Theme: The Ivory Tower - Adept
Image Song: Blue Burns Orange (Acoustic) - Hawthorne Heights
ā¦ GENERAL INFORMATION ā¦
Role: The Heir To Oceania's Throne
Gender: Male
Nickname(s): Nicodemus is more often than not looked up (or down) to as strictly royalty, and as such, nicknames applied due to feelings of endearment or otherwise never occurred often. There have been rare cases, however, of Nicodemus being addressed as Nico, or Marce (read; 'march'), in relation to the alias he uses whilst on land, 'Nicodemus Marcello Zosimos'.
Age: Nineteen
Race: Undine
ā¦ APPEARANCE ā¦
Height: 6 ft 5 ins (196 cm)
Weight: 165 lbs (74.8 kg)
Build: Slender
Hair Color: Turquoise
Eye Color: Light Blue
Scars/Tattoos/Piercings: A solid life of security and strict tradition for Nicodemus has kept him sheltered from situations that would otherwise harm him. As a result of such, his skin remains unmarked by scars, and seems to be very fair in complexion. His ears are pierced, but often remain bare. There are, however, markings of a different style to be found upon him. Tribal in appearance, they start at his upper back and shoulder blades, curving up and over his shoulders, meeting at his frontal torso by forming around his neckline. Where it flows over his shoulders, it branches out into a spiral pattern around both of his arms, each coming to a stop at his wrist, leaving only a single barb like shape to extend across the top of his hands. These markings seem to move fluidly if stared at for extended periods of time, and seem to glow different shades at times, depending on what depth he is at.
He leaves his top bare whilst not on land, taking a heavy sense of pride in them when among other Undine. When he is on land, however, his markings disappear.
Description: By land - Nico has two traits that remain mostly the same no matter which form he is in, the color of his eyes, and the color of his hair. However, even the latter does not remain identical, and when he is on land, his hair layers in color, ranging from dark blue, light blue, sea green, and black. It is usually always worn in an unkempt fashion. He has no identifying markings, and his eyes, though a similar shade of blue, appear slightly larger than human eyes, the pupils behaving oppositely, and being smaller than normal as well as a darker blue rather than black. They usually are equipped with a curious gaze. They also expand rather than contract when looking at sources of light, and vice-versa when in low light environments. His skin tone has more color to it than when it does in his Undine form, and he even appears younger aesthetically, having an innocent, nearly childlike face. He also has a companion with him in this form, a sentient koi like animal made of water that seems to swim in a small torrent of water mid-air, usually remaining hovering around his shoulder. Despite being unaware of it's gender, Nico has named it Laes. He has formed a rather affectionate bond with Laes, and is able to communicate with it in the tongue of his peoples' dead language. This form is one he has not entirely grown accustomed to yet, and still remains rather clumsy with navigating in it. Normally, it is reverted when made wet, but Nico has a peculiar talent to be able to withstand situations such as rain and splashed, reverting back to Undine only when his body is fully submerged. His expressions match his gaze, and are usually either curious, quizzical, or observing.
By sea - Hair instead being a solid turquoise, and eyes ironically appearing more human like than when on land, along with having a thoroughly paler complexion aside, nothing else is much different about Nico when Undine. Except, of course, the set of gills that lay above his rib cage, two rows of three on either side. Unlike most Undine of this era, which have long since been equipped with more slender tails, and scales in pale colors, his tail differs and is very extravagant as the tails in the days of the old were. It is large and flowing, the scales ranging in many a beautiful a color, each changing shade when exposed to light. His eyes appear almost mournful in their gaze, despite his mood. And he looks older than he does by land, his face appearing more developed in frame. Although Laes can sometimes be found with Nico whilst he is Undine, he is presently thoroughly more often when by land as well. His expression in this form are much like they are as by land, in the sense that they don't differ much from his gaze. He appears sad at times, and regretful, regardless of actual mood.
Preferred Clothing:
By land - He often wears shirts with low cut collars, exposing his collar bones. He also more often than not wears short sleeved shirts, thin in nature. He owns many in varying shades of blue, and often wears white, open, short sleeved shirt over these, the collar of which is turned up. He wears pants or shorts, with no strong preference for one over the other, and sandals. He enjoys exposing his skin to the air, which is why his attire seems to be so open.
By sea - Nico is generally, by definition, nude whilst in this form, preferring to leave his upper body bare rather than wear clothing. In the case that he does, though, he wears layers again, both shirts being a shade of blue.
