Hold

Accepted ~ Analiza Snark

About You, the Writer:
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Your Nickname: Mai
Have you read and do you agree to the Code of Conduct?: Aye aye, Capitan!
How did you find us and decide to write with us?  I was invited from RPG-D
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Full Character Name: Tulojow Turtlecreek Nagde
Character Birthday & Age: 12/18/35 - 72
City & Country of Birth: East Dunseith, North Dakota - Turtle Mountain Reservation; USA
Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn?: For all intents and purposes, Muggleborn
Alma Mater: The Northwest Witches Academy - A small, all witch's school located on a series of small islands in the northern Puget Sound, between Victoria Island, Canada and the open Pacific
Position at Hogwarts: Care of Magical Creatures Professor / Gamekeeper / Retired Auror with Field Healer Training

Wand: 12 in Madrona wood with a combination of a Raven feather, coyote fur and a firebird feather. Specially made by a wandmaker of Kiowa descent to harmonize with her trickster characteristics.

Physical Description:
Tulojow is tall and well built, with more musculature than one might expect of someone her age. While her skin is littered with small age spots and her face is scattered with soft lines and wrinkles she does not try to hide or disguise her age. You will be hard pressed to find her wearing makeup or any other cover up to conceal the marks time has left her with.  Due to the injury that forced her retirement from the Ministry, Tulojow walks with a noticeable limp on the left side.  Tulojow can give a first impression of being at the same exotic and quite casual. In addition, she almost always gives the impression of having extreme confidence and presence. While, to most people, she’s not standoffish or unapproachable, she still gives the undeniable sense of subtle, personal power and grace.

Her hair manages to maintain its dark, raven black color and has only a few streaks of grey. She usually keeps her sleek, straight hair about waist length and often wears it loose and down or pulled back in a single braid down the center of her back.  Over the years, Tulojow has gained several tribal tattoos from various cultures she’s visited. She has a tribal tattoo of a coyote on her left hip and an eagle on her shoulder, nestled among tribal patterns.

Tulojow puts little effort into trying to either dress fashionably or her age. She wears what she likes and in no way cares what others might say.  When the need arises to blend in in the company of other witches and wizards, she will don a simple witch's hat and dark, well-covering witch’s robes. Witch's robes, however, are not her attire of choice.  When she’s free to choose her clothing, she generally dresses in casual muggle clothing, often with a certain dated appearance to it. Jeans, tie-dye, longer tunic type shirts, cowboy boots and leather are all common elements of her chosen wardrobe. 

Personality Description:

Tulojow has a very strong, bold personality that drips of confidence. Perfectly willing to speak her mind and having no qualms about expressing her opinion whether favorable or not, Tulojow is often known to be reliably honest and straightforward. She picks her battles, though. She wouldn’t bother to point out that socks don’t match or someone’s hair is out of place. She isn’t looking to prove to someone they are wrong or bad, but if something seems to be important, she will bring it up.  Tulojow is a rather positive thinking person. She is rarely prone to depression, unless recent events directly warrant it. She’s quite skilled at finding the positive in even the darkest of situations. She takes immense joy in the simple pleasures of life and can be content with even the simplest of provisions.

She is not cold-hearted or calloused, though. In fact, her honesty is usually well-placed and well-presented in such a way that can prove comforting and helpful to those that are insecure. Very much a leader, motherly type, she’ll take in just about any soul, but won’t necessarily coddle them. She will support, empower and send them back in the world.  Tulojow has a habit of taking in surrogate children or act as a mentor to younger individuals. Perhaps somewhat filling that hole vacated by her own lost children, she’s particularly prone to taking ‘lost souls’ and bringing them under her wing.

Very adaptable and flexible, Tulojow can find comfort in a variety of situations. While, she’ll never pass up on a nice couch in front of a warm fire in a posh log cabin, she’s just as happy settled next to a fire in the middle of the woods. Tulojow’s biggest pastime is traveling, learning about different indigenous cultures and, especially, learning about the traditional forms of magic. Tulojow has a broad range of hobbies and extra-curricular activities. Certainly, gardening and other more tangible means of creating changes around her she finds amusing and quaint. In addition, she enjoys music, both listening and singing and has often included exploring indigenous musics in her travels. She is adept at a variety of crafts from working with leather, wood, beads and other materials.  She enjoys her regular cup of blackberry wine and, while she'll be the first to discourage youngsters from doing so, she does enjoy pipe smoking. 

