[V!PEЯ]

As a rather unusual way to begin my introduction, I should warn you that it's not easy for me to talk about myself. When speaking about my passions, those in my life have found it's difficult to silence me, but when it comes to sharing the more intimate details about my likes, dislikes, and what causes my cogs and gears to shift incrementally and create the person whose writing you're reading right now... that's a monster I've never been able to face. I am Viper. You may also, if you so choose, call me Zion, as that is the alias I choose to use on most other platforms. I am nearing my third decade upon this planet and that alone is a miracle. I didn't think I'd get this far. I am currently attending university, studying through an accelerated program in order to obtain an MALA in History. History has always been a passion of mine ever since I was very small. My focus is, primarily, European studies, with my specific cornerstone being on Eastern European culture. Outside of my studies, which I admit take up a large portion of my time as I'd like to finish within the next year and a half, I also throw myself into nature and landscape photography. I am hardly if ever seen without my camera. I often use many of my own photography collection as the basis for my web and graphic design endeavors. I began teaching myself coding languages like HTML5 and Script when I just barely entered my pubescent years and discovered that it was easier to be alone than it was to be targeted for being... strange. Reading and drawing are also passions of mine. On top of learning how to create beautiful things from nothing through coding and design, I also spent my time gobbling up the Warriors series, on top of book series such as Frank Herbert's Dune universe. As such, a lot of my characters are imbued with heavy anthropomorphic traits, and my designs were centered around battle cats. I admit I'm struggling to think of much else I could say about myself... Though I suppose I could share with you my reasoning behind the name 'Viper' and why I chose to format it the way I have. The symbolism of vipers spanning many different cultures is as varied and, at times, contradictory as I believe my own person to be. In some cultures, vipers are seen as depicting those who are spiteful, disloyal, and/or backstabbing. However, in other cultures, they are seen as depicting protection, spiritual enlightenment, and guardians of spirituality and emotional well-being. Vipers and serpents in general are often judged at face-value and many have fears of them. I relate to that. Many consider me to be intimidating upon first meeting and take time to warm to me. As for the upside down 'i', it represents the idea that nothing upon first appearance should be taken as truth for what it is. In other words, turning your perspective 'upside down' can at times reveal answers to questions that would leave you bewildered otherwise. The backwards R is a nod to the Russian Cyrillic letter я which means 'I', referencing the self. I thought it clever considering my focus on Eastern European studies. I apologize for the awkward end to this post. As I forewarned, I am not the best at speaking about myself, but hopefully you know me a little bit better and have enough interest to engage me in-game should you see me around. I look forward to getting to know you and only ask that you be patient while getting to know me. I am a guarded individual. – V.