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OOC INFORMATION

Name: Kristine
Age: 30s
Pronouns: She/her
Contact: Kristine#3949 on Discord, or PM
Other Character(s): N/A

IC INFORMATION

Journal:

brink
Name: Christopher 'Topher' Brink

Canon: Dollhouse
Canon Point: After end of 2x11, March 15th 2010

Icon:

Age: 29
Appearance:
White, male, about 5'11". Boyish and geeky, though fairy attractive, with blue eyes, and thick, dirty-blonde hair that usually does its own thing. His personal grooming involves occasionally showering and shaving, not much else. His physique is a point of pride though, but he usually covers it up with layers of cotton-poly blends. Lots of sweater-vests, going for practicality and comfort rather than style. (I actually have a full list, with pictures, of his clothes.) He has a young and very expressive face (which is not very good at hiding emotion), and is prone to wide gestures and talking with his hands a lot. He's fairly relaxed and confident in demeanor, though if he's outside his comfort zone he'll get rather fiddly and tense. He also has a Star Trek tattoo (saying 'NCC1701') on his ankle. When he's out and about, he usually carries a backpack. On his right wrist, he wears a bracelet reading "kill your idols".

History: Wiki.

Personality:
If Topher were a flavour, he'd be mint chip with rainbow sprinkles in a sugar cone. That's what he says, anyway. "Genius" is the word he's quite fond of using to describe himself, and he wouldn't be wrong. Indeed he was one of the great minds in his time, though what he did wouldn't really make the front page (unless it went wrong). He's extremely curious and imaginative, loves exploring ideas and figuring things out. He's analytical and doesn't usually get caught up in emotions, though he does have them, hidden under layers of snark and quips (which tend to greatly annoy people). He has complete confidence in his intelligence and programming capabilities, though only in the last year has he realised that his actions have consequences. All he wants to do is do remarkable science, really.

Because of him being playful and inappropriately gleeful to the extreme extent that he sometimes seems to view everything as a game, and both people and objects as playthings or puzzles, he's been unkindly described as a sociopath. As Adelle says: "This is not a judgment. You always take very good care of your toys." However, in the last year he has evolved so greatly as to abandon his self-serving attitude to risk his life for morality and saving the world. He quips about being the Tin-Man, who finally got a heart, though in truth it probably just took him some time to figure out what was right in the first place.

Though he's extremely talkative (even in only his own company), he's rather socially inept, is probably on the autistic spectrum, has some authority problems, and fiercely independent. He has difficulty not only reaching out, but also relating to people, sensing their feelings or showing empathy if he's not secure of himself. He wants the best for everyone, and takes pride and comfort in helping people. He can be very sweet and kind if he tries, for those who deserve it, though he's usually not very smooth about it, and sometimes he accidentally insults someone in the same breath.

He doesn't mind being in the spotlight, but he's gotten so used to being lonely that he never strives for popularity (because he's always been clever enough to be needed), in fact he's often quite condescending and insulting, pushing people away. He tended to view most people as lesser, simpler, (though he has long since learned that intellectual strength is not the only kind), but he is almost never cruel or spiteful about it, though he can be pretty dismissive and careless. He also doesn't care much about how people see him, which coupled with his playfulness tends to make him come across as extremely childish, with toys and snacks littering his office. He often references popular culture, particularly sci-fi, and can be a huge geek at times.

He's a bit agoraphobic and doesn't really like venturing outside his comfort zone, though he's gotten a lot better at this out of necessity. No fighting though, he's rubbish at that. While headstrong and opinionated once his mind is made up, he can be very insecure if he's not sure how to proceed. He keeps most people at arm's length, but he does care quite deeply about those he considers close, even if he doesn't show it well. He's learnt to open up some, but he's also been betrayed, and has lost loved ones, which has left him a bit hardened and not quite so naive. It didn't do wonders for his emotional stability either. It can take him a long time to open up to someone and let down his guard, but when he does, he loves and trusts strongly, even if he doesn't show it. And of course they first have to put up with him long enough to see that there's quite a lot of good in him too.

Existing Powers/Abilities:
Very high retention abilities (i.e. very good memory). Genius, IQ of at least 140, probably more. PhD in neurology and cognitive sciences. Extensive knowledge about modern technology, electronics, programming. An expert in lateral thinking. Somewhat ambidextrous (left-hand-dominant).

