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 Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 6:52 pm
This is Mriae's quest for her own Dust.
Things are under construction for now, but please keep your eyes out.
Info for an oasis sand dust will be up soon!
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Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:30 pm
Table of Contents ----------------------------------------------------------------- { o1 } ____________________ introduction
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o2 } ____________________ table of contents
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o3 } ____________________ dust essence
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o4 } ____________________ dust child
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o5 } ____________________ dust guardian
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o6 } ____________________ updates
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o7 } ____________________ reserved
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o8 } ____________________ reserved
----------------------------------------------------------------- { o9 } ____________________ open for crits
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Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:52 pm
Oases & Sand 
The location of oases has been of critical importance for trade and transportation routes in desert areas. Caravans must travel via oases so that supplies of water and food can be replenished. Thus, political or military control of an oasis has in many cases meant control of trade on a particular route. For example, the oases of Awjila, Ghadames and Kufra, situated in modern-day Libya, have at various times been vital to both North-South and East-West trade in the Sahara.
Oases are formed from underground rivers or aquifers such as an artesian aquifer, where water can reach the surface naturally by pressure or by man made wells. Occasional brief thunderstorms provide subterranean water to sustain natural oases, such as the Tuat. Substrata of impermeable rock and stone can trap water and retain it in pockets; or on long faulting subsurface ridges or volcanic dikes water can collect and percolate to the surface. Any incidence of water is then used by migrating birds who also pass seeds with their droppings which will grow at the water's edge forming an oasis.(source; wikipedia) * * * Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles.
The most common constituent of sand, in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal settings, is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), usually in the form of quartz, which, because of its chemical inertness and considerable hardness, is the most common mineral resistant to weathering.
The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions. The bright white sands found in tropical and subtropical coastal settings are eroded limestone and may contain coral and shell fragments in addition to other organic or organically derived fragmental material. The gypsum sand dunes of the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico are famous for their bright, white color. Arkose is a sand or sandstone with considerable feldspar content, derived from the weathering and erosion of a (usually nearby) granitic rock outcrop. Some sands contain magnetite, chlorite, glauconite or gypsum. Sands rich in magnetite are dark to black in color, as are sands derived from volcanic basalts and obsidian. Chlorite-glauconite bearing sands are typically green in color, as are sands derived from basaltic (lava) with a high olivine content. Many sands, especially those found extensively in Southern Europe, have iron impurities within the quartz crystals of the sand, giving a deep yellow color. Sand deposits in some areas contain garnets and other resistant minerals, including some small gemstones.
Sand is transported by wind and water and deposited in the form of beaches, dunes, sand spits, sand bars and related features. In environments such as gravel-bed rivers and glacial moraines it often occurs as one of the many grain sizes that are represented. Sand-bed rivers, such as the Platte River in Nebraska, USA, have sandy beds largely because there is no larger source material that they can transport. Dunes, on the other hand, are sandy because larger material is generally immobile in wind, and are a distinctive geographical feature of desert environments.(source; wikipedia)
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Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2010 12:17 am
Name: Bahar
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Spring of Life / Prime of Life / Youth
Dust: Oasis Sand
Gender: Female
Skin Tone: Tan with Bronze or Copper tones
Eye Color: Persian Green
Hair Color: Black
Hair Style: Up to the artist.
Clothing Style: Up to the artist; perhaps in blue/green/sandy tones with a Middle Eastern look? Preferrably a modest style; Bahar is self-concious, and doesn't show much of herself.
Inspiration:
❖ Oases
❖ Sand
❖ Persia / the Middle East
❖ Revitalization / Rejuvenation
❖ Spring of Life / Fountain of Youth
❖ Prince of Persia
❖ A Thousand and One Nights
❖ Aladdin
❖ Desert Rose by Sting
❖ Instrumental Music – [x] [x] [x]
❖ Traditional Clothing
Personality:
One can tell right away that there is something different about the way Bahar is in comparison to other Dusts. There is a certain air about her, a mysterious, slightly mystical aura. She’s not mysterious in the sense that she doesn’t tell people anything about herself. When asking her a question, however, don’t expect to get a full answer. She will either give you half an answer, small bits of information, or she’ll either answer your question with another question of her own. Playing games with people to make them curious or intrigued amuses her immensely. She enjoys keeping others guessing and on their toes, but not to the point of frustration or anger.
