[Weyrling/Cadidatemaster Second Contest!] Congrats Winners!

[Uta]

Welcome to our Weyrlingmaster Second and Candidatemaster Second contest for High Reaches Weyr and Western Weyr!

Begins: Now
Ends: TBD -- At least until December 16th @ 5:05pm PT!

While we currently love the characters that were given these roles, they were also created when the shop was much smaller. As it stands, given every other ranking position seems to have a 'Second' (Wingsecond, Weyrsecond, Weyrwoman Second, etc.) we feel it would make sense that there would also be Seconds in charge for the Weyrlingmaster and Candidatemaster positions.

Both positions are higher ranking than simply the Assistant Candidatemasters or Assistant Weyrlingmasters, and they report directly to the Candidate- and Weyrlingmasters. That said, they are the ones who would stand up in case the Candidatemaster or Weyrlingmaster were to fall ill or be injured or otherwise become indisposed.

Don't think this position is in anyway looked down upon at either Weyr. It might not be as glorious as a Wingsecond or Wingleader role, but you must understand, these individuals are responsible with the Weyrs future!

Candidatemaster Second Position
This character will help the Candidatemaster keep the Candidates in line! This means enforcing rules, punishing those who break them, and keeping a close eye on them throughout their day. They will teach lessons, they will test/quiz them on their knowledge, and generally ensure they Candidates understand completely what being a Candidate and possible dragonrider means.

This means making sure they are going to be prepared for the possibility of Impressing and becoming a dragonrider, as well as what to do if they don't! They would recommend who might need remedial training, as well as give their opinion on corporal punishment when/if the Candidatemaster asks. They would also enforce it if they aren't around.

This is a job where they will help weed out those who will make it as well as those who likely haven't got a chance or might need their Candidate revoked. They will ensure Candidates aren't breaking rules, and most importantly, know exactly what they are signed up for! This includes ensuring they know how to handle themselves during Touchings, Hatchings, Impression, and how to act should they wind up not Impressing or aging out. They should know the whos-who of the Weyr, as well as the Major Holds surrounding them. Candidatemasters essentially ensure the Candidates can handle what the Weyr will throw out them if they ever Impress.

Think of this as learning how to become a well-rounded and productive individual in the Weyr. It's the start of military training. The focus here is ensuring that Candidates know how to people, basically, and to people as a Weyr would expect them to.

Example Lessons could be:
Mating Flights: Get Over It
Knocking Boots & Yes, Those Two Men Really Are Kissing: Get Over It
Impression & Expectations
What to Think: Touching
What to Think: Hatching
What to Think to Impress: Nobody Really Knows But Stay Positive!
Positive Thinking: Why It's Important
Between: It Is That Terrifying But You'll Live.... Maybe
Weyr Ranks & Their Importance
Hold Ranks & Their Importance
Hall Ranks & Their Importance
Chores & Expectations
Baby Dragons & Bonding
Meet a Weyrling & Learn From Their Experience
Shadow a Rider & Learn From Their Experience
Firestone: How to Bag it
Firestone: Different Types & How to Tell Them Apart
Firestone: How to Throw It
Firelizard Care & Training Expectations
Letters & Handwriting [Remedial Lesson]
Numbers & Handwriting [Remedial Lesson]
Reading [Remedial Lesson]
Basic Aid
Good Hygiene & You
Dragonriding 101: This Could Well Be Your Future
Threadscore: This Could Also Be Your Future
The Ladder of Importance: The Upper Ups & Where You Are On this Scale [It is near the bottom]
Freedom? What Freedom: The Weyr Will Own You -- Deal With It
Whining: It Likely Won't Get You Anywhere
Work Expectations
Crafting & Skills
What Do I Do If I Age Out?
What Happens My Candidacy is Revoked?
Spooking Eggs and Hatchlings: Don't. Do. It.
When Hatchlings Attack: What to do if you or your friend is mauled!
Death on the Sands: What to do if someone dies
Fear of Flying or Heights: Time to Face Those Fears
Fighting Dragon Flight: What to Expect
Dragongear: What Is It
Empathy: Why You Need to Give a Damn
Weyr Neutrality & The Council
Hold, Weyr, & Hall Politics: What You Gain and Lose as a Rider/Weyrfolk
Search: What Just Happened to Me
Dragonrider Ailments: What You Might Suffer After Turns of Riding
Second Thoughts & Hesitation: When to Stay and When to Go
I Don't Like These Rules: Get Over It
I Don't Know How to People: Too Damn Bad
What If I Change My Mind After I Impress: Too Damn Bad
What If I Don't Want to Fight Thread And I'm a Candidate?: Get Out Now
What If I Don't Want to Fight Thread and I'm a Weyrling?: Too Damn Bad
What If I Don't Want to Fight Thread and I'm a Rider?: Deal With It... But Sometimes There Are Options
I Don't Like The Weyrleader/Weyrwoman/How The Weyr Is Run: Too Damn Bad
Weyr Expectations & Taboos
Stress, Anxiety, Fear, and Pressure: How to Handle
Trauma: Resources & How to Handle
Mindhealers: They Really Do Help
Feeding Baby Dragons 101: What to Expect
Baby Dragon Care 101: What to Expect & Common Ailments

etc.

Weyrlingmaster

The Weyrlingmaster's job is meant to be less what the Weyr expects of them, as they all should understand what they signed up for, and now the actual care and training of their dragon. While some lessons might be touched upon that overlap lessons in Candidacy, now that they have their own lifemate and actually understand Impression and what it's like to live with another being in their head and heart, the lessons might be more profound or just a general refresher course.

Any remedial lessons in weyrling training would likely be for Standidates who didn't get those lessons, or Candidates who seem particularly obstinate or slow to understand.

The Weyrlingmaster's job is to ensure that the weyrlings will be, above all else, fight Thread effectively. This means listening to orders and following them without hesitation. In some cases, this means knowing how to give orders in high pressure, high stakes situations. Lives are literally on the line--the rider, the dragon, wingmates, and people, wildlife, and plants of Pern. At this stage, there is no turning back or options to leave. There is no deciding this isn't the path they want to live and ducking out. In both High Reaches Weyr and Western Weyr, once you Impress, consider it a lifetime of servitude.

The Weyrs usually allow for transfers after 5 Turns of service, but that's still a good chunk of time, and some weyrlings might never live to see all of them. For many, though, a Weyr winds up being the only home a rider and dragon will know.

At this point the Weyrlingmaster and Weyrlingmaster Second need to ensure the baby dragons are healthy as they grow. This means ensuring the baby dragons are properly oiled and fed, that the weyrlings know what they need to eat and drink, and what is off limits. The first few months are heavy on bonding with, not just a weyrlings baby dragon, but also the other weyrlings. For the next Turn, the weyrlings are basically one family, one unit, and will be relying on one another.

Weyrlingmasters and their Seconds have to ensure that, at the end of the day, come Graduation, the riders can seamlessly integrate into a new Wing and follow orders/commands without issue. That the weyrlings can fight Thread. If the weyrlingmaster fails his or her job, then entire wings can be lost. Giving bad Between coordinates and sharing them among a Wing can result in the entire Wing dying. Cutting Between too close to the ground could result in reappearing IN the ground at a desired location. Not understanding how thermals and air currents work can result in flying right into flame or a fellow wing rider. After some time, death is always just one wrong move away.

Being a weyrling isn't easy and it's the Weyrlingmaster's job to ensure that their wards are prepared to become a seamless part of the Weyr Machine. It requires individuals who aren't there to be friends with the weyrlings, but to ensure as many as possible survive the training. Weyrlingmaster's will see them get hurt, and often killed. This is something they need to accept. They aren't meant to be heartless, but they also need to understand why they do what they do. This isn't time for coddling--this is truly military training.

- - -
While this is a contest, please note that ICly in High Reaches Weyr, the Weyrleadership will decide who gets the role, and will simply offer it to them. There is no application process. The Weyr just decides and the rider agrees or turns it down.

In Western Weyr, the Council will decide. There might be an internal vote, and Liat and A'ral likely have a good amount of say, but it ultimately comes down to what the Council votes for!  

[Uta]

The Weyr Needs You!

