CHARACTER SURVEY & DETAILS

[torrential]

Body and Appearance
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
Archie stands at about six-foot-one, so he's pretty tall. He has a broad build, but that's due to muscle.

2. How old is he?
Thirty-seven.

3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
It really depends on who he's with. With friends or family his posture is careless and free; he likes to slouch when given the chance. With people he doesn't know he's a bit more careful in how he presents himself (especially if they're attractive). With his enemies he's always on guard and seems to constantly attempt to make himself appear more threatening. His height and musculature do most of that for him.

4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
Very fit. Very, very fit. Archie exorcises daily - and often for hours on end if he can get away with it. He prefers swimming over everything else. He has no known illnesses.

5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
Again, it depends on who he's around. Archie is never clumsy - he has great control - but he tends to move with more rigidity when around those he's unfamiliar with or dislikes. That is, assuming he even moves at all - Archie likes to stand his ground rather than pace around. Archie doesn't usually move very much when battling, which is something he's currently working on, thanks to training with oceansbane. Archie tends to talk with his hands, so he's almost always moving. In fact, it's rare to see him standing still unless he's attempting to be intimidating.

6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Archie might as well just consider himself God's gift to women. He is attractive if you're into muscular guys who constantly wear bandannas, but his own opinion really shouldn't be taken seriously.

7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Very tanned from being out in the sun a lot. Though he doesn't have any scars, he constantly has scratches up and down his arms and hands from his Sharpedo. He's not afraid to get cut up by that Rough Skin, and is quite open about his affection for the Pokemon. Due to battling with Maxie on the island, he almost always has some kind of injury.

8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
What hair, there's only a bandanna. Archie's hair is black, always cut short, and a little wavy. If he grows it out too long it begins to curl, which irritates him to no end. He always wears a bandanna though, so good luck seeing his hair. Unless you count facial hair, because you will always see that same chinstrap beard and strangely-styled mustache.

9. What color are his eyes?
Blue, though they look dark enough to be black.

10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
He has a Team Aqua insignia tattooed on his left shoulder. Otherwise, no.

11. What are his chief tension centers?
His hands and back. But mainly it's headaches. Archie gets headaches all the time - and not just from dealing with your stupid antics either. This was especially obvious prior to finding out about the Surrogate Project on the island. Those headaches aren't as common anymore.

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?
Don't go into Archie's closet expecting to find a vast array of colors. Despite his... vibrant personality, Archie tends to wear only shades of blue and monochromatic colors. He's most fond of his usual attire: an open-collared shirt and slacks, plus the bandanna and a chain necklace. Otherwise he has plenty of normal clothing and could probably blend into any place easily enough if he'd take that damn bandanna off. He actually has an exact copy of his clothes minus the Aqua insignia for everyday wear. On the island he really only has his standard outfit.

13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
Yes on both counts. Archie refuses to wear anything too loose or too tight - and his clothes are typically worn with the expectation that he will have to fight in them.

14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Basically, yes. There are occasions when it's better for him not to be so open about his affiliation with Team Aqua, but then he just switches bandannas for one without the insignia.

15. You knew it was coming: Boxers, briefs or commando?
COMMANDO LIKE A REAL MAN. Boxers, baby.



Speech
1. What does this character's voice sound like? High-pitched, deep, hoarse?
Archie's voice is deep, but he speaks with an ease that makes it sound friendly no matter what he's talking about. Unless he's angry; then his voice deepens and he tends to sound threatening. When he's frustrated or irritated his voice tends to rise nearly an octave and he starts dragging out words. He can literally turn "why" into a five-syllable word.

2. How does he normally speak? Loud, soft, fast, evenly? Does he talk easily, or does he hesitate?
Archie doesn't mind taking his time with things, and his speech is no exception. There's usually a lot of pauses where he reflects on things, but he can also keep a fluid conversation going. It depends on his mood, really. When irritated he tends to talk faster and louder - though to be blunt, Archie is always loud. He has an accent that can best be described as "Southern," though he tends to keep a tight reign on it. "Y'all" and "ain't" are actual words in his vocabulary, he just tries not to use them.

3. Does the character have a distinct accent or dialect? Any individual quirks of pronunciation? Any, like, you know, verbal tics?
He cuts off some of his words a bit and tends to make contractions out of things that really shouldn't be contracted. He tends to stop and start sentences when he gets angry. Oh, and most of what he says isn't even a real sentence.

4. What language/s does he speak, and with how much fluency?
Whatever the common language is in Pokemon. He's very fluent, of course. He doesn't know any other languages.

