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 Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:15 pm
Journal: Foreword
...Know what it's like to have a bad idea? Yeah, me too.
...Am now a Candidate at Ista Weyr. Don't really have a lot of friends to talk to anymore, so I'd better find someplace else to ramble. That's where you come in - lucky you, huh? I had another journal once, but I don't think I'm gonna be seeing it again. Was a bit nicer than you, too. Maybe I'll try upgrading to something prettier sometime. Don't be offended, we Traders've always been materialistic sons of bitches....
...Still not quite sure what I'm doing. When people say it's a blur, you know, like it all happened too fast? Well, I'm not lucky enough not to know what happened, but it's damn blurry when I try looking ahead.
...What if I'm wrong, though? Someone has to be; why not me, when it usually is?
...Because it feels right, I guess. Like things are going to move from here. Like I'm where I'm supposed to be, even if that means leaving everything else.
...Old man'll never let me live it down if I fail. So I'd better not fail, right?
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:30 pm
 GENERALName: Okassis Age: 17 Sex: Male Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual Craft: Ex-Trader/Candidate Rank: Apprentice Family: Father Teimaize, Mother Roshana, Older Sister Gemea Approved: (here)In a Nutshell...Extroverted, ambitious, competitive, opportunistic, egotistic, outspoken, liberal, secretive, loyal, personable, rabble-rouser. Physical Description ...Okassis has an oval face shape with a strong jawline, tousled and pale blond hair, and dark, dark brown eyes. His build is average, his height as well; he packs some decent muscle, but it isn't obvious - he's a guy that's built to push hard for long periods, walking from dawn to dusk (or riding a runner beast, if he's lucky!), and that means he's got energy stores making up some of his bulk - not quite a keg on his belly, but definitely not a six-pack. He has a couple scars that he's acquired over his lifetime on the road, but the only one he brags about is the most visible, running above one eyebrow, which he says he got from a Watchwher at Greystone Hold when he was 15. According to his story, he managed to deck the thing out cold with a punch to its nose; he is known to embellish, however.... CHARACTERPersonality...Okassis is a competitive and impulsive type. Although he is socially confident and quick-witted, he has a clear need to be held in respect by others. He angers easily if he thinks someone is purposefully and maliciously provoking him, and he's not afraid to back up threats with violence if it gets to that point. This winds up happening more often than it probably should, due to his outspoken and passionate nature, as well as his often noisy egotism. ...Having grown up outside of the Holds, Okassis sometimes has very particular opinions - for example, he is disparaging of Craftshalls, saying that the system cuts out competition - and he often unintentionally (and sometimes intentionally) runs his mouth when it needs to stay shut. He is a habitual trouble-maker, who rarely misses an opportunity to stir things up. ...Although Okassis seems independent - and in many ways, he is - spending his life in a caravan has led him to seek close attachments to others. While it isn't necessary for him to seize leadership of a group, he'll challenge ideas and sometimes muck up the works if he thinks he knows better (but will never try to take the final say on a matter). When he is the one in charge, he likes to move things along as quickly as possible, sometimes bulldozing through other people's contributions in order to get to the solution. Despite this, he does in fact understand discipline; the strict structure of his family's trading caravan has ingrained the necessity of it into him, and under fire, he will react swiftly and whole-heartedly to move with the group. ...Although he seems like an open and friendly person, Okassis is, in reality, evasive and shallow around others; it takes a great level of trust before he'll talk about things that actually matter to him. Once this bond of trust has been established, he will do everything he can to maintain it. This is especially true in romantic relationships - he can have a fling and never care, but if the "this is real" line is crossed, he will never willingly turn back from it. Once he gets an idea in his head - a particular ethic, or vision of reality, or emotional attachment - he clings to it like it keeps him from drowning. ...When he's alone, Okassis is a doer. If he doesn't have a project to keep his hands busy, then he'll pace and mutter to himself often. He doesn't seem to sleep easily, and is always groggy in the morning. Despite this, he doesn't drink klah, and just drags through his morning duties sleepy-eyed for the most of an hour or so before he's fully awake. History...Whenever Okassis is asked about his history, he tends to generalize and summarize, but adamantly refuses to dig into details. He'll talk freely about his experiences growing up as a Trader on the road, moving from Hold to Hold. He's inordinately proud of the independence his childhood maintained, separated from what he scornfully refers to as "soft life" in the Holds. He talks vivaciously about his mother and older sister, along with his circle of friends in the caravan who would get into all sorts of wild exploits with him. He might even talk about his father, more quietly; a