Post by symphony on Sept 12, 2010 13:17:31 GMT -5
Name: Lyre
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Species: Hare
Occupation: Loner/traveler
Physical Appearance:
More-or-less a typical brown hare, Lyre is has a dark, sandy brown look all around with some black flecked throughout his body and lining his ears. His fur is short but noticeably scruffy; his stomach, the insides of his arms, legs and paws, and his throat are a lighter, creamier brown than the rest of him. His eyes are a light brown and his face one easily forgotten - or would be if he didn't cover his ears in various-shaped and colored earrings. He's tall and possesses a look of "ganglyness" common to his species. His build is one of a runner, light but muscled. This being so, he has less upper body strength than lower.
Clothing-wise, he wears a short, brown tunic, sleeveless and embroidered in green along the hem but otherwise not special in any way. This he typically belts over with a long, dark blue sash, faded to a lightish gray with age and abuse. He has a fascination with jewelry and wears it wherever possible - around his neck, arms, wrists, ankles, ears... and switches it about frequently. He isn't lacking in the small marks and scars that come with the life of a traveler, but none are worth noting. He holds himself confidently and ready.
Possessions
If it isn't shiny, can't be eaten, or has no immediate use, Lyre has no inclination to carry it around with him. He has a good-sized pack with several woodland camping things - a thin ground blanket, flint and tinder, that sort of thing. His weaponry consist of several small throwing knives, some in his pack, two strapped to his legs beneath his tunic, and another hidden in his sash. Though he carries them for the sake of "just in case," when it comes to battle he really doesn't know how to use them effectively and relies on a long, tough stave to fend off trouble long enough to run. When he first left his family to travel, he carried several instruments with him; they have all gone back home with his cousin, however. Apart from his bling, clothing, and whatever food he ends up saving, he doesn't carry anything more.
Personality:
Like most hares, Lyre is both gluttonous and garrulous with opportunity. Being a traveler from birth, he has learned what it's like to try and fail to feed himself in a deserted plain at the heart of winter or during a famine, and whenever he sees an opportunity for food he'll - should we say - not take it for granted. As far as being a chatterbox goes, he doesn't talk to himself as a matter of habit, but he will sing when he feels the need, and, on rare occasion, recite a story or an epic poem he likes particularly. He also understands full well that utter silence will save a beast's life and usually keeps well enough quiet unless he has a traveling companion to talk at. He can be quite friendly when it suits him and equally antisocial when he'd rather be left alone, though if he had to choose between a life of solitude and one of constant companionship, he'd prefer to have somebeast to talk with. As it is, he typically travels alone.
Another obvious trait of his is how easy-going he tends to be. Generally, it is a difficult thing to offend or upset him; he simply doesn't care about the opinions of other creatures enough to consider them worth listening to, let alone caring about. This knife cuts both ways, of course: Lyre may not pay attention to the words of another when they are especially needed, and whenever another beast catches on to his uncaring attitude, they rarely react favorably. This is only the beginning of several low standards of his; Lyre has spent the majority of his life living for himself, so that is the only creature he really cares about.
He isn't a fighter when it comes down to it, either. Whenever he happens upon trouble - or trouble happens upon him - he relies on his natural and practiced speed to save himself, and if running isn't possible, he'll use his stave to distract and then run. A distant but plausible Plan C would be to use his daggers, but thusfar he has always managed to escape a battle by the seat of his nonexistent pants. Likewise, if his enemy is down or their back turned, he will not hesitate to kick them while they're down or hit somebeast from behind. Along with this clear lack of honor, Lyre has very little aversion to stealing - especially where jewelry is concerned - and if he wanted something badly enough, he wouldn't think twice about mugging a creature to get it.
Lyre neither possesses the sense of brave gallantry commonly associated with his species nor does he "talk fancy," though he can do a poor imitation when the need arises. His usual speech consists of the rough, Cockney-esque slang of his southern gypsy family, quick-spoken and often considered crude. He has heard of the mountain of Salamandastron, of course, and regards its mission and inhabitants almost scornfully; he has no intention to travel anywhere near the place and has little patience for the average hare of Mossflower. A final quirk is that he is an exceptionally light sleeper and tends to sleep through the heat of the day or at twilight - dawn and dusk alike - or whenever the forest noises are at a minimum of sorts.
Strengths:
Speed - partly because it's natural to his species and partly because he does it so much, Lyre is an exceptional runner when he puts his mind to it.
