Post by Danno on Sept 3, 2012 23:02:54 GMT -5
Name: Danno Bukim
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Nation of Origin: Earth Kingdom, identifies as United Republic of Nations
Bender: Earthbender. Danno does not rely on his bending except in times of need. He may use slight earthbending to help excavate a find but rarely in combat. He learned to use his grandfather's tonfas, adept in self defense taught from his grandfather.
Physical Appearance:
Danno would not be mistaken for small. He is well built and muscular, the product of years of hard work on a farm. Large, callous hands fidget idly with a small twig, twirling it over and over. His skin is rough, a light tan from the many hours in the sun. A long scar trails from the crook of his right elbow to the joint of his thumb, though only a few inches are exposed from his sleeve. A typical everyman. You wouldn’t be able to pick him out of a crowd. His face has an ordinary and trusting look. The kind of man you could tell your story to. A clean shaven, square jaw on a slightly large head. His lips are small on his large face, especially when pressed. The nose small and slightly upturned. There is a slight smile on his lips, as though he were remembering a joke. His wide set eyes, green as the deepest jade, dance around, the light’s reflection bouncing like a candle’s flame. The flecked iris’ seem to swirl with his laughter. A dimple under the left eye forms when he grins, the eyes squinting into slits. Underneath his large hat, a mess of dark brown hair that just touches the tips of his ears. He does not style his hair, leaving it windswept and messed. His voice can be deep and powerful, able to quiet a crowd, and also, to his friends and those who know him best, soft and intimate. His gait is long and powerful, though he keeps his head slightly tilted down, concealing his eyes. Though he is large, his movements are purposeful. He weaves through a crowd unnoticed, a skill acquired from running errands through busy markets as a child.
Clothing:
A loose, dark jungle green tunic drapes broad shoulders. The sleeves ending at the midpoint of his bicep. The hem several inches above his knees. Rough cotton protects against the elements. The corners, lined with a golden stripe, are frayed and dirty, with no amount of cleaning able to remove the well ingrained dirt from numerous adventures. The shoulders are slightly faded from sun exposure, given the long days Danno has put into his job as an artifact recoverer. Sweat drips from his brow and causes his clothing to darken. The splotches leave a camouflage pattern across his back. Underneath he wears a charcoal grey fitted undershirt with batwing sleeves, the cuffs wrapping around his wrist with a small extension over his index finger. A dark sienna brown sash adorns his waist, the insides of the sash are lined with three small pockets, perfect for hiding small items and coins. Two Tonfa rings are clipped to each side of his waist along the sash. The pants, matching the tunic, are flexible and strong. The knees have been patched several times and there is a small hole half way up the shin on the left leg from a misunderstanding with a tribe of archers over the ownership of a particular artifact. A large bamboo hat rests atop his head, pulled low over his brow. It's conical point rising like a small volcano. Measuring at 18" in diameter, hat is wide enough to provide protection from the sun and rain. The lid holds a small symbol of the Earth Kingdom, a testament to the craftsman's nation. It protects not only his eyes from the intense sun but also lets him survey his surroundings without raising suspicion. A scarf the color of fresh tilled soil is wrapped around his neck. There always seems to be a film of dust on his arms, probably from some exotic location. His large, Earth Kingdom military surplus boots, a gift from his grandfather, are old and worn and have seen a cobblers hammer many times. The boots are closed, due in fact that his grandfather was not an earthbender. The strong darkened leather is faded on the toe and heel. Small creases appear across the top of the foot. A green trim circles the ankle, a comfort added by Danno's grandfather for the long days in an Earth Kingdom fortress.
Equipment:
A small satchel bag. A leather strap crosses the chest. A muddy green, the tough canvas bag holds Danno's gear. A flint and tinderbox, some twine and hooks, a hunting knife, and a canteen. On his sash he carries two tonfas, his weapon of choice. The tonfas are old, a relic of the war, passed on by Danno’s grandfather. They are old but in decent shape. The long, cylindrical shape of the wood has dents and nicks from where it has struck Fire Nation armor, the small handle that protrudes from the side is wrapped in sharkskin, a defining characteristic that was the pride of Danno’s grandfather.
