G
girlabot
Guest
RIDER
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{slide=Basic Information|center}Name: Cora Taylor Morgan
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Place of Origin: Port Syren
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 140lbs
Hair: A wiry mess of curly dark curls that falls just past her chin.
Eyes: Bright green
Appearance: Past [x], Current [x], Future [x]. BONUS: Expressions [x]
(images taken from DA user pheberoni)
Although she stands at an average height and has few feminine curves to attract the eye, Cora poses a somewhat commanding figure due to her constantly aggressive stance and intense green eyes. Born into a clan of fishermen, she was built to do work: lean and hardy, with large, calloused hands and feet, and silvery scars on her face and arms. Despite the rough edges, Cora has some conventional beauty to her. A tangle of dark curls frames her freckled cheeks, wide eyes, and full, rosy lips. If her face ever strayed from its usual sour expression to something more pleasant, Cora might even be considered pretty, or at least not terrible to look at. She usually wears dark, loose clothing to accommodate her simple fishing lifestyle, as well as a pair of worn leather boots and a light knapsack.
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{slide=Personality|center}Personality
Reserved. Years of emotional and physical abuse have shaped Cora into a reserved, mistrustful young woman. She tends not to speak unless spoken to, and even then keeps her replies curt. It takes persistence and time to break through her thick outer crust, though she would probably not show any indication of it.
Adaptable. After being thrown around by people with power for so long, Cora is very skilled at adapting her strategy for survival based on her surroundings. She has the intelligence and persistence to thrive in any environment, and get along with almost anyone without causing herself physical or emotional strain.
Defensive. If Cora is attacked in any way- verbally or physically- she will leap to defend herself against her assailant. This is a tactic that she had to learn over time, and one that kept her alive during her short but tumultuous marriage. That being said, any criticism or even genuine concerns must be extremely gently put in order to have any lasting effect.
Sympathetic. Although Cora may seem crass at first glance, she has a tremendous soft spot for other victims of abuse, especially children. She is always willing to lend an ear to anyone in need, even if she doesn't immediately acknowledge them- and often internalizes others' conflict, thinking and worrying about them for days after.
Loyal. If by some miracle someone managed to break through Cora's defenses, they would earn her unending trust. She forms close attachments with people who treat her well, and would do anything to protect them, anything to bring them satisfaction.
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{slide=Skills|center}Skills
Knife Play. Cora is very good with knives and blades of all kinds. Very good.
Bookworm. After spending days and days reading in her ramshackle home by the harbor, Cora has become well-versed in a broad range of topics, including literature and foreign languages.
People Person. Cora is not one for idle conversation, but she has learned to 'read' others by their body language and expressions, a common ability shared by victims of abuse.
Aye Aye, Capt. Having grown up in a harbor town, Cora knows how to safely operate and manage a small sea vessel on her own. She has a deep, healthy respect for the ocean, and can predict its movements to a fairly accurate degree.
Abilities
Lung capacity. Eventually Cora will be able to withstand extreme changes in pressure, allowing her to breathe both in high and low altitudes. Her enhanced lungs can also sift some oxygen from water, allowing her to "breathe" for short periods underwater.
Ice manipulation. Perhaps stemming from her natural affinity for the sea, Cora is able to create and manipulate ice. Though the strength of her ability is dependent on humidity levels, she can draw moisture out of the air and cool it to form all manners of weapons and shapes. This ability can also be used to cool air, though manipulating it is a little tricky.
Strengths Cora's main strength lies in her dependability; she will find a way to finish whatever needs to be done without questions and without complaint. Her knife skills come into play during battle, as does her agility and well-muscled body. She is cautious where caution is due, but isn't afraid to get into the thick of things if the situation demands it. .
Weaknesses Although she can be relied upon in battle and in other scenarios, the lady is careful to distance herself emotionally from others' more personal affairs, choosing instead to keep to herself and hide any emotions she may be feeling. This is a defense mechanism that often hurts more than it helps, as she tends to build stress with no means of release until she is literally incapable of functioning. Due to the events of her past, the fisherwoman has PTSD, and will develop sudden panic attacks when reminded of her corrupted marriage. Cora will also do almost anything to avoid conflict, often stretching the truth or faking an emotion in order to please others. In terms of battle, the lady is not well-trained in more complicated instruments like the bow-and-arrow, and lacks finesse in her sword and dagger technique. If overused, her cooling abilities can also lower her body temperature drastically, usually causing sleepiness (she also feels sleepy when she gets too warm), and, at worst, hypothermia and burns.
