the social niceties will be on full display and is a big believer in courtly love. A lady is meant to be won, not given away in some tawdry fashion, good heavens. It is all well and good to flirt and put on displays, but she would never be caught dead doing something indecorous.

Prideful-- She is no shy and unassuming Miss, though at times Plumeria may put on the show. She is well aware that she is an intelligent, engaging woman, and quite beautiful to boot. Not everyone was blessed with such lovely feathers, after all. She enjoys showing off, both in word and deed, and that is why she became a poet in the first place. Her ability to formulate and navigate poetry and prows is, in her opinion, her finest quality. She does not enjoy being proven wrong, and will remember quite clearly who it was who dared to cast her in the shade. Beauty, wit, and charm are meant to shine, after all, and she is very conscious of the need to be perfect-- and it is a need.

Perfectionist-- On that note, Plumeria is an extreme perfectionist, determined to hone away her flaws until they are in themselves assets and virtues. That is impossible, of course, for no being is ever without flaw, but damnit all, Plume is determined to better than that. She has very high standards, both for herself and for others, though her focus is very much on herself. Others, Plumeria thinks, cannot help that they are imperfect. It is she who must strive to chip away at every (often perceived) imperfection until her true splendor is on display.

Narcissistic-- She is, well, as vain as a peacock! (What an astonishing coincidence.) As self centered as Plumeria can be, it is often difficult for her to tell when her actions have caused another person pain or distress. She is so busy being self congratulatory that she may not have noticed that she is stepping on toes-- though that self congratulation often appears when she has ostensibly made a coup, and not simply out of nowhere. Both her physical appearance and her reputation are exceptionally important to Plume, and she goes to great lengths to maintain both. There is, in Plumeria’s opinion, nothing wrong with giving admiration where it is due, even when it comes to one’s self.

Jealous-- When a social equal has achieved something which Plumeria has not, she often finds herself suffering from fits of jealousy. Why didn’t she think of that first? And why does so and so deserve that more? Often, her jealousy throws her into a spiral of self doubt and a thorough examination of flaws and faults. After such a period, she will bitterly conclude that there was nothing wrong with her in the first place (her pride and narcissism play into this), and that it is she whose accomplishments ought to be lauded. The jealousy will persist until another distraction shows itself, whereupon all will be forgiven-- at least until that person manages to best her in some other way. Then it will all come crashing back. No slight is ever truly forgotten, merely noted down to be thrown in the (presumably) wrong doer’s face at a later date.

Melodramatic-- Even perceived slights will be treated as grave insults, terrible attacks upon her good name. Oh, how dare you! There is nothing simple, where Plumeria is concerned. No, everything must be so dreadfully elaborate, and all emotions are experienced to their fullest extent. Constantly. If you have offended Plume, be assured that you will know it. Surely there is a plot behind this or that thing that so and so said, a motivation beyond which one can by all rights ascribe to said person. When everything is wonderful, Plumeria is all smiles and in high spirits. But let anything go bad, anything at all, and she will whirl herself into a tizzy, convinced that the world has wronged her, and reparations must be made.

Thoughts on the Forest: The Forest brings both awe and trepidation to Plumeria, for she knows that she must one day journey there in her final hour. It is in the Forest where her star will finally burn itself out, Plume believes, a thought which is quite frightening and unappealing to the lady. She would do much never to have to grow old and join her fellows in the Paper Forest, but at the same time she views it with almost a reverence. After all, will it not one day house her person? Beyond such frivolous thoughts, she truly does venerate it.

Thoughts of Book Children: What silly, fanciful creatures! It is somewhat baffling to Plumeria that the Children do not at once simply understand herself and others of her kind. After all, they have always ‘spoken’ this way, have they not? How difficult is that to understand? But at the same time, their differences intrigue her, and she is quite curious to discover what may become of them. The idea of cultivating young minds appeals to her deeply. So long as they don’t ever believe themselves to be above her, mind. That would simply be improper.

Thoughts on City People: High Class City People hold the distinction of being at Plumeria’s level, a fact which contains inherent pros and cons. As her equals, they are her social peers and her rivals, and she thoroughly deplores the latter group. No one can compare to the incomparable Plume, as far as she is concerned, but there are a few who have won her admiration and loyalty. She does not truly understand the Middle and Lower classes, viewing them with a rather condescending pity. Poor creatures, unable to rise above their stations. Those that do rise are to be congratulated, of course.

History: It was not luck or providence that brought Plumeria to her current status, to her mind. It was, instead, destiny. One fine morning in the neighborhood of Fin Magna, as a writer put his pen to paper, Plumeria appeared. Surrounded as she was from her very first moment by newly made books, the young lady took it into her heart to one day become an accomplished writer herself. The man who first discovered her was the writer in question, and he soon adopted Plumeria into his family. He and his lady love cultivated and encouraged her talent, allowing it to grow from a seed to its full florid potential.

Her great ambition was to become a poet and a writer, and to that end she studied religiously, writing line after line, attending this or that lecture in order to perfect herself and to become something. At first her successes were small things; an accolade here, a word of praise there. Then, as time wore on she realized that she had a gift for satire-- a fact which frustrated her to no end. Plume did not want to devote herself to such an indelicate pursuit.

Needless to say, she threw herself feverishly back into her studies, relentlessly seeking out forms of writing in which she fell short and working tirelessly to find her muse therein. She could not content herself with being anything less than proficient in the areas of study that her ‘parents’ had turned to. She was frustrated again and again, exhausting herself almost down to nothing. It was not to be borne that she could not achieve what her father had.

To make him proud, she needed, desperately, to find her star. Then one day as she worked furiously away at her desk, inspiration hit her with a force that left her reeling. For several days she did nothing but write, day and night, until at last all of the pieces had come together in something resembling a coherent whole. It was no great work, nor an epic such as could be found elsewhere in the Library City, but it was something. The first something that she had achieved.

From that moment on, it was as if a window had been opened in her mind, and now words flowed freely from her hand to the paper as if they had been destined to be there all along. It was not Plumeria who held the reins, but the writing itself. Each book seemed to take shape all on its own, and every poem spilled forth from her pen, filling her with a compulsion until she had finished it. It was at that time that her work truly was lauded, and, newly filled with confidence, she made her debut into society.

It was then that Plumeria discovered what she truly lived and breathed for, which was the admiration and adoration of the City People around her. Where satirical writing had not appealed, witty barbs and clever rejoinders served her well. She blossomed and flourished under what attention they (the other City People) were willing to give her; any advantage, in her opinion, was worth taking-- so long as it fell within the sphere that her parents had carefully outlined for her.

In a world without music, merriment was found instead in poetry recitation, and at last Plumeria discovered the spotlight for which she so yearned. Positive or negative, the attention of her peers was like ambrosia, and she soaked it up like a flower basking in the sun. Her favorite pastime was created here, when she attended parties and gatherings, and societal affairs. If she could only just climb the social ladder a bit more, surely she would be content! But attached to her family’s House, ensconced within the beauty of the Upper Level of the Library City, Plumeria truly cannot complain of hardship. Her has lived a somewhat charmed life, all things considered.

Favorite Things: Flattery, romantic gestures, flower gardens, beautiful things, excellent company, flirtations, debates, parties, dancing, poetry, admiration.

Hated Things: Rivals, wrong doers, uncouth individuals, slander, things in ill repair, being ignored, being humiliated, not holding the spotlight, ill manners.