Nickname: “Chris” is how he introduces himself. He'll also respond to “Gallo”. ——"Pumpkin" by his mother. ——"Val" is the general nickname for "Valhalla" but generally reserved for friends. ——"Wonder Boy" is Sailor Ganymede's nickname for Valhalla, which he has grown to find endearing. ——"Pooh Bear" by Paris, which she finds suits him more than other pet names. ——”Pretty Boy Gallo” because he apparently has a pretty face. ——”Christopher Robin” when he was little and he absolutely hated it.
Age:18192021222324252627 28
Birthday: August 12th, 1992
Sign: Leo
Gemstone: Sardonyx The traditional birthstone for Leo and August: a stone of valor.
Blood Type: O-
Favorite Food: His mother’s lasagna and coffee ice cream. Not necessarily at the same time.
Hated Food: Eggplant, liver, honey. It's a texture and smell thing!
School: Graduated from DCU in May 2014. Pitched for the baseball team. Go Dragons! Double majored in Architecture and Mathematics.
Occupation: Pitcher for the Destiny City Comets, Destiny City's Major League Baseball team.
Hobbies:
✦ Baseball ✦ Chris has played baseball ever since he was little — his dream is to be good enough for the Major Leagues. He pitched for Azure’s team in high school, and while he had the opportunity to be drafted into the Minor Leagues then, he decided to pursue a degree in Architecture and Mathematics, pitching for the DCU team during the spring semester. Over the course of his years in college he has worked to improve his batting average, as well as working on his pitches in order to be more desirable for prospective recruiters. His best are his fast pitch, curveball, and changeup.
✦ Animal Shelter Volunteer ✦ In high school, instead of getting a job, Chris had the option to do volunteer work. Because animals were already important to him, he chose the Animal Shelter. Every Saturday that he doesn’t have baseball, and various other times during the week, he goes to walk the dogs, help clean out the pens, and make sure cats get the attention they need. Even when times get busy, Chris still does his best to make sure he has time to go at least once a week.
✦ Acoustic Strings ✦ Chris received a Martin Dreadnought acoustic guitar from his paternal grandfather when he was ten. It was and still is a source of stress relief for him. He isn’t interested in joining any bands, but despite being self-conscious about his voice, he does volunteer to play and sing for church services. When he has a difficult decision he is mulling over, it is likely to find him with guitar in hand as he strums out various tunes as he thinks. Since meeting Paris, she has added to his collection — a ukulele for his 20th birthday, and a banjo as a 2013 Christmas present.
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Physical Description
Eyes: Goldenrod, like his mother. Soft, open, and expressive, it is often difficult for Chris to conceal his emotions, and when he does try to be secretive, his eyes usually give his thoughts away.
Hair: Dark auburn/mahogany, like his father. Straight and shaggy, his long bangs parted to the side and out of his eyes, Chris takes extra time in the mornings to make sure it is well maintained. He often fusses if it’s out of place, and dislikes riding in convertibles because of the wind.
Face: Sun-kissed His face is oval in shape and he has no noticeable freckles or beauty marks, though he has spent time in the sun, which tanned him with a soft, golden glow. He is usually flashing a full smile and friendly expression.
Physique: 6’3”, 210lbs — an inch taller than his older brother and father. Athletic and in shape, Chris actively trains for baseball, but his build isn’t as broad as his older brother or father. Think between a basketball player and/or track runner and a football player and/or wrestler.
In high school, Chris was a scrawny, awkward looking kid with only 5'5" to his name. Until the summer before he turned 17, at least. His growth spurt was expected, though, since his father and older brother had shot up the same way. Muscle wise, he's worked hard to get where he is today.
Fashion: Business Casual Preferred Did he mention he was on the baseball team for DCU? Chris feels most comfortable in his uniform, with his socks pulled up over his pants and shins. When he's not in uniform, it is very typical for Chris to wear polos and khaki pants. He'll even wear brightly colored shorts such as orange, white, or even plaid! He's not afraid of the color pink and will wear it occasionally, but prefers blues, greens, and golds. But these days… it’s usually whatever Paris wants him to wear, which typically consists of good fitting jeans.
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Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 11:11 am
VIRTUES AND FLAWS
Virtues:
✦ Pacifist ✦ Growing up in a household deeply tied to the military, Chris had known about war from a very young age, but that doesn’t mean he had to agree with it. War, and the attempt to prevent war, took his father and even his older brother out of his life as a child, and while they were still around to some degree, he often wished to have spent more time with them. But it wasn’t his abhorrence for war that makes Chris a pacifist, it is his dislike for violence in general. Even when it comes to passing judgement on others for their crimes, he will often hope for a merciful outcome, rather than one of strict justice. Self defense is about as violent as Chris will get, although every situation is different. He doesn’t claim to be the perfect example of pacifism, but in regards to the war — if there is more bloodshed, it will not be because of him.
✦ Compassionate ✦ No matter what, Chris sincerely cares about people (and animals), and making them happy. Over the past couple years, he has grown to take better control of his usually short temper that often prevented him from being able to think things through. It is rare for him to harbor any kind of bitter feeling towards others — just himself for his own faults and failures. He is open-minded enough to not get upset about things that may go against the social norm, as long as no one is being hurt, and is a very accepting individual, doing his best to withhold judgement of others.
✦ Magnanimous ✦ Chris is not only generous with his time, talents, and money, he is generous in forgiving an insult or injury, especially if it was asked of him. If someone has a problem, he will happily offer to help, even if he doesn’t know of a solution, himself. He places great value in his friendships, and his loyalty is unwavering, even if his generosity is taken advantage of. He doesn’t hold grudges, so revenge is out of the question, and is free from petty resentfulness and vindictiveness.
✦ Earnest ✦ True to the high standards he set for himself, Chris often works on encouraging others around him to do their best, and doesn’t fault those who at least try. He is confident in his own strengths, and although he may have trouble voicing his opinions, he is truthful and sincere. He works hard towards his goals, and greatly respects others who do the same. Good sportsmanship and fair play is important to him, and doesn’t tolerate those who cheat or try to get by without putting in an honest effort, but rely on others to carry them.
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Flaws:
✦ Willingly Manipulated ✦ To put it bluntly, Chris is too trusting. He thinks too highly of the universe and because of that, he often finds himself in situations where he is hurt because his belief in the goodness of others comes into question. In his opinion, everyone is redeemable, it just depends on the circumstances and healing process. If someone wanted to become a better person, then they will. Chris believes with all his heart that if he shows others that he trusts them, then they will realize the world isn’t that bad of a place and will trust him in return. Hopefully that theory will hold up...
✦ Helpless ✦ Chris has never had to take care of himself, at least in terms of shelter and finances. He has always been dependant on his mother to help him out with laundry and making sure he had food to eat, and now that he is married, he relies on Paris to do all of the things he himself is too lazy to do. Oh, he’ll try if he’s told to do something, but usually under duress. He already isn’t allowed in the kitchen because he somehow manages to make everything to go very wrong, or gets too impatient and skips steps. Unfortunately, people are so willing to spoil him by taking care of him, that he just hasn’t seen the need to slow down and learn how to depend on himself for things.