5. Does he switch languages or dialects in certain situations?
Nope.

6. Is he a good impromptu speaker, or does he have to think about his words?
Archie is a surprisingly good speaker - impromptu is his favorite. He tends to go charging into everything without a plan though, so this is rather obvious.

7. Is he eloquent or inarticulate? Under what circumstances might this change?
"Eloquent" isn't the best word for Archie. "Comfortable" is more like it. He does change when he gets frustrated or unsure of how to say what he wants, where he will stutter or awkwardly start sentences and not finish them. It's rare to render him speechless, and even then he'll flail and attempt to find something to say, no matter how ridiculously stupid. This is about as inarticulate as he'll get.



Mental and Emotional
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
In his world, most kids start their Pokemon journeys after finish middle school at age thirteen or so. Archie started at fourteen. Why? Because he was held back a year. Yeah. He's not exactly all that bright, but he picks up on things he needs to know. His street-smarts are much better, as is his common knowledge. He has a surprising amount of medical knowledge he's picked up over the years, mostly from treating his own scrapes.

2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
Archie doesn't plan anything. He always relies on his own abilities to get him through any situation. If he's actually given time to deliberate, he'll just put it off until the last moment anyway. Unsurprisingly, it's difficult to render him completely incapable of action. He really doesn't bsod unless the situation is that terrible.

3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
Intuitive - Archie doesn't really think things through. He goes with his gut instinct, which has actually rarely failed him. He's somewhere between idealistic and practical though; idealistic in that he dreams of drowning the world to make it a better place, and practical in almost every other sense.

4. What kind of education has the character had?
The normal schooling for any kid in Hoenn. Plus one extra year because he failed miserably. In his world that's all of elementary school and middle school. High school is optional and not something Archie wanted to pursue.

5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
Water. The ocean. Water-Type Pokemon. Oceanography. Marine Biology. If it's got something to do with the sea, you can bet he's interested. Note that he's not actually an expert in anything listed. The things he knows most about are fighting, battling (when it comes to his world's style, at least), and first aid. Archie's since been learning how to battle according to the rules in Pokemon Special, thanks to Maxie. He's by no means an expert there, but he's fascinated by it and will certainly keep studying. Has to impress his Senior!

6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
Definitely an extrovert. He's not afraid to meet new people and potentially give off a bad impression of himself. He is who he is, and that's that. That said, Archie doesn't care about making friends. He can be stand-offish and cold towards those he doesn't particularly care about.

7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
Very laid-back, but that doesn't mean he's not driven. His general personality is relaxed and calm, but that can switch in a moment's notice to frustration and anger. If he's confused, he channels it into anger. Scared? Anger. Unsure? Anger. He's generally bright and easy to get along with on the surface, though he's definitely not trustworthy, nor does he trust you. The island hasn't changed this any, but he's slightly more open to trusting people.

8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
As usual, relaxed. He doesn't particularly mind (unless they look like Maxie), and will typically engage in light topics of conversation. If they're attractive, however... well, that's a different story. He usually starts light conversation with the intention of finding out if this person could be useful. If not, he usually doesn't seek them out again. The island has a nasty habit of making him like kids though. And yes, it is totally the island's fault.

9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
A bit of both, but if he's given half the chance, he'll act first. Archie doesn't do defensive any more than his Sharpedo does, and it has the worst defense known to Pokemon-kind. He usually ends up reacting: Team Aqua was formed because Team Magma came into being (he doesn't remember that and believes he created Team Aqua solely to accomplish his goals - the goals actually come second to the rivalry). He's played the same role nineteen times in his world - which means numerous attempts to raise Kyogre. Most of these are actually inspired because Maxie takes the lead (this is also because Maxie has his memories from their previous attempts).

10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Fight. Fight, fight, fight. Archie will only choose flight if there's no other option available. He hates fleeing and sees it as a weakness. And he's sure as hell not weak.

11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
He's got a great sense of humor, but even he has lines you'd better not cross. Making fun of his family, team, or Pokemon are the main ones. Otherwise, he'll probably humor you if there's something in it for him. Archie is ridiculously fond of bad puns. He tends to use them whenever he can. Archie doesn't crack jokes in tense situations, nor does he appreciate them.

12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
There is his delusional dream a future world full of water. He actually has claustrophobia, but hasn't been properly diagnosed with it. He can't stand being in small spaces. Caves are the worst - he typically can't deal with being in a cave for longer than a few minutes without fainting. If the cave is large enough (Gyarados is his measuring tape) he won't faint, he'll just be incredibly anxious. He also has a severe fear of abandonment. It's bad enough that it's affected his current friendships, even on the island.