Personality:
Distant and humble, he is not known to pick a fight rather relying on words and diplomacy to settle disputes. Uncompromising, he is always ready to help those in need. He cannot abide those preying on the weak. A smaller annoyance is use of hypothetical situations in rhetoric. Danno focuses more on what he can see. His father forbade violence in his family, teaching that revenge helps no one. He has a quick laugh and a slow temper, often letting personal transgressions slide to avoid confrontation. Honesty is a priority for him. He is very protective of those he sees as being wronged. His mother would often teach of virtues, instilling a strong sense of right and wrong. He loves to argue with others, seeing it as a chance to learn and grow.
Danno grew up with stories of the war from his grandfather. He would always warn about the evil Fire Nation and the imminent retaliation to the death of Phoenix King Ozai. Danno’s father, a pacifist, would always shush his father when he started his wild stories, but as soon as he left the room, Danno was regaled with more war stories. Danno was never one to hate another based on nationality though. Looking at their actions and attitude. A natural hard worker, Danno had a stubborn steak in him. He found a hobby in carving, using a hunting knife his father gave him to craft small figurines. Becoming a pastime, Danno spent many nights carving spirits and symbols. For his 14th birthday, his parents gave him a small work table and tools. He always finished what he started, whether it was his chores or any of the several small carvings he made. Danno is motivated by hard work. He sets goals for himself, sometimes goals that others would scoff at as being too lofty. Danno's biggest fear is the Spider-snake, after seeing his neighbor bitten by one as a child. He does not care for politics, leaving the two-facedness of bureaucracy to those more in tune with political correctness. However, Danno is one for a show. He loves telling stories of history, with a flair for the dramatic. A trait he picked up from his mentor Kushi and a necessity to find investors for his exploits. Danno sees himself as a man looking for truth. He loves to find the facts in a legend, a great place to begin an adventure. He is not a lover of many women, having only seriously courted one woman in his life, before embarking on the adventure that changed his young life. He has not seen her since.
Background:
Danno Bukim is the son of father Lao Bukim and mother Ximena “Xi” Kono. Lao was a farmer and huntsman in the town of Shenlan for many years occasionally trading in nearby Senlin Village which is where he met Ximena, a local earthbender. They were married shortly after. At this time Ximena’s father Cho, a retired Earth Kingdom officer, came to live with the newlyweds in Shenlan. A year later Danno was born. The only son, he grew up working the fields with his father. When his earthbending manifested at the age of eight, his mother took to teaching him. He struggled for a long time with the idea of using earthbending for non confrontational methods. Such as moving earth to plant the crops. His friends often teased him about this, trying to goad him into a fight. Both of his parents were pacifists, living with the horrors and reconstruction of the aftermath of the Hundred Year War. When Danno was old enough, Lao brought him on the trip to Senlin to trade in the market. Every month they left, selling animal hides, candles, and other items that they had either caught or made. At the age of ten, Danno, on one of his trips into the village, ran into a small gang of local boys who were terrorizing a young dog. Defending the poor animal, Danno was beaten senseless. After that, his grandfather taught him to fight, much to the disproval of Lao and Ximena. This opened a new world to him. Danno loved his lessons with his grandfather, though he understood the necessity of being able to control the violence. Danno was trained to use Tonfas, the weapon of choice for Cho. To appease Ximena, Cho also taught Danno a style of earthbending using Neutral Jing only. This strategy uses the movements of the opponent to form the attack. Rather than attacking an opponent directly, the earthbender waits and watches for the perfect moment to strike. This is usually when the attacker missteps or pauses between attacks. Although Cho was not an earthbender, he had grown up with other earthbenders, learning many of the techniques of war. Lao was unhappy with his son learning to fight and increased his chores. This only served to increase Danno’s strength. Shortly before his fifteenth birthday, Cho passed away of natural causes. With the death of his father-in-law, Lao moved the family to Republic City, setting up a small produce shop in the Dragon Flats District. Danno was extremely agitated and upset. He would get into fights, lying and yelling at his parents. He was at the point where he wanted to run away when he met Kushi, a wise old firebender. Kushi owned the small shop next door, a local pawn shop of mystery items and folklore. There Danno found his love of antiquities.