✦ Bleeding Heart ✦ It’s okay to be compassionate and sympathetic, but Chris can be excessively softhearted, both powered and unpowered. Because of his desire to see the war ended in a more peaceful way, Chris will often put himself in danger for the opportunity to converse with those on the Chaos side of the war, hoping for some kind of peaceful resolution between them. He really believes in the goodness of people, and that can often seem like naivety, or even that he sympathizes with the enemy or doesn't understand how the world works, or is even too privileged and spoiled to realize that bad things do happen. While he doesn’t think of himself as a DMC or Negaverse-sympathizer, there are people who have started questioning his motives.
✦ Self-Righteous ✦ When others are fighting and killing each other, Chris can’t help but feel morally superior. He grew up in a privileged, well off family who allowed him to form his own opinions and although he does not go about preaching about his morals, he tends to overcompensate in his actions. Heightened by his desire to help people, Chris will sometimes purposefully go out of his way to help others to prove a point. He has been known to point out these flaws in others by commenting on how they could have held the door, or even laying on his horn when he sees a cigarette thrown out the window. Somehow, Chris believes that his own examples of how to act will make others want to behave similarly.
✦ Squire ✦ Valhalla holds his gyrocompass, in his hand, out in front of him to target one opponent within a ten foot radius. (He can't attack someone from across a battlefield. They have to be generally close but still give him enough time to react.) He has to focus on them, and while focused has a lessened awareness of everything going on around him, aside from his opponent. Once hit by the magic, the opponent would discover that every movement they made was the complete opposite of what they were trying to accomplish. A step forward would be a step back, a punch to the face would have their arm swinging behind them, jumping would be ducking, etc. Of course, some actions are awkward and physically impossible to have an opposite effect, and in cases like that, their body would compensate.
This attack's results are pretty open to interpretation, as long as it's within reason. This attack also can't break the laws of gravity. If an opponent is in the air already and coming down, they can't be shot back up into the air. Instead it would result in the opponent pulling their legs up instead of bracing for a landing, or dropping their weapon if they are focused on holding onto it tightly. Again, it would be up to player interpretation.
Valhalla's magic pool lasts up to 60 seconds. Because it's not offensive in nature, Valhalla would use his magic in rapid succession to parry and evade (which is difficult enough without an actual weapon!), and not to outright attack, which makes using less time more effective.
The longer Valhalla focuses on his magic, the more time drained. But then the opponent has more of an opportunity to get used to his attack and figure out a way to re-orient himself or herself (within reason, and after falling victim to the attack a handful of times). After a while, someone might be able to figure out that moving backwards means they would move forward. If they do figure it out during longer held attacks, they might become confused again once the magic wears off completely and their movements are back to normal. Because if they were trying to do the opposite at that point to counter the attack, they would end up walking backwards instead of forwards. It should only result in momentary confusion.
✦ Knight ✦ Magic pool is upped by 30 seconds. No longer does his magic just cause a reversal in movement, but contact with his magic causes vertigo, in which his opponent temporarily loses their internal sense of direction, as well. There is no up or down, no left or right. The effect would cause one to feel as though everything around them was spinning, even if they stood stationary. Or even the sensation of falling, despite being on solid ground. Imagine sticking your head at the end of a baseball bat and spinning around several times, and then having to run across a field. Now, even if someone is able to figure out how to best the reversal magic, they would still be under the effect of the sensation of vertigo. After being released from the attack, an opponent may still feel dizzy, or even nauseous, but the reaction and effect is pretty open to player interpretation.
Summons Ability: Able to conduct electric current, on her master’s order she is capable of releasing bolts of lightning (a magical form and not real, potentially fatal kind) from just flying overhead, close by, or making physical contact, leaving her victims with mild to moderate electric burns, seeing stars, and their hair probably on end.
Quote:
Personal Item Omnicompass: Valhalla’s gyrocompass has been converted into an omni-directional compass; ethereal and encased in a glass orb, approximately the size of a softball. Instead of just horizontal direction, as with a normal compass, or even both horizontal and lateral, as with a gyrocompass, this orb houses tiny glowing orbs that collect in the desired direction, regardless of how the orb is rotated.
Aside from being able to point direction, it can also lead one towards their greatest desires; however, it will never lead to specific individuals or objects, but rather towards opportunities. If someone desires medical assistance, it may point the way towards a doctor, or it may direct them to a tween who has been CPR certified for babysitting.
The magic is not set to follow the easiest path, but to lead towards opportunities that the user must then decide to take on or pass. In Valhalla’s case, his greatest desire is for peace, so while the compass may often seem like it is glitching out and giving him multiple directions to follow when he is not sure what to do, it also sometimes points the way towards unlikely people and destinations so he may continue to work towards diplomacy and understanding between factions.
Sailor Cyllene Valhalla, Squire of Jupiter Eternal Sailor Ganymede Eternal Sailor Europa Super Sailor Pasiphae Sailor Euanthe Babylon, Squire of Mercury Sailor Vindemiatrix Eternal Sailor Kallichore Tomlin, Guardian Cat Sailor Callisto
Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 11:26 am
VOICES FROM THE DISTANT PAST Home World and Past-Life Information
✦ The Fortress ✦ The stronghold of Valhalla held within its walls military prowess and knowledge. While Jupiter itself was generally peaceful, there was still a need for soldiers, whether it be making sure the population of the planet was kept under control and law breaking down to a minimum, or to provide security for the Princess and other dignitaries.
Standing high on the edge of one of the Jovian seas, Valhalla rose into the sky, its full height rarely seen below the dense clouds. What could be seen were thick, stone walls, carefully laid to withstand the might of Jupiter’s storms. The fortress was built to last, and over its history, there has only been need for minimum repairs.
✦ The Entrance Hall ✦ Visitors to Valhalla were lead through the town surrounding it, to a magnificent carved stone gate and drawbridge, which lowered only with the help of guards on either side. There were other ways of getting inside Valhalla’s walls of course, but this way was official.
The hall itself could easily fit the town just outside its gates. The main ceiling was two hundred feet high, and the nave was eight hundred by four hundred. On either side, sectioned off by thick columns were aisles about fifty feet wide. A transept intersected the nave, and the ceiling rose three hundred more feet.
Its grandiose scale was built to impress and would look somewhat similar to gothic Cathedrals on Earth.
✦ The Labyrinth ✦ Below the drawbridge, at the base of the fortress was another entrance. Only officially used for a new knight of Valhalla’s induction, the labyrinth itself was dark and dangerous, filled with puzzles and challenges that would test one’s worth.
It made an effective defense against intruders.
✦ Lightning ✦ Many of the windows in Valhalla weren’t windows at all. Thick, transparent bricks were built into the walls, providing light and protection from the elements, but a distorted view of the outside world. Imperfections in the glass broke the light, setting the inside of the fortress in different colors.
