Speaking of knives and agony...
Submitted for approval; the one, the only -
Name: Vladimir Dmitrievich Alexandrov
Social Class: Gyspy (Lower Class) in England, Baron (Lesser Nobility) in Russia
Age: 43
Birthday: November 2nd, 1779 (Scorpio!)
Nationality: Russian Empire (Rusyn-Cossack heritage)
Birth Place: On the road between Odessa and Kiev, Russian Empire
Residence: Vardo & Tent City of the Bazhooli Sem'ya, Russian Grand Circus, just outside of London, England
Gender: Extremely, ardently MALE
Education: Private tutors, commonly reserved for nobility
Income Source: Variable. Performance based income, supplemented by profits from private contracts and the occasional clandestine activity, plus a percentage of the Circus's take. Further, the Circus is subsidized by the Imperial Russian Treasury. Personal monies lay around 200£ annually, with lodging, food, transportation, and certain luxuries provided by the Russian Grand Circus and their benefactors.
Native Language: Russian
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 170
Build: Toned, good arms
Eyes: Hazel Brown
Hair: Vary Dark Chestnut, as to appear black when wet, oiled, or from a distance. Slightly wavy.
Skin Tone: Tawny
Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: Various scars from knife training and combat, pierced ears.
Personal Style:
Vladimir dresses mainly in colors of red, black, and white. Most of the time, it is for comfort and ease of movement, though loose clothing is commonly associated with the lower or working classes of the period.
His preferences have him in loose, black pants tucked into high riding boots, high-collared red waistcoat with black stitched accents and long sleeved dress shirts. His look is basically more or less formal variations of the described, above. Cold weather has him in a greatcoat trimmed with thick fur, really cold weather has him in a long coat of pure, grey-brown bear fur. When feeling relaxed or very informal, Vladimir keeps to a red vest or waistcoat, black pants, and simple shoes or boots.
He commonly accessorizes with a belt (concealing a push dagger in the buckle), and several knives, befitting his station. Two gold earrings are always present, as is a gold crucifix. Like many in the performing arts and many nobles, Valdimir is prone to a touch of facial accenting via eyeshadow, penciling, and the like, playing up his background as both lesser nobility and Carpathian Rusyn gypsy-folk.
Sexuality: Hetero
Relationship Status: Single (Widower)
Personality:
Though formally titled as "Master Vladimir Dmitrievich Alexandrov, first heir of Baron Alexandrov", he prefers his identity of "The Great Bazhooli", Russian Impalement Artist and legendary performer of the Russian Imperial Circus, chief member of the Bazhooli Sem'ya.
What can be said about The Great Bazhooli that his name cannot tell you? He is vivacious, full of vigor, and histrionic to the extreme. He exists seemingly to suck every last drop out of life with keen but not foolish optimism. Everything he cares about, he sees to with the passion of an artist. It doesn't help that he is a shameless showoff with great pride in himself, his family, and his circus. His persona as a showman isn't really a persona - this is who he is. Though outside of performing, he is a little quieter. A little. This goes both ways. He feels most everything as strongly as one can, be it joy or sorrow. He feels deeply and completely, but can recover from this quickly when needed. While this can be mercurial at times, he does not forget a slight (even if it appears that he does), nor fail to remember a favor given.
Of course, his life isn't all fried borscht and hurled knives. His people are the keepers of many Old Russian arts, the Training that sits as the regional equivalent to that supported by the Graveolase. He is often called upon to look into Soulless threats along the Russian Steppes, great cities, vast forests and mountains of the Empire. It is something he takes seriously. Vladimir has a stopping point to his revelry. When the worst of events threaten to happen, it reveals a man driven to do whatever is necessary to protect that which he holds dear. The skills learned over a lifetime of Impalement Arts and Rusyn Training assist greatly with this endeavor.
Habits: Absently twirling knives when thinking, humming music (building to singing outright), sometimes refers to himself in the third person.
Hobbies: Practicing gymnastics, trick throwing sharp things
Fears:
Likes:
Dislikes:
General Skills:
Trained Skills:
What Is On Your Person:
Residence:
Family History:
The history of the Alexandrov Line dates back to before the time of Ivan he Terrible. Though still considered one of noble blood, the nature of its origin placed them very much out of favor with succeeding royal successors, formal title stripped away. Nonetheless, they endured as a proud people. Noble Cossack bloodline maintained, though it began to meld with others, some of which were also noble but also out of favor, but others that were common and had amazing talent and/or influence.
