BASICS
Name: "Very, very mortal thing to do, owning a name. Yet granting oneself a name, that is the way of the Betters, no? *Liak kawa," A brief pause as he drums his lower lip, "Sahen; named after none."
Age: "If I told you I was as old as all of **sawan, you would not believe me." He is between 250 and 300 years old, though we're not sure he knows this.
Race: "What would I look like but myself? Ah, that one is quite the question." Garuda, Geroda, Khrut, and of course, "Karura-san~."
Faction: There is an evident bristled motion in his shoulders as he responds almost defensively: "I serve none. Not-a-one. 'It's my life,' as it goes. And that is how it goes...? 'It's now or never; I just wanna live forever,' ha ha."
Role: "The life of the party, as it were!" The arguably unwelcome foreigner, and life of the Mario party according to Tae who wants to RUIN THE SERIOUSNESS OF MY PROFILE THANKS.
*you will call me
**heaven


APPEARANCE
Complexion: Bronze, sun-kissed. Few get a glimpse of his bare back, but it is strangely darker than his front. Stranger still is how one can almost make out the silhouette of a handprint back there.
Body Type: Manry and studly (sorta barrel-chested), as if he belongs in a gay porno. It doesn't help that he looooves showing off his abs and only deems a proper top necessary for "formal occasions." Don't ask to see his pecs dance. Just don't. (Because he'll laugh at you and act all embarrassed, and you'd sure be the awkward turtle of the week, wouldn't you?)
Height and Weight: Human form would be a measly 5'7" and a clean-cut 150 pounds. Garuda form is 130 pounds heavier and a more than half a foot taller.
Distinguishing marks: Tattoos are on his nude chest. One may wonder why he lacks individual tooths, but eh, there are more incriminating things than clean, curving walls of ivory. T'is probably just be a mouthpiece. Dude must love boxing! Days of his youth were marked with a dry, grey tongue, but he's fixed that. No longer shall the ladies make out with the inside of a parrot's mouth, unless they are just really into that sort of thing. But his feet are still funny, in particular the number of toes...
Apparent Temperament: A careless sloucher, aloof shrugger and disrespectful shoes-on-the-table sort, he seems. He strides about with the situated swagger of owning the place, in contrast to his inner intrigue and curiosity toward new sights. He's pushy in the crowds, not because he's better than they are, but because he REALLY wants to see what the crap they're looking at.
Sahen is perpetually frowning and equipped with fiercely high brows, which leads to some really sarcastic smiles even when actually tickled to mirth. Think Jack Black and Ian Somerhalder brows. Hell, if Ian were Asian-- His numerous vexed blinkings are, in fact, not meant to be taken as "UH! What'd you just say to me, bitch??" but rather, a genuine "Beg pardon, say again?"
Abrupt head tilts and curious "o" lips hint at his true nature, however. That of a tourist. Ewww.
Hair and eyes: "The wind is my comb." As you can imagine, it..... Do we really need words? Sometimes his hair is a nest. Mostly it's swept back. Sometimes it assaults his face. But it is never, never sleek unless he's been in the bath very recently. Maybe it might sometimes look greasy silky smooth to the touch, but I dare you to run your hand through it and not wash it off for a whole day. Yeah. Don't wanna, do you? His eyes are dark, but glisten like a wild animal's when cast in lit shadow.
Facial features: Angled eyes, always with an impatient/concerned flickering beneath the eyelids. HIs upper lip is poutier than his lower (arguably an overbite), mimicking an avian mouth. He's also equipped with strong man jaws and a thick man neck.
Wardrobe: On sunny days, he wears douchebag sunglasses. Sahen enjoys fine silks and blue pants, and he likes his bling. Don't fuck with his bling (which are actually just gold armlets, anklets and a sort of neck brace. That's not the actual one, but it would be just as wide and big and equally dopey-looking under a t-shirt).
He's found happi to be sooo comfy, also.

The monster resembling both a great bird is adorned with feathers of red, green and gold, is gifted with ripping talons and vast wings. The wings sprout from the shoulder blades to the elbows, leaving his forearms free to wield weapons and crush throats even in his natural state (though he won't be able to fly at the same time, obviously, unless you count wrestling while plummeting toward the green Earth to be more than "falling with style"). His face is a curious thing, for he retains recognizably human eyes despite the immense curved beak in place of his nose and chin. His torso, skull, and skeletal structure of the knees, in addition, are those of a man, though his heaving skin is dyed a deep, deep red. His feet are vicious claws, wounding the ground on which he sets himself, stalwart enough to break a joint and tear off a limb.