Inventory:
Clothes, bracelet, his work ID, and a fidget toy.

Goals in Dulun:
Topher likes to figure things out, pick stuff apart to find out how they work, and find clever solutions to things. He's not a brave man, is mildly agoraphobic, and would thus not necessarily be a good fit for any missions that would require fighting, unless he had some tanky teammates to protect him. However, any science-based stuff, particularly within the realm of complicated tech, he would be perfect for. As for actual motivations, really he just wants to make up for mistakes he's made in the past, and make the world a better place.

Acquired Powers:
Don't know for sure, but giving Topher some honest-to-goodness magic/psionic powers would be a lot of fun. His work has historically been in literally rewriting personalities/memories, so anything enchantment/telepathy/mind-reading based would be very on brand. But also I just like the idea of telekinesis for him? So that could be something to explore?

Samples:
http://plentyofroom.livejournal.com/94193.html
http://plentyofroom.livejournal.com/98975.html
http://plentyofroom.livejournal.com/104068.html

Anything else:
This was just supposed to be a sample app, but in writing his future Dulun stuff, I made myself want to play him.

Please leave a message.

How to reach player?
player: Kristine
PM: this account
email: krharbek [at] gmail.com

[Out Of Character]
Backtagging with this character: Sure.
Threadhopping with this character: Usually fine, but please ask first.
Fourthwalling: Go for it.
Canon puncture: Go for it. Topher is very prone to doing this himself, provided I have permission.

[In Character]
Sexual/romantic orientation: Grey-Asexual, biromantic. He experiences sexual attraction very rarely, and falls in love even more rarely.
Hugging this character: Go for it, though he might not hug back.
Flirting with this character: Sure, but he's unlikely to reciprocate.
Giving this character a kiss: Sure, but again, he'll probably push you away.
Something more intimate: Only in relationships.
Relationships: Unlikely, though it might happen.
Dub-con/non-con/sexual assault: Unlikely.
Fighting with this character: Go for it, but he's a rubbish fighter.
Injuring this character: Go for it, but please discuss if it's severe.
Killing this character: Only if carefully planned.
Using telepathy/mind reading abilities on this character: Sure, though he's gonna freak the hell out. Feel free to ask what they might learn.

The Player
Name/nickname: Krissy
Age: 25
Pronouns: female
Contact: krharbek [at] gmail.com, krharbek on AIM
Experience: Been RPing for about a decade, helped run a few comms. Mostly one-on-one roleplay with occasionally ridiculously long replies.
Currently played characters: N/A

The Character
DW account:

brink
Name: Topher Brink
Alias: Topher is technically a nickname, but you'll never hear anyone call him Christopher
Age/Birthdate: 29, born 27/01 1981
Species: Human
Canon: Dollhouse
Canon point: After end of 2x11, 15/3 2010
Played By: Fran Kranz
Icon: http://www.dreamwidth.org/userpic/5217922/1825415
Power: Dream manipulation
Arrival: 14/10 2012
New birthdate: 7/9 1983

( Read more... )

Over here.

This is just a list of quirks (for lack of a better word) and things that Topher has, for my own reference, to sort of map things out. Most of these are caused by him being autistic (and asexual, for the first one).

Topher is uncomfortable being thought of as a sexual being or relating to sexual situations. (He also calls erections "man-reactions".) As a doctor and as a programmer for the Dollhouse (where actives were out having sex all the time), he has had to deal with the concept of sex a lot, which is fine - it's when he himself in any way is connected to the concept of sex that he gets uncomfortable.

Topher doesn't like crowds or large open spaces. It's too busy, too intense, too loud, too stressful. He can cope, but he will not relax in such a situation. He can deal better with smaller crowds indoors, but often finds it too distracting in trying to hold a conversation if many people are talking.

Topher doesn't like direct sunlight these days. Usually he could cope better with it, but now it takes up too much energy that he doesn't have. He generally wears sunglasses while outside. Which also helps with...

Topher doesn't like eye-contact. He has however trained himself pretty intently when it comes to this, so it's mostly noticeable when distressed. Hand-shaking may be okay, except for when he's stressed and doesn't want to be touched by people he doesn't trust.

Topher doesn't like to wear too little clothes, except when asleep (but still sleeps with a t-shirt). He likes most of his body to be covered, largely for sensory reasons - both the pressure, and the shielding against unexpected touch - and mostly sticks to cotton-poly blends. He also doesn't like his body (muscles and shapes) to be too distinguishable unless he feels comfortable.

