I met a seer. He held in his hands The book of wisdom. "Sir," I addressed him, "Let me read." "Child -- " he began. "Sir," I said, "Think not that I am a child, For already I know much Of that which you hold. Aye, much." He smiled. Then he opened the book And held it before me. -- Strange that I should have grown so suddenly blind. -Stephen Crane |
Played by: Azathoth
Themesong: "Exogenesis Symphony" by Muse
Themesong: "Exogenesis Symphony" by Muse
Name: Gabriel Leon Vindlér Nickname/Alias: Leon "Leo" Vindlér Age: 30 Gender: Male Orientation: Asexual [He finds both genders attractive, he just has very limited interest in pursuing a partner.] Race: 1/2 Dutch, 1/4 British, 1/4 Irish Ethnicity: Dutch Spoken languages: English, Dutch Occupation: Journalist Position: Investigative Journalist Dwelling Place: Apartment Living Location: Oso Relationship status: Single. Crush: None. Family: His father, age sixty-three. His mother, age fifty-six. His younger sister Eve, age nineteen. |
Appearance: Tall and lean, with good posture and a lightly toned figure that he keeps developed and maintained with regular exercise, Gabriel is still in his prime. At 180 cm (5'11) he is relatively tall, but not remarkably so, and spreading 74 kg (163 lbs.) across that height makes it hard to see that he does have some muscle. His dark grey eyes were inherited from his father, as was his mildly unkempt dark brown hair. In fact, his mother seems to have contributed very little to his outward appearance besides his fair, unblemished skin. His other facial features are rather gaunt, his narrow nose and thin lips give him an almost feminine appearance when he's clean shaven. When not engaged in conversation or other social activity his expression tends to fade to a blank slate as he becomes absorbed in his own thoughts, which has led some to believe he only feigns interest
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Attire: Gabriel dresses according to his own subdued tastes, regardless of the situation. His preferred style of clothing is dignified and elegant, but simplistic in design and function. For most occasions he prefers a dark colored suit, navy blue or black, with a matching tie and shoes, those who know him rarely see him in anything else. He does, however, have other clothes, typically for when the nature of his profession requires that he blend in or pretend to be anything other than an investigative journalist. During the winter months he has an array of warm coats, a few of them leather, and one beige, hand knitted scarf his mother gave him for his birthday several years ago.
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|| Personality ||
Despite his solitary personal life, Gabriel isn't a 'lone wolf' sort of person. While nobody would consider him a social creature, he gets along well with those he works with and (when it is required) works well as part of a team. He is often silent and pensive, preferring to listen to others than be the center of attention which has led his few closer friends to come to him when seeking advice or a friendly ear to share their problems with. While his close friendships are limited, he has a habit of acquainting himself with people that make his life more convenient; one of several traits that has proved valuable to his career. Those who know him would be surprised to hear that Gabriel has ambitions beyond journalism. He has always been interested in politics and hopes that his career in investigative journalism will one day serve as a segue into Oblak's government, and that his experience in uncovering information will give him a sharp edge over his competition. That is perhaps another reason he is so discreet in his personal life, if there is no information there then there is nothing that can be used against him in the future.
|| History ||
Joseph D. Vindlér graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics in the top ten percent of his class, with an LLM in Corporate Law and degrees in Political and Economic Science. Soon after his graduation, he accepted a lucrative offer as a legal representative for a corporation operating out of the Netherlands. The company even paid all expenses for him to relocate to their headquarters in Rotterdam. During his stay in Rotterdam, Joseph began to become acquainted with Dutch culture and language. It was during a visit to a popular Dutch restaurant that he encountered Lisanne J. Artz, an Officer of the Law whose family was in the restaurant business. Recognizing his genuine interest in her culture, Lisanne immediately took a liking to him. She had always wanted to travel, but had chosen to be practical, working in her homeland for both financial security and familiarity. That was why she admired him for following his passions. After nearly a year of dating, they married. It was not long until they had their first child, Gabriel Leon Vindlér. A bright-eyed and smart young boy, who grew up in the upper class neighborhood that his father's profession afforded them.