Meanwhile, the Rusyn Gypsies in the Ukraine and Russia were treated to an unexpected boon: Reigning Royalty, to solidify their claim and garner support, began assigning titles of Baron and Earl to prominent families, even traveling folk, who wielded significant influence or were highly moneyed.
The union of these two families, generations ago, uplifted the once title-stripped nobles to the rank of Baron, conferred upon the Rusyn line. This resulted in a unique combination of very famous and highly influential circus folk with ancient Training, the most prominent ones being given the title of Bazhooli, a local variation of the word for "little royal" (very roughly). Originally used among these people as a congratulatory exclamation for a well-placed shot, the meaning changed over time. Now, the Bazhooli Sem'ya had solidified into a well known, mobile Barony of sorts, very famous for their acrobatics but moreso their work with the Impalement Arts.
One of every generation is given the title of Great Bazhooli, standing as their figurehead and primary performing star, but the responsibility goes far beyond that. The passing of the title is based upon decision and merit, though they must be an Alexandrov. They must have the appropriate talent, mindset, flamboyance, and loyalty. The Great Bazhooli represents the Sem'ya at all times. He is a respected individual, answering only to the reigning Baron Alexandrov within their group. When one dies or retires, another rises to take the mantle. Short of the destruction of the entire Alexandrov line, there will always be a Great Bazhooli.
The family owns holdings in St. Petersburg (primary), Kiev, and the mountains of Moldova. Their social status usually requires discussion; within the United Kingdom, only the reigning Baron is recognized as noble (if lesser). As a whole, the rest are looked upon as Gypsy folk, lower class despite their fame, talent, and resources.
Your personal life:
Vladimir Alexandrov was born into a Baron's family and raised with the Circus. Nevertheless, he earned what he has, including his title of The Great Bazhooli. He has traveled far and wide, learning much about the way others live their lives. Still, he maintains that his own lifestyle is the best one could aspire toward, and wouldn't have it any other way. His strength lies in his personality, talents, and Training, although he would be half the man that he is were it not the support of his people.
As a young man, he married a talented singer and acrobat by the name of Izolde. They were as close as a couple could be, very much in love. She gave him three sons and two daughters, and served as his preferred working partner in shows. Around this time, to preserve the Romanov line, the Emperor Alexander I reached out to Baron Alexandrov. It was an unlikely circumstance, but he entrusted the care of his daughter, Elizaveta, to the Circus. Part of the arrangement was to elevate the Alexandrov's social status in the Empire, and secure additional funding from the Crown. The child was placed with Vladimir and Izolde to be raised as one of their own, but with the caveat that a Sister Sophia Narskin also accompany them to see to her education. They became as father and daughter over time.
After Izolde's death, Veta and Vladimir mourned together, and grew to understand each other better. They continued life as normal, except that now, part of her training came from him. The years passed, the Sem'ya was called upon to do their work with Soulless and routinely putting on a grand show, traveling around the Russian Empire and Europe and caring for their young charge until she came of age.
The Circus is now in London for the Season. They came so that Elizaveta can present herself to the world and request the entry of the Russian Trained into the Graveolase. Also, it's London at the start of the Season. This is where the action was; this is where the money was.
What you want for your life:
Vladimir's motivations are fairly straightforward. Take care of his own, make life a grand adventure, live, love, sing, dance, and always, always with panache. Elevating the status of his name is all well and good, but that is the work of the Baron. He is not the Baron, yet. Vlad intends to make the most of his remaining good years, maybe even pushing it into his okay years, before retiring. Perhaps he'll remarry, but it would have to be for love, to protect another, or one hell of a beneficial deal for his family. He has multiple sons to carry on the lineage. The Bazhoolis will be okay.
Character Quote(s):
"Now, let us try the same trick... ON FIRE!"
"Never fall in love with voman who sells herself. It alvays ends BAD!"
"Prepare to be Bazhooli'ed."
"Life is nothing vithout passion. Nothing."
Theme Song:
Anything Else:
*By submitting this CS in its completion I am stating I have read all the rules for this Rp and am agreeing to follow them to the fullest with respect and courtesy. I acknowledge that I can and will be removed from the RP without warning if I break a rule or cause problems with my fellow Rpers or the GM.
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Submitted for approval; the one, the only -
Character Summary
Name: Vladimir Dmitrievich Alexandrov
Social Class: Gyspy (Lower Class) in England, Baron (Lesser Nobility) in Russia
Age: 43
Birthday: November 2nd, 1779 (Scorpio!)
