#taekwon master

PART 1: THE BASICS

1. What is your full name? My name is Jinlong Fa. Some people know me as Fa Jinlong, but only those who are older than I am. My given name is Jinlong.

2. Where and when were you born? I hail from Louyang, although I am actually half Comodan. I'm 39. You do the math.

3. Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.) Li Wei Fa is my father, a tax official who eventually became a monk. He spends most of his time now in the temples. He's relatively laid-back, very easygoing, a very grandfatherly figure these days.

Xiu Ying Li is my mother, she's a restaurant cook in Louyang at the moment. She's very loud and rambunctious, but she has a good sense of humour and fun, and never fails to make people laugh with her jokes.

4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like? I...would be lying if I said I was an only child, but my sibling, whoever they are, wasn't around when I was still young. My parents never mentioned them to me except for an offhand occasional remark.

5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people. I live in the back of a martial arts school in a quiet alleyway in Prontera, alone. It's a small school, it can only take ten children at most, but it's perfect for me.

6. What is your occupation? I am a martial arts teacher. I only teach children between the ages of 5-12, however.

7. Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks. Using my sense of touch and memory, which is as hard as it sounds...

I know that I stand at roughly five foot nine. I also know that I have tanned skin with pale raised scars standing out, one on my nose, two on my right cheek, one on my right shoulder. My hair colour is bleached blonde with dark brown roots; it's not my natural hair colour and I haven't touched it up in a while, so obviously it will be fading. Just don't tell me how much of it.

I always wear loose Louyang-styled tunics for ease of movement and breathing space. If I'm not wrong my hair is past chest level...yes, it is. And of course, there's always my dark brown blindfold.

Before you ask, and you keep asking me this question more than enough to let me know that you think about it, I do grow facial hair. Having the powers of the sun lets me take it off.

Sage: You burn it off?

Yes.

Sage: ...okay. o_O

8. To which social class do you belong? Middle class.

9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses? I'm blind. And may be getting some problems with my knees.

10. Are you right- or left-handed? Right-handed.

11. What does your voice sound like? Sage: Husky, rough, low, deep. A little clipped and stiff.

12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently? None.

13. What do you have in your pockets? Just enough money, some string, an extra strip of cloth in case I lose my blindfold, and a few charms.

14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics? Strange to others but not to me - I always reach out to check for obstacles. My blindness is not immediately obvious to most, especially not in a world where blindfolds can often just be a fancy accessory or indicate some sort of training rather than a disability.

PART 2: GROWING UP

15. How would you describe your childhood in general? Simple, if a bit ridiculous. I was an idiot, let's put it this way.

16. What is your earliest memory? Sitting in front of the stove, I do believe.

17. How much schooling have you had? Some.

18. Did you enjoy school? I would say that I didn't actually pay attention in school much. I was considered a delinquent.

19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities? Martial arts and other people. Always other people.

20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them. I can't speak her name, but I can say she was a wise and helpful teacher who never judged anyone for their choices or actions. I have no idea how she seems to be at peace with everyone no matter how criminal they can be, because I've tried it myself and failed numerous times. But she's my inspiration.

21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family? I was very rebellious, always thinking my parents were too boring and too slow and too old-fashioned. They tolerated me well enough, but I knew they weren't afraid to bring out the big guns, so to speak, if I took it too far. Discipline was always a part of my family life, so I learned how to take it within limits, but our relationship was a bit frosty.

I've made up with my family now, we're happy to see each other. Seeing being figurative for me.

22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be the best, the strongest, the coolest, and the greatest.

...why are you laughing?

Sage: Irony.

23. As a child, what were your favorite activities? A "king of the hill" styled game I always played with others. Well, being stouter than most kids helped.

24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display? Let's have it out here and now that I was a major pain in the ass. I wouldn't say brave, because bravery takes a certain amount of awareness of the risk of doing something and I had none of that. I was a constant bragger, busybody, quite the attention seeker...

Sage: Basically everything you're not now.

The opposite? Yes.

25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like? If I had friends I would be questioning what they'd thought of me now. They weren't friends, more like the people who'd rather side the tiger than be on the receiving end of its teeth. They were never real friends.

