#htdo oc dev

[artbyeloquent]

🌿 + 🍂 for rimon pls, it will be healing for my soul

I'm glad you all have one (1) character on a pedestal in this wip and you're right and you should say it

🌿 What way does your OC show that they care without using words? What way do others show your OC that they’re cared about without using speech?

As elaborated below, Rimon does this exceptionally well! It's why they work so well with Dev, who would never admit to liking someone, but it shows in the way she acts for someone. Rimon remembers your coffee order, does your dishes, picks you up after a bad day, cooks for you, does an on-the-fly stand-up routine to distract you from your worries and stresses. On the flipside, Dev and the gang will often attempt to anticipate Rimon's needs, as they are absolute shit at expressing they need help or support. Dev does this in the tough love way, "you will take this and you will like it," whereas the others (Yael, Ariel, Zohar) have a gentler approach.

🍂 Does your OC enjoy hugs? What do they do as a show of affection for: their friends, their family, their significant other(s) or for strangers? Over all what are they like with recieving affection from others?

Rimon isn't much of one to seek out hugs, but they do love them! They're a big, bear hug type of person. Their preferred method of expressing love is through acts of service, though, as well as quality time. If they go out of their way to do things for you, or spend time with you, you know they're (platonically) obsessed. They prefer to receive it as acts of service in kind, or directly through direct communication/words of affirmation. I attribute this to their upbringing, where love was often showed in their very old-country, immigrant Jewish household through labors of love, so they internalized this easily, but words weren't exchanged as often.

[artbyeloquent]

🥀& 🌺 for Rimon?

🥀 How would your OC decorate a notebook or journal? What kind of things are written in there? Could you give an example of a nice entry?

Rimon usually defaults to a minimalist, un-decorated style in order to be quick and utilitarian, but if you gave them all the time and art supplies in the world, they'd use a lot of blue and purple tones alongside black and gray, and probably use themes such as space or florals. A nice entry might look like:

Didn't do much of anything today. Well, that's not true. Yael dragged me cat shopping. Xe claimed it was just volunteering at the local shelter, but it was abundantly clear xe thought it was time for me to get a cat. I must admit, I'm tempted, but I keep long hours, and it's just me in that little studio. I'd want the cat to have a friend, at least, and it's been quite a while since I owned one cat, let alone two.

🌺 What does your OC do to calm down when they’re scared or after a nightmare? Do they have any special comfort items or need to be reassured by a specific person? How do they handle this if they’re alone?

Rimon struggled with insomnia and nightmares a lot after gaining their Veilsight. Dev is the best at grounding them because she is brusque and honest, but Simon and Tamara also do well with their sibling. When alone, Rimon will count the things that they can see or feel (the other senses are often inconvenient) or name their favorite foods.

[artbyeloquent]

i have come before you once more to request fun facts about rimon (and any other member of the cast if you feel so inclined). like i wanna know the insignificant to the story, super self-indulgent ones :)

hi hello this is perfect and i love you forever for it :') Rimon has been neglected in terms of their innermost interests and feelings because I've been way too focused on hammering out the plot. The following is half-made-up-on-the-spot and you're ABSOLUTELY allowed to ask follow-ups.

Rimon has a mouth like a sailor, and sometimes if they are often in a situation where they are forced to rein that in, a person may go months before realizing they have a VERY foul mouth. In Dev's words, "They've actually reined it in since they started at Te'ena."

Rimon is extremely suspicious of big talk. They often mercilessly tease people who make big claims or brag even if they like the person and are being "lighthearted," just because they find it incredibly amusing when people oversell themselves.

Rimon likes heavily spiced food. They're Ashkenazi, and so people often perceive them as a WASP when they aren't, meaning they often turn heads in a Mediterranean, Ethiopian, Thai, or Indian place (their four favorite ethnic cuisines just because of the depth of flavors and spice levels) because no one expects them to just sit there and take it.

Rimon is pretty pacifistic and prefers to resolve conflict through communication. Ironically, if any of their friends get hurt the first thing they'd want to do is punch the cause of their pain. Dev on the other hand WOULD blow torch someone if Rimon didn't hold her back.

Rimon has such a memory for Talmud it's often joked they should be a Rabbi.

Rimon is wigged out by horses. They'll still get near one, but unlike their friends, they find the concept of this huge, splinter-legged animal with a huge nose and teeth to be the stuff of nightmares.

They get a discount on their Brookline rent because I hate landlords because they helped the elderly couple who are renting the units to renovate some of them.

They know a lot about plants, but not survival/rural style like I do. They're more like my partner in that they wouldn't know a blackberry from a holly bush, but they can tell the difference between all the types of philodendrons. They chalk it up to reading too many of those big illustrated science encyclopedias their dad kept around.

