#;;muse headcanons: kariom

[constellationcrowned]

Kariom and sleeping; 1

Kariom has an instinctual tendency to sleep defensively meaning he'll generally sleep with his hands and/or arms covering vulnerable parts of his body---arms being around his stomach or midsection, sleeping on his arm so he can have a hand curled over the nape of his neck, generally sleeping in curled and/or tight positions, etc. He sleeps on his side rather than on his stomach or back (unless he ends up either falling asleep or passing out while doing a task, of course) and will shift often unless he's really, really, really out. This instinctual guarding increases in severity if he's wounded or dealing with the stress caused by a shuffling.

If you can get him to sleep in a less defensive/more open position---i.e on his back, without being so curled in on himself, etc---it's a rare sign of comfort and trust.

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #the *quality* of his sleep varies wildly (and that requires it's own hc post tbh) but take this one for now

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

Concerning the Star Theater; 1

((In the grand scheme of things it might not seem like much but the Star Theater affects the eye color of the Star-Reader, especially so during the more concentrated sessions. The voices of the stars have to go somewhere---the mind, the lungs, the heart---and so it follows that the light of the stars must go somewhere too---the rings of the Theater and the eyes.

During the more involved and/or lengthy attunements (especially when constellations close to the Crown itself are the focus) Kariom's normally brown eyes will gain a bright, silvery cast to them. The intensity of this light will vary---at the beginning of an attunement it won't be there at all but as he focuses and as the Theater's rings are brought into play and adjusted the color will become brighter, fill more of his eye, and so on---and while it can be seen in both of his eyes the concentration of it is primarily in the eye he's using to look through the Theater.

Kariom is largely unaware that this happens unless someone sees it and tells him thanks to a combination of the light fading incredibly quickly after attunement coupled with the sensory flood (or potential overload) the constellations can cause.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #if it's an easy to decipher constellation it'll still be there but incredibly faint; this is for the Big Ones where he's really focusing #if you look really closely at his eyes before the light fades you might be able to see the true lines of the constellations for a short tim #might adjust wording and formatting later; I fucking hate typing on mobile

[constellationcrowned]

((All signs point to Kariom being a lot like Serban in his youth. Was he a stern kid? Yes. Grumpy? Yes. But he also had fun and was mischievous. He made pinwheels, he wanted to fly kites, he drew and colored in one of Flynn's gardening books (he drew constellations ofc but no doubt other things too) he ate so many cattails by the lake he almost choked to death, he ran around and got into trouble, he tried to make friends, and so on.

It's important to remember that he was a kid and he wasn't always so obsessively driven by his duty---and I mean driven to the point of where he, as an adult, considers all of that stuff as stupid, inconsequential, etc, and prefers not to think on it, driven to the point of self degradation (whether he acknowledges it or not and let's face it; he doesn't), etc, etc---such a severe reaction has to have a cause. Something changed him, something shifted his focus and it was definitely something huge. I imagine it's in part due to whatever happened to the Solomonari and his involvement on top of a variety of other things that built up over time until he could hold nothing else.))

#;;ooc: mun muttering #i can provide proof for all of these too; it's all scattered about in game and it's been a big focal point for me #I'll do a proper hc post at some point just take this... somewhat commentary post for now #this man's growth both past and present is so important to me #he still has that childish nature to him too; both the good and the bad aspects as I've said before #I'm just glad I have a much clearer picture now (and want more!) and can actually talk about stuff #regarding Flynn; some of the hints about their dynamic (esp concerning Kariom trying to make a friend) really needs context #he had his own hand in this change ofc (it's not all outside/external influence) but his hand was undoubtedly forced too #I maintain that he was forced to grow up far too quickly---a thing made worse considering he's surrounded by immortal beings who don't age #his perspective is so unique it can be debilitating; does that make sense? i really try to emphasize that #;;ooc: commentary (kariom) #I'm not saying he was flippant about his duty as a youth (the stars are clearly special to him) but his focus being *so severe* is alarming #something happened; something was instilled in him; something made it be the only thing he thinks about and the only thing that defines him #I've pointed this out before but he gives his *title* (or station if you prefer) as a star-reader before he gives his own fuckin*name* #that's..... that's just.....worrying... and sad #I'm going to figure out what happened damnit; I will #;;muse headcanons: kariom

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

((Kariom's go-to in regards to conflicts is to talk things out rather than to actually fight someone. This man is incredibly stubborn and is prone to emotional outbursts, that much is true, but said outbursts are never without heart or thought behind them, even if it might be hard to discern or reach in the moment.

