Li Ge

 { "Do I look like the kind of man who dies? I'd like to..." }

OUTSIDE - Li Ge is a touch too taken with smoke and mirrors for someone who claims to value authenticity. He delights in the Drama Of It All. Everything. There has to be some way he can twist this situation to satisfy his need for the Grand and secret fondness for schadenfreude. Li Ge is utterly shameless and unafraid to be anything other than himself. Or as much of himself as he remembers. Playful and whimsical in the way that those distant from humanity can be, Li Ge often finds himself taking up a transient role in the lives of those who interest him. Mentor, friend, rival, helpful stranger, weird stranger, weird stranger who will do odd jobs in exchange for the opportunity to cuddle your pet rabbit and cry a little, helpful stranger who randomly burst out in song to presumably cover up your embarrassing moment, acquaintance who only ever receives awkward nods- He finds a place where he can fit, a role that he can fill, and he performs to the best of his ability before the time comes for him to move on and take another one. He can never remain too long, can never get too attached- There is no true place for him, except as a vague memory. And so he does his best to ensure he's always memorable. 

INSIDE - Ancient and wise. (Or so he likes to think) Was once callous and cruel but eventually learned to be kind after being cursed with immortality/reincarnation to atone for everything he's done. So now optimistic and somewhat exuberant- Loves all things new and does his best not to be tired of all the lives he's lived, seeking joy and knowledge in all of them. He changed himself to be like a deceased rival who was his polar opposite, though in extreme situations or dire straits he might still find himself faltering on his path of 'light'. Insightful, introspective, tries his best to be compassionate despite being somewhat distant from mortals. Can be forgetful of 'little' normal things like social niceties or manners. Or morals. Or laws. 

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ORIGIN - Li Ge was once something of an Ultimate Evil. Or so he will humbly claim- In a world where the clash between the forces of 'Light' and 'Darkness' were starkly lit and cut-and-dry, he triumphed over all with immense power, intelligence, and the ambition to reach higher than even he stood with arrogant tenacity. First he sought more power. Then recognition- to be indelibly written into history, legends, myth, school textbooks- And finally immortality when legend wasn't enough. Only his final wish had a lasting effect. Now Li Ge is cursed never to die and never to be truly remembered, forced at first- and then willingly doing good at the behest of the ones who cursed him. He is sent to various places, times, and people to bring a little more positivity to the world. His power has been sealed away and he's only allowed access when explicit conditions are met.

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- - Creator's Note:: He's actually based off of the entire Chinese concept/symbol of the plum blossom. A 'friend of winter' whose 'fragrance comes from the bitterness and coldness'. The trials that he endured for being cold and harsh taught him how to be warm and gentle. Or some such thing- At the very least he's come to appreciate gardening. He's also meant to embody the endurance and hope that the plum blossom represents- The belief that you're strong enough to make things better even if they won't do so on their own. His name means 'Farewell Poem' which I've tied into his having books of poetry dedicated to all of the people he's said goodbye to because we're sad like that. 

Notes:: 

1. He's an exceptionally skilled and powerful master of countless martial arts; he's had multiple lifetimes to study them all. I was also inspired to make him a martial artist after seeing Suiryu and Yan Qing~
2. Help I love him