app for songerein

[whirlwindthrust]

Player: Seraph
Age: 30+
Contact: jardaan @ plurk
Current Characters: Vanitas

Character: Xiao
Canon: 2.4 Update
Age: 2000+


Background Information: Wiki Link Here

Personality:

Xiao has been given names such as "Vigilant Yaksha" and "Conqueror of Demons" due to his contractual obligation to slay evil throughout the land of Liyue itself. This is a critical aspect of Xiao and his personality because this is his focus. Fulfilling this contract, even if it isn't technically in place any longer, is truly the only thing that he knows how to do. It is how he defines himself as a person and what he believes his purpose to be. Xiao, in his perspective, is a weapon to be utilized and pointed towards an enemy. He has fought long and hard against mutations, gods/goddesses, and his fellow Yaksha.

It's all because of when he had been a young adeptus by the name of Alatus, a god had forced him to commit horrible acts. Countless lives had been lost and dreams consumed. All of this had been put to a stop by Morax during the Archon War. It is out of gratitude and loyalty from Xiao that he placed himself into service of the Geo Archon, entering into the contract to serve as a Guardian of Liyue. In a sense, it is because Xiao feels guilty about all of the atrocities that he had on his hands, even if he had no control or ability to stop. This is also why he thinks that the only purpose he could ever serve is to be someone else's weapon - why should he be able to have a carefree life when others have suffered at his hand?

This is the real reason behind his exterior. Xiao comes across as callous and often straight to the point. The words on the tip of his tongue often come out scathing or even condescending. He tends to be alone, even to the point where other adepti call him aloof. Truthfully, it isn't because of any true desire to be alone, but rather Xiao believes that this is the best option. People should stay away from him because of what he is capable of and the fact that his karmic debt ( from his continued putting down of gods and the like ) is a corrupting force. In fact, he almost had lost his own mind and soul to that madness. Had it not been for Barbatos ( Venti ), and the music that he had played, Xiao would have lost himself.

In that moment, a true dream had appeared. Xiao's "wish" is that one day he can put aside the mask and spear. He dreams that he can instead pick up a flute and dance to music such as the kind that had been played on that night. Of course Xiao believes that "wishes" are unobtainable things. So it is safe to wish for this because, in his mind, it will never happen.

Which actually shows what sort of person Xiao truly is deep down. He is really a kind and gentle soul. Xiao stays away from humans not because he dislikes them, but because he doesn't want them to be tainted by his karmic debt. Yet he protects the land and the people within, claiming that he will do what is necessary to keep Liyue safe, even if it means breaking a contract. Xiao also has been known to save sailors out at sea from storms. He's even taken to teaching Ganyu from time to time. She mentions that Xiao used to intimidate her a lot at first and sometimes still does. Yet she respects him and continues to go to him for instruction, despite the fact that Xiao doesn't find himself suitable for it. Xiao is curious about humans and how they go about their lives, but dismisses a lot of it as silly or pointless. This is because he struggles with allowing this side of his personality to show. He doesn't think it right or appropriate to. The most telling thing, however, is that there is not a shred of hatred in Xiao's soul. Despite everything that he has been through, Xiao does not hate. He does not hate the god that had used him. Does not hate his situation in life. There's nothing there to be found and that is another reason why he has such the capacity to take on the karmic debt that he does.

That being said, since the Traveler has come into the picture, Xiao has been relaxing some of these standards for himself a bit. It has been noted that he seems more at ease as of late. He will come when the Traveler calls and has engaged in some "pointless" things for their sake. Xiao has even interacted with humans a bit more and has indulged in his own curiosity. Which, really, makes him awkward. He's not often around humans in numbers so he grows uncomfortable and unsure of himself. Of course this expresses itself as irritation, but really Xiao is just nervous.

What it all comes down to is that Xiao is a kind soul that is loyal and cares about others, even to the point where he denies himself because of long-lasting guilt. However he has been more willing to come out of that shell. As he is Anemo-blessed, it is safe to assume that he does long for freedom. This time it's not from the control of a ruthless god, but from a cell of his own making.

Abilities & Inventory:

Anemo Vision: Being an Anemo-user, Xiao does have some abilities that tie into the wind itself. This Vision is attached to his bracer.

Primordial Jade Winged Spear: Xiao's weapon of choice. He possesses great skill in battle. It's said that if he were to bring his full strength to bear, that people nearby could get caught up in Xiao's attacks.

Karmic Debt: All the time spent slaying demons, gods, and abominations leaves a mark on the soul. Their hatred and unfulfilled dreams latches onto and has the ability to taint Xiao's soul. While no longer at risk of losing himself, it still can corrupt others around him if he is not careful and causes him extreme pain and discomfort.

Teleportation: Xiao is seen teleporting from place to place in dark wisps of green and black.

Lemniscatic Wind Cycling: Xiao darts forward, filling the area around himself with Anemo energies and causing Anemo damage to all who are in his path.

Bane of All Evil: Also known as the Nuo Dance of Evil Conquering. Xiao places his mask upon his features and all outgoing damage becomes Anemo-charged. This is also a purification ritual in game.

Dream Eating: Xiao can devour dreams! :D

Suitability & Plans:
If I am being honest, the last game wasn't really a good fit. I found it difficult to play Xiao without his abilities. This game will allow him to keep his abilities and that is something I really want for him. I'm someone that enjoys exploring characterization and CR in different settings. So that, like with Vanitas, is something that I will continue to focus on even with Xiao.

Additionally, I think the game setting will be interesting for him. He is a being that has eaten dreams and now he is in a dream. Xiao also fights monsters, gods, and all sorts of different beings and forces and this setting is just a continuation of that. So in that sense I think Xiao will be right at home. And maybe... Just maybe he can get a glimpse of those softer emotions that he has and get to explore those a little more.

Test Drive Sample: Here

Questions: did you know that mish threatened me with this app?