Another light source was the stone the fortress was built of itself, only it was rather picky in whom it wanted to respond to. Some of the local myth claims that the green light that appears for those it deems worthy is actually the souls of soldiers from ages past. Others say they are stone nymphs, and even others... claim it’s just a trick of the eyes — at least where the stone is concerned.
The chandeliers light sconces were not outfitted with candles, but with clear, green crystals. The crystals, in the same respect as the stone, only lit on certain occasions. Such as if they are asked to, or if someone passes by. The crystals were not as fickle as the stone.
✦ Past Life Identity ✦ Name: Sergius "Serge" Martel Age of Oath Taken: 16 Age of Death: Currently Unknown Hair: Dark auburn, tied back into a tail. Often sports a neatly trimmed goatee. Eyes: Pale olive green Height: 5'11" fully grown. Physique: Virtues: Flaws: Hobbies:
Appearance: Through his years of growth, the only things that never changed were his pale olive green eyes and the dark auburn of his hair. As a young boy he learned how to ride horses and fight with swords, and while it wasn't the best translation to his life as a knight, his shoulders continued to broaden with his activities and training as Valhalla. He reached his tallest at 5'11", which still dwarfed him in comparison to many of the Valhallan locals. He kept his straight hair to the length of his shoulder blades and always had it tied back, except for the bangs that fell over his forehead and the sides of his face. Serge dressed well, having been raised the son of a nobel, and was just one more thing that made him stand out at Valhalla. He didn't mind wearing the outfits of worlds he visited and took souvenirs when he could.
✦ Past Life Family ✦ Father: Empryean of Jupiter Brother: Sessrumnir of Jupiter, Percival "Percy" Martel
✦ Past Life Connections ✦ Liesel Rosenfeld, Sailor Ganymede: First and best friend, and most trusted ally. Eventual lover. They were soul-bonded.
396. Regular — Never Ending or Beginning - Valhalla, Ganymede, Kerberos, Ida, Code [Stormbreaker] (Deep Space - Celestial Theatre) 397. Regular — Exchange of Information - Valhalla, Benitoite [Stormbreaker] 398. Regular — Breaking and Entering - ORP [Stormbreaker] (Deep Space - Moon Palace) ——✦ Knights, Senshi, and Mauvians seek out answers at the Moon Palace at Ganymede's invitation (and bribe). 399. Regular — Gift from the past - Valhalla, Ganymede, Code [Stormbreaker] ——✦ Alternate weapon obtained. 400. Battle — At World's End - ORP [Stormbreaker] ——✦ During the battle with the Calamitous Hollow, Valhalla talks to Laurelite about the benefits both factions can offer for Earth's survival. ——✦ Page 8, Page 19, Page 32, Page 45, Page 64, Page 73, Page 91, Page 100
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Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 11:30 am
FAMILY Under Construction
✦ Admiral Benjamin “Beau” Matthew Gallo (father) ✦ Age 61 (July 1950) Beau Gallo was the third child and second son to be born to Edmund and Abigail Gallo of the illustrious Gallo family in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised primarily in the Gallos’ Boston residence, a grand house in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, and attended some of the best schools in the city. He lived a life of extreme comfort and affluence, but inherited many of his mother’s virtuous qualities, including her generally modest demeanor and compassionate nature. Beau often assisted with her philanthropic endeavors and was involved in extensive volunteer work during high school. He later entered the United States Naval Academy at the age of 18, where he pursued a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and began his long and successful career in the Navy.
After completing his studies and graduating with honors, Beau was stationed at a naval base in Virginia, where he then developed a gradual romance with his future wife, Claire Merlo. His first attempts to woo her were met with amiable resistance, but he eventually prevailed and proposed six years later (in 1979). The two were married in Boston in 1980. They waited five more years before having their first child, Michael, in 1985 while Beau was again stationed at a naval base on the coast of Virginia. The growing family soon became extensive travelers, spending time in the States as well as overseas, in Japan, Spain (where their second son, Christopher, was born in 1992), Italy and Singapore.
A dedicated naval man, Beau steadily moved up the ranks and was appointed to the post of Admiral in early 2000. One can assume the appointment came with much joy and celebration for the couple, as Beau’s third and final child arrived some nine months later. Due to the demands of his career, Beau has frequently been absent from home, but has done his utmost to provide a loving and stable home environment for his children, involving them in the demands of his work and the notoriety of the family name as little as possible. As he fast approaches 62, a decision must inevitably be made: either to finally retire and lead a life of rest and relaxation, or request an extension for another two years of service.
Personality Beau was very much like Chris as a child and a young man. He was stubborn and headstrong, but humble, benevolent, and an all-around nice guy. Upon enlisting in the Navy he began to put his energies into the service of his country, harnessing his short temper into something calm and collected. To this day he remains mildly concerned with the manner in which he projects himself to others, and keeps his reputation (both as an admiral and as a societal figure) forever in mind when making public appearances.
He is an attentive and romantic husband. His youthful attempts to pursue Claire with romantic dates in picturesque locations and tenderly written love letters have only continued over the years. He enjoys nurturing his and his wife’s thirty-two year relationship, and finding new ways to express his appreciation for Claire’s constant support and understanding. Though he may present an image of calm authority and enduring confidence, Beau has come to rely heavily on his wife during times of stress. These moments, however, are generally kept private. In this way he is also very similar to his middle son, who prefers privacy and discretion in moments of emotional distress.
In the raising of his children Beau has been strict but supportive. Tantrums and other instances of bad behavior were and are dealt with firmly, though such poor conduct has generally been resolved through lectures, groundings, increased chores, and required volunteer work rather than physical punishment. At the same time, their accomplishments have been met with pride, encouragement, and rewards. Over the years, Beau has strived for patience and understanding in his dealings with his children. He knows that the stress of his job, the long absences, and the pressure his children deal with in living up to their family’s reputation is not an easy situation to place on anyone’s shoulders. His primary concern has been to give his sons as normal a life as possible, but also to use his family’s privilege to show them the world and expand their horizons, and to raise them to be tolerant, accepting, hard-working, and productive members of society.
Appearance Of his three sons, Beau shares the most similarities in appearance with his oldest, Michael. His hair is a dark-auburn/mahogany brown, graying lightly at the temples, and his eyes are a vibrant azure blue. He looks his age but wears it gracefully and bears an enduringly handsome image, with the most prominent wrinkles showing at the sides of his mouth and the corners of his eyes. Beau holds himself with distinction, and still gives off the sort of striking air one would expect from a man of his success and social standing. He stands at a height of 6’2” and maintains a fit and leanly athletic frame. In his physical upkeep, Beau displays many of the characteristics of a military man. His face is kept clean-shaven and his hair cut neat and short, though some old family pictures show him in high school sporting a slightly longer style quite reminiscent of Chris.