Danno left the house one night in a rage, angry at his parents, his new surroundings, and the world in general. He ran out looking for a fight, finally finding one behind a small noodle shop. Four men were crowded around the back stoop, throwing dice and money around. Danno saw the tattoos that marked them as part of the triads, but he didn't care. He ran up to the biggest one jamming the blunt end of the tonfa into the point where his neck and shoulder met. He collapsed, grabbing his shoulder in pain. The rest turned, their crooked smiles fading as they faced the mysterious attacker. The second man hit the ground before he registered the long black handle flying towards his face. The other two had regained their wits by then, diving to the either side of Danno. Danno turned and suddenly there was a dagger flying at his face. The one on the right, missing a few teeth with a large dragon tattoo circling his ear, plunged the sharp blade at Danno's face. Danno turned, the blade missing his right cheek by millimeters. The second man rolled from his dive, sending a large rock flying in Danno's direction. Using the energy of his turn, Danno grabbed the rock, hurling it into the face of the man with the dagger. A loud whistle pierced his ears, looking over his shoulder he saw the last man standing take his fingers from his pursed lips.
"You better run now," he grinned with malice.
Without another glance, Danno took off running through the streets. The angry shouts of the other gang members echoed behind him. A glass bottle arced through the air, landing on the crown of Danno's head. He crashed to the ground, blood oozing from a slice on his head. Dazed and confused, he stumbled to the closest refuge he could find. A cabbage stand stood empty along the street, providing just enough cover to hide behind. The sound of footsteps made his blood turn to ice in his veins. He readied his tonfas. A shout rang out, Danno recognized it as the earthbender he had left in the alley. The shout was followed by several others, most of them angry. What happened next still remains a mystery to Danno. A cacophony of yells, screams, rushing water, fire, and earth made Danno cover his ears, blood dripping between his fingers. Finally the noise stopped and the night was as peaceful as it had been twenty minutes ago, a lifetime. Danno stood up abruptly, only to see Kushi before him. The street was clear of the men who had chased him. Taking a step, Danno's world faded to black as he fell to the ground. A voice whispered to him, indiscernible but comforting.
He woke up, at home. Kushi had bandaged his wound and brought him back. This marked a turning point in Danno's life. Everyday afterwards, when he had finished work, Danno would visit Kushi's shop. Kushi would tell all the tales of travelers and their items, of riches in far off lands, and of pirates and thieves hiding their treasures in caves and hidden islands. Danno learned the history of each item in Kushi's shop, becoming almost obsessed in this new channel for his attention. Danno's parents, happy that their son was no longer coming home bruised and bloodied, supported his interests. Danno soon began to bring small antiquities he would trade for on his trips around town to Kushi's shop. As Danno grew older, he dreamed of traveling the world, collecting artifacts and treasures that told such fascinating stories. He met a girl by the name of Mariko, the daughter of a local restaurant owner. Over time, they fell in love. Danno's parents were very proud that their son was settling into life in Republic City. They got along well with Mariko. However, Mariko always felt she was second in Danno's love for relics. To solidify their relationship, Danno began making plans to marry her.
While running an errand for his father, Danno, now eighteen, came across a peddler hawking "gems and treasures from around the world!" This had become a standard stopping point for Danno, though most of what he found was indeed junk, there was the occasional vase or portrait of some family from the war. Looking through the wares, Danno's eye caught on an old wooden necklace. Looking it over he found a small hinge that opened the block of wood, which was actually a locket. Inside was a small picture of a Fire Nation girl. Intrigued, Danno purchased the necklace and brought it to his home. His own skills as a historian were growing but he was unable to identify the girl in the picture. Upon closer inspection, a small slot opened from inside the face of the locket. Inside was a name of a town in the Earth Kingdom. Out of his league, Danno enlisted the help of Kushi. Together they discovered the picture belonged to an Earth Kingdom nobleman, whose vast wealth was lost shortly after the war started. Kushi eagerly looked forward to the chance to travel before he passed on. His business saw little except what Danno had brought in and he had little reservation of closing shop for an extended time. Danno had a choice, he could leave behind all that he knew and loved or leave to follow adventure. Mariko was unhappy that Danno was willing to leave all they had planned. Given an ultimatum, she vowed that she would not speak to him if he left. Danno's yearn for adventure rivaled his love for Mariko but he felt drawn to this hunt. With many tearful goodbyes, Danno and Kushi left Republic City.
