#but it’s a compulsive liar and any true things about the future come from basically pulling teeth

[thebestusernamepossible]

Fun thing abt making trans characters is that (usually) they come up with their own names, so it becomes a character building thing. What would this character name THEMSELF? What does that say about them? One of my favourites I’ve done with an OC is a oracle who named itself fucking ‘Cassandra’. Peak character ’show don’t tell’ bc you can extrapolate a lot from what a character is willingly choosing to name themselves! :)

[theclydesdalerussian]

The bae over at @theprixrity​ wanted not one, but ALL the headcanon questions about Russian Mama. So here, I present to you: 

Manya Volkov: in Grave Detail

What does their bedroom look like?

Her room is rather plain. When she was given a home in Alexandria she honestly had no clue what to do with it, all she knew was she hated American Suburbia. So, she made it her own the best she could, the collections of animal skulls and all the windows open for Vladik to poke his head through. As for her bedroom she refuses to wash the bed sheets. More animal skulls and her weapons lying around.

Do they have any daily rituals?

Manya wakes up as soon as the sun does out of habit of being outside. When she was outside she would pack up her things and travel, maybe stop by a pond or stream and get a drink of water or hunt for fish. Travel mostly, till the sun starts to go down to which she settles. Makes a small fire, maybe cooks her fresh kill and rest, roughly 9 at night. Now in Alexandria however it’s slightly different. She still gets up early(unless she has certain company over *cough* then she can sleep a little longer), Brushing her teeth is important...maybe a shower if she can not simply stand herself. Go downstairs, make some coffee, then go outside to spend time with Vladik or go for a run. Then she stays in the home she was provided, read her worn down book after a meal. Then sleeps, again right at 9...again unless she has company that wants to annoy her.

Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

In this New World, limited food and getting away from walkers can be quite the weight loss program. She was never one to gain weight anyhow, but having the hot Southern sun beat on you every day can take it’s toll. 

What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

Rarely a problem, a simple fire outside always did the trick with her. She had to do it in her travels...so going back to her feral roots is a breeze if not preferred.

Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

Despite her rather rough exterior she does keep her rest home rather tidy. A sweep of the floor or a wash of some dishes. No big deal.

Eating habits and sample daily menu

Again, with the New World comes a new eating habit. Survival ran through her veins, so hunting for woodland creatures with some pecans or berries always kept her from starvation. In fact, when she first started traveling she in fact went to some abandoned places and grabbed some canned foods. This is still true for her settlement in the safe zone. Eating normal food is odd for her now, while still enjoyable. Though one could see she lost some table manners as she eats with a animal edge to her.

Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

Manya is not one to waste time, she is either traveling somewhere or hunting something. But, she has learned to take a step back and enjoy some things...only to quickly go back to the task at hand.

Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

Manya never thought it was possible to indulge in things again. However, she does have her book and the Walkman she found to remind her she was still alive and in the present. As more things are presented to her, she took up cross stitching from one of the older women in Alexandria.

Makeup?

None, she never wore make up before the Apocalypse and she sure as shit doesn’t wear it now.

Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

One could argue that Manya suffers from PTSD due to her environment. Having to worry about her and her family’s safety from The Russian Mob where she had to use a gun at a young age. Experiencing the hysteria and panic when Walkers started forming, the feeling of being the only person on earth only to find people that either wanted to take advantage of her or kill her. She however does not think so, she adapts and survives...that’s how it’s always been. Not being able to trust people is their problem.

Intellectual pursuits?

Manya was in college studying law, she was always someone that sought knowledge. A Documentary enthusiast as well as books was a big stimulation for her.

Favorite book genre?

Manya likes all kinds of books, her favorite...and one she carries around is actually a Russian print of Animal Farm. Which, of course would explain her need to nick name people after animals.

Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

Manya is in fact bisexual, while homosexuality is actually frowned upon in her country Manya never felt the need to come out to anyone. She is attracted to both men and women, and love them both equally. She did feel, in the New World and in America in general the feeling she could be much more free to express these feelings if those said feelings did arise.

Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

Manya suffered an injury on her back when she was very young. Long story short she tried to climb under a rusty fence and got severely scratched. She also wears some scaring from her travels but never feels the need to hide them.

Biggest and smallest short term goal?

Biggest short term goal is to find out about her family, the idea of their death is very real to her. But as long as they didn’t suffer then she could live with that. The smallest one, at the time, was to go to New York. Or somewhere out of the South...course that never happened.

Biggest and smallest long term goal?

Now living in Alexandira Manya’s goals have changed. She still wants to know about her family yes, but now keeping the people inside those walls safe became her top goal. She also wants to be able to be normal for once, maybe not the normal she once knew...but normal enough for the new world.

Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

Manya’s style of choice is simple. Boots, jeans, a shirt or tank top, and a flannel shirt. In the winter time she made herself a fur blanket out of deer. Underneath the clothes however she dawns Victoria’s Secret, it was a thing from the American girls she worked with in Sea World and it was all she had. All her clothes were things she found to fit. She’s comfortable in them, and aims to stick to it.

