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STATS + META
RATE YOUR CHARACTER'S:
STRENGTH: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
SPEED: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
INTELLIGENCE: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
WILLPOWER: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
CHARISMA: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
ENDURANCE: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
LUCK: ?????? ⇀ inconceivable
MENTAL STABILITY: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
EMOTIONAL STABILITY: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
PHYSICAL STABILITY: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
EMPATHY: ★★★★★★ ⇀too high accomplished
RATE THEIR ABILITIES IN...
CLOSE RANGE COMBAT: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
CLOSE RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
MID RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
LONG RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
COMMUNICATIONS: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
ESPIONAGE: ★☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ very low
SURVIVAL SKILLS: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
SCIENCES: ★★☆☆☆☆ ⇀ below average
ENGINEERING: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
MEDICINE: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
MECHANICS: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
LEADERSHIP: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
POLITICS: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
TECHNOLOGY: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ learning
TRADE: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
THE ARTS: ★☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ very poor
ALCOHOL: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
DATING: ★★☆☆☆☆ ⇀ below average
SEX: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ ready when you are
INTIMACY: ☆☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ absent
BODY & APPEARANCE
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
5' 9 1/2", broad in the shoulder, muscular. Fit as only the constantly-moving can be.
2. How old is he?
Mid to late teens, leaning toward the latter. Seventeen to eighteen, still a kid.
3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
Straight-backed for the most part, projecting confidence. When he speaks or gets excitable, he tends to lean toward his conversational partner. His posture shifts depending on the situation.
4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
Fit. His reflexes are top-notch. Healthy, if not as well-nourished as he should be.
5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Not as much tension as most, but he wouldn't be called graceful. He's definitely not clumsy either, however much he may clomp around and act like it. Moves with purpose.
6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Traditionally attractive, by old Edo standards. Tall, bright-eyed, good family, curly hair, the works. He doesn't pay much mind to his own looks; he hasn't the time to.
7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Sun-browned and wind-burnt, with some very faint freckles spattered across his nose and cheeks. Scars he has in plentiful supply, largely along his arms and chest, with very few on his back.
8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
A seemingly wild tangle. Just by looking at it, it looks to be a more voluminous perm than even Gintoki's, something very near an unofficial afro. It's just ridiculously curly. Brown, somewhere between short and shoulder-length. He doesn't give it much attention beyond the occasional brushing, but he does expend the occasional effort to keep the whole mess more or less tamed and presentable. Thank god that it's hidden under his helm half the time.
9. What color are his eyes?
Blue.
10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
His smile; he's always grinning, laughing, or somewhere in between.
11. What are his chief tension centers?
Shoulders, temples, the back of his neck and between his shoulder-blades, his hands.
12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
At present moment? Traditional soldier's fare. Haori, armour, worn straw zori. The like.
13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
What he wears doesn't seem to have much important to Sakamoto. Clothes are clothes; as long as they cover his body and keep him warm, anything's fine.
14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Probably? He might swap out to a yukata when he isn't in war rags but yeah.
15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
F...undoshi...
SPEECH
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
If we were to be really generous, his voice could be called a rich tenor. At any other time, it can be all over the place with a constant pitch of 'brightly idiotic'. Don't forget occasional teenage squeakiness.
2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
When Sakamoto talks, he talks loud and he talks steadily. Often, he gives the very strong impression that he doesn't think before he opens his mouth, which is sometimes less of an impression and more of an actual thing. He's an easy talker on top of that; he sounds comfortable in conversation regardless the topic. A natural chatterbox.
3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
Original Japanese has him speaking with a Kansai dialect, which more or less translates to country bumpkin-ish terms.
4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
Japanese, primarily, with smatterings of English phrases thrown in for flavour.
5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
I can imagine he tends to get more relaxed and slangier in his speech depending on the company kept. Old friends will always get his most relaxed forms.