Brokenhearted, Danno put all his energy and focus into the challenge before him. Drowning his sorry in riddles and clues. Though he still dreamed of her occasionally, Danno thought less and less of Mariko as his mind and body were tested in his search. Together they tracked down clues all over the Earth Kingdom. Eventually finding the treasure in the arctic tundra of the Northern Water Tribe ice mountains. Kushi and Danno donated a large portion of the find to the Ba Sing Se University for processing and cultural viewing. Word of their success spread throughout Republic City, though Danno did not return. Instead he used his newfound wealth to finance the next hunt.
For the next two years, Danno has been on the hunt looking for rare and unusual items throughout the world.
Sample RP:
Danno Bukim’s Hunt for the Forgotten Treasure
Danno Bukim pulled his fur coat, bought at the local Southern Water Tribe market, closer around his head. The biting wind caused snow drifts to roll across the frozen tundra, giving the appearance of waves. It was midday and already the temperature was below zero.
“Hey Danno, get in here before we have to thaw you out again!” a voice called from the tent behind him. Turning from the vast expanse before him, Danno ducked below the tent flap, stomping his boots to shake the snow that had accumulated in the short time he had been out.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Malu. There are plenty of riches for everyone.” Danno exclaimed, clapping the short waterbender on the back.
“You must find it first, before you lay any claims to glory” an old, soft spoken voice said from the nearby table. Danno walked over and joined his mentor, Kushi, an ancient firebender who had helped him begin his journey. Taking a seat, Danno pulled the large gloves from his hands.
“Ah, but we are so close I can feel it!” Danno said as he threw his gloves on the table.
“I would rather be able to feel my toes” murmured Malu. “Is the tea about ready, old man?”
“Hmph, old man. I’m not old.” Kushi caught a look from Danno, “All right, I’m old.”
Danno burst out in laughter, his green eyes reflecting the candlelight. Kushi poured three cups of tea as the men settled themselves around the small table.
Malu sipped his tea gingerly before speaking, “How much farther?”
Danno pulled a worn leather map from his deep pocket. “According to the legend, Earth Kingdom Nobleman Kenta brought his vast fortune to the mountains of Kolau. Which is where many an adventurer begins.”
“But not you,” Malu interrupted. “You have us freezing with the penguins!”
Danno smiled, “Because, what no other treasure hunter has, is this!” With a grand gesture, he pulls out an old wooden locket. “This locket holds the key to Kenta’s lost treasure, and it has led us to this exact point.” He indicates the map before him. On it is a detailed map of the Southern Water Tribe City and the surrounding area. To the far east of the map is a white field with large mountain formations.
“The middle of nowhere?” Malu said in a whiny voice.
It was now Kushi’s turn to smile. He spoke evenly. “There is no such thing as nowhere, we are always somewhere.”
Danno nodded his head enthusiastically, “Exactly, just to the north of us is a small mountain range long since forgotten. And that is where we will find Kenta’s treasure.”
The following day, the storm had passed, and the small group, led by Danno, made their way up a steep mountain pass. They struggle over several large ice formations, finally finding a small path.
Malu runs ahead, stops, and picks up a small metallic object. Danno and Kushi joined him as they all crowded around Malu’s open hand.
Malu was the first to speak, “What is it?”
“That is the seal of Kenta.” Kushi replies. The small metal button is engraved with a badgermole, barely visible under the rough and worn exterior. The three men continue on, the energy is high among all three. Eventually they arrive at a small outcropping of rocks next to a small cave.
“This has to be it!” Danno yelled as he rushed forward, examining the mouth of the cave. Snow drifts had formed on either side and the faint sound of rushing water echoed from deep within.
“What are waiting for? Let’s go get rich!” Malu cheered as he ran forward.
Danno stopped, noticing that Kushi was unpacking his bag.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“I am too old, as I have been recently reminded. Go, find your treasure. I will have something warm for you two to drink when you get back.” He pulled out a tin pot and three cups.
“Come on!” Malu’s voice echoed from inside the cave.
“Remember, it’s our treasure.” Danno said to Kushi. He stepped into the mouth of the cave, looking back to see Kushi ignite a small stack of kindling. Turning toward the darkness, he lit a torch from his pack and stepped into the encompassing darkness.
