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 Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:04 pm
The Quest for the Monkey King!
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:42 pm
What's Up Sunshine?
Well its been a while but I've finally managed to gain enough confidence in myself to quest for a Fa'e. Despite acquiring one or not I have always had a love for the FA'E community. Maybe not as open as some lurkers who come out of the shadows to present themselves, I've just simply sat back and watched.
Talking to a few behind the veil but now it is far time I incorporate myself into this fine community. It will be slow at first and I do not expect to understand everything right off but I will do my best.
It's not for my own personal gain as it is for the fact that I've been itching to try my hand at contributing my own take on a well known legend. And so... I wish to quest for: The Monkey King.
Doozo yoroshiku onegai-shimasu...
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:44 pm
THE MONKEY KING LEGEND
... Chaos in Heaven .... Monkey (Sūn Wùkōng ) was hatched from a magical egg on a mountain top, which had been weathered and fertilised by the elements over many centuries. Made of stone and virtually indestructible (although he still feels pain), he was crowned the Monkey King after he proved to be the only monkey on the Mountain of Fruit and Flowers to dare go through the Water Curtain and set up a kingdom on Earth. Upon realising that he was destined to die like everyone else, he made it his new goal to become immortal. He located a Taoist who taught him magic and alchemy (and how to fly on clouds).
After this he began a reign of unbelievable mischief. He bullied the Dragon Kings of the Oceans into giving him a Magic Wishing Staff, and the clothes to match it. He crossed off his name and the names of all his monkey subjects from the "Monkey File" in the Register of the Quick and the Dead, thus rendering all his original subjects immortal as well. When Heaven sent down people to punish him for these escapades he beat them up and sent them back. Emboldened by this success, he then went to Heaven himself and demanded the title "Great Sage - Equal of Heaven" - which he got (but with no salary to go with it) as it was decided the easiest way to contain his mischief was to trick him into staying in Heaven. His job resorted to being a stabble hand where he tended to the horses.
But even there he created chaos with his restless irreverence and irrepressible curiosity. Things came to a peak when he ate the peaches from the Jade Emperor's Sacred Peach Garden, making himself even more truly immortal. The Peaches were intended for the Peach Banquet, which he then totally disrupted by making a mess of the arrangements, drinking all the wine, eating up all the finger-food, and gobbling down the Elixir concocted by Lao Tsu for the Cinnabar Banquet. Following this debacle, he fled from Heaven, pursued by the hundred thousand soldiers of same. When they caught up with him, he beat them up too. It was not until Lao Tsu threw down his Diamond Snare, hitting Sūn Wùkōng on the head, that the recalcitrant was captured.
He was sentenced to be cut up into small pieces, but the soldier trying to carry out the punishment found they couldn't injure him. So the spirits of the Fire Stars were sent in to burn him, but he didn't burn. The Thunder Spirits had even less success in trying to hurl thunderbolts at him. The combination of Sūn Wùkōng's Taoist skills, the Peaches of Immortality, the Wine of Heaven, the food and the five bowls full of the Elixir of Long Life he consumed, had made him truly indestructible. Even when Lao Tsu put him into his Crucible of the Eight Trigrams and heated him with alchemic fire for 49 days, the only effect it had was to make Sūn Wùkōng's eyes permanently red. Sūn Wùkōng escaped and then proceeded to run amok in Heaven in a rage, smashing everything and beating up everyone he encountered.
At this point the Buddha intervened. The Buddha made a wager with Sūn Wùkōng, betting him that he could not jump out of Buddha's hand. Should Sūn Wùkōng win, he demanded the Jade Emperor's job; should he lose, then he would be banished to Earth for centuries to learn some humility.
Sūn Wùkōng cloud-flew to the end of the universe, where he saw five pink pillars, which he took to be the end of the world. On the middle pillar he wrote "The Great Sage Equal of Heaven reached this place", to prove beyond any doubt he had reached this spot. Figuring it was a long trip back, and being the irrespresible individual he was, he also urinated at the base of the first pillar. Then he returned to face the Buddha. To his shock, the Buddha informed him he had never left Buddha's hand - and to prove it, showed Sūn Wùkōng the writing on his middle finger and the distinctive smell at the bottom of his smallest digit. Sūn Wùkōng tried to renege on the bet, but before he could escape, Buddha pushed him out of the Gate of Heaven, then Buddha changed his five fingers into the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth). They became the five-peaked mountain under which Sūn Wùkōng was trapped, leaving only his head and hands exposed.
After 500 years he was granted a chance to redeem himself by accompanying holy man Xuánzàng on a journey to the West as his companion and guard. In order to keep him under control, a band of metal was put on his head that Xuánzàng could cause to tighten by muttering a chant - while this couldn't hurt the indestructible imp, it would cause him extreme pain.
(*Taken from International Hero.co.uk)
(**Lettering in bold are points of achievements and battles in Wukong's life.)
THE JOURNEY TO THE WEST
... The Pilgrimage ... Dismayed that "the land of the South knows only greed, hedonism, promiscuity, and sins" the Buddha instructs the Bodhisattva Guān Yīn, the Goddess of Mercy to search Táng China for someone to take the Buddhist sutras of "transcendence and persuasion for good will" back to the East. Part of the story here also relates to how Xuánzàng becomes a monk (as well as revealing his past life as the Golden Cicada, most famous and accomplished disciple of Buddha) and comes about being sent on this pilgrimage by the Táng emperor Lĭ ShìMín, who previously escaped death with the help of an underworld official. He finds four willing disciples for the monk along the way, who agree to help Xuánzàng in order to atone for their sins in their past lives and achieve transcendence from the mortal realm (a common Buddhist theme).
