Vitani

From Reydala

-Basics Name: Vitani Bijin Age: Looks 20, but since she's a half-elf she's actually lived about 40 years. Height: 5'4" Appearance: Long, straight black hair and green eyes. Although she looks very thin and bordering on the fragile side, she is actually very strong. (Kind of like figure skaters, har <3) You can only really notice her muscles when she uses them. She has incredible arm muscles due to the fact that she is a monk and fights without any weapons. Because she is from the tropics, her skin is tan. Most of the time she has a stern, serious look on her face. She does crack an occasional smile, however.

-Home Hometown: Walstad Empire Big City/Small Hamlet: Small hamlet inhabited with humans, elves, and half-elves. Climate: Vitani grew up in the tropics and is therefore most comfortable in warm weather. However, because of the amount of extensive traveling she has done in the past two years, she has experienced a variety of temperatures, but especially hates cold weather. Coastal/Mountainous: Located next to a large river, and about 2 miles away from the ocean. The people Mostly Good, Mostly Neutral, or Mostly evil? Mostly good/some neutral.

-Family Parents/Alive?: Rakeesh (human) Bijin & Kreesha (elf) Bijin / both alive Are they rich? poor?: Because her father is a monk, he likes to live simply (poor). The village is poor, but all their needs are met. Its citizens live comfortably and are happy living a simple life. Reputation: Vitani's family has had a high reputation for hundreds of years, as she and her father are the descendants of the monk order Bijin. Vitani represents the 25th generation of Bijins. All those in the Bijin order have the upmost respect for her and her family. However, the villagers have lost respect for Vitani's family as Vitani has run away with her grandfather so that she could become a monk. Females in Vitani's village are born only to bear children and make housewives. Vitani's refusal to accept this role has soured her family's reputation in the vilage. Famous/Infamous ancestors: The creator of the Monk Order Bijin, Vadim Bijin. Family Ethics: Reflects the ethics of the village. Respect for parents and tradition is crucial, as is praising the deity Cyphus and maintaining self-control. Live simply, but do not simply live. Although men and women have their own specific roles in society, society views them as equals. To say that men are better than women or vice versa is non-sensical to the citizens. Religion: Follower of Cyphus Government: Conservative Family Figurehead: Rakeesh

-Instruction Education: Up until the age of 16 (in human terms) Vitani was educated solely by her mother, Kreesha. Fathers educate their sons and mothers educate their daughters in Vitani's village. Vitani has learned to become an excellent cook, can make the clothing of her people (which usually consists of animal skins), jewelry, cooking utensils (clay pots, stone eating utensils, clay cups, etc.), other small traditional trinkets, and has memorized several folk songs. However, it was when she ran away with her grandfather at age 16 did she learn the ways of the monk (fighting skills, self-discipline, its philosophy). Her grandfather also taught her how to read and write. Jobs/apprenticeships: Vitani is currently an apprentice, learning how to become a full-fledged monk. She is training under her grandfather so she can be accepted into the Bijin order. She held no jobs or apprenticeships while living with her parents. How did the character come to be a member of their class: Two strong reasons. 1) Vitani never wanted to follow the traditional role of women in the village. 2) Vitani's older brother was to represent the 25th generation of the Bijin order. However, due to his death, the Bijin family was left without a male successor for the Monk Order. Vitani decided to take her brother's place and represent the 25th generation. This would make her the very first female in the Bijin Monk Order. Although her parents and the village tried in vain to stop her, Vitani's grandfather was amazed by her determination and courage and immediately accepted her decision. Because Vitani is of the Bijin lineage, those already in the Monk Order (eventually after much apprehension and debate) accepted Vitani's mission to be part of the order.

-Life Events Were there any pivotol events in the characters life?: As a child, Vitani was a typical girl in her village. However, during her teenage years, Vitani was jealous that her brother would become a member of the Bijin Monk Order and not her. She became rebellious, though her parents' discipline always silenced her. Vitani's brother was one day brutally murdered by his wife in a jealous rage (who in turn comitted suicide). This event affected Vitani so much that she was determined she would take her brother's place as a monk. She told this information to her parents, who told her she was being extremely selfish and disrespectful. Yet, when she told her grandfather this information during her brother's funeral, her grandfather openly accepted her decision. That evening, after her brother's funeral, Vitani escaped the village with the help of her grandfather. Since then, Vitani has trained under him and they continue to travel the world together. Because the Bijin Monk Order is worldwide, they usually seek sanctuary there wherever they go. Vitani has not contacted her parents since her escape a few years ago, though she still receives news about them.

-Relationships Family, in the past and now: PAST: Vitani had a very good relationship with her parents and other family when she was a small child. However, as she grew older, her relationship with her parents became strained. She was always jealous of her older brother. She also has a younger sister. She was upset that her sister followed the traditional way of life. Vitani's closest family member was her grandfather, Sitar. NOW: Resents her parents and sister. Assumes her parents hate her now. Has become even more upset over the death of her brother. Tries not to think of herself as a "replacement" of her brother. Still very close to her grandfather. Siblings: Older brother Tashir, died at human age 20. Was married, but had no children. Killed by his own wife who then killed herself. / Younger sister Reeshaka, human age 17. Married at human age 16. Currently pregnant with first child. Friends: None. Although she had friends as a little child, she lost them when she became rebellious. Parents refused to let their children play with her. Because she travels so much, and has a cold, snooty personality, it is very difficult for Vitani to make friends. Rivals/Enemies: None. Although her village is upset with her, they do not consider Vitani an enemy. Vitani does not consider her village or family her enemy either. Role Model: Sitar Bijin, Vitani's grandfather. Deity: Cyphus, for whom she holds great respect for. She finds him to be the wisest of all deities and personally believes that he chooses only the wistest people as his followers. Because of this, she comes off as an elitist.