For some strange reason, I was really itching to create some old man with overalls. After messing around on the sketchpad, I was finally able to create something useable as a reference.
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| What a beaut. |
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| Lithunia's location (in dark green). Above image taken from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/EU-Lithuania.svg/713px-EU-Lithuania.svg.png |
As for the time period, that was a much harder choice. I didn't want to put Jokūbas in something intense since his design seems pretty timid and laid back - but when the going gets tough, he has a panic attack and dies of cardiac arrest. Two unsuccessful uprisings in 1831 and 1868 brought the ban-hammer down from their new Russian Conquerors (who had just taken over a greater part of Lithuania in 1772) in what was called a Russification. They attempted to stop Lithuanian presses, as well as educational and cultural schools, however, due to extensive network of book smugglers and secret Lithuanian home schooling, the Russification was in vain.
Now, I know I said I didn't want to put Jokūbas somewhere intense due to his design, but on looking at it again, he could totally be someone who helped during the book smuggling. All printed material was banned in force from 1866 to 1904 - so Jokūbas will be from... 1868 - near where the resistance started.
Ok, time and place are set; now all we need is a full character bio on him. These can be seen from the excerpts of his diary, below:
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My name is Jokūbas. I'm a Jewish male who's just over 55. I was given birth to in Šiauliai, Lithuania by my beautiful mother Julija. My father, Linas, was there, I'm sure, but it is likely he didn't help too much, ha ha. Alas, both have passed away in assisting me with something that must be done in our country - something we need in order to keep Lithuania true to its roots.
The year is 1868; 2 years after the attempted uprising. I have stayed out of sight for the past couple days to remove any watching eyes - Milda says it's possible that they are catching on to what we are doing. Thankfully, I believe myself to look rather harmless and try to take on a timid approach any time I venture into the outdoors. The first thing I want people to think when they look at me is: that man looks like a priest that no-one wants to listen to. A recluse. This will make my job easier as time goes on.
An interesting thing happened today with Milda. While we were talking, she put her hand on my hand. I'm no fool towards love - in my old age, I had many a lover back when things were simpler. If things were simpler, I might've tried to court her. In these times and in my current line of work, a family is hardly something to be focusing on.
My best friend is Milda - surprisingly enough. This could be why I thought the hand placement was one involving love. I overlooked that she could just be caring for me. I think too much, sometimes. Milda is such a smart, funny, caring, loving, humble, generous... ah, I can see perhaps it is me who wishes we could be together some nights. I know it tisn't the place now, though. Perhaps in another life - in another time. I wonder what Milda thinks of me? If someone were to ask her, I bet she'd say how forgetful I can be with small things, ha ha. Doesn't seem like the greatest attribute for smuggling books, but I get by somehow. I'd like to think she would also say something about my fantastic cooking.
I wouldn't steal unless it was to give something back to Lithunaia. Lying, on the other hand, that is something that comes up week after week. Covering for my partners, helping them stay out of trouble and watching my own back too. In this line of work, lying is inevitable. I keep clean where I can, though - I always tell the truth to people who are important to me.
Today, Pilypas started ushering rumors about me to the rest of the team. I could tell due to all the glances I got at the meeting and how the whistling murmurs halted on my entry. What asstounds me is that anyone would believe Pilypas in the first place - there is not a thing for Lithunia I would not or have not done! I keep my word to everyone and never back down on a promise! I have already given so much to this movement and yet, even in these times when we must all stay together; when we must join hands to overcome this huge obstacle, people are still trying to weasel their way to the top.
Nothing brings me more joy than sitting down and playing some old folk songs on my lamzdeliai. Anything to raise the spirits when they are feeling low. Although we have not had a festivity in a while, I am very sure that soon our spirits can be light once again. What brings me profound sadness, however, is this continual Russification and the impact I watch it have on the lives of my friends, family and neighbours. If we had wanted to be Russian, we would have been Russian long ago.
The one secret that no one must know is the mission I am carrying out right now. If anyone were to get word of this to the police, I would be done for. Locked away until my final days. Delivering these books to everyone within my zone without getting caught and without the books being discovered by anyone other than the intended receiver is no easy feat; but someone has to do it.
Death has been something that has weighed heavily on my mind these past few days, every since my extremely close encounter and chase. I had always said once I joined the resistance that I would not fear death as I would be gambling closely with it. After yesterday, however, I am not so sure. I know it should not be feared yet I cannot help but fear it. Perhaps it is due in part to me wanting to see Lithuania rise up to what it once was; to a time without the dark clouds hanging over.
I ran into my mortal enemy on my route today and it took all the strength in my body to not yelp and give my position away as a guard passed. As I was crouched in a bush, I watched a spider slowly descend from a branch in front of me. As it dangled in my face, I felt my pulse quicken and sweat starting to bead down my brow. Thankfully, the patrol passed quick enough that I could jump out of the bush and run out of there!
I'm a patient man; as I wait for the beginning of the new Lithuania to commence, I do all the small things I can to speed the process along.
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List of references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_smuggler
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuania
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianisation_of_Lithuania
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaunas_Fortress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Lithuania
http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/lithuanian
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