Post by Vio on Jan 10, 2018 15:57:45 GMT -5
Singing Strings Anette Mari |
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Core Details
}“M-My name’s Mari…”~ Mari
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Character Development
}“Some people can only express themselves in ways other than talking and socialising… I’m one of those people, but I haven’t quite yet found the best way to express myself.”~ Mari
Personality
-~-Timorous Introvert
Mari has always been the type of girl who would much rather keep to herself, possessing a timid and mousy exterior and forging an unusual wall of ice between herself and others – a wall that is not easily broken through. While she’s not cold or disdainful of company, it quickly becomes apparent that she has trouble placing her trust in those unknown to her, so it often takes a great deal of warmth and compassion to be able to get through to her. She’ll speak when spoken to, or when she feels she has an important contribution, but otherwise will not readily emerge from her shy shell and prefers to keep her emotions bottle up.
Loyal
Though she may lack self-confidence, Miss Anette is no untrustworthy character. Those who garner her trust find themselves with an unusually potent ally, whose loyalty to others is not so easily shaken as her disposition. To put one’s faith in Mari might be seen as a foolish move by those who don’t fully understand her inner workings, but those that have done so will realise – sooner rather than later – that their faith has been put in just the right place. You can confide all the world’s secrets in this youth; rest easy knowing she will never break a promise to an acquaintance, ally or friend.
They’re More Than Just Puppets!
Mari firmly believes in one thing: Her marionette companions are, in fact, living beings. To the puppeteer, each and every member of her carven cast has a unique personality and behaviour, despite the fact that their bodies appear to be little more than inanimate masses of timber and musical wire, painted and decorated. Considered an extended family – perhaps even an extension of herself – she treats each and every one of them with utmost respect and compassion, exchanging often unspoken words with them and tending to their needs.
Finding Her Voice
Mari is, contrary to her external displays, actually quite the driven individual. She simply struggles to convert that drive into force of will, but has been slowly developing upon her character and attempting to melt the proverbial ice. She still has a way to go, but there’s no denying that – when pushed to extremes – this girl awakens something pretty powerful. Her underlying persona will one day bloom, she just needs to strive and persevere.
Appearance
-~-Body Shape, Facial Features, Etc.
At an approximate height of 5’6” (168 cm), Anette Mari is actually quite tall for her age in comparison to other girls, but her sleek and petite physique makes her look a lot more fragile and delicate. This innocent appearance is added to by the fact she has a very fair, North Blue native complexion and something of a doll-like, oval-shaped face. Her rosy cheeks and small features add a certain charming cuteness to her eyes – the defining feature of her visage, with irises of Rosé hue. Sakura locks grow straight and long, but are typically tied back into a single fishtail plait supported by a bobble or other such hair tie, plus a couple of hair clips to keep her hair from falling into her eyes. At length, her hair readily reaches her lower back.
Outfit & Accessories
Mari tends to favour lighter colours and simpler, casual clothing. Her usual wardrobe choices involve white or beige tops of variable sleeve length, light pink or blue dungarees, and simple white or pink pumps or shoes. It’s very rare to see her in what one would call “girly” clothing, though her colour coordination is rather soft and gentle on the eyes. Generally, she doesn’t wear any sort of clothing that accentuates her figure, dressing rather modestly and conservatively.
Relationships
-~-Toctic, Flynn
As her superior officer and head of CHIMERA Corps, Flynn has earned Mari’s respect in more ways than one. Most importantly, his assistance in her time of need struck a chord with the young traveller. Without this man, she would not have become a Marine – she likely wouldn’t have realised a lot of things. As something of a protégé of his, Mari sees Flynn as something of a fatherly figure, mentor and close friend. Being quite unusual herself, she has no issues with his occasional eccentricity and habits.