Currently, the Weyrlingmaster & Candidatemasters look like the following:
Western Weyr
A'ral of green Zinath -- Candidatemaster -- Mr Cheri
Liath of blue Orioth -- Weyrlingmaster -- Uta

High Reaches Weyr
F'dral of bronze Sinrunth -- Candidatemaster -- Uta
V'mel of brown Aviroth -- Weyrlingmaster -- ShinosBee

What we want to add to this chart is this:
Western Weyr
??? of ??? -- Candidatmaster Second -- ???
??? of ??? -- Weyrlingmaster Second -- ???

High Reaches Weyr
??? of ??? -- Candidatmaster Second -- ???
??? of ??? -- Weyrlingmaster Second -- ???

So that means 4 opportunities for folks to get involved!

ICly, these characters are certainly still going to be in charge. This means they will make the final calls on certain issues, and will still be the ones in charge. The Seconds report to them directly, and will work closely with them. When the Weyrlingmaster and Candidatemaster's aren't around, the Seconds are next in charge, and are essentially being trained to take over in case something happens.

OOCly, essentially Uta, Cheri, and Shinos are very busy as staffers. While we love our characters, and still plan on having them run lessons and interactions, we are looking for individuals who have the time and interest in aiding us in running these positions.

This means you will be expected to keep the character semi-active, and make appearances during Touchings, Hatchings, and Weyrling Training. This also means running lessons, and working with Uta, Cheri, and Shinos to ensure everyone knows what's going on.

We're not looking for Seconds to take over, but to work with the Masters. This position is meant to help share some rank love and give players more opportunities to get involved with the shop and have an impact on characters and players alike. That said, you should be comfortable approaching Shinos, Uta, and Cheri to discuss opening up lessons, as well as comfortable running lessons for the various weyrling and Candidate groups.

Lessons don't have to be complex. It could be just a "write about [blank] topic" or write up a lecture and then get the characters to respond to it. It could be a game, could be a lecture, could be an experience, such as a meet this Crafter, or meet this Leader, or meet this dragon, etc. You need to have an understanding of rules--so knowing that Candidates and Weyrlings should not be leaving the Weyr, or what happens when a Candidate winds up pregnant, or that weyrlings should not be having pants-feelings until they get into their own weyrs.

You also will be expected to be comfortable approaching Cheri or Uta when you aren't sure about how the shop/the Weyrs would answer a question or aren't sure what the canon is over a particular issue. We're definitely not scary! We just want everyone to be on the same page of what is and isn't allowed. :3 You will be running a lot of stuff on your own, but we're here to support and help you!

Like Wingleaders & Wingseconds this role will likely have Activity Checks where you can log the RP and Lessons you create with your character. With activity, this role is guaranteed at least one year, but if there is a great deal of inactivity we have the right to replace them with someone else. It's not RP required but it would be preferred, since it's meant to help Shinos, Cheri, and Uta. While we're busy coloring pets and working on other aspects, we at least can entrust that the weyrlings and candidates are being taken care of.

ICly, this is not a new role or position. Depending on your character's history it is possible they've been in this role fro some time now, or are a new face to it, but nobody should be shocked or unsure how to treat someone with this rank. Consider them on part with Wingseconds.

In this contest you may either offer a character already created provided they meet the requirements. If you don't have a character or don't have any that really fit, you also can make a new character and we will provide art for them if they are selected.

Please note that there are limitations and certain personality types that Western an High Reaches Weyr will keep in mind for hiring, ICly! So it is strongly suggested you keep that in mind when you're looking at characters to offer or create. Deviating or trying to break the system is not wise.

Limitations, Restrictions, & Requirements

High Reaches Weyr
After having a softie like Gr'del in charge, High Reaches Weyr has replaced him with a hardened, older rider. They will likely be interested in characters who are loyal to the Weyr and its leaders, is more of a Weyr Traditionalist, and who know how to handle and shut down 'problems' quickly and effectively. While there is some flexibility--they don't necessarily have to be hardened or without empathy--but they must abide by High Reaches standards.

• Charcters must be at least 35 Turns & a rider for 5 Turns
  
• Characters must be either a bronze or a brown rider. Retired goldriders are allowed as potential Candidatemaster Seconds.
  
• Characters must be genuinely pro-High Reaches Weyr, and likely Traditionalist. Zheria & D'mon aren't going to hire folks who are anything less to mold the minds of their Candidates. This is essentially a military organization, after all.
  
• Weyrlingmaster Seconds need to have dragons that can fly and flame.
  
• Candidatemaster Seconds could theoretically be a grounded dragon, or retired
  
• They must be okay with some stricter tactics. V'mel is known to have a firm hand, and F'dral is just about as different from Gr'del as night is to day. He is going to be firm, heavy-handed, and will have no problem kicking out Candidates who misbehave or have no genuine interest in dragonriding.
  
• These riders have proven themselves as capable, loyal, and smart. They weren't brought into this position just because of their dragon's hide--but because Zheria and D'mon genuinely believe they will be the right person for the job in making sure their Candidates and Weyrlings are trained by the best.
  
• They ideally get along with V'mel and F'dral, or have no problem supporting them.
  
  Western Weyr
  Western Weyr is a bit more relaxed. They prefer to promote any rider of any color to any positions... provided they have the skills and experience they're hoping for! They welcome any rider of any color dragon to apply, though there are still some restrictions.
  
  
• They would prefer the riders have at least 3 Turns experience as a dragon rider. Why? Because at that point they consider them a bit more seasoned a rider than those right out of the gate. That said, so long as a rider has a dragon that has graduated Weyrling Training, they will consider all applicants.
  
• Weyrlingmaster Seconds must have dragons who can fly and flame. Candidatemaster Seconds may have a dragon who is grounded, in good health, or retired.
  
• They would prefer individuals who believe in the Western way and who promote and encourage everyone to be the best they can be--not just their metallic riders. Loyalty to Western Weyr is preferred, as the hope is to keep Candidates and Weyrlings invested in the Weyr past their 5 Turns initial service
  
• They should support the current leadership, but in particular should hopefully get along with A'ral and Liat as they'll be supporting them and their rules.
  
  OOCly Rules & Restrictions
  
• You may apply for a rider of any color. This includes whites and golds for Western Weyr positions, as well as golds in High Reaches Weyr Candidatemaster roles.
  
• You may use a character that you already own (provided it fits the restrictions/limits for the role) or you may make up a new character! If you win a new character, the shop will provide art of the character though it will be entirely colorist choice!
  
• You may try out with up to 4 characters-- one for each role at each Weyr--but we will aim to only allow you to win one. Please don't use the same character for all four roles. That said, Uta and Cheri might offer your character oe of the other roles if we feel they are a better fit!
  
• Please fill out the form completely.
  
• Please fill out the form in separate posts if you enter for multiple roles.
  
• Staff and players may enter provided OOCly you feel you have the time and interest in helping out!
  
• Big World Decisions will still be hammered down by Uta and Cheri. So please don't step out of bounds or try to take over and do meta magic with these characters. This role is an important one but Uta and Cheri might ask for things to be tweaked if we notice characters going in a direction that wouldn't work.
  
• You will be encouraged to RP with the weyrlings and Candidates, but laso to work OOCly and ICly with Uta, Cheri, and ShinosBee. If you're not keen on working with them or writing with them or talking with them, this might not be the contest for you. Ultimately, they still own the Big Wigs so please at least run past lesson ideas with them if you can. That way nobody is stealing anyone's thunder. :3
  
• If you have questions about IC Weyr policy reach out to Uta or Cheri via DM or PM. Don't just assume something ICly or OOCly. So if a Candidate has a question about, say, can their Candidate bring their canine to class, and you aren't sure, ask before you answer!
  
• If you go inactive for long periods of time, we do have the right to retire the role and hire someone else in your characters said. Your character will simply go back to being a wingrider, or retired, or whatnot. You don't have to have weekly RPs or lessons, but at least make sure you're doing something when you can with the character.
  
• This will not take away or diminish an opportunity for a Wingleader or Wingsecond when we open up those roles!
  
• You must keep the character in their associated Weyr.
  
• You may only enter for yourself. No proxies.
  
• Anyone may enter but it does require active participation.
  
• We may choose to extend the contest if we don't get enough entries.
  
• We may decide not to choose anyone if we don't see characters fitting for the roles.
  