He possesses a temper and can get agitated if someone is flat out refusing to listen to him and Kariom's not above shifting communication into an argument as a result (this is a notable problem between Kariom and Flynn) but this exhausts him quickly and he'd much rather get things over with or, preferably, come to some sort of solution. This varies depending upon the severity of a topic, of course, and if something is really bothering him he will bring it up again.

It's notable that no matter how emotional he becomes Kariom always tries his best to listen to others and come across plainly---if not bluntly---in regards to his own communication and is surprisingly quick to amend misunderstandings. Kariom actually views his openness to communicate as one of his strong suits and doesn't feel that it makes him weaker than someone who deals with issues in a more physical manner.

That being said this doesn't make him a pushover and if someone manages to force him into a direct, physical confrontation Kariom can and will hold his own.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #this is still a bit vague bc reasons but yeah! a hc #this is more about in the moment stuff rather than influences (Flynn; Bo; Milosh mainly) but I might bring that up at a later time #I've also nattered about this quite a bit (especially in regards to the lengths you'd have to go to to make him physically retaliate); #but I never did a proper hc so.... have this I guess??? #I'm still...iffy about my Kariom hcs (and if you saw my post from the other day you'd know why) but I'm..... trying

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

((Kariom gets overwhelmed/caught up in his emotions incredibly quickly, especially in stressful circumstances that hit close to home. The more he cares about something or someone the more emotionally volatile he's going to be. He has a habit of crying if he gets really, really, really angry. Likewise he'll be frustrated to that same degree if he's unable to express himself when he needs to.

Thankfully Kariom has a (mostly) positive mindset about his emotions no matter how overwhelming they might be for him and not only is he unafraid to express them Kariom rarely denies how he's feeling. He might not understand why he's feeling a certain way sometimes (be it in general or in regards to the severity of the feeling itself) but he's not afraid to reflect on it later and figure it out.

He compartmentalizes a lot, mostly for future internal reflection rather than as a way to avoid things but that can also vary if there's trauma involved or if he's going through a shuffling, and etc.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #his emotion and memory blockage in regards to the shufflings is a completely different matter mind you; this is more in the moment stuff

[constellationcrowned]

((Growing up Kariom heard a lot of songs---tsourai songs, obviously---and has a habit of either singing or humming them to himself when he's really absorbed and enjoying what he's doing or whenever he thinks he's alone. Or feels alone. Obviously he knows songs from the Stream side of things as well but they aren't as good or melodic to him and his preference is clear.

From Bo he learned songs of stories, legends and fables; fanciful, magical, impractical, and so on, primarily because Bo is the storyteller of the group. Kariom will scoff a bit if you bring these up to him after a certain age---he has enough to worry about, his head is full of his duty thank you so much---but every once in a while, during quiet moments he'll recall a verse or two and draw connections, hum them to himself, etc. He often remembers a song about a prince and a song about birds.

From Flynn he learned songs of the harvest and of work; songs to make work pass easier, songs to grant rhythm and a reminder of purpose as constant as the sun, practical, rough, grounded, maybe a little bawdy if he's in a particular mood. These songs are special in a sense because Flynn doesn't particularly care for his own singing voice and you have to coerce him which is something Flynn and Kariom have in common. Kariom will never admit just how much he likes these songs and how they sounded coming from Flynn who has a charm all his own. Another person who got to hear these songs from Flynn was Milosh.

From the stars he found his own voice and Kariom does his best to emulate their songs; no matter how faint or wordless they might be. He likes being part of the chorus when deciphering and will sing and/or hum along when using the Theater but will be incredibly embarrassed if it's brought up. Sometimes the songs help him remember....sometimes.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #they all have nice singing voices in their own way; fight me

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

((One of the fastest ways to piss Kariom off is to joke and/or hound him about memory related things. If you constantly ask him if he remembers something (primarily in a condescending or insincere way) he will respond in kind---mostly by shutting you out completely if him being prickly doesn't do the trick.