Family Edmund “Ed” John Gallo ✦ (father) Age 85 Abigail “Abby” Nicole Seibert Gallo ✦ (mother) Age 84 James “Jim” Michael Gallo ✦ (older brother) Age 64 Widower with one child Kathy “Kath” Anne Gallo Clark ✦ (older sister) Age 63 Married with two children Admiral Benjamin “Beau” Matthew Gallo ✦ Age 61 Married with three children Thomas “Tommy” Stephen Gallo ✦ (younger brother) Age 59 Married with six children William “Bill” Taylor Gallo ✦ (younger brother) Age 58 Married with three children Olivia “Liv” Alexandra Gallo Battour ✦ (younger sister) Age 55 Married with four children Dr. Edmund “Eddie” Jacob Gallo ✦ (youngest brother) Age 52 Married with three children — Pediatrician
✦ Claire Marie Merlo Gallo (mother) ✦ Age 56 (Oct. 1955) Claire Merlo was the second child and second daughter born to Miles and Rose Merlo of Emerald Isle, North Carolina. In contrast to her husband’s liberal cosmopolitan upbringing, Claire was raised in a moderately conservative, devoutly Roman Catholic, middle-class family. Her father had previously served in the United States Navy as a photographer before re-settling in his native state to pursue a career in marketing. Her mother also served as a photographer in the late 1940s, but returned home and became a full-time homemaker by the 1950s. Claire’s early life was the ideal picture of southern living, full of church activities, family outings, barbeques, and strong neighborhood ties, culminating in her graduating from high school and enlisting in the Navy to follow in her parents’ footsteps in 1973.
Her duties were mostly secretarial, but it was at this point in her life that Claire first met Beau Gallo. Their relationship was not a rapid sequence of intimate events. Beau’s initial attempts to sweep her off her feet were met with little more than amusement. It was only when she realized that this headstrong and annoyingly friendly man was actually a terribly sweet gentleman that Claire allowed herself to be wooed in a slow and steady buildup of emotion and mutual attraction that spanned a period of six years. In 1979, Beau finally proposed, and Claire was graciously welcomed into the Gallo family. She quickly formed a close bond with Beau’s mother Abigail, and joined her on many of her philanthropic pursuits.
Following her marriage, Claire spent a few years acquiring a degree in Art History. However, by 1985 Claire had decided against a regular, full-time career in order to fully embrace a new stage in her life: motherhood. Much of Claire’s life since then has been devoted to raising her children and supporting her husband. A second son arrived in August of 1992, followed by another surprise bundle of joy in late 2000. Upon settling in Destiny City nine years ago, Claire has continued to involve herself heavily in local charities, hosting fundraising events and passing her days with volunteer work, very much like her mother-in-law before her.
Personality Claire’s induction into the Gallo family was perhaps one of the most eye-opening experiences of her entire life. As a child she was sweet, curious, and tenderhearted, but prone to her parents’ middle-class way of life and admittedly conservative ideals of right and wrong. She was sheltered and innocent, and had a much more narrow view of life than she later acquired. It was not until her enlistment in the navy and her relationship and subsequent marriage to Beau that she was introduced to a wider world. Then her curiosity and tenderheartedness and her love for people began to be used to full effect, as her interests grew to mirror the activism and charity of her mother-in-law. Above all, Claire was and remains a deeply caring individual, gracious and sensitive to the difficulties of others. Though she maintains something of a flighty, girlish disposition, she is a strong promoter of peace, justice, equality and acceptance for all.
As a wife, Claire has elected to take a backseat to her husband’s career, though the amusement she once felt toward his gallantly romantic gestures has long since developed into an intense passion. She could have easily pursued a career of her own, and even considered it at a time when they were newly married, but she finds the most joy in supporting her husband and nurturing her family. Claire has always been Beau’s chief encouragement. She takes great pride in her husband’s success, and faces their frequent separations with courage and conviction. In this instance, distance does indeed make the heart grow fonder.
On the other hand, Claire has been able to put her love and dedication into her children without restraint. Since she has regularly been on her own in raising them, Claire has taken on both of the rolls of mother and father. She may coddle them on occasion (and spoil them at others), but she is not opposed to discipline and has been known to get creative in her attempts to teach her sons an important life lesson. She is far from against expressing her affections, will give advice even when it goes unasked for, and does her best to encourage fairness and good humor between her boys. To Claire, they will always be her sweet little ones, and it is highly likely that her reactions toward others will be very similar to the amount of care and concern she shows to her sons.
Appearance Claire has a very traditional sort of beauty. She is fair-skinned, blonde-haired, and has retained a thin but well-shaped figure even after birthing three strapping sons (one even after she’d already passed forty). She has aged smoothly and has frequently been complimented for her enduring youth. Her eyes are those of her younger two sons, wide, golden, and emotionally expressive. She stands at an average height of 5’5”, and keeps her hair cut at shoulder length through regular visits to the salon (she may also engage in a bit of dying to cover any grays, but that is strictly between her and her stylist). Claire holds herself with remarkable grace and elegance for a woman who can sometimes seem a bit airheaded. Often she appears around town in designer clothes and fashionable jewelry, but her conventional upbringing and down-to-earth character show itself in her willingness to re-wear certain items of clothing for different outings and events.
Family Miles Thomas Merlo ✦ (father) Age 81 Rose Patricia Grzeskiewicz Merlo ✦ (mother) Deceased two years ago at 80 Teresa “Terry” Ann Merlo Flynn ✦ (older sister) Age 59 Married with one child Claire Marie Merlo Gallo ✦ Age 56 Married with two children Daniel John Merlo ✦ (younger brother) Age 55 Married with three children Steven Paul Merlo ✦ (younger brother) Age 53 Married with two children Brian Richard Merlo ✦ (youngest brother) Age 51 Married with four children Lori Elisa Merlo Elsey✦ (younger sister) Age 49 Married with no children
✦ Ensign Michael John Gallo (older brother) ✦ Age 26 Michael Gallo was born at a Naval base in Virginia, where his father was stationed at the time and he was received with much joy and excitement. As he grew up his parents had to travel, and for that reason he was home-schooled through middle school, but went to a normal high school once his parents decided that his younger brother needed to take the time to go to an actual school for kindergarten.
But even though he was being taught at home at a young age, his mother made sure to have him interact with other children. This was accomplished by taking him to community art classes, taking him to the park on a daily basis, and having him involved in the local youth group of whatever city they were living in.
Michael knew at an early age what he wanted to do with his life, and he as followed through with it as he had always said he would. He wanted to join the Navy like his father.
He spent two years in the Navy after high school, making sure that this was what he wanted to do while securing the rank of Ensign, before heading off to college for four years. It is now his four and final year and will be graduating with a degree in engineering, like his father.
Unfortunately, Michael has always had a problem with keeping steady relationships. He tends to be more manipulative in his relationships and if there isn't something he can gain from it, then it's dropped. He's also turned into a bit of a judgmental snob, something that Chris has yet to realize about his brother — he isn't as amazing as his younger brother thinks he is.
Personality He’s an intelligent young man, Michael. He’s received grades in the top five percent of home school exams, and made a perfect score in math on the SAT, almost making a perfect score overall. He's not very athletic, but he often partakes in basketball and soccer, and in college he picked up lacrosse. He has a charming personality that makes him the life of any party. He knows how to get what he wants and is determined not to let anything stop him.