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Combat Data
}“My grandfather used to split pirate ships in two with nothing more than a wooden sword…! As long as I believe in them, my puppets – my friends – can do anything!!”~ Mari
Traits
-~-Unique Vocal Chords
Human Starter Trait #1
Mari’s voice is capable of stretching beyond what is considered the normal range for sapient races. Through an unusual lineage factor mutation present in the vocal chords of just one tribe of humans – the Aria from whence she is unknowingly descended – she is capable of altering and amending her voice in almost otherworldly ways, switching between Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano and Contralto with ease. There’s quite a bit she can do with her voice. She just needs to actually find it first.
Keen Hearing
Human Starter Trait #2
Though not often noticed, Mari’s ears are sharper than most, able to detect slight changes in ambient volumes that most wouldn’t realise. This makes her unusually difficult to sneak up on for all but the stealthiest of individuals, but it also gives the the unusual advantage of being able to pinpoint the origins of particular sounds even in the midst of a cacophonous environment.
Inhuman Dexterity
600 X-Poinz, Developed Trait
While Anette Mari herself may not be exceptionally strong nor agile in body, her slender fingers are unusually swift and mobile, not to mention precise in their most subtle of movements. This cocktail of genetics and passive training lends her the ability to manipulate the most minute and delicate of equipment with ease and grace, boasting precision control over objects that some would brand as requiring far too much effort.
Fighting Styles
-~-Battle Puppetry
Class “D”, 200 X-Poinz (125 Free)
Focus – Puppetry, Style Mimicry
Mari’s core method of combat revolves around a style developed by her Grandfather, the late Commodore Anette Gepetto, and the secrets and methods she continues to uncover and recreate. The style uses specially crafted marionettes and musical wire to replicate human musculature, turning subtle finger movements into swift movements and precise and powerful strikes. The style itself mimics the arts of various types of combatant, though it depends entirely on the puppet being used. Due to the limitations of the strings, Mari and her active puppet are restrained to being no more than approximately 15’ (4.5 m) apart. The style’s naming scheme is based on musical terminology.
Aspects:–
- A Cappella (“In the Manner of the Chapel,” Italian)
Mari manipulates the vibrations of the strings within a puppet’s body using little more than song generated from her own voice, producing sufficient energy through which to make the marionette act seemingly of its own accord. The use of this ability can be deceptive as it’s naturally hard to see being used, and the lack of obvious movements from Mari makes the puppet’s exact motions difficult to predict based on the puppeteer’s alone. That being said, A Cappella only allows a marionette to make actions considered “natural” to it. Each marionette’s strings are attuned to specific vocal frequencies.
Weapons:–
- Mahogani
Rank 2 Weapon, 250 X-Poinz (125 Free)
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
A moderate-sized (approx. 3’ – 91 cm) marionette originally crafted by Anette Gepetto, wielding an ornate wooden katana and dressed in feminine Samurai armour. Mahogani’s most distinguishing feature is her pure white visage, accentuated by red blush, fiery amber eyes and chestnut hair that appears to be fashioned into an Odango cut. Her attire follows a colour scheme of lavender, gold and deep red. The marionette is said to have a refined, passionate and honourable personality. While commanding Mahogani, Mari’s style revolves around more traditional sword techniques – swift and elegant slashes and parries, with a focus on precise and debilitating blows. Due to her “special” nature, Mahogani responds to all of Mari’s possible vocal ranges.
