Character Details
Character Name: Rome Zion Kingsolver
Character Age: 21 years of age
Character DOB: October 31st
Character Image: https://i.imgur.com/0SU9MTr.jpg
Character Species: Human
Gender: Male
Character Family:
- Father: Joseph Kingsolver, who is 61 years old, is the head archivist for the Mount Dessert Island library system. He is meticulous and values precision and accuracy in his personal life and professional work. Joseph analyzes situations carefully before giving his thoughts, often making him seem detached and unemotional. However, despite his reserved demeanor, he is a caring and supportive figure in the lives of his children. Among his five children, Joseph often dotes on Rome the most.
- Mother: Theresa (nee, Sullivan)Kingsolver, who is 57 years old, is a primary school teacher on the island. She is a warm, nurturing individual known for her tender-hearted and compassionate nature. However, she is also a disciplinarian, holding her students to high behavior and academic achievement standards. Theresa's strictness comes from a place of love and concern for her students, as she believes setting expectations and boundaries is essential for their growth and success. As a mother, Theresa brings the same balance of compassion and discipline to her parenting. She is affectionate and supportive of her children but expects them to take responsibility for their actions and make good choices. Theresa is a great listener and always makes time for her children, whether they need help, someone to talk to, or simply a hug. Her love and support are unwavering, and her children can always count on her to be there for them.
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Siblings: The youngest of four siblings, Rome has three older brothers - Christopher, Giuseppe, and Marco. Christopher, also known as "Chrissy," is the eldest and works as a housing specialist. Despite being the oldest, he is laid-back and often plays the role of peacemaker among his siblings. Giuseppe and Marco are twins and are both 33 years old. Giuseppe, the eldest of the twins by twelve minutes, works as a wildlife documentarian and photographer. He is known for his adventurous spirit and deep passion for nature and wildlife.
On the other hand, Marco is a potter who enjoys working with his hands and is known for his practical skills. Despite their different personalities and interests, the three brothers have a close bond with each other and with Rome. They often tease him about his graceful nature, but it's all good fun. They share a unique sibling bond that has grown stronger over the years.Ada is Rome's older sister, and at 31 years old, she is the only girl in the immediate family, aside from their mother, Theresa. Ada is married and has three children of her own, who are the apple of her eye. She followed closely in their father's footsteps and became a researcher who works with the city's historical society. Ada is a brilliant and driven woman who is passionate about her work. She is meticulous in her research, and her attention to detail is unmatched. Ada is also a devoted mother and wife, juggling her family and work with impressive ease. She is a great role model for her children and her youngest sibling, who look up to her with admiration and respect.
Character Bio: The nurses call Rome a pumpkin patch baby, born at 12:03 AM on October 31st at MDI Hospital in Bar Harbor, Maine. Clean and swaddled tightly, the delivery nurse smiles as she gently places Rome on his mother's chest, where he is held for the first time. The nurse warns Rome is already a bundle of trouble, gazing at this newfound world with a mischievous glean captive in the starlight sparkle of impossible blue eyes. It is unconditional love at first sight as Rome's bright eyes find those of his mother and then his father's. It's the beginning of a life whose unconventional path is defined by the unbridled passion he breathes into the world.
His parents name him Rome, meaning 'strength'. Perhaps they recognized this quality early in Rome, the name apropos, given his strength of character, will, and determination. Continuing with the unconventional, Rome's middle name is Zion, translating to the 'highest point' or, in Christianity, the 'kingdom of heaven.' Unless impossible to pronounce or to shorten, unique names often do not require nicknames - and Rome's name does not fit these two criteria, so everyone calls him by his first name. Except for his father, who lovingly refers to Rome as piccolo -- 'little one' in Italian.
As a child, Rome's mother describes him as a feral cat. He is fiercely independent. It is a point of contention between Rome and his parents, who are devilish in concocting ways of trying to control him. Yet, they relent after realizing it is an exercise in futility because Rome does what he wants when he wants. He is not obstinate or combative this way and never knowingly takes advantage. Rome is simply stubborn and cannot be controlled. His unrestrained buoyancy is abundant and unpredictable, which causes much trouble in the classroom. Rome is a distraction - how could the teachers and administrators believe it possible to hold him captive for long periods in such a confined space when there is so much to see and experience beyond its four walls? Rome is tested, and the results indicate a neurodivergence in his thinking and interpretation of the world. Clearly, Rome would benefit from more freedom and creativity in learning and interacting with others. His family and the school try to oblige, but they can only do so much.