• Please keep their positions in mind when writing the characters. The Weyrlingmaster in particular is solely responsible for the future of Pern and the newest generations survival. Please make characters who make sense to be in those roles.
  
  Ranking Activity Rules
  
  • Weyrlingmaster Seconds and Candidatemaster Seconds are expected to be around in the shop. They are often given general run of the Weyrlings and Candidates when the Weyrlingmaster and Cnadidatemaster is away or busy. They also sometimes influence when Search should be held or frozen.
    
  • OOCly you may ping Uta any time you want to have a meeting with the Weyrleader or Weyrwoman to voice some concern, complaint, or general discussion. Additionally,Uta and Cheri have the right to pull your character into an RP or plot/discuss meta happenings and how they might concern the Candidates and Weyrlings.
    
  • You will generally be given loose freedom to deal with the Candidates and Weyrlings ICly. This means you may choose to open and run lessons, as well as punish them should they give you trouble. You may choose to let them have rest days, or give group permission for them to participate in certain events i.e. attending a Gather or keeping them at the Weyr, etc. You may want to run it by Uta, Cheri, or Shinos!
    
  • There is a Weyrling and Candidate Guide found here (Weyrling Guide) and here (CandidateGuide). We expect both Weyrlingmaster Seconds and Candidatemaster Seconds to abide by these rules and general schedules. While there is some wiggle room, ultimately this is the guide we use so players know what their characters can expect, and what you as their senior ranking player know what to expect, too.
    

 

[Uta]

Still Interested?

If I haven't scared you off from applying for these badly needed positions, all you need to do is fill out the form! Please fill them out separately in separate posts if you want to enter for multiple riders! You may use the same information when it's relevant.

You may edit your post up until closing. Then Uta will lock the thread to judge!


For the Weyrlingmaster Second use this code

[center][size=29][b][color=green]Teacher's Gonna Teach![/color][/b][/size][/center]
[b]Characters Name[/b]
[b]Which role is that again?[/b] Weyrlingmaster Second
[b]I forget... At Which Weyr?[/b] High Reaches or Western
[b]How old are they?[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Positive Trait List:[/b] [At least three]
[b]Negative Trait List:[/b] [At least three]
[b]History:[/b]
[b]What's Their Dragon's Name Again?:[/b]
[b]What's their Dragon's Color Again?[/b]
[b]Dragon Personality:[/b]

[b]How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second?[/b] They can be new to this role or have been in it for some time--we just assume they were quiet.

[b]Why were they picked for the position?[/b] Even if they're new to the role, please let us know why you think the Higher Ups would have chosen them!

[b]How do they feel about their role since Thread returned?[/b]

[b]How do they feel about their students?[/b]

[b]What is their teaching style?[/b]

[b]Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly.[/b]

[b]It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them?[/b]

For the Candidatemaster Second use this code

[center][size=28][b][color=orange]Welcome to the Weyr![/color][/b][/size][/center]
[b]What's their Name?[/b]
[b]Which role is that again?[/b] Candidatemaster Second
[b]I forget... At Which Weyr?[/b] High Reaches or Western
[b]How old are they?[/b]
[b]Personality:[/b]
[b]Positive Trait List:[/b] [At least three]
[b]Negative Trait List:[/b] [At least three]
[b]History:[/b]
[b]What's Their Dragon's Name Again?:[/b]
[b]What's their color?[/b]
[b]Dragon Personality:[/b]

[b]How long have they been Candidatemaster Second?[/b]

[b]How long have they been Canddiatemaster Second?[/b] They can be new to this role or have been in it for some time--we just assume they were quiet.

[b]Why were they picked for the position?[/b]

[b]How do they feel about their role since Thread returned?[/b]

[b]How do they feel about their students?[/b]

[b]What is their teaching style?[/b]

[b]One of your Candidates is missing from their bed. It's past curfew, and while the rest of the Candidates are asleep -- or at least quieted down and in their beds -- someone has given you the slip. This isn't their first offense, either. How do you search for them? What do you do when you find them? What is their punishment, if anything? [/b]

[b]A Hatching has come and went. While you are now down 30 some Candidates, there are many sad, depressed, and upset faces. Worse, there's one lad in particular who will be aged out within the sevenday. He knows this, you know this, and unless a gold get shiny reeeeal soon -unlikely-, this was probably his last shot at Impression. What do you do? What do you say to the Candidates, if anything? What do you say to that holdbred lad? Do you tell him it's time to pack up? Do you let him stay on for awhile? [/b]

 

[Uta]

Open!  

[faesinger]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name Lourel
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? High Reaches
How old are they? 63
Personality: Lourel is dedicated to her chosen home, High Reaches Weyr. Everything has its place and she is no different. She will do her utmost best to be the rider that High Reaches needs and she has the confidence to do it. She knows with confidence that her actions and thoughts are in line with the Weyr and that nothing can corrupt her dedication. No weyrling, no upstart holder, no silly unknowing candidate, and definitely none of the unprincipled riders out there with out a serious thought in their head. Fighting thread is a serious matter that saves lives and all of Pern.

She is confident in her decisions and unwavering in her loyalty. Lourel knows what needs to be done and is not afraid to let people know. She can be blunt in her words for there is no reason to sugar coat it or even try the nice approach. While she is respectful to those above her and does not question, those under her will certainly not be met with leniency. Her job is not to be nice. Her job is to mould and you can’t mould without pushing and pulling. Lourel will tell you exactly what to do and demand that you do it. She won’t listen to whining or excuses. You don’t get those when Thread is falling and you don’t get them now. She is tough and demands the utmost best from each and every person in the Weyr.

She has an air of authority about her though Lourel is more dictatorial than inspiring. She rules out of fear. That isn’t to say she isn’t principled. She had a strong moral compass and a definite sense of right and wrong. One she tries to instil in others.

Positive Trait List Confident, dedicated, incorruptible, principled
Negative Trait ListAuthoritative, tough, blunt, demanding
History: Lourel was born on a farm and knew hard work from the moment she could walk. She was good at hard work and understood that everything on the farm worked together to one goal. She was a piece of that machine and if she failed she would cause the whole machine to fail. When she was 14 she went to the Hold to sell some harvest and get some supplies. While she was gone, raiders came and stole everything they could before burning the farm to the ground. When she got there, some riders who had seen the fire were searching for survivors. There were none. With nothing else to do with the girl the riders were debating when one of the dragons suggested she be Searched. So began Lourel’s new life in High Reaches.

It wasn’t much different from before to Lourel. There were still chores to be done and lessons to learn. She adapted quickly to the new types of chores. But she didn’t remain a candidate long. At 15 she impressed.

She became a rider and while very good at the work she wasn’t that great at the interpersonal aspects. She drove herself hard and pushed her fellow riders to as well. This wasn’t always met with good humor but it did attract the attention of the leadership. She was tapped to be a weyrlingmaster assistant when she was 21. As an assistant she found that too many weyrlings seemed to think having a dragon was a perk not a responsibility. Though admittedly one believing that is too many to her. She was viewed as harsh and unforgiving by many and she didn’t care. These lackadaisical weyrlings would shape up. This was her calling in many ways. She never thought of having her own children or finding a weyrmate. These kids are her life for all that she will never let them know. The best praise one might ever get is a head nod and a terse “that will do.” A wise weyrling will know what that means.

Over the years she has watched much of the current leadership impress and rise to power and is proud to serve under them. Lourel believes that the exemplify what High Reaches is and appreciates the sacrifices they have made. She doesn’t care that those she trained surpassed her. Instead she is glad to have helped in any small way.

Threadfall’s return was expected in concept if not timing. That was what they were training for and why they were keeping the old ways alive. When High Reaches was able to go out and fight she didn’t worry. She knew there would be casualties but they were the best prepared riders out there. They knew their duty. She knew her duty and would shirk it. Her duty was what it had always been. Train the protectors of Pern and fly alongside them every Fall.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Litteth
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Brown
Dragon Personality: Litteth is just as hard and unyielding as his rider. He is almost merciless in his approach to life so don’t expect to be coddled expect harsh words and the insistence on being the best. Litteth will be there right beside you working hard but there is no slacking. Once he puts his mind to something he is determined to see it through. He has put his mind to training the next generation and they will be trained into High Reaches needed riders.