PERSONALITY
Despite what shiny douchebag shoes and black douchebag sunglasses may inform you, this man-monster is extremely old-headed and traditional-minded. Chivalry is most certainly not dead! He loves, truly and deeply, just as any other would. He just loves a lot. In many places at once.
But truly, he loves suddenly, and deeply. He is no better than a dog in the moments a maiden has his attention--shooting her longing glances, nuzzling his nose into her cheek, plucking lotus buds, and dragging her off to teach her to dance in the solace of untainted moonlight, away from the city. He is thoroughly giving, passionate, and an absolute fool after garnering a warm kiss.
On the other hand, just because you approve of his flighty attitude does not mean he will gladly return the favor. The garuda is a jealous and territorial creature once he's professed someone to be "his," and no greater savagery will his rivals in love find in ripping talons and cruel, gobbling beaks.
He does what he wants, not because he does not receive consequence, but because he does not learn from consequence. He'll foresee a broken nose and charred feathers perfectly clearly, but he does shit that leads up to them anyway. In part, it's due to his distaste toward backing down, toward being humiliated, and this craaazy idea that he is ultimately invulnerable. He's not, but seeing as he hasn't been killed yet, you can't convince him otherwise. What do we have so far? Pride, lust, wrath, gluttony... grumpy, sneezy, dopey, doc....
Yet he is easy to please: Idle promises of your strength and your love (respectively, from men and women--vice-versa is a solid no-go), vouching for his superiority over anyone who opposes him, introducing him to beautiful women... Unless you fuse with his shadow, however, he'll likely forget that you're in his good graces after about a good week. Cheaply gained favor is far from permanent, though a clever way to very quickly have an ally in cumbersome situations (and I'll give you a basic and dumb example): "-after being threatened- Yeah?! Well! Well... The garuda can beat you!!" "Huh--? Of course I can! Who challenged me? HAVE AT ME, BRO."
Sahen is helpful when he likes you. At times, more/less helpful than you may like. Quite unpredictable what you'll get, really. He might save your life ten times over, or do your laundry for you, or he might just smile when you're around and stick to you like a siamese twin at parties...
He does not like being made a mockery of, or being put on display in front of a crowd like some showbird. He (thinks he) does not brag, does not prance about with shimmering feathers. Accusing him of bravado will prompt him to wickedly ask, "You would like to see me angered, next?"
He tends to be moody after long flights.

Speech: Well... he doesn't curse in English/Japanese, but when you see long strings of italicized words you don't recognize... Sahen does not conjugate verbs, like a loser. His tone of voice is mellow, almost playfully factual. It is how it is, unless he's questioning it, in which he takes on demanding airs and scowls as if nothing is more stupid than the subject his grand self is being forced to address. He's generally, unexpectedly polite in words, however, and his insults are always clear. No clever backhanded compliments here! If you are being a bastard, then you are a bastard; he ain't gonna beat around the bush for your sake.
This... bluntness applies when wooing a lady, except when discussing sex, in which he'll act like a modest librarian (and blush like a new bride when you talk dirty to him. Grrl, where you learning to say those things to a man...)
Pet Peeves: The letter "S," being underestimated, being humiliated, whores coming onto him, miniskirts, exposed glitter cleavage, women wearing belts, shorts, having his head or hair touched, losing, weak attacks, weaklings acting bigger than they are, cowards, people who slur, people who constantly text, cats, pigs, mermaids, earbuds, beds that don't have mosquito nets, beds lacking in elevation, plastic, stepping on things, not understanding what someone is saying, hats... um, etc.
Favorite color: Gemstone red and golden swirls.


EQUIPMENT
Specialty: Beating his so-very mighty wings and creating tempests is what he's known for, and there's certainly a truth to that. He's most powerful when the elements flex their intangible muscles; he is enthralled and empowered, able to navigate through, and able to stand against the wind's howls and the rain's daggers. He can encourage brewing storms to hasten, but this isn't very effective without at least a few angsty clouds already hanging out in the sky.
Fighting Style: Quick strikes with talon-poised hands, yanking the enemy as close as possible for complete domination... ahem. As in he'll take the least opportunity to pin you on the ground and..... no, not what you're thinking, no no. :( Let's just say he's up-close and brutal, yes? Yes? Fights like an animal/street fighter sprite, very close quarters.
Preferred Weaponry: Small, pronged weapons he can twirl in his hand and twist in your heart, if anything. He's skilled with a bow and arrow as well, but he'll most prefer fighting barehanded, mano-a-mano. No rules, just the full prowess of one beast against another. Have at him, bro. (Yes, he likes to brawl in his more delicate human form, too, stupid bird).
Weaknesses:

• Being set on fire. Feathers are entirely flammable! And considering his lack of an affinity for water...
• Maidens who fight. Very distracting...! (But careful--for losing to him means sex, willing or not.) Assertive women in general, however... well, they're daunting. Particularly the ones outside his "ideal."
• The Times. He's not used to getting in trouble for rape, for example. And he's had close calls from hovering too near to an airplane. Also, what are guns?? And TV and internet references? Going WAAAAY over his head.

Inventory: A cellphone with a cracked screen, a disposable camera (with actual rolls of film!), armlets and anklets, smelly socks, the occasional sack of fruits, and a bitchin' crown (treated with the sanctity of armor, and not generally worn till "wartime").
Minor Ability: Immunity to all poisons. Betch, he ain't archnemesis of the snakes for nothin'. Legend says just being in the same room as Garuda will cure toxin-induced illnesses, but I sure wouldn't know. :|
Large bird affinity. Careful when bringing him to a zoo...! Little things though, like larks and song birds... well... to be very blunt, he thinks they're retarded. They don't listen to him, really. And they don't watch where they poop.
And? Presence. You'll notice bits of text in red, yes? These are not especially loud, and they do not sound exceptionally different from his other statements, but somehow they impart powerful vibrations through the eardrums. Mental sonic booms, of a sort, most common when he guffaws. This doesn't serve much purpose for him, to be honest, but it certainly puts several of the residents on edge. While royalty have signet rings and shit, this bastard projects an assault on the senses. He ain't neither human bean nor common hand, that's for sure. Arguably, this is his wild side seeping through his human guise, seeing as the presence is constant when he takes his true form.
Additional Guise: Hahaha, nawww. He's happy with what he's got. Thank you, though.


LIFE
Hobbies: Cards, dice and tickets. Gambling. His most favorite have to be races and bloodsports. Should lady luck spurn him, someone's going to lose a tooth. Also, getting married! Usually unofficial knot-tying, but he's signed about four papers. (What? That's what everyone else does to get married these days, right? Or have they moved back to the good old "sex = husband and waifu" days?))
Likes:

• Strong breezes. You know how some people squeal and shriek delightfully while running through the rain? He roars with laughter at winds and tempests. The intangible whipping against his flesh, the howling and rushing against the curves of the landscape. Oh, his domain is the grandest of all, is it not? (Also, bad weather makes him stronger, as mentioned a'fore).
• Natural warmth and light. He is not fond of the artificiality of light bulbs and heaters. If it is night, let it be night! If it is winter, let it be winter! Mortals are so determined to changing their surroundings instead of their own perceptions, hmm?
• Shiny objects, which is why he'll trade paper for coin any day. His favorite Japanese coin is the 10 yen.
• Women. Women, women, women. Beautiful creatures, most delectably sweet of all fruits. His "type" is the long black hair sort, with shyly clasped hands and sweet eyes peering from meek lashes. They totally want him. (If you're thinking there is a degree of sexism from him here, you'd be thinking along the right lines. It's not malicious sexism intent on hurting feelings, but nonetheless).
• 90s rock.

Dislikes:

• Dirt. It's an icky, icky sensation under the nails. Because he thinks rather highly of himself, he doesn't like coming into contact with dirt and grime and mud, uck, and, to an extent, blood. Part of this is also that he doesn't like bathing more than once a day.
• Copious amounts of water. He hates having his head dunked under water, having his face splashed, getting his hair wet--none of that. He'll splash you with your own blood if you press him, son.
• Homosexual women baffle him beyond words. How do they even--? And how can they not be interested in him? HOWWWW?
• Computers and video games. It takes him less than five seconds to try to comprehend a device, then crush it for being "sassy" with him. He did sort of warm up to cellphones for a while, but he soon after developed a habit of dropping them everywhere. This... makes getting in touch with him generally difficult.
• He also does not enjoy major changes, like any good old codger ought to not enjoy.

Fears: Drowning. Water in itself does not scare him (despite all the scowling), but dying in a dark and engulfing airless pit is the worst fate he can imagine.