He loves his little brothers, sure! It’s just a bit difficult to really know them when they are so far apart in age, especially Peter. Because of the difference, he’s dealt with a bit of hero worship for a while before Chris started focusing on his own life, but Peter still idolizes him. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being like him! It's an ego-boost!
✦ Benjamin Peter Gallo (younger brother) ✦ Age 11 Named after his father, but called by his middle name; if Christopher had been an unexpected baby, Peter took the cake. Heck, poor Claire thought she was starting menopause when in reality she was pregnant. It’s not often that people have children at age 45, especially with the health risks for both the mother and the baby.
Lucky for Peter, there were minimal complications, besides not turning around in the uterus and having to be C-sectioned out.
Despite a slightly rough start, Peter has grown into a spunky ten-year-old who is convinced that he’s going to become an astronaut! He loves anything that has to do with outer space and, according to him, is the best in his math and science classes.
Personality Peter is very audacious, even at such a young age. He takes school seriously (or at least his math and science classes) and is even more competitive than his older brothers. His energy often makes him the center of attention, and his youthful enthusiasm gains him many admirers, children and adults.
He idolizes his oldest brother, but often rubs Chris the wrong way, especially since they have such similar personalities. All he really wants is Chris’s attention, but apparently Chris doesn’t appreciate being followed around, much less all the questions he tries asking him.
✦ Annabel Lee (Finnish Spitz) ✦ Age 3 — Adopted a little less than two years ago.
Annabel Lee, named after a Poe poem, is a sassy little spitfire of a puppy who loves giving her owners hell. Just kidding. Not really. She was rescued from the animal shelter after coming from an abusive situation for not only her, but also her mother and siblings as well. At first it was thought that she would be too distrusting of humans to be placed in another home, which placed her on the list for being humanely euthanized, but thanks to the extra hours Christopher put into getting her used to humans and other dogs again, she was adopted into the Gallo's home.
Sure, she still needs training and needs to learn which chew toys are... — damnit, not another shoe!! She needs to learn what's acceptable and what's not. Peeing on the carpet is a no, but cuddling in bed is okay, so long as she doesn't chew up the pillows. Even though she is a hassle, she's loved and can be very affectionate, if not a bit overprotective.
✦ Eleonora (Golden Retriever) ✦ Deceased at 15 years when Chris was 12. Eleonora, named after a Poe short story, was the sweetest, most loyal dog a family could ask for. She never peed on the carpet, she never ate shoes, she knew how to catch a frisbee and bring it back, and she didn't bark excessively. She was a present for Michael, but as Chris grew older, he and Eleonora became very close, the dog often reflecting Chris's feelings in her behavior. It broke his heart when she was put down, and the only time he ever saw his father cry as he buried her in the backyard. Chris often wonders if the reason they've stopped moving from place to place is because where they lived now is Eleonora's final place of rest.
Anthony "Tony" Darrow ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Camelot. Local Library's head librarian and first Knight I met (and only, other than myself). Younger than my dad, but probably nearing middle aged. That doesn't stop him from fighting monsters. Has a corgi named Dogby. Knows I'm Valhalla and I agreed to help him out with a group for the knights.
Azzo Crowley ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Middle school friend back from the dead?! We used to play together when I visited relatives out in the country. He seems okay, I'm just still weirded out by the fact that I thought he'd died.
Carnelian "Lian" Esposito ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Aeolia. Friend from school. Another knight.
(Castille Brenna) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ ???
Christa(belle Calloway) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Kallichore. Strangely formal sounding, at least until she'd fighting youma. Works at the library.
Daniel Schäfer ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Naica. German exchange student and Azure Valley friends from before our growth spurts, when we were both awkward and tiny. Met him in a locker... I'd trust him before anyone else at Azure... or any other school, for that matter. Knows that I'm Valhalla. Sorry... I was going to tell you, I swear.
Dani(ela Rymner) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Magellan. You took a chance and trusted me when you didn't have to.
Eliza (Satchlyn) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met her at the Surrounding. Strange girl, but friendly and harmless.
Finn Derouen ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian ally. Dumbass fratboy wannabe. I don't know how to tell you that I'm sorry.
Fritz (Fredrick St. James) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ One of the civilians at the Surrounding. Seemed to have a good head on his shoulders.
Hayden (Lynch) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Arts and crafts junior counselor at camp. Friendly.
Harper (Rafferty) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met her when she came to the shelter after her dog, Brown, escaped! We found him, though.
Jada Chamberlyn ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Friends from psychology class. Very nice legs. Was in a car accident and out of school for a while, but hopefully I was able to help her with studying and she did well on her psychology exam.
Ladon (Shepard) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Quiet boy who walks by himself in the park. He looks sad to me, but he smiled when he was petting Annabel. Paris's best friend?! Didn't see that one! He tried strangling me when I accidentally got too close when trying to wake him up, but I wasn't hurt... I wonder if he suffers from some kind of PTSD... Seems lonely.
(Lesile Warwick) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Some kind of street performer? Helped me get rid of some crazy youma in the park. Glad his phone wasn't totally ruined.
Liliana "Lily" Jacobs ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met her at the animal shelter and have been working with her there on and off over the past few years! She's a dancer (with great legs) and a singer. She's planning on going to DCU, so maybe I'll be seeing more of her?
Lumiere (Aileron) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Model? Met her at the park when she almost got hit by a foul ball! Glad she wasn't hurt. Seemed compassionate and friendly, though rather reserved.
Paris LeFay ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Pretty girl with blue green eyes and great legs. Kind of very flat chested, but whatever... I asked her to lunch and to dinner, but I'll have to be careful about moving too fast. Other than that, I really enjoy her company. Scholarship to Crystal and a dancer! Asked me to help her play guitar the first time we met. Asked her to be my girlfriend at camp and she agreed. First girlfriend since... I don't want to talk about it... I don't want to talk about it... You lied to me and kept secrets, but you seem genuine in your regret. I can forgive that and move on. I've given you my heart and I trust you to be there when I need help. Thank you.
Penelope Seneca ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Has a dog named Minotaur. She's a soft spoken but intelligent young woman. She knows my identity and trusts me with hers. Without her, I don't know where the rest of us would be.
Peter Gallo ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ He's my baby brother. As much as he annoys me I still reluctantly love the little brat.
Matthew (Desmond) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met him at a coffee shop during an unexpected rain storm. Also goes to DCU and is majoring in computer programing. Intelligent and friendly.
Michael Gallo ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Older brother. I can't believe that he decided to leave the Navy to teach! I'm glad I'll be able to see him more often, though.
Melinda (Reese) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met her after almost hitting her with a foul ball!! She fell off her bike, but she seemed to be okay. Sweet and surprised me for being a Crystal girl.
Skye Fortescue ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Don't want to talk about it... After talking to her, I decided to give her a chance at being friends again. We haven't spoken in quite a while, though. We've both changed...
Tallulah (Cowden) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Cute lifeguard. I liked talking to her and wouldn't mind running into her again.