13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?
The biggest would have to be Maxie. Befriending Maxie and eventually becoming rivals were two of the biggest influences on Archie's life. Most of his life has actually revolved around what his rival is doing.

14. What does he fear?
Small, tight spaces and suffocation. Get him stuck in a cave and he'll go raving mad within an hour. He doesn't like to admit to fear, so he turns that into anger. He does stay away from caves if he can help it, despite the possibility of rare Water-types inside. He'd rather not die alone in a cave with no air, thank you. He's also afraid of losing his family members - to death more than to his own actions - but that's only minor in considering how much he fears being trapped. He's also terrified of being left alone. This is mostly due to abandonment issues rather than an actual fear of being alone. This doesn't go both ways though - Archie has no issues abandoning others.

15. What are his hopes or aspirations?
To flood the world using Kyogre's power and essentially make it a better place for Pokemon. It would cut down on the population boom, probably help out the ozone some, and hey, more water is always good, right? I cannot justify this at all I am so sorry.

16. What is something he doesn't want anyone to find out about him?
That he was best friends with his sworn enemy at one point. That he's not as tough as he pretends he is (he's actually a bit of a softie, but he'll never admit to that). He really doesn't like people finding out that he's terrified of caves either.



Relationships
1. Describe this character's relationship with his parents.
Archie loves his mom and dad. He has quite the healthy relationship with them, although occasionally his mom will call Team Aqua's headquarters to scold her son about something he's done this time. His parents were pretty young when they had him, so the age gap isn't very large. The general public is pretty much unaware of how many times Team Aqua has done these crazy things, and his parents are no exception.

2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?
Yes, one older brother and two younger brothers. He's close to all three of them as well, though none of them approve of Team Aqua either. His older brother is married and has a daughter - Archie occasionally spends time with them. His older brother is only a year older than he is.

3. Are there other blood relatives to whom he is close? Are there ones he can't stand?
He does have an extended family - quite an extended one at that - but he's not particularly close to any of them. He's more or less the "black sheep" in the family, you know, the one they don't talk about at family reunions and such because he's busy stealing submarines for his world-changing plans.

4. Are there other, unrelated people whom he considers part of his family? What are his relationships with them?
His Admins Matt and Shelly are very close to him. Archie doesn't exactly consider them family, but they're pretty damn close. This has changed on the island - surprisingly enough Archie has practically adopted leaguechallenge. He's also oddly close to [Unknown site tag], despite the fact that Adrian is one of the kids who is constantly stopping his plans.

5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?
Once upon a time, it was Maxie. Archie had lived in Lilycove all his life, but then some new neighbors moved in and he immediately befriended the redhead kid his age. Time and arguments would eventually shattered that friendship - though Archie does still hold onto those memories fondly. He'll never admit that. In the past few years they've ended up bonding over "Friday Night Movie Night," but Archie still doesn't call Maxie his friend.

6. Does he have other close friends?
Matt and Shelly, but he's also rather close to everyone in Team Aqua. He knows all of them by names and makes sure to keep tabs on them. Archie's good with names and faces and can easily pretend to be someone's friend - but close friends are hard to come by. He's not one for making close friends. They could turn out to be as horrid as Maxie. He's made a few friends on the island he actually considers to be fairly close. Red, Adrian, and Maxie are surprisingly close friends (though he doubts the latter will ever admit to their friendship but they are friends, alright?).

7. Does he make friends easily, or does he have trouble getting along with people?
Very easily. He's an easy guy to get along with because he's so laid-back. He rarely returns the feeling of friendship though, he just goes through the motions. The more backup he has, the better. Because of this it's difficult for him to make genuine friends.

8. Which does he consider more important: family or friends?
Family, of course. Though he certainly would fight to the death to defend his Admins and his team. On the island this has drastically changed; Archie would fight to the death to defend his few friends here. He also doesn't have family on the island so there's that.

9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has he been married more than once?
Single and he has no intention of getting married. Archie doesn't do romantic relationships.

10. Is he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?
Nope.

11. Who was his first crush? Who is his latest?
Maxie. Maxie again. No one. Crushes are for hopeless romantics and Archie's neither hopeless, nor a romantic. ...But he actually does have a massive crush on the crazy version of Maxie on the island. He actually has no idea that he does have this crush, and is passing it off as "interest." It shouldn't take long for everyone else to start taking notice of this.