They have a huge family that they mostly stay away from because they are an introvert and huge Jewish families are fucking insane (affectionate).

They prefer tea to coffee.

They dress pretty goth for a 44 year old but they really like those boho patterns with the pretty florals on them. ("Shut up.")

After an incident in their past left them with the Gift (long story but it's what allows them to interact with ghosts and demons so readily. I really need to rename it. Is Veilsight too edgy?) they keep a Will that they update every 6 months or year.

They're not a gourmet cook by any means but they like making childhood comfort foods and they're good at living alone. They prefer it!

They have a soft spot for cats, especially disabled/senior cats. They've done cat rescue/rehab in the past.

They are extraordinarily awkward with kids and treat them like little adults, which inadvertently works out perfectly in their favor and kids love them. They still don't understand it.

They get really grossed out by dirty bathtubs but would wear clothes for a week straight if needed.

I'm sorry this was so long I love Rimon 😖

Also this reminded me that I have a "mother of all character questionnaires" I keep saved in my drive, and I should really make a copy for Rimon. maybe even count it toward my nano word count.

[artbyeloquent]

For the name OC ask game, can u do #1 for all the main characters 🕺

i need you to know i would die for you (half-serious, affectionate)

how did you come up with their name?

RIMON : It means "pomegranate" in Hebrew (it's Rimaan in Arabic, too).

“Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom because it is said to have 613 seeds, each representing one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah,” Damien Stone writes in Pomegranate: A Global History

Huge symbolism in Judaism, with some even saying that it's the real forbidden fruit instead of an apple. For me personally, it's all over my first tallis, and it's a symbol I hold close to my heart when I think about my faith. I thought it was perfect for a nonbinary protagonist.

Rimon still doesn't have a surname because Jewish surnames are incredibly indicative of their origin, ESPECIALLY Russian ones because of Russian border changes over time, so I keep procrastinating because I can't decide what exact region their family emigrated from.

DEVORAH "DEV" HADDAD : I just hate the fact that Devorah is anglicized to Deborah/Debbie. I'm sorry if you're reading this and like the name. I immediately wanted to rep the original. Dev's Mizrahi, and I really liked "blacksmith" since she's such an iron-fisted character.

FAIZA ABDELRAHMAN : "Faiza" means successful, and Faiza has her shit together the most of any of the characters, so I couldn't help it. Abdelrahman means "servant of the Merciful," and constitutes one of my favorite Muslim surnames. Faiza is a love letter to the amazing Muslim women that have graced my life in past and present.

YAEL : Yael means "Nubian ibex" in Hebrew and has been disputably been used in a unisex fashion. I thought it was a fitting mental image for a jittery, type A second-in-command who has a lot of potential but is also rather flighty. I also use it as a psuedonym sometimes so I'm partial to its sound.

ARIEL : I have met a lovely number of Ariels of all genders, and I love that it means "lion of G-d." I thought it was a really good image for a lazy, jovial trans man who doesn't do much of the work at his job but is still a ferocious enemy if you challenge his "pride."

ZOHAR : Suggested by @v-ahavta. T'wasn't until I told my partner that I was reminded the Zohar is also a very important (arguable one of the most famous) piece of Kabbalah literature in Judaism. What a coinkidink.

[artbyeloquent]

hewwo! 👊 & 🙊 for rimon & ⚾ & 🔫 for dev 🥰

👊 PUNCH - are they quick to violence?

Not as much as Dev! They don't shy away from it but it's not normally their first option.

🙊 SPEAK-NO-EVIL - what is something your oc will refuse to stay quiet about?

Rimon is typically very laid back, but they do tend to have strong opinions, and they're quick to run their mouth if they don't like someone (a rival, a new coworker, someone else's partner), ESPECIALLY if that person acts badly toward someone they care about. They put up with a lot of bullshit directed toward them, but turn it toward someone else and they've got a huge problem. Also, they think the sandwich debate is a horrific waste of braincells and won't shy away from saying so.

⚾ BASEBALL - can they play sports? what is their best position if they play a team sport? what's their strong suit (speed, power etc.)?

Dev is bullshit in team sports since she's not much of a team player (more of a leader if forced), but my gay little heart would love to see her in baseball or lacrosse. Truthfully, though, she's MADE for roller derby. I don't know if that's a thing in other countries? But it's brutal and full-contact and very much her sport. I think she'd be best in a speed over power position, but she can do some damage if needed.

🔫 PISTOL - do they trust people easily? how easily will they turn their back to someone? have they been backstabbed before? will they betray someone if given an ultimatum?

It's funny that you ask that as I finish solidifying Dev's backstory, hehehehe. Dev absolutely will backstab, and in her opinion, she has been backstabbed before. She's never been quick to trust, and she has been working hard to stave off paranoia and communicate better, so it's been difficult to make friends.