By the time Gabriel was eleven years old he had already begun to learn English in school, but his father began teaching him more advanced English. While always eager to learn, Gabriel had an incessant curiosity which could rarely be sated for long. He began to ask his father why he wanted him to learn English now, was he going to need it soon? As it happened, the boy was right. His father had been extended a new and exciting offer, to be one of the first residents in the Miktiopolis Project. He had been offered a new legal position representing British financial interests in Oblak City. They were looking for the brightest minds to participate in the project and, considering his credentials, he was one of them. Gabriel's mother was also offered a position, to make the transition easier, as a member of the Department of Oblak Guardians. When they arrived at the city, most of it was still under construction. They were offered temporary apartments in Cloudsdale, despite the fact that United View was one of the first districts to be developed. Over the next several years Joseph made a lot of money working on the project for the city, establishing commerce and even having a hand in suggesting necessary legislation and regulations. The family also moved around a lot as more districts finished development and communities within the city began to grow, eventually settling down in Norra Eis Track.
The district catered to multiple cultures, though it was mainly populated by English speakers, and it was easy to find a good school for Gabriel. With the development of the city settling down, Joseph even began teaching a class at the University of Law and Business to train the next generation. During this time Gabriel was nearing the end of High School, and his interests were flitting back and forth regularly as he researched all the career paths he could take. With technical careers on the rise, his father continued to suggest he get an Engineering Degree. Saying it would open new doors than he could imagine in the future, especially when living in such an advanced city. Gabriel, however, had little aptitude for machinery and the like. His interest ranged more through the philosophical and intellectual pursuits, but his father had instilled in him some sense of pragmatism which drove him to a compromise. Investigative Journalism allowed him to satisfy his curiosity, and interest in writing, while also being in a growing and necessary profession within the media presence surrounding Oblak City.
His mother loved the idea, his father understood it, and his younger sister Eve just wanted to see him on TV. While studying journalism, he also took courses in law and politics which he thought would help him in observing and understanding Oblak's political spectrum. At the age of twenty-one he was submitting freelance articles to local publications while still studying. They were mostly small, online publications due to the environmentally friendly approach that Oblack was founded on. Only a few of his articles were accepted and he did not make much money from them at the time, but he did feel some pride in knowing that people read and approved of his work and that spurred him forward. He graduated with a four year degree in Investigative Journalism when he was twenty-two, but continued studying other subjects in his free time as topics of interest. Finding a job wasn't too difficult, the controversy surrounding the Miktiopolis project birthed quite a few publications surrounding them, but he still had to do freelance work as well. He began with typical youthful enthusiasm and was always excited about his work, still confident that the right combination of words could change the world.
He shifted between several magazines and journals early on, finding his footing and gaining experience. After a year of bouncing around looking for work, he got his first full time position as an investigative journalist for The NETwork, a local business magazine, and finally began making enough money to move out of his parents’ house. He leased a nearby apartment, far enough to feel independent but close enough to see his family regularly. Several more years in the business tempered his enthusiasm with pragmatism, he realized that just because one person had the right answer it didn't mean others would listen. Gabriel also began to notice he still spent too much time at his parents’ house; his small, cheap apartment looked almost unused. It was nice seeing them several times a week and eating dinner there more often than not, but it didn't really denote the independence and responsibility he had expected so he began searching for a new place.
Eventually, he stumbled across a great apartment in Oso. The location and price were both right, so he made his decision and moved. Sure it wasn't a full house, but he lived alone, what would he have needed all that space for? After moving into the building, he met a much too friendly stray cat he dubbed Myra. At first he ignored her antics as she meowed and rubbed up against him every morning and evening, then he purchased a bag of cat food and began leaving some out for her, but finally her child like optimism won him over and he let her inside. Myra is really the only friend he has made in Oso, he has never been particularly social and doesn't even talk to his neighbors regularly. Most of them consider him a recluse, in the years he has lived among them he has spent most of his time alone in his apartment and they have never known him to bring women, or even friends over.