The monkey king Sūn Wùkōng (aka Monkey), previously "Great Sage Equal to Heaven", banished to the mortal realm for rebelling against the Heavens.
The pig-monster Zhū Bājiè (aka Pigsy, or Pig), previously Lin Fan, commander of the Heavenly Naval forces, banished to the mortal realm for flirting with the Princess of the Moon Chang'e.
The river-monster Shā Wùjìng (aka Friar Sand, or Sandy), previously Great General who Folds the Curtain, banished to the mortal realm for dropping (and shattering) of the crystal goblet of the Heavenly Queen Mother.
The third prince of the Dragon-King of the West XiaoBáiLong (aka Little White Dragon), sentenced to death for setting fire to his father's great pearl. He was further punished by being changed into a horse to carry Xuánzàng.
Throughout the journey, these four brave travelers have to fend off attacks on their master and teacher Xuánzàng from various monsters (spirits of the Earth who through meditation and training gained vast powers) and heavenly spirits (who tired of heaven and came down to the mortal realm to amuse themselves). Most attack the pilgrims in search of immortality (which is attainable by eating the flesh of the holy monk, "an individual who has honed his virtues for ten generations"), whilst others want to hinder the pilgrimage. Most succeed in taking Xuánzàng at first, but all are defeated, usually by Sūn Wùkōng, who rescues Xuánzàng before he is harmed.
It is strongly suggested that most of these calamities are engineered by fate and/or the Buddha, as, while the monsters who attack are vast in power and many in number, no real harm ever comes to the four travelers. Indeed, towards the end of the book there is a scene where the Buddha literally commands the fulfillment of the last disaster, because Xuánzàng is one short of the eighty-one disasters he needs to attain Buddhahood.
The pilgrimage takes an arduous fourteen years to complete, after which each traveler is promoted to higher posts in the bureaucracy of the heavens, with Sūn Wùkōng and Xuánzàng achieving Buddhahood.
(*Taken from Wikipedia.org)
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:48 pm
REBIRTH OF A LEGEND
... How to Kill an Immortal... So what did happen to Sūn Wùkōng anyway?
According to legend, Wukong achieved Buddha-hood along with his traveling companion Xuanzang. Due to his new status it would most assuredly conflict with the idea that Wukong could be reborn. In order to fix this a slight change in the legend's ending would have to be modified. That fact his the Monkey King's travels to the depths of hell where he is forced to fight for his companions and in so doing he must give up something precious to him. Quote: "Since the Buddha literally commands the fulfillment of the last disaster, because Xuánzàng is one short of the eighty-one disasters he needs to attain Buddha-hood."
Sūn Wùkōng's eternal death?
Perhaps the Buddha had no play in the last disaster, he watches silently in hopes that Xuánzàng comes out on top to achieve Buddha-hood. Unfortunately this is not the case, in the last disaster, Wùkōng fails to protect his comrades. Xuánzàng falls under the weight of the situation and dies along with Wukong's remaining friends. Enraged by this he demands to speak with Buddha, wanting to know the reason behind such a long journey only for it to end in calamity.
Buddha simply replies, "It is out of my hand..." This does not satisfy Wukong who watches as his friends lay lifelessly before him. Not even a day's stretch from their final destination, Wukong makes arrangements at a neighboring village to return their bodies to the East along with the sutras to finish their quest. However, a suspicious imp comes to Wukong explaining that the souls of his friends are not yet lost. If he is willing to give up something that which is most precious to him the imp would open the door to the Land of the Spirits.
Wukong does not hesitate and gives up his immortality. The door is open and he quickly sets out on his journey to retrieve his friends' souls. The deeper he travels in this realm the more he must give up to reach them, and so another imp blocks his path, stating that if he wishes to pass he must give up something else he cherishes. The next is his invulnerability, making him quite vulnerable.
Wukong finds himself in many battles from here out, the pain and damage to his flesh unlike any other he's felt before. Even so bloody and battered he continues his journey only to be hindered once more. Yet another imp wants to claim something valuable from the Monkey King to continue. In so doing, Wukong gives up his magic, and so he is unable to change his form at will.
However, Wukong continues with his ever present determination. Using his wits to get him through otherwise hindering obstacles he proves to be quite a match to the imps that would otherwise strip him of his prized possessions. Soon, Wukong is stripped of his Wishing Staff, cloud transportation, and his red eyes which allow him to see through most illusions.
Finally at the last of his pursuit, a final imp stands before Wukong, an orb holding the souls of his friends in hand. "If you give up one last treasure your friends will live again..." the imp says.
Eager to return their lives to them. Wukong agrees to this final offer without asking what it may be. As agreed the souls of his friends are released. Weary and tired from his journey, Wukong falls to his knees he looks about him to find the imps snickering in earnest of a tasty treat, with a cocky smirk, Wukong falls and is devoured by the imps. The last of his gifts is his very life.
In the waking world, Xuanzang and the others are revived to find themselves alive and well. With no sign of Wukong they all remember the dream of what had happened and rush to find him. Only they realize that the Monkey King had given up his life to save his friends and nowhere on this Earth they will find him.
They plead with the Buddha to find mercy enough to retrieve Wukong from his fate. Unfortunately he cannot oblige their wishes and sadly watches as the last of Wukong's flesh is devoured by the imps. The only thing that remains is his heart which was of gold and could not be devoured.
...And so with this, Buddha can only preserve Wukong's golden heart using it as an offering to Airia in hopes she would entrust Wukong with another life in a new world and time.
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:06 pm
MONKEY KING
... A Walk in the Past ...
