( cerealia. ) application

[grovel]

Applicant Info

◎ Name: beej.
◎ Journal:

worry

◎ Contact:

( aim. ) nekomimis
( plurk. ) playlists

Character Info

◎ Character's Name: priest.
◎ Character's Canon: dot kareshi.
◎ Character's Age: twenty-four.
◎ Canon Point: general route end.
◎ Background/History:

As stated in the game’s prologue, there isn’t any tangible, factual, or clear information provided about Priest’s past. This is especially the case for matters preceding the events of the game he’s derived from (Unlimited Quest). He states this is largely due to the fact that the heroine overlooked and disregarded a variety of side quests within her game play, including the one encompassing the details of taking on his class title and becoming a Priest, despite how contrary it (theoretically) is to his character. The only thing that’s clearly known is of his age, the fact that he’s a relatively practiced Priest, and can do spells without chants or incantations, which normally tend to be in the form of prayers.

He is also noted, as with the rest of the party to be level 99, and having defeated the Demon Lord once prior. Other than this, nothing of his origins or motivations are divulged. But, in turn there are other varying facts provided by their actual setting, which will be outlined appropriately (or at least a grave attempt will be made here, bear with me).

Similar to what’s been aforementioned, Priest comes from the games Unlimited Quest. It’s typically noted as your basic 8-bit RPG. It has all of the usual classes, including the Hero (Brave), Thief, Magician, and of course— Priest himself. They all have the same attributes one would expect, for example, the Hero is a swordsman, and the Magician is one, as his name would imply, who utilizes a series of spells based off of ancient grimoires. They have stats revealing their MP/HP, height, weight, and even measurements (much to chagrin of the heroine who is victimized and disenchanted by this specific). They’re astoundingly textbook in this sense. Or— they would be had they not been contrived into grudge-bearings deviants, ones whose personalities are warped and misshapened by the heroine’s reckless and absolutely heedless style of play. As such, Priest, like the rest of the characters, is distorted beyond belief, clearly illustrated by his sadistic tendencies and his … startlingly un-holy demeanor. Often requiring his party members to beg and grovel to get him to do so much as lift his finger, as well as, casually expecting villagers to praise… and erect a statue in his honor.

But, regardless of these particulars (which will be covered in personality— unfortunately), as suggested by the premise of the game, the whole point is that there world is digital and they’re also equally aware of this fact. As the heroine devoted hours upon hours within the game, the characters could equally gaze upon her. It’s a two-way road, only they were able to directly communicate with her… that is until her arrival in their world.

Within the game it’s noted to be a bug, one they come across while breaking into a villager’s home and endeavoring on profiting from bashing their pottery. Instead, it not only doesn’t break, but expounds on the direct terms involved in her peculiar appearance and continued presence within the bounds of Unlimited Quest. Actually, as displayed in the third game, a separate conclusion altogether is reached, but regardless, this is where the game starts, and this is the basic outline of their world and/or setting. Naturally, their series of adventures hinge on traveling and completing quests for their multitude of rewards, as well as progressing closer to their ultimate objective of vanquishing the Demon Lord, but that’s all in due time. Assuming they have such initiative without the heroine controlling them.

Either way, while all of their histories, and for this section... his in particular, isn’t exactly revealed, it seems inconsequential for the vast majority of game, if not its entirety. It doesn't exactly hold him back on any perceivable level and... with his horrid personality, who cares... but have a ( DETAILED SUMMARY. ) as well!

◎ Is the character a hacker and/or do they have a sixth-sense?

No and no. However, as implied by the previous section, while he doesn't exactly possess a sixth-sense, he is a character in a game who is completely cognizant and aware of this fact... so he does have a sense of putting himself in terms of data or pixels (as well as breaking the fourth wall left and right, but hey). He's pretty much in pixels for the vast majority of the game, and continues to be so, aside from his Good End.

◎ Personality:

As you can see—
I'm a devout and pure-hearted priest.

