Post by Branna Kerry on May 12, 2010 7:34:43 GMT
Name: Branna Kerry
Age: 27
Sex: Female
Class: Merchant
Appearance: Branna is of medium height, her build well-muscled and solid rather than slim or willowy. While her dark hair could be sleek and elegant if she gave it any thought, it is usually pulled back into a severe, if messy braid. While her features are too strong for a classic beauty, there is a strength of character in her that shines through despite the dirt and ash normally smeared across her skin - an unavoidable side effect of her work. She is hardly ever seen wearing anything but her smith's apron over a simple dress, clothes she claims suit her far better than any fancy, expensive fabric ever could.
- Played by Laura Fraser.
Character: Branna is a craftswoman, above all else. Her work is her life, beyond any thought of profit or fame. Those who know her say she is kind enough, but with a brashly sarcastic streak that she uses to distance herself from those who would seek any sort of closeness. Rarely is she seen to show any sort of strong emotion, and some might go so far as to say she feels none.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. For much of her life, Branna's emotions ruled her, the depth and strength of them enough to frighten her at times. It was not until she learned to channel those emotions into her work that she was able to live a normal life. Crafting, shaping metal into objects of beauty, has become her catharsis, her means of coping with what would otherwise overwhelm her.
She abhors violence of any sort, especially war, thanks to experiences from her past. While she will not openly rebel against it, she will stalwartly refuse to aid any military efforts - to the extent that she has made a vow to never again forge a weapon of any sort.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Silversmithing, and other forms of metalworking
+ Mediating arguments - her detachment often helps her to find a middle ground.
+ Listening to other's troubles - she can provide a sympathetic, if not empathetic, ear.
- Speaking about her past - it is an exceedingly difficult subject for her.
- Dealing with emotions - she would rather avoid them.
- Reigning in her temper - while it is very hard to rouse, once it is, she is helpless to calm her own anger.
Magic: Branna has no knowledge of it, but she does possess a strain of magic in her blood. It is not something that she can use consciously, although with training she could eventually learn.
When she is working, if she is preoccupied with one specific thought or emotion - say, worry for the safety of a friend - that thought will imbue the object she is making with a magical property - say, a ward of protection. It does not happen often, and the objects she creates are not extraordinarily powerful, but it has helped her to become the successful silversmith she now is. For even if the magical properties are not known, the enchanted items she creates tend to be attractive beyond their mere aesthetic beauty, drawing attention from any who look over them.
Weaponry Skills: Only moderate. She learned to use a sword as a necessity for knowing how to forge them. However, she now refuses to touch them.
Character History: Branna was born and raised in a kingdom far from Camelot, taught from a young age the craft of blacksmithing by her father and mother - both smiths of decent skill. Once she was of age, she left home, traveling the countryside in search of work. For several years, she refused to settle down, instead choosing to visit outlying villages far too small for their own blacksmith. She would stay for a few days, weeks if there was much work to be done, and provide her services in exchange for food, shelter, and a bit of money. Then when there were no more scythes to sharpen or horses to shoe, she would move on. The joy of traveling, and the aching wanderlust in her veins, drove her onward.
When she was 24, she made her way to a jousting tournament being held in a kingdom not far from Camelot. There she met a young knight and fell in love. Despite their differing status, the knight was young enough, and poor enough, that he did not care. She forged him a sword and a set of armor that she swore would protect him in joust and in battle. They were engaged, but before they could marry he was called to the service of his king. He was sent out to fight, and was killed in battle. All she received in return were his battered sword and broken armor, the very same that she had given him.
From that day on, Branna made herself an enemy of war and of violence. She swore never to make another weapon, to shoe a warhorse, or to love a knight. Instead, she took up silversmithing, making jewelry and goblets and utensils fit for nobility. She and her work quickly became known, first in the kingdom she lived in, then further abroad. Although she has several times refused positions as court blacksmith, knowing she would be asked to forge what she could not, her work is often bought by royalty. In recent months, she has heard news of the thriving kingdom of Camelot, and has come to visit, and perhaps to stay, bearing gifts for the royal family and hope that she may finally find a place to call home.
Additional Information: None that I can think of.
Well, I blame Sarah (Avaris Malvallet) for getting me hooked on Merlin and bringing me here. 
Sample Roleplay:
The glow of the metal slowly began to grow more intense, shading from a dark, dull red, through orange and blue, until finally it pulsed white-hot. Branna grasped the metal rod with her tongs, carefully lifting it out of the coals and in to position on her anvil. Taking the small hammer from the table, she lifted it and struck the rod. Once, twice, then turning it, a third time. Then settling into position, she began a rhythmic series of strikes, pounding the cylindrical rod flatter and flatter.
Once the glow had subsided, she quickly took it with the tongs once again and slid it back into place in the coals. She repeated the process - heat and hammer, heat and hammer - over and over until the rod had transformed into a flat sheet of metal, paper thin and flexible. This she took a thin, sharp-pointed chisel to, etching a design into it. Once over to sketch it out, then again, making the lines deeper, then a third time, splitting the metal apart. By the time she was finished, she had a twisting, vine-like network of silver spread across her work table. It would do nicely to adorn the walls of a rich merchant's house, or perhaps even a castle if luck was with her. Satisfied, she set it on the hearth to cool and stripped off her gloves, stepping outside in to the sunlight for a breath of fresh air.
[Optional] OOC Section:
Name: Rachel
Location: Texas
How long have you been RPing for: Oh wow... years. Since early high school, so... 7 years? At least?