NAME Sun Wukong
IDENITY Supernatural Being (Diety)
OCCUPATION King of the Monkeys (formerly); Xuánzàng's Bodyguard & Travelling companion
AFFILIATIONS Xuánzàng, Zhū Bājiè, Shā Wùjìng, XiaoBáiLong
ENEMIES Dragon Kings of the Oceans, Jade Emperor, Lao Tsu, Thunder Spirits, Fire Stars, and most of Heaven.
REALITIVES The Monkeys
ALIAS
Great Sage Equal of Heaven
Monkey King (-or- King Monkey)
King of the Apes
The Immortal Egg
BASE OF OPERATIONS
China
FIRST APPEARANCE
Journey to the West (c.1500)
POWERS || ABILITIES
-Invulnerability- due to his birth from that of a rock, he is etrememly strong and durable, perhaps industructable; even so he still suffers through pain and anguish should it be inflicted upon him.
-Immortality- upon gorging himself on the life-giving peaches of the Jade Emperor's sacred garden, Monkey has aquired an infinite lifespan.
-Intelligence- with his born gift of intelligence he learned many magic tricks from his Taoist master which allows him to carry out various magical acts.
-Transformation- with his intelligence he's learned to transform into seventy-two different images, some being a tree, a bird, a beast of prey or a bug; with which he can attack his enemy from the inside out.
-Cloud Magic- which in a since allows him to use clouds as a personal vehicle in which he can travel 180,000 miles in a single somersault.
-Other- He can turn clumps of his hair into any object he desires. His fiery eyes can see through most illusions.
WEAPONS || ITEMS
He uses a Wishing Staff he got from the Dragon Kings of the Oceans as his favorite weapon - it can expand or shrink at his command (he normally stores it in his earlobe).
WEAKNESS
Being made of stone, he is uncomfortable underwater. A metal band used to inflict pain upon Sūn Wùkōng was used by Xuánzàng to keep him under control.
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:17 pm
[. M O N K E Y K I N G. ]
... Lost Children Edition... Quote: This is a profile to fit the Lost Children contest and any more that my come in the near future. The guardian profile below is also part of this section.
NAME Renshu
MEANING Chinese for "benevolent forbearance"
NICKNAME Ren
GENDER Female
FOUND In a mountain
MYTHOS Monkey King Legend
SPECIES Fa'e
NATIONALITY Chinese
OCCUPATION Renshu is part of her papa's traveling circus as a trapeze artist and acrobatic performer. She also helps with the upkeep of the animals, hunting for food, advertising and other odd jobs that help with her surrogate family.
APPEARANCE As a child Renshu is average for her size, small by any standards but very much athletic, lithe and quite agile. She's toned from her many circus acts but always remains in a hunched position when not in motion. She has chocolate skin, shaggy white hair, and ruby eyes. She has a prehensile tail that helps with balance during her acts which she can also hang upside-down keeping her hands free to do other things. She wears circus inspired clothing during her acts but is often seen with Gypsy attire when off stage; often in male clothing over female - Renshu has baggy pants, colorful sashes, cloths, bangles and various jewelry though she refuses to wear shoes (sandals are the bare minimum).
LIKES Fruits - mostly peaches, most foods and good entertainment.
DISLIKES Gossip, being made a fool, womanizers, and bullies.
POWERS
Monkey Magic :: For lack of a better term, she can learn and utilize a plethora of magical tricks and aids. Combined with her intelligence she can be quite formidable once the proper magics are learned and practiced.
Transformation :: While she cannot transform herself into the 72 different images of her past, the more she learns the better she'll get. She is limited only by her youthful imagination which, to say the least, isn't a bad start. She can transform strands of her hair into small objects, plants or insects.
Cloud Nine :: As with the past she is able to travel the world on a single cloud -- however it will require practice and a strong will. For now regular transportation is the way of life (walking never hurt anyone).
Disillusion :: Her fiery eyes can see through most illusions though she'll have to train regularly to dispel complex illusions or magic.
STRENGTH In her past life she was extremely durable and strong; perhaps indestructible. As she is now, she can take quite a bit of damage and keep going though she is not immune to pain, sickness or death. Be it quick wit or dumb luck, she learns fast and applies her knowledge to every day living. An intelligent girl by far, she holds true to this in the way she absorbs information. While not big on books, through hands on experience she can pick up on magic tricks in their most basic form. Even teaching her to build something isn't hard if you point and let her go -- though she's probably better at destruction.
WEAKNESS While Renshu enjoys wine she has a very low tolerance for such, though she's often caught stealing her papa's peach wine. On another note she suffers from severe migraines when exposed to extreme lights and/or noises. They are also triggered from stress or strenuous activity beyond Renshu's normal capabilities (perhaps an after affect of Wukong's restraints by wearing a crown that shrinks on command). She is also quite sensitive to water. Being that she really cannot swim, perhaps float but only for a while. Also water tends to make her sluggish and she can often be found indoors during storms.
PERSONALITY Renshu is full of confidence, very much outspoken and does not mind what others may think or say about her. She flaunts what she knows and can come off quite arrogant though she's not trying to be malicious and in some cases she's not aware of her put-downs toward others. With a knack for the spontaneous and exciting, she could be viewed as a tomboy to many but she considers herself a charmer. Her days in the circus makes her a gifted performer and showman. While in a former life (as the Moneky King) she was a mischief maker, in this life she prefers that everyone enjoys the joke. Though she can't help a few pranks among family and friends. Renshu can be quite surly and elapse into a rather indifferent state of mind when angered. Often lashing out toward authoritative figures that may assert themselves where help is not wanted nor needed. When her feelings are hurt she may keep quiet and let the pain fester until it is released in a rather violent tantrum or physical act.
