100 questions for Bram

Part 1: The Basics 1

1. What is your full name?2

Sir Bram of Lancaster3

2. Where and when were you born?4

Lancaster England around 480 ad, a quiet little fishing village (at the time) surrounded by green rolling hills. We were a Germanic tribe.5

3. Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)6

Kraft -- my father and warlord of our tribe. Fastidious and stern but a good father who taught discipline and the warrior way to me.7

Hathewa -- my mother, quiet and loyal, she raised me with a soft heart and love.8

4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?9

Many, most died before they were five. My people didn't know birth control, nor much about medicine. Three brothers and two sisters survived into adulthood. Two of my brothers (Machelm and Lanzo) died in battle. Wirin became warlord after my father's death.10

5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.11

I live in a large underground complex with my fellow Vampires and servants. It's a catacomb of cement walled rooms, my personal room is decorated with only a few personal possessions, most notably a few metallic art pieces I created and a painting of my beloved done by Kama. The people I live with are all gens (clan) members and servants who keep us fed and do the necessary jobs around the complex.12

6. What is your occupation?13

I am advisor to the King. He trusts me to do things which he can not and give him strategic advise.14

7. Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.15

I am 6'2" weighing in at a muscular 220, though I am lean and fit. My hair is short and brown, somewhat wavy. My eyes are a dark blue. I have no tattoos and some slight scaring from my early life but nothing very noticeable. I am told I'm quite handsome. I usually dress fairly casually in a white shirt and black slacks. 16

8. To which social class do you belong?17

We do not have classes amongst the gens. We are all equals, though I believe our servants would disagree with that.18

9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?19

I am immune to most things. I can be hurt but it takes a strong sword to do that.20

10. Are you right- or left-handed?21

right.22

11. What does your voice sound like?23

My voice is somewhat deep, but I'd say fairly average. There is still a slight Saxon accent to it though. Most only notice it when I become angry.24

12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?25

I am not aware of any, unless you count the many time I have told Toni I love her.26

13. What do you have in your pockets?27

I have no need to carry anything in my pockets.28

14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?29

I am a fairly plain and average man, the only thing that might be considered an annoying habit is my occasional inability to stop drinking before I kill a person.30

Part 2: Growing Up31

15. How would you describe your childhood in general?32

Life in the village was difficult but I still managed to find trouble to get into and have a little fun now and then. I began learning my trade before I can remember as my father and older brother spent most of my childhood talking to me about the many different aspects of battle. I became a warrior the moment I was of age.33

16. What is your earliest memory?34

Sliding down a mud slicked hill into a briar patch.35

17. How much schooling have you had?36

There was no school per se, though in the intervening years since my childhood I have taken courses and learnt from those who were teachers.37

18. Did you enjoy school?38

I enjoy putting my knowledge to use, it does not matter how I felt about it while obtaining it.39

19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?40

From my father and older brother, of course gave me my first skills. My skills as a vampire I have mostly learnt from my King and friends as we often test each other and challenge our limits. I have also read quite a number of books on strategy and battle methods.41

20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.42

My father. He was a strong man and smart. He kept our village safe from the Romans and any others who attempted to disrupt the status quo.43

21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?44

I was the favorite brother of my sisters, I didn't beat them up or tease them, I protected them from the others and helped them to learn to read.45

22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?46

Warlord like my father. Though, I knew I was not first in line for the position.47

23. As a child, what were your favorite activities?48

I loved hunting. Sneaking through the underbrush as the adrenaline rushed through my system and the anticipation of the chase thrilled me. Watching my prey falling under my strong arm became a great reward.49

24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?50

I was often a temperamental child, but enough whippings from my father evened my temper.51

25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?52

Not very popular, Wirin, naturally, had that distinction as he was set to become Warlord. I sat in the shadows and watched. However, several boys attempted to be my friends to get to my sisters. They received a sound beating for that.53

26. When and with whom was your first kiss?54

Some poor frightened young thing whom I found quite attractive. I'd just killed her father and found it was the only way to calm her. 55