During her years as an Auror, Tulojow rarely carried a weapon with her, aside from her wand, as her abilities usually provide adequate self-defense. During her travels, as a younger individual, she grew adept at a number of different selt-defense techniques, including several forms of martial arts, knifework and archery. However, old age has certainly started to take its toll and, while she still possesses these basic skills, she is does not have the endurance or flexibility she once had.

Tulojow has little inherent respect for authority, be it governmental, social or otherwise. She places her allegiance and respect in only those that have earned it, never in those that simply demand it. If she disagrees with a law or decree, she has no qualms about stepping outside the boundaries of that law. In fact, in her eyes, true to her nature as a trickster, laws are made for the purpose of being broken. She is known to regularly allow herself the regular use of not-entirely-legal substances.

History:

Tulojow is, in many ways, a character based off of the traditional trickster, a mythical deity that has a tendency to break the rules of the gods or nature, sometimes maliciously, but usually with ultimately positive effects.  She is frequently the wise-fool that points out the flaws in carefully constructed societies of man.

Tulojow was born to Richard Ciqala Nagde and Abedabun Ravenwing Nagde on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota in 1935.  In those days, the reservation was still fairly isolated and the first ten years of her life were spent within the boundaries of the reservation.  In 1941, her father left home to volunteer for the airforce and was soon overseas fighting in Europe.  When she was nine years old, her father’s plane was lost over the waters of the North Atlantic while doing a scouting mission between Iceland and England.  While she took a considerable amount of pride in her father’s sacrifice, it was coupled with an intense grief.  These combinations of emotions proved to have a strong impact on her choices in the future.

Her mother died in childbirth to her younger brother, Albert Twowing.  After her parents' deaths, both she and her brother were raised by their maternal grandparents.  Both of her grandparents were considered respected spiritual elders in the community and, while Tulojow was the first in her family to be recognized as having high magical abilities, she has never considered her grandparents as completely muggle as well. 

A year after her parents death, a young witch came to visit the family and offered her a place at the Northwest Witch’s Academy and Tulojow left the reservation for the first time in her life.  Her years at school were exciting and she experienced a level of freedom and independence she hadn’t at home.  She developed even more of an adventurous streak and frequently snuck away from school, exploring neighboring islands with classmates.  Rumors of the great battle between the dark wizard Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore had begun well spread through the school at the start of her education, it wasn’t until the end of her education that she started to take more notice of the political and cultural challenges facing the wizarding world. 

Shortly after completion of her training, she started her travels, initially in the United States.  She wandered throughout the various reservations, studying and learning under various tribal elders and healers.  Eventually, her travels expanded and she spent time with native groups all over, studying their traditional mystical and healing techniques.  From studying among aboriginals in Australia to Buddhist monks in the mountains of Tibet, Tulojow explored the world until the word of the growing threat of witches and wizards brought her to the Ministry of Magic where she underwent Auror and more formal Healer training. 

Especially due to her worldly travels, Tulojow entered the ranks of the Aurors and was frequently given assignments that sent her into small, scattered native communities - usually in current or previous United Kingdom territories.  Though her talents and knowledge of languages made her valuable to the Auror department, she was often at ends with the Ministry due to her inability to recognize the authority of the higher ranked individuals.  During her assignments, she was prone to disappearing for weeks, or even months on end to pursue her own endeavors. 

One day, in 2006, Tulojow had wandered off on one of her unofficial jaunts to the mountains of Nepal where she suffered a disabling injury while helping the community deal with a rogue yeti.  Using the opportunity, the Ministry forced her into retirement.  Horribly bored with the prospects of full retirement, Tulojow applied for the position of Care of Magical Creatures Professor and Gamekeeper, feeling it would both keep her on her toes as well as provide some relaxation after years in the field.

Elaborate on your expertise in your field:
Over the years, working with communities in remote locations, I've had my share of encounters with magical and nonmagical creatures of all types.  I've worked with and dealt with them in both the "Ministry approved manner" as well as in the ways I see fit.  I have personal experience with animals from all over the world and have had in the field medical experience - treating animals, people and injuries to people caused by animals.  For the record, the issue with the Yeti was resolved.

What is your teaching philosophy?:
Probably not much different then my philosophy towards life.  I'm not a "yes ma'am" kind of woman and I'll probably be more casual with the students than you British type approve of.  I expect the students to have their eyes opened to what's out there in the world.  They should learn about the creatures - the ones in their own backyard and the ones in others backyard.  Believing that this whole "wizard" / "muggle" dichotomy only does the wizarding world harm, I wouldn't limit myself to only teaching about wizarding world animals, necessarily. 

