Zeylla from Haemadipsa zeylanica, the Japanese Mountain Leech, a type of blood sucking leech Crypsi from crypsis, which is the ability of an organism to avoid observation or detection by other organisms, be this for protection, hunting; including methods like camouflage, nocturnality, subterranean lifestyle, transparency, and mimicry.
Blood colour:Blue blood #005f8e
Gender:Female
Age:9.09sweeps (between 19 and 20 years)
Zeylla was and still is an unusual troll. Even as a kid, she was unfriendly, callous and domineering. She generally believed highly of herself; would(and still will) aggressively defend her opinions to the very end, and has(now as an older teen) a tendency to be malicious and sour towards trolls that get on her nerves. She often gives the vibe that says she doesn't want to socialize and would rather not be friends- trolls may find it hard to talk with her unless she's feeling unusually defenseless.
Her attitude stems from her early sweeps. Her lusus, not so affectionately termed Leechmom, is more of a boss than a guardian and a narcissist to boot. Zeylla learned from a young age to be self-sufficient, as she was expected to take care of Leechmom. Only in the direst of situations would her lusus step in and protect her, and it could be assumed that this was to provide herself continued security and less about love towards her troll. Her sense of situational awareness and cold calculating nature can also be attributed to her upbringing.
Another thing that her lusus expected of Zeylla was utter obedience. She was, as a kid, not allowed to explore outside the part of the woods that Leechmom had deemed 'safe', not in the sense of no danger, but in the sense of Zeylla not meeting any trolls. She was raised to be a personal acolyte to Leechmom. She followed a strict diet, regiment and constant tirades of rules and stipulations, and their punishments when broken. She was not brought up to function in a troll world, she was raised to inhabit her lusus' world. As such, Zeylla formed a habit of watching trolls, especially when she was younger, as a source of secret entertainment. She used to imagine stories and interactions with trolls, sometimes she pretended she could run their lives just as well as Leechmom ran her own.
When her teen sweeps rolled around, Leechmom had become, for the most part, complacent. She thought she had Zeylla completely under her proverbial thumb. Zeylla couldn't complain, as, after a few fated visits from trolls both old and new, she began to wander farther from her hive and into the surrounding areas such as Four Fronds. Her time gone for days at a time was normal for her when she went hunting, and Leechmom never asked as long as she came back with something to eat.
In reality, Zeylla was reverting back to old habits, casually watching trolls with minimal interaction. Unlike her fantasy stories of her kid sweeps though, Zeylla now watched trolls to absorb knowledge. For example, she might watch a troll working at a fruit stand cut up fruit, so she can learn how to properly handle a knife for cutting up produce- saving her beetles and adding to her list of skills. A very useful habit, even if it makes trolls uncomfortable.
As she spent more time exploring the strange and unusual world of civilized(?) trolls, she found herself in situations where not talking was not an option. Zeylla often came across as rude, rough around the edges and sometimes just plain awkward. She rarely introduced herself, and often asked prying questions and interrupted without batting an eyelash. Attempts to correct her where quickly shot down, with either words or fists. Her first taste of troll on troll fighting had been both exhilarating and ground shattering. She had pushing boundaries and broke rules she would have never imagined doing as a kid. Getting into situations where spilling blood could happen had been a big no-no. Releasing some of that subconscious desire had opened a very dangerous door for Zeylla.
Besides these moments of release, Zeylla had been a stoic troll, very hard to shake or incite reaction out of. She continued to be stubborn and take the lead when moments arisen, all the while moving farther and farther from the troll she had been. She continued to be herself in a sense, such as refusing to take advice, or being irritated when corrected. She continued to think of Leechmom as the ultimate guide to all her needs but continued to add problems and questions to her list of things she could never talk with her lusus about.
