Profile
Basics
"This is a wild ride I really want to get off, but I have nowhere to go even if I could."
James is a 2nd yr student of the Octavinelle dorm at Night Raven College, and the heir to the Neverever Island. Behind his polite facade and great sense of humor, hides a complex person who is trying to understand and find a place in the world. After losing communication with his mother and her crew at the end of his first year at NRC, James is left penniless and to fend for himself.
- Calligraphy
- Debates
- Animals
- Theatre
- Poetry
- The Cold
- Being Ignored
- Merfolk
- Loud Noises
- Seagulls
About
Character
Personality
"If I'm as weak as you say I am: prove it, landlubber! Do battle with me!"
On first impression, James comes off as a polite, witty, boy who is simply content in observing and percieving the world around him. James speaks respectfully, but has the ability to keep the flow of conversation going in an amusing and insightful way to keep other's attention. His wit is rapier-sharp, his arguements are rational and appealing, and James's questions are simply born out of genuine curiousity to know those he meets. James can easily pick up on things that go around him discreetly, read body language, get people's confidence to spill their secrets, and can attract most people to his cause with the snap of his fingers. To a keen eye however, his tongue is a pronged fork that gives off backhanded compliments in his contempt for others and their views, the information he gets is usually twisted negatively, and there's a sense of vagueness or even deceit in his tales he's well known for. The reality is that James is rather fluid with his words in order to appeal to whoever he is in contact with, as well as indirect.
James simply is too distrusting to properly allow others to know his frustrations and insecurities. He has little sense of self-worth and a "guilty before proven innocent" mindset. James believes everyone is superficial, and would backstab eachother if it meant that they'll get what they want and come out on top. He constantly questions the motivations of others as well. Words mean little to James, and actions are usually rationalized to fit his biased thinking.
Though that is James simply self-projecting and rationalizing his hypocritical behavior. James knows how to make things go his way with any information presented to him, and when it does go his way its painful as he makes sure to strike at the very core of who a person is as a human being. Their pride, their friends, whatever brings them joy becomes their downfall. That leaves his victims hollow as well as unsure of themselves and their self-worth. James wants to be up close, and the root cause to not only justify his beliefs of all people being superficial monsters, but also out of sadistic curiousity, and to feel powerful. Nothing says "Power" than leaving an impression so deep, that it leaves a bruise after all. James also loves a swordfight, saying that "A physical beatdown is as good as a mental one." James is a very competitive man, and is very bitter, even aggressive when he loses. You unleash a monster, as James will continually work and challenge you until he gets his desired result.
Curious and resourceful, James has a hunger for knowledge and analytically examines the world him. His mind is constantly racing, and he has a knack for using his brain to think up tactics that confuse his opponents. That racing mind can cause him to overthink however, as he can forget to take into account the present. He can also become so anxious in stressful situations that it becomes hard to think clearly.
James seems to be the type who believes in "an eye for an eye", and sometimes plot a revenge scheme that at times, goes too far he is so blinded by rage and sadism. A person simply apologizing or correcting their behavior does not cut it for him, and he's been known to hold a grudge as well as act passive-agressively to those that ire him. To get him to forgive takes time and action. When questioning or jabbing at prides like his masculinity, his leadership skills or his swordfighting ability his temper comes out to spontaneosly challenge his opponents and start it as soon as those words leave his lips.
Despite all these faults, James is not completely heartless and once you gain his trust, he's very loyal to a fault, putting their needs above his own. He's very protective of those in his inner circle and is just as likely if not more so to take revenge for their sakes as well as himself. Though James is rather unreliable and values little in life other than himself, when it comes to his friends he is a another being entirely. James is stable, and devoted despite his slight aloofness, and sarcastic nature.
All in all, James is a very complex person who is stuck between his lawless past and everyday present. He can't help but think he's playing dress up in order to get by, or as he says he feels like hes having symptoms of "Imposter Syndrome". However, James baggage is slowly being whittled away by time at the college.