The title of “priest” (whether as a vague designation or manner of label) tends to elicit a variety of clear-cut (and generally affirmative) responses. Most, which are admittedly, unadulterated or modest; a sense of “pureness” being innate and inherent in its roots, especially with its religious/holy origins. As such, the majority of people habitually envision a “priest” in relation to someone who is devout and disciplined, as well as, without worldly desire. They also, following this train of thought, have the penchant to visualize it as someone who goes beyond the normal human bounds of voracity or self-interest. Someone... who is moral, ethical, and to a degree sacrificial, often serving others rather than having the opposing idea reign precedent. Additionally, most tend to consider "priests" as an individual who effortlessly displays a sense of humility and self-restraint, and… basically everything Priest isn’t.

While these firm standards of typical priesthood may have originally held some semblance of truth and accuracy for him, as the game’s premise denotes— that is no longer the case. Due to the heroine’s various deeds, including the carnage of their entire party on multiple occasions, as well as other similar misgivings, the characters in the game have been distorted beyond repair. Shifting from relatively well-meaning adventurers into valiant and remorseless perverts/deviants/everything wrong in the world— both worlds. This, as one may infer or conclude, also includes Priest.

As stated before, once upon a time, he may have been a man of probity and integrity, but no such concept exists within him in the present. As he was constantly utilized in order to keep the party alive and flourishing, even within the harshest conditions, he’s garnered quite the ego. As such, he's now come to presume that the party would be hopeless and adrift without his presence and abilities. Forever latching onto the unrelenting idea that the vanguard’s success hinges on him as an integral piece to their party. In tune with this, he deems himself their sole savior (for lack of a better title), and subsequent to that, demands to be repaid in a method which is (and should be) entirely apt and appropriate for his highly esteemed position. As self-proclaimed as that is. Or would be, had he not readily possessed “control” and jurisdiction over their lives in battle. Which, incidentally, he abuses to a tee. So saying, he developed a severe case of self-absorption and conceit from this... would be an understatement. In short, due to the fact that he regards himself in this perceivably "higher" role, he requires to be handled in a way that adheres to a specific standard. A specific standard, which, more or less, is similar to being revered as a God. So as anyone can see, despite technically being a man of the church, he strays, diverges, even... swerves wildly off the road from what would be anticipated from someone like him.

Even if you rely on us,
whether we save you or not depends on whether we feel like it.
When you need restoration magic, I expect you to do your best in worshipping me.

So, when it comes down to it, it's probably no real surprise that he finds delight in being begged and groveled to (aka, this is where I try to break down a really fucked up concept like learning your abc's). Getting some unseen and unsolicited self-image bump up whenever he sees someone bowing down to him. Whether this "someone" ends up being one of his party members desiring his assistance, via his healing spells, or random villagers who need their diseases cured. He often states that instead of God, they should all be praising him instead. In many (and all) ways, the extent to which he perceives himself is extremely exaggerated. Insanely so. Even… insensitively, tbh. For example, when they discussed the heroine’s position in their world, and in particular, of her dismal two digit hp stats, he states that when she dies/if??? (as if making such a cruel assumption was normal in the first place) he would be sure to try his hand at resurrecting her. Half out of an experiment (as she's an anomaly and guest in their universe) and half out of his "good will." Though, when she declines saying she doesn't want to die in the first place, he retorts by assuring her that, in the instance it does occur, he'd have her repent in her death for her words of rejection. Even going as far as to state that she would weep about her past sins of denying his benevolence, and finally, plead for his change of heart while on her hands and knees. … of course, he was probably kidding, but all the same, this is the type of shtick he derives pleasure in. Even going as far as making such “rudimentary” half-jokes.

Hence, on an equal note, it isn’t difficult (rather, if it were obscured/ambiguous to anyone this late in the game...) to see that he’s relatively self-assured. Another understatement in the grand schematics of this personality section, but regardless, an undeniable truth all the same. He’s extremely confident to the point of unfailingly appearing cocky and smug at all times. No matter how unnecessary, or ill-fitted to the situation it is. To some degree, because of his ability to heal others and from that... keep his party rooted to the battlefield (and to life in general???), he carries onwards as if he were completely invincible. Even doubly so, considering that he’s acutely aware of the fact that he’s a game character. And so, even in the grimmest of scenarios, he comprehends the element where he can fundamentally be revived in the nearest church in the instance of an all-party wipe out. All the time, any time. With these two ideologies backing him up on his lack of outward vulnerability, he, as expected, is always composed even in the immediate face of peril. This isn’t to state that it isn’t without an ample amount of complaints targeting his vanguard for letting him die, but that he can approach predicaments like these with a sense of confidence, and without fear… mostly.

