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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 11:55 am    Post subject: History of Xebulon Burke Reply with quote

Okay, it's as ready as I can make it, so here we go. First, a brief overview of the character physical appearance and personality.

Name: Xebulon (Zeb-bew-lon) Burke
Species: Bear (half brown, half Kodiak)
Height: 6 '3"
Weight: 262 lbs (while not fat, he does have something of a pot-belly)
Coloration: Fur=brown, hair=brown (unruly), eyes=brown
Personality: Xebulon is one of those people who are blessed (or cursed, depending on who you ask) with boundless optimism and an open mind. With an excellent sense of humor and a hearty, sometimes raucous, laugh he is among the first to appreciate a joke (especially a good pun). When excited, he sometimes forgets his own strength (sending someone sprawling with a clap on the back, for example). Quick to forgive, he'd rather settle a dispute with reason (and a pint, heck, he'll buy) than through violence. His love of beautiful women, good drink and fine cigars is matched only by his passion for writing. The latter can, and has on occasion, lead to the exclusion of the former three. His temperament is closer to that of a teddy bear than to his Grizzly cousins.

Now, the history.

Xebulon Burke was born on the 15th of May in the year 1853 in London. The only cub of Alexander (a Kodiak bear) and Kathleen (a European brown bear) Burke, he spent his youngest years reveling in stories of his father’s adventures. Among his favorites were the tales of his father’s days as a cabin boy aboard the HMS Beagle and of the young naturalist named Darwin. When Xebulon reached 6 years of age, his father resumed his life of exploration and adventure, this time bringing his family with him. His mother saw to his schooling and with the assistance of personal tutors his education did not suffer. Being the sole daughter of a wealthy industrialist, Kathleen’s personal fortunes also funded their expeditions.

For ten years they traveled the globe visiting Africa, the Americas, the Orient and India. Their voyage was cut short however when his father fell ill and their visit to Australia was never realized. Three months after returning to England, Alexander Burke died of consumption (Tuberculosis) in the Royal London Hospital at the age of 53. His mother’s fortunes exhausted by the long voyage and the treatment of her husband, Xebulon took a job at a steel mill owned by Smythe & Winston Industries. In addition to his wages from the mill, Xebulon also began writing a series of adventure novels using his past experiences for inspiration. The fictional hero of the stories, a swashbuckling wolf named Jonathan Sterling, was largely inspired by his father. “The Savage Land, the Adventures of Jonathan Sterling in the American West” became his first success, followed by “Secrets of the East, Jonathan Sterling in the Orient”. An accident at the steel mill resulted in the injury of his left hand and surgery was unable to fully repair the damage. To this day Xebulon cannot completely close his left hand. Luckily his writing was unaffected.

Before long, Xebulon found himself with a scholarship to the University College London. He was positively ecstatic at the opportunity to immerse himself in such a knowledge-rich atmosphere and he found that his experiences while traveling with his parents were an asset to his studies in Anthropology, History and Geography. He also developed an interest in Mathematics and dabbled occasionally in Chemistry. His passion for story-telling and puns frequently led to the exasperation of some of his professors.

“Xebulon, would you care to explain just what in blazes you were you’re doing? And what happened to the lab?”

“Well Sir, the King of Potassium-Nitrate Land was insulted by the King of Zinc-Sulfate Land, so he had to invade in order to restore his honor. But when his army didn’t seem to be making any impact, he decided to set the whole place on fire… and that’s when the situation just exploded out of control.”

“So I see. But how did the *cough* King of Potassium-Nitrate Land start the fire in the first place?”

“Oh, with electricity Sir. You see, one of the cooks accidentally dropped a lemon and a potato into separate jars of electrolyte fluid and he had to fish them out. Only, he was using copper tongs and when he tried to get them both simultaneously, he got electrocuted. This in turn set the grass on fire.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes Sir. A most shocking experience, I imagine.”

