Post by Darkdarling98 on Jun 27, 2019 15:44:15 GMT
Name: Rom Leopardo
Age: 26
Species: Half-Human/Half-Leopard Anthro
Powers: Lightning Magic
Occupation: Owner of Lightning Note.
Personality: A man whose enjoyed rock and roll from his childhood, Rom is a bit hot-headed sometimes and his smart mouth can occasionally get him into trouble, but at the same time, he has a way with words that persuade anyone to just laugh it off. Cocky and proud, he can come off as a jerk, but he doesn't mean to, often giving a apology once he realizes.
He's usually a laid-back, relaxed man who enjoys helping others find interest and joy in music, even if it's in genres he's not fond of or has no actual clue how to do. When hearing someone say they started getting into music because of his old band, or due to his advice, Rom is always proud to hear he helped someone find something to do that they love, considering that's how he started his rock career.
He hates when people disrespect any kind of music or instrument, and won't tolerate that kind of talk in his shop, regardless of it's customers or employees. Rom makes it clear where he allows jokes about that kind of stuff, and won't hesitate to kick someone out if they push the line.
Rom has no tolerance for people whose prejudiced towards anthros and half-anthros, quickly calling them out on their rudeness and making it clear he won't just stand by and let someone diss his heritage like that, especially considering how much his family did for him growing up.
He holds a soft spot for kids, especially those who remind him of his old bandmates, and he's always willing to lend a hand to them if need be. He's a natural-born leader who takes his position as a provider of music in the city seriously, and is always willing to help a person out when needed.
Rom loves to interact with friends and old friends from the music industry, but does get uncomfortable with overly-pushy or familiar fans who tend to ignore the boundaries he tries to set. He often says that fans like that were part of the reason he left the rockstar business, finding his privacy being invaded so many times to be extremely uncomfortable and unnerving.
History: Rom has grown up knowing his parents lived a fast-paced life that often didn't leave them able to come home due to work, leaving his grandmother to being his main caretaker. The Leopardo family is known for his mother's acting in many movies and his father for his undefeated streak in the wrestling world.
He didn't resent them, though, understanding with the help of his grandma that they were doing something they loved and were able to provide for their entire family this way, especially considering Rom's grandfather had passed away before he was born, and it left his grandmother struggling to make ends meet for some time.
His parents had often been helped by his grandmother in the past when they were first starting out in their careers, and did their best to repay her back for all the love and support she showed them, earning money so she could live comfortably while she watched their son for them.
While he loved seeing his mother in movies and his father's matches, Rom's passion truly shined when he was listening to music. He loved music, especially rock, and would always beg his grandma to put the radio she had on the rock channel every day, and she affectionately obliged.
When they find out about Rom's passion, his parents were supportive and encouraged him to seek out his dream, wanting to do what he loved and be happy. With the loving support of his family, Rom began learning to how play music, specifically the drums.
He briefly hit a depressive creative-block, however, after his grandmother passed away from old age when he was a teenager. His parents briefly took a step away from the limelight to mourn and help their son find his creative spirit, which Rom knows he'll forever be grateful as that was just the nudge he needed.
Starting up a small indie band with a school friend, Shu Zo, the two quickly soared up the popularity ladder, both for their authentically good music but also their chemistry on stage, with performances always full of metaphorical fire.
However, after a few years of performing together, the two came to the sudden realization that though they shared the same dream, their approaches to it had grown differently, and thus, they were leaning towards entire genres, which was a shock. They had worked together for so long, they had missed the signs of them drifting slowly but surely apart.
After several heavy discussions and arguments over the span of several months, Rom and Shu decided to disband the band, and departed on bitter terms. Looking back on it, Rom regrets ending things with his friend on such bad terms, and hoped to one day make amends so they could support each other in their journey for their dreams.
After taking some time to rediscover his love for rock and roll, Rom eventually managed to start up another band, named Shingan Crimsonz, with some friends he hade made during his and Shu's old indie band days, and they eventually managed to make it to the top of the rock music charts and held that position as undeniable champions for several years.
However, just two years prior, Rom slowly came to realize that he was growing tired of the limelight, of being a rockstar. He loved interacting with his fans, loved seeing the world and seeing all kinds of people around the globe enjoy their music...but the paparazzi, the media and the constant critics eventually began taking a toll on his health.
After taking time to discuss with both his bandmates and his parents, Rom eventually came to the hard decision to retire and announced it to his fans at the finale concert at his last tour with the band, but assured them the rest of the band will stay together, and he'll occasionally make a guest star appearance if they asked him, but he was retiring for his own health.
After that, Rom moved back to his parents for a short period of time to pull himself back together and figure out where he was going to go from there. While going through his grandmother's old things, he faintly remembered her telling him that she had originally lived in Lunaville with his grandpa before he died, and eventually moved to his parent's house to be able to take care of Rom as he was growing up.
Then Rom got an idea, and that night, he mentioned it to his parents, who were pleasantly surprised but encouraged him to do it. Thus, Rom moved to Lunaville and after settling down, just relaxed for a few short months. But music still called to him, and it drove him up the wall.
So, Rom decided instead of being in a band, he'd help the young and hopeful who loved music find their own way to becoming musicians, and thus opened "The Lightning Note", the music store that many residents and students visit to this day, paving the way for rising stars.
(Face Claim: Rom from Show by Rock!)