Nationality: Russian Empire (Rusyn-Cossack heritage)
Birth Place: On the road between Odessa and Kiev, Russian Empire
Residence: Vardo & Tent City of the Bazhooli Sem'ya, Russian Grand Circus, just outside of London, England
Gender: Extremely, ardently MALE
Education: Private tutors, commonly reserved for nobility
Income Source: Variable. Performance based income, supplemented by profits from private contracts and the occasional clandestine activity, plus a percentage of the Circus's take. Further, the Circus is subsidized by the Imperial Russian Treasury. Personal monies lay around 200£ annually, with lodging, food, transportation, and certain luxuries provided by the Russian Grand Circus and their benefactors.
Native Language: Russian
Appearance
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 170
Build: Toned, good arms
Eyes: Hazel Brown
Hair: Vary Dark Chestnut, as to appear black when wet, oiled, or from a distance. Slightly wavy.
Skin Tone: Tawny
Tattoos/Scars/Piercings: Various scars from knife training and combat, pierced ears.
Personal Style:
Vladimir dresses mainly in colors of red, black, and white. Most of the time, it is for comfort and ease of movement, though loose clothing is commonly associated with the lower or working classes of the period.
His preferences have him in loose, black pants tucked into high riding boots, high-collared red waistcoat with black stitched accents and long sleeved dress shirts. His look is basically more or less formal variations of the described, above. Cold weather has him in a greatcoat trimmed with thick fur, really cold weather has him in a long coat of pure, grey-brown bear fur. When feeling relaxed or very informal, Vladimir keeps to a red vest or waistcoat, black pants, and simple shoes or boots.
He commonly accessorizes with a belt (concealing a push dagger in the buckle), and several knives, befitting his station. Two gold earrings are always present, as is a gold crucifix. Like many in the performing arts and many nobles, Valdimir is prone to a touch of facial accenting via eyeshadow, penciling, and the like, playing up his background as both lesser nobility and Carpathian Rusyn gypsy-folk.
Psychology
Passionate * Loud * Optimistic * Showoff * Brave * Proud
Sexuality: Hetero
Relationship Status: Single (Widower)
Personality:
Though formally titled as "Master Vladimir Dmitrievich Alexandrov, first heir of Baron Alexandrov", he prefers his identity of "The Great Bazhooli", Russian Impalement Artist and legendary performer of the Russian Imperial Circus, chief member of the Bazhooli Sem'ya.
What can be said about The Great Bazhooli that his name cannot tell you? He is vivacious, full of vigor, and histrionic to the extreme. He exists seemingly to suck every last drop out of life with keen but not foolish optimism. Everything he cares about, he sees to with the passion of an artist. It doesn't help that he is a shameless showoff with great pride in himself, his family, and his circus. His persona as a showman isn't really a persona - this is who he is. Though outside of performing, he is a little quieter. A little. This goes both ways. He feels most everything as strongly as one can, be it joy or sorrow. He feels deeply and completely, but can recover from this quickly when needed. While this can be mercurial at times, he does not forget a slight (even if it appears that he does), nor fail to remember a favor given.
Of course, his life isn't all fried borscht and hurled knives. His people are the keepers of many Old Russian arts, the Training that sits as the regional equivalent to that supported by the Graveolase. He is often called upon to look into Soulless threats along the Russian Steppes, great cities, vast forests and mountains of the Empire. It is something he takes seriously. Vladimir has a stopping point to his revelry. When the worst of events threaten to happen, it reveals a man driven to do whatever is necessary to protect that which he holds dear. The skills learned over a lifetime of Impalement Arts and Rusyn Training assist greatly with this endeavor.
Habits: Absently twirling knives when thinking, humming music (building to singing outright), sometimes refers to himself in the third person.
Hobbies: Practicing gymnastics, trick throwing sharp things
Fears:
- Dying without fulfilling family obligations
- Living a dispassionate existence
- Being caged away
Likes:
- Music. He adores music.
- Dancing, in its many, varied forms.
- Sharp Things
- Singing
- Performing / Showing Off
- Practice and exercise
- New experiences
Dislikes:
- Slugs. They creep him out. Unless sauteed in butter.
