Post by Raoul de Chagny on Dec 22, 2007 4:14:37 GMT -5
Name:
Raoul de Chagny
Age:
Twenty-one
Gender:
Male
Height:
6'0
Weight:
150lbs
Appearance:
Oh, his appearance can be summed up in one word: handsome. He is almost extraordinarily so. The handsome Raoul de Chagny is the envy of his fellow noblemen and the object of every young lady's desires, even though he only has eyes for a particular opera singer. Standing at 6'0", Raoul is just a bit taller than average, with silky dark brown hair cut rather short as opposed to pulled back, perhaps to place emphasis on his youth. His skin is slightly tanned from his time spent outdoors, and his eyes that have charmed so many young ladies are a deep, dark blue. Years of navy training, fencing, and horsebackriding have given him a rather athletic build and a good physique.
His clothing reflects his social standing. Even if he is merely relaxing at home, Raoul is always impeccably dressed. He is never seen without a dress shirt, a waistcoat, a suit coat, trousers, and shoes. When he is out to the opera, his clothes are considerably more formal, and he has also been known to wear his navy uniform occasionally. No matter what the occasion, every piece of clothing that Raoul owns is beautifully made and tailored to fit him perfectly.
Personality: For the most part, Raoul is everything that a young gentleman of his social standing should be. He is sensitive, clever, kind, well-mannered, considerate, passionate, charming, and as rich as he is handsome.
Raoul is extremely popular among his peers. As a member of one of the oldest and wealthiest families in France, Raoul is used to the sort of attention that comes with his title. In social situations, he is calm, confident, and always knows what to say. However, unlike most noblemen, Raoul does not treat others differently because of class. He treats most everyone with courtesy; even those who don't necessarily deserve it. He rarely shows frustration or anger when in a public setting so as not to spoil his or his brother's reputation, but thoughts of his family's name will not stop him if he feels provoked or threatened by others.
If Raoul has a drawback, it is his youth. Despite his naval training, he is still just barely twenty-one (though he looks closer to eighteen) and is often a bit naive about the world around him. Without much real life experience to advise him otherwise, the young Vicomte is often rather impulsive. Despite being educated by the finest tutors in France, Raoul is more likely to think with his heart rather than his mind. If the people that he loves are threatened in any way, Raoul is quick to anger and acts on impulse, rarely ever thinking things through while in the heat of the moment.
Wealth Status:
Very wealthy
Occupation:
Sailor, Vicomte, Opera Patron...
Personal Posessions:
A signet ring given to Raoul by his brother Philippe on his eighteenth birthday. Imprinted on the surface of the ring is the de Chagny coat of arms. He wears it on the ring finger of his left hand.
Pets:
None
Family:
Father: Philibert de Chagny - Deceased
Mother: Moerogis de Chagny, nee de La Martyniere - Deceased
Brother: Comte Philippe de Chagny
Sister: Cerise de Chagny
Sister: Madeleine de Chagny
Niece: Olivia de Chagny
History:
Raoul was born into the noble and respected de Chagny family in the summer of 1860, the youngest of four children. His birth caused Raoul's mother her life, and Raoul always suspected that because of this his father treated him more coldly than he did his other children. The boy spent his early childhood in a strict home, obeying a father who seemed to have little patience for young children. However, it wasn't long before his father also died, and Raoul found himself orphaned at a very young age.
This sounds like a traumatic childhood, but for the most part Raoul only has happy memories of his childhood. This is because of his siblings. While Raoul received little love from his father, his older brother and sisters spoiled and coddled him tremendously. After the death of his father, Raoul became a Vicomte and was placed in the custody of Philippe, the new Comte de Chagny and Raoul's brother, who was twenty years Raoul's senior. Philippe was Raoul's mentor, idol, father-figure, partner in crime, adviser, brother, and best friend. The little boy looked up to and worshiped Philippe, and Philippe took great interest in his younger brother's life. Philippe and his sisters made sure that Raoul did not want for anything, and the four siblings became a close-knit, loving family all to themselves.