Writing Sample:
Show your character in a scene that illustrates their
best and worst aspects of their personality. Include action, dialog and thought.
The mint was threatening to overpower its neighbors, despite the small wooden barriers meant to keep the roots on their appropriate side. It was tempting to leave the mint to its own destiny of victory over it's neighbors. Had the mint been a version of an under-dog herb, Tulojow might have actually let it continue on its march across the small back section of the garden that she'd succeeded in adopting for her own purposes. But, in reality, most mints were significant bullies in the garden and Tulojow couldn't let it succeed in choking out the St. John's wart yet again. The mint's tromp across the garden had been put on hold during the winter, and it's greenery had fallen back. Napoleon in a plant.

So, a long, flat wooden crate had been set up near the small stone bench in the midst of the herbs and filled with a careful combination of soil and sand. A large hole was carved out of the middle of the soil, awaiting the arrival of the bundle of roots and soil that would come with the transplanted mint. And, come spring, a nice, peaceful and non-aggressive pomegranate bush would take up residence where the mint had been.

Tulojow stood up and stretched her arms over her head, stretching her back after being stooped over for so long. Stepping towards the bench, she used a hand to scoop up some snow that had settled upon the bench and rubbed it briskly over her dirt-tinged hands. The grey, cold water dripped from her hands onto the snow beneath her leaving grey indentations before freezing once more. She was going to turn once more to her attack on the mint, but she spotted a younger-looking man a short distance away. Which, of course, was no surprise. 'Younger-looking' described everyone at the school.

It seemed as though the younger man was clipping some roses in one of the greenhouses. Whether plants had the conciousness to realize they might be confused by blooming in winter, it was hard to tell. But, there was something uniquely peculiar about seeing the color in the midst of the grey winter that just seemed strange. But, that was the beauty of greenhouses and artificial light, wasn't it.

From a distance, it was hard to determine whether he was here seeking solitude, as many that come to gardens in the dead of winter are. "There are some Golden Showers just about to bloom in the back corner," she offered, pointing towards the buds that showed just a hint of yellow on the tips. "I'd say, the day after tomorrow they should be busting out. If you've come for the roses, that is." With a nod, she turned back to the sleeping mint, frozen in the ground as she contemplated her plan of attack.


Sum up your character in one paragraph:
Slightly exotic, frequently motherly to those that need it and supportive to most, Tulojow is one of those individuals whom you are apt to remember even after a first visit.  She's warm and welcoming, but she rarely coddles.  She fervently believes in equality and has a passion for other cultures versions of magic, even if they are not as flashy as the magic one learns at wizarding school.  With both training as an Auror and Field Healer, she's seen her share of difficult scenarios but is ready to relax.

Accepted ~ Analiza Snark

[Character Name:] Tulojow Nagde
[Previous Position:] Gamekeeper
[Position Applying For:] Head Healer - Hogwarts
[Link to Accepted Biography:] Bio

[Why Have you chosen to change careers?:] After my injury and retirement from the Ministry, I admit, a year spent lounging in a a little cabin, playing with animals all day was quite refreshing.  I do enjoy working with animals.  But, as I've managed to recover from the shock of the forced career change, I find myself remembering that I didn't serve over forty years as an Auror and Field Healer because I wanted to work with animals.  I still love animals, and you may still see me down at the paddocks regularly, but I do like helping and interacting with people.  If I can't do so an Auror anymore, than I'd prefer to use my other training.

In addition, in light of the apparent new Headmistress, I and a few choice others feel that, perhaps having me closer to the castle and in not a strictly professor / animal caretaker position would be in everyone's best interest.  I will miss the cabin very much, I do admit.  It's a shame it can't be shrunk and set up in the castle but, really, if that woman Snark is going to be in the castle, I feel a need to be in the castle, too. 

What is your job description? Stop bleeding noses ... prevent the students from successfully killing each other ... mend bludger-broken noses and fingers and arms and legs ... offer a cup of hot chocolate for the occasional case of homesickness ...

In other words, tend to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual (have I missed any) injuries or ailments that come to my attention at Hogwarts.  To run the Hospital Wing in a manner that is conducive to such ends.  Unless Ms. Snark, in all due respect, is as trained in the healing arts as I am, she may enter the Hospital Wing for administrative purposes only and when I, as Head Healer, declare it safe in the interest of the patient's healing.

