ryslig app

[fiduspear]

OOC INFORMATION

Name: Shikki
Contact: zaiphon @ plurk, mermares @ aim, zaiphons @ skype
Other Characters: N/A!

CHARACTER INFORMATION
Character Name: Tavros Nitram
Age: 16 physically, god only knows how old chronologically.
Canon: Homestuck
Canon Point: Page 7944
Character Information: Hark, a Wiki Link!


Personality: Out of all of the characters in Homestuck, Tavros may arguably be the most straight forward and easy to explain.

Simply speaking, Tavros doesn't have a hidden agenda. There aren't a lot of irons in the fire for him. He doesn't sneak around, forge and break alliances on a whim, or play games with people's heads for his own selfish desires. He does not hate intensely, nor does he get particularly passionate about much. All in all, he remains one of the most - if not *the* most - stable of all of the sGrub players due to his even nature and temperament. This simple, gentle personality makes it rather easy for him to get along with many of the people he comes across, often ending with their platonic pity toward his situation and aiding in whatever way they can. As a troll, not a single one of these traits is considered "good" or "worthy" and more than likely would have gotten him killed long ago if he didn't have strong friends to cover for him and shield him.

All in all, Tavros is just bad at being a troll. Even by the internet definition he falls short, ultimately blocking his target when made uncomfortable by his adept counter-trolling measures, then fleeing to said target's good friend to get some advice on how to handle the situation. In casual conversation, he was once quite prone to apologizing in advance for things or dismissing slights against him in an effort to placate a potentially angry party. He apologized for everything save for his own paralysis, but even then, seems to willingly accept blame for how much trouble it caused the people around him. This has changed significantly in the eons in the afterlife. Tavros apologizes just once for something that actually was his fault, interrupting Vriska's story with his squabble with John, and continues to assert himself and make himself more of Vriska's equal than her servant. Still, he's prone to being walked all over. Asserting himself is something he still struggles with, choosing to go with the flow rather than causing a fuss.

The boy is a stuttering, faltering mess in social situations, often unbearably awkward even in the most relaxed of conversations. The only people he ever seemed completely at ease with were Gamzee, Nepeta, and Aradia. He was generally very accepting of their strange quirks, welcoming of their differences, and values every second he spends with them.

Troll society told him that due to his gentle personality and paralysis, he wasn't worth a whole lot. With a certain person's constant bullying and the offhanded remarks from his other friends, it's not surprising that he preferred to keep his head down and tried to make everyone happy. When not tripping over himself with apologies, Tavros alternated between being painfully straightforward and beating around the bush. He fumbled for a simple explanation, backpedaled, danced around and even tripped over the point he's trying to make in a vain attempt to keep the other party from becoming angry with him. When "confident" he said what's on his mind and trusts that the other person will simply accept it, because in his mind confidence is the key to winning people over.

This is largely because he, even now, is simply not a confident person and his ideas of "confidence" are as warped as his idea of normal friendships. Even if he has good reason, he hides behind stronger people and tries to avoid conflict and confrontation because he is afraid. Decisions for him are not something that should be made on a whim, but should be consulted and spoken with so he can have a backup plan and maybe someone to save him should things go sour. He also does not handle trauma very well! He resorts to sleeping to play around on Prospit rather than to busy himself with leveling up and assisting his fellow players after a traumatic experience scarred him in canon, and is even more than happy to remain dead because it means he's safer from what's to come. And, also of note, he is a true pacifist. He made it through the entire sGRUB session without killing a single enemy, instead befriending them all to turn them to his side.

He only knows what he knows about confidence by having watched the more confident of the trolls, who have a lot more going for them than just their own self-assurance.

The influence of being around a bully for so long has in turn given Tavros some worrisome practices, talking down to people or trying to assert his will over them (if he believes he can get away with it and the person is weaker and more suspect able) isn't unheard of now, but he still backs down long before the fight is won.