Such things can never last, however, and Raoul's sisters were soon married off to foreign noblemen, and Philippe became Raoul's sole guardian. Raising a child and being head of the de Chagny family seemed daunting for the young Comte, and at the suggestion of the rest of the family, Philippe agreed that an old aunt in Perros would take care of Raoul while Philippe traveled on business during the summer. Raoul tried to resist, but he didn't have it in him to refuse his brother's request. Before he knew it, he left his childhood home in Chagny, France for the beaches of Brittany.
It was there that a young girl made what could have been a boring summer into an extraordinary one. The first day he arrived in Perros, a young Raoul caught a glimpse of a girl and her father playing on the beach. Raoul was instantly smitten with the girl, and he demanded his governess to walk with him along the beach so he could see the girl again. His wish was granted when the girl's red scarf flew out of her hands and into the ocean. Without so much as a word to his governess, Raoul took off his jacket and ran into the freezing cold water. He was determined to find the scarf. Several minutes later, he emerged from the water triumphantly. Boy and scarf were both completely soaked, but the girl seemed so pleased by his actions that she clapped her hands together and kissed him on the cheek. The girl introduced herself as Christine Daae and introduced him to her father.
This was the beginning of one of the most important summers of Raoul's life. Raoul and Christine became fast friends and sweethearts, and the young Vicomte tried to see Christine at every opportunity. Raoul knew, with the certainty that only little boys have, that the only girl he would ever want to marry would be Christine Daae, the charming girl from Perros. At the end of that summer, a little boy promised a little girl that when he was older he would come back for her and marry her. When he informed his aunt, the old woman chided Raoul for his foolishness. A Vicomte could not and would not marry the daughter of a penniless violin player. When Raoul returned to Perros the next summer, the girl was gone. Still, Raoul was determined to keep his promise.
The next years of Raoul's life were happy but uneventful. He continued to mature under Philippe's watchful eye, and the two became inseparable as Raoul grew from a little boy into a handsome young man. He courted many women to please his family and society, but thoughts of his promise to the little girl from the sea never left his mind. When it came time for Raoul to choose a profession, thoughts of his summer by the beach prompted him to pursue a career in the Navy. Raoul joined the Navy, served with honors on the training ship the Borda, and sailed around the world. After this, Raoul returned to the de Chagny townhouse in Paris. With six months left before his next voyage, Raoul decided to spend the time with his beloved brother. And Philippe is determined to show the young Raoul all that Paris has to offer, including its Opera House.
Participate in the story of the Phantom?
Yes.
Sample Post:
Monsieur:
I have not forgotten the little boy who went into the sea to rescue my scarf. I feel that I must write to you to-day, when I am going to Perros, in fulfilment of a sacred duty. To-morrow is the anniversary of the death of my poor father, whom you knew and who was very fond of you. He is buried there, with his violin, in the graveyard of the little church, at the bottom of the slope where we used to play as children, beside the road where, when we were a little bigger, we said good-by for the last time.
Raoul de Chagny practically had that letter memorized. The train to Lannion was long, and during the trip Raoul had read Christine's note over and over again, smelling its perfume and recalling memories of his childhood. Philippe probably thought him mad, rushing off to the train station, only a small suitcase in hand, to pursue a girl from his childhood. Yet, he could not help it. He had to see her. The young man knew that he would not be content until he gazed upon her beautiful face once more. Thoughts of her plagued his mind at all times during the trip. In fact, Raoul had spent all of last night in feverish dreams that began and ended with Christine. Having alighted in Lannion, the Vicomte was currently traveling to Perros-Guirec, a place that held so many memories for him. The young Vicomte was the only passenger, but after asking the driver, he learned that, on the evening of the previous day, a young Parisian woman had gone to Perros and was staying in the Inn of the Setting Sun. Raoul immediately decided that he would go there, too.
For, Raoul had to see her. The young man was almost certain that he was in love with the beautiful girl from the Opera House, though it had taken a few days to admit that even to himself. But now he knew, with the almost blind certainty that young men seem to have. He loved her. Yet, despite this, he could not be sure if Christine felt the same, or even if she wished to see him again. He had tried repeatedly to see her after meeting her in her dressingroom, but she had not responded to his letters and had refused to let him call upon her. It was possible that Christine was too pure and pious to let a young man call upon her, Raoul was willing to believe this, though it did make him disheartened. Still, that thought was better than the other, much more likely alternative.