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{slide=History|center}Brief History
Port Syren is unofficially structured around five main familial factions, lines of hardy seamen and women whose trade was passed on by their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc... over the course of hundreds of years, eventually forming institution-like families who now unofficially control the city. The original families were the first settlers of the coastal town, each coming to build a mansion about the size of a town hall for their own particular faction- mansions that now serve as the general meeting place of each family. These five enormous buildings are surrounded by communities of people associated with that particular faction, forming distinct territories whose borders no man should cross without reasonable caution. The five families are very loyal to their own, and have a strong distrust for one another, disagreeing on all but two things: one, mutual contempt for Tarjan soldiers and governmental control, and two, the dragons that plague their fishing boats. They function very independently from one another, with each even having a different name for their port town; years after the families had established themselves on the coast, the government of Gareth assigned them the name "Port Syren" as the city began to grow around the five mansions. To this day, the patriarch of each family will insist that their ancestors alone were the original inhabitants of the seaside city.
Patriarchs of each family form marriage alliances with wealthy merchants from the plains, to uphold their power in the trading community, but rarely marry their children to the children of other "clans." The families compete with one another over fishing space, forming territories in the water- especially since safe water is a resource. They also have influences in the taverns and trading posts along the main streets of the town, with each shop usually being associated with one family or another (even if not explicitly stated). Of course, traveling merchants or visitors are completely unaware of this political tension when they first enter the city, and after accidentally showing a preference in some way (ie choosing to stay at an affiliated inn, or trading with the husband of some fishlord's granddaughter), are surprised to find that a good chunk of the city locals are now somewhat frosty to them. It takes a skilled trader to remain on good terms with every faction, especially since, as the trader grows in wealth, they will be more sought-after as a potential husband for some patriarch's children or grandchildren.
Factions:
Morgan. Devoted to fishing.
Blackfish. Talented ship-builders and cartographers.
Abney. Coral dragon hunters.
Fairburn. Harvesters of seaweed and other aquatic plantlife, as well as pearls and rare ocean resources.
Clark. Raise and trade Bendrines.
Patriarchs of each family form marriage alliances with wealthy merchants from the plains, to uphold their power in the trading community, but rarely marry their children to the children of other "clans." The families compete with one another over fishing space, forming territories in the water- especially since safe water is a resource. They also have influences in the taverns and trading posts along the main streets of the town, with each shop usually being associated with one family or another (even if not explicitly stated). Of course, traveling merchants or visitors are completely unaware of this political tension when they first enter the city, and after accidentally showing a preference in some way (ie choosing to stay at an affiliated inn, or trading with the husband of some fishlord's granddaughter), are surprised to find that a good chunk of the city locals are now somewhat frosty to them. It takes a skilled trader to remain on good terms with every faction, especially since, as the trader grows in wealth, they will be more sought-after as a potential husband for some patriarch's children or grandchildren.
Factions:
Morgan. Devoted to fishing.
Blackfish. Talented ship-builders and cartographers.
Abney. Coral dragon hunters.
Fairburn. Harvesters of seaweed and other aquatic plantlife, as well as pearls and rare ocean resources.
Clark. Raise and trade Bendrines.
As Cora soon found, however, her greatest asset to the Morgan family was not her love of sailing- it was her hand in marriage, a valuable bargaining tool to Bernard and his political plans. Not six months after receving her boat, Cora was informed that she was engaged to marry an incredibly wealthy tradesman by the name of Florence Greene, who had finally agreed to break his neutrality after having done business in Port Syren for over a decade. Florence was a little over thirty, considerably older than 16-year-old Cora, but she had been taught to put the needs of her house over her own ambitions, and thus married the powerful merchant without protest. The marriage alliance with Florence was huge for the Morgan family, bringing in a wealth of new business partners and trading outlets through which to extend their influence. Everyone was thrilled at the prosperous union; everyone, that is, but Cora.
In the months following her marriage, Cora discovered why Florence had never married before- the man was intolerable. His temper was ferocious, his sexual appetite insatiable, and his desire for power legendary. He was cruel to almost everyone who displeased him, and his mother (who lived with the newlywed couple), was even worse. She constantly berated Cora for even the most well-intentioned mistakes, and never ceased her mocking and tormenting. If Cora spoke out about her feelings or concerns, she would be smacked down -both literally and figuratively- at the hands of the Greenes. After about a year, the young woman grew so miserable that she met with her father and begged him to annul her marriage. However, after consulting with Bernard for approval, Jasper Morgan refused; although Cora was dying, the Morgan family was enjoying great success from their union with Florence.