… *groan*

After graduating, he once again short of money and took a job as a private tutor of History and Mathematics for a family in Germany. For three years he aspired to well in his new profession but the students, two boys, were obstinate and treated all of their tutors badly. The family’s increasing financial troubles and frequent arguments with the parents, often over his salary, would lead him to quit the position and travel to France. Upon arrival in the city of Lyon, Xebulon used his remaining savings to rent a small apartment where he wrote his third book, “Mysteries of the Ancients”. It was a collection of stories featuring Jonathan Sterling’s adventures while exploring the ruins in Cambodia, primarily Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, and later Greece. It would also feature his first, and so far only, divergence from the adventure genre.

“Requiem, My Love” tells the tale of how Jonathan Sterling found the diary of a young woman, an unnamed hierodule, while exploring the ruins of the temple at Delphi. While reading the ancient texts, Sterling came to realize that he’d fallen in love with the girl. That night, he had a dream that he and she danced under the light of the full moon and made love by a sacred spring. Upon awaking he found a silk sash wrapped around his hand, the same one the girl wore in the dream. He wore the sash ever afterwards and, on the next full moon, sang her story to the stars. The book itself didn’t sell as well as his first two, but “Requiem, My Love” was later published by itself.

The success of Requiem would allow Xebulon to move into a larger apartment which he shared with his mother after paying for her to move down from London. With the help of a close friend, Xebulon was able to help his mother start a small boutique. In order to provide additional support he took another tutoring position for the children of a well-to-do local merchant. The children, two girls and a boy, proved to be a vast improvement over his previous students and tried to learn everything he could teach them. Their father rewarded Xebulon healthy increase to his salary. Xebulon quit from this position as well, after three years, devoting time to studying the recent publications of Sigmund Freud. While fascinated by Freud’s research on neurophysiology, his paper “On Coca”, which described cocaine as a “cure-all for many disorders” caught Xebulon’s attention. Careful consideration however would lead him to decide not to experiment with the substance.

Wanderlust, and a desire to escape his fame as a local author, would lead Xebulon to move on once again. On the advice of a friend he decided to travel to Italy. With a several month long detour through Switzerland he came to a town where, according to his friend, “Your past is private, and nobody asks questions”. At first he was rather taken aback by the town of Bon Bon since his friend’s description left him unprepared. Still, after a few weeks he found that he’d come to enjoy the town’s unique atmosphere, delightful inhabitants, and superb entertainment.

“Maybe I should settle down for a little while. I could stand to get some more writing done. And I do rather like it here. Yes, it’s settled then! This is the place for me!”

Ok, there it is. I apologize for and glaring holes in the history. It was originally meant to compliment a story in which he co-stars. Many of the details are meant to be revealed throughout the story. But until I get around to writing it... yeah. Anyways, enjoy.
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Last edited by Xebulon on Wed Apr 15, 2009 12:14 am; edited 5 times in total
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LabrnMystic
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Exciting Xebulon. It sounds like you've had your paw in plenty of academics. I'm half surprised he didn't become a professor and stay up in London with his mother.

Ah well, who can stay away from BonBon that well? Perhaps a preacher. Razz
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MrWolf12
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 6:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Look forward to seeing just what is going to happen to this character.

Wonderful description. Not 'long winded' at all, as far as I see. Smile
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 8:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I certainly enjoyed it, bravo.
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

While the idea of being a professor was appealing, good pay only comes with tenure. Also, there's not as much opportunity for travel. So, by taking tutoring positions, a more balanced compromise can be achieved.

This also brings up something I've been wondering about. Given the rather promiscuous nature of Bon Bon, and assuming that the town has been in existence at least since Mary was what, 6 years old, shouldn't there be a significant population of children? Even taking into account the unlikelihood (or impossibility) of inter-species conception, one would think that there would still be enough same-species copulation going around.

