Post by kaitokatashi on Oct 1, 2008 0:20:33 GMT -6
Name: Tsien Ten-do
Age: 61.
Appearance: Tsien's appearance is deceiving; for a man that looks to be almost frail, he holds himself with a serenity and solidity that betrays it. His body is narrow, as are his features. His amber eyes are almond-shaped, adding to the slenderness of his face. His hair, while it does not grow on the top of his head, falls in jet black cascades from above his ears to the small of his back, and has a thin mustache and goatee to match. Most of the time, he wears a simple shirt under an elegant blood-red silk happi (jacket). It has the symbol of the Fire Nation woven on the back in black to symbolize his heritage; however, he wears the same robes all members of the Order wear when conducting official business. He usually wears slightly loose black pants and shoes for the most efficient movement while bending. He also can be spotted wearing a black obsidian bracelet made from rock he retrieved on one of his trips to Avatar Roku's temple.
History: Born in the Fire Nation to Ozan and Yi Ten-do, his whole life revolved around growing up according to his father's almost militaristic approach to parenting. As soon as Ozan discovered that his son could Firebend, he started to train Tsien in the art of bending. Although he taught many of the basic techniques, he insisted that his son practice some of the older moves he knew from his service in the Fire Nation Army.
Tsien learned quickly in order to meet his father's expectations and eventually lost focus on all other things in his life except for bending. His uncle Asho worried that Ozan might have been putting an emphasis on relying solely on Firebending in a battle and, since the two brothers served side by side in the Army, he was more than happy to give Tsien a break from bending in order to go to the lake near their town, relax and fish. In order to keep up appearances for Ozan's sake, they would leave for two days; one would be used to study the art of the blade and the second to relax.
Over the years and with steady practice, Tsien was extremely proficient in both Firebending and swordplay by the time he was twenty-six. During that time, his uncle would often take him to Ember Island to let him enjoy the beach. His father frequently insisted that he join the Army, but he refused every time. Although he felt like his skills would be put to better use in combat, he felt like his life would be more complicated because of it.
After his thirtieth birthday, he began to frequent the temple of Avatar Roku, seeking guidance for his talents by meditating by the Avatar's statue. Although nothing of significance happened in all of his time visiting the temple, the time alone allowed him to clear his mind and become intimate with his bending and weaponry knowledge. Every so often, his uncle would spring surprise attacks, forcing him to defend with fire and steel. Always defeated by Asho, he eventually perfected his technique to the point where he defeated his uncle easily. When that day came, Asho took his nephew to a blacksmith to forge his own sword. His blade of choice turned out to be a katana with the emblem of the Fire Nation on the hilt. He carried the blade with him everywhere.
Ten years later, his uncle became gravely ill. On his deathbed, Asho gave Tsien a bag that he instructed to not be opened until after he died. His uncle died shortly after and, after a period of grieving, he opened the bag. Inside was a white lotus Pai Sho tile and a piece of paper with the name of a local man written on it. Tsien was anxious to meet this man and did so in a bar; after showing him the tile his uncle gave him, the man introduced himself as Pai Li, a member of the Order of the White Lotus. He told the story of the Hundred Year War and how it raged on, even to this day. Since his uncle had been a member of the Order, he was offered a position as an Inititate, which he accepted.
He rose through the ranks, performing tasks assigned to him and constantly exhibiting his prowess with both flame and blade in the tests the higher-ups administered. He also received training in Firebending from Pai Li; just as his uncle had done, the Master taught through combat. Just as it had been with his uncle, he finally defeated Pai in a spectacular display of Firebending. Finally, after seventeen years in the order, he was promoted to Master Rank and received the title of Taskmaster. Occasionally, he steps down and acts as a Teacher, training lower members in his arts.
When he was given the rank of Master, Pai confronted him again; this time, he was stronger and more fierce than he'd been in their penultimate battle. The force of their struggle shook the earth but in the end, Tsien triumphed. Pai declared him a Firebending Master, although it isn't a title he likes to use himself.
Personality: One might almost mistake Tsien's calm demeanor for that of a Waterbender, as his movements are fluid; except for when bending fire, that is. Often, he will pause in conversation to make sure he fully processes everything being said, and he is very attentive to his environment, even though it seems like paranoia at times. It seems like he takes great care to take his time, it's something that comes more naturally to him than anything.
Due to his upbringing, he rarely speaks without being spoken to, except when he is taking care of business for the Order or teaching students. It seems as if he holds great respect and reverence for all around him, making him approachable. He always seems kind, timid and intimidating at the same time, making for an odd, enigmatic aura that even the least empathic person could pick up on. Something in his aura also obtains respect without demanding it.
Tsien himself is slightly empathic, able to pick up on subtle changes in moods and demeanors. He uses this talent while teaching, mostly to gauge a student's confidence level. He can adjust his teaching method for different styles of learning, although almost nothing angers him more than someone who refuses to learn; however, he is more than willing to teach those that are.