strong, respectable man that could turn a profit from a piece of moldy cheese, the muscle that moved the caravan. He likes to say that his childhood exemplified the way all children should grow up: In such a close family, with such strength, with freedom. ...Anyone who does a bit of digging, though, might be able to get an idea of why Okassis is so dodgy about the details. The group of Traders he grew up with were unpopular and troublesome. Outspoken and belligerent, they toted proudly the fact that they were profiting off of the Hold system by moving in-demand goods from place to place, and in doing so, as they put it, were not "Weyrslaves". They seemed to leave a bad taste in folks' mouths wherever they passed with their mutterings about freeloaders in the Weyrs, of totalitarianism, of oppression. They make no small bit about hating dragon-riders, though it's a bit harder to figure out why. More than once, they've wound up in a fight with patriotic locals. ...Most Holds tolerate their trouble-making, though, thanks to their astonishing efficiency; they can get goods from point A to point B with remarkable speed, and this seems to be attributed mainly to the nearly militaristic mindset of the men which lead the caravans, in the face of which not even the Trader children dare slow the procession. Craftspersons who have traveled with them have commented on some sort of great organization in their group, fresh beasts being provided along the way by other Traders which then join the caravan. In addition, despite their off-putting philosophies, the individual leaders of the caravan are known for their impressive charisma and good money sense, and are considered highly respectable and trustworthy businessmen. ...The detail most key to Okassis' candidacy: Sometime after Okassis had Turned 17, he had a falling-out with his father while trading around Ista Weyr. Some would say it was less a falling-out, more a bare-fisted death match that was ended without casualty only because of a passing dragonrider and a few determined onlookers. There were few witnesses to this scuffle, but those who did see it described the young Trader as tear-stained and screaming obscenities, even as he was pulled away. ...Exactly what prompted this meltdown is unclear, -something to do with a firelizard egg, some witnesses might suggest, - but the results are clear enough - upon being Searched by that same dragonrider (which was quite possibly the real reason behind his intervention; Okassis's father has insinuated as much), Okassis left the ways of Trader living, and begun searching for a life at the Weyr. Whether or not this was a good idea will take time to determine; most people regard Okassis's Candidacy as one that will either bring new strength and passion into the Weyrs, or blow up, vindicating the opinions of the Traders from which he came. Other/Talents:...* Survivalist: While not necessarily to say that Okassis is ready to strike out and "live off the land", he has accumulated a good number of skills that would give him a boost. Firestarting, foraging, herbalism, and such, along with a few snippets of how to navigate by the sun and the stars and read the weather. ...* Rough-houser: Okassis knows a decent bit about wrestling and how to throw a punch. It would be a stretch to call him a top-notch fighter, but he can take down at least a couple people bigger than him. ...* Appraisal: If growing up among Traders does anything for a kid, it's to teach him the value of what's in front of him. Although not necessarily specialized, Okassis does have a good idea of what goes for how much, and if he trips over something valuable, he'll know it. ...* Smart Fingers: Okassis is fairly nimble. One of those things you develop when you spend your childhood doing labor, showing off tricks, and maybe picking a few pockets until you got caught at age 13 and beaten until you swore never to do it again. (Which isn't to say you never did it again, just that you were smarter about it.) ...* Disciplined: Although Okassis can get a bit out-of-control when his temper gets going, that doesn't mean he's likely to do the same when under fire. His life among the Traders has impressed him with a sense of duty, and it would take something that fully goes against his gut for him to voice more than a worried question when he's in the middle of a pressured situation; otherwise, he's fully capable of following orders now, and screaming about it later. ...* Woodcraft: Something of a pastime for Okassis, he enjoys whittling. It's easy, cheap, keeps his hands busy, and can be useful for making tools or gifts or little things to sell. Much of the time before he goes to bed, in fact, he spends over a block of wood. He is not, however, greatly talented; most of his products are rough and unfinished. He seems very proud of his skill just the same. MISCELLANEOUSImage Songs: ...* "Burn This City" by Cartel Unable to identify Vimeo video URL....* "Pressure" by Paramore Unable to identify Vimeo video URL....* "Light Up the Sky" by Yellowcard Unable to identify Vimeo video URL....* "Unbreakable" by Fireflight Unable to identify Vimeo video URL....* "Feelin Good" by Muse Unable to identify Vimeo video URL.Dimglow Jokes:...Q: How many Candidates does it take to change a dimglow? .... A: None; only a dragon can change a dimglow into a rider! ...Q: How many Lord Holders does it take to change a dimglow? .... A: ... Change? ...Q: How many Lord Holders does it take to change a dimglow? .... A: None; they like to keep their ladies in the dark.