ā¦ MENTALITY ā¦
Oddities: Nico is an odd Undine because of his habit of remaining really, really quiet. He is a extremely selective talker, and others deem it unusual given the history of the Undine, and their gift of voice. Those who have not known him for extended periods of time are often under the impression that Nico is a mute, however, this isn't true. He is fully capable of speaking, he just prefers not to unless it is necessary. This also stems from his usual lack of social situations, and so he never really needs to talk.
Nico aesthetically seems to reverse age when going from Undine to his land based form, but it has no effect on anything else. His mentality remains the same, as does his level of maturity. He is, however, more prone to curiosity whilst on land, as opposed to remaining blissfully ignorant in Undine.
He possesses a tail the likes of which no Undine has seen for several years, and it has been considered a good omen by many Undine, as well as by his family's soothsayer upon his birth. He strangely does not pride in it that much, and as result does not think of himself better than other Undine because of it. It is a different story, however, when it comes to his markings.
His markings are not tattoos, and were present on him upon birth, starting out only on his back. As he grew older, they expanded, much to the curiosity of his family and others who observed him as he aged.
His eyes are also odd when it comes to his land based form, behaving very different from normal eyes and giving him a very inhuman appearance.
Skills: He hold various knowledge of customs and traditions of several races, having devoted a majority of his time to the large library located within his home.
He has a rather useful knack of identifying with water based mammals and animals, and befriending them. This trait is somewhat apparent when it comes to land based animals as well, but it doesn't come as easy to him.
He is very fluid in movement, and an extremely fast swimmer when in Undine form. His fluid movements remain when he is land based, but due to his clumsiness, he has yet to become used to navigating as well as he does under water.
Likes: Peaches, Autumn weather, birdsong, orchestral music, aquatic life, reading, learning new things, the warmth of sunlight, spicy foods, wind.
Dislikes: Writing, sleeping, being royalty, people who talk too much, having his personal space invaded, pain, forced responsibility.
Hobbies:Reading, swimming, getting his bearings on land.
Phobia(s):
Agoraphobia - Fear of situations with no escape.
Claustrophobia - Fear of enclosed spaces and suffocation.
Personality: By land - Nicodemus differs from his Undine form here in multiple ways. He vastly bolder when it comes to his actions, often not sparing any more than a few seconds to think something over before doing it. He's also overtly curious, but that comes equipped with being overtly cautious with social interaction. One thing that remains the same is his dislike for people being ridiculously close to him without him being comfortable with them first. It overwhelms him and he often reacts harshly.
Although while in this form, he does speak up a bit more, he still scarcely says anything at all when doing so. Anything more than a couple of words is rare, and when asked something directly, he merely shrugs. If one were able to speak his dead language, however, they would understand the constant murmurs he speaks under his breath, often addressing Laes. He does his best to keep it barely noticeable, due to how taboo it is to speak in front of others.
He isn't so quick to trust, and will often remain cautious of a person even after having known them for months. This cautiousness, however, does not overpower his reckless abandon, and he will be prone to throw himself of harm's way for a stranger. He does, in some ways, care about people, despite not often expressing it. If you are able to get close to him, he is a very different person. Because of how rare it is to have a friend, he remains extremely loyal and passionate about those he befriends, often complying to what they need, despite social status or otherwise.
He also comes off as more withdrawn about his heritage and placement in his home, as opposed to taking a sense of pride in it when Undine. In fact, he takes on an alias and tries to mask who he is while on land, manipulating his changed appearance as well. Though it is very obvious in how he looks and acts that he is Undine.
He is very passionate about his abilities whilst in this form, as well, and doesn't mind showing off once in a while to those he thinks will be impressed. He often spends his nights honing his skills, and is even capable of using either Laes or manipulating the moisture in the air for when he is an area with no nearby sources of water. He wishes to see many things, and is eager to meet members of each of the races he's read about, especially the Salamander and Sylph. He finds both to be great opposites to him, a Salamander being born of water, while he is of water, and a Sylph being a child of the sky, while he is a child of the sea. If he ever ends up befriending a member of either, he will have many questions to ask once he feels comfortable enough to speak.
By sea - He is extremely prideful in this form, when it comes to his markings and what he knows. He feels, however, that he is not deserving of his social status and does not wish to be the next King. He is very selective with his speaking in this form, even more so than when on land, and is often found alone with his thoughts, or a history book.
He is very caring for people of his kind, and will often help those who would be deemed much lower than he by others. He desires friendship, but has no idea how to acquire it, and thus, acts rather mournful about it at times. He is also depressed by how some people he knows lack the ability to really appreciate something. Or anything for that matter, most of the people he is associated with are strictly business and only focused on running the entire place (his father especially). That being said, he does look up to his father in a way, but does not wish to replace him, nor become the same man.