Agenda: Inde-fucking-pendence, and some space to spread his wings. And taking bunny-fingers photos with random cute women. (He doesn't say "girls" because "girls" are thirteen and under. Fourteen and over? GOOD TO GO!~)
Where they hail from: "A mother's womb, just as you have." Whether it's actually Southeast Asia or India has been debated for as long as he's known, though he's certainly raised his leg and made his mark in both regions.
Relations:
Naga: His serpentine half-brother, and downright douchebag. Anyone mentioning the seasnake will receive a swift glare and snarl, as Sahen despises the idea of being in the same place as the creature. (Not to be confused with Naga Neroli).
His mother: After freeing her from the tyranny of his father's other wife and her snake children, the garuda has no further business with his mother. They are free. He is free. And he will be bound by none.
That other brother: is a total loser and suck-up and Sahen thinks he cramps his style.
Various wives: Ahem.
Various children: ..... Well, um. They're around. Ought to all be old enough to prowl the skies without his guidance by now, he'd guesstimate. The children of Garuda are either exceptionally human, or exceptionally bird-like. The latter grow immense, intelligent, and thoroughly loyal toward their father; though they are just as equally vengeful toward those who cross them, to this day hunting anything that slithers in cowardice between rock crevices. The former are as changelings are, taking after their human mothers and adapting perfectly to her legal husband's lap. These creatures are charming, valuing their own subterfuge and survival above all else, and tend to have remarkable lifespans. Of course, Garuda himself has only been in touch with a few. Over hundreds of years. Quite on and off.
Should a loinspawn of his be in trouble, however, he will not hesitate to side with them utterly; a good strategy for getting him to murder your ass would be to kill one of them and not bother hiding the fact.

Notable Experiences: As the story goes, the two wives of one husband had a bet. "Whosoever correctly guessed the color of the next born calf would gain the freedom of the other, and the freedom of all her children," those were the blasted terms. That was the stupid game. These, of course, were no ordinary women: during their pregnancies, they managed to procure the smile of a minor God, and each gained a wish. One wished for a great number of children, and the other wished for babes few, but strong. The first birthed an entire race, the naga. The latter, she birthed two eggs. "Wait for them to hatch," she was reassured sweetly, over and again.

But she was an impatient woman, deeply keen to win her husband's favor.

She broke the shell of the first, earning a mere human babe, radiating plainness. She wept and cursed at her own idiocy, holding the child near and forgetting his unborn sibling. Should the world have been silent, the moment a talon tore through its protective prison and tasted clean air, that moment ushered in the birth of sound. It was a beast without rival that emerged, and his mother was giddily nonplussed by her prize.

Of course, he came to make a grand slave for his half-brothers.

It is said that the Nagas dared the Garuda to battle every God in order to attain his mother's freedom, and all fell but Lord Rama, with whom Garuda made a deal instead. He became the chariot of that God, according to legend. And what better steed than a great birdman could there be? However, Sahen refuses to testify about this point in his life; both about whether or not it is true, and about where his loyalties lie at any given time.

In truth, Sahen here is a reincarnation of the original Garuda King. What, you thought the Garuda wouldn't have been around when Jesus was born a couple thousand years ago? HAHA TOO BAD legitimate Garuda is old as shit. The boy we have here is basically dust compared to his predecessor, but still to be reckoned with in his own right considering his birthright and the fading of older creatures in these modern times.


For once you grow old, my child, you grow weary of all this rampant, intrusive progress from the mortal race, weary of all these wars from this HATE that never truly fades. You fly to a mountaintop and sleep, shutting out all but the slicing sensation of cold, the wind plucking you clean of your feathers, the jeering of memories--thousands upon thousands folding over one another, molding into a single rehash of pointlessness and dull failures.
Loneliness was, at least, a comforting embrace...



Etc: (Or rather, "crap I didn't think of while writing this damned thing." It'll be continually updated until I get bored).
-He thinks Ronald McDonald and Colonel Sanders must have been saints rivaling Gandhi. So many statues of them!!
-Bird likes his smokes (pipes, ivory, long, inscribed with men on horses and war elephants), and you are getting a bruised shoulder if you do something obnoxious like shoving your thumb through the smoke hole.
-"Chang cherdshom, nyam plalom jai: ying nyam daidai nai la, suay yad fah ma din..."
-He's also proficient with a flute. Smokes a pipe, blows a flute. If he weren't so intent on being straight I'd------
-"Ma ley, ma ley!!"
-Mr. Saif Ali Khan has theee perfect Sahen smile. <3
-GARUDA IN A PINK SHIRT.
-He appreciates well-drawn tattoos quite a bit, let alone ones with imagery he finds agreeable.
-"I fight beasts, not men."