What Gabriel lacks in his social life he makes up for in his professional life. He left the NETwork shortly after moving to Oso, and now works for a relatively well-known publication, The Oblak Forum, which does the courtesy of translating all of its articles online. He is infamous among journalists for his critical reviews of the political and economic situations and policies in Oblak. Some who knew him earlier in his career say Gabriel has lost his appetite for politics, but he would disagree. The only problem he has with politics are the politicians. In six years there has been little societal change in Oblak City. The social divisions have continued, and squabbling between shareholding nations has splintered the hopes of cooperation that the project was originally founded on. It irks him that in theory peace and cooperation should be easily attained, but it's so much more difficult to make people work together in practice.
A few likes in general:
A few dislikes in general:
Allergies, Phobias and Medical Conditions: None
License: Driver's License;
Despite his solitary personal life, Gabriel isn't a 'lone wolf' sort of person. While nobody would consider him a social creature, he gets along well with those he works with and (when it is required) works well as part of a team. He is often silent and pensive, preferring to listen to others than be the center of attention which has led his few closer friends to come to him when seeking advice or a friendly ear to share their problems with. While his close friendships are limited, he has a habit of acquainting himself with people that make his life more convenient; one of several traits that has proved valuable to his career. Those who know him would be surprised to hear that Gabriel has ambitions beyond journalism. He has always been interested in politics and hopes that his career in investigative journalism will one day serve as a segue into Oblak's government, and that his experience in uncovering information will give him a sharp edge over his competition. That is perhaps another reason he is so discreet in his personal life, if there is no information there then there is nothing that can be used against him in the future.
|| History ||
Joseph D. Vindlér graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics in the top ten percent of his class, with an LLM in Corporate Law and degrees in Political and Economic Science. Soon after his graduation, he accepted a lucrative offer as a legal representative for a corporation operating out of the Netherlands. The company even paid all expenses for him to relocate to their headquarters in Rotterdam. During his stay in Rotterdam, Joseph began to become acquainted with Dutch culture and language. It was during a visit to a popular Dutch restaurant that he encountered Lisanne J. Artz, an Officer of the Law whose family was in the restaurant business. Recognizing his genuine interest in her culture, Lisanne immediately took a liking to him. She had always wanted to travel, but had chosen to be practical, working in her homeland for both financial security and familiarity. That was why she admired him for following his passions. After nearly a year of dating, they married. It was not long until they had their first child, Gabriel Leon Vindlér. A bright-eyed and smart young boy, who grew up in the upper class neighborhood that his father's profession afforded them.
By the time Gabriel was eleven years old he had already begun to learn English in school, but his father began teaching him more advanced English. While always eager to learn, Gabriel had an incessant curiosity which could rarely be sated for long. He began to ask his father why he wanted him to learn English now, was he going to need it soon? As it happened, the boy was right. His father had been extended a new and exciting offer, to be one of the first residents in the Miktiopolis Project. He had been offered a new legal position representing British financial interests in Oblak City. They were looking for the brightest minds to participate in the project and, considering his credentials, he was one of them. Gabriel's mother was also offered a position, to make the transition easier, as a member of the Department of Oblak Guardians. When they arrived at the city, most of it was still under construction. They were offered temporary apartments in Cloudsdale, despite the fact that United View was one of the first districts to be developed. Over the next several years Joseph made a lot of money working on the project for the city, establishing commerce and even having a hand in suggesting necessary legislation and regulations. The family also moved around a lot as more districts finished development and communities within the city began to grow, eventually settling down in Norra Eis Track.