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Nation of Origin: Earth Kingdom, identifies as United Republic of Nations
Bender: Earthbender. Danno does not rely on his bending except in times of need. He may use slight earthbending to help excavate a find but rarely in combat. He learned to use his grandfather's tonfas, adept in self defense taught from his grandfather.
Physical Appearance:
Danno would not be mistaken for small. He is well built and muscular, the product of years of hard work on a farm. Large, callous hands fidget idly with a small twig, twirling it over and over. His skin is rough, a light tan from the many hours in the sun. A long scar trails from the crook of his right elbow to the joint of his thumb, though only a few inches are exposed from his sleeve. A typical everyman. You wouldn’t be able to pick him out of a crowd. His face has an ordinary and trusting look. The kind of man you could tell your story to. A clean shaven, square jaw on a slightly large head. His lips are small on his large face, especially when pressed. The nose small and slightly upturned. There is a slight smile on his lips, as though he were remembering a joke. His wide set eyes, green as the deepest jade, dance around, the light’s reflection bouncing like a candle’s flame. The flecked iris’ seem to swirl with his laughter. A dimple under the left eye forms when he grins, the eyes squinting into slits. Underneath his large hat, a mess of dark brown hair that just touches the tips of his ears. He does not style his hair, leaving it windswept and messed. His voice can be deep and powerful, able to quiet a crowd, and also, to his friends and those who know him best, soft and intimate. His gait is long and powerful, though he keeps his head slightly tilted down, concealing his eyes. Though he is large, his movements are purposeful. He weaves through a crowd unnoticed, a skill acquired from running errands through busy markets as a child.
Clothing:
A loose, dark jungle green tunic drapes broad shoulders. The sleeves ending at the midpoint of his bicep. The hem several inches above his knees. Rough cotton protects against the elements. The corners, lined with a golden stripe, are frayed and dirty, with no amount of cleaning able to remove the well ingrained dirt from numerous adventures. The shoulders are slightly faded from sun exposure, given the long days Danno has put into his job as an artifact recoverer. Sweat drips from his brow and causes his clothing to darken. The splotches leave a camouflage pattern across his back. Underneath he wears a charcoal grey fitted undershirt with batwing sleeves, the cuffs wrapping around his wrist with a small extension over his index finger. A dark sienna brown sash adorns his waist, the insides of the sash are lined with three small pockets, perfect for hiding small items and coins. Two Tonfa rings are clipped to each side of his waist along the sash. The pants, matching the tunic, are flexible and strong. The knees have been patched several times and there is a small hole half way up the shin on the left leg from a misunderstanding with a tribe of archers over the ownership of a particular artifact. A large bamboo hat rests atop his head, pulled low over his brow. It's conical point rising like a small volcano. Measuring at 18" in diameter, hat is wide enough to provide protection from the sun and rain. The lid holds a small symbol of the Earth Kingdom, a testament to the craftsman's nation. It protects not only his eyes from the intense sun but also lets him survey his surroundings without raising suspicion. A scarf the color of fresh tilled soil is wrapped around his neck. There always seems to be a film of dust on his arms, probably from some exotic location. His large, Earth Kingdom military surplus boots, a gift from his grandfather, are old and worn and have seen a cobblers hammer many times. The boots are closed, due in fact that his grandfather was not an earthbender. The strong darkened leather is faded on the toe and heel. Small creases appear across the top of the foot. A green trim circles the ankle, a comfort added by Danno's grandfather for the long days in an Earth Kingdom fortress.
Equipment:
A small satchel bag. A leather strap crosses the chest. A muddy green, the tough canvas bag holds Danno's gear. A flint and tinderbox, some twine and hooks, a hunting knife, and a canteen. On his sash he carries two tonfas, his weapon of choice. The tonfas are old, a relic of the war, passed on by Danno’s grandfather. They are old but in decent shape. The long, cylindrical shape of the wood has dents and nicks from where it has struck Fire Nation armor, the small handle that protrudes from the side is wrapped in sharkskin, a defining characteristic that was the pride of Danno’s grandfather.