Magic
Abilities
Hobby: Guitar Playing
As a way to lift up the crew's spirit as well as entertain himself, James has learned to play the Guitar. He oftentimes plays it while trapezing in the Rose Maze of Heartslabyul with Riddle's permission, as the animals seem to enjoy the music.
It has been confirmed that James father was a musician himself, and specifically played the guitar.
Singing
Pirates had few ways to entertain themselves, and one of those ways was singing Sea Shanties. Despite James efforts, he finds himself humming whenever working or even singing, and his musical passions were not squelched even in NRC. To those that have heard him, James voice seems melancholic and quiet, but passionatte in its own way.
Talent: Acting
James has a talent in acting. Though its rather unpolished as James needs to keep a cool head in order to use it effectively. James is good at being subtly fluid in his behavior to appeal to whoever comes in contact with him. Vil is severely disappointed in James "wasted potential", as though he will never admit it, he can picture James becoming a breakout star if he cared enough to work at it. James says that he only cares to be good enough to "get by" so please no more of this talk, Vil-sama.
Unique Magic: Hook, Line & Sinker
James unique magic on first glance seems unimpressive. It simply creates a rope with a hook attached to the end. However, its versitality allows James to use it to hook objects and people as well as subdue them. The rope has electrical properties, which can cause paralysis to those fool enough to touch or be ensnared by it unless you are James himself.
Adventure
"I can't believe how quickly my life has changed, and the worst thing is that I had no choice in it."
James Morgan was born on a ship miles away from land. His mother, Margaret Bonny, was Pirate Captain of the Jolly Roger, her "Little Kingdom" on the seas. From the day James could walk the boy was taught how to swordfight, pick locks, and how to fire a cannon for him to become a valued member of his mother's crew, instead of some "dead weight" that did not benefit anybody. The pirates, older, burlier men and women simply treated him with as much respect a cabinboy deserved, and with curiousity as children were a rarity on a pirate ship, especially when that child was flesh n blood of their leader. His life was filled with danger and adventure, traveling along the coast of various lands while plundering and smuggling illegal goods; his free time consisting of interacting with the crew's food, mingling with the locals, and indulging in their cultures as well as reading books he manages to steal. Though James longed for company of people his own age.
However, fun times have to end eventually. As James got older he decided he wanted to become Captain in order to take his mother's place, but seemed unfit for the job due to his lack of experience. Ann made it rather clear he will gain no support from her in his career choice, which crippled his self esteem even further. Before the age of sixteen, Ann did the killing blow of forcing James to attend NRC, Captain AND mother's orders.
And thus so his journey begins...at least that's how James tells his story.
Predator vs Prey
"Looking good is better than feeling good, isn't it?..."
*Extra: James's alligator bite came from another operation. While James was on a mission in the bayou in order to smuggle in some strong potion ingredients and illegal weaponry, James was mistaken to be something else by a young alligator merfolk, and bitten on his left hand. James was going to shoot it dead, but saw in its eyes a humanity most sailors and pirates overlooked--or refused to acknowledge, and instead beat it away with his paddle. Besides his arm, only a clock took damage as James hurled it at the kid to scare it away for good. James managed to sail to his location and get the wound shoddily treated, resulting in the tissue growing improperly and nerve damage. James hates this moment because the alligator made him begin questioning the beliefs he was born with, and his mental strenght. *
Quotes
"No matter where I went, the stars never looked different....What do they look like to you, Jade-kun?"
"Brain and brawn? I would say you're the complete package, but you need to work on your looks a bit more. I'm kidding, you know I like to tease!....Look, I'm sorry, I won't go so far, again, alright?"
"Why should I believe you?! All people in my life ever did is betray me at worst or leave me at best! This cesspool of a school is filled to the brim with little boys pissed at the world and trying to peak in this school in order to fill a hole in them that's as deep and barren as a water sinkhole! And you're calling me out for not being authentic?!"
"Is that the best you can do, have an ugly expression and be blunt? Get acting lessons before even trying to intimidate me with that, Floyd."
"Hello, Azul-kun. Wait, let me see...your're so brave for wearing an outfit like that in public."
"If I believe this is meaningless, why do I keep on trying? Because the only other option is not breathing, and I unfortunately can't do that."