- Overly status-conscious people
- Buzzkills
- Being bored
- Bullies
- Prolonged solitude
Cards On The Table
General Skills:
- Short Blades
- Thrown Weapons (high proficiency)
- Acrobat
- Juggling (extreme throwing and catching)
- Firearms
- Hunting
- Stealth
- Sleight Of Hand
- Singing
- Dancing
- Language (Romany)
- Language (English)
- Sword
- Russian Fisticuffs
Trained Skills:
- Language - Rusyn
- Fal'shbort - This skill is a passive skill that does not call for a Called Action or a roll. (Just remind the GM if you get injured and you have this skill that you have this bonus.) - It gives a bonus to taking blunt force trauma and endurance of extreme conditions. (A bonus to a characters constitution if you will.) - You are tougher, stronger, more Russian!
- Mamushka - A Russian stylized knife throwing dance fighting technique. This dance is agile and deadly, utilizing Russian dance techniques and short blade fighting: we are talking break dance fighting to a whole new level. (Both aerial and hand knife and martial art techniques) - While some within the family know the dance as a dance, it being used as an actual combat technique is a closely guarded Circus secret. Can be used with a paired Tatushka, refer to Tatushka for details. Cannot take this skill with Tatushka, it is one or the other. (The Great Bazhooli is paired with Elizaveta Romanova in this way.)
- Tizirovat' - This is a skill that gives the PC the power of suggestion, deep seeding the idea into a persons mind to get them to see your point of view. It is not skill that makes a person do what you say right out but it compels them to follow through with the suggestion. (These are not the droids you are looking for) - There is always a chance they will resist it but it is very difficult. (If resisted the target turns hostile.)
- Krasnoye - This is our game equivalent of a healing spell. It heals physical issues only. Such as broken bones, stab wounds, and so forth. Does not heal illnesses such as Consumption or Plague. As a new skill it can heal a skinned knee, and grows stronger to heal up to severe stab wounds or broken bones over time. A long term master of the skill can heal the worst falls from a trapeze to the point the person is back up in the Big Top the next day performing as if it never happened. (Healing is a called action and rolled for by LLA to determine amount of healing)
- Brivaldi - Russian Trick Horse Riding, able to perform various called actions while on horse back without being hindered.
- Chteniye Dushi - Soul reading, it allows the person to look into the eyes of another and find what strengths and weaknesses lie within them, as well as secrets that they may posses or recent changes to their purity.
- Tretiy Glaz - An ability that gives a person a sixth sense into the future and know things that will happen before they do. Unpredictable and random, it can occur at any moment without warning. (Cannot be used a called action, it is random by LLA - so do not post for trying to activate it. It has horrible consequences if you do!)
- Smert' - A soul casting from one person to a Yagababa to sever her from her mortar
- Gologramma - This skill is utilized by your "illusionists", a skill that allows a person to Astral project in the physical world. Creating a near perfect replica of themselves that exists somewhere between the astral and physical world but that can been seen as a solid object in both planes. It will perform a base physical action in the physical world (minus speaking) - such as knife throwing, walking, opening a door. You cannot see through it's eyes, or hear what it hears. (It does not see or hear) - If it takes damage, the projection stops and it automatically dropped. It cannot fight for you and can do no damage to any flesh being. (Such as human or flesh Soulless such as Ryne or Hraew.) - It can however be utilized to fight Golgravtiz: damage done to the Gologramma by a Golgravtiz transfers to the PC casting as well.
What Is On Your Person:
- Clothing - Tough and fitting black pants with workman's pockets tucked into well polished black boots, high-collared red waistcoat (reversible, black interior) with black stitched accents and tailored black shirt with close-set grey pinstriping. Leather belt with buckle push-dagger, and filigreed red bandana over his head, covered mostly by a tall black top hat.
- Knife
- Knife
- Knife
- Knife
- Knife
- Knife
- Knife
- Gentleman's wallet (contains a few pounds sterling, bank notes, several business cards in English and Russian,
- Gold crucifix
Residence:
- Elaborate wardrobe
- Extensive Knife Collection (The Good Stuff)
- Collection of Russian Swords & Other Sharp Things
- Imperial Dragoon Rifled Musket (care and feeding included)
- Considerable amounts of good wine and vodka
- Large, bear fur coat
- Chest of personal working gear
- Hidden stash of monies (mostly Rubles and Kopeks, but a fair amount of weighted silver coin for hard trade)
- Personal grooming supplies, including makeup
- Saddle, tack, and harnessing for...
- Tolstoy! A Russian Old Don cavalry horse, black. His Brivaldi horse.
History
Family History:
The history of the Alexandrov Line dates back to before the time of Ivan he Terrible. Though still considered one of noble blood, the nature of its origin placed them very much out of favor with succeeding royal successors, formal title stripped away. Nonetheless, they endured as a proud people. Noble Cossack bloodline maintained, though it began to meld with others, some of which were also noble but also out of favor, but others that were common and had amazing talent and/or influence.