26. When and with whom was your first kiss? I was drunk as a teen so I don't remember, but apparently I kissed one of my old friends while inebriated. She doesn't remember a thing either, she was just as drunk.

27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity? Should this be something other people should be concerned about?

My answer is no, 26, Hyunji.

28. If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today. Too many for an interview like this.

PART 3: PAST INFLUENCES

29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far? Losing my eyesight has always been the most significant event in my life. Not to say I celebrate it - I don't, never will - but I can't ever deny that it changed my life in more ways than anyone can imagine.

30. Who has had the most influence on you? Her.

31. What do you consider your greatest achievement? Being able to complete my studies in the celestial bodies.

32. What is your greatest regret? Losing my focus and being distracted by the greed for power.

33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done? Evil? That's a strong word. Either way, none. I have standards.

34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind? No.

35. When was the time you were the most frightened? After the initial shock of the darkness that came with my blindness, perhaps that was when I felt the most lost. Without a direction, without my sight, I had no anchor, no ground to stand on.

36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you? I don't talk about it.

37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why? My old attitude. But that's life, isn't it? You're an idiot then, you learn things so that you won't be an idiot now.

38. What is your best memory? Too many.

39. What is your worst memory? Losing my sight, which should be fairly obvious by now.

PART 4: BELIEFS AND OPINIONS

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic? Realist. Right in between.

41. What is your greatest fear? Failing. In anything.

42. What are your religious views? I believe that everything you do comes back to you eventually, be it in a future life or a past life or whatnot. Fight with someone? Get reborn as siblings. Et cetera. That's what I believe in. I also believe in deities, but I don't ask them to bless me and all that. I just know that they'd probably want me to achieve everything I want to get under my own power, and if they want to give me help, then they'll do it whenever they see fit.

43. What are your political views? I have no interest in politics. Politics will come and go, but the world will stay the same.

44. What are your views on sex? It's a private matter that should not be aired with every random person on the street, and neither is it anyone's business as to what people get up to in bed except for the parties involved. Not having sex, having sex, being a certain sexuality - gods be damned, it doesn't matter in the long run.

45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable? Killing is never acceptable.

If you ask "Do you pray for forgiveness from every little thing you accidentally step on?" I will punch you.

46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do? Rape, and taking away the innocence of children in whatever way.

47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love? No, that's stupid. Love is a driving force in the universe, but it pays no attention to destiny or fate. There's no red string, no destined partners, nothing. It's just an excuse to comfort oneself.

48. What do you believe makes a successful life? A life where you're satisfied with what you've done for your life despite your mistakes and shortcomings. A life that you're proud of.

49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)? I've been honest, and I've not been. Right now I'm not. To put it short, I keep my mouth shut so that people don't blame themselves just because they hold themselves to such high standards that when someone says something they don't want to hear they get defensive. I'm done with it.

50. Do you have any biases or prejudices? I'm not afraid to admit that I have a bias against those who want to help others but can't help themselves first. And against those who take more than they give.

51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it? Apart from killing, I would not steal or profit from or take advantage of the poor or the weak.

52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)? Too many things.

PART 5: RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how? San tells me I deal with people "stiffly" and "formally" and "straight stick upright". I suppose they're right.

54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why? Myself. Because if I don't take care of myself, I can't teach my students. If I'm ill, I can't help others. I can't give back to the community if I stress myself out.

55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why? Her, because of how she overcame her own personal demons. She did it without losing her dignity, by taking personal responsibility and being proactive.

56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people. Right now I just have two confirmed friends - Lihna San, who is possibly the most boisterous, rowdy tomboy I've ever met in my life, and Myrri Hyeung, who's the exact opposite of that.

I've also come to notice that all my good friends are women. I'm not sure what to make of that.

57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person. I don't have anyone.

Sage: That's not true, isn't it? It's Hyunji Lee, since he refuses to call her his significant other. 

It's just not certain at the moment, that's all.

58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened. Hyunji and I were in a relationship, but given that she has a reputation as a renown medium she had to travel. We said goodbye, but she could not guarantee that we could keep in touch because she would be travelling so often.

That was the last time I've seen her. As far as I am concerned, we're still in a relationship.

59. What do you look for in a potential lover? Someone who can take hardship and bounce back, someone who is independent but also knows their limits and can ask for help when they see the need to. Someone who's assertive, realistic and disciplined.

