Name: Shinnikan
Age: 22
Sex: Male
Sexual Orientation: Anything goes!
Craft: Journeyman Seacrafter
Rank: Candidate
Location: High Reaches Weyr
Physical Description: Shinnikan is tall, broad shouldered, and has been called handsome by more than a few. He stands solidly at 6'4", with well toned body. He keeps himself in shape, and enjoys an active lifestyle. Spending most of his life casting nets, hauling in the day's catch, and doing Turns of hard work has helped keep him in good shape and hardy condition. His skin is naturally dark, if perhaps a bit weathered from the elements, and various scars, nicks, and bruises are common. He's the sort of man that works hard and plays hard, and many a few accidents have left their mark. Shinnikan is missing the ring finger of his left hand, with nothing but the first joint present. His smile is warm, his green eyes bright, and dark brown hair is kept short and curly. He's known to wear a goatee from time to time.
Personality:
Shinnikan is the sort of man who is all smiles and congeniality. Mostly. While he's a hard worker, and takes any assignment seriously, he doesn't get so wrapped up in his work to be anxious or stressed about it. Life's too short to worry, as far as he's concerned. Everything will work out in the end, and that is the sort of optimism that he genuinely believes. Things might not work out like someone wants, but they will always turn out all right in the end.
Shinnikan is quite agreeable in nature, and unlike his more reserved brother, K'din, he isn't afraid to talk to strangers or speak up. He enjoys a good conversation, and isn't afraid to speak his mind. Some say that he should have been a harper, for all that he enjoys a good story. While he's been known to entertain with his tall tales, he usually strikes up conversation with strangers just to get to know their story. Everybody has their own story and great adventure; Shinnikan is the sort who wants to know what makes everyone around him tick. This can get him into trouble by coming off as nosy, or prying. He doesn't mean harm, but sometimes he forgets not everybody wants to talk or be his friend.
Though he suffers from optimism and a congenial nature, Shinnikan can have the odd mood. He is quite protective of his family, and certainly doesn't hesitate when a child is in need of help. After growing up in Tillek, the Fisherman has come to loathe and despise pirates, or any gentleman of dishonor. The laws of the land are meant to be followed, and corruption is nothing more than abuse. Shinnikan can't stand a cheater in any sense of the word, and he will not hesitate to call out those who should be disgraced and shamed. Every man and woman has their own duty, and individuals who try to skate on by or take the easy path to better themselves will find fierce judgment in Shinnikan.
Bullies will also not be tolerated, and he will not hesitate to throw the first punch if somebody truly deserves it. While he doesn't like to cause trouble, he also isn't afraid of punishment.
Additionally, he rather lacks a desire to rise up in rank. He has no plans on becoming a Master-- he makes enough marks as a Journeyman -- and if he should Impress he'll have no desire to get anywhere past Wingrider. It's not that he doesn't care, for he very well could be a good leader if he applied himself, it's that he just has no desire for true responsibility. He'll stand up for the little man, but he isn't going to lead a revolution, or even turn up for the rally. As soon as men and women start looking to him for ideas, he'll be the first one to pass it off on someone better qualified. He's a follower, not a leader, and is quite happy in such a station.
Positive Traits: Sociable, Easy-Going, Good Sense of Humor
Negative Traits: Quick to Judge, Brash, Stubborn
History:
Shinnikan was brought up on a small coastal Hold not far from Tillek. He was always outside playing on the beach, chasing the waves, and spent more time in the ocean than he did staying on dry land. He was the middle of three with an older brother and a younger sister. Shinnikan was naturally protective of his baby sister, Kiri -- though she was in no way any sort of damsel -- and absolutely adores his older brother, Khinidin. The two boys got along swimmingly, and were the best of playmates. He would listen to his brothers woes and heartaches -- of which there were many -- and Shinnikan would do his best to support him. As his older brother was quiet and naturally more reserved, Shinnikan did his best to draw him out of his shell. This meant, as they grew and Shinnikan inherited his father's height and weight, dealing with any all bullies that might pick on his family. In a way, Shinnikan took on more the role of older brother, but his adoration for his sibling was (and still is) quite apparent.
As the Turn's passed, Khinidin eventually chose to follow his mother's footsteps and study the Beastcraft. Shinnikan had always known that his brother would eventually have to leave, but the transition was difficult. So it was, he turned his attention on his sister, Kiri. Where his brother was reserved and shy, Kiri was a bit of a wild handful. While Khinidin had been a good influence in keeping Shinnikan out of such trouble, Kiri encouraged it. It was with much relief to Shinnikan's parents when they were able to get him assigned to a local fishing vessel as an apprentice Fishcrafter. There was a promise of hard work, and his energy would be put to good use. No surprise, Shinnikan took to the work happily -- this had been what he'd wanted to do all his life. While he had been encouraged to work his way up, Shinnikan liked what he did. He didn't need to be a First Mate or Captain on some large vessel; while visiting the big ports of Tillek proper was fun, he was just as happy helping his hold bring in a day's catch, untangling nets, and setting spiderclaw traps.
The Turn's progressed, and Shinnikan's boyish energy lessened. He learned responsibility, but much to his family's frustration, he had no real drive. He loved to learn, but he seemed to shrug off too much responsibility. He was a man who did't have crazy dreams -- even when his shy and reserved brother was found on Search for High Reaches Weyr, he had no dreams of following in his footsteps. So it was with great surprise that Shinnikan was officially Searched at their brother's celebratory Hatching Feast.
K'din, as he was now named, was ecstatic. Not only had he found his beloved green, but his brother would be stationed at the Weyr. Shinnikan hadn't been entirely certain about the responsibilities that came with dragonriding, but he had plans to return to his Hold with or without a dragon. So he accepted.
Moving into the Weyr was a big change for the young man. He missed the ocean, and wasn't entirely keen on how some riders treated some of the chromatic riders. But, his brother appeared happy, and there was no pressing need to stay at the Weyr. He was certain his brother could leave once he graduated, and the ocean would always be his true calling. For now, he'd make do, and enjoy the chance to live at the Weyr. Besides, while he didn't have the ocean, he did have some new freedom. The Weyr was more open-minded, and it was during his Candidacy he was able to find companionship with a good variety. He no longer had to downplay who he chose to spend time with, or brush it off as simply being drunk.
Tragedy did strike when Thread came back. Both of his parents, and most of his small Hold, were killed. His sister, thankfully, had been out to sea. While their ship had been lost, she wound up being rescued by Western Weyr, and chose to stay while recovering from her injuries. While Shinnikan might have desired to leave the Weyr, he now sees dragonriding as his duty. While he's terrified of losing more family to Thread, he wants to make sure he does his part, in whatever way, to keep any other from suffering the same fate.
Too many were killed with its return. High Reaches had been right in claiming its return. Shinnikan's whole hope and purpose is to say goodbye to the seas, and say hello to dragonfire. Now, if only he could Impress a dragon...
Other: He's an excellent swimmer. He also knows a good deal about the ocean, currents, and seaside flore and fauna than is necessary.
Candidate Specific Questions
Do you want them to have an official Search RP? No
Do you understand they will age every passing year regardless if you're there to RP the or not? Yes
Do you want them to have a possible Stands Impression? No
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