6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
A little of both, but he's more prone to impromptu explosions of words. For the most part, when Sakamoto talks, it's a rush and jumble from the heart rather than from the head. When he does deliberate over what he says, he still manages to hit it off smooth.
7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
50/50, all dependent on circumstance. When he really wants to, Tatsuma can be as eloquent as sin. When he tends to blurt out whatever's on his mind, it does tend to come out as completely incomprehensible, even if he's using perfectly good words for it.
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
He's definitely more street-smart than he is book-smart; he's a terrible study in the classroom. He's the kind of guy who learns best by seeing and doing rather than by merely reading. Theories are useless if he can't properly visualize how it'll work out, hence why the hands-on approach is his best one.
2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
He's gotten to be a quick thinker (it's almost required on the battlefield), but a surprisingly hefty amount of what he does has a lot of thought behind it. Heavy deliberation is more for those situations where he knows he can't leave a loose chance at failure lying around.
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Much to the surprise of everyone, he's pretty logical. That's not to say he isn't intuitive, no, but a lot of the major decisions he's made in life have been rooted in logic and the practical side of things. He's a hell of an idealist, but he actually knows how to think to achieve those ideals, and to discern whether they're attainable or not.
4. What kind of education has the character had?
It's likely that he attended a school like most kids his age, back in the day, but Sakamoto's never been all that great at his studies. What else he knows he's likely picked up along the way.
5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert to a fault. He works best with people, and a lot of his dealings have to do with being open with them. Not that he doesn't keep his secrets, of course. Private business is strictly that: private.
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Cheerful, again, to a fault. Sakamoto's rarely ever seen without a smile in place, and a lot of the time it's as genuine a smile as he can give. He's relaxed and driven in turns, all depending on what he thinks is proper for the situation at hand. Despite all this, his general temperament is steady, and to date he's rarely suffered a moodswing. Full control of his emotions.
8. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
React. Most of his actions, the ones not spurred by reaction, are already carried out, the ones made with a lot of deliberation beforehand. Nothing Sakamoto does is without reason.
9. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Nine times out of ten, flight. He'll only ever fight in defense of another, not himself.
10. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
Boy, does Sakamoto appreciate good humour. Jokes of any kind get him, though he does lean more toward the perverted end of things.
11. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
PTSD because, let's face it, war is an absolute kicker to any healthy mind. Why else does he drink as much as he does?
12. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
Well, let's see. i) joining up with the Joui patriots, ii) fighting in the tail-end of the Joui war, iii) deserting, iv) embarking on the long quest to commerce, v) ascending into the vast reaches of space, vi) becoming a successful merchant at the head of an intergalactic trading fleet born for the specific purpose of bringing both amanto and earth together through more peaceful methods.
13. What does he fear?
Failure; leaving nothing behind when he's gone; being unable to make a difference; finding himself unable to protect his own planet. Losing those closest to him to no end. Regretting anything he's done.
14. What are his hopes or aspirations?
To bring peace to humanity and Amanto alike through commerce. To protect his country and his planet in his own way. To see the stars and worlds no human has ever dreamed of before. To have made a difference.
15. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
There isn't much he actively doesn't want others to know, but it's less of a secret than it is him just not divulging it without proper prompting. The things he doesn't want anyone to know of are possibly the moments of weakness, shortly after his leaving the Joui and his friends, the moments of regret, and the horrors of war itself. Nobody needs to hear that kind of depressing stuff.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Little to nothing is known about Tatsuma's parents or his home life, or whether or not he even has a family. I like to say that, like Sakamoto Ryoma in life, Tatsuma had a good home and family while growing up. Good parents, respect all around.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
See above.
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
Possibly not. He's never given any indication there's anyone else.
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
Four others. Three of them live on Earth, two of which are terrorists wanted by the government, one of which is a dead fish in the guise of a man, and his right-hand woman. Talking about the lot of them would take up a lot of space and time so let's save that for a separate meta thread.