The arts - knowledgeable on countless songs, poems, stories and solo dances native to his family, and can play several instruments - a skill he's getting rusty on as he goes longer and longer without practicing. He has a good singing voice; he cannot, however, dance with a partner, though various friends have tried to teach him in the past.
Quick thinker - especially where being an escape artist is concerned, though Lyre can keep his head during most types of pressure.
Resourceful - knows how to live off the land and fend for himself.
Weaknesses:
Education - can't read or write.
Poor fighter - outside of a hit-and-run, he has a very limited knowledge of fighting and fighting technique, and only the workings of common sense when it comes to outright battle tactics. He lacks the brute strength and stamina needed by a true warrior.
Claustrophobic - perhaps more as a circumstance of how he grew up, Lyre is extremely uncomfortable indoors, only making a rare exception for staying between four walls and a roof during violent thunder or snow storms or whenever his life would be at extreme risk outside.
Restless - another quirk that may be a product of his childhood, he needs constant movement to feel comfortable. He rarely stops somewhere for more than a day or two, three at the most. Lyre could no more settle down in a home and stay than an abbot of Redwall could massacre dibbuns.
Dishonesty - has lower morals than most creatures might expect. As stated in Personality, he rarely has a problem with stealing, fighting unfairly, lying, or otherwise acting like vermin.
History:
Lyre was born into a large group of gypsy hares near the southeast coast, beyond Southsward. His mother was a traveling warriormaid from the far north who joined the tribe upon meeting his father, Livas. He has three siblings as well as multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents on his father's side. His mother's side of the family is a mystery to him, she never spoke about it.
The gypsies had immigrated several generations back from across the vast southern seas, bringing with them their stories, song, dance, and beliefs. Though many of these have been watered down with assimilation, they are still largely the reason behind how Lyre thinks and acts. His family is nomadic, constantly on the move; they travel from coast to coast across the land and as far north as Southsward, but never farther. So it was that all of his early life was spent traveling. Lyre and the other leverets learned various instruments and stories as a matter of course, but much to his father's chagrin, he doesn't know how to play the instrument he was named for.
Although they largely kept to themselves, the hares were rarely outright unfriendly to other creatures and often delivered letters or messages along their travels in exchange for food or shelter if need be, as well as performing the songs, dance, poetry, or stories of their fading heritage. When he had reached his eighth season, however, it was decided among the elders of his family that a split was necessary. Apart from various familial disputes that had been growing over time, there were simply too many of them to travel comfortably. For these reasons they broke off into three groups: the majority remained in the deep south, treading the coasts and dunes. Another, smaller set went east and a touch north to wander among the plains; and the smallest lot of them all traveled north, traversing the area between Southsward and the very southern fringe of Mossflower wood.
Lyre's immediate family members were in this third group, as well as his closest friend, Seakale. The move was difficult at first; the hares weren't used to the harsher winters or living among trees. Nevertheless, they adapted and went on with life much as they had done for every generation since arriving on the continent - constantly moving, never staying in one place long enough to farm or erect permanent dwellings of any sort. It was due partly to this move - and partly, perhaps, due to his mother's blood as well - that Lyre became extremely curious as to what the rest of the world had to offer. Being both naturally adventurous and increasingly dissatisfied with always traveling the same lands, he made the decision to leave his family of wanderers and strike out on his own.
This intent to see the world was greeted with outright scorn by his family and forbidden by his parents, so, naturally, Lyre set off into Mossflower wood one night without telling anybeast other than Seakale, who traveled with him. They were fourteen seasons at the time. It was admittedly hard for them at first, but upon getting into the rhythm of traversing in woodlands, it turned into an adventure. Seakale traveled with Lyre for just over four seasons, then returned south to their family and the lands he was most comfortable roaming. Lyre went on alone.
He has been a wanderer ever since, having explored a large chunk of Mossflower country and the lands north as far as the northern mountains. He has yet to return south beyond the forest or pay a visit to his family. Though he has typically spent his seasons in solitude, there have been times when he met and traveled with various creatures, sometimes only briefly, other times joining them on whatever personal quest brought them about. He survives mostly by instinct and hard-earned traveler's wisdom as well as by taking advantage of the kindness of otherbeasts or by simply taking whatever he needs.
Relationships:
As stated above, Lyre comes from a very large family, all of whom are still living as far as he knows. His immediate family consist of his mother (Cora), father (Livas), elder brother and sister (Roma and Flute, respectively) and a younger sister (Romi). Also notable is a distant cousin and his greatest friend, Seakale. He has met and traveled with quite a few creatures, very few of whom he has forged lasting relationships with. He has no personal rivals or enemies that he knows of, and if he did, he wouldn't care.