Despite her growing depression, Cora grew strong. The beatings, rape, and general abuse never let down, but Cora grew a skin of steel to survive. She adapted, she changed into something harder and more bitter than the spirited 16-year-old who had entered the marriage, so that by the time she forcefully ended it at 18 years old, she was almost a completely different person.
The hardest part about ending her corrupted marriage was garnering the courage to do so, as there were dozens of priests allied with rival factions who were eager to divorce her. As expected, Florence was furious, and dropped all connections with the Morgan family, even going so far as to ally himself with the Blackfish clan instead. Although Jasper was secretly relieved that his daughter had gotten out of the poisonous relationship, Bernard Morgan was absolutely enraged at the actions of his granddaughter, and wasted no time in excommunicating her from the family. After being exiled from her own clan, no others would touch her- and so Cora Morgan reclaimed her little boat, which had since fallen into disuse, and adopted a solitary lifestyle in a dusty corner of the city. She caught fish and sold them for dirt prices, collected seashells and other pretty artifacts, and generally struggled to stay afloat- but it was worth it. Even if she saw the contemptuous faces of her former family in the streets, even if she occasionally caught a glimpse of Florence himself ... It was preferable to the hell she had endured for over two years. Cora may have been broken, but she was free.
After two additional years of this new and lonely lifestyle, a stranger came to Cora in the night and offered to buy her a decent meal. Too hungry to refuse, Cora accepted, and in that one night her entire life changed. The stranger, whose name was Maurus, offered her a chance to be worth something once again- to have purpose, meaning, and importance in the world. Though she refused him at first, Cora changed her mind after about a week of heavy thought, and began her journey to Silver Tail Island.
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DRAGON
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{slide=Basic Information|center}Name: Cassius
Species: Silver dragon
Gender: Male
Appearance: Hatchling/early youth [x], Adolescent/young adult [x], Adult + [x]
As an albino dragon, Cassius drew the short end of the genetic stick. When he first hatches, the Silver has milky white, dull scales that are somewhat brittle to the touch, with wide pink eyes and an overall scrawny build. As he matures, however, Cass begins to shed his dull scales and grow new, metallic ones (only in appearance- they still remain somewhat brittle); although considerably lighter in color than the average male of his species, the albino does start to appear silvery as per the namesake of his kind. Over time he changes from a runt to a large and healthy male youth: strong, fast, and capable. He retains his light pink eyes throughout youth and adulthood.
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{slide=Personality|center}Personality
Shy. Cassius is very friendly, but has trouble approaching new people and dragons due to self-consciousness about his atypical appearance. Although reluctant to make first contact, he is very open and welcoming to those who approach him.
Courteous. As expected from a Silver dragon, Cass is very polite and warm to everyone he meets, even if he is a little timid at first. He is not easily angered, and will keep a level head around friends and enemies alike. However, the albino does have trouble speaking out when his opinions go against the norm, preferring to stay silent and avoid conflict if possible.
Empathetic. When he senses that someone is under emotional or physical distress, Cassius will do his best to alleviate the pain. He is increasingly patient with Cora and her fellow dragon-riders, and takes great care in giving advice and encouragement.
Uncertain. Being an albino dragon creates huge self-confidence issues in Cassius, which affect his battle skills and interpersonal relations. He is often reassured by Cora, but still maintains a measure of doubt in his own skill and worth.
Curious. Cassius was blessed with an enormous curiosity for the world around him. Combined with a naturally quick wit, he is nearly unstoppable in his quest for knowledge, always trying to get to know the other riders and dragons, and constantly attempting to explore new places without Cora noticing.
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{slide=Skills|center}Abilities
Ice manipulation. Much like his rider, Cassius is able to create ice from moisture in the air, and can use it to his own end. Unlike Cora, however, Cassius also has the ability to breathe fire on his ice to generate steam, which can be useful in situations where stealth is required.
Swimming. Cassius has a knack for the water, and is capable of holding his breath for around fifteen minutes at a time. His fire breath heats water to boiling temperatures, killing and cooking prey even when underwater.
Endurance. Given his ample wingspan, Cassius has an incredible endurance that allows him to fly for hours at a time. This ability is ideal for long flights across large bodies of water.