HISTORY
In the past, Sūn Wùkōng was born from a magical egg which had been weathered and fertilized by the elements for centuries. Making him virtually indestructible though not immune to pain -- he was crowned Monkey King after proving to be the only monkey to go through the Water Curtain and set a kingdom on Earth. Upon realizing he and his kin were destined to die, he immediately set out to conquer the impossible. But even after claiming his immortality he was not satisfied. Taking to terrorizing both Heaven and Earth he set out on a mischievous journey, challenging any and all that stood in his way for the ultimate title "Great Sage Equal of Heaven". He achieved this but under a false pretense. Only after learning he had been tricked had he set out on a rampage, causing quite the calamity for the Jade Emperor and his subjects in heaven. Many would suffer the Monkey King's wrath challenging him time and again but none could defeat him. Only until Buddha stepped in could Sun Wukong be tamed. After 500 years he was granted a chance to redeem himself by accompanying holy man Xuánzàng on a journey to the West as his companion and guard. Through this journey many trails and tribulations awaited Wukong and company but as all journeys they come to an end, and in this -- Wukong gave his life to see his companions fulfill there duties and in return was rewarded a new life.
That new life came at a price or rather a prank, reborn a girl, Renshu was found deep in the mountains by a traveling circus. The Gypsy widower, Jakes happened upon the wailing infant when hunting for food one night. Her cries luring him in where he instantly fell in love with the girl and took her into his circus family. Even with her strange features he did not shun her and worked hard to get his family to open up to her as well. It would take time but eventually with the differences of the Sinti people of that time, it was better spent with times of happiness then worry and fear. After realizing how sweet Renshu truly could be the Sinti people welcomed her warmly, teaching and aiding the strange young girl as she grew. They would soon realize that they had quite a treasure, with Renshu's general make-up she was ideal for the circus in trapeze, acrobatic and contortionist acts. Though it wasn't always easy raising a child with features so obviously different, she constant found herself ridiculed by the very audience that came to see her daring acts under the big top. Many nights were spent cuddled with her papa in tears and many others in laughter. While she wouldn't change her papa for anything in the world, Renshu continues to ponder the question: Where does she come from? And more importantly: Who or what is she? These thoughts tend to plague her in her sleep with visions of another place and time. (Updated // Sun - Sept 10, 2009)
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:25 pm
GUARDIAN
... Lost Child Edition ...
NAME Jakes
MEANING "supplanter" - to replace (one thing) by something else.
NICKNAME N/A
GENDER Male
AGE 43
SPECIES Human
NATIONALITY Sinti (Gypsy)
STATUS Widower
OCCUPATION Ring Master and animal tamer when stage-on. Off stage he is the role model and resident leader for the traveling band of Sinti (gypsy); also Renshu's adoptive father.
APPEARANCE A tall stalky man of middle-age, standing around 6-feet 5-inches and weighing around 247lbs. He has soft brown skin, tanned from traveling in the summer sun, with dark shaggy hair that obscures his eyes (not his vision). With eyes as blue as the sky it belies to a mixed blood he is trying to hide from oppressors of the time. He tends to wear elaborate circus garb when on-stage though off-stage he keeps with the simple things in life. Mostly buying clothing of the time for men and decorating it with a bit of his native flair. V-neck shirts, sandals or boots, pants, a sash and various trinkets if it suits his taste.
LIKES Hard working people, showmanship, wine, smoking and pleasant company
DISLIKES Troublesome situations or people, slackers and sleeping in past 5am (he's an early bird).
PERSONALITY Jakes could be considered the pillar of which his family can rely on. The majority of them being younger and having no immediate direction in life, he is both role model and father figure. Knowing that his family relies on him and trusts him gives Jakes great courage to do the things he needs. Trying to display the qualities a father should have, he does his best with what he knows and in learning on a daily basis. Even so he's got some habits that are hard to kick and with them comes the possibility of others picking up on them too. As the saying goes... monkey see, monkey do. Renshu tends to follow in her papa's footsteps in some areas figuring these qualities are what makes her papa proud. However, Jakes makes sure to be there to tell her otherwise, directing her toward the best path. He's inclined to do the same to all the youngsters in his care wanting them to grow strong and trusting of their own decisions. Though with most people, for some reason, Jakes has a tendency to be vulgar and brash at times. His temper can flair at the drop of a dime and when it does, he's on a rampage. Most of the time due to Renshu's outrageous antics but even members of his family can give him cause to frown. Jakes has been known to display some poor fatherly habits, such as drinking, smoking and womanizing the ladies in rural bars during their travels. He tends to say what he wants when under the influence and this can get him in lots of trouble, even causing his family to suffer for his actions.
HISTORY
Jakes is a stalky man, dark appearance and eyes obscured by a shag of dark tresses. Even with an intimidating appearance he's hardly a man to use it for evil, taking in Renshu from the moment he found her -- he has worked hard to keep his "family" together and harder to keep them safe from the oppression of the time. With Hitler in power many concentration camps and laws have been placed in order to regulate the movement and reproduction of his people. After losing his wife to a concentration camp geared toward the sterilization of pregnant Gypsy women; Jakes didn't have much else to live for aside from his people. While he loved them his sorrow for losing his wife was much greater. It was perhaps a blessing that Renshu came into his life just when he couldn't get any lower. Finding the child abandoned and with a rather odd appearance, Jakes took to Renshu instantly knowing she would grow with many troubles on her shoulders. Perhaps fate was kind to bring a child of differences to his door or perhaps cruel for doing so in a time where being different could get one killed. Everyday was a day of worry, wrapping the child in cloths and keeping her hidden from public eye when in townships of possible danger. Thankfully, Jakes managed to protect Renshu and his family; keeping their Big Top on the move and always open to those willing to attend. After his little girl had grown, Jakes learned to let go, allowing her to explore and finding that even with her outward differences Renshu is just as charming as any other child. Constantly getting into trouble, causing a bit of mischief and looking to her papa for guidance, he does what he can to provide. Though he can't help the thought that Renshu may be taken from him; either paraded around as a "freak of nature" or worst yet... killed.