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
Here's the kicker: Tatsuma doesn't really have a singular 'best friend'. What he does have are three older friends from his crazy youthful days who he still, despite good and common sense, seems to care for quite a lot. Sakata Gintoki, Katsura Koutarou, and Takasugi Shinsuke aren't what most people want for friends, but they're his all the same. They met on a battlefield, in the middle of an alien invasion of their country, and for a time they fought side by side as comrades.
It was all very romantic and cool.
6. Does he have other close friends?
Friends? Why yes, they're everywhere. Close friends? Only those mentioned before and Mutsu. Ryou is something of a question, as it's uncertain whether Tatsuma's relationship with her is genuine or just him goofing off. (Likewise, she could also just tolerate him for his virtually bottomless wallet, like any good and professional Edo hostess.)
7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
He makes friends as easily as most men breathe, if that's any indication. For all his stupidity, he's actually a very charming guy, the kind most men want to bro it up with. While he isn't the sort to open himself up, he is the kind to sit down and listen to a pal's troubles, woes, and joys. That's what friends are for, right?
8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
Everyone.
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
Sadly single. It doesn't look like that's about to change in his future, either.
10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
HAHAHAH no
11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
We;ll never know, neverminding that he propositions almost every lady he comes across.
12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
He isn't quite looking for one. Having a romantic partner would mean having to try and split his priorities between them and the Kaientai, and that he just can't do. He has goals to reach, a dream to make reality; he couldn't possibly take on a romantic partner with that kind of baggage, not knowing that he'd never really be able to give them the total devotion, attention, and love they deserve.
It's why he's more partial to one-night stands than anything permanent.
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
They'd be nice, but he has neither the time nor the complete desire for them at present. Too much to do to be a proper family man.
14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
No one specifically, as he tries to keep on the diplomatic side of things. Neutrality is a businessman's best friend.
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
Heterosexual probably; a lot of his flirtation is directed toward women. Anywhere from a 3 to a 6.
16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
He feels very good and strongly about sex. Sex is great, but on the importance scale, it's pretty well down the list. It's a nice distraction and activity to engage in every now and again, that's all.
17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
Gosh. One thing's for certain: he likes to face his partners during... whatever.
BELIEFS
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
Scorpio. They're known to be charming fuckers, dynamic, resourceful, and unyielding. Most importantly, Scorpios are ambitious and passionate, and that fits Tatsuma to a tee.
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
To date, he's never shown any spiritual or religious inclinations, and it's likely he doesn't really have them. He probably observes Shinto tradition more out of habit than any actual belief in the system, and celebrates religious holidays as just that: holidays.
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
There's the old bushido, but it's doubtful that he sticks to that old code very much any more. He is prone to trying to do what's right, on a moral level. Helping people, saving people, looking out for the greater good. He'll avoid the compromising of those morals even if it means his life, so long as it means others will uphold it in his place. The same goes in business; he controls money and the trade well, but never quite lets it control him. Corruption isn't a factor he'll allow in his company.
4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
Curious. Every new civilization, belief system, and methodology is a chance for further learning opportunity, a chance to broaden his horizons.
5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
While he's all about everyone getting along and general galactic peace, it stands to reason that he may still have some reservations about Amanto at large. They are the ones who invaded his planet, waged war on his country, killed countless soldiers and allies, and basically corrupted an already shaky government in planting their roots. A little caution and wariness is to be expected.
DAILY LIFE
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
Of everyone in his series, he's probably the guy who's the most well off. Hell, he's fucking rich.
2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
Lower level merchant-class samurai family, which wasn't all that high back in the day. These days, he's flying high. It's likely he's in the upper echelons of society, or would be if he gave a fig about personal social standing. Be he poor and mudstained or flying high in his own personal merchant fleet, Sakamoto is Sakamoto. Neither fortune nor fame is likely to change who he is at the core.
3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?