27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?56

As was custom in those days, I was a virgin until my wedding night. Oh certainly there were times I came close to losing it, however I was a good and honest knight and made sure not to defile any of the women I saved. Now however, my libido can not be quenched. 57

28. If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.58

Ah, ha, tell you my secret? I won't even tell Toni and she's been begging me for years. No, you shall wait like all the rest to hear that story. (A.N. Yes I do have that story already planned out)59

Part 3: Past Influences60

29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?61

That's difficult. In my 1500 years there's been a lot of important events. From meeting my wife the first time, to becoming a vampire, and meeting Toni, it's tough to pick just one.62

30. Who has had the most influence on you?63

While I'd love to say Toni, I believe the King has influenced me more in my life as a vampire. He has taught me everything I know.64

31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?65

I have kept the peace amongst the gens and kept the outside world out. The King values my advice in these matters highly.66

32. What is your greatest regret?67

Killing Eilis. I never wished to do it, but orders are orders.68

33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?69

Wow, these are tough. Again, over 1500 years I've done many things that some people would consider evil and I consider survival. I know I have murdered and have little control while taking blood. Toni considers this my most evil trait, though she doesn't know everything about me. I have lied, I have killed, I have bribed and blackmailed. There is a long list. I don't know what would be considered the most evil, maybe the fact that I have no intention to stop despite what I've told Toni.70

34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?71

I would if we weren't so adept at erasing them. I've been arrested but I've never been convicted of anything.72

35. When was the time you were the most frightened?73

Every time I see an incarnation of my wife in danger. Perhaps though the first time was most memorable as she went up against the dragon (yeah, I know, no such thing right? That's what was so frightening about that situation.)74

36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?75

Hmmm... Thankfully not too many of these, I don't embarrass easily. Though the time I was caught by the police making love to someone I was draining (and the cops finding her dead after they pulled me off her) rates pretty high.76

37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?77

Only one thing? I suppose it would be becoming a vampire, though it's not as bad as some people say or portray. I don't regret becoming a vampire but 1500 years is a long time to go without your true love.78

38. What is your best memory?79

Ah, that comes from before being a vampire with the birth of every one of my seven children. God, I miss them.80

39. What is your worst memory?81

Being separated from my wife once I became a vampire.82

Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions83

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?84

I'm fairly optimistic. I've seen enough of life to know that everything generally turns out OK in the end.85

41. What is your greatest fear?86

Losing Toni again.87

42. What are your religious views?88

There is no god. I do believe in fate and destiny but I don't believe they are controlled by a single omnipotent being. The universe seems to work in cycles, patterns of ups and downs and in the end it all comes back to the same point.89

43. What are your political views?90

I have enjoyed the benefits of aristocracy for all of my life. A single person best suited for the job should rule, always.91

44. What are your views on sex?92

Freedom for all! Unless Toni's in a grouchy mood then heterosexual monogamy is best. Honestly, though over time it's all the same and no matter how you vary it or experiment with it, it can get boring. I do believe though that a person should be able to love who they wish and have sex with whomever they wish. It is only sex.93

45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable? 94

Able? Absolutely! In fact I'm something of the King's assassin. I hardly ever find it unacceptable to kill, even innocents and children. Yes, virgins do taste better. However since Toni finds it unacceptable to kill I am backing off slowly and trying to only kill those the King orders dead.95

46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?96

Genocide. While I condone most killing, killing others for the sake of them being different or not agreeing with your views is heinous.97

47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?98

But of course. I don't just believe, I know for a fact. I have followed her through time and lives. Her body has changed but her soul remains and I fall in love with it over and over again.99

48. What do you believe makes a successful life?100

Not getting killed through stupidity. Being the best person you can while also doing your duty.101

49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?102

If I told you that I'd have to kill you. No seriously, I would. I will just say I hide certain things from certain people for their own good. However as I live with vampires who are mostly telepathic, it's very difficult to hide one's true self from others.103