Friends
Margaret Bonny [ Mother ]
"Mama thought being called 'Old Ironsides' was a compliment."
Margaret Bonny is a clever, stern, humorless, yet all around sentimental woman who deeply loved her son. Understanding the dangers of her career that will eventually drag him along, she taught him all that she knows in order to give him a better chance of survival. Behind closed doors, Margaret tried to be "motherly" via telling jokes and the occasional childish gift. However, their relationship took an unexpected dive when James claimed he wanted to become Captain. Margaret suddenly withdrew whatever affection her "reputation allowed her", which emotionally crippled James. She also placed a lot of her own narrowminded views into him in regards to Merfolk.
Her decision to shove James to apply into NRC took another hit at James self esteem, as James was offended that his mother believed him too immature to become Captain at his current age. Though he nevertheless heeded her suggestion. Her and her crew's sudden disappearance via messages shattered him completely. Having no choice, James continues his studies while secretly trying to figure out what exactly happened to the Jolly Roger crew.
What James doesn't know however, is that Margaret has some secrets of her own.
Azul Ashengrotto [ Dorm Leader ]
"I'm sorry, Azul-kun, I'm afraid of commitment."
Azul and James constantly compete with eachother in all things intellectual, from exams to board games to debates. As James is Octavinelle's "second" most educated if not intelligent student, Azul can hardly rest in his studies as James is an unstoppable force when it comes to competitions, and will most likely take any oppertunity presented to him to win. Azul hides this insecurity and uneasiness well though. Behind the scenes, Azul tried to figure out how to assert his dominance as Dorm Head over him until an old bat gave him a boon.
Though James will never admit it, he found Azul beautiful, admired his intellect and his hardworking nature. James was also deeply insecure of his own intelligence thanks to Azul, as while James lived in a world of possibilities in regards to ideas, Azul knows how to make these ideas a reality with ease. After chpt 3 James was hit with a large dose of reality that these Dorm Heads were not just leaders, but actual people with flaws and insecurities. James for reasons he doesn't want to admit, finds Azul's insecurities and hidden personality strangely endearing. Did he find a new purpose in life?
Their relationship is complex to say the least, and constantly changing. Read More
Jade Leech [ Dorm Mate ]
"Oh Jade...you choose to be honest at the most funniest times."
This particular relationship was charged from the very beginning. James says he never trusted Jade as theres "awful things hidden beneath that smile" and usually tries to hide his anxiety whenever they interact with eachother. However, Jade is eerily perceptive and has caught onto this act. For this very reason Jade enjoys interacting with James, and even goes out of his way to do so.
Despite James clear discomfort and distrust, they have pleasant conversations consisting of music, poetry, and mushrooms--as James is one of the few unbothered by this strange habit strangely enough. Jade was charmed enough by this general acceptance, and the answer of James saying despite some mushrooms just being plain parasites, they can also be useful as food...or poisons.
Floyd Leech [ Dorm Mate ]
"You want a nickname so bad? Alright, I'll call you Leech. Very original, I know."
James is slightly more relaxed in Floyd's presence, despite Floyd being more unpredictable than Azul or his own brother, Jade. Floyd immediately nicknamed James 'Siren' upon meeting him, which caused James to panic and make a revenge plan of humorously playing an airhorn in Floyd's presence whenever Floyd calls him 'Siren'. In return, Floyd broke the airhorn once put in a foul mood and refused to call him 'Siren'...instead Floyd now calls him Codfish, which isn't any better in James mind but ah, well.
Floyd and James in general have an amusing relationship, with Floyd calling James Codfish to annoy him, and James trying not to rise to the bait. If asked, Floyd claims he likes to play with the Cod. James claims he finds the Leech annoying. James is secretly envious of Floyd's muscles and overall strenght however.
Deuce Spade [ Friend ]
"Deuce-kun, you can't expect everyone to have your best interests at heart. Unlike me, not everyone wants to help you because they like you."
