Application for exitvoid

[hiddenagenda]

player.
NAME/HANDLE: Nini
PERSONAL JOURNAL: buccellati
ARE YOU 16 OR OVER?: Yes
CONTACT: AIM: LadyIverin, hotpants
OTHER CHARACTERS: Catherine Halsey coffeebeforescience


character.
CHARACTER NAME: Nikola Tesla
SERIES: Sanctuary Wiki, which is honestly quite awful. Wikipedia gives a better overview of the series as a whole, with a subsection on Nikola himself.
CANON POINT: post-Episode 3x16, "Awakening"; he has been re-vamped but has taken leave of the Sanctuary
AGE: ~155
APPEARANCE: Vampire style; human style 1, 2

PREVIOUS GAME HISTORY: N/A

PERSONALITY:
This was supposed to be MY party. Nobody hijacks Nikola Tesla!

What do you get when you take a super genius and inject him with vampire blood? Well, if you're lucky, you get Nikola Tesla. A scholar, but far from a gentleman, Nikola is the pinnacle of arrogance and confidence. His origins at Oxford, studying something called the Source blood along with James Watson, Helen Magnus, John Druitt, and Nigel Griffin, turned him from a mere mortal to one of the world's most dangerous people. Described by his Oxford peers as an ass, among other things, Nikola has always exhibited a desire to be held above others, confident in his superiority and not afraid of expressing it. He's half human, half vampire thanks to latent genetic tendencies, which makes him the envy of pretty much no one. It gives him a bit of a superiority complex, too, which doesn't actually help his case when dealing with others.

Earlier appearances indicate that Nikola has always been obsessed with his work, something true of the real historical figure as well. Often sequestering himself and disappearing for long periods of time, his inventions and theories fuel him, even those that seem outlandish, such as designing a death ray and disseminating the plans for it. He invents things both useful and completely harebrained, and his work with electricity is perhaps the most well known. Competition with Edison leaves him bitter, a legacy he carries and perpetuates to the end of his public life. Once his death is faked, though, all doors are knocked down before him, and he disappears into obscurity even from his comrades in the Five. All along, he maintains a work ethic that is second only to his ambition to restore his heritage.

Nikola is aggressive, manipulating his way into Helen's confidence when they meet after many years apart. He has no qualms with attacking others to get his way, threatening and cajoling if necessary (to mixed effect). He intimidates some, though not the members of Helen's Sanctuary crew, nor particularly the Five. Though wary of him, he is not generally feared. Instead, they keep a side-eye to him, knowing he always has a hidden agenda, something up his sleeve both unexpected and probably half insane. Remarkably enough, this changes after a while, and Nikola becomes less a threat than an antihero of sorts. He calms down once John Druitt nearly kills him, and slowly accepts that his motives can also be served by taking up a better cause from time to time. After all, who better to help him than the great Helen Magnus? Disappearing seems part of his nature, but every time he reappears to the Sanctuary crew he seems more amicable and willing to ask for help. Though before he wanted to work with the others, he never wants to work for them, something he ends up doing with Helen and the gang.

A calmer, gentler Nikola better serves everyone, or so it seems. His assistance gains ground for the heroes against the dangerous Cabal. His plots and schemes masquerade as innocent and seem less harmful than his initial attack on Helen as time goes by. Not everything is on the surface, though. Manipulative in so many ways, he leads the Sanctuary crew around, soliciting their assistance when he gets into sticky situations, or accidentally running into them on some of his crazier attempts at resurrecting the vampire race. Notably, though, through all of this, he softens up as a person, accepting the others and joining them for the greater good in most cases. No longer is the willful, aggressive Nikola a real threat. It's his schemes that get people into trouble in the end, and not Nikola himself. The fact is that he often thinks up the great plans with no real thought for their consequences, missing obvious flaws or not accounting for all variables. There's little caution in his schemes, eyes on the goal rather than the safe steps to get to it.

It may all seem like a contradiction, but that's because it is. Nikola is a man of contradictions, mercurial at best, erratic at worst. One moment he's your friend, the next he's working on his own agenda. Even the simplest and most helpful of technical tasks, for example, might find him also implanting his own code to later hijack the system. He is prone to moodiness, high and smiling, low and drinking (though he cannot get drunk). He takes this out on others around him from time to time, snarking, quick-witted but sharp of tongue. There are little outbursts of frustration as well, especially when he's up against a problem he cannot solve, or when the flaw in one of his plans is discovered. No stranger is he to bad moods. When a topic is brought up that he has a strong opinion on, that is ultimately expressed in a strong and bold fashion, his mood and actions aligning with each other.



Just leave me here among vampire royalty, my only peers.