As a Sand Dustling Bahar has a tendency to come off a bit abrasive. This girl isn’t one to mince her words or to sugarcoat things for you. Don’t expect her to patronize you and tell you what you want to hear, just to keep your feelings from being hurt. She isn’t the type to do that, unfortunately. If she feels a certain way about something, she will tell you, honestly, how she feels. Bahar would rather be brutally honest than to lie to your face. However rough she may be, the Oasis side of the Dust shows in these instances as well. Say something that the girl said hurt your feelings: if she saw that her words obviously made you feel bad, then she is going to apologize. She doesn’t mean to upset you; she would just rather you know the truth, even if it’s painful. A soothing voice of hers with calming words follow – “Everyone has a bad hair day,” or, “no one is perfect, not even me.”
Just as oases are hard to reach in a desert, so is getting to know Bahar. As mentioned before, she doesn’t keep personal information away from others. She just doesn’t give it to people so easily. One will receive a bit of info here, a tidbit there, and a piece every-so-often, but full, meaty chunks of knowledge are hard to come by. The Oasis Sand Dustling shares the biggest parts of her life and her aspirations and dreams to only those she finds worthy. Those worthy enough to learn these things would be those that are sincere and honest with Bahar about how they feel. It should also be taken into account that once someone gets close enough to her to learn about her, it is extremely worthwhile. Not only are the girl’s dreams and history intriguing, but also she seems to be a breath of fresh air. You will have gained a special friend within this Dustling.
Deserts are not always kind to those who travel through them, especially to those who do not know their way. The Dust seems to exhibit an odd quirk due to this: she has mazeophobia, or a fear of getting lost. With no desire to encounter this feeling, Bahar makes sure to take special care in getting directions and by checking to know where she is going. More often than not, she constantly checks and checks for directions, even going so far as to ask for maps as well as having the proper route written out. Such behavior could get annoying, sure, but she feels it has to be done. If a situation ever occurs where she does get lost, Bahar usually roots herself to one spot after that, and doesn't go out looking for the place she needs to be. By this time, she has probably broken down in tears. Deserts can also be a lonely place, and this is another thing the Oasis doesn't seem to be fond of. If possible, she spends as much time as she can in the company of her guardian, even if there are no words spoken between them. His presence is satisfying enough, as she knows there is someone there with her. She always seems to need to be around someone, and if she isn't, it makes her really upset emotionally to the point of anxiety and panic attacks. Others may view her as a bit needy due to acting in such a way.
Although it may not look like it, Bahar is very self-concious of how she looks. She won't dance in front of anyone, except for maybe Dr. Archwood, and even then it's uncomfortable. Around other girls, it's not bad. She is comfortable around them. It's around those of the opposite sex, however, that things get more difficult. As one literally of the desert, the Dustling seems to cover up things like her body and her hair hair (it would be improper to show it around those guys who aren't family).
In order to pass the time and keep her entertained, there are a number of different things that the Oasis Sand loves to do. Music is by far one of the biggest passions she has. She enjoys listening to it, mostly, all different types and genres. Her absolute favorite, however, would have to be instrumental music, and she is particularly drawn to anything Middle Eastern or exotic sounding. Bahar doesn’t just enjoy listening to music, but she plays a bit as well. Her instrument of choice comes in the form of an arghul, a double-pipe, single-reed woodwind that has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. But music isn’t the only thing the girl is keen about. She is also partial to art in the form of henna tattooing, which is something that shows off her creative side. It isn’t very often that she does henna, however, as she tends to save it for special occasions, only. Storytelling is another thing that piques the girl’s interest: she could listen to them for hours and hours on end, and may, once in a blue moon, spin one of her own to a listening ear. The art of dancing is the last and final thing that Bahar is keen on doing, though it is something she rarely shows to anyone else. While she can hold her own in the art of belly-dancing and being mysterious, she has a tendency to be a bit shy, and downplays her skills because of this.
