OOC Minecraft Username: xVatten Are you at least 18 years old?: Yes Have you read the rules? (Link): Yes(Optional) How did you hear about Avalore?: Online forums(Max. 1) Were you referred by someone? If so, please provide their in-game username: N/A (Optional) Introduce yourself if you’d like, as well as any creations you want to share (e.g. art, builds, skins): Amateur Building/Redstone enthusiast just wanting to explore some neat fantasy servers and help contribute. — 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)? (250 word minimum - please make sure to include at least three references to our lore in your response, with two coming from different pages in the Compendium.  Two of the three selected should also be in-depth, avoid simply name-dropping lore terms. Tie the terms into your character's backstory. Why are they important to them?) —  Eryn Gates takes a moment to reflect, the distant rumble of the wagon wheels easing him back into the present. He adjusts the weight of his pack, where vials of strange brews and tools of the forge clink softly. “Well,” he begins, his voice carrying a warmth that matches the sun-dappled horizon stretching before them, “I suppose you could say I’m here for the same reason most of us are: a new beginning. But for me, it’s more than just that. I come from a long line of blacksmiths. My father, my grandfather—practically every man before me was a smith. But I wasn’t content to just forge weapons or armor for the sake of it. I wanted to create something more.” His hand absentmindedly brushes against the worn leather pouch at his side, where a few freshly-crafted potions rest. “I started to experiment,” he continues, a gleam of excitement flashing in his eyes, “with the alchemical arts. I realized that the combination of forging and potion-making was something no one else seemed to do. I could make swords that were not only sharp but enhanced, potions that could heal wounds or even empower the user. I began to see the potential to merge the two into something greater—something the world hasn’t seen.” Eryn pauses, leaning back against the edge of the wagon as the breeze brushes past. His thoughts wander to his family’s forge in the Duchy of Rulan, a place that had once felt like home, but now seemed to suffocate him. “I spent years in the forge, learning the trade,” he adds, “but my heart was never truly there. Not like it is now. You see, the thing about Rulan… it’s beautiful, it’s quiet, but it’s also forgotten. My family’s forge became just another one among many, all those smelted blades and shields forged for war. But what I wanted was to travel, to see the world beyond the Wall. The Reach, with all its uncharted lands, feels like a place where I can truly begin to make a difference.” Eryn’s eyes shift to the older woman, a softness in his gaze. “I want to bring my work to places that need it—swords for the brave, potions for the wounded, armor for the weary. I want to procure the rarest materials, the finest ores, and the most elusive ingredients. I’ll make sure no one has to settle for less than the best. That’s why I’ve come to the Reach—there’s so much to discover here, and I intend to find it all. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to take what I’ve learned, and show the rest of the world just what true craftsmanship can be.” He offers a faint but sincere smile. “I don’t expect it to be easy, but then again, when has anything worth doing been easy?” Eryn looks back toward the horizon, where the sun dips low. The possibilities are endless, and with each step, he feels closer to the life he’s destined to create. Character Name: Eryn Gates Character Race: Human Character Age: 21 Brief Physical Description: Eryn Gates stands at 6'4" with a solid, defined muscle tone that speaks to years of laboring at both the forge and alchemy bench. His broad shoulders and strong arms reflect his blacksmith heritage, while his lean frame suggests agility in his movements. His blonde hair, often tousled from work, contrasts strikingly with his piercing blue eyes, which seem to constantly scan his surroundings with a mix of curiosity and determination. His posture is confident, yet there’s a certain quiet intensity that surrounds him.