50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?104

Sometimes I really hate the human race as they grow less civil and more unruly. Sometimes I wish the King would attempt to take over and show them the true meaning of leadership. 105

51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it? 106

I'd refuse to kill Toni. The King had me kill her previous incarnation. I will not do it again. As for everything else, I'm pretty much open to negotiation.107

52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?108

Toni of course I will do anything for, and she for me. But as we all protect each other in our gens there is no need for me to worry about these sort of issues.109

Part 5: Relationships With Others110

53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?111

Well of course my treatment of others depends on how well I know them, everyone's does and they'd be lying if they told you differently. In general however, I would like to think I'm a perfect gentleman treating everyone equally. I am outgoing and enjoy the company of others so I have no reason to be rude to everyone. I don't keep anyone at a distance in fact I try to remain close to all my friends and even people I don't know well, I try to make all new servants welcome to our gens.112

54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?113

Well if it isn't obvious by now. Toni Aloise is the most important person in my life. She was my wife in a past life and is my soul mate.114

55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?115

Well, besides Toni... I respect Kama and her advice, she's always been a good friend who knows the right thing to say and how to get me to do the right thing.116

56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.117

Toni, of course, is my best friend, she knows me far better than anyone else. Kama is probably my second best friend and has been there for me all throughout the years. Keir, despite being a pain in the ass is also a close friend as we both share an honored position in the gens we have to work together and often have the same goals and insights so we have much in common. However I have many more friends, too many to list.118

57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.119

I feel as if I'm repeating myself, however I don't mind, I love her so much that even the mention of her name makes me happy so I'll tell you over and over again Toni is the best thing in my life. Ok, this incarnation is a bit more insecure than some in the past but still she makes me laugh, is beautiful and is a strong person who will one day hopefully come to realize she doesn't need to try so hard.120

58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.121

Have you been listening to a word I've said??? Yes! Yes I'll shout it from the roof tops! I am and have been in love with the same woman. It is one of the most frustrating but also the most beautiful feelings. When I think about her my whole body tingles. Even when she's far from me, I can feel her, know when she's happy or in pain. Looking upon her face is like looking upon the face of an angel and fills me with peace and bliss. We don't always have a perfect relationship, we fight often, but we belong together and will be together through thick and thin.122

59. What do you look for in a potential lover?123

The soul of my wife. However if you just mean people to pass the time with. there isn't a stringent requirement. Generally I like for them to be relaxed and confident. To be up for anything and to like being bitten.124

60. How close are you to your family?125

The gens is my family therefore I'm very close, I live with them, sleep with them, feed with them, play with them, I share everything with them.126

61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?127

I had a family once, seven beautiful children. My eldest son was a knight by the time I was taken away from them, my next oldest would be knighted within the next year. My girls were as beautiful as their mother and would have many suitors whom I would have kept far from them if I could have. They all grew up had families of their own and eventually Toni was born off their lineage, so I think it was a successful family.128

62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?129

The King. While Toni of course would do anything to help me, the King has far more influence and resources.130

63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?131

Again, the gens all protect each other, there is no one in our gens I would not trust to protect me.132

64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?133

Well Toni certainly. The King would miss my council. Kama would miss her friend. I am unsure if anyone else would miss me a great deal.134

65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?135

I don't really have anyone I despise. I find it makes little sense to hate anyone in the gens. outside they die off too quickly to hold any grudge against them.136

66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?137

I'll argue until my point is made. I rarely will walk away from a fight.138

67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?139

Yes, I don't mind setting the standard. I don't go out of my way to make sure people follow my lead but I take responsibility for problems and don't have problems giving orders.140

68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?141

Oh yes, being the center of attention, especially when there are a lot of beautiful women is quite enjoyable. Most people are comfortable with me. I also get a high off of their flowing emotions.142

69. Do you care what others think of you?143

Generally, yes. I do have a reputation to maintain.144

Part 6: Likes And Dislikes145

70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?146

Does draining humans count? I am a metal smith and make weapons as well as sculptures. I dance, play chess, read, ride and train horses.147

