Approved by Tawny

Name: Fadrin
Age: 15
Gender: Male
Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
Craft/Rank: Apprentice, Farmcraft
History: Born and raised in a small cothold just outside Bitra Hold, Fadrin assisted his family in growing cold-hardy vegetables and herbs for nearly all of his life. From toddler to teen, the youth has tended the fields, hiked the ridges and hills, and explored the countryside of northern Bitra’s lands. His was a normal childhood despite his exposure to adventure and the outdoors.

He has grown into puberty during the events of the Weyrs’ revolution and word of Benden’s conversion has reached even his sequestered home. The initial events sparked a deep and heavy philosophical debate among his family members and while the feast that resulted from the gathering of kin was much enjoyed, the conversation was intense. Fadrin did not understand most of the theory behind the heated conversations and was confused as to the problem – Wherhold or Weyr, wasn’t what mattered that the dragonmen protected Pern? Especially now that Thread was falling again? When the group finally decided they would continue to pay tithes to the changed Weyr, Fadrin was relieved… he’d heard both good and bad things, and quite honestly, his curiosity about the dragons had only grown deeper.

Like all his siblings, he’d been raised with tales of the Dragonmen and the great beasts they rode and it had instilled a deep sense of curiosity in him. Thus, when the Riders came to collect individuals while he was attending market in Bitra and his name was called out, he did not hesitate to approach the rider, bow, and boldy step towards the dragon to touch its forearm with great interest. He left with his family’s blessing and a promise to return should he get the chance.

Fadrin’s entry into Candidacy went from idle dream to real opportunity to see first-hand the world his family’s hard work helps support.

Personality:
Fadrin is an independent youth with a healthy dose of confidence and respect for nature, especially weather. He possesses a strong sense of initiative that is paired with a sense of play and a child’s wonder that sometimes make him appear as if he were lacking in seriousness. Duty is deeply ingrained in him, not because he believes what the dragonmen do or the farmers do is morally right or wrong but because of a very conscious, logical realization: if he doesn’t (and by extension, any with the ability or knowledge) do what needs to be done, the people that suffer are the weak, the impoverished, the innocent – those that cannot help themselves – and that, simply, is stupid.

This philosophy is the result of his growing up in a household that valued debate and conversation over physical altercations to settle disputes – why was always encouraged. Why did they pay the tithes? So the dragonmen could focus on their purpose of protecting pern. Why was it important he always get up with the sun? Because tending the plants had the best effect in the day and the danger was smallest. This method of conflict resolution has also been adopted by Fadrin, with mixed success. Not everyone likes to talk things out… but thankfully his tall, sturdy stature makes it easier to nudge an opponent to words rather than fists. Being a farmboy has it perks, after all.

His love of nature and adventure is the result of growing up on a farm where he developed a bit of a greenthumb. Always up for outdoor activities and hands-on learning, Fadrin has difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, especially when it comes to book learning. He doesn’t understand why just showing and then getting the student to practice isn’t as valid a method of teaching as studying scrolls or books.

Just because he’s kinesthetic doesn’t mean he’s stupid. Fadrin is clever and adaptable, working with the materials he’s given to make something work. Fadrin, however, hates to admit defeat. This is where his confidence and independence become pride and arrogance – he’ll tell any inquiring individual he’s got it, its fine, or any number of delaying comments to avoid admitting defeat and buy more time. His frustration plays out in a slow drip until such a time as he either works out an answer or is forced to give up… if he gives up, his temper is simmering hot and steady and he’s prone to snapping, sharp comments, and outwardly directing his frustrations. He rather loathes failure and it never sits well on his shoulders, in part because it means someone else now bears more of a burden because of him and in part because he ends up feeling inadequate.


Other:
Fadrin, being a far boy, is tall (6’ even), broad shouldered, and well-muscled. His appearance places him more towards a 20 year old’s physique with the result that he’s often confused for an older individual. His sense of duty and generally pleasant personality only help with that mistake. His eyes are brown and his hair is a deep brown-black stark against pale skin from living in the north. Well calloused hands mark him as a labourer.