Raoul could still remember the man's voice in Christine's dressingroom, telling her that she was to love only him. Was it true? Did Christine truly love another? Had Raoul been too late? Had she merely been pretending to not recognize her old friend? Was that the reason why she had laughed at him when he mentioned rescuing her scarf? But then, why had she written to him? Oh, the rushed, panicked thoughts of Christine's love for another pained Raoul with their intensity. He had scarcely enough time to compose himself when his driver announced that they had arrived at the Setting Sun.
As Raoul stepped down from the carriage and entered the inn, he knew what he was going to do. He was going to wait in the inn's sitting room until he saw Christine, and then he would ask her why she had written him, and who had been hiding in her dressingroom. He feared that her answers would not be what he wanted to hear, but the young man loved her so much, he felt that he had to know, no matter what. A resolute expression upon his face, Raoul de Chagny entered the sitting room. He was more than prepared to spend the rest of the day waiting for Christine.
Much to his surprise, Christine was already in the sittingroom, waiting for him. Raoul de Chagny was not prepared for this. As his blue eyes met her own, the Vicomte began to feel giddy and lightheaded. He hadn't seen her for only a few weeks, but during this short period of time Christine seemed to have grown even prettier. For a split second, Raoul's breath caught in his throat. He really did love the beautiful singer from the Opera, and the look of adoration that shone from his handsome features was so intense that any normal, composed nobleman would have noticed and masked his emotions. He couldn't bear to think about what he would do if she really did love the man in the dressingroom!
But it was poor manners to stand there, staring silently at his old friend. Removing his hat, Raoul held it in one of his hands as he regarded Christine with a kind, though surprised, expression upon his face. "M-Mademoiselle," he stammered, his voice growing stronger as he continued. "I cannot tell you how it feels to see you again." And, truthfully, he couldn't. Raoul did not know whether to dread or look forward to this meeting.
((Okay, so the sample post is a little long. I just copied the last one that I wrote. Sorry!))
Raoul de Chagny
Age:
Twenty-one
Gender:
Male
Height:
6'0
Weight:
150lbs
Appearance:
Oh, his appearance can be summed up in one word: handsome. He is almost extraordinarily so. The handsome Raoul de Chagny is the envy of his fellow noblemen and the object of every young lady's desires, even though he only has eyes for a particular opera singer. Standing at 6'0", Raoul is just a bit taller than average, with silky dark brown hair cut rather short as opposed to pulled back, perhaps to place emphasis on his youth. His skin is slightly tanned from his time spent outdoors, and his eyes that have charmed so many young ladies are a deep, dark blue. Years of navy training, fencing, and horsebackriding have given him a rather athletic build and a good physique.
His clothing reflects his social standing. Even if he is merely relaxing at home, Raoul is always impeccably dressed. He is never seen without a dress shirt, a waistcoat, a suit coat, trousers, and shoes. When he is out to the opera, his clothes are considerably more formal, and he has also been known to wear his navy uniform occasionally. No matter what the occasion, every piece of clothing that Raoul owns is beautifully made and tailored to fit him perfectly.
Personality: For the most part, Raoul is everything that a young gentleman of his social standing should be. He is sensitive, clever, kind, well-mannered, considerate, passionate, charming, and as rich as he is handsome.
Raoul is extremely popular among his peers. As a member of one of the oldest and wealthiest families in France, Raoul is used to the sort of attention that comes with his title. In social situations, he is calm, confident, and always knows what to say. However, unlike most noblemen, Raoul does not treat others differently because of class. He treats most everyone with courtesy; even those who don't necessarily deserve it. He rarely shows frustration or anger when in a public setting so as not to spoil his or his brother's reputation, but thoughts of his family's name will not stop him if he feels provoked or threatened by others.
