The pyreflies that shape Auron's physical form are bound by his will to remain in Spira. He wanders as an unsent, with the devastating loss of his friends, Braska and Jecht, at the forefront of his mind.

Discovering that Yevon's teachings were just a facade built on false hope shattered his faith and fundamentally reshaped his worldview. His conscience is burdened by the truth that the sacrifice is always in vain, and that he couldn't do anything to stop the cycle. He constantly reminds himself of the fallen, each time recognizing that they perished for a hollow cause.

After his death, he was sustained by a fierce resolve to honor the promises made to Braska and Jecht; to bring Yuna to Besaid and to look after Tidus. Ten years later, these vows set him on a second pilgrimage – this time bringing Tidus along as the catalyst for change. Aside from revealing that Jecht was Sin, Auron disclosed very little to Tidus, as he needed him to see the futility of the sacrifice. Then, when the time came, he would be prepared to fight back and do what Auron could not.

Auron's unwavering sense of duty and loyalty propelled him to protect and guide Yuna and Tidus on their journeys, and within them, he discovered true hope. Now, he yearns for them to bring about the change that eluded him. Despite his own regrets and the burdens he carries, he persists even after death, guarding them until they succeed where he fell short.

Formerly a protector of Bevelle's temple and its high-ranking priests, Auron embarked on a new journey, devoting himself to the role of Summoner Braska's guardian. Joining them on this pilgrimage to defeat Sin was another guardian, Jecht, who would give his life to become Sin itself. Their deaths prompted Auron to seek vengeance for his friends, only to be struck down and killed in the process.

"When Braska and Jecht died defeating Sin... I just couldn't accept it. I came back here, tried to avenge them. But she struck me down. Somehow, I made my way, crawling down Mount Gagazet. But my strength left me just outside Bevelle. That's where Kimahri found me. I told him about Yuna... just before I died. I've been wandering ever since, never going to the Farplane."

With the help of a stub-horned Ronso, Auron saw to it that Yuna would reside in the tranquil isle of Besaid, as her late father had wished. He would then ride Sin to Zanarkand as an unsent, assuming a paternal incarnation of the guardian role to watch over Tidus before bringing him to Spira a decade later.

Ten years after Braska's triumphant sacrifice, Auron walks Spira out of sheer will, faithfully carrying out the promises he made to his fallen comrades. Yuna, now a young Summoner herself, has Auron as her guardian.

From here, he plays it by ear.

Welcome to The Survey of Doom [ credit ]

This is a writing exercise that will get you thinking about a character in great detail. Following completion, you may find that you have cleaned up some of that dust that's been coating a stored-away muse, mustered up some headcanon, and/or learned something new about your character.


- Body and Appearance -
1. Describe the character's height and build. Is he heavyset, thin, short, rangy?
Auron's exactly six feet tall with a sturdy build. He's evenly proportioned, yet has impressive upper-body strength.

2. How old is he?
A rough thirty-five.

3. Describe his posture. Does he carry himself well or does he slouch?
He carries himself very well. His posture is well-supported by the muscles he's maintained over the years.

4. How is his health? Is he fit or out of shape? Any illnesses or conditions? Any physical disabilities?
The 'health' of an unsent is up for debate, and while he isn't as agile as he used to be, he is certainly not out of shape. Though, he did lose an eye a decade ago, and his impaired vision brought his accuracy down to a below average level.

5. How does he move? Is he clumsy, graceful, tense, fluid?
His expertise in swordsmanship is influenced by the principles of a samurai, and he has reached a level of proficiency where correct formation comes naturally to him. There is a distinct grace that accompanies his movements, and he is one to take his time. Auron is nothing if not composed.

6. How attractive is this character physically? How does he perceive himself in the mirror?
Attractiveness can't really be measured, and the beauty standards in Spira are not well-defined. Either way, Auron could not be bothered. Presenting himself in a respectable or inoffensive manner, at the very least, is what's important to him.

7. Describe his complexion. Dark, light, clear, scarred?
Most of his days are spent outside, and his bronzed complexion reflects that. He bears many scars that tell tales of past hardships and trials, with the most notable being the vertical slash over his right eye.

8. Describe his hair: color, texture, style.
His predominantly black hair contains streaks of grey in some places. While most of his hair flows freely atop his head and on the sides, he keeps a small portion long, secured with a leather ribbon tucked away within the neckpiece of his attire.

9. What color are his eyes?
Hazel-brown.

10. Does the character have any other noteworthy features?
A significant scar spanning from his hairline to the middle of his cheek marks the absence of his right eye.