UNIVERSE AU-Earth; between year 1926 - 1929 prior to Hilter's rise in power. The move of Roma & Sinti (Gypsy) people has caused an unrest with Europeans. Regarded as social outcasts, and viewed both as "asocials" (outside "normal" society) and as racial "inferiors"—believed to threaten the biological purity and strength of the "superior Aryan" race. Even though Gypsies enjoyed full and equal rights of citizenship, they were subject to special, discriminatory laws. The new B-Law of 1926, outlined measures for "Combating Gypsies, Vagabonds, and the Work Shy" and required the systematic registration of all Sinti and Roma. This prohibits Gypsy from roaming or camping in bands and quails the reproduction of "inferior" blood. All families expecting offspring were sent to concentration camps for sterilization -- resulting in unborn deaths and the death of mothers to be and/or expecting mothers. Many families have been torn apart under these harsh laws - even children are effected have been put under for disobedience, mischief and the likelihood of mixing "inferior" blood with "pure Aryan" blood. Soon these laws became the national norm in 1929. Not long after laws were in place, Hitler rose to power carrying out his idea of world genocide. During these times Jakes takes extra precautions to steer his people away from heavily populated towns and inner cities; sticking to rural areas and country sides where the laws have yet to reach.
( Updated // Sun - Sept 10, 2009 )
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Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 2:28 pm
[. M O N K E Y K I N G. ]
... Original Edition... Quote: This is a profile to fit the original Fa'e editions in circulation. A few minor changes from the above profile but nothing too drastic, I hope. 
n a m e .... Genma
m e a n i n g .... N/A
n i c k n a m e .... N/A
g e n d e r .... Male
r e b o r n .... N/A
m y t h o s .... Monkey King Legend
s p e c i e s .... Fa'e
n a t i o n a l i t y .... Chinese
s e x u a l i t y .... Straight
s t a t u s .... Single
o c c u p a t i o n .... N/A
a p p e a r a n c e .... Genma is not handsome by any standards; having a rougish and rough exterior. He personifies the look of an actual monkey. His facial features elongated to support that fact, with fangs that may often poke out from his lips he has a full set of chops and a wide set mouth. He also has a prehensile tail and shaggy black fur throughout his body. The flesh of his body such as face, belly, chest, hands and feet are an ash gray in color. He has ruby red eyes properly framed by thick eyebrows. His Ebony hair is spiked atop his head shifting in various directions with no rhyme or reason and obviously no proper upkeep. His build upon further inspection would be athletic and agile, showing his durability as well as his speed and endurance. Not overly muscular but properly proportioned; he would stand at about 5 feet 7 inches an ideal height for his weight which is about 165 pounds.
f a s h i o n .... opting for wooden geta, tattered vests and worn out pants (usually ripped at the bottom). A sash wrapped about his waist like a belt keeps his pants from falling off his hips and adds a bit of color (if not fashion) to his wardrobe. He's sometimes seen with armbands, bangels and other accessories that twinkle and shine.
l i k e s Peaches and other fruits, wine, food in general; good entertainment.
d i s l i k e s Gossip, being made a fool, womanizers, and bullies.
a b i l i t y
Genma has physical abilities that surpass those of an olympic level gymnast. His bone structure allows him great flexibility. He can remain in a crouched position for a long time and perform contortionist-type feats without causing any damage to his spine with that he has enhanced reflexes. However in spite of all this, they do not reach superhuman levels.
He has a prehensile tail, allowing him to grab onto objects with relative ease. His tail is strong enough to not only to support his body weight, but also lift an adult male completely off the ground, and is deft enough to fight with as a sword or blunt object.
w e a k n e s s
Unable to hold his liquor, Genma is not allowed to consume alcohol of any kind.
Bright lights, loud noises, mental and physical stress tend to trigger unfavorable migrains.
Genma does not like water as he cannot swim and is rather sluggish during storms.
p e r s o n a l i ty .... WIP
h i s t o r y
Upon the last of his life ebbing from his body, Sun Wukong could only smirk his cocky smile as the imps devoured his flesh. They ate him all the way through from flesh to bone and yet they could not devour his heart. For such a treasure could never truly be lost...
His rebirth would be in the form of a golden heart.
(Installed || Sun.20th.May.2007.)
(Updated || Tue.11th.Sep.2007.)
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Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:39 am
[. G U A R D I A N . ]
... The Stars Have Choosen ... 
N A M E: Thanatos "Xan" Wolverick
B I R T H D A Y: June 30, 1979
A G E : Twenty-nine (b-day just passed ^^)
A P P E A R A N C E: He stands six feet six inches tall, has a lean athletic build, broad shoulders but is not large in bulk or sickly. He takes leisure walks and is accustom to hard labor which has aided in his form. His eyes are Persian (mint) green. He has natural platinum hair, worn long to mid-back; or on off days worn in a samurai inspired ponytail. His style of dress is country mixed with jazzy. A white Stetson as his signature accessory, he wears a checkered dress shirts, often with the sleeve rolled up, a suit vest with tie and matching dress slacks with boots or dress shoes. He can often be found with a bit of stubble under his chin. His base scent is of hickory, mixed with chocolate and a hint of peach.
O C C U P A T I O N: He was a former host at Searan's Host Club; often referred to as the "Cowboy Host". After departing there he has kept in contact with his lover Tai Devereux and his close friend Gunnar Schilling to open their "Redbird Cafe" which specializes in sweet pastries, snacks and other assortment of foods and knickknacks. Xan plays his beloved "ivory lady" at various clubs throughout town or can often be found at the Redbird playing for the late night patrons.