He does take some pride in the fact that he is considered to be a descendant from the blood of Osael, and cherishes the power it has gifted him. That being said, despite his pride, he also shows a disregard for it, directly taking their gift of voice for granted by not even using it. He strives for friends in this form, but does not often act on this desire, remaining antisocial in nature, do to inexperience. He does not act differently than he does while on land, when it comes to his reckless abandon and strong passion for those who manage to get close to him.
ā¦ COMBAT ā¦
Weapon: A Trident, along with the spear like blade hidden inside. It is worn on his back, and can be used as a long-range or throwable weapon. Near the middle, the handle can be detached to reveal a spear, and although the reach is reduced to mid-range, he can wield and use both effectively at once, as well as throw them with accuracy. He also carries a decently sized, weighted net.
Fighting Style: Here, fishy, fishy - Using gear akin to that of a fisherman's, Nico uses the lack of any protective gear, and the benefit of speed and evasion to his advantage. He avoids close combat at all costs, and keeps his distance, waiting for the opportunity to strike with either his trident or spear, even both in some scenarios. He can use his net in various ways, ensnaring the opponent, their weapon, or even their shield if the opportunity presents itself. The trident (and spear) can be used as a projectile as well, Nico being able to lob it at a high velocity without losing accuracy.
Abilities:
Hydrokinesis - Part of a royal lineage, Nicodemus is granted with the ability that has been passed down through his blood line-the ability to control water.
Cyrokinesis - As a sub-ability of Hydrokinesis, Niceodemus is able to control the solid state of water-ice.
Thermokinesis - Another sub-ability of Hydrokinesis, this allows Nicodemus to alter the temperature state of water, and control it's gas form-steam, or mist.
Two Splashings
One of Nico's more basic abilities, he creates two long tendrils of water, wielding and using them like whips. Nicodemus is also able to use this ability with his feet, and on rare occasions, has managed to pull off four whips at once.
Compression
Due to water being nigh-on incompressible, Nicodemus is able to make water act like a semi-solid while still having it's fluid movement. This can be used to store several gallons of water in a small container, and to cut through objects, in some cases, even metal. This can also be used to walk on water, and to form weldable daggers.
Graceful Crest
This is done by moving a large amount of water without removing it from it's source, causing a large wave. It can be used to sweep away attackers, or as a form of transport for both Nico, and waterborne crafts.
Shield of Osael
Nicodemus either raises a large wall of water in front of him and others, or forms a dome of water. The wall or dome can then be frozen for more defensive capabilities.
Gotta Jet
Altering the pressure of water, Nicodemus can shoot strong jets of water using either his hands or feet. These can be used to knock away attackers, or to propel himself a certain distance, depending on the amount of water he has.
FREEZE!
This is a lump of abilities, having to deal with the more Cyrokinetic side. This allows him to do several things with ice, from shooting spikes or raising them from water, forming spikes around his limbs as a weapon, and even using it as a spear. Nicodemus is also able to freeze the moisture in his breath, as means to break chains or other objects. This can be used with thrown water to encase enemies in ice, or objects.
Frozen Tracks
Nicodemus performs this by throwing a line of water along the ground or any other surface, and freezing it upon contact with it's target, encasing their feet, and in some cases, their entire body.
You're Looking A Little Sweaty
Nicodemus is able to change the temperature of water, either cooling it or heating it to a boil. He is also able to change the body temperature of others, and in dire situations, control the sweat of his body and others when no other nearby source of water is present. This can also be used to dehydrate enemies.
Mist
This is normally easier when done in cooperation with fire, but if Nicodemus super heats of wall of water fast enough, he can create a cloud of vapor for concealment.
Avatar
A more advanced technique of his, and hard to control, Nicodemus encases himself in a large avatar comprised of water, and uses large whips to lash out at attackers, the maximum number of which he is able to control with this is eight.
Refreshment
Nicodemus can use water to heal minor wounds, using the water as a catalyst, he can manipulate the healing process of a body.
The Words of Osael
This is a power Nicodemus was taught to never invoke, due to its shortening of his lifespan, it allows him to do a vast range of very powerful things, but not without a price.
Maelstrom - Nicodemus creates a giant, violent whirlpool.
Torrent - Nicodemus creates a very large, very high pressurized stream of water.
Monsoon - Extending his ability to the atmosphere, Nicodemus is able to bring heavy rain storms.