How do you go about your job? I utilize a variety of techniques and healing traditions.  Variety is the spice of life and, sometimes, it is for the benefit of healing, too.  I do have some basic rules about how I conduct my business as a Healer - they'd attest to that at St. Mungos, after the few times I did rotations or consultations there. 

I consider myself a full body and mind healer and I will treat physical and mental/emotional (ok, spiritual, too) conditions with the same sincerity and attention.  A clouded mind can wreck havoc on the physical body - It's amazing how being supportive on a bad day can ward off a cold.

The whole confidentiality thing muggle doctors go on about has its merits - and especially so in a school.  I can only best treat my patients if they understand what they say in my hospital wing won't lead to repercussions.  Unless they information they provide me indicates a risk of harm coming to themselves or others will anything said in the hospital wing be taken beyond the hospital wing.  Or related to any other staff member. 

How did you get your current job? Shortly following the interesting events of the End of Year Feast, Knox approached me and offered for me to take up the newly opened Healer position.  Given the turn of events, he seemed to, initially, be the one to think that having me in the school might be advantageous.

How does your past and abilities justify your current position?: My training as a Healer actually began years before my training as a witch.  My grandmother, who raised my brother and myself after my mother's death, was a tribal healer in the Chippewa nation.  I'd often watch her at her work and asked questions.  Shortly after finishing school, I began traveling in the United States and, in the process pursued a formal Healer training in the US.  After finishing my Auror training here in Britain, I was often stationed overseas in British territories were, as a single individual, I could serve as both an Auror and a Field Healer.

I've performed healing on both animals and people and in a variety of circumstances as would be expected with a Field Healer.  From strange magical animal bites, to poisonings to curses, I've seen the range of things we are likely to see here at the school. 

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“I do not dislike you, Nagde.  I simply think you are some higher being’s idea of Karma.”
      -  Tamis Raynor


She said things that reminded him of Sirius, especially coupled with her grin, and the next moment she would be as serious as James could occasionally get when the situation demanded it. And yet, Remus couldn't quite compare her with either; her grin was too sharp to be like Sirius', too sly, and she was far more perceptive than James could ever be. She almost reminded him of Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore, with his uncanny knack of commenting mildly on the most uncomfortable things, things Remus would rather keep in the dark, and the way that she seemed to know absolutely everything. More fallible than Dumbledore, her conversational insights more intellectual than any of his friends, Remus found her company not... comforting, per se, but welcome nonetheless."
      -  Remus Lupin - c. 1996

Career Change

Character Name: Tulojow Nagde
Character Biography: http://absitomen.com/index.php?topic=1311.0
Previous Job/Position: Head Healer at Hogwarts
Position Applying For: Ministry Medic

Why have you chosen to change careers?:
During the summer of 2010, personal matters (primarily involving a long-unfinalized divorce) required Tulojow to resign from her post at Hogwarts and return to Borden, Australia.  After spending a month in Australia, Tulojow returned home to North Dakota with the intention of retiring, relaxing and reconnecting with family. 

To her credit, Tulojow's resolve to relax lasted a good eight months before she finally acknowledged her own boredom.  She returned to the UK and her cottage in Hogsmeade but, wisely, decided that the rigors of a full time job was no long in her capabilities.  When her great nephew, Leonard, told her of a job opening for a part time Ministry Medic, Tulojow saw it as a good compromise.  She could keep busy, reconnect with her Auror and Healer skills but leave the heavy lifting and patient/suspect wrangling to the young Aurors. 

Elaborate on your expertise in this new field:
Tulojow initially began learning the art of Healing by shadowing her grandmother, who had been a spiritual healer to the Turtle Mountain Ojibwe nation.  Shortly after the death of her first child, Tulojow pursued formal Healer training at Salem and, eventually, Auror training in the UK.  Tulojow now has almost 50 years experience as both a field auror, auror medic and full Healer. 

Describe your new job and how you go about doing it:
Tulojow works out of a small office on Level 2, though she's available to respond to minor workplace injuries on any Level of the Ministry.  The majority of the calls tend to come from Level 2, specifically - either to tend to injured Aurors returning from the field, unfortunate victims of office pranks or injuries sustained by suspects during or after detainment.  Her primary duties include triaging and initially evaluating injuries, deciding which need referral to St. Mungo's, tending those that can be taken care of in house and facilitating the transfer of more severely-injured individuals to St. Mungo's Healers.