Russia App (Complete)

[Ivan Braginsky]

Ivan Braginsky

Name: Ivan Braginsky

Nation: Russia; Russian Federation

Gender: Male

Age: 23

Occupation: Unemployed

Affiliation: Government

Superpower: Telesympathy: This superpower enables the ability to read and understands others' emotions and motivations. It excludes the reading of and power over thoughts so it is different from telepathy, and with this ability Ivan is able to completely understand whoever it is he is in contact with and it makes for easier persuasion and being able to detect when someone is at their weak point. It also allows for conveying his emotions to other people allowing him to be better understood. On the down side it is more difficult to understand those who are more entirely rational. Ivan's seeming maturity can frequently change to intentions and behaviors of a childish mentality that tend to keep him from growing emotionally mature, which can falter his ability.

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Personality: Whether it's a first glance or a double take, initial impressions of a figure whose height towers over most, in correspondence with incredibly broad shoulders and a physique like that of a brick house, aren't bound to be positive. Occasionally completely covered from the neck down in a coat weighed down with who's to know what, rounded eyes of an amethyst hue apt to staring in the least comforting of ways and portraying emotions that appear in contrary to how he might be acting, only contribute to the perplexing demeanor. Intimidation seems to simply radiate from the large, pale-skinned man, to the extent that it's practically visible to the naked eye – though blind to his own. Although this doesn't stray too far from how he actually is on the inside, after all he is more than one would expect; it is something that usually passes over his head. He is unaware of anything eerie about his appearance and just how he comes off as to others, and reactions hinted with fear or discomfort toward him only leave him in question.

But behind that is a mentality unable to grasp the concepts that any other man could, a mind that didn't age in time with the rest of him. The conditions and events in which he spent his earlier years showed little promise for a bright future, no matter how much he yearned, and he hadn't ever the chance to completely grow up. This didn't mean seeing the world as just one big playground and acting literally like a child would, but his perspective on things were different. It was easily discernible to others in the childish tone of his voice, though certainly capable of lowering to unnervingly deep volume, and his cracked laughter. He saw no wrong in his actions, things that would commonly be rendered as strange to others, and very seldom felt any guilt or regret in result to a wrongdoing. In his mind he could have anything how he wanted it to be, and he took to using his sheer height and size as an advantage to getting that.

The world is never a perfect, happy place, and that in itself is a reason to always approach with a smile – a gesture he believes can easily spread onto everyone else, just as he always wants it to be. While his own smiles can come off as erratic or perhaps forced or false, in a feeble attempt to reassure others, he hates to see this in anyone else. They are always complimenting one's features when genuine, showing to him a sign of friendship and acceptance and proving to others that all are capable of remaining happy no matter the situation, and that there is no reason to be down.

No matter how persistent he is in saying that he doesn't mean being alone, as being left on his own was something he had grown used to, there's an almost desperation for making friends in him. Knowing that someone is accepting of him gives him a sense of hope that he is capable of making a plentiful amount of friends, though being reminded of his lack in any such companion is an immediate wrench in his heart. Though, he doesn't allow it to stop there. He is usually quite forward in his attempts of making one, putting forth his affectionate tendencies and his apparent incomprehension of the boundaries to personal space. He will take great interest in getting to know someone he has acquainted, and it is rare there is someone with whom he'd rather not. However, it is decided at his own rate whether or not he will allow someone to become close, preferring not to leave himself open to just anyone. He is unaware of whatever reasons may be as to why others can be frightened away by his forwardness, but it is easy for him to become attached to those he sees as considering him a potential friend. Awfully possessive, jealousy comes naturally and if something or someone belongs to him, then he will make sure to show it.

A rather strange and unknown quality, and therefore something he strictly keeps to himself, is that he can be self-conscious about his appearance. Comments made about his personality or behavior are easily brushed off, although bringing up particular subjects – the size of a certain appendage upon his face or the reason as to why his scarf is always worn – are dealt with differently. He isn't violent in his response, instead resorting to a fit of lowered self-esteem and the considering that perhaps that was why people still tended to stray away from him. While almost seeming timid in these circumstances, he doesn't shy away the opportunity to retaliate with some sort of verbal comeback.

