* Empatheias Application *

[timidtwin]

⌈ PLAYER SECTION ⌉
Player: Toasty
Contact: Plurk: Bratja / or journal PM
Age: 26
Current Characters: None!


⌈ CHARACTER SECTION ⌉
Character: Lucas
Age: 12
Canon: Mother 3
Canon Point: Early chapter 8

Background: http://earthbound.wikia.com/wiki/Lucas
http://earthbound.wikia.com/wiki/Mother_3

Personality:
Prior to the events of the game, Lucas is described as being coddled and a crybaby and as such is in complete contrast to his rather more loud and adventurous twin brother, Claus. He is shown to be timid and sensitive,the quieter of the two, and is especially close to his mother, Hinawa. Her death effects everyone deeply but particularly Lucas, who spends much of his time sobbing at her grave shortly after her burial. Claus on the other hand, becomes angry and endeavours to kill the Drago who slew her, much to the family's dismay. When asked where Claus had gone by his father at this point, Lucas is quiet, becoming anxious and tripping over his words when divulging Claus’ intentions. Despite his hesitation however, it is shown that Lucas is honest at heart during this exchange. He's said to have been raised to be honest so would certainly not go out of his way to be deceitful, especially if it meant someone important to him could be harmed. Naturally, this trait could be perceived to be both positive and negative, depending on the situation.

Three years pass and things both around and within Lucas change. Tazmily Village has grown thanks to the influence of Fassad and his ‘Happy Boxes’ as well as the iron fist of the Pigmask Army. It is seen that those who resist the change have their properties struck by ‘lightning’ (really a gun on top of a tower) and Lucas is one of few who refuse to conform to Tazmily’s new regime, standing up to the village's new residents despite becoming ostracised for his lack of acceptance. Then and now, he is opposed to the modernisation of his village, the lies of Fassad and also the bastardisation of nature that has become evident throughout the land, with biological chimeras stalking the forests and mountains. His father also becomes largely absent from his life, spending most of his time searching for his missing brother or at his mother’s grave, meaning that Lucas has grown a lot in independence during this time, being forced to face the destruction of his home alone. He lives alone in a broken house for much of the time, tending to whatever farm animals still remain and can evidently take care of himself. The gravedigger Nippolyte highlights the fact that Lucas has grown stronger and that his father doesn't have to worry about him anymore.

Sometime later, the boy is thrust into a quest to pull the Seven Needles, transfer his heart of light to the Dark Dragon and supposedly save the Nowhere Islands from the twisted world of the Pigmasks and their leader Porky, though nobody knows exactly what will happen when the Dragon wakes. This unknown factor obviously adds a great deal of stress and responsibility on Lucas, but even in the early days after the changes to the islands, Lucas speaks through the story's narrative and acknowledges that he wants to grow stronger, even if only for his family's sake, so he steels himself to undertake a long and arduous journey. Along with his friends and later on, his father, he learns the meaning of courage, facing strange monsters, a ruthless army and even hallucinations that play on his own insecurities - for example, being told by his father that he would be beaten by him or by Claus that he would be abused by everyone he loved. Lucas grows brave and determined even when he learns of the truth of his island home - realising that it's the only place left in the world and understanding the true weight of his destiny.

Speaking of his friends, it seems that Lucas is particularly open-minded when it comes to meeting different kinds of people, as long as their intentions are good - he travels with a tomboyish princess and a thief with a limp (who is described as looking kind of like a bum) and yet forms strong bonds with both of them, no matter their appearance or occupation. Similarly, he seems to get along well with animals, particularly his dog Boney, being able to talk to them using his PSI powers. He also helps the monkey Salsa and his girlfriend escape from a lab and is responsible for attacking and thwarting Salsa's captor Fassad along with his old friends, the dinosaur-like Dragos. His kind-hearted nature means that he is helpful towards all living things, plants and animals alike, but when faced with danger or something he perceives as evil, he is strong enough to stand and fight. Though nobody really seems to know what to make of them, Lucas also befriends the strange gender-neutral Magypsies who guard the Needles despite their odd quirks.