He might not show it or talk about it much but the whole thing; no matter when the instance, no matter how severe, is a sensitive topic for him and he gets frustrated enough on his own while dealing with things and he certainly doesn't need it thrown in his face.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #like he'll fuckin have to fight with himself not to blow up at someone if they ask *why* he doesn't remember (insert thing here) #yeah I'm looking at the journal and inv entries and reading frustration and desperation stfu

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

((Why do I get the impression that Kariom attracts the kind of person who would pretend not to hear him when he directly says that he loves them because they want him to say it again? He'd get so huffy about it too lol))

#;;ooc: mun muttering #;;muse headcanons: kariom

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

Kariom's possessions and other important items; 1

Once in his youth Kariom came across a destroyed tsourai pearl and decided to keep a piece of it. Said piece is no longer than a finger with the sharper edges mostly worn away by time and the elements and is always kept securely in one of his pockets.

He kept the fragment as a reminder of just how tenuous and fragile the Sualokin (and other Tsourai) can be and uses it as both a symbol and reminder of his duty. If he's ever incredibly stressed or feeling lost he'll fiddle with the shard either by running his fingers against it while it's in his pocket or, if he's alone or undergoing a higher level of stress, will actually pull it out and hold it in his palm for awhile.

It's a painful thing for him, this reminder of life and death, but it's a necessary pain. It's a reminder of what's at stake and helps Kariom keep hold of his convictions.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #death mention tw #this is one of the few things he can retain during a shuffling; he may not remember *why* he has it but he'll always remember *what* it is

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

((Obsessed with the idea of Kariom playing the cello extremely well.))

#;;ooc: mun muttering #lots of instruments really but especially that one #;;muse headcanons: kariom

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

Kariom's traumas and triggers; 2

Kariom cannot abide the smell or taste of berries, no matter what kind of berry it is. Considering berries were the key component of Flynn's 'final gift' before killing him Kariom has a strong (and nigh unshakable) association between it and betrayal.

His reaction to said association can oscillate between merely feeling sick to his stomach, dry heaving/gagging to actual productive nausea, and anxiety/panic attacks if he ingests berries of any sort unknowingly. His aversion is so high and formative Kariom has a difficult time seeing berries as anything other than poisonous.

This is a trauma response that he can; eventually given enough time and effort put towards altering his perceptions, get over in that he'll tolerate the smell of them, being near them, etc, but will still refuse to actually eat them.

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #tfw replying to something forces you to finally post a hc you've had saved in drafts for weeks LMA O #poisoning mention tw #choking mention tw #anxiety mention tw #anxiety attack mention tw #if you can get him to actually eat berries (and thus overcome said trauma response) you'll get a gold star

[alexandriteobscuraarchive]

Kariom's traumas and triggers 1;

One of Kariom's biggest triggers is hands, specifically whenever someone hides their hands from him. Given the confusion and peril that dominates his life; not to mention that one of his many deaths was dealt by the hands of someone he trusted and loved, he has become almost obsessively observant of the hands of others and how they're moving them. Fast movements (especially including motions made at his person and without warning) are also a way to trigger him.

The severity of Kariom's reaction varies depending on if he's under a direct physical threat as well as how stable or unstable his memory is at the time of an occurrence. The fresher his revival (which means his memory will be fractured or, in extreme cases, entirely blank) the more aggressive his response is going to be, primarily owing to the fact that it's difficult for him to cope, rationalize things, etc.))

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #death mention tw #if he's familiar with someone he'll have a much easier time rationalizing that he's safe or whomever is ok #but if he doesn't have that rapport he's gonna be on high alert by default #if he allows you to hug him (pretty much at all but especially unprompted) you've gained a rare amount of trust

[constellationcrowned]

// If I may ask! How is Mr Kariom with the youngins? How does he handle children in most situations?

He's generally not around children all that much and while Kariom doesn't mind kids he also doesn't fuss or fret over them like one might expect either. This can vary depending on how well he knows someone, of course.

Kariom makes it a point not to talk down to them too much if at all---he might toss out a 'kiddo' rather than someone's name occasionally but that's a term of endearment stemming from his own life so he doesn't mean anything negative by it--- and while his general severity/sternness will still be present around them and while speaking to them he is known to back off a bit faster when dealing with kids over adults if something irks or irritates him. Usually.