TAVROS: i NEVER HEARD THAT AGE OLD SAYING, iN MY CULTURE, sO, fUCK YOUR LINGUAL HERITAGE, aND GIVE ME THE RING,

To Tavros, being loud and in-your-face was about as close as he could get. We see this spectacular failure at self-confidence for the first time after he consults Rose for advice on what to do with Dave, rejecting her offer to help with a boast of his own abilities. In the end, after accidentally blocking the human, he reverts temporarily back to his usual self to apologize for the mistake. Then he goes on to destroy Dave with his "sick fires", oblivious to the face that he has hardly done any damage to the human with his fumbling attempt at insulting freestyle. And again, later, after the attachment of his robot legs and subsequent, incredibly forward, conversations with Jade, we see just how hard he's trying to pump himself up and seem like a somebody she could like.

He still maintains a number of misconceptions about how to be confident and self-assured -- still tries to target people weaker than him to make himself feel better, but it's far more controlled with less blatant misconceptions about himself.

All in all, Tavros was never very happy with himself in life. When he found himself enjoying something, he'd inevitably told that he was wrong for it and be shoved into doing something he didn't want to do. He had no agency. No opt outs. He spent most of his young life well aware of how hopeless and unwinnable his situation was, and most of his afterlife coming to terms with the fact that he was unhappy with it. Despite how miserable his situation in life had been, Tavros always remained bright and hopeful on the surface. After dying, he found solace in the fact that no one would expect him to do anything at all.

We can't talk about Tavros' self confidence without inevitably moving back to the complication that is his relationship with Vriska.

TAVROS: nO, i MEAN, iT WAS PRETTY MUCH MY FAULT, i THINK,

TAVROS: i ATTACKED YOU WITH MY BOGUS SELF ESTEEM, aND i PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE,

VRISKA: No, you idiot! That's not what happened at all. I sta88ed you through the chest 8ecause I was 8eing a huge 8itch!

TAVROS: i MEAN, iT WAS A LONG TIME AGO, bUT THAT'S NOT REALLY HOW i REMEMBER IT,

Vriska is his bully. His worst nightmare. His greatest enemy. His best friend. It's summed up best as "it's complicated" and filled with rampant quadrant flipping, ultimately ending in the destruction of whatever friendship remained between them no matter how hard they try to make it work.

Vriska expects too much from him too fast, and he expects her to change. She prodded, she pulled, she pushed and did whatever she could to make him into a stronger person the only way she knew how. While her intentions may have been pure, the result was certainly not as desired. She is a large part of the reason for his submissive, doormat personality. Yet, despite it all, it isn't until after promising Kanaya that he wouldn't speak to her anymore that he attempts to close off communications. Even after killing him, he forgives her and goes back to letting her push him around without much fuss. He even seems to develop true romantic feelings for her.

Prior to his death, her words were taken as pure truth and internalized. After he'd died, he stops caring. Without the massive disparity between their abilities, when he stops being starry eyed, Tavros begins to realize that this sort of thing isn't really right.

Still, she makes him nervous. When speaking to her in early canon it's clear he finds a hard time getting a word in edge-wise. His 'uHS' increase, often the only thing he manages to say in the midst of her ranting as he waits for her to stop. Even after death, though he does often talk back

TAVROS: oH GOD,

TAVROS: nO, tIME OUT, i'M FLAGGING THIS, vRISKA, aS TERRIBLE BEHAVIOR,

VRISKA: Tavros, the 8igger man is only ACTUALLY the 8igger man if he doesn't refer to himself as the 8igger man. That's kind of the point?

VRISKA: Unless the intent is to produce some form of socially awkward comic relief, which let's face it, is what you're all a8out.

VRISKA: 8ut that's what I like a8out you.

TAVROS: yES, }:)

he makes no real effort to defend himself, and simply tries to distract her or present an argument to counteract whatever plan she has - usually prefaced with an "uh" and ending with a "mAYBE," or "i GUESS,". When she snipes at his faults, he simply acknowledges that she is "probably right" and leaves it at that.