In canon, he pretty much lives on and with his fleet, with infrequent visits to Earth for shipments. Nothing too lush or fancy, but comfortable enough to live in for long periods of time.
In the setting of Holly Heights, he has his picturesque cookie-cutter home and a darling and glorious family, but it's nothing compared to life aboard the Kairinmaru.
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
Liquor, for the most part. What he doesn't spend on drinking and partying around he drops on his friends. For instance, Elizabeth for Katsura, paying for a fucking pair of carpenters for Gintoki, and so forth. As for himself, Sakamoto doesn't really spend that much on personal possessions. It's likely that most of his own personal funds go right back to the Kaientai.
5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?
He's a trader, head of the merchant fleet Kaientai, as mentioned. The size of his fleet and the business it garners is a good sign of his success at the enterprise. Considering how much he gave up for it, yeah, it's pretty safe to say that the fleet is his life.
He doesn't regret it.
6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
Space, stars, work, drinking. Most nights if the sky is clear, especially in Holly Heights, he'll head out to stargaze for much of the evening. In the lulls between day and night, he prefers something to whittle way his time and attention on, be it work, futzing around with small appliances, or drinking.
7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Food is a blessing. When the opportunity is present, he will eat. Boy, will he eat.
ASSOCIATIONS
i. Colours?
Blues, greys, black, white,dirt brown, red, rust
ii. Smells?
Liquor, dirt, wet earth, old aged wood, pine, must and dust, straw, dry dusty dirt roads
iii. Time of day?
Late night, when the stars are at their brightest
iv. Season?
Spring
v. Book?
??
vi. Music?
Enka; drinking songs; marching songs
vii. Place?
An old temple roof; a dusty stretch of road.
viii. Substance?
Distilled spirits
ix. Plant?
Dandelion
x. Animal?
Wild dog
RATE YOUR CHARACTER'S:
STRENGTH: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
SPEED: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
INTELLIGENCE: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
WILLPOWER: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
CHARISMA: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
ENDURANCE: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
LUCK: ?????? ⇀ inconceivable
MENTAL STABILITY: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
EMOTIONAL STABILITY: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
PHYSICAL STABILITY: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
EMPATHY: ★★★★★★ ⇀
RATE THEIR ABILITIES IN...
CLOSE RANGE COMBAT: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
CLOSE RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
MID RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
LONG RANGE WEAPONRY: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
COMMUNICATIONS: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
ESPIONAGE: ★☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ very low
SURVIVAL SKILLS: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
SCIENCES: ★★☆☆☆☆ ⇀ below average
ENGINEERING: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
MEDICINE: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
MECHANICS: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
LEADERSHIP: ★★★★★☆ ⇀ excellent
POLITICS: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ average
TECHNOLOGY: ★★★☆☆☆ ⇀ learning
TRADE: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ above average
THE ARTS: ★☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ very poor
ALCOHOL: ★★★★★★ ⇀ accomplished
DATING: ★★☆☆☆☆ ⇀ below average
SEX: ★★★★☆☆ ⇀ ready when you are
INTIMACY: ☆☆☆☆☆☆ ⇀ absent
BODY & APPEARANCE
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
5' 9 1/2", broad in the shoulder, muscular. Fit as only the constantly-moving can be.
2. How old is he?
Mid to late teens, leaning toward the latter. Seventeen to eighteen, still a kid.
3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
Straight-backed for the most part, projecting confidence. When he speaks or gets excitable, he tends to lean toward his conversational partner. His posture shifts depending on the situation.
4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
Fit. His reflexes are top-notch. Healthy, if not as well-nourished as he should be.
5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Not as much tension as most, but he wouldn't be called graceful. He's definitely not clumsy either, however much he may clomp around and act like it. Moves with purpose.
6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Traditionally attractive, by old Edo standards. Tall, bright-eyed, good family, curly hair, the works. He doesn't pay much mind to his own looks; he hasn't the time to.