Half-vampire and loving it. That's a good way to describe him. Since the Source blood brought out his latent vampire traits, Nikola has been obsessed with his heritage, constantly seeking a way to resurrect vampires and restore them to their glorious ruling days. Ninety percent of what he spends his time doing when he's not assisting the Sanctuary is the search for vampire apocrypha; if there's a way to bring them back, Nikola swears he'll find it. The problem with the whole thing is that he generally either has the worst luck ever or doesn't think things through from start to finish. There's always a catch, something that goes wrong in his plans, and that generally inconveniences or endangers others. Whoops. His heritage is a huge point of pride, though, and he's constantly flaunting it, holding it over the heads of others that they were once the superior race, ruling over all. He especially likes to mention this to Helen and the rest of the Five, almost childishly asserting himself as above them. This obsession leads to him making several attempts at vampirizing people in various ways, with absolutely disastrous results.

It seems he's happiest in the series when he's near death in the crypts of a vampire queen, who later rejects him, calling him a mongrel and tossing him into a deep trap. Generally these plans either fail or turn against him, and that time it was accidental and the most grievous case. In fact, it was sort of not his fault. But he still relishes the idea of being among such a treasure trove of knowledge, and shows unparalleled delight when Helen restores his vampire powers. Truly, it is the pinnacle of his identity. In fact, he's notably depressed when his vampire powers are absent, during the time in which he is relegated to having electromagnetic abilities.

His opinion on humanity is rather low, or at least of regular humans. Of course he has some respect for his peers in the Five, but it still pales in comparison to his joy and admiration with regard to vampires. Humanity is beneath him in so many ways, meant to be reshaped in a sense and partially controlled. As he sees it, vampires brought peace and enlightenment to the world, overruling those who wanted to bicker and fight each other constantly. His disdain shows strongly at all times, but none more than when he accidentally de-vamps himself while trying to do the same to some unruly vampire subjects that he created. (Scheme gone wrong number two.) He toasts with Helen to the vampire race, a farewell of sorts, before finding out that he has electromagnetic abilities. While he seems enchanted by them at first, or at least partially relieved, others later comment on his depression over it, and he adamantly declares that he wants his life back. Being simply human isn't enough; it's degrading and a life not worth much to him at all.



It's been over 60 years, just plant one on me already.

In mannerism, Nikola is intense and somewhat flamboyant, with exaggerated, theatrical movements and a reaction to everything. There's never a dull moment while watching him. Emotions read clearly on his face. His posture is often open, hand on hip and jacket slung aside. He's decent with not having tells, able to lie with a straight face and get away with it. Like the others of the Five, he has a little stiffness about him that relaxes as the years go by, but there's still a stately, large presence about him that hearkens back to his Victorian roots. There's showmanship that he doesn't bother to hide unless the situation absolutely calls for it. His brutal physicality when he's in his vampire form is also notable, if only because it amplifies the intensity of his already strong reactions.

He tends to invade Helen's personal space, or at times to try to get her to invade his. He steals a kiss from her at their first meeting in over 60 years, and another time manages to get her to put her arms around him for safety. Physically forward with her, his expressiveness extends to outright shows of affection. Though forward in a way with everyone, it's only Helen that he gets close to in such a manner. Otherwise, he has little problem invading personal space, but it's rarer and not of the same caliber. It still happens, though. The Five are kinda touchy. Oh, and he will mess with anyone's stuff if he has the inclination, even taking it right out from under their noses. He's also usually playful and prone to teasing others, handing out nicknames and verbally sparring at the drop of a hat.



You all changed whereas I found out who I really am.

Nikola has a special relationship with each of the Five (excluding Nigel, whom he never particularly mentions). In fact, when it comes to other people in general, he seems to treat each person very differently and according to experiences he's had with them, what he's seen them do, and his perception of their intelligence.

Let's start with the big one: Helen Magnus. Being the leader of the Sanctuary network, she's the front line of defense for and against Abnormals. This leads Nikola to her in the beginning, and draws them together over the course of the series. Not only does she constantly save his ass when his schemes go wrong, but she also holds a mild affection for him. This night and day sort of relationship is one of the strongest pieces of analysis we see for Nikola: the man through Helen's eyes. Though he initially seeks her help on reviving the vampire race—even claiming to love her in the process--he also threatens to kill her when she doesn't cooperate. However, when she finds out that he's behind something or in trouble, she comes to his aid without hesitation. He seems to redeem himself in her eyes when he offers to help the Five in the recovery of the last sample of Source blood in existence. Though he is reluctant at first, once the trials laid out by Helen's father are undertaken, Nikola shows the first sincere signs of affection for her, drawing from her strength to complete his trial, and possibly even trying to impress her. With Nikola, it's always hard to tell; but later on, as he assists her in further endeavors, he grows increasingly affectionate, taking any opportunity he can to get into her personal space and to show her that he cares. It's blatant flirtation, usually casually delivered, but always simple and blunt. In fact, Helen calls him transparent about his feelings for her at one point. He doesn't seem to care nor does he ever back down. His respect for her is immense as well, as he once notes that she is the only person he's ever really admired for her intellectual prowess. Helen was the one who helped him fake his death, too, indicating some reciprocation of the feelings he has; this also shows when she helps re-vamp him after he loses his vampiric abilities. He is, in the end, the last of the Five besides herself, and they share an unusual and strong bond if only to stave off the finality of the situation.