P A S S I O N: He tends to be passionate in everything he does though he may not show it. He favors white wine, cakes, salad, peach tea and chocolate over most anything; chocolate being his vice where alcohol lacks. Taking long candlelit baths, reading romance novels, and keeping up with current events via newspaper are other passions to name a few. Playing the piano is an all time passion which he takes seriously with pride and joy, the sensuality of which he plays his "ivory ladies" can vouch for his status as a pianist. He enjoys classic ballads and jazzy tunes preferring such musical selections over today's tunes though he's not picky either way. With a pansexual orientation, Xan does not discriminate between men or women and will go both ways; so long as the person has captured his heart (to which he is currently dating Tai Devereux). Exclusive relationships are top on his list but he is willing to bend only for his lover if they are comfortable in their decision. Despite his reserved nature, he likes to takes charge in bed - dominating rather then submitting - on the plus side he's a gentle and kind lover due to his romantic nature.
L O A T H E S: He is absolutely against brutality and violence against women, children and animals. He cannot stand being manipulated or placed in situations that would force his hand. Backed into a corner he will retaliate without question if only to protect his well-being if placed in life threatening or compromising situations. Arguing over mundane events/topics are simply beneath him and he'll prove that point with lack of involvement on his part. Leave the drama at the door he prefers to keep his life simple if at all possible; dramatic people need not apply as he does not have the energy to deal with highly emotional situations or persons. Don't get too involved with his personal life or situations as he can be quite clipped and agitated, he prefers to keep private matters his own. Although curious he will not pry where other persons are concerned unless they divulge information of their own free will.
P E R S O N A L I T Y: Xan is a shy gentleman cowboy, always polite and cajolery to those that he meets. He's not as talkative at first meeting folks as he is after becoming comfortable around them. He has the typical mannerisms most country boys have but they are not carved in stone. He tends to blush a lot despite himself and has his moments of nervous tension. Even so, he can easily slip into a roll of domination, taking charge of situations if the need is great. He is a hopeless romantic and can't help romancing the pants off those lucky enough to win his affections; on the flip side, he doesn't like being attached for fear of hurting those he cares for. Aggressors of love need not apply. Fawning all over him or trying to manipulate his affections will get a rude awakening. The best bet is be yourself and let nature run its course.
T E X T : Persian Green ( #00A693 )
~art by David Keju
(Installed || Monday, September 10, 2007)
(Updated || Saturday, September 13, 200 cool
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Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:00 am
[. P H O T O * O P S . ]
... Picture References ... Quote: Just a few reference pictures for some basic character design. I do not own these pictures in no way so please do not PM asking for art or the like. They are simply pictures picked up from the interenet that caught my eyes. I like them for the fact that they are general ideas of how I would see Genma. Though I would rather have a roguishly handsome Fa'e I don't want him to be beautiful by any means. I prefer he have his good looks displayed in a strange and perhaps exotic format. Not like most of the "beautiful" Fa'e already in exsistence. Yes I would prefer him to be considered ugly by Fa'e standards but not so by any other standards. I'd like him to be something of an underdog and lacking where the other Fa'e excel. 
Pic #1
-- This picture is definately a close take on his image. I like how dark his face looks yet he still has some handsome features without being considered "beautiful". The uniform suits his Chinese background...he reminds me of Lu Bu in this picture.
Pic #2
-- This is Enma from Naruto, the monkey king summoned by the Hokage. I do want Genma's hair to be long like this... (Genma's name was borrowed from Enma, which literally means "Monkey King".)
Pic #3
-- This is a perfect display of Genma's hot temper at times. Seeming to go over board with his antics and even anger. The outfit is a nice touch minus the armor, I like the gorde and would definately recommend his getting one later down the road. The rope along his back is an interesting touch which might be considered later but not necessary for now.
Pic #4
-- This is quite interesting. Taking the form of a human and making it quite animalistic. This is what I had in mind for Genma all the way right down to the monkey feet...hehe. So yes this is a good reference to go by. The clothing is interesting too as I would see Genma a bit put off by having to wear constricting garments.
Pic #5
-- The hair style is more what I am going for in this picture. The style of cloths are nice minus the vest but yes I like the hair the most. Messy and unkempt definately Genma's style.
Pic #6
-- This is more of the hair style that I had in mind. Spikey and unkempt with a ponytail in the back.
Pic # 7
-- Just a little reference picture of Genma as a child perhaps. Girlish look which I could see happening and then he grows to look more menacing and dark. I like the skin color but not enthused about the white hair. The tail is interesting wouldn't mind a tail like that..not everything has to be set to a specific standard.
Pic #8
-- The interesting thing about this little monkey is how cute it is. I would imagine Genma coming to his guardian as a simple monkey and then growing to be a anthromophic mix of monkey and child would be interesting but its not necessary as these are all general concept ideas. Though a black monkey is more my idea. (Yes its Ritsu from Friuts Basket)
*Note: While I may state I want Genma to look dark he is not by any means a dark Fae. He simply just has a rougher exterior than most; this would be the way best to describe what I am after.
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Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:23 am
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Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:52 am
[. B R E A K D O W N . ]
... Down to the FAQs ... Quote: This section was put together after reading Cere's thread on a Guide to Fa'e Creation. It helped me a lot in trying to steer away from the clique and taboo. While no one is picture perfect in their creations the best I could do with the options I have are listed in this quest. The rest is up to my participation with the community and if/when I aquire my dream Fa'e and how I incoporate him into the story. Below is an Q&A (sorta) set up to answer the topics Cere's had listed in her guide. Feel free to ask your own questions and crit as needed. I know I have a lot to flesh out but I'll need to start somewhere ne?
