This was a post I wanted to talk about for a while, but I never thought about this little tidbit about my books before. I like reason shoujo manga, and enjoy discovering the zodiac signs and blood types of the varying characters.
While western nations only follow zodiac signs and their association with some recurring personality traits, eastern nations put a lot of emphasis on blood types, assuming the ABO system somehow governs some quirks.
This is based on a book that was published in Japan in the 1970's (I have sadly not read the book), and while scientists think its fluff for the asian equivalent of Cosmo and Penthouse magazines, it's now rather ingrained in East Asian nations. Thus, it's rather commonplace for manga and anime to feature this extra information for the fans to get to know their favorite characters better.
I find this tidbit to be fun, and I did grant birthdays to at least a few characters from my series.
Lord Spaulding
Clan: Kasimma
Birthday: August 5th
Bloodtype: A
Elements: Fire/Water (a rare dual mage, albeit his stronger element is Fire)
Spaulding is a Leo, and a lot of the traits definitely show. He's brave, defends those that he holds dear, kind and affectionate to his loved ones, and people seem to unconsciously draw towards his energy and imposing presence. Leos are represented by the Sun, and it's only natural that his stronger fire attunement is a reflection of that.
While Spaulding carries a lot of the good traits of his zodiac sign, he also proves the negative. Opinionated and stubborn like a mule, his closed mindedness is a recurring theme in the story. He constantly gets into problems with the Elf King, the Äimite guard (the story eventually reveals the reason behind his bitterness towards the guard), and seems to have overall issues with authority figures. He can sometimes be a bit overconfident in his sorcery potential, and it shows.
As for his bloodtype, A's can be both analytical, loyal, gentle, consistent, which are rather in tune with his character. As for the negatives, once again stubborness, fastidiousness and his strong sensitivity overshadow his character. A is the poster child of introversion, and Spaulding's tendency to bottle up his feelings deep inside and preference towards the peaceful solitude of his office is a reflection of that.
Richard Earlrose
Clan: Honorary Kasimma (He's not an elf, but the kingdom somewhat accepts him as a member of the clan due to his blood ties with Spaulding)
Birthday: March 8th
Bloodtype: O
Elements: Water
If Spaulding is fire, then Richard is definitely attuned to the opposing element. Utterly kind, soft natured, compassionate to the bone, sensitive and notably selfless. By the cruel twists of fate, Richard's life as a lesser nobleman in Ayrtain is ripped apart after his father's Aurethid's murder, which culminated in his mother Eurithia's suicide, the brief time he lived with his maternal uncle Reginald, and subsecuent kidnapping by human traffickers that was organized by his uncle as a means to steal his nobility title. Despite everything that happened, Richard seems to adapt remarkably well to new circumstances and genuinely wants to live with his mysterious elf uncle Spaulding.
An Ominous Book however doesn't give Richard a good respite, for Spaulding has to find the way to return him to his remaining human blood relatives in Ayrtain. His human blood doesn't allow him to remain in the kingdom, and despite his fondness for the uncle that he admires as a true fatherly figure, the two don't get to spend much time together in the novels until the 7th book.
His compassion is deeply reflected in his curative water magic, which can serve as a strong reflection of the agression of fire magic. If there was a downside, Richard can be overidealistic, and while it surely counters Spaulding's negativity regarding Lord Froylan (Richard eventually discovers he and Froylan can get along rather well), he doesn't seem to view things with a ruler's eyes. Spaulding teaches him more than one lesson regarding showing strength towards your people, even if it means being cruel when it's needed.
As a Type O, Richard can be open with his feelings in stark contrast to Spaulding.
Trevilin
Clan: Chirino
Birthday: May 16th
Bloodtype: O
Elements: Earth
Richard was surprised to know that Trevilin isn't a member of the Arima Clan despite his close relationship with the Clan Leader. Much isn't openly revealed about his personal life during the novels. He has worked as a ranger for an unspecified number of years, and while he worked in a different post from Spaulding, their working regions were sufficiently close for both elves to see each other on a regular basis. As Spaulding's best friend, he is down to earth, and generous. On the downside, he can be a bit posessive of Spaulding's feelings, going to great lengths when bad things happen to his friend.
That's it for now! I might add a post for other characters whenever I am in the mood.