Though he is intelligent and by no means incapable of understanding modern technology and concepts under that category, he still prefers remaining in a more old-fashioned mindset. He had developed rather slowly in terms of technological advancements and catching up with the rest of the world over the past, growing up in much less urban places; yet he still enjoys imagining things as if they were still in the older times, where everything was easier without use of silly gadgets and the like. He is very fond of rural areas, vast country sides and such that are more calm and in tune with nature.

His antics can be changed for better or for worse when he is drunk, depending on what had lead him to drink in the first place. He has a rather high tolerance to something so strong as vodka, though of course he is not exempt from getting drunk - if the drinking is done in attempt to flush out gloomy or negative emotions, the outcome could be a rather violent Russian who does not hold back in hurting even those he cares for, or he will simply detach himself from others in an unsociable mindset. And without a doubt, he also finds himself drinking for pure enjoyment or when there is nothing else to do, which will lead to someone much more outgoing, clingy and active with the chance of unconsciously doing something that he might not ever do when sober and will be embarrassed about the next day.

It is well believed that everyone, even the most innocent of people, the quietest and the unsuspecting, has a dark side to them. And hanging dangerously on Ivan's seemingly innocent thread was a sense of cruelty, that tied in disturbingly close with his usual childishness and bighearted demeanor. His outwardly friendly behavior could easily interweave with that of something much less friendly, the constant appearance of a smile and a strange sense of dread about him creating only a false sense of security. It was often that he gave in to violence, showering others with mindless threats and causing harm that only gifted him satisfaction in return; he rather liked seeing pain in others, just as well as he did happiness, and shame was out of the question. Sympathy was something he couldn't feel, or perhaps only refused to feel, and he never had the burden of guilt to hang over his head. And nevertheless, it had always fascinated him to see what sort of reactions he could coax out of others – experimenting things, if you will, to see how the mind of another worked and perhaps the sorts of weaknesses they may have. Harmless, happy dreams aside, his mind ran rampant with cruel thoughts of sorts that were best left unsaid, though it never always remained that way.

While this was true, he knew very well that he did have a heart and it was put to good use on those he felt deserved a special part in it. It can be easy to relate him to an affectionate bear in contrast to his many other sides, exerting himself upon those he is close to with immediate assumptions that they will be completely accepting of it. There are those he refrains from hurting, family and loved ones whom he especially would not want to see upset, which in turn shows a hint of relent in him. Though slow with unwillingness to submit to commands of someone else, he will so by means of keeping them from becoming upset or angered with him. A rather complex being, in all, past intimidating appearances and mindsets that one may deem psychopathic; someone as warm as a sunflower yet savage like the midst of winter.

Likes:

•Sunflowers - He is immediately at ease and presenting of his more childish side with the tall flowers in possession. They remind him of the sun, which in turn reminds him of warmth and bright colors, and allow him to feel he is closer to his dream of living surrounded by them. He wishes he were able to start a garden, though he has difficulty in keeping them alive, no thanks to the cold.

•Vodka - Truly Russian made, of course, though he isn't always picky on the brand. Though he has a high tolerance and the belief that he can handle however much he drinks, it isn't the truth. Ivan getting drunk is far from a pretty picture, and so he does try to cut down a little. There's also his petty thought that vodka can fix all problems, though in reality that's just another dream. There are the disputes as to whether the Poles or the Russians were the first to make the distilled beverage, though he will gladly take claims. On the healthier side, he's also quite fond of tea.

•Food - It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he can eat almost anything. Even scones. He's got a rather strong stomach that can handle plenty, and a liking to trying new foods regardless of their nationality.

•Weapons - While his preference is handily tearing iron pipes off of walls, interest spreads to a wider ranging variety. Many things can become potential weapons, and it's always interesting to see just what they can do - though in retrospect, he feels more comfortable with pipes and they are easier to carry about.