Q. Why do you want a Fa'e?
A. I will be up front and say that I don't have any pretty words or reasons behind wanting a FA'E. Ever since first seeing Mordath come to life I've always wanted a FA'E. I have no reasons behind why I haven't persued this in those early stages when the community was fairly small... maybe I was scared or perhaps I was at a time doing other things IRL. Even so, I'm here now and willing to put in some effort. My way of showing the communit this is by maintaining my quest thread. If I can at least do this then perhaps by some means I'm capable of keeping up with an actual FA'E journal along with the Roleplay itself. So won't you consider?
S E C O N D * S T E P: Mythbase and Backstory
Q. How do you kill a myth (god/legend)?
A. In response to the question, Sun finished his travels and managed to attain nirvana. Due to this it is highly impossible for him to be reborn... taking this into account I thought of many different ways he could have failed in his Journey to the West but for the most part nothing stuck. Eventually I had settled on his selfless sacrifice to save his friends. This in turn was symbolic of his growth from a reckless prankster who cared only for himself to a strong willed individual who would protect his friends even at the cost of his life.
Q. What is the relationship of his past life to his present?
A. While I can't really go into detail for the fact that I'd have to develop him In Character in order to truly explain, for the most part, Genma is something of an exact reincarnation. Due to his untimely death and being so close to the end of his Journey his soul was unable to rest easy knowing he failed his friends. So in part, his present self may live with an unknown sense of regret. This regret that eats at him will in turn pull him toward questioning his existence and the feelings that are rolling around within him. Regret being the biggest emotion but not the only one I wanted a semi-emo FA'E but not so much so that he wallows in those regrets of the past. Perhaps depending on possibilities that he will learn from these feelings and try to live his current life without such thoughts; fulfilling his past life's mission through his current life. There are many ways to go that can only be explained through actual roleplay. That I leave up to another time...
Q. What is in a name?
A. Ah.. the name game. To be frank it was a joint idea from both Naruto and Ranma 1/2. Ranma's father's name is Genma and the monkey summoned by the Hokage was named Enma. I later found Enma meant Monkey King, as for Genma no idea what it meant but by that time the name was stuck. Pictures came into my head and I knew that Genma was the name to use regardless of its actual orgin or meaning... sometimes it just happens that way when creating characters. We've all been through it before. So the name has meaning but it wasn't choosen by general methods and as for naming him ICly wise, that remains to be seen.
T H I R D * S T E P: Personality Development
Q. Sexuality and Relationships?
A. This has always been a major concern. I didn't conjure up Genma to focus on a relationship (sexual or not) with another FA'E. I could play him all day without a second thought on his development romantically. In all honesty, he's not too keen in that area. Sure a swashbuckling idiot of a prankster but he's as awkward with love as anyone so its not the major focus. As for anyone existing FA'E owners finding him an interesting catch in the future, I'm definately honored but that is not his main reason for being... though we can talk if/when he comes into being.
Q. How well does he play with others?
A. I honestly don't know. Each FA'E is unique and has normal, kinky to even strange personalities. Genma would be one personality among many as far as interaction is concern. I don't want him to be loved by all nor hated. I don't want him to be the center of attention or the annoying emo that weeps in a corner about the cruel world. He's just a universal character that takes on situations the best way he can at the time. He may curse and get violent, he may be gentle and keen on a person's feelings. There will be times he may seem selfish or he might be self sacrificing. It simply depends on the situation and the FA'E he interacts with. But above all he's definately an energetic personality and that's only from my imagination alone so hopefully when the time comes you can be the judge of that. Wish me luck... ^_^
Q. Is your character open to change?
A. Definately! Genma in his past life went through a lot of changes no matter how little or drastic each trip of his journey from birth to survitude changed him for better or worse. So I would only hope the same will transpire in his current life. He'll be stubborn at first that's just a given but even a stone can be molded into something beautiful if the elements had their way with it. At the same time a stone can even gather moss and grow old and moldy with rot due to the elements. It just generally deals with situations and circumstances. He will definately grow as this is my MAJOR concern in acquiring him. I want to know what roads he will take, what people he'll meet and how they will change him for better or worse, what influences will he have on other people as well. And how will his personality reflect this as apposed to his stationary information listed in this quest.
Q. Is there something solid about him that won't change?
A. Currently I can't say. I haven't thought that thoroughly into his background. This being I can only do so much as he is now. As for roleplay-wise I'm sure something will peek through upon his creation. There will be something that no matter how much bickering or nagging he just wont' see eye-to-eye. He may open himself to accept these things of others but not enough to accept it of himself. It just all depends on perspective.
Q. What does your FA'E Do? (hobbies)
A. Kinda like Cere's said in her guide, it probably shouldn't be predeveloped. And in all honesty I'm not completely sure what hobbies he'd have. This I will leave up to IN GAME PLAY to explore it gives me something to do at the very least while developing Genma.
Q. What cultural background does he follow?
A. Chinese, though while not openly familiar with it, this gives me an opporitunity to learn more about other cultures while implementing the same thing in my FA'E. If you've noticed, for the Lost Children Edition, Genma was picked up by traveling Gypsies. The mix of Chinese and Gyspie is definately a challenge but I've had ideas of how to implement the two different cultures. However, the original FA'E concept for Genma has him simply following his Chinese background and that I can follow though where I have no information I'm not above asking for ideas and help in portraying this knowledge so as to fit Genma. I see him on many levels finding his cultural background strange and will probably not celebrate it much but gradually grow to learn about his culture to the point where he may start to participate in Chinese holidays and rituals.