Topher doesn't like complete quiet. He prefers to sleep with the predictable whirr of computers or fans, dulling out other unpredictable/irregular sounds. Quiet lyric-less music can also do the trick.

Topher often helps himself focus by playing with toys, either ones he can squeeze or twist, or that give him weight in his hands. If without these, he will fidget, particularly with his sleeves or his bracelet.

Topher sometimes uses chess to focus his thoughts. The strategy and fixed rules of the game help him form other thoughts. He prefers to have a physical board.

Topher sometimes talks to himself aloud, or taps his fingers, either to block when things are too quiet or too noisy. Sometimes he hums.

Topher has problems expressing himself verbally if he's stressed or tired. His sentences often end up fragmented, or he uses single-word sentences, or he repeats particular phrases.

Topher doesn't like to be interrupted when he's in his process and his mind is in a very specific state to deal with certain tasks. Suddenly switching to communicating without being prepared for it is exhausting.

Topher can be particularly sensitive to smell. He will often soak in a good smell. A bad or too intense smell can be very distracting and even painful. He's good at keeping clean for this reason.

Topher often expends pent-up energy and anxiety by exercising. This has been very helpful for keeping in shape, but tends to make him cranky if he hasn't been eating or resting properly.

If Topher has experienced sensory overload or meltdown/shutdown (or just general large amounts of stress), the best way for him to recuperate is to be in a safe, private space, with limited sensory input, and no need for verbal communication.

Big Apple plot-specific:
Topher is recently pretty bad at self-care, particularly when it comes to feeding himself. He has an acquaintance who checks up on him every other day and makes sure he's eaten, and not just surviving on snacks and juice.

He often slips into the Dreaming during sensory overload, as he can control exactly how much sensory input and surroundings he gets - though several of his self-care options (exercise, toys, music, particular kinds of mental stimulation like logic problems) don't really have the same effect in there.

"Does that tie keep you warm? No. No. It's just what grown up men do in our culture. They put a piece of cloth around their necks so they can assert their status, and recognise each other as non-threatening kindred. You wear the tie because it never occurred to you not to. You eat eggs every morning but never at night. You feel excitement and companionship when rich men you've never met put a ball through a net. You feel guilty, maybe a little suspicious, every time you see that salvation army Santa. You look down for at least half a second if a woman leans forward. And your stomach rumbles every time you drive by a big golden arch, even if you weren't hungry before. Everybody's programmed, Boyd."

( Read more... )

( Read more... )

There are certain things that Topher almost always keeps with him.

Pockets:
Keys, and wallet, with money and IDs (including a few fake ones).
His smartphone, of course, with ear-plugs for music.
Small flashlight, matches, and a multitool. At least one pen.
A Romac-supplied weapon used for stunning attackers.

Backpack:
Several notebooks and plenty pens, pencils and markers.
Various portable equipment for rift monitoring.
Small first-aid kit.
Small portable tool set.
A change of clothes.
Thermos full of hot chocolate.
Several bags of crisps and nuts.
A warm blanket.
Handheld video games.
Travel chess set.

( Chronologically, with pictures, description, comments and grades )

I sent Fran Kranz -- the guy who plays Topher -- a Facebook message with a drawing, and asked him what Topher's bracelet says.

He just wrote me a detailed, explaining answer, not with what it says, but the backstory of it, the importance of it for Topher, and that we'll find out what it says in the final episode of the show.

( My message to him, and his reply! )

( Read more... )

Or, So You Want To Understand What The Hell Topher Is On About.

( What is the Dollhouse? )
( Then, what's Rossum? )
( So, what's the Attic? )
( What does Topher actually DO? )
( And an active is...? )
( And this Alpha person? )
( What's all this tech he has with him? Disruptor, wedge, his computer... )
( Why does he offer people 'treatments'? )

If you have any questions, feel free to leave them here.

Adelle DeWitt: Probably the person he trusts the most, and the one who can hurt him deepest. She's his boss, but also functions as a mother-figure for him. He respects her, and she tolerates his childish ways. He usually finds her quite likable, but he's also the first to admit she can be quite scary. She cares deeply about him.

Boyd Langton: One of the handlers, and later Head of Security, that Topher is closest to and considers his "best man-friend". Boyd puts up with Topher, and Topher quite likes Boyd, even if he'll poke fun at him. Until recently.

