Russell/Background

Russell was the typical book nerd all through his early years. Books could take him to places that were far better than his meager, tortured adolescent life. Being gifted with an affinity towards languages, specifically, Latin, was a handy thing growing up in the catholic church his family attended. Not exactly the most athletic of young men, he mostly kept his head down, pretended to be part of the walls and said nothing until he got to college.

With his grades Russell was able to get a scholarship to NYU. In truth he didn't care exactly where he went to college so long as it was far far away from the small town where he was born. NYU was everything he wanted it to be. He was able to expand his mind, break out of his shell. While in High School he was lucky to go to anything resembling a social event - prom or homecoming dances - but he was not really interested in the girls he had classes with. He just didn't dare admit the reality of his feelings until he was one of the anonymous freshman at NYU.

There wasn't much he was able to do with a BA in history but he knew that going in. Once he was accepted into a master's program in Art History and Archaeology in a new city; Prospect. The University offered him the opportunity to study medieval manuscripts up-close. He couldn't resist the chance to explore his life-time fascination with rare books.

Russell, still a college student at heart, is commonly seen with a canvas satchel slung over his shoulder and a smart phone. Among his more prized possessions is an antique fountain pen that was a gift when he received his first college degree. He's also shown his eclectic side by turning an old, silver cigarette case into a business card holder. In addition to his eccentric side for collecting old memorabilia, he's also very practical. Where ever he goes, at least with his satchel, he carries with him a long, black umbrella. He explains that it was a gift while he was at NYU where he was constantly being caught running from class to class in a sudden downpour. He likes to boast that having the umbrella, once, was the key for him securing a date with a guy.

"It's amazing what friends can be had when you're the one holding an umbrella."

Russell isn't usually one for wearing jewelry but one of the few items that he does wear is an old bronze signet ring with the shape of an owl on its face.