Tsunami - Nicodemus creates a monstrous wave.
Remote Control - Nicodemus is able to control large bodies of water, even if they are a great distance away from him.
Master of Puppets - This is a very taboo practice, but Nicodemus is able to control a person by manipulating their blood.
Water of Life - This can be used to bring back somebody from the brink of death.
Rink - Nicodemus encases a very large area with water, before promptly being able to freeze it.
Enhanced Compression - Nicodemus compacts an even larger amount of water, ranging up to thousands of gallons, into a small ball and launches it.
ā¦ BACKGROUND ā¦
Relationship Status: Engaged, to a person he does not know and does not wish to marry.
Family:
Father - Nylgunir de Oceania.
Living, King of Oceania.
Forty years old.
Mother - Iryani de Oceania.
Living, Queen of Oceania.
Forty two years old.
Sister - Calah de Oceania.
Living, Songstress of Osael.
Twenty three years old.
Brother - Aven de Oceania.
Living.
Three years old.
Personal History: Nicodemus has lived a life that has almost been entirely sheltered. Confined to the castle, and only able to leave with specific permission (or sneaking off on his own), he was never really introduced to many social situations or ever given the chance to make many friends. Most of his childhood was comprised of taking lessons. Language lessons, geography lessons, history lessons, fighting lessons, royal lessons. All he did from ages five to eighteen were lessons. Being taught things he was told were essential to become the next King of Oceania. It was a crown he did not desire, however, and upon reaching age twelve, Nicodemus began to act out and show a large distaste for his apparent 'destiny'.
He would sneak out of the castle on a regular basis, getting involved in numerous shenanigans much to the dismay of his parents, and the family soothsayer. It was predicted that he would be a child to bring good fortune upon the family. It was predicted that he would become a wise ruler, a ruler that would out shadow his father and change Oceania for the better. This was wrong, however. So wrong that his family demanded another reading, after he had started to act out, and only left upset, having got the exact same answer as they had when he was born.
Despite his parents' disapproval, his sister always treated him with adoration, and brought upon herself to teach him the most important lesson of his life. The Words of Osael. She had warned him on multiple occasions to never use what she had taught him unless absolutely necessary, because although it would bestow great power upon him, his life would be shortened drastically. These are words he took to heart, and he prides in carrying the power within him.
Upon reaching eighteen, his parents announced to him that he was going to be engaged, as means to ensure the blood line is continued. He denied, managing to throw off his parents' attempts, and avoid his suitors for a year. This however, only slowly made his father angry, and it backfired, his father eventually blowing up and forcing him to agree to his most recent suitor. And so he did, but not pleasantly. The poor girl had the frustration of Nico unleashed on her, and although she had the gift of hearing probably one of the longest tangents Nico would ever speak, they were not nice words, and he left the girl nearly on the brink of tears.
He went along with nearly everything after that, passively doing what his father told him, up until the night of the wedding. He ran, with the aid of his sister, and left Oceania, along with his fiance at the alter.
Much like water, he felt compelled to move and have adventures. His first trips on to land were to say the least, unique. From his first painful transformation, to the time a Dwarf chased him into a lake due to him asking one too many questions. And then, his first encounter with Laes, and his immediate bond with him. Nicodemus is still unaware of the origins of Laes, but he remains blissfully ignorant it anyways.
He now finds himself wandering, with the company of Laes, across the land. Searching for adventure and fun times, and hoping to never have to return to his home, despite how much he misses his family. The responsibility forced upon him was just too much.
ā¦ OTHER: ā¦
Laes
Unbeknownst to Nicodemus, Laes is the product of his sister invoking the Words of Osael. Upon helping him escape the kingdom, she sang, summoning a guardian, a physical embodiment of a shard of Osael himself. To protect him when the time came to it. Laes keeps this hidden from Nicodemus, as per his instructions, and only offered him his name. He does his best to keep Nicodemus out of danger, and to be a companion to him. Laes has also been tasked with convincing Nicodemus to return home when he is ready.
A Pouch
Nicodemus has a leatherskin pouch on his person, that contains a rather large amount of water despite it's small size. It has many conventional uses for him, from using it as drinking water and for cooking, to using it for his abilities. Among his person is another pouch, as well, this one containing various spices and such for when he cooks.
The Markings
The markings upon his body extend upon aging, and when he uses the Words of Osael. He is unaware of what their purpose in, but takes a strange sense of pride in them. He does not know, however, that a power perhaps even greater than Osael's lay dormant inside of them.