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second? 16 years

Why were they picked for the position? While some of the assistants can be kinder and gentler, the Weyrlingmaster and Second need to be unyielding. Lourel is devoted to her weyrlings but not blinded by her devotion. She was chosen for her disciplined approach, unwavering dedication, and ability to not be swayed by any weyrling. She never aspired to be Weyrlingmaster, that was not the place for her. She knew she lacked a certain knack for the more delicate aspects that the Weyrlingmaster had to deal with.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? Their role hasn’t changed. It is still to create the best generation of riders possible.

How do they feel about their students? Lourel expects great things from her students. She cares about them in her own way and wants to give them every opportunity to live full lives. This means not being their friend or confidant. It means being their teacher, trainer, and, if needed, the one they fear.

What is their teaching style? Lourel expects obedience and will push her pupils to the limits. She does keep an eye out for absolute limits and won’t push past them but if you don’t push hard those imagined limits will never expand what you think you can do. She is straight to the point. There are no flowery words here. Don’t be stupid around her because she will let you fail and make a fool of yourself.

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly. Lourel stood, stone faced, as she watched the two Weyrlings begin to fidget. She let them stew, fret, and try to work up the nerve to use excuses. There were no excuses for fighting. One refused to meet her gaze, the other tried to look defiant. Still Lourel waited to see what they would say for themselves.

“He started it.” The defiant one finally burst out, pointing at the other boy.

“Wha?” The other boy exclaimed, glaring. “You said…”

Lourel held up a hand and the boy stopped talking. “I do not care who started it, who continued it, or who finished it.” She told the boys. “Fighting is not allowed.” She glanced pointedly at the dragons. “You will both go to the healers to be checked up on,” the boys sighed in relief, “and are now paired together in all activities until further notice.”

“That isn’t...”

“You can’t...”

Lourel simply kept talking over them. “You should know why already, but as you clearly need reminding, you are also assigned essays on why Weyrlings do not fight and why dragonriders need to trust each other.” Only one of the boys made a sound of protest. “You are also responsible for cleaning the Barracks of the mess and replacing any items of your fellow Weyrlings harmed by your fight.” By now they boys looked ashen. When the other Weyrlings heard that, how many items would have been mysteriously harmed? “Dismissed.”

It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them? Lourel watched as the weyrlings checked their straps one last time and fell into line. “Today you fly with real danger. You may not come back.” She let that sink in even though the smart ones already understood. “Trust each other. This is what you are trained for. The fall is bad today. We are flying low levels but it will still require vigilance and skill. Don’t be stupid. We want you all to come home.

Your fellow bronze weyrling D’lan and Mideath will be acting as wingsecond today. I will be wingleader. You are ready.” She swung up onto Litteth and waited as the weyrlings did the same. Give the coordinates.  

[medigel]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name L'shir (Leonshir)
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? High Reaches
How old are they? 70
Personality: L'shir is an unassuming man with the surprising ability to command attention when he puts the effort in, like a kindly uncle shifting into the military man of his youth with a simple shift in posture and tone. Like his dragon, he appears rough around the edges, but his voice is usually soft, and his courtesy always in effect. He's lived many turns before Thread returned and expects to live many years more even with it here, make no mistake. There is a quiet perseverance in him despite the hardships he has faced and will continue to face; much as a statue endures weather and time, so too does he.

L'shir is not a proud man and will often bend to the orders of his superiors without question. It's how he's lived as long as he's had, and though he may have opinions that differ, he rarely speaks them. It doesn't mean he lacks sympathy for others who chafe against the system. Perhaps they just need to be talked to. But each person only gets one chance, and once it's blown his forgiveness is hard to obtain again. He wants to believe in people, but he only has so much time and energy to entertain that belief.

In his youth he was a painter, and his art could take time to finish. He carries the same mindset when he works with weyrlings: patience, a steady hand, and a set of steps to accomplish what he envisions. (Take a sketch of a person, see how they hold themselves, see what blotches and mistakes need be corrected, apply a new coat in this area, direct them to this or that where they might flourish.) And just like painting, he has to works with people of all types of colors, and L'shir has learned how to generally get along with them all.

In doing so, one might never suspect L'shir was a lonely, old man. He's suffered losses just as many Pernese had, and he feels he's over the hill in terms of trying to get any bit of his happiness back. He throws himself into the role of weyrlingmaster second to avoid thinking about his own personal issues, believing that he is already a finished piece - best to work on the blank canvases these new would-be riders are. Maybe it's funny to see him falter in simple, casual conversation when he's more than fluent during classes and meetings. Maybe it's sad. Sometimes if he's not careful, L'shir will let the old wounds infect his heart when he watches others find their happiness, but at least he would never breathe a word of it to anyone beyond Macleith. He tries to embrace the fact that he's part of the old guard now, and that it's his duty to make Pern something worth inheriting when he's gone.
Positive Trait List: understanding, loyal, patient
Negative Trait List: lonely, melancholic, restrained
History: Though left to creche care, Leonshir was aware his parents were a traveling merchant and a brownrider, the result of a chance meeting during a goldflight. He was raised in High Reaches and became a model if serious young pre-teen, often sullying his clothes with paint when he wasn't busy picking up another weybrat's chores. His subjects were usually the dragons that protected them, and sometimes of his parents so that he could remember what they looked like while they were away. While one couldn't say Leonshir aspired solely to be a dragonrider like his mother--he wasn't so sure he was destined for that sort of greatness--he was absolutely respectful of the work riders did to ensure their safety, and he tried to emulate their nobleness.

Leonshir was one of many weyrbrats who was allowed to stand with the other candidates when he turned 14 turns, but he was one of the few who managed to get a dragon on his first attempt. Still wearing his egg like riding gear, bronze Macleith had lounged in his sand wallow and called to him, showed him a beautiful vista, a colorful if incorrect impression of High Reaches from the air. I've been thinking about it for so long, Mine, the dragonet said with ponderous weight. Is it as beautiful as I thought? Or... And the image darkened, began to show signs of Thread ready to fall, and the edges of the image were slowly being eaten away. The fear was wordless but present.

It's everything you could dream of and more, Leonshir had thought quickly, all but tripping over himself to get to his dragon. He had fallen to his knees to cradle the dragonet. I won't let Thread take it. We won't.

From there, L'shir had to forgo the brush and pick up the firestone bag, the rider's leathers, the knife to cut his dragon's meat until he was older--and he couldn't imagine having believed he wasn't meant for it all. Among the other students they were unremarkable if only because they listened to the weyrlingmaster to the letter, but they did bond with one of the more troubled weyrlings in their class, young Q'nav of blue Plath, whom had been a rescue from Nabol and had trouble adjusting in the weyr. Acting as a pseudo mentor outside of class, L'shir and Macleith dogged their fellow weyrlings into learning before the weyrlingmaster really got steamed, and somehow a half-amused/half-annoyed relationship became a solid friendship as they grew on each other. Placed in the same wing upon graduation, L'shir and Q'nav became almost as blood brothers, second only to their dragons' bonds.

Turns went by, and hormones began to catch up with all of them. It finally came to a head when Ofelya, a twenty-turn candidate they had been friends with for some time, challenged them to a drinking game to let off some steam after she failed to impress yet another hatching. All three of them stubborn as a herdbeast, it wasn't long before the intoxication took them to the nearest person's room, all laughter and embarrassment and teasing that it had taken so long. There Ofelya revealed that she had always thought those two were together, and that she wasn't sure she had a place with either given their close relationship. L'shir was sure he had died from self-consciousness and glee. It was Q'nav that had to assure them both that they could make this work, whether or not she impressed a dragon. That if she really felt bad, they'd just go meet her Between when she went, and laughed in his drunken morbidity.

The men's promise was put to the test when Ofelya's twenty-eighth turn came and went with no dragon, but they stood by her even so. With no dragon in the way, she could love them fully, obviously. And besides, she had such a handle on her glasscrafting, she could easily make mastercrafter if she pursued a career. It was a hard time for the proud woman, but she was loved. Both men and dragons supported her through her career as they focused on theirs, and for many turns the long distance relationship survived time, debt, and even fostered several children. Q'nav tried to Search in her area as an excuse to visit, while L'shir wrote often and attached scribbles to entertain her.

(Looking back on it, L'shir has wondered if she ever really believed herself worthy of their hearts with Macleith and Plath in the picture.)