If Raoul has a drawback, it is his youth. Despite his naval training, he is still just barely twenty-one (though he looks closer to eighteen) and is often a bit naive about the world around him. Without much real life experience to advise him otherwise, the young Vicomte is often rather impulsive. Despite being educated by the finest tutors in France, Raoul is more likely to think with his heart rather than his mind. If the people that he loves are threatened in any way, Raoul is quick to anger and acts on impulse, rarely ever thinking things through while in the heat of the moment.
Wealth Status:
Very wealthy
Occupation:
Sailor, Vicomte, Opera Patron...
Personal Posessions:
A signet ring given to Raoul by his brother Philippe on his eighteenth birthday. Imprinted on the surface of the ring is the de Chagny coat of arms. He wears it on the ring finger of his left hand.
Pets:
None
Family:
Father: Philibert de Chagny - Deceased
Mother: Moerogis de Chagny, nee de La Martyniere - Deceased
Brother: Comte Philippe de Chagny
Sister: Cerise de Chagny
Sister: Madeleine de Chagny
Niece: Olivia de Chagny
History:
Raoul was born into the noble and respected de Chagny family in the summer of 1860, the youngest of four children. His birth caused Raoul's mother her life, and Raoul always suspected that because of this his father treated him more coldly than he did his other children. The boy spent his early childhood in a strict home, obeying a father who seemed to have little patience for young children. However, it wasn't long before his father also died, and Raoul found himself orphaned at a very young age.
This sounds like a traumatic childhood, but for the most part Raoul only has happy memories of his childhood. This is because of his siblings. While Raoul received little love from his father, his older brother and sisters spoiled and coddled him tremendously. After the death of his father, Raoul became a Vicomte and was placed in the custody of Philippe, the new Comte de Chagny and Raoul's brother, who was twenty years Raoul's senior. Philippe was Raoul's mentor, idol, father-figure, partner in crime, adviser, brother, and best friend. The little boy looked up to and worshiped Philippe, and Philippe took great interest in his younger brother's life. Philippe and his sisters made sure that Raoul did not want for anything, and the four siblings became a close-knit, loving family all to themselves.
Such things can never last, however, and Raoul's sisters were soon married off to foreign noblemen, and Philippe became Raoul's sole guardian. Raising a child and being head of the de Chagny family seemed daunting for the young Comte, and at the suggestion of the rest of the family, Philippe agreed that an old aunt in Perros would take care of Raoul while Philippe traveled on business during the summer. Raoul tried to resist, but he didn't have it in him to refuse his brother's request. Before he knew it, he left his childhood home in Chagny, France for the beaches of Brittany.
It was there that a young girl made what could have been a boring summer into an extraordinary one. The first day he arrived in Perros, a young Raoul caught a glimpse of a girl and her father playing on the beach. Raoul was instantly smitten with the girl, and he demanded his governess to walk with him along the beach so he could see the girl again. His wish was granted when the girl's red scarf flew out of her hands and into the ocean. Without so much as a word to his governess, Raoul took off his jacket and ran into the freezing cold water. He was determined to find the scarf. Several minutes later, he emerged from the water triumphantly. Boy and scarf were both completely soaked, but the girl seemed so pleased by his actions that she clapped her hands together and kissed him on the cheek. The girl introduced herself as Christine Daae and introduced him to her father.
This was the beginning of one of the most important summers of Raoul's life. Raoul and Christine became fast friends and sweethearts, and the young Vicomte tried to see Christine at every opportunity. Raoul knew, with the certainty that only little boys have, that the only girl he would ever want to marry would be Christine Daae, the charming girl from Perros. At the end of that summer, a little boy promised a little girl that when he was older he would come back for her and marry her. When he informed his aunt, the old woman chided Raoul for his foolishness. A Vicomte could not and would not marry the daughter of a penniless violin player. When Raoul returned to Perros the next summer, the girl was gone. Still, Raoul was determined to keep his promise.
The next years of Raoul's life were happy but uneventful. He continued to mature under Philippe's watchful eye, and the two became inseparable as Raoul grew from a little boy into a handsome young man. He courted many women to please his family and society, but thoughts of his promise to the little girl from the sea never left his mind. When it came time for Raoul to choose a profession, thoughts of his summer by the beach prompted him to pursue a career in the Navy. Raoul joined the Navy, served with honors on the training ship the Borda, and sailed around the world. After this, Raoul returned to the de Chagny townhouse in Paris. With six months left before his next voyage, Raoul decided to spend the time with his beloved brother. And Philippe is determined to show the young Raoul all that Paris has to offer, including its Opera House.