Any thoughts, anyone?
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I tend to think that there may be a neighboring town or village or something that is probably like a much more conservative "suburb" of BonBon, one where it's possible for denizens to raise a family a safe distance away from the sexual antics of the city. Of course, with the flashback seen earlier in the story, apparently some of the girls who work and live in BonBon have been there since they were kids themselves... and in fact can seem fairly oblivious to the antics of the grown-ups around them.

Edit: Woo-hoo! 100th post!
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kommy
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 10:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A capable physician and druggist can make a fortune in Bon Bon without needing to cure illnesses. Wink

I note you are quite the renaissance bear. An interesting past. I always appreciate a man who knows the value of learning and a sense of humor, no matter how painful it may be. On a technical note, I've always found Freud's theories... crude and somewhat absurd. I always thought the man slightly mad. Razz

Bon Bon is slowly turning into a town made up increasingly of expatriots, I note. Amusingly, the Italians are being outnumbered handily by foreignors, particularly from young and savage lands like America and Australia. Laughing
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 11:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey, watch who you're calling a "savage", lady... Mad
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

JohnnyPsycho wrote:
I tend to think that there may be a neighboring town or village or something that is probably like a much more conservative "suburb" of BonBon


An excellent point. Possibly a source of Bon Bon's "blue collar" labor? Although admittedly there is no reason why they couldn't be living in Bon Bon itself. I would imagine that there are other locations in Bon Bon, similar in function to the Delight Castle, which cater to those with less income (DC seems to be a rather high-end establishment).

kommy wrote:
A capable physician and druggist can make a fortune in Bon Bon without needing to cure illnesses.


If Mr. JohnnyPsycho's theory of an adjacent village is correct, then so, perhaps, could an education professional? Wink

kommy wrote:
On a technical note, I've always found Freud's theories... crude and somewhat absurd. I always thought the man slightly mad.


Personally I agree. Please note that I said "fascinated with", not "agreed with" in reference to Freud. Smile

JohnnyPsycho wrote:
Hey, watch who you're calling a "savage", lady...


I'm sure she meant no offense. If this discussion has lead to remarks which have offended you Sir, then please accept my apologies. Sad
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Xebulon wrote:
JohnnyPsycho wrote:
Hey, watch who you're calling a "savage", lady...


I'm sure she meant no offense. If this discussion has lead to remarks which have offended you Sir, then please accept my apologies. Sad

I was joking anyway... don't sweat it... Wink
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Phew, that's a relief. If that were not the case then I shudder to think how things might have progressed.

Words would be exchanged, tempers would flare, feelings would be hurt. All of this culminating in a formal challenge to a duel and, being honorable gentlemen, we would agree to duel with swords. Unfortunately there would be no swords available so we'd raid the kitchen and wind up dueling with swordfish instead. While I prefer the more traditional schools of fencing (one hand behind the back and whatnot) I'm curious as to your methods. Perhaps a Florentine style, wielding a carp in your off hand? Or maybe two-handed, like a German Zweihänder or a Scottish Claymore?

I can see it now, it would be magnificent! Back and forth across the town we would go. Through the streets, across the rooftops, possibly even defying gravity itself and taking to the air (Chow Yun-Fat eat your heart out)!

Hmm... no. No, I can't see it ending all that well. Fire consuming the buildings, people fleeing in terror (miraculously no one would be injured), an army of clockwork zombie ninjas tap dancing in the streets. No, best perhaps if we leave things as they are.

