#ocwithatinyhat

Delaney is a largemouth bass anthro in his late teens, his body built for sleek, predatory movement. His skin is patterned with the mottled greens and dusky stripes characteristic of his species, darker shades rippling down his back like the shadows of reeds on still water. His fins, though softened into flexible appendages, retain their sharp, commanding silhouette, giving him a spined, slightly menacing presence even when at rest. His long tail sweeps behind him with deliberate grace, tapering to a wide, powerful fin that speaks to his strength beneath the surface. His eyes are a placid, glassy gold, but beneath their calm gleam lingers a watchful sharpness, as if he is always calculating what advantage he might take from a situation.

Despite his youth, Delaney moves with a slow, deliberate confidence that unsettles those who cross his path. He prefers to remain still and quiet, letting others reveal their intentions before he acts. When he does speak, his voice carries the weight of someone who already knows the outcome of a conversation, as though every exchange is a bargain to be won. He has little interest in the frivolities of companionship, instead viewing others as pieces to be moved around his private board. Though outwardly detached, he is not without charm; his calm demeanor can be mistaken for wisdom, drawing others into his orbit before they realize his motives are self-serving.

Delaney’s personality is marked by a blend of cold pragmatism and subtle ambition. He rarely lashes out with open aggression, preferring instead to maneuver quietly, taking what he needs with as little disturbance as possible. He is not the type to waste energy on small gains, instead focusing on opportunities that will truly expand his territory and influence. His sense of morality is flexible, bending to whichever choice benefits him most. Those who expect loyalty or kindness from him are often disappointed, as he gives freely only when it leads back to his own advantage. He thrives in solitude, prowling the deeper waters away from the noisy schools of others his age, though he keeps one eye on the surface, ready to rise when the moment is ripe.