71. What is your most treasured possession?148

Other than Toni? She'd object to being called a possession anyway. I suppose that would be the dragon slayer's sword which hangs on my wall. No, I'm not going to tell you why.149

72. What is your favorite color?150

Blue151

73. What is your favorite food?152

Blood. I like french fries too.153

74. What, if anything, do you like to read?154

I've read just about everything in our library. I also enjoy Toni's stories very much.155

75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?156

Chess usually is enjoyable way to pass time. I read and sometimes sculpting will take my mind off my troubles.157

76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?158

Drink yes to relax mostly. I tried smoking and it did nothing for me. Drugs just dull my senses too much and I don't enjoy that.159

77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?160

No different than any other night of the week. 161

78. What makes you laugh?162

Erik's jesting antics at one point did. Now very little does, though Toni, Kama and a few others have the ability to make me laugh.163

79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?164

Nothing that I can think of as I can read minds, little comes as a surprise.165

80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?166

Never had this problem really, however I'm sure I'd fall back upon one of my many hobbies or find any number of servants to "amuse" me.167

81. How do you deal with stress?168

Usually I kill things that get in my way. I will outwardly remain calm but inwardly be plotting and planning. I don't panic but in stressful situations I do tend to be more irritable and yes, I might kill.169

82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?170

I usually always have a plan, I'm a strategist and advisor so I need to always have a plan.171

83. What are your pet peeves?172

Humans being ignorant fools, but then everyone can be and I can use this to my advantage. Hunters (incredibly ignorant fools) are top of my list. 173

Part 7: Self Images And Etc.174

84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?175

I wake at approximately dusk, do morning exercises, speak with the King, entertain myself with various activities, carouse with the servants take one or more back to my room, and fall asleep with them. I am not bothered when this routine is disrupted as it is often with assignments from the King or Toni's antics.176

85. What is your greatest strength as a person?177

My ability to assess a situation quickly, find the heart of the matter and rip it out. In other words, strategizing.178

86. What is your greatest weakness?179

Yes, Toni will be the death of me, but besides that, I am sometimes far too outgoing and flirtatious with too many people which has, on occasion, landed me in trouble.180

87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?181

My obsessive killing, since Toni doesn't like it, I am attempting to change it.182

88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?183

Extroverted certainly as I've mentioned before, I enjoy being around people.184

89. Are you generally organized or messy?185

Messy I suppose, not much need to be organized, the servants clean the rooms fairly well.186

90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.187

I'm good at strategizing, fighting, and metal work. I'm bad at reasoning at times, controlling my temper, and taking no for an answer.188

91. Do you like yourself?189

Absolutely, no point in going through such a long life without liking oneself.190

92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)191

My reason usually is because the King told me so, or because Toni's (or another gens member) is in danger. However, I do do some of it for myself as I was raised a warrior and need the adrenaline rush.192

93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?193

My only goal is to live a long and happy life with Toni. I'd like to make sure she fulfills the prophecy and run away with her so that we can be by ourselves.194

94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?195

Same place I was 5 years ago, and 5 years before that. Things don't change that quickly here.196

95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?197

As there's only two choices for a vampire, I would like my head to be cut off as it's much quicker. That would also necessitate (usually) dying in battle which is perfect.198

96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.199

Tell the King where to stuff it, drain as many hunters as I could, and make love to Toni.200

97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?201

I'd like to be remembered as being an honorable and fair man who gave his life for those he loved.202

98. What three words best describe your personality?203

Kind, courageous, and loving.204

99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?205

Noble, sweet and damn sexy206

100. If you could, what advice would you, the protagonist give to your antagonist? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice...)207

Well, I'm not the "protagonist" but to her antagonist I'd tell him to back the hell off! He knows full well I can take him on. However we've been friends for ages so he also knows that I know how to handle her so he knows I can make her more dangerous than myself. If he would just respect her, things might just work out for the best for all of us. It's not the end of the world Keir, she won't destroy the gens and I won't let you either.208