It began slowly. Ofelya would write them less. Move without telling them. Excuse herself from meeting them when they found the time. It was only after interrogating one of their children that L'shir finally learned Ofelya had been sick for some time. But why was she avoiding them? What was she sick with? Was she seeing a healer? The men would never learn the reasons behind her sudden hermiting, as Ofelya passed before they could see each other again, and she left no note, only a will detaining the business of who retained what belongings of hers. In the fallout, they lost contact with one or two of their children, who chose to avoid High Reaches entirely and give their fathers the cold shoulder for not being around for their mother in the end.

Q'nav was despondent. It was like they were weyrlings again, with L'shir having to push his weyrmate into form, make sure he went to practices on time, take away his klah, and so forth. What was the point, Q'nav would argue in the late night, why bother pretending Thread is coming? Were weyrlings more important than their own children? Was L'shir really more sharding concerned about an invisible menace instead of their wife? L'shir couldn't begin to explain that he grieved through his work, that he was dutybound and that the pain of Ofelya's death couldn't stop him from that. That they had known going into this that her life would be shorter than theirs one way or another. Macleith fought with Plath to have His see reason, but the sensitive blue wouldn't have it. In tune with his rider's pain, he lashed out: would bronze Macleith pull rank, order him to get over it?

The only silver lining to be found was that their failing relationship didn't have to suffer through much more: for Thread indeed returned, and High Reaches was ready. Q'nav, however, was not.

To this day, L'shir isn't quite sure what happened. He had been making sure the then current senior weyrlings didn't panic when they Between'd alongside the Queen's wing. All he knows is that he saw Q'nav and Plath ignored formation and threw themselves into a clump of Thread bound for another rider, heard a shriek, and then they were simply gone. Had the wind buffeted them? Had they simply committed suicide as only their duty would let them? Turns later, L'shir still doesn't know, and it haunts him.

It has hardened his resolve, however. He can't give in to the same despair that took his weyrmate, not with so many and counting still needing his help.
What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Macleith - Named for Archibald MacLeish who is famous for his poem Ars Poetica: "A poem should not Mean / But Be."
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Bronze (But I ain't gonna say no to a brown ya dig)
Dragon Personality: A picture is worth a thousand words. A mental picture, a moving and imaginative work that is experienced viscerally and in real time? Ten thousand.

Macleith is a dragon of few words, preferring his communication through the wonderful world of metaphor, simile, and extrapolation through images he creates. Had he been a human, he might have been an artist alongside His L'shir, evoking thought and emotion with a stroke of a brush. He is serene in spite of his rough appearance and a deep thinker, and he prefers to cultivate that habit of critical study with those he works with - not just in parsing through immaterial complexities but in how to do their job, how to fit in a weyr's society, and so forth. Macleith is strong in mind and body, a warrior poet on four legs, and he believes all High Reach riders should strive for that balance as well.

Though composed, this bronze is not above a little corporal punishment if a weyrling is out of line. There is a somber sense of duty in everything he does, though he does his best to be more gentle as L'shir is. But they are soldiers, the only line of defense for all of Pern; if one doesn't know that, one will be reminded. The strong pain of losing their mates is ingrained in his bones, and if he must be villainous in his vigilance to be sure others don't experience the same, so be it.

Macleith straddles the line between fighter and teacher, warrior and philosopher, and maybe even sometimes dip his toes as a father. But he is a remote dragon, one who does not try to get particularly close to his wards beyond pressing the uneven back into line. There is always a chance one will die, and the job won't allow him to grieve for very long. He is also possessive of L'shir, and anyone attempting to wriggle themselves into their personal lives will be met with a wall of scarred bronze hide and a storm in their heads.

(They have mourned for long enough. They can't waste so much time to do so again.)

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second? 23 turns

Why were they picked for the position? For better or for worse, L'shir and Macleith are living examples of what happens when a dragonrider pair doesn't follow orders - or rather, what the resulting backlash looks like for the ones that survive it. On top of that, L'shir is weyrborn and bred and well-adjusted to the way things are run in High Reaches. They are, in short, a microcosm of all that can be good and bad about being a High Reaches dragonrider, from the safety in rules to the pain of loss. Though curious for a bronze to prefer a "lower" rank, L'shir and Macleith have shown both their devotion towards the work and a lack of ambition that makes them safe to place in his current station, plus there's no danger of them actively inciting rebellious attitudes.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? L'shir is the reluctant soldier, as Hector was in The Illiad. He always knew it would return but had prayed he would be wrong for the good of Pern, and now that it's back things will never be the same. Macleith for his part is sober about his genetic duty, but he's ready to rise to the challenge and to make the next generation just as prepared as their weyr always had been. Both have been ready since they were born, and they meet their old foe with grim determination in spite of their losses.

How do they feel about their students? The role of a teacher is to make the student come away better than they were before - and thirteen months may seem like a long time, but to L'shir it's a drop in the bucket. While taking cues from V'mel, L'shir offers a more gentle ear outside of lessons and sympathy that the job they're in for will be tough, though troublemakers will find him equally as stern as the weyrlingmaster. He understands that some, especially the younger weyrlings, need time to come into their own, but time is not a luxury they have anymore. This is balanced by Macleith's more iron grip approach, because while the bronze is not particularly conversational, he has a keen eye and no hesitation to point out and correct someone's mistake.

Some days, L'shir views his students like grandchildren, but he knows he has to be careful about growing too soft. Still, he feels some require a softer touch to get through to. He tends to favor the youngest of each class, and he's not unkind to those that require remedial lessons. Everything is a step towards their goal: becoming the dragonrider that Pern needs.

What is their teaching style? Formal and weyr-regulated, as one would expect. Macleith has a penchant for sending weyrlings and their dragons visions and images of what they should be doing, often superimposing mistakes on top of that to better illustrate how to fix it. L'shir, as a more tactile learner, demonstrates sometimes by moving hands or tapping slouching backs. He leans towards lectures in the beginning and hands on approaches towards the end. Some quizzes may even be given by his dragon, who will offer vivid scenarios in each weyrling's head and see how they choose to act; Macleith has to be careful, as his projections can get eerily too real even if it's just in their heads, but he finds it a useful tool when simulating how Threadfall works, almost like a real-time, imaginary CYOA.

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly.

There was a silver lining to his occasional insomnia: he didn't need much rousing when Macleith touched his mind. It was a wordless exchange, a short vision of two billies, one injured dark colored male, the other a cinnamon colored female, butting heads and braying. Those two again, huh. Corral the others, L'shir told his dragon with a sigh, his joints popping as he got up, bookmarked his novel, and grabbed a lantern. No doubt more than a few people had been woken up due to the scuffle; he'd leave it to Macleith to calm the situation there while he handled the troublemakers.

Warlin, now W'lin, was a black haired, stubborn kid from Rivercrest, originally a candidate from Western before his Impression. L'shir remembered that his younger brother had been at the Hatching as well, or at the very least someone who looked very similar to him. Qailey, the one with cinnamon brown hair, was equally as stubborn and more vocal about it, and if he remembered correctly was previously a refugee at Ruatha Hold. It was her green that had drawn blood on the sands not two days before. Both were sporting tokens of their fight, and he thought idly about having to clean up the blood trickling from the girl's missing tooth off the floor when it was over.

"He started it," Qailey was already saying heatedly. W'lin opened his mouth to protest, but L'shir put a hand up.

"I don't give two tailforks who started when," L'shir said, his voice steady, his sunspotted face wrinkling. He wasn't mad, just disappointed. "This is about that young man on the sands, isn't it. One at a time. You first, W'lin."

W'lin glared at the girl with his one good eye while his blue shifted to be a little in front of His protectively. "Her dragon killed my brother!" he snarled, his voice cracking. "He was just standing there, and she--sh-she just took him down like he was some sharding herdbeast!"

Qailey clutched at her dragonet with one hand, her other gingerly cupping the lump at her jaw, and cursed him something fierce. The green bared her teeth at them both, eyes whirling red. That boy was insulting Mine, thought terrible --

"Enough." L'shir's voice became as iron, and his dark gray eyes reflected it. Even far away and pre-occupied, his bronze accompanied the single word with a clap of mental thunder. The weyrlings fell into silence. "If I woke V'mel up for this, you both would be in a world of punishment. Do you understand what could have happened if you went too far? Your dragons would have gone to join him, and you would be left a shell of your former self."