James and Deuce have a 'healthy' sempai-kohai relationship, with James happily 'guiding' Deuce who seems to admire the male for his kind and polite nature as Deuce was forced to work under Azul because of his contract. The two bonded after James learned Deuce was a former delinquent, and that the reason Deuce cleaned up his act was out of love for his mother. However James didnt consider Deuce a true friend until after episode 3, where Deuce not only treated Azul with kindness despite all Azul did to him, but also forgave James for his now apparent manipulative behavior. Hmm...looks like the sempai has a lot to learn from the kohai.
Positively, James projected and empathized with Deuce because of everything and happily helps Deuce via tutoring after Chpt 3. He also keeps a protective wing over Deuce, like a mother with her child, Jade remarks. James denies said remark everytime.
Sebek Zigvolt [ Prey ]
"Do you really exist outside of Malleus-sempai?"
Another instantly charged relationship, James detests Sebek, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Besides being human, Sebek despises James obvious disloyalty to his Dorm Head and is offended by James apparent negative opinion in regards to Malleus. James claims to care little for Sebek's opinion on him, but comments that Sebek needs to stop idol worshipping another human being, or fae: for they are infallable--you'll see.
Upon closer inspection, the two seem to gravitate to eachother, at least James does...and bullies Sebek whenever in contact with him, much to Sebek's annoyance. Sebek wishes to avoid this sempai at all cost.
Lilia Vanrouge [ Predator ]
"I'm not a child! People say I'm very mature for my age!....Wait-"
James creates problematic relationships like rocks create minerals, and in this case its no different. James is polite if not passive-aggressive towards Lilia, and Lillia seems amused by James. After all theres not many people bold enough to attempt a fight with a fae. However, once Lilia found James bad-mouthing Malleus and bullying Sebek, he decided to teach James a lesson by forking over James most closely kept secret to Azul, and thus, sealing his fate for the rest of the game.
Currently, since the mess that was the end of chpt 3, James apologized to Lilia, and the rest of Diasomnia. He longer attempts to antagonize in such a personal way . Though it took a while for things to settle for the rest of Diasomnia, Lilia immediately accepted his apology and began to be a sort of mentor to James, teaching him all about healthy relationships and social interactions. James is unsure how to feel about this.
The MC [ Rivals ]
"I have trained in the art of dagger throwing, swordfighting, and magical attacks...I have a high level of intelligence...yet...this PUPPET of Crowley is the one taming these students?!"
James is envious of the MC, plain and simple. Being the only student to actually seem to give a shit about the overall welfare of the students and performance of the school, but watching a random 'schmoe' do all the 'fixing' you wanted to do with ease will do that to you. Because of this, James is especially passive-aggressive towards the MC, which the MC seems oblivious to, and infuriates him more.
However after chpt 3, the MC and James had a little 'chat' concerning everything, and connected over the fact both are far away from home. Because of this, James becomes the rare sympathetic ear to the MC, to which the MC surprisingly finds themself appreciating. Hardly has anyone actually shown any consideration of the MC's own welfare. They each seem to soothe the other with their own presence. James deeply admires the MC's cool head, quick wit, and kindness, not that he'll say it to their face. As for the MC, they admire James social flexibility, and quick problem solving, but wish the solutions involved less bloodshed, more peace. They have no problem verbalizing that.
All in all, James and the MC have a relationship built on mutual respect, and possible support.
Ruggie Bucchi [ Partner in Crime ]
"Sir, this is my emotional support hyena. Please don't hurt him."
These two adore eachother. Ruggie was James first real friend he made in the school as they bonded over living in poor conditions and James showing sympathy to Ruggie's plight working under the lazy lion prince known as Leona. On occasional James even coughed up money to buy Ruggie some food or share his, much to Ruggie's satisfaction. The two love eachother's company as they can share dumb jokes, experiences, and overall act like dumb kids together.
Even so, Ruggie and James had a distance in their relationship that Ruggie wanted to close, but found it impossible to do so as James kept things vague and superficial. It simply made Ruggie curious, but out of kindness for his friend simply let it be.
Despite the events of Chpt 4, Ruggie still keeps James company, thinking James fear of rejection leading him to such a mess is child's play. James appreciates Ruggie's loyalty and has no fear of saying so in return.