Alternatively, this can speak to his true lack of deeper understanding to what normal people would refer to as “death.” A more permanent and unyielding one (referral point: death and inevitable passing) being a fairly foreign notion, at least to a more personalized level. In theory, as there are likely other... infinitely more everlasting types of expiry for the characters in Unlimited Quest, perhaps he is equipped with some imprecise or indefinite definition of "perishing," but he definitely doesn't seem to show it. Doesn't seem to release any real type of sympathy for it, either. Especially, not as he casually makes the rudest remarks about death all the time???

Though, speaking of matters involving fears and reservations, that’s …. another thing/something Priest banks on/enjoys taking advantage of. Due to consistently being on the lighter end of experiencing the inexorable sights of near death party members— who are often suffering ailments of poison, or other equally inconvenient details— Priest has become accustomed to it to the point of developing some semblance of elation or thrill from it. The constant hours of repetitive gameplay and the unceasing abuse of the healing option in the toggle window, in short, led to the conception of his sadism. So while pleading for one’s life does excite him, so does a lot of other questionable things. This is displayed in the drama CD, as he misuses his white magic to cast a silencing spell on the heroine. Forcing her into... being mute, more or less, as he then proceeds to commit heinous crimes against her… without her being able to verbally reject him (all of which, incidentally, only serves to excite him further and incite a sense of passion within him, however brusquely misplaced that is). Also, if that wasn't enough to illustrate the point, he also seems to get tons of kicks from mocking party members who require his assistance. Especially, as he indolently watches from the sidelines while fondling the heroine. #devoidofmorals, hashtag. #truth.

Aah? I, in all my greatness, seem to be in a bad mood?

Maybe it's because I missed out on seeing you naked.
But, it's not too late. In a lot of different meanings,
I think I'd start to feel better if stripped for me right now.

To add to his onslaught of negative, or less than savory traits, he’s also, in more colloquial terms, a huge pervert. As are all the other dateable options in Dot Kareshi, but that’s probably far from the point. … probably. Yeah. But, anyway, this is exhibited on a multitude of accounts. Both in the fact that his words often contain some type of bold-faced innuendo, and in the matter of him incessantly seeking out some sort of sexual gratification (in any way he deems fit, which would... stun you into silence, really. Literally. Not funny, Beej...). He’s done this in peeking on the heroine in the female baths, with the continued assistance from his party, as well as in groping her mid-battle as his comrades were nearing their reds. Actually, there are probably less scenes within the series that don’t have to do with some type of harassment than there is… with. Which is probably fairly stark??? He’s almost 99.7% shameless when it comes to showing these types of open desires, and he often blames it on the heroine for leaving him deprived as he’s predominately stuck healing the other males of the party rather than voluptuous females, or females… in general, which loosely explains his sudden show of ambition for Getting Some.

This is exceptionally the case (or is made exceptionally the case), considering he’s customarily never motivated or aspiring in any sense of those two words. To be perfectly honest, if one had to tack on a more apt branding to his severe absence of mental, physical and spiritual drive, it’s that he’s horrendously lazy to a fault. While most would envision a person who travels the world with the sole purpose of defeating a Demon Lord to be filled to the brim with inspiration and self-injected stimulation, Priest goes against all those benchmarks. If anything, his principles hinge on being absolutely lethargic and slothful, as he behaves in a routine according to these values on a daily basis. Sleep and drinking ale at the local taverns being his top priorities, at least, when he's not being controlled by the heroine. Furthermore, he’s so languid that it even, essentially, comes out in his language. From the intonation and inflections of his voice to the drawn out implications of his words, he exudes the phrase: "under-active and proud." His laziness is likewise why, that out of the party, he was the only one who could share some level of sympathy with the heroine in finding side-quests “troublesome.” Even if one or two did involve him and his past. Corresponding to this, it’s the focal reason he even wants to reject fulfilling any of the other member’s side quests as well (aside from out of butthurt), really only agreeing in accordance to the heroine’s invitation.