So, that being said, would you care for a pint? big grin
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Heck, I've always wondered if there were other competing brothels/casinos in BonBon, run by perhaps some unscrupulous characters who constantly scheme of ways to out-do Princess Betty and her Delight Castle. A feud between brothel "madams" would be interesting...
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Another thought just struck me. Thus far, Bon Bon's "entertainment" industry seems largely to cater to men. I, and my perverse mind, cannot help but wonder, is there an equal and opposite establishment from Betty's Delight Castle? If so, then is it run by a bitter (and/or flamboyant) rival? Wassat

*Reposted on it's own after the previous was edited*
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 1:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I certainly would'nt be surprised if there was a flipside to the Delight Castle that catered more to women rather than to men, on the contrary, I would be surprised if there was'nt something of the sort in the world somewhere. I don't believe it's "perverse", as you put it, Xebulon, to wonder about such a thing, I'd call it having an open mind and seeing both sides of the argument, so to speak.
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 3:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've always fancied myself more of a Claymore type of guy myself. Of course, if it's my fursona caught in a duel, he'd have no idea how to use a fencing sword... in the 1890's American West, the closest thing you could come to resembling an "honorable duel" would be a quick-draw gun fight in the middle of the street. That being said, the old coyote would grab a pair of squids and start squirting ink in the eyse of his crazed fish-weilding opponent.
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kommy
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 8:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The funny part is that the 'savage' was mostly intended for desperadoes, cowboys, and greedy settlers and prospectors. Very Happy
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LabrnMystic
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ashton Gray wrote:
I certainly would'nt be surprised if there was a flipside to the Delight Castle that catered more to women rather than to men, on the contrary, I would be surprised if there was'nt something of the sort in the world somewhere. I don't believe it's "perverse", as you put it, Xebulon, to wonder about such a thing, I'd call it having an open mind and seeing both sides of the argument, so to speak.


Thats what Mystic said in my history. Perhaps in the future, more of BonBon will be revealed.

As for you two dueling, I'm much more for Florentiner myself. Mostly through the use of disarming my opponent of his weapon so I may wield both against my foe. Even normal two-handed weapons I have florentined (though thats usually just throwing my weight around to wield them somewhat proficiently)

and finally, Razz "inking" I could see him pause and curse you for ruining his shirt before you catch a cod across the face. Laughing
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 6:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Darn you all! You were supposed to laugh! LAUGH! HAHAHAHAHA!

*ahem* Excuse me I don't know what came over me. whistling

Maybe I can bribe one of my friends into drawing a short comic about that. Smile
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LabrnMystic
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 7:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Xebulon wrote:
Darn you all! You were supposed to laugh! LAUGH! HAHAHAHAHA!

*ahem* Excuse me I don't know what came over me. whistling

Maybe I can bribe one of my friends into drawing a short comic about that. Smile


"...he laughs at that. Hah Ha! That."
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 09, 2007 11:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I must confess, a chuckle did escape my own lips when I saw that. *chuckle* Oop, there's another one.
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Does this mean I win? big grin
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LabrnMystic
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 1:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, not yet, but if you join in our challenge over in the "No one beleives in Magic" post, you may be the winner.
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 9:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nearly done with the back-story for Ozymandias Mortensen and Korian Zelazny. Once those are complete, I can finally begin work on the story itself. If anyone has any interest in reading them I'll be posting the histories here.
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 9:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you want them to be read then post them and they shall. I for one will read them should you decide to post them.
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 9:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Addendum: Please bear in mind that they have no relation to Bon Bon or anyone/anything there.
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 9:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I reiterate my previous post though you may have to post them in General Discussion if they have nothing to do with Bon Bon.
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't see why he'd have to go that far... not everyone in the General Forum is directly related to the "furry" world of BonBon anyway, and besides, if they have something to do with Xeb's story, why start a new thread?
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Xebulon
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well, something to do with the original history for Xebulon. Not the version I adapted for PBB. The story itself is set in a Steampunk version the 19th century. The best example I can think of would be the computer game Arcanum. The anime Steamboy is another one, but add magic into the mix as well.
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JohnnyPsycho
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PostPosted: Sun May 06, 2007 10:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Steampunk is a fun genre, I really need to read more books set in that genre...

Actually, I should really read more book, period. Laughing
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Ashton Gray
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PostPosted: Mon May 07, 2007 2:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've never heard of Steampunk but I have seen Steamboy, it's one of my favorite movies.
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