•Blood - Not an exactly healthy interest, nor always harmless. While there are those that faint at the sight of it, there's something about the deep red hue that makes him unable to look away.

•Warmth - Not too hot, not too cold. Though he is iffy about dressing appropriately for warm weather and showing much skin, it is a much better change from the cold and a temperature he'd much rather be in. Given how pale he is it is easy for him to burn by the sun, but that doesn't stop him from yearning to be under it. And, of course, plenty more suitable for growing flowers.

•Folk Music - From the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, songs of war and patriotism that flowed melodiously with the strumming of the balalaika; a type of music he had grown used to hearing, as it was still well embraced where he was from. They remind him of home, as do a small number of things he managed to keep and hold on to.

•Traditions - Not only his own, but this goes for learning that of others as well. He is curious about others and their backgrounds and won't hesitate in asking. He feels that there isn't anyone who has gone through the same things as he had in his past, and therefore won't have shame in asking on touchy subjects; unless they are something he can find relation to and sympathize for.

•Embroidery - One of the skills he had picked up at a younger age was the use of a needle and thread, knitting and creating decorations and designs on fabric. It's something that keeps him busy and he rather enjoys, making things to his liking or perhaps for someone else.

•Happiness - In Russia, friendly gestures as mere as a smile of greeting or something of affection is reserved for those you are close to and well acquainted with, a cultural trait he doesn't always stay true to. Gestures of affection are of course held back until he feels someone is a well potential friend, and he hopes the same is done for him - but signs of hospitality even from strangers are welcoming to him. Seeing happiness is another hope of his, in line with his belief that all should get along.

•Poetry - More so reading it than writing it, there are a multitude of native writers that he enjoys, of many genres. Something to do when you are alone and unoccupied with anything else.

•Cats - Favored over most other animals for their softness, playfulness and overall lovableness [for the most part] that are like living forms of teddy bears.

•Winter sports - Despite his ill feelings toward winter and its brutal components, it was what he had grown used to and sports specified for winter were well known. Hockey, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding - though he may not be adept at them, they are something he would absorbedly watch or try and participate in.

•Bright colors - Colors are particularly eye-catching when they are of brighter and lighter shades. He enjoys looking at anything that is adorned in such coats of color, as well as dressing up in clothing of the like.

•Souvenirs - Valuable things close to him such as matryoshka dolls, a Cheburashka plushie or a black music box, or littler trinkets like stuffed animals and ornaments. They are best when they are used as memoirs to remember someone or something by.

•Theater - As far as ballets and plays go, they are timeless things that he couldn't see himself getting sick of watching. It is essential that you go and see one if you are ever in Russia, after all. He is rather proud of the classics that have become well known to the rest of the world outside of their homeland.

•Ballrooms - They are spacious and usually quite elegant, only the most ideal place to have a dance. He misses the times when balls were so often held, and since then his own capabilities of dancing have grown a bit rusty.

•Space - It wasn't only a race for power, there was also some interest tied in there. Bragging about being the first to venture into space is something he will like to do, as well as, arrogance aside, taking moments to stargaze and watch the skies to see what he has been missing out on.

Dislikes:

•Winter / Cold - Russia wasn't always cold everywhere, but any warm summer day couldn't make up for the harshness of its winters. The frigid air or the very site of snow bring back only the worst memories that he'd rather stray away from. Though the cold can be helpful in some situations, it is enough of a burden and a thorn in his past that he has simply come to hate it.

•Water - He had never had the chance to learn how to swim, and tends to keep away from the deeper bodies of water and just stick to going no further than his ankles. Of course, learning now wouldn't hurt, though he is always awfully nervous of drowning.

•His body - He is very insistent on being 'big boned', and that is that. Being viewed as and called out upon for being 'fat' is most often reacted to with anger, only to hide just how self-conscious he is about it, and trips to the mirror when no one is around. He tends not to show very much skin around others unless they are someone he is comfortable with.