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:32 pm
[people] S`van [a seaholder friend of many Turns, also a Jr. Weyrling brownrider]: Best friend. Nandeli [the infamous and omniscient Nose]: Very favorable. Inaari [a Cotholder's daughter with a love of fabric]: Favorable. Jiriar [a like-minded soul]: Favorable. Kyllae [a flirty and attractive young woman]: Favorable. Dorinelic [a merry drunk]: Slightly favorable. Jessmet [a petite weyrfolk girl]: Slightly favorable. Tiaet [a hard-working, solid blacksmith woman]: Slightly favorable. Zara [a healer girl, also a Jr. Weyrling bluerider]: Slightly favorable - owes a gift. Z'nal [the Candidatemaster]: Slightly favorable. Annelie [a Sr. Weyrling goldrider]: Neutral - apologetic. Kadri [a girl with many firelizards]: Neutral. Kagiya [S'kagi's long-lost daughter]: Neutral. Nelioa [a trouble-making girl]: Neutral. S`kagi [a Wingleader bronzerider with wild oats sown]: Neutral - amused. E`si [the one and only Mr. Scowly-Face]: Slightly negative. T'ka [a serious greenrider woman]: Slightly negative. C'miel [a Jr. Weyrling brownrider]: No opinion. Davian [a boy from the corridor]: No opinion. Bevan [a grouchy boy that thinks he's Faranth's own]: [RP in progress] Ceanandin [a like-minded boy with bronze interests]: [RP in progress] [dragons] Yansanth [a creature-loving gold dragon]: Slightly favorable. Gallaith [a young brown dragon]: Slightly favorable. Lurenith [a young brown dragon]: No opinion. Miith [a young green dragon]: No opinion.
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:33 pm
[RP index] Idle Hands [Tiaet]The Tubers Are Simply Fascinating [Nandeli]Epiphany of the Highest Order [Davian]...TOUCHINGTwo of a Kind [Sovann, Inaari]Getting Kicks [Sovann]Who`re You Calling a Dim-glow? [Jessmet]But... But... You--....I SAID NO. [Annelie and Yansanth]The Competitors Gather.... [Sovann, Inaari]The Klah-Off [Sovann, Inaari, Nandeli, others]So You`re That One [Zara]Taking Drastic Measures [Sovann]...HATCHING...FEASTOnly One Thing To Do.... [S`van]Early Rising~ [C`miel and Lurenith]Guarding the Home Front [S`van and Gallaith, Nandeli]How To Keep Them From Making Trouble [Kadri]"Got Lice? Don`t Think Twice!" "Lice Cure~" [S`van, others]The Beginning of a Very Bad Day [Bevan]...GATHERNot So Very Manly Today [S`van]...TOUCHINGWhat a Muddled Mess [Inaari]...HATCHING...FEAST[note about RPs: I have a two-week rule. If there has not been a reply for two weeks, I will consider a roleplay closed and wrap it up in Okassis's journal. If you want to re-open an RP after this, you need to talk to me; I may have moved on with plot points, and not be willing to change things. I respect hiatuses and things that are spoken to me ahead of time, but I like to keep this character fluid, which means not getting stuck on old RPs.]
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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 1:36 pm
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Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:23 pm
Journal: Page One
...First day in the Weyr.
...Healers say I didn't break anything. My foot still feels like it's halfway to breaking off. People keep giving me funny looks. The bruises'll go away soon enough, though.
...I don't think I'm ever going to see any of my old stuff again. I guess that makes it a clean break.
...Maybe it's easier to move on like this. Let them burn my things, if that'll satisfy their stubborn righteousness - it doesn't really matter anymore. Didn't have a lot to start out with but sentiments, and I've got that without the mementos.
...Haven't met a lot of people yet. Been pretty busy getting fussed over; supposed to be in good health if they're gonna try feeding me through the Hatching, I guess. Already heard a million stories about Candidates getting ripped apart by hatchlings eager to Impress. Wouldn't that just beat all?
...Feeling pretty lonely, though. Not used to being away from my family. In fact, if you don't count the time me and Sis got lost, I don't think I've ever been totally away for longer than an afternoon. Seems like if you pack so many people into a tight space, though, even the worst b*****d ought to find some friends - there's hope for me yet, right?
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 4:24 pm
Journal: Page Two
...Met someone today....
...Don't know too much about what to say about her. Strong girl, hard-working, probably a fair match in an arm-wrestling contest. Her name's Tiaet, and she's probably the first person in this place worth carrying on a conversation with. Used to be a Smith, now she's looking skywards.
...Helped her cut up meat - Shards, but the Weyr goes through a lot of that stuff! Talked a lot about dragons and dragonriders, Weyr/Hold politics. She talked like a holder, asked about what life was like on the road, all that. Respectful, though, no troubles.