Among the Five, the one he respects at the rung just below Helen seems to be James Watson. Though their interactions are few, and he calls him old when they meet up later in his life, they must have had a good rapport at some point. It's possible that Nikola helped engineer the device that kept James alive and youthful for so long, it bearing strongly mechanical components that the others do not seem inclined toward. He's snippy with him, but his respect shows most strongly when he tells James's successor at the London Sanctuary, Declan, that he has big shoes to fill. Nikola can be all bluster and posturing sometimes, and it's undoubtedly part of why his opinions seem to be so contradictory.

Animosity seems to be the truest emotion he shows toward John Druitt. He has no love for the man, who clearly has none to return. When they first interact (off-screen) Tesla tries to get John to submit, to assist him in reviving the vampire race. John declines, and Nikola shocks the everloving hell out of him, unintentionally driving out the demons that had him so violent for so long. But the damage had been done long ago, when John's identity as the Ripper came out. John and Nikola exchange words during the trials arranged by Helen's father, and they are far from kind. Furthermore, Nikola once even states in so many words that John's presence drives him to (albeit pointless) drinking. The only bond they share is a deep care for Helen.

Though almost the villain, the foil to the Sanctuary crew at first, as he begins to work with them, Nikola develops a relationship with them as well. Will is referred to as the protege, and Nikola gives him unsolicited love advice and unwanted assistance in the area of romance. Will is not amused by him ever, and calls him “Professor Hidden Agenda”, a reference to the fact that Nikola is rarely, if ever, transparent about his plans. With regard to Biggie, he tends to refer to him constantly as hirsute, and even shows immense frustration when Biggie won't accept his cure for the Lazarus virus. His low tolerance for people who won't do what he says colors the way he treats Biggie, and their direct interactions are few. On the other hand, Henry seems to be his “favorite”, if there is such a thing. Being the techie, brain, and inventor of the group, Nikola is candid with him on a number of things, including expressing his frustration when he's unable to solve a problem. They work together time after time to defend the Sanctuary, with Henry not forgiving Nikola so easy as Helen does, but still seemingly tolerant and accepting as time goes on. Henry shows a certain respect for Nikola and sometimes buys into his outrageous claims too easily. But they make a good team, and Nikola even seems to constantly call him something other than Henry—usually variations thereof, and usually flattering. They may not ethically see eye to eye, but they are a complementary pair nonetheless.


ABILITIES:
A number of abilities comprise not only what Nikola is able to do, but also things which define him. On the “normal” side of things, he's an absolute genius. Being the historical Nikola Tesla, his work with electricity and other inventions are well known. His mental gifts are rare and treasured. This gift with electricity translates into an unusual portion of his abilities which were granted by the Source blood: he's able to control and channel electricity through his own body. Whether it's turning on a light bulb or electrocuting someone, he can manipulate the current to his needs. Later on, when he loses his vampire abilities, this also manifests in such a way that he becomes the equivalent of an electromagnet.

Standard vampire traits that he shares with others include fangs, clawed nails, crazy black eyes, and the ability to heal incredibly quickly. Immortality comes with that part of the package, and super strength is on the books as well. Unlike most vampires, Nikola has sworn to never drink human blood, using a serum concocted by Helen Magnus to keep himself well-fed and content.

POSSESSIONS:
A lovely tailored suit, vest, and tie combo. The serum he uses in place of drinking blood and a bottle of wine. He always has a freaking bottle of wine.


samples.
INTERACTION SAMPLE:
[A very disgruntled but completely harmless-looking gentleman appears on screen before your eyes. He seems troubled in a way, and that's because he is. Nikola isn't the sort to ask for help unless he absolutely needs it. Sadly, he absolutely needs it.]

As difficult as it is to admit it, I have a problem.

[He looks away, then back at the camera. This is hard. Life's a bitch and then you don't die. He knows that all too well. This is a special problem, though, and one he really doesn't want to talk about unless he can help it. Still, this is the easiest way, right? And it's not like he's ashamed of his heritage: quite the opposite, he's rather obsessed. It's just that he's recently had someone give him a hard time about his preferences, and well, it hurt. Just a little.]

I'm a vampire, and I happen to need to dine rather regularly. Before you all start offering yourselves up as sacrificial lambs, I don't feed on people. I never have. The truth is that where I came from, someone synthesized a mixture for me, and it worked just fine, but it's not here.

I know the formula by heart, that's not the problem. The problem is space, time, and components. So unless you want to let me die and rot here... [ASKING FOR HELP SUCKS.] I'll need some help.

INTROSPECTION SAMPLE:
N/A as I already have a character in game.