•Accusations - A book shouldn't be judged by its cover, of course. He doesn't like stereotypes and false accusations made toward himself or others of his nationality; there's more to a person than silly misleading judgments.

•Harassment of his siblings - However strange he may feel about them, they are still his siblings and he is well capable of being a protective brother if they are being hurt in any way. It is often that he misses times when he was closer to his siblings and things were what they called normal, though the thought usually does not go expressed.

•Name mispronunciation - A common thing that tends to irritate him, especially if on purpose, as insignificant of a mistake it might be.

•Cellphones - He hates using them for conversations and texting and whatever other use, though will if it is absolutely necessary - seeing and speaking to someone is person is much preferred.

•Obeying - He never liked having to listen to those that are older than him, reluctantly making only a few exceptions if he needs to.

•Fast food places - That is not real food. Home-cooked meals not mechanically altered and caked with grease are favored, as well as eating at a real restaurant where pleasant music drifts and course after course of delectable dishes are served.

•Smoking - Though it has been tried, he never took a liking to smoking and couldn't see how people could ever prefer it to drinking. Simply put, he'd rather stick to his bottle of vodka, as if his health needs to be deteriorated any further.

•Commie - It's been twenty-one years since the fall of communism, and while it may not be completely abolished in the minds of some people, he is certainly not one. Being called such a nickname is both an insult and an act of stupidity to him.

•Soviet Russia jokes - No, his country is not backwards, and no, neither is his alphabet or language.

Fatal Flaw: Fear of his sister – Being stalked by your younger sibling is by no means settling. Seeing the tall Russian cowering in the presence of the Belorussian is not a regular sight either, and the very thought of her can send him into a panic. He hasn't any wish to hurt her, for underneath he does care a deal for his siblings, though he can not bring himself to accept how forward she is.

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Roleplay Sample:

It had now been a matter of days since the Senior student was enrolled, having set foot on the school campus - who's to know how far away from home it was - and met with a strikingly abrupt change of setting and of what he was used to. And those few days were well put to use, using whatever time allotted to get himself settled in and familiarized with where he needed to be; though without a doubt it would take much longer than that to really adjust to everything. He hadn't quite come across anyone more than just an acquaintance yet, though among so many students ranging ages and with a mesh of different nationalities and cultures, it was clear to see there would be those whom he would potentially get along with and those he would not. The Russian was not meant to play nice with everyone, after all, though with hope, he would not immediately be setting very many bad impressions.

A majority of what lies within the walls of the academy had been explored, its classrooms and clubs examined and its hallways meandered through upon a few occasions of getting lost; and now the moment was taken to branch off to what the school offered off campus. The island was impressive, stretching on vast with excessive buildings and structures and a further assortment of things to do. Plenty of them were still things Ivan hadn't yet discovered, and on account of deciding to stay away from the outlining shores for now, he found himself trailing along the courtyard park and its gardens.

It was inviting: the display of emerald grassy fields and outstretched trees, the assortment of flowers painting an aesthetic variety of colors, most of which took resort within the glass walls of the greenhouse. Nothing he was a stranger to, for many aspects of his home country were quite colorful and pleasing to the eye, but he wasn't as used to seeing a garden so lively. There at least wasn't a chance of anyone at home, parents or friends both of which he no longer had, trying to contact or being worried about him - though still, there was still that feeling of being a bit homesick, as would anyone else here experience.

While he made away along the path and the park, violet eyes kept a silent observance of those that passed by. A handful of students scattered throughout the park, talking in groups or scurrying off in separate directions. The lot of them were strangers, exempt from the few that he already knew prior to his new life at the academy, though that could easily be changed with a simple approaching and introduction; though for now, he kept occupied with admiring the flowers, basking in the sun that warmed the pale top of his head and the rest of him under the rather contradicting heavy clothing.

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OOC Information


Name: Jen

Contact Information: PMs

Timezone: EST (Eastern Standard Time)

Code: RoChu, BelRus, RusFra, SuFin, BelKor

[Starry]

Fabulous application! I find the power interesting and I feel like it fits Russia quite well. So without further ado, accepted!