You're the worst.

But, despite these horrifying and atrocious qualities or behaviors, he’s also equipped with a few redeeming points, as well. Few being the keyword here. For one, Priest is capable of being fairly clever in battle. Technically, you have to be if you’re always strategically waiting for your parties pain and suffering before a good heal. But, beyond that, he’s truthfully, proficient in all he does. Including, Priest work.

A good illustration of this fact emerges when the heroine accepts his side-quest in assisting a village stricken with disease/illness. Despite everyone appearing unaffected and “healthy” on the surface, Priest could instantaneously spot the key issue in the sea of seemingly optimistic conjectures. The village was actually exploited by another group of church believers who got there before them. Priests (not Priest) who profited off the people of the town by giving them a faulty herbs that only made them feel better— and Priest (is this is getting confusing yet) detected this with relative ease. Moreover, he instantly knew the solution. So as indolent as he endeavors (or doesn’t) on being, he does have a vast knowledge of what’s required by him, and he does have a genuine desire to remedy these sorts of evils. He even proclaims he despises those who would profit from the ignorance of the villagers, even if they are unquestioning fools.

Though, as with everything bleak and dreary with their bad personalities, it’s soon followed up by his desire to crush the frauds in order to solidify himself as the village’s savior…. a figure of worship. Which, probably isn’t a positive mentality for a “priest” to be possessing, but hey. Either way, this also proves he does have some sense of right and wrong, and to a degree, is aware of. Even if he does spout delusional statements every once in a while. Similarly, in tune to this, notwithstanding all his emotional (non-emotional???) shortcomings, he’s comparatively reliable as an ally, as well. While he does kick up several storms of being praised and revered for his feats, he does… typically concede in the end. … normally, it does involve having his way, but all in all— he doesn’t have any real aversion to committing to his job when he truly has to. As such, he tends to come through in the end, especially if just to use the rest of the party as his meat shield and ticket to completing quests.

Don't go back.

What's with that stupid expression?
All you have to do is listen to me obediently.

Conclusively, on the same note, as the story progresses, we also see evidence of him being able to be more arduous in expressing his passions. He achieves this by saving the heroine, as well as taking the initiative to either venture into her world beside her, or in coercing her to remain in his. So while he’s not explicitly known for dousing the audience in his heartfelt romantics, nor is he some k-drama lead chasing after buses or memory wiping himself, he does try. Kind of, sort of. Plus, it's certainly paramount for someone like him who often deems everything as being wearisome, taxing, and energy draining.

Though, naturally, this isn’t to say that it conceals or overrules any of his negative traits, which evidently… flourished in this section. But, if there’s anyone taking responsibility for the mess that is Priest, at least it’s the heroine.

Except, this obviously won’t work in Cerealia. Oops.

◎ Powers/Abilities:

We’re not provided with in-depth skill sets, nor is the heroine granted access to the actual battle menu whilst in game, however, it’s clear from discussions within Unlimited Quest, that there are certain staple moves that each character possesses. For Priest, this is holy/white magic. It can be utilized for both healing, as well as combatting the undead through purification. This encompasses moves for full recovery, resurrection, and the canceling of status ailments. Apparently, he’s also able to make the process more or less painful depending on his own desire and discretion… however... that actually works???

Additionally, as noted by the drama CDs, he also has reign over other types of support magic, as well. For example, "Silence," in which, if casted, could cease the enemy from utilizing skills requiring MP (basically, non-physical attacks). Moreover, to add to this curious concept, in the CD it was introduced in, it seemed to dually suggest it verbally cut out the other party, as well. There are one or two more moves alluded to, for example, the ability to temporarily stun or remove certain sensation from, but they’re not expanded on deeply. Another thing to note is that due to his experience, he can cast any of these without an actual incantation or prayer.

On an entirely separate note, except not really, he’s also a spear user. Additionally, despite his class (and not possessing brute strength by implication of his primary use), he seems pretty confident in his abilities to wield it, which probably stems back to the fact he's maxed out to level 99, but whatever.

Plus.... status window. Enough said.