Participate in the story of the Phantom?
Yes.
Sample Post:
Monsieur:
I have not forgotten the little boy who went into the sea to rescue my scarf. I feel that I must write to you to-day, when I am going to Perros, in fulfilment of a sacred duty. To-morrow is the anniversary of the death of my poor father, whom you knew and who was very fond of you. He is buried there, with his violin, in the graveyard of the little church, at the bottom of the slope where we used to play as children, beside the road where, when we were a little bigger, we said good-by for the last time.
Raoul de Chagny practically had that letter memorized. The train to Lannion was long, and during the trip Raoul had read Christine's note over and over again, smelling its perfume and recalling memories of his childhood. Philippe probably thought him mad, rushing off to the train station, only a small suitcase in hand, to pursue a girl from his childhood. Yet, he could not help it. He had to see her. The young man knew that he would not be content until he gazed upon her beautiful face once more. Thoughts of her plagued his mind at all times during the trip. In fact, Raoul had spent all of last night in feverish dreams that began and ended with Christine. Having alighted in Lannion, the Vicomte was currently traveling to Perros-Guirec, a place that held so many memories for him. The young Vicomte was the only passenger, but after asking the driver, he learned that, on the evening of the previous day, a young Parisian woman had gone to Perros and was staying in the Inn of the Setting Sun. Raoul immediately decided that he would go there, too.
For, Raoul had to see her. The young man was almost certain that he was in love with the beautiful girl from the Opera House, though it had taken a few days to admit that even to himself. But now he knew, with the almost blind certainty that young men seem to have. He loved her. Yet, despite this, he could not be sure if Christine felt the same, or even if she wished to see him again. He had tried repeatedly to see her after meeting her in her dressingroom, but she had not responded to his letters and had refused to let him call upon her. It was possible that Christine was too pure and pious to let a young man call upon her, Raoul was willing to believe this, though it did make him disheartened. Still, that thought was better than the other, much more likely alternative.
Raoul could still remember the man's voice in Christine's dressingroom, telling her that she was to love only him. Was it true? Did Christine truly love another? Had Raoul been too late? Had she merely been pretending to not recognize her old friend? Was that the reason why she had laughed at him when he mentioned rescuing her scarf? But then, why had she written to him? Oh, the rushed, panicked thoughts of Christine's love for another pained Raoul with their intensity. He had scarcely enough time to compose himself when his driver announced that they had arrived at the Setting Sun.
As Raoul stepped down from the carriage and entered the inn, he knew what he was going to do. He was going to wait in the inn's sitting room until he saw Christine, and then he would ask her why she had written him, and who had been hiding in her dressingroom. He feared that her answers would not be what he wanted to hear, but the young man loved her so much, he felt that he had to know, no matter what. A resolute expression upon his face, Raoul de Chagny entered the sitting room. He was more than prepared to spend the rest of the day waiting for Christine.
Much to his surprise, Christine was already in the sittingroom, waiting for him. Raoul de Chagny was not prepared for this. As his blue eyes met her own, the Vicomte began to feel giddy and lightheaded. He hadn't seen her for only a few weeks, but during this short period of time Christine seemed to have grown even prettier. For a split second, Raoul's breath caught in his throat. He really did love the beautiful singer from the Opera, and the look of adoration that shone from his handsome features was so intense that any normal, composed nobleman would have noticed and masked his emotions. He couldn't bear to think about what he would do if she really did love the man in the dressingroom!
But it was poor manners to stand there, staring silently at his old friend. Removing his hat, Raoul held it in one of his hands as he regarded Christine with a kind, though surprised, expression upon his face. "M-Mademoiselle," he stammered, his voice growing stronger as he continued. "I cannot tell you how it feels to see you again." And, truthfully, he couldn't. Raoul did not know whether to dread or look forward to this meeting.
((Okay, so the sample post is a little long. I just copied the last one that I wrote. Sorry!))