Feral cat Rome is not (or maybe just a little). He is a free spirit. Wildchild. Flower child. A 'bohemian prince,' Ada likes to call him. His nurturing is ever-present in the kindheartedness he imparts to others. There is something ethereal in Rome -- mind, body, and soul -- he radiates an unconditional love equally matched by a natural charisma. Rome possesses an inherently disarming disposition. He is easy to talk to and relatable. His openness about him helps others feel welcomed and at ease. Rome is an astute observer of human behavior and accepts others for who they are. He does his best to stray from judgments and preconceived notions, attempting, first and foremost, to come from a place of understanding. Rome is an open book and an adept communicator, speaking plainly yet with compassion, choosing to lead with a caring and empathetic heart. People naturally gravitate to Rome. However, some find his personality off-putting because they have difficulty relating to his eclectic interpretation of the world.
At eleven, Rome comes out as gay. Remarkably, it is unsurprising to his parents - they accepted long ago that their son was different, so what is one more thing to add to a very long list of what they like to call 'eccentricities'? They accept Rome for who he is unconditionally, without guilt or judgment. When he tells them he likes other boys, Rome is unashamed and brave in his declaration, as if it was no different than sharing his love for the color of sunflowers. Rome's siblings seem to be okay with his romantic interests, too. However, Chrissy and Marco have a more challenging time accepting - they are not obtuse or problematic in any way, yet do not understand all the same, given the siblings are raised in a devoutly Catholic household. Ironically, given his parents' acceptance, Rome's sexuality wedges a conflict between him and his brothers, who find reconciling their faith against this kind of love difficult. So, perhaps they make hurtful comments from time to time - it comes from a place of ignorance. Regardless, they love Rome, and he them, so Rome continues building a bridge toward understanding - it is a slow process, but he hopes they will come around to it eventually. One thing is for sure; however, something made abundantly clear - if any boy dares hurt Rome, Chrissy and Marco will make them disappear.
The earliest Rome remembers pulling on ballet slippers is three or four. He took to it seamlessly. Whereas his hyperactivity drives his teachers out of their minds in the classroom, it impresses the instructors in the studio; in fact, Rome had one who described him as someone with 'limitless energy' and 'savant-like.' Dancing is Rome's superpower and comes naturally - how effortlessly he infused a wild exuberance into the craft is uncanny. His boundless energy fuels this passion, so Rome advances quickly. He dabbles in other dance forms, blending ballet with hip-hop or even tango and salsa - but he always returns to ballet. He studies intensely at the Mount Desert Island Ballet Academy through childhood and adolescence.
[TW for intense bullying] Rome's youth is not always idyllic. Small towns breed small minds trapped in subjective interpretations of social and self-governed morals. Rome is different - he knows and accepts this fact. Others either cannot or will not, so he is bullied relentlessly. First, it is because Rome is a spaz in the classroom. Then, it is because he lives and breathes ballet, which is not a sport- only girls dance and boys should not. Next, it is because he is too pretty to be a boy - too effeminate in appearance, behavior, and action. And finally, it is because he likes other boys. Rome is a beautiful soul, but people dislike what they do not understand - they act out of fear of the unknown. Rome is not unfamiliar with the occasional black eye or a fat lip. He comes home with bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Rome is the bully's favorite punching bag, mainly because he refuses to fight back. It is fruitless anyway; there are more of them than him. Besides, Rome's guidance counselor says bullying is just a part of life, so why cry? So Rome grins and bears it until Ashlyn Ek. One of the other terrible things about being different is that Rome is often used. Rome is the only gay guy in the school -- that knows of, at least -- making him an attractive target for those still figuring themselves out. One Freshman year, Rome is surprised by Ashlyn, one of the more popular boys in his class, when he slips Rome a note one day encouraging Rome to visit him behind the gym at the end of the school. Rome likes Ashlyn - he is nice and one of the few that does not tease him.Rome and Ashlyn are not friends by any means, but there is a kindness in those doe-brown eyes of his. Intrigued by the invite, Rome does as suggested, finding Ashlyn alone precisely where he said he would be. The boys talk for a while, getting to know one another beyond the surface-level stuff, going deeper than anticipated. And Ashlyn confesses he has always wondered what it would be like to kiss another boy. Rome is nervous and uncertain. He admits to also wondering what it would be like because, embarrassingly enough, he is still waiting for first kiss, which is Ashlyn. Both are nervous and shaky. Rome let's Ashlyn take the lead, and although his technique is unsophisticated, Rome is enthusiastic, and that is all that matters. Rome can feel this is not Ashlyn's first time - maybe with a boy, but not with girls. He is a good kisser - great even, and that impresses. Rome's heart is hammering against the inside of his chest because surely this cannot be happening, but it is. It was not meant to last because the kiss intensifies, Ashlyn's friends find him. In a moment of panic about being discovered, he pushes Rome away. He falls hard, confused by the sudden change, until realizing what is happening. And then Rome's bewilderment is replaced by dread and panic because Ashlyn is explaining away his actions by blaming Rome. And it is the worst he has ever been hurt. Rome is too small to fight back, so he takes it. But no matter how hard they punch or kick him, nothing will hurt more than the betrayal of someone he shared something so intimate with moments before. This day marks when the bullying, emotional and physical abuse became the worst it has ever been.