Qualities:–
- Masquerade
Mahogani is one of a select few marionettes crafted by the late Commodore Gepetto, Mari’s grandfather, each of which possesses a white-painted face. Though it’s nowhere near as well-known as the Meitō, the Masquerade Series are – at least within the right circles – known for being especially durable, their timber rumoured to be as tough as tempered steel. The rumour isn’t really true, but the wood itself is still ridiculously resilient and can fend off blades and projectiles to an extent.- Sycamore
Rank 1 Weapon, 100 X-Poinz (50 Free)
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
First designed by Mari herself after drawing inspiration from the world of bugs, Sycamore is a moderate-sized (approx. 3’ – 91 cm) marionette with a very lithe and slender frame, and similarly unusual limbs. His arms and legs are designed with an additional joint which increases the tension of the musical wire within, allowing him to make impressive leaps and throw deceptively long-reaching strikes with his mantis-like forelegs. His body is painted a smooth golden-green, with facial features including large round eyes of scarlet and a pair of small antennae to further develop upon his intended insectoid aesthetic. His colour scheme is bright green, gold and scarlet. He still retains a somewhat humanoid core design. Sycamore is considered to be a very boisterous, hyperactive and yet carefree individual. Mari’s style alters when commanding him to incorporate powerful leaps and swift bludgeoning strikes, using Sycamore’s length limbs and sudden movements to surprise foes. Sycamore is most readily controlled by a Soprano.- Alder
Rank 1 Weapon, 100 X-Poinz (50 Free)
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
The second of Miss Anette’s creations draws inspiration from the dashing gentleman, yet snobbish nobility archetype. As normal, Alder stands at a moderate height of 3’ (91 cm), with his overall appearance resembling that of a full ivory suit, white shirt and black tie. Alder’s handsome visage is defined by a smooth square jaw, light blue eyes and swept, chocolate brown hair. His overall colour scheme is ivory, black and sky blue. Alder supposedly has a very collected, vain and uncaring personality. When in command of him, Mari adapts her fighting style to make use of his body’s twisting capabilities, delivering various kicks and dashes that draw inspiration from such martial arts as Muay Thai and kickboxing. Alder reacts best to the middling Mezzo-Soprano.- Sequoia
Rank 1 Weapon, 100 X-Poinz (50 Free)
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
Unique among her current company, Sequoia – Mari’s fourth creation – was designed to replicate the size of Giants. At approximately 12’ (365 cm) tall, he is the largest marionette, with trunk-like legs and massive arms attached to a hefty frame. Sequoia has reddish-bronze skin and wears dark sea-coloured three-quarter length trousers complete with an oxblood belt. His large, square face is decorated with small pea-green eyes, a rough beard of gunmetal and is otherwise bald. His overall colour scheme is bronze, sea green and gunmetal. Sequoia embodies the personality of a simple-minded, gentle giant with a fierce protective streak. When in command of him, Mari tends to stand upon his back and shoulders, using slight footholds built into his design. His attacks are slow, but are broad and much more powerful than other means of attack. Additionally, Sequoia has a secret compartment accessible from his back in which Mari can store up to two additional marionettes, or even an average-sized person if required. Sequoia responds better to a deeper, Contralto.- Teak
Rank 1 Weapon, 100 X-Poinz (50 Free)
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
Teak stands somewhat taller than the rest of Mari’s puppets (approximately 4’ – 120 cm) and appears to be clad in a suit of silver-grey medieval armour, the likes of which covers his entire body save for his sharp, dark visage. His eyes are a deep chocolate colour, and a wisp of golden hair can be seen protruding from his helm. He carries with him a large heater shield emblazoned with a royal blue eagle slightly reminiscent of the World Navy’s insignia. Teak is considered an embodiment of chivalry, solidarity and selflessness. Mari commands Teak within the ideal that the best offence is a good defence, putting his large shield and armoured body to good use. As timber, teak’s silicate nature rapidly dulls any blade that attempts to cut through it, not to mention being waterproof. Teak’s responsiveness is most heavily attuned to the deeper Contralto.
Techniques:–
- Dal Niente (“From Nothing”)
Rank 1, 50 X-Poinz
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
Weapon – Any Marionette
From an idle, resting start, Mari guides her marionette’s movements to shift it from a state of relaxation to a state of action. The result is an unexpected and swift attack, packing quite a bit of power behind it.- Staccato (“Brief & Detached”)
Rank 1, 50 X-Poinz
FiSt – Battle Puppetry
Weapon – Mahogani; Sycamore; Alder
Mari guides her marionette into a series of rapid blows, executed at a speed that is difficult to properly track. The flurry of admittedly weaker blows can force an opponent to take the defensive, else suffer a swift accumulation of damage from the various strikes.