As she continued to grow, her already complex relationship with Leechmom continued to deteriorate, while becoming more complicated than ever. Her lusus, slowly losing her mind to her own obsession, often lashed out violently, with Zeylla always taking the blunt and the blame. After a particular scuffle, while taking a forbidden trip through the city, she had come home bloodied and bruised. She had no excuse, and the floodgates opened. Her punishment was harsh and unreasonable, and while curled up in her hive, in the darkest of pits in he maze of a home, she had asked herself why she continued to live this way. She had yet to meet a troll who was as closed off from the world as she had been. She'd left her hive, seeking answers, and found them in a yellowblood named Bellen. Something about the older troll had softened Zeylla's distrusting nature, and with gentle coercing, she had convinced Zeylla to leave home.
She agreed, packed up her meager belongings, and left to the threats and anger of her lusus. She agreed to not go back, but couldn't leave her caregiver(if she could be considered that) to starve, and insisted on weekly visits to feed and care for her. At first, Leechmom had refused to see her and lashed out every time she'd come around. But Zeylla continued to care for her, showing dedication and determination through the horrible things her lusus said when she visited. Call it love, call it loyalty, call it what they want, but Zeylla wouldn't let Leechmom die.
It would seem, under her cold exterior, Zeylla actually had a heart. She rarely showed that she cared, but when comfortable like she had become with Bellen and a select other few, she slowly lowered her walls and made tentative connections with other trolls, in a variety of ways.
As she continued to live in the city and share a hive with Bellen she came to an opinion of the strange complexity(and stupidity) of the hemospectrum. She refused to drop the habit of going hemoanonymous, even though it brought her more trouble than anything. She also refused to treat other trolls less just based on blood color. She would treat them as less based on their skills, not their shade. As such, she occasionally found herself speaking out about a situation when usually she wouldn't have said a thing.
As her life in the city continued, she also found herself digging deeper into her self, finding bits and pieces that had been pushed down by her lusus and her binding rules. Her strong hunger for fighting was one of those bits she found. She was like a wiggler with a new toy at 12th Perigree and quickly got into a habit of scrapping with a few particular trolls, her black feelings blooming slowly.
Her obsessive nature emerged as well, perhaps stemming as a mannerism learned from her own lusus' neurotic behavior. At first, it was focused on building a relationship with Bellen, which included bringing her random gifts(in the form of food and trinkets mostly), trying to help clean and slowly learning casual conversation with her. She also focused her energy on trying to integrate into troll society(as much as she could). But as time went on, she found herself comfortable with Bellen, their relationship established as hivemates(though her pumpbiscuit did flips at the thought of something a little less pale and little redder happening between them), and her integration complete- as far as she was concerned. Her obsessive nature needed a new outlet.
The space endeavor was a huge stepping stone for Zeylla. Her feelings for Bellen had now become clear to her, while they had been muddy before the life-threatening explorations on the deep space ships circling Alternia. She was determined now to tell Bellen her feelings, but still too nervous to do so(she was waiting for the right time, is all).
Along with discovering her feelings for Bellen, she also found an outlet for her need to dominate and obsess in the form of another yellowblood. Nictor Sabat. He drove her mad, made a part of her-a part terribly similar to her lusus-, come out like a striking snake. His weakness and cowardice was something she couldn't stand, and she quickly decided it was her job to fix him of that weakness.
While it will put a strain on her and Bellens friendship(and whatever else it could develop into) she can't stop. Her stubbornness shows through brilliantly as she focuses completely on making Nictor into something more suitable, while her softer side exposes itself through her budding relationships with several trolls.
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:03 am
STRENGTHS
DECISION MAKER Being raised by Leechmom has taught Zeylla several things, but one of her strongest skills is that she has never been much of a pouncyfooter. When the time comes to make a decision, Zeylla usually has already come up with the answer. She's a hard pre-thinker and planner, even if she comes off as less then capable of just being there, let alone pre-thinking situations.
This makes her hard to stump or befuddle, and puzzles, problems and daily struggles are usually a breeze. Zeylla can't think of a day in her whole life that she has ever had a hard time deciding something(or at least a day she will admit to). As such, she is constantly confused as to why others often struggle with such petty issues.