And that's what it comes down to. He's afraid of her, he's afraid for her, and forgives her for most everything she's ever done to him without much thought.

There are things he cannot and will not do. Even when Vriska is bullying him and breathing down his neck. For one, he wouldn't kill -- he doesn't have the heart for it. For two, he draws the line at apologizing or taking responsibility for things that were well beyond his control. For three, he absolutely refuses to lower himself any further than she'd already lowered him. These two traits have grown much stronger after his death, leading to a boldness he was previously lacking and a willingness to stand up for himself. It's always too little or too late, but in the end Tavros does what he feels is right.

Still, responsibilities and the "right thing" are not things that Tavros seems too invested in if it means serious effort. Above all else, Tavros seems to abhor being relied upon or having expectations put on his shoulders.

This is absolutely no surprise, since in the past any time anyone relied on him or expected something of him, he would inevitably fail to meet their expectations - leading to pain for him. Tavros is nothing if not practical and he understands the situation he is in well enough to know keeping his head down and not making a scene is a good way to survive it.

TAVROS: nO WAY,

TAVROS: i LIKE BEING DEAD,

TAVROS: i LIKE IT HOW THERE ARE NO RESPONSIBILITIES, oR PROBLEMS, uSUALLY,

He has his moral compass and it's a strong one. He knows the clearcut difference between right and wrong. But the idea of trying and failing keeps him away from intervening unless it's under the most dire of circumstances. In reality, Tavros has an incredibly low threshold for emotional and mental stress - while other trolls might snap and use violence, Tavros simply curls up in a ball and cries. As Karkat pointed out, something is "wrong" with him - he doesn't handle stress well, he's completely aware of his limits and doesn't try to push them. He doesn't really have the capacity for "hate", and doesn't seem to care. He dodges the possibility of being hurt at every opportunity and it often leaves him left out, and far behind the rest of the group in terms of strength.

This bleeds into other areas. Added responsibilities mean growing up in ways that he doesn't want to prevent him from wanting to take part in anything at all. He's content to do things for the fun and pleasure of it, not because he has to or has any desire at all to fulfill an obligation. The Peter Pan homages are for more than just a nudge and a wink, Tavros is very much a victim of arrested development and Peter Pan syndrome - both a product of a lifetime of being shoved around, and the reason for the suffering in the first place. Most unfortunate is when he finally breaks free of desire to live consequence free and safe, he dies.

This leads back into a cycle of avoiding problems (staying dead, not wanting to live again, doing whatever Vriska says to make her happy) and being dragged along by his nose straight into them. He's a cautious person by nature, and that cautiousness leads him to desiring to play his whole life "safe". Even now, it's hard to say if Tavros has actually broken free of this or made any steps towards really living, as he jumps ship just when things begin to wind down towards their conclusion. When it comes to fight or flight, he will almost always choose flight.

And while Tavros isn't usually outright aggressive or hostile he is consistently passive-aggressive. Prior to death it was more subtle and hesitant, aiming for passively-asserting his feelings on the matter and is quick to back down when they're pressed.

AT: iT'S PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DO THAT, mOSTLY,

AG: Man. I knew it. Toreasnooze is 8ACK IN ACTION.

AT: wHY DON'T YOU, iN LIKE,

AT: a NOT BORING WAY, bUILD,

AT: mORE INCLINED SURFACES, lIKE YOU DID OVER THERE,

AT: mAYBE YOU COULD COLOR THEM, wITH FUN COLORS,

AT: sO YOU WON'T THINK THEY'RE BORING AND GET ANGRY AT ME SOME MORE,

after death, he's much more assertive and upfront about his feelings and opinions.

TAVROS: nO,

TAVROS: nO,

TAVROS: nO, oKAY, i REALIZE ALL i'M SAYING IS NO, WHICH IS JUST HELPING MAKE YOU LOOK AS RIGHT AS POSSIBLE ABOUT MAKING FUN OF ME,

TAVROS: bUT i LEARNED IN YOUR BRAIN THAT YOU AREN'T ALWAYS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING,

VRISKA: 8ut like I said, that's suuuuuuuuch old news now, it might as well not have even happened.