12. What does he look for in a romantic partner?
Physical attraction, sexual prowess, and someone who will shut the hell up and let him take control. And Maxie.

13. Does the character have children? Grandchildren? If yes, how does he relate to them? If no, does he want any?
No way. Archie likes kids, sure. Just as long as they're other peoples' kids. He's very good with his niece, though.

14. Does he have any rivals or enemies?
Yes, Maxie. Times a million.

15. What is the character's sexual orientation? Where does he fall on the Kinsey scale?
He'd pin himself at a one, but in reality it's more of a two. Archie's still in denial, but feel free to troll him endlessly about that.

16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
Sex is very important. Sex is like eating and sleeping - it's something you gotta have in your life. But it's not important in the "save yourself for marriage" way. That's bullshit. Virgins are fun though. Unfortunately, Archie hasn't gotten any on the island. Bring up this topic and he'll rage forever.

17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
The bandanna always stays on. You will not get it off him, ever. He's not entirely aware of it because he hasn't faced it - but power-struggles are a huge turn-on for him. He likes being in control, but fighting for it is something else entirely. Archie's got a bit of a sadomasochistic side too - though nothing too serious.



Beliefs
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign? How well does he fit type?
Archie's birthday is January 31st, which makes him - ironically - an Aquarius. He fits the type pretty well, though he's not nearly as introspective as some. Archie doesn't believe in starsigns though, so this is pretty irrelevant.

2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his life?
Archie believes in the ancient myths of Hoenn, of course. He's studied the ones of Kanto and Johto as well and is inclined to believe those. That's about the extent of his belief system though.

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?
Of course. The majority of it was drilled into him as a child, like most parents tell their kids that stealing and killing are wrong. The stealing part didn't stick so much, but Archie won't kill unless he absolutely has to. He's never had to so far, but if it came down to his life or someone else's... well, survival of the fittest, right? This is especially important on the island due to the fact that the crazy Maxie Archie is so obsessed with happens to be a murderer. He has no issues killing, and Archie is exactly the opposite.

4. How does he regard beliefs that differ from his? Is he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?
You remember Maxie? You remember how much he hates Maxie? Yeah, that about describes it. Other than Maxie's ridiculous beliefs, he's pretty tolerant, as long as those other beliefs don't get in his way. Though if the beliefs are stupid he will laugh at them.

5. What prejudices does he hold? Are they irrational or does he have a good reason for them?
Archie doesn't really hold onto a lot of prejudices, or grudges. He does tend to think less of the "elite" social class though. He grew up as lower-middle-class and has never really left it, despite running a successful organization. All that money is spent on equipment and Team Aqua outfits.



Daily Life
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?
He's not poor, but he sure isn't rich. He does have some debts here and there that need to be repaid, but like hell he's going to worry about them now.

2. What is his social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him?
Archie was just another one of the four kids running around his parents' house - and his parents weren't exactly conventional to begin with. They were usually looked down on - not consciously, of course - for having so many brats and so little money. He did step outside that and now he's running a badass ecoterrorist organization with the intention of flooding the world.

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?
Archie tends to stay at the Team Aqua base outside Lilycove (his older brother lives there, so sometimes he'll stay there), but otherwise he does have a small place in Slateport. He's usually travelling though, so chances are he'll sell it.

4. Besides the basic necessities, what does he spend his money on?
Team Aqua. That's basically it. Sure he'll buy himself new clothes and bandannas when he needs them, and sure he might buy his Pokemon some treats or something, but he's not a very material kind of guy. The island doesn't use money which is... nice.

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?
Controls Team Aqua, terrorizes Hoenn with the threat of flooding like a boss. He's perfectly happy doing what he's doing, although he does wish Team Magma was out of the picture.

6. What are his interests or hobbies? How does he spend his free time?
Swimming, studying the ocean and Water-Type Pokemon, training said Pokemon, partying, and drinking. He sometimes goes fishing in order to catch Carvanhas to give to his Grunts as presents.

7. What are his eating habits? Does he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?
Archie is by no means an alcoholic, but he does like it and will take any excuse to get horribly drunk. Other than that there's nothing special to note about his diet, other than that he's an amazing cook.



Associations
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite:

1. Color? Blue.
2. Smell? The ocean.
3. Time of day? Noon.
4. Season? Summer.
5. Book? ...
6. Music? Classic rock.
7. Place? The beach.
8. Substance? Water, obviously.
9. Plant? Seaweed.
10. Animal? Shark, or alternatively, Sharpedo.



END
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