OOC Minecraft Username: Zoraidaz Are you at least 18 years old?: Freshly 29! Have you read the rules? (Link): Yep!How did you hear about Avalore?: In the comments of a youtube video Introduction: Hiya! My name's Harley, and I'm a full time student studying comics and concept art :) I've been playing minecraft for over ten years now, and I similarly have many years of experience with TTRPGs and written RPs, but I also attend the UK's largest LARP event three or four times a year, where I lead my own group of other players and also run an in-character trinket shop and bakery. My dream is to be able to successfully support myself with my own art and stories, and could create an entire wiki of lore for my own fantasy worlds at this point :') Of course this means I have a ton of art I could show, which I'll hide underneath a spoiler to save space - but also because some of my favourites contain NSFW themes, even if there's nothing explict actually depicted. Please let me know if I need to remove the last one entirely! It's been double spoilered, but I don't want to cause any problems :)   Spoiler     Extra Spoiler for NSFW themes, but it's my favourite character sheet yet and there's nothing actually explicit :'3 (cw: included on the sheet are depictions of a gag, silk ropes, handcuffs, and a riding crop - none of which are 'in use'. Additionally, adult club is mentioned in a short written description, and whilst the character in question is clothed, her outfits are somewhat revealing)   Spoiler     — In-Character 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?  Arden looks around them briefly, wondering if the lady is speaking to someone else, but it is clear she is not. They offer her a nervous smile, and shrug one shoulder. "I'm hoping I can build a life here," they say, well aware of how silly it sounds. That's what everybody is trying to do. "I, um - I want to make my own home, somewhere out in the wilds, where I can learn about the wonderful creatures out there. And maybe - hopefully - help look after them." They fully expect to be laughed at, or at the very least, given a strange look. The lady does neither, and instead her smile only softens. "That's a noble goal," she comments. Arden's cheeks warm a little. "Are you on your own? Outside of the Spire, the Reach can be a pretty dangerous place." Arden shakes their head, although admittedly, she's not wrong. "Not entirely. I have my donkey and my dog," they say, and as they move their legs to the side, a little wet nose pokes out from between them. Hidden under their seat is a small, scrappy mutt, the tip of its tail faintly wagging at the attention. Arden gives them an affection scratch on the chin before sitting upright again. "I found him as a puppy. He was abandoned by a caravan passing through the Crossroads, so I took him home and nursed him back to health - he's a little wonky, which is probably why he was dumped, but he's the best dog in the world as far as I'm concerned." The lady's smile twists in a mixture of sympathy and amusement. "The Crossroads, eh? Are you from the Faded Steppe by any chance?" "Yes, ma'am," Arden nods. "My parents used to own a farm nearby, but they sold it a few weeks ago and moved to Mariza. I can't imagine anything worse than city life, so I left." At that, the lady laughs, and Arden finds themself relaxing into the conversation. "I suppose that's where your love of animals must'a come from, then. Growing up on a farm and all," the lady says, and Arden huffs out a laugh too.  "Not at all - my family focused on grains. The most exotic creatures I've ever been able to keep were a couple of Grumpkins I snuck into the house as a kid, much to their annoyance. I named them Boo and Bumble." Arden's smile turns somewhat sad. It's a surprisingly painful memory despite it being so long ago. "Obviously, after a month or so, my mother had had enough and got rid of them." Before the lady has the chance to side with their mother and remind them that Grumpkins are notorious pests that wreak havoc on farms, Arden continues. "But I've seen plenty of other magical creatures here and there - and heard even more wonderful stories. I used to love actually going into the Crossroads just to see what new animals the caravan traders had brought in, even though they were usually kept in little cages. I always thought they looked so sad in there, and just wanted to free them, give them good homes. One time there was a merchant selling a pink fae marten - I begged my parents for him days, but unfortunately we just didn't have the crowns." Now that Arden is talking about their passion, it seems they can't stop. Fortunately, the lady seems happy to listen, and encourages them to continue whenever they hesitate or pause. They tell her about all the various other creatures they have seen and heard of, from the Ashland hellhounds to the hardy bogstriders of the swamps. Their eyes light up when they talk about maybe one day getting to see a shimmer-fox, or being offered moss by a dunkbear. Many of the creatures they so desperately want to see should never be kept as pets, and certainly not in small, indoor environments - but that's not what their dream is. Their dream is to create a sanctuary, with individually tailored, expansive enclosures for injured or frightened creatures that need a safe place to recover until they're ready to return to the wild once again - and to be a home for creatures that cannot ever return, for whatever reason that may be. No matter what, they believe that everybody deserves to belong somewhere.  They are a long way from that, though. So in the meantime, they will dedicate themself to research and learning, and maybe - just maybe - they might one day discover some new fantastic creatures themself. How magical would that be? "So for now, I'm planning to start out as an apprentice, or an assistant maybe, to someone who knows far more about the wildlife here than I do. At least until I'm finally ready to make it, and settle down on my own." Arden finishes, and they flush a little. "Or maybe with a partner, if I can find one. Who knows." The lady smiles wide, and pats Arden on the knee in a familiar, encouraging manner. "That sounds like a wonderful plan, my dear. Don't you ever stop chasing that dream." Arden beams. They don't plan on it.   Character Name: Arden Hadley Character Race: Human Character Age: 26 Physical Description: Arden is approximately 5 foot 8, with dirty-blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a smattering of freckles. They're on the heavier side, but a good portion of this is muscle, and they're frequently seen with messy hair and clothes covered in grass stains and dirt. They're pretty useless with a weapon, but have multiple scars of varying sizes across their hands, arms, and chest, primarily from encounters with wildlife that did not go so well. This does not seem to have stopped them from going back. Image of Skin and Figura Model: Bonus WIP: I've been working on making a little fae marten to one day sit on their head or shoulder! I've never used blockbench before so it's been real fun learning it :) Spoiler   Thank you so much for considering me (and putting up with all of my questions in discord)! <3