Strengths Much like his rider, Cassius is a dependable character. Unlike his rider, however, Cass's reliability encompasses emotional support; he is a likeable, sweet dragon who tries his best to improve the lives of those around him. In a more physical sense, Cassius is an adept swimmer, and has slender, long wings that allow him greater flight endurance than some of his peers. His white, flaming breath is a fearsome weapon should he choose to engage in combat, but his true strength lies in mediating conflict instead of adding to it.
Weaknesses Although Cass is a generally charismatic figure, he has a hard time seeing himself as anything more than a genetic mutation. He suffers from a great fear of losing the people who love him, because he worries that no other individuals will be able to see past his albinism. The young dragon is also a natural pacifist, and is somewhat uncertain in battle without Cora there to guide him. Cassius is also not a particularly agile flyer, having large wings more suited for endurance flights across the sea. His brittle scales are vulnerable to direct attacks, and the skin beneath is sensitive to extreme sunlight.
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{slide=Basic Information|center}Name: Cassius
Species: Silver dragon
Gender: Male
Appearance: Hatchling/early youth [x], Adolescent/young adult [x], Adult + [x]
As an albino dragon, Cassius drew the short end of the genetic stick. When he first hatches, the Silver has milky white, dull scales that are somewhat brittle to the touch, with wide pink eyes and an overall scrawny build. As he matures, however, Cass begins to shed his dull scales and grow new, metallic ones (only in appearance- they still remain somewhat brittle); although considerably lighter in color than the average male of his species, the albino does start to appear silvery as per the namesake of his kind. Over time he changes from a runt to a large and healthy male youth: strong, fast, and capable. He retains his light pink eyes throughout youth and adulthood.
{/slide}
{slide=Personality|center}Personality
Shy. Cassius is very friendly, but has trouble approaching new people and dragons due to self-consciousness about his atypical appearance. Although reluctant to make first contact, he is very open and welcoming to those who approach him.
Courteous. As expected from a Silver dragon, Cass is very polite and warm to everyone he meets, even if he is a little timid at first. He is not easily angered, and will keep a level head around friends and enemies alike. However, the albino does have trouble speaking out when his opinions go against the norm, preferring to stay silent and avoid conflict if possible.
Empathetic. When he senses that someone is under emotional or physical distress, Cassius will do his best to alleviate the pain. He is increasingly patient with Cora and her fellow dragon-riders, and takes great care in giving advice and encouragement.
Uncertain. Being an albino dragon creates huge self-confidence issues in Cassius, which affect his battle skills and interpersonal relations. He is often reassured by Cora, but still maintains a measure of doubt in his own skill and worth.
Curious. Cassius was blessed with an enormous curiosity for the world around him. Combined with a naturally quick wit, he is nearly unstoppable in his quest for knowledge, always trying to get to know the other riders and dragons, and constantly attempting to explore new places without Cora noticing.
{/slide}
{slide=Skills|center}Abilities
Ice manipulation. Much like his rider, Cassius is able to create ice from moisture in the air, and can use it to his own end. Unlike Cora, however, Cassius also has the ability to breathe fire on his ice to generate steam, which can be useful in situations where stealth is required.
Swimming. Cassius has a knack for the water, and is capable of holding his breath for around fifteen minutes at a time. His fire breath heats water to boiling temperatures, killing and cooking prey even when underwater.
Endurance. Given his ample wingspan, Cassius has an incredible endurance that allows him to fly for hours at a time. This ability is ideal for long flights across large bodies of water.
Strengths Much like his rider, Cassius is a dependable character. Unlike his rider, however, Cass's reliability encompasses emotional support; he is a likeable, sweet dragon who tries his best to improve the lives of those around him. In a more physical sense, Cassius is an adept swimmer, and has slender, long wings that allow him greater flight endurance than some of his peers. His white, flaming breath is a fearsome weapon should he choose to engage in combat, but his true strength lies in mediating conflict instead of adding to it.
Weaknesses Although Cass is a generally charismatic figure, he has a hard time seeing himself as anything more than a genetic mutation. He suffers from a great fear of losing the people who love him, because he worries that no other individuals will be able to see past his albinism. The young dragon is also a natural pacifist, and is somewhat uncertain in battle without Cora there to guide him. Cassius is also not a particularly agile flyer, having large wings more suited for endurance flights across the sea. His brittle scales are vulnerable to direct attacks, and the skin beneath is sensitive to extreme sunlight.
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