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Species: Hare
Occupation: Loner/traveler
Physical Appearance:
More-or-less a typical brown hare, Lyre is has a dark, sandy brown look all around with some black flecked throughout his body and lining his ears. His fur is short but noticeably scruffy; his stomach, the insides of his arms, legs and paws, and his throat are a lighter, creamier brown than the rest of him. His eyes are a light brown and his face one easily forgotten - or would be if he didn't cover his ears in various-shaped and colored earrings. He's tall and possesses a look of "ganglyness" common to his species. His build is one of a runner, light but muscled. This being so, he has less upper body strength than lower.
Clothing-wise, he wears a short, brown tunic, sleeveless and embroidered in green along the hem but otherwise not special in any way. This he typically belts over with a long, dark blue sash, faded to a lightish gray with age and abuse. He has a fascination with jewelry and wears it wherever possible - around his neck, arms, wrists, ankles, ears... and switches it about frequently. He isn't lacking in the small marks and scars that come with the life of a traveler, but none are worth noting. He holds himself confidently and ready.
Possessions
If it isn't shiny, can't be eaten, or has no immediate use, Lyre has no inclination to carry it around with him. He has a good-sized pack with several woodland camping things - a thin ground blanket, flint and tinder, that sort of thing. His weaponry consist of several small throwing knives, some in his pack, two strapped to his legs beneath his tunic, and another hidden in his sash. Though he carries them for the sake of "just in case," when it comes to battle he really doesn't know how to use them effectively and relies on a long, tough stave to fend off trouble long enough to run. When he first left his family to travel, he carried several instruments with him; they have all gone back home with his cousin, however. Apart from his bling, clothing, and whatever food he ends up saving, he doesn't carry anything more.
Personality:
Like most hares, Lyre is both gluttonous and garrulous with opportunity. Being a traveler from birth, he has learned what it's like to try and fail to feed himself in a deserted plain at the heart of winter or during a famine, and whenever he sees an opportunity for food he'll - should we say - not take it for granted. As far as being a chatterbox goes, he doesn't talk to himself as a matter of habit, but he will sing when he feels the need, and, on rare occasion, recite a story or an epic poem he likes particularly. He also understands full well that utter silence will save a beast's life and usually keeps well enough quiet unless he has a traveling companion to talk at. He can be quite friendly when it suits him and equally antisocial when he'd rather be left alone, though if he had to choose between a life of solitude and one of constant companionship, he'd prefer to have somebeast to talk with. As it is, he typically travels alone.
Another obvious trait of his is how easy-going he tends to be. Generally, it is a difficult thing to offend or upset him; he simply doesn't care about the opinions of other creatures enough to consider them worth listening to, let alone caring about. This knife cuts both ways, of course: Lyre may not pay attention to the words of another when they are especially needed, and whenever another beast catches on to his uncaring attitude, they rarely react favorably. This is only the beginning of several low standards of his; Lyre has spent the majority of his life living for himself, so that is the only creature he really cares about.
He isn't a fighter when it comes down to it, either. Whenever he happens upon trouble - or trouble happens upon him - he relies on his natural and practiced speed to save himself, and if running isn't possible, he'll use his stave to distract and then run. A distant but plausible Plan C would be to use his daggers, but thusfar he has always managed to escape a battle by the seat of his nonexistent pants. Likewise, if his enemy is down or their back turned, he will not hesitate to kick them while they're down or hit somebeast from behind. Along with this clear lack of honor, Lyre has very little aversion to stealing - especially where jewelry is concerned - and if he wanted something badly enough, he wouldn't think twice about mugging a creature to get it.
Lyre neither possesses the sense of brave gallantry commonly associated with his species nor does he "talk fancy," though he can do a poor imitation when the need arises. His usual speech consists of the rough, Cockney-esque slang of his southern gypsy family, quick-spoken and often considered crude. He has heard of the mountain of Salamandastron, of course, and regards its mission and inhabitants almost scornfully; he has no intention to travel anywhere near the place and has little patience for the average hare of Mossflower. A final quirk is that he is an exceptionally light sleeper and tends to sleep through the heat of the day or at twilight - dawn and dusk alike - or whenever the forest noises are at a minimum of sorts.
Strengths:
Speed - partly because it's natural to his species and partly because he does it so much, Lyre is an exceptional runner when he puts his mind to it.
The arts - knowledgeable on countless songs, poems, stories and solo dances native to his family, and can play several instruments - a skill he's getting rusty on as he goes longer and longer without practicing. He has a good singing voice; he cannot, however, dance with a partner, though various friends have tried to teach him in the past.