When it comes to her guardian, Dr. Barnaby Archwood, she cares for him very deeply. As he is an older gentlemen, she feels that since has seen a lot over the course of his life, that he deserves respect. She doesn't want her elderly caretaker to over-exert himself, and due to this she will do whatever she has to in order to help him. Her favorite thing to do is listen, over and over, to the stories of Barnaby's life. She finds them intriguing, and never gets tired of hearing them again and again. It is something the two can bond over.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:01 am
Guardian's Name: Dr. Barnaby Archwood
Gender: Male
Age: 75
Hair Color: White
Eye Color: Hazel
Occupation: Retired professor of Classics
Guardian Personality:
Doctor Barnaby Archwood, former professor of the Classics at a local university, has seen a lot over the course of his long life. To put it simply, he is a worldly man. He enjoys and appreciates the finer things in life: art, classical music, beautiful architecture, a fine glass of wine, and a good book. He has traveled the world, and as such, is familiar with those of other cultures that may seem foreign to most people. Having experienced much throughout the years, the elderly man always seems to have a story or an anecdote of some sort. He is as wise as he is experienced, and because of this, is often approached by those of the younger generation when in need of advice or help in their lives.
Much to his children’s chagrin (who are now grown up and out of the house), Barnaby is what most would call old-fashioned. With most houses running by electricity now, Dr. Archwood’s seems to be one of the few without such technology. The professor isn’t exactly keen on the latest gadgets. He grew up doing things by candle and lamplight, and he will continue to do so, thank you very much. The newest fashions don’t particularly interest the old man, either. He prefers comfort and convenience to impressing someone. Due to this way of thinking, most can find the professor in a button up flannel shirt, a vest, and simple slacks with mis-matched socks and simple dress shoes. So what if it looks like he just got dressed in the dark? His clothes get him from point A to point B, and that’s all that matters.
In terms of recreation, Barnaby has quite a few hobbies. The first of his favorite pastimes would have to be chess. Aside from chess, Barnaby is also particularly fond of bird watching. The man has entire journals filled with information and sketches of various types of birds, all which the professor writes down with his little stub of a pencil. Talking walks and going hiking is the last hobby of his. With his walking stick in hand, he always makes sure to go for a walk at least once a day (weather permitting), in order to keep in shape. His traveling, a hobby he once did frequently, has come to and end as he prefers to stay at home and just live out his the rest of his days in simplicity.
Last but not least comes the most important thing in Dr. Archwood’s life: his family. Barnaby loved his late wife, Doris, with all of her heart. He is also very caring and supportive of his two children, Beckett and Jane, both of which are now grown and out of the house. Neither of them have children. His newly acquired Dustling, Bahar, replaces the grandchildren he never had. The elderly man adores the Oasis Sand, treating her kindly and doting upon her like any grandfather would. With that in mind, Barnaby isn’t afraid to be stern with the young girl when he needs to be. He may be a family man, but Mr. Archwood’s children always knew never to make their father cross.
History:
Barnaby Archwood, or Barny as he was reffered to in his youth, grew up in within Faleen. Even as a child, his parents knew he was a curious sort of boy. He always had a tendency to get into everything. As he got older, he was constantly asking questions, and his family knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would go on to learn more worldly things. Although from a middle-class family, and one without the highest education, both of his parents made sure that their young boy would get the best opportunities that he could. They were going to send him through all the education they could by any means necessary. It meant that much to them.
It was in his time in school that Barnaby found out what he wanted to do with his life: he wanted to be a teacher in order to help other young people like himself. An avid fan of learning, he thrived in school, and yearned to give others the opportunity for such things himself. In his last year of schooling on his way to become a teacher, the young man met a woman who would change his life: Doris, his future wife. It didn't take long for a spark between the two of them to form, and eventually, they were inseperable. The couple was married shortly after, and settled down in Faleen to raise a family.