Personality:
Distant and humble, he is not known to pick a fight rather relying on words and diplomacy to settle disputes. Uncompromising, he is always ready to help those in need. He cannot abide those preying on the weak. A smaller annoyance is use of hypothetical situations in rhetoric. Danno focuses more on what he can see. His father forbade violence in his family, teaching that revenge helps no one. He has a quick laugh and a slow temper, often letting personal transgressions slide to avoid confrontation. Honesty is a priority for him. He is very protective of those he sees as being wronged. His mother would often teach of virtues, instilling a strong sense of right and wrong. He loves to argue with others, seeing it as a chance to learn and grow.
Danno grew up with stories of the war from his grandfather. He would always warn about the evil Fire Nation and the imminent retaliation to the death of Phoenix King Ozai. Danno’s father, a pacifist, would always shush his father when he started his wild stories, but as soon as he left the room, Danno was regaled with more war stories. Danno was never one to hate another based on nationality though. Looking at their actions and attitude. A natural hard worker, Danno had a stubborn steak in him. He found a hobby in carving, using a hunting knife his father gave him to craft small figurines. Becoming a pastime, Danno spent many nights carving spirits and symbols. For his 14th birthday, his parents gave him a small work table and tools. He always finished what he started, whether it was his chores or any of the several small carvings he made. Danno is motivated by hard work. He sets goals for himself, sometimes goals that others would scoff at as being too lofty. Danno's biggest fear is the Spider-snake, after seeing his neighbor bitten by one as a child. He does not care for politics, leaving the two-facedness of bureaucracy to those more in tune with political correctness. However, Danno is one for a show. He loves telling stories of history, with a flair for the dramatic. A trait he picked up from his mentor Kushi and a necessity to find investors for his exploits. Danno sees himself as a man looking for truth. He loves to find the facts in a legend, a great place to begin an adventure. He is not a lover of many women, having only seriously courted one woman in his life, before embarking on the adventure that changed his young life. He has not seen her since.
Background:
Danno Bukim is the son of father Lao Bukim and mother Ximena “Xi” Kono. Lao was a farmer and huntsman in the town of Shenlan for many years occasionally trading in nearby Senlin Village which is where he met Ximena, a local earthbender. They were married shortly after. At this time Ximena’s father Cho, a retired Earth Kingdom officer, came to live with the newlyweds in Shenlan. A year later Danno was born. The only son, he grew up working the fields with his father. When his earthbending manifested at the age of eight, his mother took to teaching him. He struggled for a long time with the idea of using earthbending for non confrontational methods. Such as moving earth to plant the crops. His friends often teased him about this, trying to goad him into a fight. Both of his parents were pacifists, living with the horrors and reconstruction of the aftermath of the Hundred Year War. When Danno was old enough, Lao brought him on the trip to Senlin to trade in the market. Every month they left, selling animal hides, candles, and other items that they had either caught or made. At the age of ten, Danno, on one of his trips into the village, ran into a small gang of local boys who were terrorizing a young dog. Defending the poor animal, Danno was beaten senseless. After that, his grandfather taught him to fight, much to the disproval of Lao and Ximena. This opened a new world to him. Danno loved his lessons with his grandfather, though he understood the necessity of being able to control the violence. Danno was trained to use Tonfas, the weapon of choice for Cho. To appease Ximena, Cho also taught Danno a style of earthbending using Neutral Jing only. This strategy uses the movements of the opponent to form the attack. Rather than attacking an opponent directly, the earthbender waits and watches for the perfect moment to strike. This is usually when the attacker missteps or pauses between attacks. Although Cho was not an earthbender, he had grown up with other earthbenders, learning many of the techniques of war. Lao was unhappy with his son learning to fight and increased his chores. This only served to increase Danno’s strength. Shortly before his fifteenth birthday, Cho passed away of natural causes. With the death of his father-in-law, Lao moved the family to Republic City, setting up a small produce shop in the Dragon Flats District. Danno was extremely agitated and upset. He would get into fights, lying and yelling at his parents. He was at the point where he wanted to run away when he met Kushi, a wise old firebender. Kushi owned the small shop next door, a local pawn shop of mystery items and folklore. There Danno found his love of antiquities.