Laurence Dominic: The former Head of Security, who greatly disapproved of Topher's joking nature. They were often at odds, and Topher considers him boring and annoying, and took joy in annoying him, though he has gained some respect for him.

Paul Ballard: They're not too crazy about each other, especially considering Topher had only said five words to him before Paul stun-gunned him, but they tolerate each other, even if there's a lot of disapproval from both sides.

Claire Saunders: One of the more complicated relationship he has. He calls her "Phantom" (her face is scarred, and she skulks) and has always found her a little creepy, but doesn't really dislike her, though she hates him. However, a lot of difficult memories are tied to her.

Alpha: In short: Topher is absolutely terrified by him. Alpha, however, has never hurt Topher, although he's had plenty of opportunity. Perhaps because Topher created Alpha, albeit accidentally.

Echo/Caroline Farrell: Probably the only and first doll that Topher has called his friend. She has helped him on many occasions, and he is quite grateful for it. He trusts her more than most.

Sierra/Priya Tsetsang: Topher was quite proud of "rescuing" her, and he feels terrible guilt over what happened to her, and the damage he caused. They get along alright, though.

Bennett Halverson: He greatly admires her genius, and has had a crush on her for ages, "even when [he] thought [she was] a dude". She's more or less perfect in his eyes, and he'll probably never be over her. He carries her necklace with him.

Ivy: His assistant, with whom he develops a friendship, as Ivy is one of the few people in the Dollhouse with a sense of humour, and likes Topher despite his condescending nature. They've built up a fair amount of mutual respect and trust.

Dr. Alexandra Rose: His first boss, Topher assisted her research in wiping dolls. She is the one who wrote his R Prime-Lab psychological profile.

ID-no: N/A
Last Name: Brink
First Name: Christopher
Middle Name: N/A
Race/Sex: C/M
Date of Birth: 27/01/81
Height: 5'11
Weight: 134
Hair color: Middle blonde
Eye color: Blue
SSN: 569-85-3247
Birth State: CA
Generation: JR
City: Los Angeles
Zip: 90091
Age: 18
Scars Marks: Tattoo: NCC1701, left ankle.
Skin Tone: Beige
Military Service: N/A

Psychological profile:

Summary: Brink is a freewheeling experiencer with minor Asperger tendencies and major authority problems.

( The rest... )

Hotel Cali
R 251209 -   22 Watson, Handy, Jack. Arriving, meeting and alienating Watson and others.
R 291209 -   12 Kara. Same day, mistaking Kara for Hotel. Making his first enemy.
R 291209 -   76 Handy. Long discussion in which Handy is nice, but morally judgmental a lot.
R 301209 -   69 Rose. Befriending Rose, getting library books, getting drunk the in games room.
C 311209 -     6 Watson. PM apologising his behaviour, and explaining the treatment thing.
R 080110 -   51 Kaylee. Café breakfast, Whac-A-Mole showdown, paper-wads war, drinking.
C 130110 -   45 Melchior, Gwen, Eric, Jack, Kaylee, Kurt, Veronica, Jason. Introductions.
R 150110 -   13 River, Kaylee. Greeting and explaining to River, then taking her to see Kaylee.
R 170110 -   10 Veronica. Geeking out and playing video games.
R 190110 -   15 River. Chatting a bit before having a food fight.
C 200110 -   13 Handy. PM regarding River and Bennett, and agreeing on a meet-up.
R 200110 - 253 Handy. Exploring the attic, dust allergies, joking, talking, sharing, chatting into the night.
R 200110 -   21 Jason. Meeting Jason, getting the list of hotel residents. Amusing homoerotic mix-up.
C 220110 -     3 River. Just checking up briefly.
R 040210 -     7 Melchior. Meeting in the chapel.
R 140210 -     8 Rose. Hallucinating, Alpha, blood, rats, panic. Rose tries to put sense back in him.
R 160210 -   89 Handy. EVENT: Blackout. Scared Topher goes to find Handy and find out what's up.
C 230210 -   14 Walter, Handy. Saying hello to Walter and agreeing to meet. Making internet jokes at Handy.
R 250210 -   ?? Walter. Walter stopping by with shortbread and coffee. Post deleted.
R 260210 -   13 Handy, Eric. EVENT: Blackout. The nerd patrol meets a vampire.
R 050310 -     4 Handy, Eric. EVENT: Blackout. Continued.