11. What are his chief tension centers?
Neck and shoulders, mainly.

12. What is the character's wardrobe like? Casual, dressy, utilitarian? Bright colors, pastels, neutrals? Is it varied, or does he have six of the same suit?
Samurai wardrobe embellished with the tastes of Bevelle. He has one outfit that attests to his preparedness, ever ready for battle whenever it may arise.

13. Do his clothes fit well? Does he seem comfortable in them?
Warrior monks aren't expert tailors, but they do care for their own gear. Auron has customized his wardrobe to suit his combat style, while also allowing flexibility for downtime. He has a keen understanding of his body and how it moves, so his attire fits him well enough to maintain his agility and performance.

14. Does he dress the same on the job as he does in his free time? If not, what are the differences?
Ohey, I answered this question already :D

15. You knew it was coming: boxers, briefs, or commando?
Briefs are probably more practical, so let's go with that.

- Speech -
What does this character's voice sound like? How does he normally speak?
Auron has a strong and authoritative presence, and his voice helps with that image of his character. He carries a deep, commanding tone with a measured and deliberate delivery that conveys a sense of wisdom and experience. Though, there is a warmth to his voice reserved for specific interactions that may call for a paternal ambiance. In such cases, he speaks with a more gentle and welcoming inflection. Here is a sample (spoilers).

- Mental and Emotional -
1. How intelligent is this character? Is he book-smart or street-smart?
Assuming book smarts in Spira refers to magic or combat knowledge, I'd say Auron is a blend of book smarts and street smarts. While his magic is impressive and he understands the concepts, he knows that there are others who surpass him in that regard. His knowledge base is primarily focused on combat and swordplay, and he has a good grasp on how the world works and on the way people navigate, on top of that.

2. Does he think on his feet, or does he need time to deliberate?
Both. He's quick to adapt to any scenario and can think on his feet when the situation calls for it. However, certain circumstances may demand careful consideration or strategic planning, and that's where he'd prefer to take the time to deliberate (if there is time).

3. Describe the character's thought process. Is he more logical, or more intuitive? Idealistic or practical?
As a young warrior monk, part of his meditative training involved learning to translate intuitive cues into sensible decisions. Serving as Braska's guardian tested these abilities and revealed the lingering rawness of his emotions. However, this once fervent and emotionally-driven temperament subtly decayed in his unsent status. Over the months following his death, Auron experienced a subtle transformation in his discernment, where the ability to differentiate between emotionally-driven thoughts and reasoned logic surfaced within him. His instincts now naturally align with practical decision-making as a result of this unfolding. Before bringing Yuna and Tidus together, he believed his idealistic tendencies were permanently suppressed, but witnessing their unwavering determination to break the cycle of Sin had reignited that flicker of hope within him.

4. What kind of education has the character had?
The teachings of Yevon (Bevelle Temple), which he has since abandoned. Also, bushido.

5. What are his areas of expertise? What, if anything, is he interested in learning more about?
His area of expertise seems to be himself, revolving mainly around the concept of self-awareness. He is often perceived as wise by others, but he doesn't hold such high opinions of himself. This is not due to low self-esteem; rather, he simply views himself as a work in progress. Though, being dead has severely limited his capacity for curiosity and thirst for knowledge. These are experiences, he feels, that are meant for the living.

6. Is he an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert, but he isn't shy or awkward. He just mainly keeps to himself.

7. Describe the character's temperament. Is he even-tempered or does he have mood swings? Cheerful or melancholy? Laid-back or driven?
He was once quite the hothead, and it got him killed. This passion dulled over time, and he found himself compelled to adopt a state of calmness and composure.

8. How does he respond to new people or situations? Is he suspicious, relaxed, timid, enthusiastic?
Depends on the person. As someone who is reserved, he doesn't actively seek out new social interactions. Dubious or unpredictable individuals may cross his path, and he takes mental notes of them in those cases. He has developed a good read on people and adjusts his level of trust and judgement accordingly.

9. Is he more likely to act, or to react?
Auron is a man of action.

10. Which is his default: fight or flight?
Fight to stand your ground.

11. Describe the character's sense of humor. Does he appreciate jokes? Puns? Gallows humor? Bathroom humor? Pranks?
His travels with Jecht and Braska helped Auron to develop a sense of humor. He isn't one for jokes, puns, or childish pranks, but he does enjoy clever wordplay and the lighthearted teasing of those he holds dear.

12. Does the character have any diagnosable mental disorders? If yes, how does he deal with them?
None.

13. What moments in this character's life have defined him as a person?

14. What does s/he fear?

15. What are his/her hopes or aspirations?

16. What is something s/he doesn't want anyone to find out about him/her?


- Relationships -
1. Describe this character's relationship with his/her parents.