Rome is a bit of a shell of who he was after that day behind the gym. The sparkle in his eyes looks a little duller. Rome is quieter than before, more withdrawn. Instead of standing out, he only wants to disappear. Rome realizes this place is robbing him of something special that makes him uniquely him. And Rome cannot -- no, he will not allow that to happen. He decides he is leaving. Rome cannot stay here. Not if wants to thrive in a world with limitless possibilities. He is going to be someone. And this small town, its people with its traditions and small minds, are not going to hold him back anymore. Besides, who wants to be surrounded by people who loathe and despise him for simply being his authentic self? So, Rome knuckles down and takes accelerated courses to graduate early. It is not what wants to do - it is what he needs to do, and Rome is tenacious in this pursuit. Inside and outside the classroom, he is a force and does what is required to secure a way off this tiny island, away from those hellbent on diminishing his brightness. And it works. Rome graduates a year early with an invitation to continue learning, growing, and developing at the Starfleet Academy.
Admission to the academy surprises Rome's family, who thought for certain he would pursue the performing arts. But, it is the relentless bullying endured in primary school that compels Rome to continue traveling that unconventional path in life he knows so well. And although he continues his ballet training, because that will always be his first love, Rome is passionate about helping others discover their true potential and genuine worth as individuals. As such, nothing dissuades Rome from becoming a counselor with Starfleet medical.
Rome's family still lives and works on the island, and he knows he will return home to visit eventually, but not anytime soon. No, Rome is finding his own way in life as he always has - unconstrained like a shooting star and sparkling just as brightly with joy and passion.
Your Details
Previous Role-Playing Experience: Probably a year or two!
Department Preference: Counseling
Secondary Department Preference: Science nerd, for the win!
Commissioned, Enlisted or Civilian: Officer, please!
Sample post: The silence between Ensign Clover Tillsbury and Rome lingered heavily. Clover's appointment was almost over, and the ticking of the desktop chronometer was a gentle reminder that their hour together was ending. It was a comfortable silence, filled with quiet contemplation.
Clover had visited Rome three times following an incident, and he was pleased with her progress in such a short time. Rome believed that her openness about what happened and her desire to deal with her complex emotions were the reasons for her success. Rome did not have to navigate a minefield of psychological barriers and coping mechanisms, unlike some of his other clients. Clover was a pragmatist, a trait Rome saw in many technicians. Engineers liked to tinker with things to fix or improve them, and it was harder to do it when it came to oneself than a piece of technology. However, Clover quickly ran self-diagnostics, isolated the problematic system, and called in additional support to decide on the best repair path. It was usually not this straightforward. Rome greatly respected Clover's quick realization of the need for help. It would serve her well as she continued on her path to recovery.
"Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, Clover," Rome's soft voice filled the silence without intruding. Clover nodded with a frown, her hands folded on her lap. "We knew this journey would not be easy - it never is. But you are doing the hard work, and that counts for a lot."
"Today was just an emotional one. I wasn't expecting it," Clover replied with a sniffle. She quickly wiped away a tear that dared stray down one of her cheeks, which was as red as an apple blossom.
Rome offered what he hoped was an encouraging smile. "It was, wasn't it?" He chuckled softly, emphasizing the reality. "It's essential to feel those emotions - don't shy away from them. You feel the way you do for a reason, and those feelings are neither good nor bad. They are the truth; our goal has been and will continue to be healthily processing your feelings and emotions."
Clover offered a nearly imperceptible nod, rubbing the palm of either hand along her thighs. "Same time next week, then?" she asked just as the audible ticking of the clock ceased, and a melodic chime signaled the session's end.
"Same time," Rome stood from his chair while Clover stood from the couch. "And if you need me in the meantime, you know where to find me." Clover offered another nod before thanking Rome for his time and departing. Rome watched as Clover exited his office, the door closing and sealing behind her. He had scheduled admin time between sessions to keep up with the paperwork side of his role, and thankfully, Clover's visit was the last before lunch. He was starving and craving something comforting, which spoke to how taxing this session with Clover had been for them both - more so for the ensign, but it did not diminish the impact on his mental health either.
Rome turned to his desk to sift through some paperwork before heading down to the officers' mess to rest, relax, and recharge before his first afternoon session - this one with a Klingon from the security department with an anger issue. Go figure.
Additional information: Uhm, hmm, I don't think anything else!
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