7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Sun-browned and wind-burnt, with some very faint freckles spattered across his nose and cheeks. Scars he has in plentiful supply, largely along his arms and chest, with very few on his back.
8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
A seemingly wild tangle. Just by looking at it, it looks to be a more voluminous perm than even Gintoki's, something very near an unofficial afro. It's just ridiculously curly. Brown, somewhere between short and shoulder-length. He doesn't give it much attention beyond the occasional brushing, but he does expend the occasional effort to keep the whole mess more or less tamed and presentable. Thank god that it's hidden under his helm half the time.
9. What color are his eyes?
Blue.
10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
His smile; he's always grinning, laughing, or somewhere in between.
11. What are his chief tension centers?
Shoulders, temples, the back of his neck and between his shoulder-blades, his hands.
12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
At present moment? Traditional soldier's fare. Haori, armour, worn straw zori. The like.
13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
What he wears doesn't seem to have much important to Sakamoto. Clothes are clothes; as long as they cover his body and keep him warm, anything's fine.
14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Probably? He might swap out to a yukata when he isn't in war rags but yeah.
15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
F...undoshi...
SPEECH
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
If we were to be really generous, his voice could be called a rich tenor. At any other time, it can be all over the place with a constant pitch of 'brightly idiotic'. Don't forget occasional teenage squeakiness.
2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
When Sakamoto talks, he talks loud and he talks steadily. Often, he gives the very strong impression that he doesn't think before he opens his mouth, which is sometimes less of an impression and more of an actual thing. He's an easy talker on top of that; he sounds comfortable in conversation regardless the topic. A natural chatterbox.
3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
Original Japanese has him speaking with a Kansai dialect, which more or less translates to country bumpkin-ish terms.
4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
Japanese, primarily, with smatterings of English phrases thrown in for flavour.
5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
I can imagine he tends to get more relaxed and slangier in his speech depending on the company kept. Old friends will always get his most relaxed forms.
6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
A little of both, but he's more prone to impromptu explosions of words. For the most part, when Sakamoto talks, it's a rush and jumble from the heart rather than from the head. When he does deliberate over what he says, he still manages to hit it off smooth.
7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
50/50, all dependent on circumstance. When he really wants to, Tatsuma can be as eloquent as sin. When he tends to blurt out whatever's on his mind, it does tend to come out as completely incomprehensible, even if he's using perfectly good words for it.
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
He's definitely more street-smart than he is book-smart; he's a terrible study in the classroom. He's the kind of guy who learns best by seeing and doing rather than by merely reading. Theories are useless if he can't properly visualize how it'll work out, hence why the hands-on approach is his best one.
2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
He's gotten to be a quick thinker (it's almost required on the battlefield), but a surprisingly hefty amount of what he does has a lot of thought behind it. Heavy deliberation is more for those situations where he knows he can't leave a loose chance at failure lying around.
3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Much to the surprise of everyone, he's pretty logical. That's not to say he isn't intuitive, no, but a lot of the major decisions he's made in life have been rooted in logic and the practical side of things. He's a hell of an idealist, but he actually knows how to think to achieve those ideals, and to discern whether they're attainable or not.
4. What kind of education has the character had?
It's likely that he attended a school like most kids his age, back in the day, but Sakamoto's never been all that great at his studies. What else he knows he's likely picked up along the way.
5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
Extrovert to a fault. He works best with people, and a lot of his dealings have to do with being open with them. Not that he doesn't keep his secrets, of course. Private business is strictly that: private.
7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Cheerful, again, to a fault. Sakamoto's rarely ever seen without a smile in place, and a lot of the time it's as genuine a smile as he can give. He's relaxed and driven in turns, all depending on what he thinks is proper for the situation at hand. Despite all this, his general temperament is steady, and to date he's rarely suffered a moodswing. Full control of his emotions.
8. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
React. Most of his actions, the ones not spurred by reaction, are already carried out, the ones made with a lot of deliberation beforehand. Nothing Sakamoto does is without reason.
9. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Nine times out of ten, flight. He'll only ever fight in defense of another, not himself.
10. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
Boy, does Sakamoto appreciate good humour. Jokes of any kind get him, though he does lean more toward the perverted end of things.
11. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
PTSD because, let's face it, war is an absolute kicker to any healthy mind. Why else does he drink as much as he does?
12. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
Well, let's see. i) joining up with the Joui patriots, ii) fighting in the tail-end of the Joui war, iii) deserting, iv) embarking on the long quest to commerce, v) ascending into the vast reaches of space, vi) becoming a successful merchant at the head of an intergalactic trading fleet born for the specific purpose of bringing both amanto and earth together through more peaceful methods.
13. What does he fear?
Failure; leaving nothing behind when he's gone; being unable to make a difference; finding himself unable to protect his own planet. Losing those closest to him to no end. Regretting anything he's done.
14. What are his hopes or aspirations?
To bring peace to humanity and Amanto alike through commerce. To protect his country and his planet in his own way. To see the stars and worlds no human has ever dreamed of before. To have made a difference.
15. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
There isn't much he actively doesn't want others to know, but it's less of a secret than it is him just not divulging it without proper prompting. The things he doesn't want anyone to know of are possibly the moments of weakness, shortly after his leaving the Joui and his friends, the moments of regret, and the horrors of war itself. Nobody needs to hear that kind of depressing stuff.
RELATIONSHIPS
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Little to nothing is known about Tatsuma's parents or his home life, or whether or not he even has a family. I like to say that, like Sakamoto Ryoma in life, Tatsuma had a good home and family while growing up. Good parents, respect all around.
2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
See above.
3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
Possibly not. He's never given any indication there's anyone else.
4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
Four others. Three of them live on Earth, two of which are terrorists wanted by the government, one of which is a dead fish in the guise of a man, and his right-hand woman. Talking about the lot of them would take up a lot of space and time so let's save that for a separate meta thread.
5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
Here's the kicker: Tatsuma doesn't really have a singular 'best friend'. What he does have are three older friends from his crazy youthful days who he still, despite good and common sense, seems to care for quite a lot. Sakata Gintoki, Katsura Koutarou, and Takasugi Shinsuke aren't what most people want for friends, but they're his all the same. They met on a battlefield, in the middle of an alien invasion of their country, and for a time they fought side by side as comrades.
It was all very romantic and cool.
6. Does he have other close friends?
Friends? Why yes, they're everywhere. Close friends? Only those mentioned before and Mutsu. Ryou is something of a question, as it's uncertain whether Tatsuma's relationship with her is genuine or just him goofing off. (Likewise, she could also just tolerate him for his virtually bottomless wallet, like any good and professional Edo hostess.)
7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
He makes friends as easily as most men breathe, if that's any indication. For all his stupidity, he's actually a very charming guy, the kind most men want to bro it up with. While he isn't the sort to open himself up, he is the kind to sit down and listen to a pal's troubles, woes, and joys. That's what friends are for, right?
8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
Everyone.
9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
Sadly single. It doesn't look like that's about to change in his future, either.
10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
HAHAHAH no
11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
We;ll never know, neverminding that he propositions almost every lady he comes across.
12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
He isn't quite looking for one. Having a romantic partner would mean having to try and split his priorities between them and the Kaientai, and that he just can't do. He has goals to reach, a dream to make reality; he couldn't possibly take on a romantic partner with that kind of baggage, not knowing that he'd never really be able to give them the total devotion, attention, and love they deserve.
It's why he's more partial to one-night stands than anything permanent.
13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
They'd be nice, but he has neither the time nor the complete desire for them at present. Too much to do to be a proper family man.
14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
No one specifically, as he tries to keep on the diplomatic side of things. Neutrality is a businessman's best friend.