Danno left the house one night in a rage, angry at his parents, his new surroundings, and the world in general. He ran out looking for a fight, finally finding one behind a small noodle shop. Four men were crowded around the back stoop, throwing dice and money around. Danno saw the tattoos that marked them as part of the triads, but he didn't care. He ran up to the biggest one jamming the blunt end of the tonfa into the point where his neck and shoulder met. He collapsed, grabbing his shoulder in pain. The rest turned, their crooked smiles fading as they faced the mysterious attacker. The second man hit the ground before he registered the long black handle flying towards his face. The other two had regained their wits by then, diving to the either side of Danno. Danno turned and suddenly there was a dagger flying at his face. The one on the right, missing a few teeth with a large dragon tattoo circling his ear, plunged the sharp blade at Danno's face. Danno turned, the blade missing his right cheek by millimeters. The second man rolled from his dive, sending a large rock flying in Danno's direction. Using the energy of his turn, Danno grabbed the rock, hurling it into the face of the man with the dagger. A loud whistle pierced his ears, looking over his shoulder he saw the last man standing take his fingers from his pursed lips.
"You better run now," he grinned with malice.
Without another glance, Danno took off running through the streets. The angry shouts of the other gang members echoed behind him. A glass bottle arced through the air, landing on the crown of Danno's head. He crashed to the ground, blood oozing from a slice on his head. Dazed and confused, he stumbled to the closest refuge he could find. A cabbage stand stood empty along the street, providing just enough cover to hide behind. The sound of footsteps made his blood turn to ice in his veins. He readied his tonfas. A shout rang out, Danno recognized it as the earthbender he had left in the alley. The shout was followed by several others, most of them angry. What happened next still remains a mystery to Danno. A cacophony of yells, screams, rushing water, fire, and earth made Danno cover his ears, blood dripping between his fingers. Finally the noise stopped and the night was as peaceful as it had been twenty minutes ago, a lifetime. Danno stood up abruptly, only to see Kushi before him. The street was clear of the men who had chased him. Taking a step, Danno's world faded to black as he fell to the ground. A voice whispered to him, indiscernible but comforting.
He woke up, at home. Kushi had bandaged his wound and brought him back. This marked a turning point in Danno's life. Everyday afterwards, when he had finished work, Danno would visit Kushi's shop. Kushi would tell all the tales of travelers and their items, of riches in far off lands, and of pirates and thieves hiding their treasures in caves and hidden islands. Danno learned the history of each item in Kushi's shop, becoming almost obsessed in this new channel for his attention. Danno's parents, happy that their son was no longer coming home bruised and bloodied, supported his interests. Danno soon began to bring small antiquities he would trade for on his trips around town to Kushi's shop. As Danno grew older, he dreamed of traveling the world, collecting artifacts and treasures that told such fascinating stories. He met a girl by the name of Mariko, the daughter of a local restaurant owner. Over time, they fell in love. Danno's parents were very proud that their son was settling into life in Republic City. They got along well with Mariko. However, Mariko always felt she was second in Danno's love for relics. To solidify their relationship, Danno began making plans to marry her.
While running an errand for his father, Danno, now eighteen, came across a peddler hawking "gems and treasures from around the world!" This had become a standard stopping point for Danno, though most of what he found was indeed junk, there was the occasional vase or portrait of some family from the war. Looking through the wares, Danno's eye caught on an old wooden necklace. Looking it over he found a small hinge that opened the block of wood, which was actually a locket. Inside was a small picture of a Fire Nation girl. Intrigued, Danno purchased the necklace and brought it to his home. His own skills as a historian were growing but he was unable to identify the girl in the picture. Upon closer inspection, a small slot opened from inside the face of the locket. Inside was a name of a town in the Earth Kingdom. Out of his league, Danno enlisted the help of Kushi. Together they discovered the picture belonged to an Earth Kingdom nobleman, whose vast wealth was lost shortly after the war started. Kushi eagerly looked forward to the chance to travel before he passed on. His business saw little except what Danno had brought in and he had little reservation of closing shop for an extended time. Danno had a choice, he could leave behind all that he knew and loved or leave to follow adventure. Mariko was unhappy that Danno was willing to leave all they had planned. Given an ultimatum, she vowed that she would not speak to him if he left. Danno's yearn for adventure rivaled his love for Mariko but he felt drawn to this hunt. With many tearful goodbyes, Danno and Kushi left Republic City.
