Name: Orthoth
Colour: Bronze
Inspired by: Anorthosite
Personality: Orthoth is loud, both physically and mentally. He never speaks in anything less than above-average-volume and his vocalizations-- bugles, trills and even hums-- will be nothing short of deafening. His jovial nature and bold, brash way of interacting with others makes him quite the life of the party, if by "life of the party" you mean the most noticeable one there. He'll bound right up to meet you, introduce himself and be all too happy to tell you a story to make you feel at ease. Actually, that amiability and volume can often get in the way of Orthoth's work as well as his socializing. After all, it's hard to hear instructions if you're bugling over your excitement for the task or to befriend someone when they can't make themselves heard over you.
Orthoth just loves to be part of the conversation, because everyone in the Weyr-- unless they prove otherwise-- is his friend, his ally, his stalwart companion-- second place only to His, of course. He loves to hear what another dragon has to say-- at least the start of it-- and offer his own feedback and advice on the subject. It's the stereotypical Bronze posturing with none of the arrogance behind it. Why, Orthoth isn't 'in charge' per say-- he's just trying to help you out, good buddy! Here, he'll even lend a hand! He's always happy to be doing something for or with other people, but he doesn't always recognize that he may not be the dragon for the job. More than once will Orthoth brush off warnings about his size or disposition and get himself in trouble for it, though after the initial disappointment that he's let people down he'll be sunshine and flowers again.
That sheer caring for others lends itself to other aspects of how he views the world as well. He's a stolid ally to those who deserve it, but he's equally dangerous to those who don't. Orthoth won't stand for bullying or any of the other tricks some dragons and humans employ to create compliance in others. As with anything, he's likely to be the one speaking up for the victim, suggesting that the bully just move along. This Bronze adapts easily to changes, be they small or large, and is more than accepting of anyone's quirks, to the point where he isn't likely to be swayed even by Atypical hide colors when it comes to defending someone. If nothing else, Atypicals need
more defending since they're so weak and helpless for so long. Doesn't anyone else see that?
Orthoth has trouble understanding humor sometimes, and it may sometimes take him longer than average to puzzle out the punchline of a joke or the irony in an ironic comment, but he responds enthusiastically once he understands, sometimes to the point of being a bit
too enthusiastic. Whether he understands immediately or it takes him awhile, expect guffaws and over-enthused congratulations of the teller's delivery, wit, and the joke overall.
Why Me?A pair of knights on white horses, Cormeric and Orthoth will make a very fine pair for the Weyr. Where Cormeric is the hulking protector in the background, Orthoth is very get-up-and-go with his actions, stepping up to defend rather than waiting to see if the individual will protect themselves. Neither of them can stand unjust behavior, and by the time they're through, chances are good the Weyr will be relatively clean of bullies-- at least within their range of sight and hearing. Orthoth will also wholeheartedly support Cormeric's dabbling with healing, even around all of their Weyrling duties and into their rider ones. Healing is helping as much as Orthoth's habit of championing the weak is, so why shouldn't his Cormeric pursue it?
Like Cormeric, Orthoth can be a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to humor. He just doesn't get it right away, but through his bond with Cormeric the two of them should be able to puzzle out the joke far more quickly, which leaves Orthoth plenty of time to respond with loud draconic laughter, accolades for the joke-teller's wit, and repeated poor retellings of the punchline. Cormeric will have to rein him in a little where his joviality is concerned, or risk scaring off his peers. Orthoth's flippant disregard for his size and overbearing manner will be countered somewhat by Cormeric's steadfast nature, while Orthoth's flippancy and easy acceptance of new circumstances might help Cormeric understand and accept change if not entirely, than at least enough that it shouldn't leave him much time to brood.
And that stutter? Don't you worry about it, Cormericmine. Orthoth will be more than happy to hear your clear-headed thoughts and announce them for you when you need to get a point across quickly and clearly. You... may have to ask him not to, actually. He's really too happy to help, especially when it comes to His.
Size: Above Average
Build: Average
Inspiration:Anorthosite on Earth can be divided into two types: Proterozoic anorthosite (also known as massif or massif-type anorthosite) and Archean anorthosite. These two types of anorthosite have different modes of occurrence, appear to be restricted to different periods in Earth's history, and are thought to have had different origins.
Lunar anorthosites constitute the light-coloured areas of the Moon's surface and have been the subject of much research.
Anorthosite plutons occur in a wide range of sizes. Some smaller plutons, exemplified by many anorthosite bodies in the U.S. and Harris in Scotland, cover only a few dozen square kilometres. Larger plutons, like the Mt. Lister Anorthosite, in northern Labrador, Canada, cover several thousands of square kilometres.
Since they are primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar, most of Proterozoic anorthosites appear, in outcrop, to be grey or bluish. Individual plagioclase crystals may be black, white, blue, or grey, and may exhibit an iridescence known as labradorescence on fresh surfaces. The feldspar variety labradorite is commonly present in anorthosites. The mafic mineral in Proterozoic anorthosite may be clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, olivine, or, more rarely, amphibole. Oxides, such as magnetite or ilmenite, are also common.
Smaller amounts of anorthosite were emplaced during the Archaean eon (ca 3,800-2,400 Ma), although most have been dated between 3,200 and 2,800 Ma. They are distinct texturally and mineralogically from Proterozoic anorthosite bodies. Their most characteristic feature is the presence of equant megacrysts of plagioclase surrounded by a fine-grained mafic groundmass.