Jamil Viper [ Complicated ]
"You know there was an easier way to gain power, right? Kalim sees you as his best friend, you could have used that, Jamil."
Jamil and James immediately took notice of eachother, as both recognized the other had something to hide (James talent/Jamil's unique magic). However, neither addressed this issue and for the most part stayed out of eachother's way out of respect. When they did speak however, James was charismatically stupid and humorous; Jamil was face-palming because of him, but slightly amused...not that he'll ever admit that.
Their relationship after chpt 4 took a hit however, as like the Octavinelle trio James interfered in Jamil's plan of overthrowing Kalim, but also almost murdered Jamil to "keep the peace" and out of plain ole' jealousy. James had no interest in even letting Jamil have the chance to enter Octavinelle via Azul. Also, James thought Jamil a straight up brat for being uncommunicative despite understanding why Jamil came to this point.
Jamil has no interest in reconnecting with James after chpt 5, but has accepted James apology. James meanwhile accepts that the relationship cannot be saved and simply carries on. He knows he acted way out of line.
They act cordial in public, with James wanting to bolt if together longer than is necessary and Jamil looking uncomfortable. Maybe once they get more mature things can get better between them.
Trivia
- The name "James" means "Supplanter" in Hebrew while "Morgan" roughly translates to "Sea Chief" in Welsh. The first name is Captain Hook's real name, while the last name comes from famous privateer Henry Morgan. Margaret Bonny, the name of James's mother, is also the name of a real pirate.
- James is very good at playing card games like Poker and Board Games like Battleship. He says Card Games taught him how to lie, and board games taught him how to strategize. When asked about darts he says "They taught me how to poke out someone's eye. Look, that rhymed." Well, he can poke people and throw the darts at them.
- James has a habit of breaking whatever's closest to him to a point whenever he feels threatened. If he can't carry a sword he'll improvise.
- Has a deep-rooted hatred against the sea-humanoid creatures as they tend to be nuisances or rival hunters in treasure-hunting. Plus the many stories of these merfolk sinking ships and drowning men at their leisure in the past. Though the reality of James opinion on such prejudice is much more complicated.
- Believes in mythical creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, the Kraken, and will be offended/embarassed if you don't. In his eyes, if Merfolk and animal-people can exist, why not them? Is conflicted on whether to believe Azul and Floyd's confirmation on the latter two's existence as he doesn't trust them.
- James is actually very much bad tempered in the mornings, and only feels better after having a cup of black coffee or freshly squeezed lemon juice. That monster. He's very much into bitter food, with sour and salty food coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively. James loves beef jerky, grapefruit, and soda crackers, and his least favorite foods are sugary foods like creampuffs. The only sweet he's okay with is sea salted dark chocolate, and overtime...Lemon Pie.
- James has an interest in magical cars, and is determined to get his drivers license by the end of his 2nd yr. In his room, you can see a calender with cars. He has a particular interest in Scarabia's Magic Carpet.
- James likes puzzles like Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, and Word searches as they tend to enforce his large vocabulary and are easily accessable stimuli. James buys many books filled with these as he finishes them very quickly. He's been known to even grab those word searches from restaurants and libraries that are meant for kids. James carries them and an ecyclopedia around.
- Has slapped Floyd and Jade using his gloves simultaneously in order to challenge them to a duel like a Gentleman (The element of surprise). "Alright. If you want me to behave like a gentleman....I'm throwing down the Gauntlet, and if you don't know what any of this means.*Leans in.* You're boss and you leeches are no gentlemen, I'm sorry to say that." No one knows exactly when, where, or what happened in regards to the duel--in fact most believe the duel didn't actually happen at all, but whenever James is mentioned that is the moment told in order to define his person. It happened during his 1st yr.
- If James would admit what he fears: it would be the ocean itself, or deep water, getting a chuckle from his peers, especially the Octavinelle Trio as they know he is a Pirate. James states he hates it because he does not know it. This ties in to sailors and pirates in the Golden Age not commonly knowing how to swim. Also how Bobcats do not like deep water or swimming for long periods of time.
