Lya Dinoa

From SW:TOR-RP-Wiki

Appearance:

A thin, shorter-than-average woman of advanced age with salt-and-pepper hair that has almost turned completely white. She doesn't move as quickly as she used to, but makes up for it with a dignified stance. Like many politicians, she is meticulous about her appearance. An appearance isn't a matter of simple aesthetics; it is an extension of an image. And Dinoa has carefully crafted an image of dignity, reliability, and strength. Though she will not win votes by a charming smile, she hopes to influence others by convincing them of her competence.

Her attire usually consists of senatorial robes, or a derivative thereof. It's very rare to catch her wearing anything that might be considered "casual"... unless the situation calls for it.

Character:

"I may have many positive goals, but I admit my motives are not completely altruistic. I believe you and I both know that the galaxy is not kind to altruists. Truly compassionate individuals do not last long anywhere..."

Calculating, authoritative, arrogant, easily-irritated, and machinating. Everything she does is meant for a purpose, and she makes it her business to see all angles of a situation in order to control it. In some ways, this allows her to stay ahead of the game. In other ways, it makes her somewhat paranoid.

She view the galaxy like a large game of dejarik. Everyone is a piece to be moved according to one's goals... and if Dinoa has any say in it, they will be moved according to her own designs. Being in control is very important to her, and has a rather large ego and definitely believes she knows better than other people do. To dismiss her authority is to make her an enemy. However, making her feel important is a very easy way to earn her trust.

Like many senators, she is extremely verbose if given the chance.

Biography:

"I am not a soldier. My weapons are my words. Politics is my field..."

Lya Dinoa was born on Tirahnn, a world located in the Mid Rim. The citizens of Tirahnn were renowned for always maintaining an air of formality. Lya was no different. In speech as well as clothing, it is very rare to catch her doing anything that might be considered "casual"... unless the situation explicitly calls for it.

Dinoa's parents were traders from the Tirahnn capital. Tirahnn's location along the Perlemian Trade Route (and the business's location in a population center) made their ventures prosperous, and gave them the opportunity to see other worlds and cultures. The young Lya naturally accompanied her parents on longer trips, and developed a knack for communicating with others. At first it was a skill born from necessity. Later, it developed into a pastime the young Lya enjoyed.

Dinoa's parents were ambitious, and their daughter inherited that trait. Lya's parents actively worked to build alliances with influential people, and Lya herself learned the power of influence, as evidenced by her first marriage to a low-level politician. Though there might have been some genuine emotion in the match, Lya was primarily interested in buying an allegiance with her husband's contacts, and her husband was interested in increasing his status by allying with a notable trading family. It was a marriage made of mutual prestige. When Lya eventually ran for public office, her parents' and husband's contacts served her well. However, once she achieved an office, her skill at public speaking created her own reputation. She also made sure to reward those who had aided her, and thus built a network of her own contacts.

Her marriage resulted in two sons. However, while the union appeared stable, there was heavy competition between husband and wife. Though Lya had merely been a connection to a trading family at the start of her marriage, she became a competitor once she had gained office. The marriage soon dissolved... and Dinoa used the controversy to discredit her husband and boost her own career. Her children, however, never forgave her, and she does not have much contact with them. However, unbeknownst to them, she has used her influence in the past to assist them. Once, to benefit the son who took up the family trading business, and a second time, to keep her military son from being shipped off to war.

After many years, and tireless machinations, Dinoa gained the position of senator. It was an achievement she considered to be the pinnacle of her career. The station granted her the influence and authority she craved, and she has been at it for decades. She prides herself on her tenacity and influence. Though she would never admit it openly, she has a soft spot for military parents and wives, and has been known to act on their behalf.

Though Dinoa is only fluent in Basic, she sometimes employs droids in order to make up for her ignorance. She has also studied several cultures in order to learn their nuances.