Q. What is his Edjyoukayshun? (Education)
A. In all honesty he can read, write and speak Chinese only for the most part. Of course this is later in his development when he first "learns" how. I just don't see Genma being all that bright at first. Sure he was exceptionally intelligent in his past life but currently how can that be? I want him to develop gradually and grow along with his guardian so they learn to communicate with one another on a bonded level. Sure he'll eventually get the hang of this and learn to adapt to other languages and written works, he'll budgit his finances and the like but predicting these things now is only speculation at best. I won't know until he's actually in play.
...more to come
*Updated // Tuesday, September 11 2007
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Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2007 10:05 am
[. B R E A K D O W N . ]
... Down to the FAQs ... S T E P * F O U R: Powers
Q. What are his powers, level, etc?
A. Ah the power game. I've never been big on having a character that is all-knowing and all-powerful. I like having weaknesses and I definately like the development of relationships in having a character that isn't as adverse in some areas as others. As for Genma, as stated he'll start out poorly which is a given. He will learn to utilize abilities from his past some similar some a complete turn around. I already have it in mind that he won't be on the level of who he used to be; not by a long shot. Maybe that's due to his current life and how he'll live it but again this is up to development ICly so I cannot set things in stone. But it will definately be fun to see how he utilizes his abilities both new and old. For more info on his actual abilities please refer to his profile listed above.
Q. What are his weaknesses?
A. Again these are better left to IN GAME PLAY but at the very least I want him to have weaknesses that make it harder for him to advance. Why? More or less it makes things more entertaining for myself as a roleplayer and for those who will play with me (also the readers). It just doesn't make sense to have an all powerful character with no flaws. I find it cliche and boring. In all cases why even put in effort to make a FA'E if he's going to be perfect? So in light of this, while I can list a few weaknesses I truly wont know what weaknesses he'll have unless I play him. For now I can only assume the listed weaknesses are enough.. but trust me they aren't the end-all of weaknesses. Everyone can over come a weakness only to find another was born of various traits or learned abilities, situations and circumstances. No one will ever truly over come their weaknesses no matter what they do, that's what makes us mortal ne?
F I F T H * S T E P: Appearance
Q. What does he look like? Why?
A. Well I know there are a lot of the bishie type FA'E out there. As much as I'd like to admit I would want a pretty-boy bishie type, to be honest I'm sick of it. To me it seems almost all breedable shop has an endless sea of genderless specific beauties out there. You think its female and only find it male, or vise versa. Confusing much? Genma is not handsome by any standards. In fact, he's down right ugly (but with Anya's art he can't possibly be that hideous, right?) At any rate, I wanted dark fur because monkey's can have that dark color, it doesn't represent his heart or anything of that nature, its more or less to put an emphasis on his rather poor appearance. He has a tail, as do most monkeys, he has an elongated face, as do monkeys, sharp teeth (to eat with), thick eyebrows (a human trait but interesting), his feet are that of a monkey as are his hands. While I know he doesn't have to take on his complete form I prefer he be who he is to better drive into him the fact that he IS NOT human. This will bring about various questions and concerns during play. The interaction between himself and his guardian will thicken as well for he may not understand why he looks the way he does despite the other FA'E having similar attributes to their former selves. Even so, I wanted Genma to be handsome on a different level anyway. And as long as I love him he doesn't have to be the end-all bishie right? So I have taken into account various aspects of the bishie concern though I cannot control what the artist decides in the end so I'm just as in the dark as the next person.. I can only hope. ^_^
S I X T H * S T E P: Guardian
Q. What is the guardian like? Why did you choose him/her?
A. Thanatos Wolverick (original FA'E guardian) and Jakes (Lost Child Edition guardian), these are my two choice guardians. First before I get into this, Jakes is only the former guardian who influenced Genma before he is transferred to Gaia to re-bond with his new guardian which is Thanatos. So in light of this Jakes' background is to give everyone a feel as to who Genma was in that life prior to his new bonding. As for Thanatos, why did I choose him? Well he's an original character I first made in my Sailormoon fanfic days (a knight), however he lost his vigor so I dumped him. Later he would resurface in Shutensa as a supporting character during a bored moment in the thread but soon he florished into a much loved character. Someone I play quite often... his history is rather complex and richly defined in the Shutensa community however, I wanted to branch away from that and have used his travelling as a means to why he'd end up on Gaia with a FA'E child. His personality is rather abrupt but at times cool; always the perfect gentleman (briskly so) I found there would be some interesting interactions with himself and Genma. Also he'd interact rather well with the other guardians considering he's pretty standard and normal. No magic is behind him what so ever, no special abilities (outside of being a brilliant musician) he's just a typical guy. So how would he react to having a monkey as his "son" so to speak? And the fact that he's a nature loving idiot (animal lover as well), this really struck me as an interesting yet odd match. Besides, why would a FA'E's sudden appearance on Gaia call to an ordinary guy like him from another realm? I don't know if anyone has used this concept but I thought it be interesting to implement something fresh. While all the other FA'E seem to have guardians that were for the most part heavily implemented in Gaia, I had hoped to have a guardian that knows nothing of the world. So as he learns so will Genma... giving a fresh take on the FA'E community also, the guardians can help plant his feet on solid ground while he raised the little runt.
S E V E N T H * S T E P: Plotting
Q. ...WIP
A
E I G H T H * S T E P: Questing
Q. ...WIP
A.
*Updated // Tuesday, September 11, 2007
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Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 11:48 am
Hmm.. guess I'm done as I'll ever be for now. Crit needed and then to flesh out his character more.
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Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:28 am
I'd like to see his personality fleshed out some more, especially regarding the non-Lost Child section. It may change slightly as he grows and is affected by others, but you still have an idea of how you'll be playing him... Nothing stopping you from getting stamped, though (since you were the original quester for Monkey King, after all). 
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