Zia "Zee" Connolly ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ We've been neighbors for eight years, and have since been good friends. Zia is one of the few people I'd trust my life with, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
✦ Knights ✦
Aeolia Page of Uranus ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Lian. Awoke when a youma attacked on campus.
Annwn Page of Earth ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met him during Camelot's first meeting for the Knights of Destiny. Don't really have an opinion yet.
Avalon Page of Earth ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Tall girl with an apple for a weapon. Doesn't seem to think that the Negaverse are worth the opportunity for redemption, to which I disagree with, but she was pleasant to talk to.
Babylon Squire (of Mercury) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Dumbass thinks he's an artist, but couldn't put together an artist statement to save his life. Nice try buddy. Pretty sure he's Finn, one of the frat boy counselors at camp. Kicked his a** during one of the tournament battles. Well, I punched him in the face, but good enough. I feel too guilty to try and seek you out.
Bimini Page of Cosmos ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met him during Camelot's first meeting for the Knights of Destiny. Don't really have an opinion yet.
Camelot Squire of Earth ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Tony. First "powered" I'd met. I trust him. He saved my a** from General Painite.
Hesperis Page of Mercury ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ He's(?) helpful and useful, despite his(??) age. I could easily say that I'd trust hi-- is Hesperis a boy or a girl?!
Naica Page of Cosmos ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Uggghhh Daniel... I swear if you get yourself killed...
Nifhel Squire of Saturn ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Met him during Camelot's first meeting for the Knights of Destiny. Don't really have an opinion.
Sessrumnir Knight of Jupiter ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian. Didn't really talk to him. Turns out he's Michael... figures.
✦ Senshi ✦
Sailor Arachne, Senshi of Spiders ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Seems to know me from school?? Fought a youma with him. Apparently he makes killing youma a sport. Nothing wrong with that.
Sailor Athene, (Senshi of Beads) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ He seems young, but I think he has a lot of potential as a senshi. I wouldn't mind working with him, again.
Sailor Callisto, (Senshi of Solitude) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ The youngest Jovian I've met. I wish there was more I could do to make things easier for her.
Princess Chronos, (Senshi of the Equinox) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Seems meek and indecisive. Granted it was a difficult situation (the Surrounding incident), but she didn't really decide on anything until things got out of hand.
Prince Castor, (Senshi of Hail) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Seems too caught up in the past. Would rather argue with Ganymede and Zirconia than help. I don't remember seeing him during the battle, but apparently he was around, just not fighting the giant youma with us pathetic mortals.
Sailor Cyllene, (Senshi of Acid) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian. She and Ganymede seemed to be on the same page at the Surrounding about the mirrors, and she obviously came to our aid. I'd like to get to know her better.
Sailor Euanthe, (Senshi of Tragedy) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian. She was quiet during out first meeting, but she still showed up. I'd like to get to know her.
Eternal Sailor Europa, (Senshi of the Deep) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian, too? Saved my a** in a sticky situation. I owe her my life. Seems to have her act together.
Super Sailor Flora, Senshi of Spring ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Handmaiden of Chronos. Seemed pleasant enough one-on-one, but easily defensive when Chronos is questioned, it seems.
Eternal Sailor Ganymede, Senshi of Lust ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Well... he wears a very interesting outfit, but he's named after a moon of Jupiter. Does that mean we're supposed to be watching out for each other? Monday nights are now going to be patrol nights with him. I feel like I can trust him, at least. Paris. He didn't have to tell me who he was, but he did. I can respect that, even if I don't like it. Um, yeah, they're married now.
(Sailor Hephaistos, Senshi of Metalwork) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Chronos groupie? Liked to argue instead of help decide what to do. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and hold off on forming an opinion until I can get to know him away from the Surrounding.
Eternal Chibi Hugbell, (Senshi of Comfort) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Young, but she seems eager to do something with her powers. I don't blame her, even if I'd rather children not be involved in this war.
Super Sailor Kallichore, (Senshi of Madness) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian. Can freak youma out with her attack.
Soldier Leo ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ ???
Sailor Maenalus, (Senshi of Mountains) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Helped with the trouble at camp! Definitely wouldn't mind being on her team again.
Eternal Sailor Maia, Senshi of Song ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Lily. Took the time to explain eveything that has been going on in the city. I'm glad there are so many people I know I can trust whom I can work with.
Super Sailor Magellan, (Senshi of Powder) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Dani. Needed help with a youma, but I would like to get to know her more. She seemed interested in learning about the youma.
Super Sailor Pasiphae, Senshi of Shame ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Intelligent, diplomatic, and kind. I'm proud to call her my teammate. I hope to get to know her better and work with her a lot more in the near future.
Eternal Sailor Themis, (Senshi of Noise) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Helped save mine and Daniel's asses one night. I owe him. Apparently senshi get these strange looking wings on their outfits along the lower back when they are really strong. Thank God I'm not a senshi.
Sailor Vindemiatrix, (Senshi of Wine) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Jovian ally. Helpful and friendly. I'd like to work with him some more.
Soldier Virgo, (Senshi of Innocence) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Captain of the Zodiac Senshi. Seems to have her s**t together, at least.
✦ Dark Moon Senshi ✦
Sailor Al-Janah, (Senshi of Falconry) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ ???
Sailor Remarque, (Senshi of Puppetry) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Thinks he's misunderstood and has the potential to be a good ally and friend.
✦ Negaverse ✦
(General Hematite) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Tall, dark, and freaking terrifying. He's got gnarly scars on his face and this badass black sword. Personality wise, though, he's an a*****e. Tried taking me hostage, but Europa managed to get me out. Don't know what his problem is. I guess after being in a job for so long, it's just absorbed into your being. a*****e or not, he could have killed me. Don't know if it was to taunt Europa, but is it bad that I have hope for him? Maybe he'd not completely heartless, at least.
(Lieutenant Howlite ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ ???
(Corrupted Eternal Sailor) Lyra ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Extremely long hair that reminds me of a sunset. Europa seemed to know her, but something must have happened. Can the Negaverse really take senshi and brainwash them? What about knights...?
General Painite ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Has a spear and something against children. She was sapping their energy at the summer camp. Recently she tried taking my starseed after kicking my a**, even though I insisted on not fighting. Crazy b***h.
(Lieutenant Proustite) ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ First Negaverse Officer I'd met. He didn't hurt me, just took my energy. I don't really have an opinion.
General Wolframite ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ He was pleasant to talk to. Seemed exhausted and generally tired of all the fighting. Maybe I can convince him that leaving senshi alive and uncorrupted isn't such a bad idea. I wouldn't mind talking to him again.
(General-King) Zinkenite ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Offered me tea and a peaceful conversation. The Negaverse seems to just want peace, too. Our methods of obtaining peace might be different, but maybe (with more discussions, of course) we can come to some kind of compromise?
✦ Cats ✦
(********* style="color: seagreen">✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Strange cat girl, but she was kind to Ganymede during the camp thing. Apparently she's one of the senior "go-to" cats around.
Tomlin ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Callisto's cat. Haven't really had a chance to get to know him, but he seems to be concerned about the safety of others. Which is good.