VRISKA: Tavros doesn't give a shit a8out that stuff anymore.

TAVROS: hEY, wAIT, mAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T, SPEAK FOR ME?

TAVROS: i STILL KIND OF THINK THAT STUFF WAS ALL PRETTY MEAN, eVEN THOUGH IT WAS FOREVER AGO,

TAVROS: iT'S JUST, i HAVE CHOSEN TO BE THE BIGGER MAN, aND NOT HOLD IT AGAINST LIKING YOU,

While he still struggles to properly assert himself, he gets his points across with quiet, subtle comments, back-handed compliments, and asides to himself about how he feels on the situation. Tavros always tries to be the bearer of bad news as gently as he can be. Once in a blue moon he's pushed far enough to stand his ground and lays down the law in a less than kind manner - usually to Vriska, when he thinks she's gone too far or is too misguided, but even that is usually still overridden. At heart, Tavros is still too gentle and sweet to be unflinchingly cruel and still often finds himself dismissing compliments and putting himself down.

This isn't to say that he doesn't have a mean bone in his body, quite the opposite honestly, but he reserves actual forthright jerkishness for people he perceives to be a) inferior to him (they're not, usually)

JOHN: that's cool. guess i will just enjoy this ring forever, as my property.

TAVROS: oKAAAAAY,

TAVROS: i'LL TELL YOU,

TAVROS: yOU'RE AN AWFUL HUMAN, bY THE WAY,

JOHN: yeah right, dude. would an awful guy be wearing such a sweet, priceless ring? i don't think so!

TAVROS: oH MY GOD, tHAT'S SUCH BAD LOGIC, tHAT YOU'RE KNOWINGLY USING TO BE A WORSE ENEMY,

JOHN: yeah...

JOHN: you sure did explain that, i guess.

or b) he has reached his absolute limit with his patience.

TAVROS: i THINK YOUR MEAN SPIRITED ANGRINESS IS MAKING ME REMEMBER, tO WONDER WHY i KEEP WANTING TO HELP YOU AND LIKE YOU,

TAVROS: aND i THINK IT'S MAKING ME THINK, i DON'T REALLY CARE ANYMORE ABOUT FINDING THE RING, oR FINDING THIS TREASURE,

TAVROS: oR HELP YOU DO ARGUABLY EVIL THINGS TO GHOST FRIENDS, tO GET YOUR OBJECTIVES TO HAPPEN,

VRISKA: Tavros, what exactly are you trying to say?

TAVROS: i THINK, tHE BOTTOM LINE OF THAT, iS,

TAVROS: i DON'T WANT TO BE YOUR POOPMASTER ANYMORE,

He's thorough. Aradia praises his flarping abilities because he genuinely loves it and goes in to find out everything within the story. He builds himself up slowly, going through campaigns not for treasure or to level up, but because he wants to play every quest line and believes that the eventual payoff is worth the hours and hours poured into gameplay. His card was the Knight of Pentacles in the tarot deck, known for stability and hard work to attain impossible dreams. His story is wrought with imagery of Don Quixote, charging at windmills and fighting things he can't hope to win, but Tavros remains steadfast and sure. If left to his own devices he would certainly have spent all of his time in the game solving puzzles and having fun at his own pace, but like so many other things in his life, this wasn't to be. If circumstances allowed, he would be as invested in things as he pleased! But he's usually cut off or pulled away from tasks he enjoys doing before long.

As I mentioned before, after his death Tavros isn't quite as happy-go-lucky as he was before. Post-death Tavros holds himself with an air of someone who is long past giving a shit and just wants to go home and have a long nap. He no longer hides behind stronger trolls to defend him. Vriska cut away much of the passive and laid on the aggression. While still accustomed being stepped on, over, or kicked aside, and often even allowing it to happen, he's less afraid to bite back and speak his mind.