Age: 61.
Appearance: Tsien's appearance is deceiving; for a man that looks to be almost frail, he holds himself with a serenity and solidity that betrays it. His body is narrow, as are his features. His amber eyes are almond-shaped, adding to the slenderness of his face. His hair, while it does not grow on the top of his head, falls in jet black cascades from above his ears to the small of his back, and has a thin mustache and goatee to match. Most of the time, he wears a simple shirt under an elegant blood-red silk happi (jacket). It has the symbol of the Fire Nation woven on the back in black to symbolize his heritage; however, he wears the same robes all members of the Order wear when conducting official business. He usually wears slightly loose black pants and shoes for the most efficient movement while bending. He also can be spotted wearing a black obsidian bracelet made from rock he retrieved on one of his trips to Avatar Roku's temple.
History: Born in the Fire Nation to Ozan and Yi Ten-do, his whole life revolved around growing up according to his father's almost militaristic approach to parenting. As soon as Ozan discovered that his son could Firebend, he started to train Tsien in the art of bending. Although he taught many of the basic techniques, he insisted that his son practice some of the older moves he knew from his service in the Fire Nation Army.
Tsien learned quickly in order to meet his father's expectations and eventually lost focus on all other things in his life except for bending. His uncle Asho worried that Ozan might have been putting an emphasis on relying solely on Firebending in a battle and, since the two brothers served side by side in the Army, he was more than happy to give Tsien a break from bending in order to go to the lake near their town, relax and fish. In order to keep up appearances for Ozan's sake, they would leave for two days; one would be used to study the art of the blade and the second to relax.
Over the years and with steady practice, Tsien was extremely proficient in both Firebending and swordplay by the time he was twenty-six. During that time, his uncle would often take him to Ember Island to let him enjoy the beach. His father frequently insisted that he join the Army, but he refused every time. Although he felt like his skills would be put to better use in combat, he felt like his life would be more complicated because of it.
After his thirtieth birthday, he began to frequent the temple of Avatar Roku, seeking guidance for his talents by meditating by the Avatar's statue. Although nothing of significance happened in all of his time visiting the temple, the time alone allowed him to clear his mind and become intimate with his bending and weaponry knowledge. Every so often, his uncle would spring surprise attacks, forcing him to defend with fire and steel. Always defeated by Asho, he eventually perfected his technique to the point where he defeated his uncle easily. When that day came, Asho took his nephew to a blacksmith to forge his own sword. His blade of choice turned out to be a katana with the emblem of the Fire Nation on the hilt. He carried the blade with him everywhere.
Ten years later, his uncle became gravely ill. On his deathbed, Asho gave Tsien a bag that he instructed to not be opened until after he died. His uncle died shortly after and, after a period of grieving, he opened the bag. Inside was a white lotus Pai Sho tile and a piece of paper with the name of a local man written on it. Tsien was anxious to meet this man and did so in a bar; after showing him the tile his uncle gave him, the man introduced himself as Pai Li, a member of the Order of the White Lotus. He told the story of the Hundred Year War and how it raged on, even to this day. Since his uncle had been a member of the Order, he was offered a position as an Inititate, which he accepted.
He rose through the ranks, performing tasks assigned to him and constantly exhibiting his prowess with both flame and blade in the tests the higher-ups administered. He also received training in Firebending from Pai Li; just as his uncle had done, the Master taught through combat. Just as it had been with his uncle, he finally defeated Pai in a spectacular display of Firebending. Finally, after seventeen years in the order, he was promoted to Master Rank and received the title of Taskmaster. Occasionally, he steps down and acts as a Teacher, training lower members in his arts.
When he was given the rank of Master, Pai confronted him again; this time, he was stronger and more fierce than he'd been in their penultimate battle. The force of their struggle shook the earth but in the end, Tsien triumphed. Pai declared him a Firebending Master, although it isn't a title he likes to use himself.
Personality: One might almost mistake Tsien's calm demeanor for that of a Waterbender, as his movements are fluid; except for when bending fire, that is. Often, he will pause in conversation to make sure he fully processes everything being said, and he is very attentive to his environment, even though it seems like paranoia at times. It seems like he takes great care to take his time, it's something that comes more naturally to him than anything.
Due to his upbringing, he rarely speaks without being spoken to, except when he is taking care of business for the Order or teaching students. It seems as if he holds great respect and reverence for all around him, making him approachable. He always seems kind, timid and intimidating at the same time, making for an odd, enigmatic aura that even the least empathic person could pick up on. Something in his aura also obtains respect without demanding it.
Tsien himself is slightly empathic, able to pick up on subtle changes in moods and demeanors. He uses this talent while teaching, mostly to gauge a student's confidence level. He can adjust his teaching method for different styles of learning, although almost nothing angers him more than someone who refuses to learn; however, he is more than willing to teach those that are.