During his quest for the Needles, Lucas encounters a foe known as the 'Masked Man' several times, who is eventually revealed to be his twin brother, Claus, having undergone some mechanical changes and effectively becoming a weapon like the chimeras. The Magypsies also sense that he has no heart which could potentially mean the end of the world, should he be the one to pull the Needles. These encounters highlight the bond between the two twins, as Lucas seems to sense who it is even before it is revealed. Even though Lucas is described to be a lot stronger than he was some years ago, it is also mentioned that his gentle, coddled self is still present in his smile and soft, selfless actions, something that resurfaces during the climatic battle between him and his twin. By the time he reaches the canon point referred to in this application, he is exhausted both physically and emotionally from the journey, and while he manages to push on despite this, later events will draw out his softer side once again. In battle, Lucas finds that he can't attack his brother despite being hurt by him. He doesn't want to... and eventually with some pleading words from his mother's spirit he becomes paralysed, no longer knowing how to act. Claus finally ends his own life by reflecting his own lightning off of Lucas' Franklin Badge, causing the boy to break down as he holds him in his arms. This shows just how powerful the bond between the brothers is and can perhaps be reflected in other close relationships should they happen. Lucas would not resort to violence unless he felt that he had no other choice and if the bond runs deep enough, he may find himself unable to act at all.

Another interesting aspect of the ending that highlights the strength in Lucas' personality is the pulling of the final Needle. The player is asked whether or not they have the courage to pull it and put everything and everyone they love on the line. Even if the player chooses 'no', Lucas will still pull the Needle, demonstrating perhaps that he has more courage than the player in this regard. He may appear timid and afraid, but he has the determination and resilience to do what must be done when necessary. While the ending is ambiguous, it seems that the consideration and sincerity in his heart does win out in the end, saving the lives of his remaining friends and family and starting the world anew, purging the influence of the Pigmasks from it in the process.

Some other minor character traits can be picked up throughout the game. Players are asked to type in their favourite food at the beginning and a default option is available. The default is usually said to be the character's favourite food, in which case Lucas can be said to love omelettes, especially when made by his mother. He also loves cheese, as the game indicates when using said item on him. Sunflowers also appear multiple times throughout the game, a symbol that represents and reminds Lucas and his family of his mother Hinawa.

Abilities:
Unleashed by the Magypsies, Lucas possesses a variety of psychic abilities thanks to the energy known as PSI (what equates to magic in his world). His most powerful attack is known as 'PK Love' and is a rare psychic ability that can only be used by him and his brother. He learns a second attack 'PK Flash' after being struck by lightning, which can be used to make enemies cry/cause their eyes to water and essentially blind them temporarily. Lucas can also use PSI to form protective/reflective barriers, heal wounds, cure ailments such as nausea/paralysis/poison and strengthen the offensive and defensive abilities of an ally. He is also capable of telepathic communication with others who possess the ability and can speak with animals this way.

Naturally he can't use PSI indefinitely as it will sap his energy, so there is a limit to how much he can do and for how long.

He can fight too, primarily using sticks, baseball bats or yo-yos as weapons, though his strength isn't the highest and his PSI would likely be more useful. He carries a Franklin Badge which can be used to reflect lightning.

Alignment:
Daimonia. Evidently Lucas would be pretty grief-stricken over the loss of his mother and the negative changes happening around him that have altered his once idyllic and peaceful home. In fact, his story contains a great deal of loss. On the other hand he can bring a sense of joy to others and to himself. When he meets another kind-hearted and helpful person, I'm sure he would feel more of a sense of happiness. Sometimes little moments of kindness are all you need. Although he was forced to grow up fast, he is still a kid at heart and will take hold of any enjoyable moments he can get.

Other:
Lucas' dog Boney will be joining him too! He has no particularly special/supernatural abilities, just a big, brown loyal and brave doggy~

⌈ SAMPLE SECTION ⌉
Sample:
Emp Test Drive
Some recent musebox threads as an extra
Questions: None I can think of!