15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
Heterosexual probably; a lot of his flirtation is directed toward women. Anywhere from a 3 to a 6.
16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
He feels very good and strongly about sex. Sex is great, but on the importance scale, it's pretty well down the list. It's a nice distraction and activity to engage in every now and again, that's all.
17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
Gosh. One thing's for certain: he likes to face his partners during... whatever.
BELIEFS
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
Scorpio. They're known to be charming fuckers, dynamic, resourceful, and unyielding. Most importantly, Scorpios are ambitious and passionate, and that fits Tatsuma to a tee.
2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
To date, he's never shown any spiritual or religious inclinations, and it's likely he doesn't really have them. He probably observes Shinto tradition more out of habit than any actual belief in the system, and celebrates religious holidays as just that: holidays.
3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?
There's the old bushido, but it's doubtful that he sticks to that old code very much any more. He is prone to trying to do what's right, on a moral level. Helping people, saving people, looking out for the greater good. He'll avoid the compromising of those morals even if it means his life, so long as it means others will uphold it in his place. The same goes in business; he controls money and the trade well, but never quite lets it control him. Corruption isn't a factor he'll allow in his company.
4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
Curious. Every new civilization, belief system, and methodology is a chance for further learning opportunity, a chance to broaden his horizons.
5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
While he's all about everyone getting along and general galactic peace, it stands to reason that he may still have some reservations about Amanto at large. They are the ones who invaded his planet, waged war on his country, killed countless soldiers and allies, and basically corrupted an already shaky government in planting their roots. A little caution and wariness is to be expected.
DAILY LIFE
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
Of everyone in his series, he's probably the guy who's the most well off. Hell, he's fucking rich.
2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
Lower level merchant-class samurai family, which wasn't all that high back in the day. These days, he's flying high. It's likely he's in the upper echelons of society, or would be if he gave a fig about personal social standing. Be he poor and mudstained or flying high in his own personal merchant fleet, Sakamoto is Sakamoto. Neither fortune nor fame is likely to change who he is at the core.
3. Where does he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his home his castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does he share it with others?
In canon, he pretty much lives on and with his fleet, with infrequent visits to Earth for shipments. Nothing too lush or fancy, but comfortable enough to live in for long periods of time.
In the setting of Holly Heights, he has his picturesque cookie-cutter home and a darling and glorious family, but it's nothing compared to life aboard the Kairinmaru.
4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
Liquor, for the most part. What he doesn't spend on drinking and partying around he drops on his friends. For instance, Elizabeth for Katsura, paying for a fucking pair of carpenters for Gintoki, and so forth. As for himself, Sakamoto doesn't really spend that much on personal possessions. It's likely that most of his own personal funds go right back to the Kaientai.
5. What does he do for a living? Is he good at it? Does he enjoy it, or would he rather be doing something else?
He's a trader, head of the merchant fleet Kaientai, as mentioned. The size of his fleet and the business it garners is a good sign of his success at the enterprise. Considering how much he gave up for it, yeah, it's pretty safe to say that the fleet is his life.
He doesn't regret it.
6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
Space, stars, work, drinking. Most nights if the sky is clear, especially in Holly Heights, he'll head out to stargaze for much of the evening. In the lulls between day and night, he prefers something to whittle way his time and attention on, be it work, futzing around with small appliances, or drinking.
7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Food is a blessing. When the opportunity is present, he will eat. Boy, will he eat.
ASSOCIATIONS
i. Colours?
Blues, greys, black, white,
ii. Smells?
Liquor, dirt, wet earth, old aged wood, pine, must and dust, straw, dry dusty dirt roads
iii. Time of day?
Late night, when the stars are at their brightest
iv. Season?
Spring
v. Book?
??
vi. Music?
Enka; drinking songs; marching songs
vii. Place?
An old temple roof; a dusty stretch of road.
viii. Substance?
Distilled spirits
ix. Plant?
Dandelion
x. Animal?
Wild dog