Brokenhearted, Danno put all his energy and focus into the challenge before him. Drowning his sorry in riddles and clues. Though he still dreamed of her occasionally, Danno thought less and less of Mariko as his mind and body were tested in his search. Together they tracked down clues all over the Earth Kingdom. Eventually finding the treasure in the arctic tundra of the Northern Water Tribe ice mountains. Kushi and Danno donated a large portion of the find to the Ba Sing Se University for processing and cultural viewing. Word of their success spread throughout Republic City, though Danno did not return. Instead he used his newfound wealth to finance the next hunt.
For the next two years, Danno has been on the hunt looking for rare and unusual items throughout the world.
Sample RP:
Danno Bukim’s Hunt for the Forgotten Treasure
Danno Bukim pulled his fur coat, bought at the local Southern Water Tribe market, closer around his head. The biting wind caused snow drifts to roll across the frozen tundra, giving the appearance of waves. It was midday and already the temperature was below zero.
“Hey Danno, get in here before we have to thaw you out again!” a voice called from the tent behind him. Turning from the vast expanse before him, Danno ducked below the tent flap, stomping his boots to shake the snow that had accumulated in the short time he had been out.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Malu. There are plenty of riches for everyone.” Danno exclaimed, clapping the short waterbender on the back.
“You must find it first, before you lay any claims to glory” an old, soft spoken voice said from the nearby table. Danno walked over and joined his mentor, Kushi, an ancient firebender who had helped him begin his journey. Taking a seat, Danno pulled the large gloves from his hands.
“Ah, but we are so close I can feel it!” Danno said as he threw his gloves on the table.
“I would rather be able to feel my toes” murmured Malu. “Is the tea about ready, old man?”
“Hmph, old man. I’m not old.” Kushi caught a look from Danno, “All right, I’m old.”
Danno burst out in laughter, his green eyes reflecting the candlelight. Kushi poured three cups of tea as the men settled themselves around the small table.
Malu sipped his tea gingerly before speaking, “How much farther?”
Danno pulled a worn leather map from his deep pocket. “According to the legend, Earth Kingdom Nobleman Kenta brought his vast fortune to the mountains of Kolau. Which is where many an adventurer begins.”
“But not you,” Malu interrupted. “You have us freezing with the penguins!”
Danno smiled, “Because, what no other treasure hunter has, is this!” With a grand gesture, he pulls out an old wooden locket. “This locket holds the key to Kenta’s lost treasure, and it has led us to this exact point.” He indicates the map before him. On it is a detailed map of the Southern Water Tribe City and the surrounding area. To the far east of the map is a white field with large mountain formations.
“The middle of nowhere?” Malu said in a whiny voice.
It was now Kushi’s turn to smile. He spoke evenly. “There is no such thing as nowhere, we are always somewhere.”
Danno nodded his head enthusiastically, “Exactly, just to the north of us is a small mountain range long since forgotten. And that is where we will find Kenta’s treasure.”
The following day, the storm had passed, and the small group, led by Danno, made their way up a steep mountain pass. They struggle over several large ice formations, finally finding a small path.
Malu runs ahead, stops, and picks up a small metallic object. Danno and Kushi joined him as they all crowded around Malu’s open hand.
Malu was the first to speak, “What is it?”
“That is the seal of Kenta.” Kushi replies. The small metal button is engraved with a badgermole, barely visible under the rough and worn exterior. The three men continue on, the energy is high among all three. Eventually they arrive at a small outcropping of rocks next to a small cave.
“This has to be it!” Danno yelled as he rushed forward, examining the mouth of the cave. Snow drifts had formed on either side and the faint sound of rushing water echoed from deep within.
“What are waiting for? Let’s go get rich!” Malu cheered as he ran forward.
Danno stopped, noticing that Kushi was unpacking his bag.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“I am too old, as I have been recently reminded. Go, find your treasure. I will have something warm for you two to drink when you get back.” He pulled out a tin pot and three cups.
“Come on!” Malu’s voice echoed from inside the cave.
“Remember, it’s our treasure.” Danno said to Kushi. He stepped into the mouth of the cave, looking back to see Kushi ignite a small stack of kindling. Turning toward the darkness, he lit a torch from his pack and stepped into the encompassing darkness.