He paused, giving them each a hard look as they processed the thought.

"You came into your candidacy knowing what was expected of you," L'shir continued, his words falling like armored boots. "Your brother chose to ignore those rules, and he paid the consequences for it. So will you, moving forward, W'lin. Loss is the price we will all pay as dragonriders." More softly, he added, "I am sorry that you experienced it so early in your career, but that is the truth of it."

W'lin looked like he wanted to say something, but L'shir shook his head slightly. Not now. Perhaps in private, later. This had to be dealt with now.

He turned to the girl. "Qailey, you and Yours will not antagonize him over this, either. What's done is done. You are here to be the riders Pern needs, not feral felines over a piece of meat. High Reaches needs you to be able to work with your fellow weyrlings, regardless of the past."

Qailey's mouth set into a thin line, but eventually she nodded. "Yes, sir."

L'shir took a breath and sighed as he rubbed at his forehead. "Extra chores for the rest of the sevenday, both of you. I want you here at each break period, where I will assign you a task that will be completed to utter perfection," he told them. "You will work together and iron out your grievances if you must, in a civil manner and under the watch of one of the assistants. During this time, you will be thinking over the consequences of disobeying our mandates and will turn in to me a one page essay, front and back, explaining why they are important as junior weyrlings. And if that proves too much for you, I will send you to V'mel who will have something more suited to your liking. Understood?"

There was a beat of silence before the four of them agreed in syncopated time, though it was clear they would be brooding.

"Consider it your second chance at a first impression with each other. Now go, get cleaned up and get to bed." L'shir dismissed them to the healer that had escorted them in and, once the door closed, sagged in his chair. The small pool of blood underneath Qailey's chair needed tending to, but he simply looked at it wearily.

Macleith reported shortly after that all was calmed back at the Barracks. Upon reviewing L'shir's memory, he joined in the sighing and sent a new image: the dark, injured billy was now beating its head against a wooden wall, leaving small dents in its wake before it finally caused a plank to splinter and break. Fragments jabbed into the young goat's skull, and blood began to trickle as he brayed, but he continued to thrust his horns into the wood nonetheless.

I know, L'shir replied quietly. Death was never easy to handle at any age. Anger, in comparison to grief, was so much easier to give into, but it would only destroy and wear away on the inside. Perhaps he would need to take W'lin aside...No, not him. A mindhealer would be better suited if the grieving process was too difficult. He'd touch base with someone tomorrow after classes to keep an eye on the boy.

Sleep, Macleith whispered with a tendril of soothing calm. L'shir could almost taste the lavender honey tea he was evoking.

I'll try, he said as he forced himself up once more, moving the chair away from the blood puddle. But I need to clean up this little mess first.

It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them?

In spite of the turbulent conditions, there was comfort in knowing there were regulations for every circumstance: order established where chaos visited. That was what he had tried to instill in them, and he could only hope, as he looked upon the senior weyrlings, that it had gotten through to some of them. This was not an ideal first Fall, however, and his expression was as grim as it had been candlemarks before, while he and V'mel had spoken.

"Remember: Forward V Formation unless your wingleader says otherwise," he shouted once the weyrlingmaster had finished his announcements. "Group 1 will take the first few hours in the weyrling wing. Group 2 will handle firestone hand offs. You'll trade off at our signal." Dangerous as the conditions were, this was the best way to make sure the senior weyrlings got enough time with the real deal while covering the other riders. He had split the large class several months before, doing his best to cover the bronzes and browns with enough blues and greens for spot checking. The sole white of the class looked impatient to be left behind for the first round, but L'shir couldn't afford to risk it when she had pulled her wing muscles in practice not two days before. He had to keep an eye on those two especially; the assistant he left in charge of the weyrling wing would take charge with the rest, as would the bronze classmate they had elected to be wingsecond.

Macleith hummed, a deep, baritone sound that could resonate in one's chest even yards away. They would take up the second shift when the groups exchanged, letting them watch from below and relay with the assistant in the meantime. The bronze was patient and calm; one had to be in the face of inclement Threadfall. He sent several soothing thoughts to the more anxious students, but his placid green eyes were skyward as V'mel, their assistant, and the first group took off.

"Faranth keep them safe," L'shir murmured. And then he turned to do one last (and fiftieth) check on the second group's leathers.
 

[faesinger]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name T’tain
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? Western
How old are they? 38
Personality: T’tain is a man that can see both sides of an argument. He can understand why something is done one way or another as well as why it might be better to do it another way in someone else’s opinion. A shrewd man, T’tain doesn’t take things at face value. He knows his own mind and his own opinions, but is always willing to hear someone out. That isn’t to say that he will be swayed easily. His will is strong and it will take more than him understanding the person’s position to agree with it. T’tain especially believes in equality and nurturing, and while he can see why others might not, he will always follow that path.

He can be a bit sly though, quietly putting things, ideas, or suggestions, into place to change the outcome to his suiting. He has a penitence for meddling and trying to shape the way events turn out. It isn’t an outward order or suggestion every time, though sometimes it is. He knows that his meddling will not always be well received and can hide it behind kind words and thought provoking ideas.

Found of the finer things in life, T’tain’s world is full of decedent aspects that weave themselves into his everyday existence. His clothing is well cut, soft, and richly colored. His weyr is well adorned and there are times when he will indulge in something just to indulge. The rest of the time, he is hard working and determined to see a task to the end. A task half done is not allowed. If one is going to do something, one must follow it the entire way through.

Positive Trait List: Hardworking, Shrewd, strong-willed
Negative Trait List: Decadent, Meddlesome, Sly
History: T’tain is Western born and raised. It wasn’t to rider parents he was born, but to a kitchen worker and his beloved. He spent a lot of time in the creche as both parents helped out in the Weyr daily. T’tain admired dragons from the start and took began standing as soon as he was allowed. He stood for over 10 years determined to try every time and be there when his dragon hatched. Finally Thespeth arrived in a show of wings and tail to land on T’tain’s chest. The match was as perfect to T’tain as everything he had ever heard.

Weyrling training was easy in many ways. Concepts came quickly to T’tain and he excelled at memorizing wing patterns and other little details. The physical aspects were a bit more challenging as T’tain wasn’t the beefiest of men and had to build muscle quickly to keep up. The most difficult part, that should have been easy according to people he talked to, was getting used to sharing his entire life with another being. It was perfect and wonderful…and also daunting and annoying. Thespeth was patient though and understood that T’tain was not rejecting or annoyed with Thespeth as much as with the lack of privacy and overwhelming responsibility.

As a rider, T’tain and Thespeth never thought to go anywhere but Western. It shared his ideals, he loved the weather, he loved the people, it was home. No other Weyr could compare and T’tain couldn’t imaging him and Thespeth weyrless.

T’tain worked hard, played hard, and became something of a counsellor to many of his fellow riders. He would also often talk with Weyrlings and candidates that wanted to know more about being a rider and the struggles, joys, and adventures that could be had. T’tain hadn’t known growing up how much he would enjoy helping to mould young minds. It called to his meddlesome tendencies.

When Thread fell and the world changed, T’tain and Thespeth changed with it. They worked harder, faster, more determined to be the best rider pair they could, and more determined to be the best mentors possible. T’tain knew that day that things would never go back to the more carefree ways but that didn’t mean they had to go back to being the oppressive ways either. T’tain wants to keep Western’s culture even as they fight to save Pern and themselves.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Thespeth
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Brown
Dragon Personality: Probably the first things anyone ever notices about Thespeth is that he is a flamboyant dragon. Actions and words are flowery and over the top. He enjoys making a show. Really, Thespeth is a caring dragon that wants to hear your problems and give a shoulder to cry on. He struggles sometimes because he has a morbid sense of humor that is an acquired taste. But he is patient and willing to wait for all manner of things be it someone’s fears, waiting for the sputtering to stop, or dinner. Don’t try to win his heart, though. He is fickle in affections and will most likely never settle down.

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second? New to the role

Why were they picked for the position? T’tain has the ability and drive to train, but many have that. T’tain also has the ability to understand and to counsel. Weyrling training is as much a training of the mind as it is the body and skills.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? It is even more crucial now to be able to create cohesive wings. The Wingleaders need riders they can rely on. Western isn’t a place that you can just order someone to do something and always expect no push back. People are opinionated and it is important to be able to navigate the hormonal, emotional, and egotistical personalities that are weyrlings to build them into riders the Wingleaders would want in their wings.