While Zeylla does not struggle with most mundane or logic based things still, she sometimes feels herself experiencing uncertainty as of late, and with that comes a slurry of emotions that she actually finds difficult to understand, as she is usually a placid lake inside her own emotional self, where as now she feels like a tumultuous, stormy sea. This emotional development has given rise to situations where sometimes Zeylla isn't sure what is the best action to take emotionally for herself.
She finds it far easier to make logical decisions and deal with other trolls emotional decisions than her own, as of late.
SELF-RELIANT
There is no one that Zeylla trusts more then Zeylla with anything. She is completely confident in her own capabilities and judgement, and you can trust that she won't be looking to you for direction any time soon. She is actually profoundly insulted by people offering her help. Zeylla feels it should be obvious that she can handle herself. And when she cannot do something herself, she just observes a couple trolls doing the task she wishes to learn, and then goes back to her hive to practice the art herself, until she has it down.
For her younger years, the only one she was reliant on was Leechmom, and it was mostly just for direction when she felt lost in emotional turmoil. She was always independent of all other trolls, but never Leechmom. But as of late, Zeylla has felt that some of her own ideas and sense of judgement have started to split from her lusus, which terrifies her as she has spent the majority of her life as basically an acolyte to Leechmom.
HARDY
When looking at her, one would suspect that Zeylla isn't the strongest or hardiest of trolls. Her tired-looking appearance and lack of life gives her the aura of weak. As it is, Zeylla is far from pathetic. Leechmom was never the best nanny, preferring to give orders from their hive and let Zeylla handle the rest. As such, the young troll as become rather hard-skinned. Her pain tolerance is high, and she's hardy enough that almost nothing can stop her from doing what she needs to.
On top of being physically tough, Zeylla's upbringing has made her a rather emotionally tough-skinned troll. She doesn't react to most prodding and poking or button-pushing and can easily shrug off most insults or slander. It takes a lot of her to be emotionally affected by something. Though at times, her anger rears it's ugly head, especially as she moves through her teen sweeps. She constantly finds herself more and more becoming emotionally aware and affected by trolls interactions with her.
AUDIOGRAPHIC HEARING
Zeylla has a distinct knack for memorizing conversations, speeches and any string of words she hears-- this may be another reason why she hates music. Could you imagine hearing the lyrics to a song you hate all the time, no matter how hard you try to forget them? She uses this skill mostly to remember explanations and conversations that she can use to learn a new skill or trait. It could also be a useful trait for eavesdropping and getting the scoop for another troll if she was inclined to help.
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:04 am
FLAWS
HEMOCOMPLEX
A mixture of Acute hemophobia and blood rage, this flaw is probably Zeylla's most difficult to deal with. It is fully inherited from her lusus, who raised her to believe blood has power, and as such is a sacred and powerful thing. So Zeylla wears grey over her symbol to keep the power of her bloodcolor private and carefully hidden. She also does not partake in fighting, or at least tries very hard not to get into such situations, so as to dodge spilling hers or another trolls blood(a very frowned upon thing in her lusus' eyes).
The hemophobia is trained, and upon the sight of blood, Zeylla feels nausea, sweaty palms and anxiety. It is not a natural part of Zeylla, but is so wired into her brain that she can't tell it isn't part of her. She tries very hard to dodge blood because of the discomfort it causes her.
The blood rage, on the other hand, she as born with. As a very young troll, Zeylla had been excessively aggressive, but instead of helping her to focus that aggression, her lusus taught her to tuck it deep down inside. Thus, when she starts to feel severe discomfort from the sight of blood(or gog forbid coming in contact with it), she sometimes finds herself in a fit of uncontrollable rage which can range from violent fits where she loses her sense of safety and well being, to black out rages where she can't even remember what happened afterwards.
These moments, when they happen terrify Zeylla, so she usually eagerly goes along with her lusus' rules about blood, but sometimes. Sometimes she just can't avoid the fight.
UNFRIENDLINESS Due to many factors of her life, Zeylla isn't exactly the friendliest of trolls. She's often rough around the edges, prone to being judgmental and confrontational when she's sick of a trolls company. Along with that, she has no tact, and doesn't bother to try. She rarely says anything nice unless where it is truly deserved, and thinks most other trolls are just running around with their heads on backwards.