Sage: Sounds like you.

Do people still think that "opposites attract" ring true? Ha. People who stay together usually have something in common, otherwise they wouldn't stick together.

60. How close are you to your family? We are close, I go home every New Year's to celebrate with them not out of tradition, but because they're my family.

61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not? 'Course I do. I just don't want to do it with anyone else.

62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help? San. She's the kind of person who can and would break everything down to get things done, and sometimes I need that kind of help.

63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why? I don't. I just don't. It's not a matter of "won't", it's a matter of "can't". It just goes against my nature.

64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you? I'd like to think my friends will. I can only guess.

65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why? Life is too short to spend most of your time despising other people, so my dislike tends to be short-lived. But I don't forget a lot of things, either.

66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict? I may have an unhealthy obsession with confrontation and impulsiveness. It does tend to cause more arguments, at least until San puts a stop to it.

67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations? Yes.

68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not? Depends on the group. If they can behave, I can manage.

69. Do you care what others think of you? Ultimately, no.

PART 6: LIKES AND DISLIKES 70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes? Tea brewing and tasting. When you've lost your sight, there are few things you can do to while away the time, but at least I haven't lost my sense of taste.

71. What is your most treasured possession? I very much like my Magistrate Hat.

72. What is your favorite color? A dignified, aesthetically pleasing and very calming blue.

73. What is your favorite food? It's been so long since I've eaten genuine Louyang food that I think any of it counts automatically as my favourite food.

But while we're on the subject, tom yum works out just fine.

74. What, if anything, do you like to read? Uh huh, funny.

75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)? I am very out of touch with entertainment these days, I don't think I can answer this question with any relevant replies.

76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit? I don't do any of those. A healthy life doesn't need them.

77. How do you spend a typical Saturday night? Tea brewing.

78. What makes you laugh? Not much.

79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you? A total disregard for respectul greetings, or names.

80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself? The few times I have been unable to sleep, I simply get up and practise my martial arts.

81. How do you deal with stress? Retreat to have tea.

82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan? Flexible. I may be stubborn in many ways, but when it comes to executing an action it's always best to go where the wind changes and adapt to it than to try and anticipate it.

83. What are your pet peeves? People who disrespect names and personal identities. Assumptions made about a person with very little information at hand. Entitlement in general.

PART 7: SELF IMAGES AND ETC.

84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted? As San will tell you, unless she comes around my routine is very strict. I always do the same things every day. Exercise, warm up, cold shower, breakfast, clean the school, prepare lessons, gardening, teaching in the morning. Make sure every child goes home safe, make lunch, clear up the school, take a rest, garden, train, do laundry, go out to get food for dinner in the afternoon. Evening I return, train, cook, eat dinner, and then spend some quiet time in the garden until it's time to go to bed.

I only break my routine for my students, their parents and my friends. Anyone else I will not break my routine for unless it takes greater priority over my sense of timekeeping. It's important to me, and no one needs to know why.

85. What is your greatest strength as a person? Diligence.

86. What is your greatest weakness? Patience.

87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I'd actually have blonde hair.

88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted? Definitely introverted.

89. Are you generally organized or messy? Very organised. I have to be. Anything out of place would just trip me up.

90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at. Good things would be perseverance, discipline and being level-headed. Bad would be... not talking to people on a relatable level, not being an old man...or as old as I can get, and impulsiveness.

91. Do you like yourself? Am I required to? My answer to this is a shrug.

92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...) I just feel that it's best to help those less fortunate than I am, and to give back to the community. The world needs more people willing to give back; it already has many who take too much.

93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime? I don't...think I have a goal. Which feels wrong, somehow. I've spent most of my life having a goal and now I don't.

94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully I've gotten out of this rut by then.

95. If you could choose, how would you want to die? Fighting.

96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left. Do a bit of confessing to someone, spend time with friends, spend time by myself reflecting on everything and coming to terms with my life.

97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death? I think...if my students remember my teaching, that's good enough for me. *smiles a little*

98. What three words best describe your personality? Traditionalist, rule-abiding, silent?

99. What three words would others probably use to describe you? Asshole, geezer, loner.