OOC Minecraft Username: SailorAndMagpie_ Are you at least 18 years old?: 18 turning 19 this year. Have you read the rules?: Yes(Optional) How did you hear about Avalore?: Found the website from a server listing. — In-Character Read the following prompt: The rhythmic lull of hoofbeats are a marching drum to the small group of pioneers and variety of folk you have found yourself amongst, packed into a wobbling wagon. The rolling plains of the Southern Reach and a clear sky stretch out all around you, the buzz of excited chatter a dull wash in your ears as your mind strays to your former life and what has led you here to new lands. “Nervous?” You blink, returning to the present moment. A kindly older woman sat near you is smiling warmly with a crinkle to her eyes. “I can tell it’s your first time. Still remember mine,” she flashes a grin and leans in. “Tell me my dear, why have you come to the Reach?” How do you respond (in character)? Timid to the woman’s deeply personal question, Ashton gives an awkward smile before beginning to explain themself. “Just a Leatherworker from Fallstone. Business was getting… Rather slow, so I’m relocating. Thought that The Southern Reach was crowded enough to get some work.” After a pause, Ashton notices that the old lady is still attentive to them. They Shuffle about, hoping to just be ignored, but eventually relinquish. “From a caravan myself, wouldn’t you know it. Actually, no, that is a fairly common story from Falstoners. Got the trade from my parents, had me casing over the open road since I was young, got decent at it and tried to open my own stand in Stonebrook… Only to realise that they already had a leatherworker in town and he was not up for competition. Or apprentices. Between you and me… I think I’m not all that cut out for inheriting the family business, so The Spire is going to be a bit of a reset for me. Maybe I’ll find something to replace that old passion. That or I go broke, one or the other.” The woman eyes linger away from Ashton while they talk and focus on their hands, waving about as they speak. The skin looks to be gloved over with a wooden texture, and their digits move drastically like snapping twigs. It’s obviously Fey-Touched, though rather more lifeless and unnerving than what most would expect. Ashton pauses their speech after noticing the shift in attention. “Could you… Maybe not look so closely at my hands? Sensitive topic, please, this feels kind of awkward. Instead, may I ask if you know anything about The Spire, maybe some local inns or wherever else I can get a night’s stay?” Her attention returns to Ashton after a brief apology, and she continues to listen in on the stranger’s nervous tirade about The Spire and its novelties. — Character Name: Ashton Hemlock Character Race: Fey-Touched Character Age: 21 Brief Physical Description: An androgynous Fey-Touched, around 5’1’’, with a notably muted look across their body. They have dark hair, cut to shoulder length and manually swiped to one side to cover part of the face. They have flat brown eyes and a large nose. They wear simple cloth and leather clothing, along with a flat hat and backpack. Their most notable feature is their upper arms, hands, lower legs and feet having bark-like skin, looking similar to grey ironbark trunks. (I can provide an image if you need more info.)