Her conversational skills are little to none. Speaking to her often times ends with a troll talking to her while she stares ahead like a statue, and her responses are often one syllable and can be summed up to words like "Hm" or "Hn". When she does speak, she often talks at a sharp pace that leaves no time for response or interjection, and leaves one feeling like they probably shouldn't say anything back. And if she is actually interested in talking to a troll, expect a lack of usual social conduct. Zeylla doesn't believe in greetings, sharing names, or respecting privacy and usually only picks it up after an awkward moment or two.
HYPERACOUSTIC Zeylla has a bit of a problem with music and loud noise. More then a bit of a problem, honestly. She has very sensitive hearing and any noise too high-pitched, too loud, or too bassy will make her feel a variety of uncomfortable feelings. Headaches, stomachaches, tension in her muscles and behind her eyes are the main irritants. This sensitivity to sound causes her to despise all music. Not only does it drown out her thinking, but she feels severe discomfort from it as well.
While usually her sensitivity to noise does not stretch to include speaking voices usually, Zeylla has experienced on more then one occasion a troll who has a terribly loud or high pitched voice that just makes her want to strangle them to death. Loud areas and music easily put Zeylla on edge, pressing the boundaries of her self-control to the point where she might just start doing some serious table-flipping or something just as drastic.
DOMINEERING Though Zeylla spends little time around other trolls, the time she does have to spend around them brings out her controlling attitude. Anytime she has to work with other trolls for any reason, she becomes demanding and over-powering. She wants to lead, to tell others what to do because she knows best. This doesn't make her very popular, and only adds to her unfriendly demeanor.
Along with being controlling in groups, when Zeylla wants something from another troll, by gogs she will get it. She is very persistent and domineering, and if she asks you to do something you better be happy she asked at all. She hates hearing the word no, and will continue to harp on you until its done. And it's not an exaggeration, there is little to nothing that will stop her from forcing you to do it.
This also makes her good at get information out of people, as she knows more then one way to make someone tell her something. And she's not afraid to do what needs to be done to get it. This is another time she finds her deep, underlying aggressive nature peeking through.
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:08 am
LUSUS
LEECHMOM
SHREHE'SEM, or LEECHMOM, is a GIANT BLOOD-SUCKING LEECH. She is about twelve feet in length and four foot in width. She has four rows of twenty-three teeth that grow as she grows. She is a paranoid lusus with a minor god complex, that she has forced on Zeylla to the point where her troll is more of her acolyte than her charge. She basically worships blood and finds it to be highly spiritual and sacred, another thing she has taught to Zeylla.
She can be rather aggressive towards Zeylla, but insists that all she does she does out of love. She is slowly losing her mind, as she ages, and as the sweeps pass becomes more violent, more paranoid and more controlling. Part of this might be the fact that she socializes with no one, except Zeylla on rare occasions, and almost never sleeps except when she absolutely needs to.
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:10 am
THE FRONDHIVE
INSIDE A FROND JUST OUTSIDE FOUR FRONDS.
Zeylla lives in a giant old FROND down a wildlife trail off a main road to Four Fronds. It was originally inhabited by the last remnants of a swarm of giant TERMITES, but Zeylla picked them off and took their nest as her own. It is a twisting maze with no windows and is lit by a GLOWING FUNGI she found growing in one of the old nesting dens of a queen termite.
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:11 am
TROLLS ZEYLLA HAS NOTICED
AKKIRA KAGOME ...She talks to the air...or is it ghosts? She's very odd, and we didn't talk much, but I bet she's interesting. And puts up a hell of a fight for a blind troll.
AZRAEL MORTIS ...[insert here]
BELLEN ARECAE ...A kind troll I met after a stressful run through the city. She enjoys tea. I have found someone to trust in, which in itself is odd...but nice. She makes me feel needed?