Any other characters on the site?: Not yet!
Age: 27
Sex: Female
Class: Merchant
Appearance: Branna is of medium height, her build well-muscled and solid rather than slim or willowy. While her dark hair could be sleek and elegant if she gave it any thought, it is usually pulled back into a severe, if messy braid. While her features are too strong for a classic beauty, there is a strength of character in her that shines through despite the dirt and ash normally smeared across her skin - an unavoidable side effect of her work. She is hardly ever seen wearing anything but her smith's apron over a simple dress, clothes she claims suit her far better than any fancy, expensive fabric ever could.
- Played by Laura Fraser.
Character: Branna is a craftswoman, above all else. Her work is her life, beyond any thought of profit or fame. Those who know her say she is kind enough, but with a brashly sarcastic streak that she uses to distance herself from those who would seek any sort of closeness. Rarely is she seen to show any sort of strong emotion, and some might go so far as to say she feels none.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. For much of her life, Branna's emotions ruled her, the depth and strength of them enough to frighten her at times. It was not until she learned to channel those emotions into her work that she was able to live a normal life. Crafting, shaping metal into objects of beauty, has become her catharsis, her means of coping with what would otherwise overwhelm her.
She abhors violence of any sort, especially war, thanks to experiences from her past. While she will not openly rebel against it, she will stalwartly refuse to aid any military efforts - to the extent that she has made a vow to never again forge a weapon of any sort.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
+ Silversmithing, and other forms of metalworking
+ Mediating arguments - her detachment often helps her to find a middle ground.
+ Listening to other's troubles - she can provide a sympathetic, if not empathetic, ear.
- Speaking about her past - it is an exceedingly difficult subject for her.
- Dealing with emotions - she would rather avoid them.
- Reigning in her temper - while it is very hard to rouse, once it is, she is helpless to calm her own anger.
Magic: Branna has no knowledge of it, but she does possess a strain of magic in her blood. It is not something that she can use consciously, although with training she could eventually learn.
When she is working, if she is preoccupied with one specific thought or emotion - say, worry for the safety of a friend - that thought will imbue the object she is making with a magical property - say, a ward of protection. It does not happen often, and the objects she creates are not extraordinarily powerful, but it has helped her to become the successful silversmith she now is. For even if the magical properties are not known, the enchanted items she creates tend to be attractive beyond their mere aesthetic beauty, drawing attention from any who look over them.
Weaponry Skills: Only moderate. She learned to use a sword as a necessity for knowing how to forge them. However, she now refuses to touch them.
Character History: Branna was born and raised in a kingdom far from Camelot, taught from a young age the craft of blacksmithing by her father and mother - both smiths of decent skill. Once she was of age, she left home, traveling the countryside in search of work. For several years, she refused to settle down, instead choosing to visit outlying villages far too small for their own blacksmith. She would stay for a few days, weeks if there was much work to be done, and provide her services in exchange for food, shelter, and a bit of money. Then when there were no more scythes to sharpen or horses to shoe, she would move on. The joy of traveling, and the aching wanderlust in her veins, drove her onward.
When she was 24, she made her way to a jousting tournament being held in a kingdom not far from Camelot. There she met a young knight and fell in love. Despite their differing status, the knight was young enough, and poor enough, that he did not care. She forged him a sword and a set of armor that she swore would protect him in joust and in battle. They were engaged, but before they could marry he was called to the service of his king. He was sent out to fight, and was killed in battle. All she received in return were his battered sword and broken armor, the very same that she had given him.
From that day on, Branna made herself an enemy of war and of violence. She swore never to make another weapon, to shoe a warhorse, or to love a knight. Instead, she took up silversmithing, making jewelry and goblets and utensils fit for nobility. She and her work quickly became known, first in the kingdom she lived in, then further abroad. Although she has several times refused positions as court blacksmith, knowing she would be asked to forge what she could not, her work is often bought by royalty. In recent months, she has heard news of the thriving kingdom of Camelot, and has come to visit, and perhaps to stay, bearing gifts for the royal family and hope that she may finally find a place to call home.
Additional Information: None that I can think of.
Well, I blame Sarah (Avaris Malvallet) for getting me hooked on Merlin and bringing me here. 
Sample Roleplay:
The glow of the metal slowly began to grow more intense, shading from a dark, dull red, through orange and blue, until finally it pulsed white-hot. Branna grasped the metal rod with her tongs, carefully lifting it out of the coals and in to position on her anvil. Taking the small hammer from the table, she lifted it and struck the rod. Once, twice, then turning it, a third time. Then settling into position, she began a rhythmic series of strikes, pounding the cylindrical rod flatter and flatter.
Once the glow had subsided, she quickly took it with the tongs once again and slid it back into place in the coals. She repeated the process - heat and hammer, heat and hammer - over and over until the rod had transformed into a flat sheet of metal, paper thin and flexible. This she took a thin, sharp-pointed chisel to, etching a design into it. Once over to sketch it out, then again, making the lines deeper, then a third time, splitting the metal apart. By the time she was finished, she had a twisting, vine-like network of silver spread across her work table. It would do nicely to adorn the walls of a rich merchant's house, or perhaps even a castle if luck was with her. Satisfied, she set it on the hearth to cool and stripped off her gloves, stepping outside in to the sunlight for a breath of fresh air.
[Optional] OOC Section:
Name: Rachel
Location: Texas
How long have you been RPing for: Oh wow... years. Since early high school, so... 7 years? At least?
Any other characters on the site?: Not yet!