He also silently appreciates it when a kid ends up being inquisitive, resourceful, etc, and so he might entertain a question or two if he's comfortable with someone and if they're clearly asking about something out of enthusiasm. He carries that same childlike inquisitiveness within himself after all, he always has, so he can relate on multiple levels even if he doesn't talk about it.

#;;ask response: ooc #this stepped into hc territory so! #;;muse headcanons: kariom #yukikorogashi #his demeanor re; handling kids fluctuates between how Flynn and Bo helped take care of him honestly #also he didn't exactly have friends growing up (it wasn't really allowed for a variety of reasons) but he wanted to make friends #and that's something nestled in the back of his mind as an adult #yes he's stern like always but he'll soften fast; especially if the kid in question is one he comes to care about #he'll be very very very protective of them too

[constellationcrowned]

Kariom relinquishing his jacket to the Traveler (regardless of situation or context, obviously) eventually becomes another special thing between them.

She'll occasionally leave things for him to find whenever she gives it back too; like a note, a small treat, etc, usually in the front breast pocket because it can be zipped closed. Eventually Kariom recognizes that the gesture is a source of comfort and love to her for a variety of reasons (and yes, that includes recognizing the gesture itself is also coming from a place of love and comfort on his end) so the grief or ribbing he'd usually give her for something similar is notably lessened if not absent entirely.

#she stole it from him so often that he begrudgingly relented and just started giving it to her #and then he realized that it was kind of cute; endearing; etc #you'd have to twist his arm to make him admit it or even remark upon it though #he's shy ok???? he's shy #;;muse headcanons: kariom #;;ship headcanons: kariomxthe traveler #;;muse headcanons: the traveler

[constellationcrowned]

It's practically common knowledge that both Kariom and the Traveler sleep incredibly poorly for a variety of reasons (obsessive habits and tendencies causing them to lose or forgo sleep, nightmares/night terrors, the stars, etc) and as a result they've developed some notable habits during their time together.

They both share the bad habit of working until they're exhausted and eventually pass out wherever they happen to be (especially during the daytime because sleeping at night can be difficult for Kariom, depending) and if one happens to find the other asleep in a strange place they'll try incredibly hard not to wake the other up and do what they can to make them comfortable.

Whenever the Traveler finds Kariom she'll always cover him up with a spare blanket, her cloak if she doesn't need it, and so on, and once Kariom caught on to this habit of hers he silently began returning the favor if their positions are reversed....which is often. He'll even cover her with his jacket if she seems especially cold or if he's feeling overly fond, a gesture that really affects her no matter how many times it happens.

If they're not sleeping in an actual bed (or on the floor, which is something neither is averse to) they can usually be found sleeping while leaning close against each other/sleeping shoulder to shoulder. They also hold hands sometimes. They're both incredibly sensitive in regards to their shared issue of nightmares/night terrors and will do their best to calm each other down if something occurs, regardless of frequency or severity, and them sleeping close together does help with this, a thing that the Traveler admits to more readily than Kariom.

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #;;muse headcanons: the traveler #;;ship headcanons: kariomxthe traveler #this isn't everything ofc but important nonetheless #obviously none of this was immediate behavior for them---especially Kariom and his trust issues and etc but after a lot of development

[constellationcrowned]

Between Kariom and the Traveler it's the Traveler that has a better sense of direction---although it's a learned trait thanks to one too many bad experiences in both the Flat and the Stream rather than a latent trait or skill of hers---and Kariom's sense of direction is abysmal, mainly because he falls prey to a stubborn streak of tunnel vision (ex; where things should be even if they're not), is focused on more important things in his mind, and so on. Oddly enough even with the stubborn parts of his nature Kariom does trust the Traveler and if she gives a direction, suggestion, etc, he will listen to her.

Concerning the Flat they're more or less on equal footing; being mortal and half-mortal respectively they're both unable to make or hold paths within the Flat and thus must rely on tools and instincts that can (and do) prove unreliable, with the Traveler possessing some navigational tools and tricks that might work (like bellrings, her journals, etc) and Kariom relying upon his memory and occasionally specific constellations which can be faulty for....obvious reasons.

#;;muse headcanons: kariom #;;muse headcanons: the traveler #;;ship headcanons: kariomxthe traveler #I might add to this later; I'm just thinking about them rn #this man needs a guide; he's too busy thinking about his duty lol