[ He'd ended up in the public eye when he first declared the affliction had been man-made, a failed government attempt to create supersoldiers. People laughed, at first, but as more and more evidence surfaced, and attempt after attempt was made to silence him, they laughed less. But it was too late by then. The world had collapsed, and those remaining had to rebuild. ]
[ The same people who threw vegetables at him now looked at him for guidance that he wasn't sure how to provide, but did his best anyways. ]
[ His best was enough to land him at the head of a small fortress town, with a whole new scope of challenges and responsibilities. He often joins the supply runs, not putting his life over others'. He barely sleeps, but the town runs well; they have a democracy, they have doctors, and they have an engineer who has managed to recreate mostly everything needed for running water and (occasional) electricity locally. ]
[ No closer to finding a cure, though, and he's not so sure if it's even possible, but people depend on that hope. He wonders how long he can keep saying the researchers are "working on it". ]
[ And then there's that looming sense of offness. As if something's not quite right with the world, despite the obvious. Little inconsistencies. Almost as if-- ]
[ If you catch him late at the end of the day, when he thinks no one is watching, you might notice how different his posture looks. Tired. Withdrawn. He's rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighing, but the moment he hears your approach, he's straightening up and turning toward you. There's something a little customer service about his smile. ]
My apologies, I did not see you come in. How may I help?..
--2. trader
[ He shows up on the same day each month, always smiling, always having something to say. He doesn't only carry goods, but news from the other settlements as well, which he gladly shares while bartering, often ending up with a better price. ]
[ Unlike most, it's not food and weapons that make up most of his assortment. It's things more niche but sometimes more coveted -- charts and maps, books, ink and charchoal, paper, various tools, medicine, sometimes even spices or makeup. Things important for planning ahead, and things that may be more about living than surviving. It's surprising what a difference a little bit of those can make on top of the necessities. He even carries letters on occasion, despite it bringing him no profit. ]
[ Rumors are he used to be a teacher in the old world. ]
[ Maybe that's why most people are happy leave a bit more gold or traded goods than they perhaps otherwise would in his pockets. He never seems to push for it, though, and that's probably part of the charm too. ]
Looking for anything specific today?
--3. hunter (except not)
[ He's not a hunter in the traditional sense. He is, however, the guy hunters come to when they can't or don't want to track down potential targets themselves, or have run into something too big. He makes predictions; he makes plans. ]
[ It does seem to be the case that less hunters die going after entrenched afflicted if they do business with him first, though it could simply be rumors to improve PR. ]
[ Nonetheless, for whatever reason, you are here. ]
[ He raises his head from the maps strewn across the table, blue eyes inquiring. ]
Yes?
--4. wildcard
[ choose your own adventure! he starts off pretty melded into the role but is likely to remember or outright figure it out by the end. (also if he sounds dumb at any point that is, in fact, because i am stupid in comparison. gomens lmao) ]
erwin smith // attack on titan
[ This wasn't quite planned. ]
[ He'd ended up in the public eye when he first declared the affliction had been man-made, a failed government attempt to create supersoldiers. People laughed, at first, but as more and more evidence surfaced, and attempt after attempt was made to silence him, they laughed less. But it was too late by then. The world had collapsed, and those remaining had to rebuild. ]
[ The same people who threw vegetables at him now looked at him for guidance that he wasn't sure how to provide, but did his best anyways. ]
[ His best was enough to land him at the head of a small fortress town, with a whole new scope of challenges and responsibilities. He often joins the supply runs, not putting his life over others'. He barely sleeps, but the town runs well; they have a democracy, they have doctors, and they have an engineer who has managed to recreate mostly everything needed for running water and (occasional) electricity locally. ]
[ No closer to finding a cure, though, and he's not so sure if it's even possible, but people depend on that hope. He wonders how long he can keep saying the researchers are "working on it". ]
[ And then there's that looming sense of offness. As if something's not quite right with the world, despite the obvious. Little inconsistencies. Almost as if-- ]
[ If you catch him late at the end of the day, when he thinks no one is watching, you might notice how different his posture looks. Tired. Withdrawn. He's rubbing the bridge of his nose and sighing, but the moment he hears your approach, he's straightening up and turning toward you. There's something a little customer service about his smile. ]
My apologies, I did not see you come in. How may I help?..
--2. trader
[ He shows up on the same day each month, always smiling, always having something to say. He doesn't only carry goods, but news from the other settlements as well, which he gladly shares while bartering, often ending up with a better price. ]
[ Unlike most, it's not food and weapons that make up most of his assortment. It's things more niche but sometimes more coveted -- charts and maps, books, ink and charchoal, paper, various tools, medicine, sometimes even spices or makeup. Things important for planning ahead, and things that may be more about living than surviving. It's surprising what a difference a little bit of those can make on top of the necessities. He even carries letters on occasion, despite it bringing him no profit. ]
[ Rumors are he used to be a teacher in the old world. ]
[ Maybe that's why most people are happy leave a bit more gold or traded goods than they perhaps otherwise would in his pockets. He never seems to push for it, though, and that's probably part of the charm too. ]
Looking for anything specific today?
--3. hunter (except not)
[ He's not a hunter in the traditional sense. He is, however, the guy hunters come to when they can't or don't want to track down potential targets themselves, or have run into something too big. He makes predictions; he makes plans. ]
[ It does seem to be the case that less hunters die going after entrenched afflicted if they do business with him first, though it could simply be rumors to improve PR. ]
[ Nonetheless, for whatever reason, you are here. ]
[ He raises his head from the maps strewn across the table, blue eyes inquiring. ]
Yes?
--4. wildcard
[ choose your own adventure! he starts off pretty melded into the role but is likely to remember or outright figure it out by the end. (also if he sounds dumb at any point that is, in fact, because i am stupid in comparison. gomens lmao) ]