Quick thinker - especially where being an escape artist is concerned, though Lyre can keep his head during most types of pressure.
Resourceful - knows how to live off the land and fend for himself.
Weaknesses:
Education - can't read or write.
Poor fighter - outside of a hit-and-run, he has a very limited knowledge of fighting and fighting technique, and only the workings of common sense when it comes to outright battle tactics. He lacks the brute strength and stamina needed by a true warrior.
Claustrophobic - perhaps more as a circumstance of how he grew up, Lyre is extremely uncomfortable indoors, only making a rare exception for staying between four walls and a roof during violent thunder or snow storms or whenever his life would be at extreme risk outside.
Restless - another quirk that may be a product of his childhood, he needs constant movement to feel comfortable. He rarely stops somewhere for more than a day or two, three at the most. Lyre could no more settle down in a home and stay than an abbot of Redwall could massacre dibbuns.
Dishonesty - has lower morals than most creatures might expect. As stated in Personality, he rarely has a problem with stealing, fighting unfairly, lying, or otherwise acting like vermin.
History:
Lyre was born into a large group of gypsy hares near the southeast coast, beyond Southsward. His mother was a traveling warriormaid from the far north who joined the tribe upon meeting his father, Livas. He has three siblings as well as multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents on his father's side. His mother's side of the family is a mystery to him, she never spoke about it.
The gypsies had immigrated several generations back from across the vast southern seas, bringing with them their stories, song, dance, and beliefs. Though many of these have been watered down with assimilation, they are still largely the reason behind how Lyre thinks and acts. His family is nomadic, constantly on the move; they travel from coast to coast across the land and as far north as Southsward, but never farther. So it was that all of his early life was spent traveling. Lyre and the other leverets learned various instruments and stories as a matter of course, but much to his father's chagrin, he doesn't know how to play the instrument he was named for.
Although they largely kept to themselves, the hares were rarely outright unfriendly to other creatures and often delivered letters or messages along their travels in exchange for food or shelter if need be, as well as performing the songs, dance, poetry, or stories of their fading heritage. When he had reached his eighth season, however, it was decided among the elders of his family that a split was necessary. Apart from various familial disputes that had been growing over time, there were simply too many of them to travel comfortably. For these reasons they broke off into three groups: the majority remained in the deep south, treading the coasts and dunes. Another, smaller set went east and a touch north to wander among the plains; and the smallest lot of them all traveled north, traversing the area between Southsward and the very southern fringe of Mossflower wood.
Lyre's immediate family members were in this third group, as well as his closest friend, Seakale. The move was difficult at first; the hares weren't used to the harsher winters or living among trees. Nevertheless, they adapted and went on with life much as they had done for every generation since arriving on the continent - constantly moving, never staying in one place long enough to farm or erect permanent dwellings of any sort. It was due partly to this move - and partly, perhaps, due to his mother's blood as well - that Lyre became extremely curious as to what the rest of the world had to offer. Being both naturally adventurous and increasingly dissatisfied with always traveling the same lands, he made the decision to leave his family of wanderers and strike out on his own.
This intent to see the world was greeted with outright scorn by his family and forbidden by his parents, so, naturally, Lyre set off into Mossflower wood one night without telling anybeast other than Seakale, who traveled with him. They were fourteen seasons at the time. It was admittedly hard for them at first, but upon getting into the rhythm of traversing in woodlands, it turned into an adventure. Seakale traveled with Lyre for just over four seasons, then returned south to their family and the lands he was most comfortable roaming. Lyre went on alone.
He has been a wanderer ever since, having explored a large chunk of Mossflower country and the lands north as far as the northern mountains. He has yet to return south beyond the forest or pay a visit to his family. Though he has typically spent his seasons in solitude, there have been times when he met and traveled with various creatures, sometimes only briefly, other times joining them on whatever personal quest brought them about. He survives mostly by instinct and hard-earned traveler's wisdom as well as by taking advantage of the kindness of otherbeasts or by simply taking whatever he needs.
Relationships:
As stated above, Lyre comes from a very large family, all of whom are still living as far as he knows. His immediate family consist of his mother (Cora), father (Livas), elder brother and sister (Roma and Flute, respectively) and a younger sister (Romi). Also notable is a distant cousin and his greatest friend, Seakale. He has met and traveled with quite a few creatures, very few of whom he has forged lasting relationships with. He has no personal rivals or enemies that he knows of, and if he did, he wouldn't care.