Favorite beverage?

Manya loves her booze, Vodka obviously though she took a love for the American whiskey and beer. But water is universal.

What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

Her family mostly, the goal she sought to know about them. The people of Alexandria and what one or more may have done on that particular day. Is Vladik resting okay? Jesus this big redneck snores like a bear.

Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

The typical chicken pox, she remembered she wanted to scratch so badly. It got so bad her mother had to stuff her underneath her covers to basically sweat it off and not scratch.

Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

Turn Ons: Bravery, No Bullshit, Southern American Culture Turn Offs: Liars, Bullshitters, Loud Mouths

Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

Probably draw some shapes and such. Write some lyrics that she likes.

How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

She likes organization, not in a compulsive way but more along the lines of something appealing to the eye. It has to have a flow in her mind.

Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

She knows some things about justice and law as well as obscure facts no one really cares about. She also picked up some knowledge in being in the woods, the different plants and wildlife.

How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

Still alive? That’s a big deal. That annoying Negan person destroyed for good.

Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

Not really, Manya pretty much lives for today since tomorrow is never promised. She still plans to know what happened with her family, and while settling in some safe zone with a redneck was not in the cards...she seems to be handling it okay.

What is their biggest regret?

Not being able to get home sooner, even though she knew she wouldn’t have stood a chance in getting there. She wished she could hug her family longer, tell them how much she loved them. Especially her father...she misses him the most.

Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

She calls Michonne “Sister”, she also developed a friendship with Jesus. But Vladik has, and will always be her companion. Enemies however...that Foghorn Leghorn, loud mouth Negan is on up there. And that rat looking Dwight...his death would be slow as far as she is concerned.

Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

During the hysteria of Walkers Manya was such in a panic she ran to a hiding place and stayed low until it was dead quiet. Now, if something happens she is right there on the front line. Fighting tooth and nail for the safety of others.

Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

Having someone close to her is dangerous for her well being. For if they died she loses it. For example, when she had to see Daryl be dragged to the van to head to The Sanctuary Manya screamed out, having to have two people hold her back. She was even told her scream was terrifying, she sounded like an dying animal. It happened again, seeing him in that sweater outfit...how she couldn’t talk to him. That she was not able to say goodbye to him, she had to leave. She walked toward the nearest tree and just destroyed it with her machete. All the while screaming to the top of her lungs. Needless to say if anyone killed someone she loved in front of her they will rule the day they ever do.

Most prized possession?

While she considers him more of a companion then a possession, Vladik her horse is something she hold the most dear.

Thoughts on material possessions in general?

If you have it, cherish it. That’s her way of thinking. Don’t flaunt it around, everyone had lost so much so whatever you do have you better enjoy it.

Concept of home and family?

Home and family is important to her. Her father taught her without family you have nothing. At the time her home and family was Vladik and the woods, but after much resistance she calls Alexandria and the people in her new home and family. One she is deeply protective of.

Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

Manya is a deeply private person. Her distrust in people make her a hard shell to crack. But, if she feels she could trust you she slowly opens and confides in you.

What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

She does like shooting Walkers, yes they are dangerous but Manya finds them very dumb.

What makes them feel guilty?

Not being able to save people she swore to protect. If anyone gets hurt or kidnapped under her watch she feels deeply responsible.

Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

She keeps a pretty level head in decision making. She analyzes everything to the very detail.

Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality?

She is a Type A trying to learn to be Type B

What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

Cigarettes, give the girl some cancer sticks!

Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

Neither, she is a happy middle.

How misanthropic are they?

Roughly an 7 or 8. She makes some exceptions.

Hobbies?

Walker killing, hunting, cross stitching, busting a redneck’s balls

How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

She attended Pushkin Leningrad State University and was in her second to third year before she went to America under the J1 Program. She finds education important, but more along the lines of common sense.

Religion?

Manya is deeply atheist. She hated the Church when she was in Russia and she sure as shit does not believe in God more so now. 

Superstitions or views on the occult?

Manya does not believe in such things. However she does appreciate the teachings of the occult when it comes to nature. In fact she collected and wore a deer skull in her travels because she knew how easily freaked out people could be.

Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

More along deeds first and words later.

If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

Manya responds to people who are kind, to have the heart of a lion as they say. Someone who sees her as a equal, not some frigid thing. But apparently she has a thing for rednecks which is actually hilarious considering how low she used to think of them.

How do they express love?

Manya has a hard time expressing feelings. In fact she would deny it, even get very pissed about it. But what she does not realize is she sort of makes it obvious, she may laugh and cover her mouth(a sign of shyness). She may become softer, less of a ice queen. Even if it comes to words she does not say it right away. She may say something like “You’ve gotten under my skin and it’s pissing me off”, which means “I’ve fallen in love with you and I don’t know how to deal with that.”

If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

Being sort of on the short side jumping on someone’s back and putting them in a choke hold seems to be the go to if weapons are off the table. A choke hold and bashing their head in.

Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

No, in fact she would die as long as someone stays alive. Tomorrow is never given, if it’s her time to die it’s her time to die. She accepted it a long time ago.