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Background
}“In the end I’m still just a child… But that means every experience is worth more to me than it is to you!!”~ Mari– Anette Mari was born aboard a vessel sailing across the North Blue, though her mother died in childbirth, leaving her father, Kermit, to look after her. Despite his vow to do so, Kermit was unable to provide the child what she needed, struggling for the best part of a year to scrounge whatever he could in order to look after the tiny tot. It was through sheer luck and fatherly love that Mari survived that first year, but her old man just couldn’t continue to risk the child’s life any longer. As such, he delivered her to his own father, Gepetto, who would proceed to care for the child as her father ventured out in search of a way to give her the best life possible.
– It was under her grandfather’s care that Mari, a notably sickly child thanks to that initial year of struggle, found her first love. Puppetry. Everything from the smallest thimble-sized finger puppets to the marionettes that then dwarfed her fascinated the girl as she grew up, to the point where she would rather invest her time in trying to learn her grandfather’s profession. With his guidance, the frail child seemed to come to life, revitalised and growing strong again.
– Mari’s earlier years were happy ones, but as she grew up, she knew deep within that something was missing. She received letters, short and sweet birthday wishes, from a man who addressed himself as her father. Yet she had little to no recollection of any such man existing in her life. That emptiness plagued her, more so during her early teenage years, causing her to grow distant and reclusive. The good health and high spirits she had seemed to start to burn away again, despite Gepetto’s best efforts – the girl was conflicted. Worse still, she was clever and conflicted. It was only on her thirteenth birthday that Gepetto cracked back into the youth’s shell, providing her an important gift. A marionette, whose name was “Mahogani.” Over the next few years, she seemed to open up. Not necessarily to Gepetto, but to the ornate craftsmanship that was Mahogani. That, in turn, seemed to restore her health and meaning.
– At sixteen years, Mari and Gepetto set off to visit a neighbouring island in the North Blue – a festival held just once every ten years, where the world’s finest carpenters, woodcarvers and more gathered and revelled in one another’s works. However, it was on the voyage to said festival that Mari’s good life was ruined. Piratical raiders, knowing that valuable woodworks were stowed in abundance aboard the commuting galleon, made their attack in the dead of night. They ransacked the ship, massacred much of the crew and dozens of innocent lives in their thirst for treasures to sell on. Mari would’ve been next, the Captain setting his sights upon Mahogani, had it not been for her grandfather’s intervention.
– Gepetto, commanding nought but a simple and mostly featureless marionette, was somehow able to defend his grandchild against a burly and fierce example of a pirate. Sabre and pistol meant little to the wooden soldier, whose movements – despite being upon strings – were swift and precise. The pirate’s Captain was bested. Unfortunately, so was Gepetto. Those last moments burned themselves deep into Mari’s mind, her grandfather’s death as a bullet from behind dealt him a fatal wound. However, the old man had done his sworn duty. Somehow, Mari and about two dozen others managed to survive the raid, living to see another day. Mari made a promise that day and, with Mahogani by her side, she would then venture out on her own personal quest…
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X-Poinz Earnings
}“––”~ MariMiscellaneous:–
- The Hunter & The Hunted
Amino Island, North Blue
+150 X-Poinz- Empty Steel, Dancing Wood
Amino Island, North Blue
+150 X-Poinz- A Swordsman, a Cyborg & a Puppeteer! Shenanigans: Commence!
G-6, Paradise, Grand Line
+240 X-Poinz- Marines In The Marketplace! CHIMERA’s Initial Assault!
Pirate’s Market, South Blue
+80 X-Poinz- Rest & Revelations!
G-6, Paradise, Grand Line
+75 X-Poinz- Our Shadows Rise!
Red Line, Grand Line
+45 X-Poinz- XMAS 2013 Event
Event
+25 X-Poinz