Zirconia / "Parasite" ✦✦✦✦✦✦✦ Zia's demon cat half... She'd better stop forcing Zee into danger. She was there when I became Valhalla, and "saved" me from that youma. She needs a good brush, though. Definitely not like Zee in the grooming department, from what I've seen. But I trust her and think she's got her act together. Which is saying something.
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Guine
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Lonely Explorer
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Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 11:33 am
HOME Chateau Gallo
Ground Floor
The Second Floor This floor can be accessed by the elevator, the grand staircase or the staircase to the south of the Kitchen.
The Balcony – south of the elevator and also accessed via the grand staircase, the balcony looks down into the Grand Foyer. The Master Suite – to the east of the Balcony, at the rear of the house. This sprawling suite contains a large master bath, and his and her closets (her's of which is two stories). West of the Master Bedroom is the Master Sitting Room, which opens onto an outdoor balcony. The Nursery – west of the elevator and the Master Suite, at the rear of the house. The room was once conspicuously empty but has been painted and set up for the arrival of twins. It has its own en suite and dual walk-in closets, with a bay window that overlooks the gardens. The Guest Rooms – to the west of the Balcony, in the area of the house above the kitchen and garage. There are eight more bedrooms, each containing their own en suites and walk-in closets. A second laundry room is also in this area.
The Basement
Entertainment Room – the central area of the basement, which can be accessed directly by the elevator, as well as by the stairs behind the Kitchen and Family Room on the floor above, and the stairs by the Library. Here you can find comfortable seating, a pool table, a chess table, a casino table, and arcade games (including but not limited to Pacman, Ms. Pacman, Galaga, Dance Dance Revolution, and Stepmania), with the wet bar at the rear of the room near the elevator. Bowling Alley – to the east of the Entertainment Room. There are four lanes, and bowling balls of different weights are available for use. Movie Room – to the west of the Entertainment Room, the Movie Room is more or less an at home theater, with three rows of five (fifteen total) cushy leather seats set up stadium style. Another half-bath is just south of this room. The Wine Cellar – south of the Movie Room, beyond the left staircase and the half-bath. The Exercise Room – east of the Entertainment Room. Includes a full home gym and leads out to a covered terrace on the side of the house. South of the gym is another half-bath, a dry sauna, and a massage room. North of the gym (northeast of the Entertainment room, from which it can also be accessed) is a second (smaller) full kitchen.
The Third Floor So far this floor is nothing but attic space, though its finished to the point of having adequate flooring and insulated walls. Further renovations may be done up here at a later date.
The Gardens Located at the back of the house. There is an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor fireplace, and a fire pit. The pool house is visible across the lawn. Further on is a small apple orchard, a grape arbor, and walking trails. There are also stables to the east, empty for now, but well maintained.
Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 11:35 am
Extra Information Under Construction
✦ Why Christopher Luke Gallo? ✦ Christopher was named for the Catholic patron saint of travelers. "Luke" is the patron saint of physicians and surgeons. "Gallo" is an Italian surname, meaning “rooster”, implying his proud family heritage — he’s American with a dominant Italian background.
✦ Why Leo/August 12th? ✦ I chose Leo after matching up as many traits as I could with the signs and found out which sign Christopher’s personality best matched. I also liked the idea of a lion as a symbol his sense of pride. Originally I had it as August 13th for reasons of "Friday the 13th" and all that; now I've changed it to August 12th. I wanted to keep it Leo and August, but it needed more significance. I mention later in this section the importance of the numbers 3 and 4, and the multiple of that is 12. The number 12 on its own has just as much importance! It's the number of the Zodiac, months in a year, days of Christmas, tribes of Israel, the number of Apostles. I felt this had a lot more significance to Christopher than 13.
✦ Why Sardonyx? ✦ Sardonyx is a beautiful stone (I find) that has multiple layers in it, and when it’s cut correctly it can produce incredibly unique and sophisticated pieces of jewelry. One such example is the Tazza Farese cameo from the Hellenistic period in art history. For anyone interested/doesn’t know… Hellenistic art began after the death of Alexander the Great and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII (the famous Cleopatra). The sardonyx stone is a symbol for good luck and was often carried into battle to ensure courage and victory.
✦ Why big gaps between brothers? ✦ I wanted there to be a big enough gap between Christopher and his older brother so that Christopher can see all the things his brother has accomplished and strive to match up with his brother’s “greatness”. Of course, what Chris doesn’t realize is that Michael really isn’t as amazing as Chris makes him out to be, though the shine Michael gives off to his brother is still very bright. The gap between Chris and his younger brother is really just to annoy Chris and test his already lacking patience, and to make Chris want to regain that "spotlight" he had when he was the younger child.
✦ Why Eleonora and Annabel Lee? ✦ The names are actually titles of Edgar Alan Poe works. Christopher’s mother took the liberty of naming the family pets, and because of her love for all kinds of literature, she chose her favorite poet to name the dogs after.
I chose dogs as companions because their loyalty would reflect in Christopher’s own personality.
✦ Why baseball? ✦ I personally know a lot about baseball. It's my favorite sport; however, that's not the only reason why I chose to make it one of Chris's hobbies. To be good at any sport one must train themselves to be the best they can be. In baseball it could be batting, pitching, throwing, running, or even just coming up with strategy. He is used to swinging a bat and throwing and keeping in shape, his reaction time is high thanks to attempts/successes at stealing bases, and strategizing against the other team is like second nature. Not to mention great leg muscles from being a catcher part-time. It was for the physical and health benefits that Chris plays a sport, baseball in particular, that will help him to survive in their dangerous world without having to damage his pride through being the "damsel in distress" and needing to be saved by others.
Also — I only realized this recently after making him play baseball — the shape of the field with the three bases and home? It's the magic number four again, the four that ties into the cardinal directions, seasons, elements, etc.
✦ Why the Naval background in Chris's family? ✦ I could have chosen the Army, Air Force, or even the Marines, but I am more familiar and comfortable with using the Navy for a background.
✦ What does Chris study at Destiny City University? ✦ Since he's good with his hands he decided to go into architecture, even if his secret dream is to be drafted into the Major Leagues! He's pretty good at math as long as he studies, and he likes creating things, so it's easier for him to envision how finished products will look like, whether they be houses, buildings, cars, planes, etc. He is already used to creating templates of possible, original models, so it's pretty much the same thing, right? Unlike his brother, Chris picked up some of his mother's artistic abilities, and while he paints his models, he doesn't feel very inspired to paint on canvas. Photography is okay, but he's also fine with a point and shoot camera.