How do they feel about their students? T’tain is honored to have been given this duty. The students are the future and can bring either success or ruin to Pern. He will care for each of them as if they are precious and yet push them to grow and thrive so they can survive with Thread.

What is their teaching style? T’tain coaches more than dictates and believes in supporting but also pushing hard. A teacher is there to push the students beyond where they think they can go. He is calm and adaptive. If someone is having trouble he will work with them to find a way to have them succeed.

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly. T’tain looked between the two girls who had taken up positions on either side of the room. “This is a fine mess we have here.” He began with. The Barracks were indeed a mess with Weyrlings belongings strewn everywhere. T’tain was sure not all of those belongings were the two girls. “It seems to have been quite the fight. Why?” Both girls began to babble their stories, talking over each other louder and often interrupting themselves to clarify something the other was saying. T’tain let them talk until they both trailed off and looked at the silent man.

“And that is reason enough to put your dragons in danger?” Was the calm question that pierced the long silence. He let the weight of that question sink in. “Was it also the reason to endanger each other’s dragons? And the rest of the Weyrlings?” He watched their faces as they digested these. “These rules aren’t arbitrary. There are reasons that we have them.” The one on the right was looking crestfallen and T’tain make a mental note to follow up with her later. She was the sort to beat herself up about things and he didn’t want that. He wouldn’t soften for her now, but later he would help her deal with it. The one on the left was still belligerent in appearance and T’tain wasn’t sure he was getting past the anger and he would have to have a very different talk with her in the future as well. “For now clean yourselves up and think about how much your argument was really worth. I will be talking with each of you separately tomorrow about it. Tomorrow you will also begin your punishment. You will each be assigned extra chores, special assignments that you must compete together over the next seven days, and another meeting with me at the end of the seven day." If he felt that they hadn't figured things out by then he would see what he had to do.

It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them? “Today you fly your first Fall. It is a bad one today and we must stay alert.” T’tain called to the Weyrlings assembled. “You will most likely lose much of what you have learned in the chaos. That is okay. We will have debriefings after to go over what to drill for next time. You are flying as a team in the lower levels so thread will be lighter but this won’t be easy. There are Golds below to catch you should that be necessary.” He gave them a stern look. “If you need to heal come back to get it. There is no shame in taking care of a wound.” Finally he was ready to send them out. “Remember our wing structure for today.” They had been planning for this fall for a while now. T’tain would be acting as Wingleader and there would be two riders, a blue and a brown, that would be Wingseconds, trading off partway through. “Thespeth, let’s go. And Weyrlings, I expect you to come home.” With a flare of his wings, Thespeth launched into the sky with Weyrlings behind him.  

[Teiha]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name R'ogun
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? High Reaches
How old are they? 37

Personality:
Something about R’ogun smacks of a big brother, or perhaps a youthful and trendy dad. He’s all business in front of a class, but one-on-one interaction is his specialty and is usually a pretty casual affair. It’s done that way on purpose, to give anarchic or anxious weyrlings a sense of being “off the record.” He’s very approachable, and there’s always a sense of placid serenity when a tough subject comes up. A lot of it is calculated and impartial, being a part of his job, but though he doesn’t often say so in tender words, he really does care about people, especially those in his charge. So much so that at times he’ll overwork himself trying to fit everyone into his already busy schedule. The added stress interferes with his sleep patterns in a most unpleasant manner, but he tries to let the bags under his eyes be the only indication of the lengthy and horrible dreams he’ll have on those nights.

R’ogun is very detail-oriented and remembers ridiculous amounts of information about people and things that are important to him. He collects glass marbles in every color and dice made from every material crafters will utilize. The dice are his real passion, and he is able to recall who made them and when, the story behind their creation, what they were made from, how much he paid for them, and even what he was wearing and the weather at the time of the transaction or receipt of the items as a gift. He’d like to have a set from every Master crafter on Pern, or several, if they’re uniquely-made sets. Sometimes his passion goes a little too far, however. More than a few of his treasured objects were stolen or bought on an irresponsible whim with the last of his marks. Though he’s come a long way during his turns at High Reaches, he still suffers strong temptations and occasionally falls prey to them.

After the extremes he’s experienced throughout his young life, there is very little that upsets him these days. It takes a lot of work to ruffle his feathers, and even when he does get angry, he will remain quite calm—alarmingly so at times. This is really when his particular eccentricities manifest at their maximum potency. It’s not that he enjoys what he does. It’s just what makes the most sense to him when nothing else accomplishes the desired effect. In the context of weyrling training, this means coming up with atypical and hard-hitting penalties for repeated or egregious errors. For example, there is rarely something so standard as mucking out the stables or barracks with R’ogun. Instead, a weyrling might still be required to stop by the stables, but only to fill a small pouch with manure—then wear it on a string hung about their neck for the rest of the day. R’ogun would never hurt his charges with these punishments, but he is deadly serious about making sure the correction is effective so that they learn, survive, and succeed.

Positive Trait List: Spontaneous, relaxed, observant
Negative Trait List: Aberrant, avaricious, overextending

History: During his early life, Renogun was the whipping boy for some holder’s spoiled son who took full advantage of that servitude. The punishments he took on behalf of the son were very creative and always terrible, and the son seemed to enjoy watching him suffer. Life was all about unfairness, hatred, and seeking justice. In pursuit of the latter, he finally set fire to the boy’s room. Though no harm came to the son, the Lord Holder threw Renogun to his feral felines as punishment, went to bed, and checked on them in the morning. Enough evidence of a death was left behind that no one suspected that the felines had not eaten their fill that night. His fingers numbered only eight and his wounds bled badly, but Renogun managed to escape the one-way journey to their bellies.

He lived on the streets as a wanton thief for several turns, suffering the loss of a few more finger joints and gaining permanent marks on his skin as he crossed the wrong sorts of people. During a Gather where he’d been studiously pickpocketing every likely-looking person, he was caught. Fortuitously, he was Searched (or perhaps “Searched,” but he was never sure) by a High Reaches dragon. His acceptance was probably the only thing that saved him from losing another finger, but what he really cared about was the promise of a full belly and a bed to sleep in.

After being there but a short time, he hated the Weyr. He hated being under what felt like constant surveillance, being ordered about, and always expecting but never actually receiving the punishment he knew he must deserve. It kept a layer of fear about him, always waiting for the moment when it would come. Because he never expected this little fantasy world to last, he did the bare minimum required of him and nothing more—even less, when he could get away with it. He definitely did not want to become invested, lest he become attached and everything he’d cared about be torn away from him.

He was surprised, to say the least, when Casreth was shelled and a voice in his head told him that he’d done some bad things, but he was a good boy and was loved more than he could imagine. He’d been told similar things a hundred times before, but it’d meant nothing coming from people who had no idea what they were talking about. They were only spouting the usual hackneyed lines they gave anyone they were already convinced would never amount to anything. Somebody who could actually read his thoughts, who saw everything he was and everything he’d done, and still had something good to say about him, much less still loved him… well, that was different. That meant something.

It was a start, but change did not happen overnight. Life as weyrlings was a trial, with Renogun (now R’ogun) continuously alternating between pushing the Weyrlingmaster’s buttons and completely giving up on himself. The only thing that kept him going was Casreth, the one light in his life. One he would never allow to be snuffed out. That fact and the fact that the Weyrlingmaster had a large reserve of patience was fortuitous for the boy, because he and his dragon had to suffer through two turns of remedial training before they could be trusted to graduate and fly in a fighting wing.

He was never able to pinpoint any particular moment when he truly noticed it, but he eventually became aware that V’mel, as well as a few others in the Weyr, had been a constant presence in his life—a consistent source of direction and boundaries that he’d badly needed. Instead of getting kicked out of the Weyr, R’ogun and Casreth had been allowed to stay and were given the attention and correction they needed until things finally clicked. R’ogun was sorry that he’d wasted so much time and caused himself and Casreth both to remain children in the eyes of the Weyr, but it wasn’t rubbed in his face. He was allowed to move forward. There was no further punishment.