...She doesn't want a gold. That one surprised me - I thought all the girls that came running to the Weyrs dreamed after them? Just like all the guys dream after bronzes. Guess she's different, though. Makes me wonder if there's something I don't know....
...It's good to have met someone worthwhile, though. Gives me a bit more hope for the future here. Who knows, maybe I'll see her around again?
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:45 am
Journal: Page Three
...Talked to the Healers again today. They seemed happy with the patch job; stitches can be taken out in a few more days, they say.
...They wanted me to walk, prove that my ankle was okay. It still hurts like hell most times. I walked for them anyway, didn't let off on the weight. It's a damn poor Healer that I can pull a fast one over, but seems like I got off okay.
...The Hatching isn't too far off, I hear. The Healers won't keep me from it, I think. Good.
...Just as good: I can start pulling my weight around here, helping out with chores. Not that I hadn't found ways to do that already, but now I've got real responsibilities.
...Still soft living, though. I don't know when that'll stop. If I Impress? I sure hope so.
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:53 am
Journal: Page Four
...Started with some kitchen duties....
...And ended with some Smith. But shards, before getting there...!
...One of the most interesting girls I've ever met worked in the kitchen with me, Nan the Nose. Gossip sort, pretty enough, but you wouldn't believe her! She's got an entire ring of followers peeling tubers with her.
...Not someone to brush off; she's got a wit, and if she likes to talk, that doesn't make it babble. Even if a fair bit seems inconsequential, she's one of those gals in the know, and I wouldn't dare underestimate her.
...Fortunately, I think I'm on her good side. She helped cover for me when I was a klutz with my peeling knife. Got to remember to get her back her handkerchief, once it's been washed properly. And if I catch any interesting bits of info around the Weyr, I know exactly who wants to hear it!
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:38 pm
Journal: Page Five
...Got the handkerchief washed. Now, just need to track Nose down so I can get it back to her.
...Figured out who she reminds me of; Yamma from the caravan! Just without the crooked teeth, and less nasty-spirited. Can't believe I didn't put that together earlier!
...Sis would probably hate her, ha!
...Hearing more and more about Touching. Get to go see the eggs. Wonder why; it's not like they know we're there? With so many Candidates, things could get hairy. Do people fixate on eggs so early, I wonder?
...Nan mentioned there being some way to look at the eggs beforehand. Queen might get angry, though, sounds like a bad idea. Still, I should keep an ear out.
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:01 pm
Journal: Page Six
...Today, I realized something. Something HUGE.
...But shards am I a dimglow. Blurting in the middle of the hall isn't smart. Got a decent laugh or two, though, so it's not all lost.
...Really, though... I could have a relationship here, couldn't I? Not a dive between the sheets, but a real....
...Huh. Gotta think more about this one. I'm here for a dragon, not a girl, after all. Maybe I could get both, though - just gotta find the right one of both.
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:08 pm
Journal: Page Seven
...Got by the Healers completely. They took out the stitches, told me I'm fit to stand. Other than checking with them in a week about the stitches again, I'm in the clear.
...I hear people talking that the Hatching is going to be real soon, so I guess I'm just in time! Ankle still hurts a bit, but that's nothing that'll keep me from going to Impress.
...Keep thinking about home, though, more and more. I haven't made any good ties here yet. It's still too soon to expect a lot, I guess. I just feel so weird, being disconnected. Never been a part of my life before.
...Gotta go to bed now; I can start doing some real work tomorrow. Dunno how I'll get to sleep tonight with so much to think about, though.
..........- Okassis
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Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:35 pm
Journal: Page Eight
...The Touching was today....
...Strange how there can be vindication in a single moment. Like you know you're doing right, just by being there. Like faith.
...Touching was a pretty awkward affair, all things consider. Saw lots of Candidates acting shady, which surprised me. Thought there'd be a lot of enthusiasm, people barely holding back from throwing themselves of eggs. Guess we're all terrified.
...The Gold was something to see. Big as a ship, by shards! Never seen anything that big. Maybe that's even a small Queen, who knows?
...Those eggs, though... pretty things. Can't believe their colors. Practically gemstones; there oughta be a market for those eggshells somewhere, after the Hatching. Could bring the Weyr some honest cash right there, if the dragons don't mind it. Wonder what happens to the shards, actually?
...Guess I should be more worried about Impressing than economics, but it's all the same. If I Impress, I know what I'm making of it. I'm building with it. During Interval, a dragonrider should be preparing for the worse days ahead, right? Dragons won't be needed forever as badly as they are during Threadfall, and it's flirting with disaster to be so dependent on the Holds. I want to make change. It's just what I can do, if I get the chance. If the right dragon finds me worthwhile.
...Blathering on. Too many ideals. Old man would laugh at me.
..........- Okassis
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