The district catered to multiple cultures, though it was mainly populated by English speakers, and it was easy to find a good school for Gabriel. With the development of the city settling down, Joseph even began teaching a class at the University of Law and Business to train the next generation. During this time Gabriel was nearing the end of High School, and his interests were flitting back and forth regularly as he researched all the career paths he could take. With technical careers on the rise, his father continued to suggest he get an Engineering Degree. Saying it would open new doors than he could imagine in the future, especially when living in such an advanced city. Gabriel, however, had little aptitude for machinery and the like. His interest ranged more through the philosophical and intellectual pursuits, but his father had instilled in him some sense of pragmatism which drove him to a compromise. Investigative Journalism allowed him to satisfy his curiosity, and interest in writing, while also being in a growing and necessary profession within the media presence surrounding Oblak City.
His mother loved the idea, his father understood it, and his younger sister Eve just wanted to see him on TV. While studying journalism, he also took courses in law and politics which he thought would help him in observing and understanding Oblak's political spectrum. At the age of twenty-one he was submitting freelance articles to local publications while still studying. They were mostly small, online publications due to the environmentally friendly approach that Oblack was founded on. Only a few of his articles were accepted and he did not make much money from them at the time, but he did feel some pride in knowing that people read and approved of his work and that spurred him forward. He graduated with a four year degree in Investigative Journalism when he was twenty-two, but continued studying other subjects in his free time as topics of interest. Finding a job wasn't too difficult, the controversy surrounding the Miktiopolis project birthed quite a few publications surrounding them, but he still had to do freelance work as well. He began with typical youthful enthusiasm and was always excited about his work, still confident that the right combination of words could change the world.
He shifted between several magazines and journals early on, finding his footing and gaining experience. After a year of bouncing around looking for work, he got his first full time position as an investigative journalist for The NETwork, a local business magazine, and finally began making enough money to move out of his parents’ house. He leased a nearby apartment, far enough to feel independent but close enough to see his family regularly. Several more years in the business tempered his enthusiasm with pragmatism, he realized that just because one person had the right answer it didn't mean others would listen. Gabriel also began to notice he still spent too much time at his parents’ house; his small, cheap apartment looked almost unused. It was nice seeing them several times a week and eating dinner there more often than not, but it didn't really denote the independence and responsibility he had expected so he began searching for a new place.
Eventually, he stumbled across a great apartment in Oso. The location and price were both right, so he made his decision and moved. Sure it wasn't a full house, but he lived alone, what would he have needed all that space for? After moving into the building, he met a much too friendly stray cat he dubbed Myra. At first he ignored her antics as she meowed and rubbed up against him every morning and evening, then he purchased a bag of cat food and began leaving some out for her, but finally her child like optimism won him over and he let her inside. Myra is really the only friend he has made in Oso, he has never been particularly social and doesn't even talk to his neighbors regularly. Most of them consider him a recluse, in the years he has lived among them he has spent most of his time alone in his apartment and they have never known him to bring women, or even friends over.
What Gabriel lacks in his social life he makes up for in his professional life. He left the NETwork shortly after moving to Oso, and now works for a relatively well-known publication, The Oblak Forum, which does the courtesy of translating all of its articles online. He is infamous among journalists for his critical reviews of the political and economic situations and policies in Oblak. Some who knew him earlier in his career say Gabriel has lost his appetite for politics, but he would disagree. The only problem he has with politics are the politicians. In six years there has been little societal change in Oblak City. The social divisions have continued, and squabbling between shareholding nations has splintered the hopes of cooperation that the project was originally founded on. It irks him that in theory peace and cooperation should be easily attained, but it's so much more difficult to make people work together in practice.
A few likes in general:
- Politics
- Solitude
- Literature & Philosophy
- Evocative, Instrumental Music
- Writing
- Organization (and, by extension, Cleanliness)
- Cooking
- Exercise
- Driving, Anywhere
A few dislikes in general:
- Avarice
- Corruption
- Prejudice & Inequality
- Loud, Obnoxious and/or Tacky People/Things.
- Cigarettes
- Guns
- Birthdays
- Hot Weather
Allergies, Phobias and Medical Conditions: None
License: Driver's License;
Pets: A black female cat named Myra, who was formerly a stray.