application

[bowliever]

IN CHARACTER

Character Name: Lev
Canon: The Last of Us Part II
Canon Point: After Abby Day 3.

In-Game Tattoo Placement: Across his collar bones.
Current Health/Status: Alive.
Age: 13.
Species: Human.

Content Warnings:
TRANSPHOBIA, VIOLENCE, MURDER, PARENTICIDE, CHILD ABUSE, CHILD ENDANGERMENT, CHILD DEATH, ATTEMPTED MURDER, RELIGIOUS ABUSE, RELIGIOUS CULTS, ZOMBIES. Also the Wiki history mentions his deadname.

History: At the Wiki

Personality:
At first glance, Lev comes across as reserved and somewhat unusually serious for a child his age due to the harshness of the world that he was born into. He has always had to fight for his survival and was trained to be deadly with a bow and arrow from a young age. He's quiet, yet confident, and operates based on a strong intuition and feelings that are often correct. However, he is also sheltered due to growing up in the Seraphite cult and kept from the knowledge of the outside world, especially that which came before the Infected appeared (Lev refers to this as “Old Word”). He doesn’t understand things like puns or sarcasm well (though with Abby he’s learning) and he only just learned how to use cuss words.

However, despite seeming aloof, Lev is actually a very genuine person who forms strong bonds with others. He is extremely close to his older sister, Yara, and risks his life to save her when she’s captured by the Seraphite elders after they go on the run. He also deeply regrets involving her in his decision to become an apostate due to his rejection of the cult’s strict view on gender roles (and subsequently his gender identity). He also forms a quick bond with Abby, even though they had considered each other parts of enemy groups for most of their lives, and opens up to her about his fears. Lev wants to be helpful to others whenever he can and is very protective over the people that he cares about.

Although the harshness of the world made him grow up far too fast, Lev is still curious and mischievous as young teenagers are. He teases Abby about how she had an awkward encounter with her ex to distract her from her fears. He has a deep curiosity about Old World things and likes to ask questions about them. Lev is especially fond of learning new slang but often makes mistakes, such as mistaking the word “cool” with “cold”. When Abby teaches him how to cuss, he picks it up quickly and starts throwing the word “fuck” around like it’s his new favorite word. Lev can also be pessimistic and critical in a teenage way and likes to chastise Abby when he thinks she’s being ridiculous.

Lev possesses a quiet determination and courage to live his life on his own terms and be himself. Rather than hide who he is to stay in his culture, he shaves his head and openly identifies as a male, even though doing so means he is at risk of being hunted and killed by his own people. He doesn’t question himself or his identity but instead questions the world around him for their failure to accept him. He knows who he is on the inside and is, as Abby puts it, “pretty punk rock” in how he forges his own path.

Lev’s spirituality is a huge part of what drives him. He deeply believes in the teachings of the Seraphite Prophet and that she is guiding him. It is completely the basis for his kindness, courage, and self-determination and he rejects the rigidness and the violence that sprang up in the religion since her death, knowing that Elders have twisted the Prophet’s words. His belief in those peaceful words push Lev to be a kind human in a harsh word. When Abby is afraid of heights, he offers words of advice he was taught by the prophet to try and comfort her, even though her fears are causing them to slow down on a time sensitive mission. Instead of being angry with her, he’s simply gentle and comforting.

He doesn’t like to cause unnecessary pain to others: violence may be a part of their world but that doesn’t mean he has to add to it. Although he initially supports Abby when she seeks revenge on the person who killed Owen and Mel, he steps in when she starts going down a dark path in attempting to kill a pregnant Dina. His exclamation helps Abby remember her own morality and try to end the cycle of violence by walking away.

However, Lev can also be somewhat stubborn and naive. Despite knowing that his mother will never leave the Seraphites and would even harm him for how he identifies, he returns to the cult to try and save her. This ultimately foolish action ends with his mother dead at his hands in self defense and costs Yara her life. It also shows that he was naive in his faith, truly believing that his mother’s deep seated faith would save her life despite all logic to the contrary. This tests his faith and he has to learn that it cannot do everything he thought that it could.

Most other characters in the game are wayward; they don’t know what they want or who they are anymore because of the trauma they experienced. Lev serves to contrast them by having a strong sense of self and morals, despite the trauma of growing up in a cult that rejects his identity. His drive for goodness spares Ellie and helps Abby find her way back to the light as she spends time with him. Lev doesn’t mean to influence her but does so simply by being true to himself and his beliefs.


Abilities/Powers/Weaknesses & Warping:
Lev is skilled at using a bow and arrow, stealth,and basic medical care. However, he's a completely normal human and has no exceptional skills
Inventory:
-bow and arrows
-gas mask
-stuffed shark
-quiver/pack
-medical supplies
Writing Samples:
TDM toplevel
Thread with Ford
Thread with Dimitri

OUT OF CHARACTER

Player Name: Ru
Player Age: 25+
Player Contact: mythal

Other Characters In Game: N/A
In-Game Tag If Accepted: Lev: Ru
Permissions for Character: Here
Are you comfortable with prominent elements of fourth-walling?: Yes!
What themes of horror/psychological thrillers do you enjoy the most?:
Survival horror, naturally! But also I like situations where characters are unable to tell what's fake and what's real. Things that force people to confront past traumas or the darkest part of themselves, especially if those things are represented in the form of a monster.

Is there anything in particular you absolutely need specific content warnings for?: No.
Additional Information: N/A!