2. Does the character have any siblings? What is/was their relationship like?

3. Are there other blood relatives to whom s/he is close? Are there ones s/he can't stand?

None of these can be answered with any sort of canonical evidence, so I'll just replace them with my own:

1. What is his love language in terms of receiving?
Quality time and touch, romantically. Acts of service from others (familial, platonic).

2. What is his love language in terms of giving?
Acts of service for all. There's also the occasional words of affirmation, but that'd be more for paternal bonds (Tidus, Yuna).

3. Which of the five love languages resonates with him the least for both giving and receiving?
Gifts.

4. Are there other, unrelated people whom s/he considers part of his/her family? What are his/her relationships with them?

5. Who is/was the character's best friend? How did they meet?

6. Does s/he have other close friends?

7. Does s/he make friends easily, or does s/he have trouble getting along with people?

8. Which does s/he consider more important: family or friends?

9. Is the character single, married, divorced, widowed? Has s/he been married more than once?

10. Is s/he currently in a romantic relationship with someone other than a spouse?

11. Who was his/her first crush? Who is his/her latest?

12. What does s/he look for in a romantic partner?

13. Does the character have children? If yes, how does he relate to them?
Auron's relationship with Tidus is of an intricate nature. As an unsent, he remains tethered to his past commitments, including his promise to guard Tidus with his life. However, as an unsent, it's possible that adapting or evolving in response to changing circumstances could be challenging, such as nurturing a deeper connection with Tidus. Auron's pledge to protect him was made while he was still alive, and while he sincerely intended to ensure Tidus' safety, their relationship seemed unable to extend beyond that sole purpose. His existence as an unsent may prevent him from experiencing significant personal growth or altering the nature of his commitments, leaving him somewhat trapped in a static state. He is unable to fully meet Tidus' needs or evolve as a father figure, and not for a lack of trying.

14. Does s/he have any rivals or enemies?

15. What is the character's sexual orientation?
Auron will be played to be heterosexual in circumstances that call for it. This is admittedly an area yet to be explored!

16. How does he feel about sex? How important is it to him?
While he acknowledges that sex may be a potential outcome of emotional intimacy, he considers emotional connection itself to be of greater significance. Alas, this is yet another experience be feels should be reserved for the living.

17. What are his turn-ons? Turn-offs? Weird bedroom habits?
TBA, for the most part. Though, I will say that with the right partner he would be fairly open and unrestrained. If he can move beyond the notion that intimacy is a privilege of the living, he might view this as an avenue to further explore both the individual and the dynamics of his relationship with that person.


- Beliefs -
1. Do you know your character's astrological (zodiac of choice) sign?
Sun sign: Aries
Moon sign: Scorpio
Yeah, let's go with that.

2. Is this character religious, spiritual, both, or neither? How important are these elements in his/her life?

3. Does this character have a personal code of morals or ethics? If so, how did that begin? What would it take to compromise it?

4. How does s/he regard beliefs that differ from his/her own? Is s/he tolerant, intolerant, curious, indifferent?

5. What prejudices does s/he hold? Are they irrational or does s/he have a good reason for them?


- Daily Life -
1. What is the character's financial situation? Is s/he rich, poor, comfortable, in debt?

2. What is his/her social status? Has this changed over time, and if so, how has the change affected him/her?

3. Where does s/he live? House, apartment, trailer? Is his/her home his/her castle or just a place to crash? What condition is it in? Does s/he share it with others?

4. Besides the basic necessities, what does s/he spend her money on?

5. What does s/he do for a living? Is s/he good at it? Does s/he enjoy it, or would s/he rather be doing something else?

6. What are his/her interests or hobbies? How does s/he spend his/her free time?

7. What are his/her eating habits? Does s/he skip meals, eat out, drink alcohol, avoid certain foods?


- Associations -
Which of the following do you associate with the character, or which is his favorite?:

1. Color: Crimson red.
2. Smell: Herbs, musky incense, or any other earthy note.
3. Time of day: Dusk.
4. Season: Auron prefers summer, but his character aligns more with autumn, which is a season symbolic of ebbing and mortality.
5. Reading material: Bushido texts.
6. Music: This Is Your Story and Auron's Theme.
7. Place(s): Bevelle, Dream Zanarkand, and the Zanarkand Ruins.
8. Substance: Masamune steel, nog, and haori fabrics.
9. Plant: I imagine he'd have an affinity for various species of roses.
10. Animal: Shoopuf.