CALIDA OPALUS ...She is a very good baker, her cakes are delicious. She seems prone to flattery, which I'm not sure how to handle, but she's teaching me to bake in exchange for sewing lessons.
CHIARA MOTEKU ...She is...interesting. A strong, amicable troll who might be useful in a pinch.
ERIDIA TSIFER ...[insert here]
KALDRU DAJALE ...He just showed up out of nowhere and made himself comfortable on my lawnring. Talks too much, but he's a good listener. Perhaps he has some potential.
POLAIR RISION ...[insert here]
SARCEL CINCIL ...[insert here]
SASCHA DIASIS ...He knows more then he should, but I was foolish to think I could battle an psychic. A lapse of judgement. He likes smoothies though, and I don't think he is going to tell anyone my secret.
SCORPA DEVILE ...[insert here]
SINTER HEILIG ...A charmingly polite redblood. We met at the lake and had a very interesting conversation. I can tell we do not agree on things exactly, but I wouldn't mind visiting with him again.
TAMIYA AIGUMA ...An interesting troll to watch, but too dangerous. I do hope we do not meet again.Though I feel this isn't the last time. She posted some posters during Bloodfest, and one looks somewhat like me...does this mean I'm a criminal?
Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:13 am
BATTLE INFO AND ACTIVITY LOG
HP 20
STILETTOKIND
...a long narrow needle-like weapon made for piercing and stabbing. Currently she carries a tooth from her lusus that makes a perfect weapon for a teen.
ACTIVITY LOG
RP COUNT: 8 COMPLETE, 7 ACTIVE BATTLE COUNT: 4 COMPLETE. 1 ACTIVE
The Fronds Are a Peaceful Place ...Who could be knocking on Zeylla's door!? [Azrael]
[COMPLETE]Optimism and Indifference? ...A vibrant child with her cookie stand is about to receive a new, rather stern customer.[Calida]
[COMPLETE]I'm Just...Waiting ...Zeylla meets a friendly troll while hiding from some bluebloods [Bellen]
Phantom Pain ...A old face shows up at Zeylla's doorstep [Sarcel]
[COMPLETE]Blended Fruit Concoctions ...WOULD YOU STOP THAT INFERNAL WHISTLING? Can't you see I'm enjoying my fruity liquid beverage.[Sascha]
[COMPLETE][BATTLE] Ground Ice ...Zeylla experiences her first fight! [Sascha]
[COMPLETE]Taking Sides ...This conversation is informative, to say the least... [Sinter]
[COMPLETE]What's That You're Doing? ...Who let you out here alone, kid? [Kaldru]
[BATTLE][COMPLETE]Somebody Watching Me ...Just some casual stalking and induced paranoia.[Tamiya]
[COMPLETE]Keeping Your Head Up ...'I'm fine' [Bellen]
Caught Staring ...Two trolls meet on the beach, and learn a little about eachother. [Polair]
[COMPLETE]IT'S MINE! ...I was here first! [Eridia]
[COMPLETE]Mountain Meeting ...Hmmm....I don't know how I feel 'bout this [Akkira]
[BATTLE][COMPLETE]WHITEWAAASH ...Bring it ooooooooon! [Akkira]
A Trade of Skills ...Zeylla goes to see Calida about some cooking lessons, in exchange for some sewing tricks. [Calida]
[COMPLETE][BATTLE]Square-off in the Park ...JUST LEAVE! [Eridia]
Confined Conversations ...Two trolls meet on the train, and conversation blooms? Sorta. [Akkira]
Bluebloods on the Hunt ...Its the annual hunt for the Swamp-Beast. An event for all trolls seeking fame and fortune to try their hand at the elusive art of tracking the great beast. You need a partner tho, of course. [Chiara]
...Zeylla's skill list includes knot skills, sewing, tree/rock climbing, basic survival skills, basic aid care, hunting and trapping, and she is currently learning how to bake.
...Zeylla is left handed
...She privately likes to shop, but hasn't had many chances to go.
...Zeylla loves pastries and baked goods
...Zeylla make a good teacher, but is not the kindest troll to learn from.
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LEECHMOM 