[artbyeloquent]

Hello Rimon, I'm afraid I'm not too familiar with your job. Would you mind explaining what it is that you do?

Rimon: Yeah, no problem. I'm an Intermediary--an umbrella term for different types of spirit mediums, hunters, and exorcists who possess Veilsight, or a heightened awareness of spiritual activity and a predisposition for contra-spiritual magic/rituals. I'm in Inter-Planar Relationships, which means I work with majority non-violent haunts who have unfinished business or are possessing loved ones. It's the least intense of the positions at my company and I like it that way.

[artbyeloquent]

I've just mixed-n-matched from all the OC games you rbed, and also from some others I have hanging around

For Yael and Jake:

a song lyric to describe their personal style

do they snore?

what titles accompany their name? official or otherwise?

a song lyric that would comfort them when they’re sad

which parent (if either) chose their name and why?

do they have a sweet tooth?

a food they could eat for the rest of their lives

their favorite alcoholic drink or mocktail, if any

Your OC is surrounded by puppies/kittens/ducklings. What do they do?

Who knows how they like their tea/coffee/(insert drink) best?

What color do they look strikingly good in?

What do strangers notice about them first?

(sorry if that's too many)

Dru I need you to know you literally dominate my inbox with good vibes so don't you ever apologize <3

a song lyric to describe their personal style

YAEL : I've had enough, this is my prayer // That I'll die living just as free as my hair (Hair, Lady Gaga)

JAKE : So what I've got a short attention span // A coke in my hand // Because I'd rather have the afternoon, relax and understand // Mm hip hop and flip flops it don't stop with the light rock (Geek in the Pink, Jason Mraz)

do they snore?

YAEL : Xe's so terrified of the long term health detriments xe has one of those smartwear that tracks it.

JAKE : Oh hell yeah.

what titles accompany their name? official or otherwise?

YAEL : Second in command to Rimon on their team in the Department of Inter-Planar Relationships.

JAKE : Team lead on one of the biggest teams in Department of Emergency Management and Control. Or was.

a song lyric that would comfort them when they’re sad

YAEL : When all hope is gone, sad songs say so much (Sad Songs, Elton John)

JAKE : Give me a long kiss goodnight // And everything'll be alright (Give Me Novacaine, Green Day)

which parent (if either) chose their name and why?

YAEL : Parents procrastinated too long, so Mom 1 decided while a bit distracted by the epidural and Mom 2 just consented.

JAKE : Mother and father did it unanimously.

do they have a sweet tooth?

YAEL : Xe prefer spicy/salty food.

JAKE : Yes.

a food they could eat for the rest of their lives

YAEL : falafel.

JAKE : those chocolate lava cakes. yes, he is absolutely unhinged.

their favorite alcoholic drink or mocktail, if any

YAEL : lychee shirley temple

JAKE : sangria

Your OC is surrounded by puppies/kittens/ducklings. What do they do?

YAEL : freeze up as they crawl all over xir.

JAKE : squeeing. just a full 45 minutes of rolling around with them and squeeing.

Who knows how they like their tea/coffee/(insert drink) best?

YAEL : "Pretty much only Rimon, because it's a lot to remember. Rooibos chai with three sugars, a drizzle of honey, and a cinnamon stick."

JAKE : "The whole team, because I'm obnoxious. Passionfruit green tea with mango popping bubbles."

What color do they look strikingly good in?

YAEL : gold, and bright jewel tones.

JAKE : blue, especially a monochrome assortment.

What do strangers notice about them first?

YAEL : xir erratic and fidgety way of moving.

JAKE : He says it's his striking blue eyes (if you're tired of this trope, dw, so am I. he's dead and it's never mentioned in the novel) but it's actually his raucously curly hair.

[artbyeloquent]

Hi Yeal,

Oh, I just love your hair! It's so cute. Was it hard to get that shade? I'm sorry to hear about Jake. Were you two close? If it's too soon... *awkward shuffling*

Yael smiles brightly at the compliment. "I'm a bit particular about it, so I actually mix two different dyes together to it just how I like it." Their expression immediately falters and the next questions. They say with some mixture are fondness and discomfort, "No. Not really. He was annoying as hell. I do miss him, though. He'd be so smug if he knew that."

[artbyeloquent]

Good morning and a quick reminder if you do not want to learn more about Rimon's friends and family than you ever needed or wanted to know, blacklist #htdo oc dev for a while.

[artbyeloquent]

84, 86, and 93 for the random asks and yael??

(also the ones for Ariel were for the uncommon OC asks!!)

- @magic-is-something-we-create

084. Describe your character in one word.

I would say that, for better or for worse, Yael’s word is ‘tenacity.’ Xe can’t let something go once xe’s got it in xyr grip.