VRISKA: We should 8e very gr8teful for their 8ravery. They are making a no8le sacrifice for us all.

TAVROS: (bRAVERY, yEAH, rIGHT,)

TAVROS: (i'M MOSTLY SURE SHE'S MIND CONTROLLING THEM,)

VRISKA: God DAMMIT, Tavros.

Or stand his ground.

VRISKA: Where do you think you're going?!

VRISKA: Get 8ack here! You c8n't just fly aw8y from me like th8t!!!!!!!!

TAVROS: oH, bUT i CAN,

TAVROS: yOU FORGOT ABOUT *MYYYY* SECRET WEAPON,

TAVROS: bEHOLD, tHE SELF ESTEEMS!!!,

VRISKA: S8LF ESTEEMS MY 8SS! I SAID G8T 8ACK HERE!!!!!!!!

VRISKA: IF YOU GO OUT THERE AL8NE YOU'RE G8ING TO DIE, Y8U P8THETIC PI8CE OF SHIT!!!!!!!!

TAVROS: i'LL TAKE MY CHANCES, yOU JERK!

TAVROS: (hahA, yeSSsSs,)

In many ways, he's exactly what she was hoping he would be all those years ago.

Yet he still retains much of the kindness and awkwardness that branded him such a delightful and endearing nuisance to begin with. He tries really, really, really hard to show off and would love nothing more than to have his efforts at fitting in validated. However, most are met with a reprimand to be quiet or a correction to his overeager sniping. There is no denying that Tavros is awkward, painfully so, unless you know him really well way. He says the wrong thing at the wrong time and tries a little too hard to make up for it, but at heart he's still a sweet kid.

On the positive side, Tavros pretty whole heartedly and unashamedly loves what he loves. He's a "slam poet" who thinks himself pretty good, but the truth of it is he's a pretty damn terrible lyricist. He doesn't know that he's bad, nor would he particularly care to find out. Slam poetry is a great love of his and he'd probably love to ascend to the ranks of Troll Eminem or Troll Formerly Known as Snoop Formerly known as Snoop Dog Now Currently Known as Snoop Lion. He is actually incredibly well spoken, though, known to be a little more verbose than he needs to be at times. He loves Fiduspawn, jousting, reading, roleplaying, mythology, and fantasy. He's not really ashamed to like these things either.

He's also a pacifist. Tavros didn't kill a single creature in his session - instead he befriended them and had them join him on his journey. The closest thing to "killing" he got was running over his lusus (which was an accident) and trying to stab Vriska (which was done in a fit of rage over realizing she'd doomed them, and didn't actually pan out well for him at all). Tavros remains conflict-avoidant. He wants nothing more than to life out the rest of his afterlife in peace, and has really only gone along with this whole plan in order to make Vriska happy.

Finally, despite being a walking social disaster, Tavros is not actually very shy. Timid and hesitant are better words. He's often uncertain of what to say and trips over his own tongue, but he's usually rather eager to make new friends or show off his "skills". He cares deeply about the people he meets and values each and every one of them immensely.

One of the things important to note about Tavros after his death is the affect dying seems to have on all characters within the canon. Aradia states that it's hard to care and almost immediately returned to her old, bright disposition after dying. In the new timeline and most recently updates, we also see Tavros has undergone a similartransformation. It seems as though being dead itself makes characters more callous and uncaring.

All in all, Tavros at his current canon point still has a lot of growing to do. He's finally truly stood up for himself out of his own will power, not on a high of false confidence or a burst of uncontrolled anger, but he still has yet to come to terms with the parts of himself he doesn't like. He's bitter, he's tired, he's more confident and self-assured, but most of all, he's sick of being stepped on. Vriska's influence on him has changed him - in some ways for the better, in others for the worse - and returning to life in Ryslig will provide ground for him to figure out exactly who he wants to be... up until he starts becoming a monster, that is.

5-10 Key Character Traits: Caring, nervous, loyal, soft-spoken, awkward, pragmatic, trusting, weak-willed, gullible and soft-hearted.



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