✦ What is a gyrocompass? ✦ A gyrocompass is essentially a gyroscope, a spinning wheel mounted on gimbals so that the wheel's axis is free to orient itself in any way. When it is spun up to speed with its axis pointing in some direction other than the celestial pole, due to the law of conservation of angular momentum, such a wheel will normally maintain its original orientation to a fixed point in outer space (not to a fixed point on Earth). Since the Earth rotates, it appears to a stationary observer on Earth that a gyroscope's axis is completing a full rotation once every 24 hours. Such a rotating gyroscope cannot ordinarily be used for marine navigation. The crucial additional ingredient needed for a gyrocompass to seek out true north is some mechanism that results in an applied torque whenever the compass's axis is not pointing north. [wiki]
✦ What is a gyroscope? ✦ A gyroscope is a device for measuring or maintaining orientation, based on the principles of conservation of angular momentum. A mechanical gyroscope is essentially a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation. This orientation changes much less in response to a given external torque than it would without the large angular momentum associated with the gyroscope's high rate of spin. Since external torque is minimized by mounting the device in gimbals, its orientation remains nearly fixed, regardless of any motion of the platform on which it is mounted. [wiki]
✦ What is Valhalla? ✦ (also Valhall, Walhalla, Valhöll)
Valhalla is the great hall of the einherjar, the heroic dead. Warriors who died in glorious battle were chosen by Odin to wait in Valhalla until Ragnarok.
The large strucure, built by Odin himself in Asgard, had over five hundred doors, each large enough for eight hundred warriors to march out of at the time of Ragnarok so that they could fight the futile battle with the gods.
Valhalla was the heaven of the Vikings, a large hall where wounds healed quickly and meat was readily available. A constant routine of fighting and feasting ensured that the warriors were at their physical peak when Ragnarok came. In Old Norse, it’s name, Valhöll, means “hall of the slain”. [site]
Valhalla had more than 640 doors, each wide enough to allow hundreds of warriors to leave at the first sign of threat. Filled with shields and armor, the enormous hall was also the haunt of wolves, ravens, a boar that could be eaten and brought back to life, and a goat that provided an unlimited supply of an alcoholic drink called mead.
The Valkyries, the battle maidens of Odin, selected the warriors worthy enough to live in Valhalla. When these warriors died, they entered the palace and their wounds were healed miraculously. They spent their days feasting and improving their battle skills in preparation for Ragnarok. Those warriors who were killed during practice each day were brought back to life and healed each evening. [site]
✦ Why a compass/gyrocompass for Valhalla? ✦ Honestly, I've always seen Chris with something dealing with maintaining orientation or more precise navigation. He's had a compass rose related to him since he was created. St. Christopher is the Patron Saint of Travelers. But I also thought it would go great with the concept of Jupiter, vikings, and storms. While a compass isn't as accurate when everything is moving (like on a boat), upgrading to a gyrocompass (or a simplified version of one, at least, without all the mechanics), will take care of any interference of motion.
Also, there are over 500 doors in Valhalla that are wide enough for hundreds of warriors? This place is huge, and probably very confusing for those who don't know the way, so... I felt it was only fitting for the knight to be able to lead the way.
✦ Christopher Luke Gallo ✦ Age 18 Born a Navy brat in Spain, where his father was stationed. He wasn't exactly a "planned" baby, but still brought much joy to his parents. Despite his last name, and mother's maiden name, he isn't entirely Italian. His father is English, Irish, German, and Italian, while his mother is Italian and Polish. They just ended up having dominant Italian last names.
Education ✦ Now that he's in Destiny City University, rather than studying engineering like his father and older brother, he's going into architecture. He likes working with his hands, as well as designing. He's not intimidated by the prospect of talking to potential clients, so there's nothing to worry about, there.
Religion ✦ Chris is Roman Catholic born and raised, but despite the strictness held in his religion's belief system, he is open-minded about the world and loves learning about people of other religions. He's not the kind of person who will force his beliefs on someone else, just as he wouldn't force anything on to anyone. His beliefs are stable, though they aren't "perfect" Vatican established Catholic beliefs. For one, he believes that animals have souls, just like humans. In fact, everything has its own soul, in his mind. He also believes in the teachings specifically in the Gospels, rather than a lot of the other books. Chris considers himself more of a liberal Catholic than strict conservative. He believes that humans make mistakes; things can be mistranslated, or even lost in translation. Either way, he likes the stability and familiarity the church offers, especially since no matter where he goes in the world, the church service will always be the same.
Baseball ✦ A hobby he picked up from his father when he was young. It started out with just playing catch, but soon developed into love for the game. Every year he joins the team of where they are currently living, and thankfully his father is understanding enough to wait to move until after the season, even if his transfer has him going ahead of his family. Chris started out at second base, but was moved up to pitcher when his teammate injured their arm. Since then, pitching has been his position of choice, followed closely by catcher. His batting average is .260, which he has been desperately trying to improve, but thankfully he is a good enough pitcher, with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 2.53, to make up for his less than stellar batting.
Accessories ✦ The one thing he never takes off is his St. Christopher metal that his grandfather gave him for his First Communion in first grade. Of course, he doesn't wear it out from under his shirt, so you'd never know that he wore it unless he took off his shirt...
Transportation ✦ For his sixteenth birthday, Chris was passed on the keys of his father's 2005 Nissan Maxima. Personally, he would have wanted to pick out his own car, but there's nothing wrong with what he was given, so he doesn't complain. It's a way to get from point A to point B faster than a bike, at least!
Mama's Boy ✦ Being the midd of the three brothers by seven years, both ways, Chris is used to being pampered by his mother. His food is made for him, his clothes are washed, his wet towels are picked up and exchanged for ones fresh from the dryer. He never has to worry about running out of toothpaste or fresh underwear when his mother is around! Christopher just doesn't know how good he's got it.
That being said, Chris's personal hygiene and physical appearance is always the best he could possibly manage, fluctuating only when he's training, playing baseball, washing dogs, or other activities that require him getting down and dirty for a bit. His room and car, though? Sure, Chris keeps himself clean shaven and his hair is always brushed, but since he is so used to having his mother pick up after him, his messes are at great odds to his appearance. Chris will clean up after his dog and always does his best to be considerate around others, but at home he has his mother to take care of all that.
He just doesn't have time to pick up his clothes and pile his books neatly! No, he won't let something start rotting because he doesn't usually allow food in his car, anyway, and he's been conditioned not to bring food to his room, but he'll leave his car a mess for months until his mom cleans it for him. His room is picked up, daily. He has such a good mother. <3
Fighting Style ✦ Chris is a baseball player (he hopes to go Pro, one day), specifically a pitcher and catcher, so he has a strong core that he works on daily, and nice arms and legs, too. (Working out for him is a routine, not a hobby.) Which means he's built for stamina, speed, and agility, rather than brute strength. Pitching has taught him good balance and concentration, but to also be aware of the field around him, working off of signals from his teammates, and the repeated tendencies of his opponents.
For fighting, since he can't do much with a compass besides chuck it at someone (which he wouldn't do, anyway), he would probably resort to using anything he can get his hands on that he could swing, because sometimes you just don't want to get close enough to someone to land a punch (like Tanzenite...). That would be, like, just asking for death. Thanks, but no. When he does think he can land a punch without breaking his hand (he kind of needs that to pitch), then he will.
Almadel's Pin. Used for increased strength in the Stormbreaker (2025) Event. Also has bracelet with a cracked gemstone and transparent that helped them return home.
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