◎ Weapons & Other Special Inventory:

( 1. ) spear.
( 1. ) robes, plus gloves.
( 1. ) helm/mitre.
( 1. ) boots.
( 1. ) book of prayers.
( 1. ) holy scroll.
( 1. ) mp recovery item.

CEREALIA-Specific

◎ Element: Air, due to its connection ... purity and... yeah. Sorry.
◎ Sense: Sight, because how would he be able to witness stripping otherwise.
◎ Seven Character Traits:

( POSITIVE. ) perceptive, decisive, capable.
( NEGATIVE. ) lethargic, sadistic, egotistical.
( ??? ) perverted.

Samples

◎ First-Person Sample: ( LINK. )

◎ Third-Person Sample:

This whole entire farce was nothing short of strenuous.

Cumbersome, troublesome, and ridiculously wearisome… were some of the synonyms he’s managed to, quite readily, attach to this estranged land. Theoretically, it wasn’t entirely unusual of a concept. To begin with their world was already under the peril of the Demon King’s reign, as fleeting and transitory as it appeared (and in all technicalities were, seeing as his territories and overall influence were waning with each hour of gameplay) considering their relatively close position into sliding into game completion part 2, ala final boss battle. So it wouldn’t have been an entirely shocking revelation to see that the situation’s been reversed once more, and that more immediate action was henceforth required. Presuming, they were still in the game, that is. … and that was exactly half the issue here, if not all of it.

To be completely real, since day one, the terms they were provided were nothing short of… pretty damn crappy. However, it also didn’t seem like there was much in terms of alternatives. If anything, even with how much he prided himself in being the focal point of survival in their party, he couldn’t see a real solution to all of this.

Moreover, honestly, it wouldn’t have been a complete and utter falsity to say he didn’t initially aspire to pin the blame on her once more. After all, she was a menace. Brutally leading them to their deaths time and time again— even managing to warp their personalities beyond recognition. As such, it wouldn’t have been surprising to hear she’s clumsily dunked (probably inadvertently, considering her penchant for varying brands of ignorance) the game cartridge straight into the nearest toilet— ending their data dwelling existences in a measly matter of seconds. Kind of suited her precariously close to maniacal sort of presence in their lives, but even then, he’d find it laughable that she’d have the guts to pull something off like that, especially having lived in their world. … still is, too. Another issue.

In these series of less than savory thoughts, he heaves out an idle exhale, one, which carried a perceivably indolent overtone. Truthfully, it was already a trying concept to think he’s just shifted from one pixelated realm to another, but that was just their luck. Plus, he wasn’t Thief, it’s not like those stats would actually do him any real benefit.

Not in game mechanics theory, at least.

There’s another shallow hint of a sigh threatening to escape him once more, but he definitively bites back on it if just for the principle of appearing unaffected. Somehow, the more assertions he draws on the topic, the less he feels he actually has a grip over. He doesn’t suspect this “game” or “world” had a clear-cut premise to begin with. Propping his spear against the floor, he places a firm foot towards the ground. He suspects he can only spend so many hours lounging and napping wherever he found convenient. If anything, he was tiring of it at a relatively nippy pace. Sure, he relished in the concept of relaxing while others were hard at work exerting their skills and abilities to their last gasps, but that was pretty situational. Without prayer and pleas, somehow it was less appealing of a prospect.

Promptly adjusting his position, he peers over his surroundings once more. More data, was it? But, with as much data as there was, there were still a few inquiries in his head. Aside from half-wondering if a bug was somehow ascribed to this mess, he's also sort of pondered on what that whole vivid or virtual adventure crap was about (other than some level of mockery of their world). But, it’s in the crux of these inevitable deliberations that his gaze somehow meets that of a random passerby. At first there's a bit of a scowl on his head, his brows slightly furrowed, and his overall demeanor less than enthused. However, after a brief pause, there’s a light tug at the corner of his lips as he ungrudgingly permits a sense of mischief to blend in with his visage. "Ah— Speaking of ViViD—

"There is that method, huh?" He approaches them without a sense of caution or shame. Confidence in his steps, as he manages to grab onto the back of their collar. "You look like you'd make a fine meat shield. Am I wrong?"

◎ Is your character retaining any previous game memories? Nope!