Not long after they got their own home, the Archwoods were blessed with even more news. The two of them were going to be parents! Beckett and Jane Archwood were born shortly after, and welcomed into the world by their two adoring family members. Barnaby, wanting to be a good father and provide an even better childhood than he had for his children, decided right away that he would show them the world. It was because of this that the family traveled so much, with Barnaby and Doris wanting to expose their kids to as much culture as possible. This led to some lively and memorable family vacations: trips to island nations, hiking through ruins, haggling in foreign markets. None of that was off limits.
As time went on, the kids grew up, moved out of the house, and started their own lives. The Archwoods, too, grew older in age. Having lived a full and eventful life full of content, Doris passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 70. Barnaby was 71 at the time, and although the loss of his wife was difficult at first, he knew that she was in a better place. The one thing that got to him most was that his wife was never able to see grandchildren, for neither Beckett nor Jane had any kids. Both of them were too busy wrapped up in their own work to handle such a responsibility. And thus, with his wife gone and his kids to look out for him, the former Classics professor began to go on with his life.
In an attempt to cheer his old man up, Beckett returned home one day with a gift for the old man. It was a bottle - a simple little bottle, his son said, that he had picked up in a foreign bazaar on one of his own travels. Right away upon seeing it, he knew his father would appreciate such a gift. Baranby was a man of culture, and there was no way he'd turn away such a thing. Also, Beckett told his father, the bottle was claimed to be magic, although whether that was true or not, neither of them had any idea.
Barnaby found out that the bottle was, indeed, special, the day that Bahar appeared from the bottle. Shocked and taken back, the old man couldn't believe his eyes. A child - right from the jar! As unexpected as her arrival was, the older man seized up this meeting as an opportunity: the Oasis Sand Dustling needed someone to take care of her, and he had always wanted a grandchild, so it was a perfect match. She took to him almost immediately, and called him grandfather from that day on. She enjoys his company very much, or so it seems. Her relationship with Barnaby's grown children, however, is still getting there. Both Jane and Beckett's visits are few and far between, so she still has to get used to the two of them.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:05 am
Reserved for notes and changes or edits made.
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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 11:05 am
And...this quest thread is now open for crits!
@ A@;;
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Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:03 pm
I actually don't have much to crit~
The concept of Oasis sand is great, it's really unique. And I love how you related the oasis sand and her personality, it flows so well.
Probably the only thing i'd like to know about her is what kind of things aggravate her, or affect her and break that calmness of hers. Maybe have some things that she fears or is extremely sensitive about?
And the guardian.. Probably you can relate him more to the world though, where did he grow up? Since the middle of intellectual learning is in Faleen. c: But I really like him. There's nothing I can say much except that he seems like a perfect guardian for Bahar.
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Posted: Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:01 pm
Bahar sounds very interesting. I love how you incorporated the desert in her personality. Personally, for me, when creating Imani's personality, one of the most fun, yet challenging parts, was creating a unique character for her dust. And you've done that with Bahar. One thing I'm curious about though, is her down sides. Granted, one could claim that being brutal honest is a down side, but I see it as a plus. What's her character flaw? Is she selfish? Needy? Delirious?
You mention she doesn't open up to everyone. Is she nice to those she doesn't? Or shuns them?
Like BP said, I'd also like to see what she's afraid of. What scares an Oasis?
Doctor Barnaby is an interesting character, I think. I love seeing the older characters come out to play. They always give such spice to rps, I think. His personality is realistic- something you could really see yourself coming across in reality, which is nice. I'm interested in his history, though. We knew about his late wife, and his children who grew up, but where was he born? Where did he raise his family? Anything in his many travels that helped shape him greatly as a person?
On the topic of family, I'd like to see where you can/will/might take his children. Would they visit to see little Bahar? How will she take to them?
I also noticed, while both dust and human have several hobbies, none really are the same. How do Bahar and Doctor Barnaby spend quality time together? That's always one of my favorite parts. The bond between the family and how it got there.
All in all, I would have to say this is an amazing quest. I'm very impressed with the way you worked the characters, and I can't wait to see where you take them.
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Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 1:26 pm
Things have been added and tweaked!
Thanks for all the crits!
>8D
Looks like I'm now ready to submit this for the contest.
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