discourtesies: (absurd)
Barok van Zieks ([personal profile] discourtesies) wrote2021-09-29 04:29 pm
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Player: Ryoko
Age: enough
Contact: [plurk.com profile] lumieresdedragon, pm
Current Characters: Ferran Gallagher

Character: Barok van Zieks
Canon: The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles; post credits
Age: 33

Background Information: It's nice not having to write a history section.

Personality:

Barok van Zieks is a man who almost never drops his frigid public persona, and others are rarely encouraged to get past it. Referred to as the "Grim Reaper of the Old Bailey," in reference to the courthouse in which he tries cases and the fact that all those he prosecutes are either convicted or die in mysterious circumstances, van Zieks plays the part, intimidating his opponents with metaphors of death and dramatic antics, like pouring himself a glass of wine only to throw it or slamming his desk with his leg. Following in the footsteps of his late brother Klint, he wants little more than to root out crime and corruption in London. It was even to the point where, aside from viciously pursuing those he saw as responsible with cruel words and little mercy, he was willing to take on the mantle of the Reaper without complaint—his ominous reputation, after all, reduced the crime in the city by a significant amount. For a long time, he saw it as a necessary evil, even if the weight of the rumors once drove him to retire from the courts. He only stayed away for so long, however, before his dedication to truth brought him back, and he then found himself facing a young Japanese student for the defense.

As English nobility, van Zieks was undoubtedly raised to have impeccable manners, and this comes through his mannerisms in most circumstances. However, even if he mostly adheres to the rules of polite society, he doesn't hesitate to let his disdain be known, largely through sarcasm and tone if not calm, direct insult. He very rarely raises his voice, and even when he finds himself impatient, he simply uses the above methods to express it. That is, except if he sees the truth is being obscured—in which case he is known to directly threaten those responsible with the worst punishments his authority allows him. He is proud in a number of ways, which compels him to act in a superior fashion towards most others, but it may not be accurate to call him arrogant. He knows—especially now—that he is merely a man and not a demigod, and that he can and has made numerous mistakes. When he finally sees the truth or comes to realize he's done wrong, he will change tacks or apologize without further prompting, and attempt to make amends if possible.

However, he once outright admitted that he trusts no one, in order to prevent himself from being betrayed. Strangers, friends, the very systems he works within, and especially the Japanese—he vowed to never let his guard down around them to prevent the kind of tragedy that shaped his life ten years ago. His hatred of the Japanese exchange student who was accused of killing his brother twisted his perception from that point forward, though he knew it was irrational. Even without his awful remarks and obvious condescension for the people of Japan, however, he simply does not show anything but hatred, frustration, and occasionally shock in his expression, his face stuck in a perpetual scowl. Even when genuinely offering thanks, speaking with close friends, or expressing regret, his expression doesn't change much, leading some to question his sincerity. Although he now acknowledges his faults and sees the truth behind the case that took his brother from him, he likely struggles to connect with others, even if the desire is there—as shown when he became flustered at Iris's suggestion that he celebrate his acquittal with the group.

The connections we do see, however, are all the more meaningful as a result. When he genuinely cares, it comes through in both his words and his actions, and he doesn't attempt to brush his feelings off as inconsequential or a figment of the recipient's imagination. He personally took on the case of his close university friend in order to ensure the truth came out, and then immediately ferried him out of the country to make certain the "Reaper" had no chance of harming him. He felt a degree of responsibility over the safety of the other living defendants whom Naruhodo acquitted, as well, as shown when he asked after Soseki's health. He freely admitted to fearing for his friend Harebrayne and feeling relief once he was safe, and spoke about his admiration for his brother and grief over his death. Although he initially denied any positive thoughts he may have had about Naruhodo due to his prejudices, he eventually accepted the offer to defend him in court, and after the truth behind the Professor and the Reaper were revealed, he openly complimented the young man for his "boundless talent." But more than just those he has a personal connection to, he can be sympathetic towards others, too—for instance, ensuring that a London bobby who tampered with a crime scene to spend one evening with his wife didn't lose his job over the matter.

Although he's come a long way over the past year thanks to the help of Naruhodo & the others, he's got a lot to work on. How to trust again, how to eliminate his prejudices, how he feels about the circumstances of his brother's death, the future of his family name once he's revealed his brother's crimes, and the best way of moving forward to protect the innocents of London are all questions with no easy answers. Even so, the truth is more important than his personal comforts, and he endeavors to do the right thing in his capacity as nobility, as a prosecutor, and as a man who failed to see past his own biases for so long.

Abilities & Inventory: Barok's abilities are entirely mundane, despite his supernatural aesthetic. He's an accomplished prosecutor, skilled enough with a sword to fend off gun-wielding attackers, and apparently heavily involved with the making of his own wines. Given his background and his brother's influence, he likely knows a few things about hunting, such as horseback riding.

He's got a sword and some clothes. Probably a bottle of wine and a glass? Don't ask where he keeps them.

Suitability & Plans: I'd love to explore his feelings and how he might connect with people post-canon; as much as the final case "resolved" things from his past, his future is definitely in question, and the environmental effects will let his actual feelings come through regardless of how frozen the scowl on his face is. Plus I HAVE to play with his vampire/werewolf/reaper aesthetic in dream stuff, like, come on. He is made for the fairy tale atmosphere.

Test Drive Sample: here and here!

Questions: how do i incorporate a leg slam into a thread. help