Meanwhile, the Rusyn Gypsies in the Ukraine and Russia were treated to an unexpected boon: Reigning Royalty, to solidify their claim and garner support, began assigning titles of Baron and Earl to prominent families, even traveling folk, who wielded significant influence or were highly moneyed.
The union of these two families, generations ago, uplifted the once title-stripped nobles to the rank of Baron, conferred upon the Rusyn line. This resulted in a unique combination of very famous and highly influential circus folk with ancient Training, the most prominent ones being given the title of Bazhooli, a local variation of the word for "little royal" (very roughly). Originally used among these people as a congratulatory exclamation for a well-placed shot, the meaning changed over time. Now, the Bazhooli Sem'ya had solidified into a well known, mobile Barony of sorts, very famous for their acrobatics but moreso their work with the Impalement Arts.
One of every generation is given the title of Great Bazhooli, standing as their figurehead and primary performing star, but the responsibility goes far beyond that. The passing of the title is based upon decision and merit, though they must be an Alexandrov. They must have the appropriate talent, mindset, flamboyance, and loyalty. The Great Bazhooli represents the Sem'ya at all times. He is a respected individual, answering only to the reigning Baron Alexandrov within their group. When one dies or retires, another rises to take the mantle. Short of the destruction of the entire Alexandrov line, there will always be a Great Bazhooli.
The family owns holdings in St. Petersburg (primary), Kiev, and the mountains of Moldova. Their social status usually requires discussion; within the United Kingdom, only the reigning Baron is recognized as noble (if lesser). As a whole, the rest are looked upon as Gypsy folk, lower class despite their fame, talent, and resources.
Your personal life:
Vladimir Alexandrov was born into a Baron's family and raised with the Circus. Nevertheless, he earned what he has, including his title of The Great Bazhooli. He has traveled far and wide, learning much about the way others live their lives. Still, he maintains that his own lifestyle is the best one could aspire toward, and wouldn't have it any other way. His strength lies in his personality, talents, and Training, although he would be half the man that he is were it not the support of his people.
As a young man, he married a talented singer and acrobat by the name of Izolde. They were as close as a couple could be, very much in love. She gave him three sons and two daughters, and served as his preferred working partner in shows. Around this time, to preserve the Romanov line, the Emperor Alexander I reached out to Baron Alexandrov. It was an unlikely circumstance, but he entrusted the care of his daughter, Elizaveta, to the Circus. Part of the arrangement was to elevate the Alexandrov's social status in the Empire, and secure additional funding from the Crown. The child was placed with Vladimir and Izolde to be raised as one of their own, but with the caveat that a Sister Sophia Narskin also accompany them to see to her education. They became as father and daughter over time.
After Izolde's death, Veta and Vladimir mourned together, and grew to understand each other better. They continued life as normal, except that now, part of her training came from him. The years passed, the Sem'ya was called upon to do their work with Soulless and routinely putting on a grand show, traveling around the Russian Empire and Europe and caring for their young charge until she came of age.
The Circus is now in London for the Season. They came so that Elizaveta can present herself to the world and request the entry of the Russian Trained into the Graveolase. Also, it's London at the start of the Season. This is where the action was; this is where the money was.
What you want for your life:
Vladimir's motivations are fairly straightforward. Take care of his own, make life a grand adventure, live, love, sing, dance, and always, always with panache. Elevating the status of his name is all well and good, but that is the work of the Baron. He is not the Baron, yet. Vlad intends to make the most of his remaining good years, maybe even pushing it into his okay years, before retiring. Perhaps he'll remarry, but it would have to be for love, to protect another, or one hell of a beneficial deal for his family. He has multiple sons to carry on the lineage. The Bazhoolis will be okay.
Extras
Character Quote(s):
"Now, let us try the same trick... ON FIRE!"
"Never fall in love with voman who sells herself. It alvays ends BAD!"
"Prepare to be Bazhooli'ed."
"Life is nothing vithout passion. Nothing."
Theme Song:
Anything Else:
- Ryne
- Ancestor of Boris Alexandrov (The Great Bazhooli of Lady A's TWD)
- Post in previous CS
*By submitting this CS in its completion I am stating I have read all the rules for this Rp and am agreeing to follow them to the fullest with respect and courtesy. I acknowledge that I can and will be removed from the RP without warning if I break a rule or cause problems with my fellow Rpers or the GM.
No, no. The Great Bazhooli is quite Straight. Apologies.
