Floyd lives in Portland Oregon, mainly because that's the best place that accepted him as their new professor of philosophy. He teaches at the University of Portland and hopes to one day expand the philosophy program to a doctoral program. He has quickly come to love the town he lives in for all of its eccentricities, it has even reshaped some of his personal beliefs and outlooks. For instance, he's considering getting a larger place so that he start a polycule, but he's not sure what type of individuals to seek out once he does get a larger place. So for now he is content to stay in his condominium in a (gentrified) neighborhood known for its younger, affluent residents, so he fits in rather well. Floyd enjoys the vibrant culture of Portland, indulging in its diverse culinary scene and attending local art exhibits and music festivals. Despite his busy schedule, he finds solace in the city's lush green spaces, often spending weekends hiking in the nearby forests or cycling along the riverbanks. His condominium, nestled in a picturesque corner of the neighborhood, offers him a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of academia, where he can unwind with a good book or engage in stimulating philosophical discussions with friends over a cup of artisanal coffee.
As mentioned, Floyd is an associate professor at the University of Portland. He is glad he is no longer an adjunct professor and hopes to one day be tenured. He often spends his money on artisanal coffee, eccentric restaurant food, hiking gear, camping gear, accessories for his mountain bike, a vinyl record collection, craft beer, hair & mustache care products, fashionable clothing, hats, local concerts, et cetera. He also spends a (not insignificant) amount of money on materials for his mystical studies. He owns a Lucid Air Sapphire but uses a high-quality foldable touring bike when in town and of course public transit. Floyd also invests in organic groceries, sustainability initiatives, mindfulness workshops, book club memberships, vintage furniture, art supplies, home decor, community theater productions, yoga classes, and charitable donations. He's passionate about supporting local businesses and advocating for environmental causes.
Floyd Tarlton's ultimate goal is to see his philosophical socio-economic dream of "Communal Capitalism" come to fruition. This involves the hyper-regulation of businesses and increased taxation of the upper percentages of income to provide greater social program funding that will pour directly into the economic needs of the lower percentages of income. This supplemented by a standardized supplement to income for everyone under the wealth line would allow a more comfortable lifestyle for everyone else. He hopes that the regulation of profit-to-expense percentages, and the income ratios between the tiers of employees and employers will slow down or even halt the rise of inflation. Floyd is willing to tear down established governments, cause riots, and even sanction executions to reach his goals, but he is unwilling to do any of the bloody work himself. He never wants to get his hands dirty by directly killing anyone himself. He is also too scared to die to come any closer to it than he has to. He would hide behind a facade of being "too important to the cause" to let it happen, but the truth is he just doesn't want to go.
When Floyd Tarlton was 18 years old he performed the Restorative Ceremony of Aradia *successfully* for the first time. Not only did it change his entire outlook on the world (now all those CryptoLeaks really might have merit!), but it changed him physiologically (all his hair turned bright blue!), not to mention it changed his standing within his family. They told him that the permanent hair color change was a sign that the Blue Flame truly blessed him and that it was a sign that he was to be "The Greatest Blue Flame Mage of this Age." Not only were his eyes fully opened to the idea of the supernatural, (he considered himself a believer before, but now he had PROOF!) but it changed his socio-economic outlook. Now he wanted to see ALL people provided for, not just those who could provide for themselves. He started going to protests like "Occupy Wall Street", "Me Too", and "Black Lives Matter" as a matter of course. He was seen at various rallies, forum boards, soup kitchens, and shelters. He sees a connection between all living sapients and refuses to ignore that now.
Aunt Thea: Aunt Thea is Floyd's mentor in the mystic arts and a trusted confidant. She's a member of the previous generation in Floyd's family and has passed down the knowledge of the Blue Flame to him. Thea's guidance and wisdom have been invaluable to Floyd as he navigates the complexities of magic and its ethical implications. Her gentle demeanor and unwavering support provide Floyd with a sense of stability and reassurance in his mystical journey.
Aria: Aria is Floyd's openly polyamorous significant other who has recently introduced him to the merits of polyamory. She's supportive, understanding, and encourages Floyd to explore his feelings and desires openly. Aria's presence has brought a new dimension to Floyd's life, challenging him to reconsider traditional relationship norms and embrace a more fluid and inclusive approach to love and intimacy. Her vibrant energy and unwavering acceptance create a nurturing environment where Floyd feels truly valued and accepted.
Sophia: Sophia is Floyd's colleague at the University of Portland and a close friend. They share a passion for philosophy and engage in stimulating intellectual discussions. Sophia's insights and perspectives have broadened Floyd's horizons, challenging him to think critically and explore new ideas. Their friendship extends beyond academia, as they collaborate on research projects and enjoy each other's company outside of work. Sophia's warmth and wit add a touch of levity to their interactions, making every conversation enjoyable and enlightening.