086. How would your character describe themself in one word?

By contrast, I think Yael's word would be "meticulous." It's in the same vein, but xe means it in a positive, commendable way and I mean tenacity in a slightly negative way. Xe needs to learn how to let go of things in life and let them just be.

093. What is your character’s goal in life?

This was a really hard one to ponder, because of my four main characters I know the least of Yael's background and family life. Those things really inform a character's goals. For instance, I didn't have a lot of stability in my young life, and so control and stability are what I sought for a long time. I think Yael would be similar to me in that regard, but not the same. I think xyr issues with control come from something a bit more twisted and nuance. Not to say mine aren't complicated, but Yael isn't me.

I guess this is to say, I'll get back to you on this? I want to do a deep dive into Yael today and really think about the answer to this question.

[artbyeloquent]

17, 34, and 40 for Ariel?? - @magic-is-something-we-create

Thanks so much for the asks Pax!!

17. Are they easily embarrassed?

I love that I just answered one like this! Yesss, terrorize Ariel! The short answer is, yes. The long answer is that it varies depending on the thing, but Ariel does a very good job at covering up his discomfort with embarrassing situations, because it’s a coping mechanism so not to be harassed about it.

34. How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt?

I think he has a tendency to fixate, even if he represses outward signs of it. Things tend to gnaw at him, especially if he’s in a particularly sensitive mood. He’s not at all like Yael, who can justify to xemself why xe did something, or Rimon, who represses it so hard they just don’t feel it anymore. He may be fine on the surface, but he’s definitely not underneath.

40. How sensitive are they to their own flaws?

Ohohohohoho, very. Ariel grew up constantly being compared to a standard he couldn’t reach, namely, his mother. And his mother was always very quick to remind him when he wasn’t acting in alignment with those standards. The interesting thing that I didn’t really think about until just now is that Ariel isn’t actually the first child; he has an older sister who was fundamental in his transitioning into an identity that fit him better. It’s interesting how when his older sister was seen as a ‘lost cause’ and a ‘disappointment’ and past the point of no return when it came to his mother, the attention and pressure shifted to him. That was very difficult for him to stomach throughout his life, and it further exacerbated his focus on his own flaws.

[artbyeloquent]

48, 61 & 82 for Yael and 12, 31 and 97 for Ariel <3

048. Do they have any allergies?

Yael discovered late in life that xe has a mild shellfish allergy, after having an allergy panel done. This doesn't really affect xyr life since Kosher forbids shellfish, but it does mean xe has to be more careful about possible cross-contamination and sticking to Kosher-certified products.

061. Does your character prefer adventure or safety and security?

Yael is a certified control freak. It's very hard to get xem into new experiences unless xe is 100% sure at all times how it's going to go. Which, sorry Yael, that kind of defeats the point of the experience being new.

082. What are your character’s sleeping preferences?

Xe is definitely the type to have researched the Optimal Environment in which to sleep. Xe keeps xyr thermostat at exactly 68, has a weighted blanket, and sleeps on xyr back in order to prevent facial or skin-related issues as a result of sleeping on parts of xyr face. Xe also uses an app I'm fond of called 'Sleep Calculator' which helps you follow 90 minute sleep cycles in order to wake up naturally after 7.5 or 9 hours of sleep.

_____________________

012. What makes your character embarrassed?

Everything. Ariel is a very rejection-sensitive person, even if he doesn't betray it on his face. He hates watching second-hand embarrassment comedy in movies or shows. He hates when he's Perceived a little too hard in public. He hates when he stutters or talks too fast and makes slips of the tongue. He despises when he's called out in front of authority. He's just gotten good at brushing it off with apathy or jokes outwardly rather than showing his embarrassment.

031. Are they superstitious about anything?

Ariel's probably the least religious one in the office besides Dev. Still, it's hard not to be 'superstitious' when you literally work with ghosts for a living. He always side-eyes things or situations where it gives him Bad Vibes, even if he can't describe what those vibes are beyond a gut feeling. He also tends to get creeped out by patterns that carry on a bit too long, like seeing a certain item or sequence of numbers.

097. How well do they adapt to change?

I would say it's a toss-up. Ariel often has difficulty transitioning from one task to another, or one frame of mind to another. If there's a logical set of jumps, maybe, but if there's a sudden shift, he may struggle with it. This counts even if the change is positive, like going to bed earlier or getting a clearer set of expectations at work.

Thank you for asking!!

[artbyeloquent]

for the oc name ask game: 1 for Faiza and Ariel? :)

thank you kindly for sending this in, sorry i already answered it!

[artbyeloquent]

🌙

moon: do any of your OCs have dark backstories or secrets they're trying to keep?

hahahahha yeah! technically all of my MCs in HtDO do, because it's a dark/horror, but I would say Dev's is worst and Rimon and Yael are fighting for second. Dev is the one with the dirty, dirty secrets.