Though part of him always felt his personal story was a little cliche, he came to realize that it seemed so because there were a lot of other folks like himself in the world. In the turns that followed, he and Casreth naturally connected with fresh candidates and weyrlings who were dealing with similar backgrounds and attitudes. Instead of letting them drag them back down, they gave unofficial counsel, understanding, and tried to pull these young folks in the opposite direction. High Reaches was a good place to be. You could be your own person while still having your dignity and a purpose—and a home. Sometimes other arguments worked better. Sure, you can go back whenever you want. I mean, Bitra is so much better than this sharding prison. Remember how great it was before you had all the food you wanted cooked by someone else and set out on a table for you every day? It’s going to be so much better when you have to figure out how to feed a dragon as well as yourself. Totally worth the freedom from those stupid drills and lectures. No, Gedyth, they don’t leave buckets of free meat by the kitchen door in Bitra Hold. And they don’t have a herd to take from, unless you want your rider to be arrested for stealing. You have to go outside the hold and hunt everything yourself. Yes, in the wild. Still others only needed someone to connect with, someone who would care enough to spend time with them one-on-one.

The pair’s doings did not go unnoticed. Occasionally the Weyrlingmaster or Candidatemaster would surreptitiously nudge a project their way, or even outright ask them to mentor someone. They spent the most time with weyrlings who were “Searched” as a means of escape, not really understanding what Impression entailed, and with stands-Impressees who had never expected their lives to change so suddenly, and fought that change.

They never looked for accolades or promotion, but from time to time R’ogun and Casreth did wonder if perhaps their unofficial position as weyrling mentors might someday become an official one.

Other: R’ogun has two most treasured dice sets. One pair was carved from the mast of the marauder ship White Fire. The abnormally pale wood was said to come from a grove of strange white trees discovered and cut by the captain himself, though it was claimed by experts to have been common wood that was somehow bleached. The pips on the dice were inlaid with precious metals from the captain’s ill-gotten hoard. The other favorite set has one die made from dragonbone and the other from a bone of its rider, unearthed during the excavation of a mine in the Telgar area. From what little evidence could be extracted, the pair was thought to be hundreds, maybe even a thousand turns old and probably hailed from Telgar Weyr. The rider was missing an arm and the dragon (from its size, probably a blue or small brown) had a prominent kink in its tail. Though their end was not exactly pretty, part of R’ogun hopes he and Casreth will be remembered far in the future in some small way, as this pair had been.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Casreth
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Brownze (Either!)

Dragon Personality: Casreth is a well of paternal love and support. He isn’t afraid to express his affection and does so often, but tempers it with firm language and expectations. This, unfortunately, overflows a bit into romance territory. He can be a bit bossy with his lovers, which is probably why he hasn’t settled down yet. He’d like to, though! He loves the idea of being with a gold with whom he can raise offspring, but hasn’t made that an absolute requirement to claim his hearts.

Unlike his rider, Casreth’s memory retention outside of the visual and physical realm is rather poor. He’ll memorize drills without a hitch after flying through them a few times, but forget things like the names of riders and dragons. He easily remembers faces he’s only seen once or twice, and that saves him in most situations as he can just share the face in his mind if he forgets their name during conversation, or have the name supplied by his rider. It does get a bit awkward when he has to remember a lot names in a public setting for roll call and the like, though. Repetition over a period of time is the best learning method for him. Sometimes he and R’ogun will sit on the sidelines while someone else is handling the weyrlings and just practice naming everyone in sight.

One thing that Casreth takes notice of that his rider does not is color. He is a dragon who fully subscribes to High Reaches’ traditions, though not in any way that is harsh. Greens, blues and whites only fly half-falls so they can keep up their health for the long haul—because they are the core of the Weyr’s fighting strength, not because they are somehow inferior. Allowing for individuals who don’t always fit the mold, Golds and bronzes are the strongest and provide the next generation, both colors given gifts of leadership that ultimately benefit everyone in the Weyr. Browns are the center line, able to work hard as full-fall fighting dragons or provide the necessary genetics for the future. He feels that all dragons should embrace their roles instead of feeling limited by them but tries to be understanding with those whose very nature seems to disagree.

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second? They’ve only recently been appointed, shortly after the infants began responding during Touchings and some were suspected of being trouble. This was in preparation for the latest, very large group of Weyrlings that has both new riders and infants that are expected to have difficulties with adjustment to HR’s increasingly strict policies.

Why were they picked for the position? R’ogun is one of V'mel's scornful-delinquent-to-upstanding-rider success stories, and is presently a consummate High Reaches supporter and advocate. Particular to the latest hatch with several weyrlings who are anticipated to be difficult, he still has a visible (though judiciously expressed at key moments) rebel streak and enough rough history for some of those weyrlings to hopefully identify with. Casreth has a strong paternal instinct and wants to see all the young pairs thrive. They are also still young enough to keep up with any teenager. Lastly, R’ogun’s beliefs and methods should be up to current standards and mesh well with V’mel’s.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? R’ogun feels the same as he felt before it returned—it is an honor to serve the Weyr that gave him worth and a purpose, and High Reaches’ survival is paramount. Now that Thread is back, that survival requires his role to be carried out as well as possible to ensure the skies stay full of fighting dragons.

How do they feel about their students? Mostly positive. R’ogun can’t fault anyone for their bad behavior right out of the gate, knowing by his own experiences the general reasons for it. He wants to teach new weyrlings how to discover the same worth and purpose he found, regardless of their pasts (or current attitudes). Some will be a bit more work than others, but it’s worth the effort to see a secure Weyr with full flight rosters, and perhaps a few good “coming of age” experiences as a bonus.

What is their teaching style? R’ogun has had it rough and can be pretty heavy-handed when needed, but he prefers to take a more business-like stance in front of a class while giving laid back one-on-one attention where possible. He'll play well off of V'mel's tougher approach with a good master/bad master routine. He doesn’t look forward to the likelihood of punishment for some of the weyrlings, but he will not hold back if it is necessary. Some of his tactics after crossing that threshold may seem downright cruel, but he’s survived much worse, and look how well he turned out!

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly.

Casreth’s mental alarm had sent R’ogun sprinting through the tunnels to the scene. He slipped between the two weyrlings as soon as he reached them. They pressed on him from either side for a moment before they realized what had happened, and stepped back, one of R’ogun’s maimed hands clasping either youth’s shoulder. He glanced back and forth at them, the girl with a bleeding nose and the boy with a black eye and a freshly dislodged tooth. Their dragons were panicking, the little green cowering and the brown posturing as if his life depended on it. In his developing mind, the Second knew, it did.

“She—” E’gal got out before R'ogun shushed him. He remained holding the weyrlings in that position until they visibly calmed. Meanwhile, Casreth was gently talking their white-eyed dragons down, assuring them all was well. When it seemed safe to do so, the Second released the weyrlings and took a handkerchief out of his pocket, which he used to delicately wipe the blood from Loreet's nose. He was pleased to see that it had already stopped bleeding, but his expression did not soften. He dismissed them with a quiet, “You two are to meet me in the dining hall at 1730. I'll advise V'mel that you're to be excused early from his lecture.”

The weyrlings looked at each other in confusion, likely wondering how they’d gotten off so easily. Weyrlingmaster Second R’ogun was usually fairly easygoing, but a fight as new weyrlings—something that could spook a dragonet between—should have merited a raised voice at the very least. The two collected their brown and green to their sides and hurried away to their next assignment. As they left, R’ogun stooped and picked something up off of the ground. Casreth, let the Headwoman know I’ll need a little help from someone in kitchen this afternoon.

When the pair and their dragons arrived at the dining hall later, the Weyrlingmaster Second was already seated and waiting for them at one of the tables. There were two glasses before him, and he held a cup of klah in his hand. He beckoned for them to sit down, and as they did, he slid one of the glasses in front of each. “E’gal, Loreet—I trust you’ve thought well on what you’ve done?”

They nodded, the boy letting out an uncertain, “Yes, sir,” as he cupped his dragon’s head against his thigh. He’d noticed the odd pink color of the cloudy liquid in his glass, and that Loreet’s was not the same color. Hers was a dull yellowish-white.

R’ogun nodded at the glasses. “Rather than slam you with chores until you’re ready to drop, I thought we’d just sit down, have a drink together, and talk.” He stared pointedly until both kids picked up their glasses and took a sip. E’gal instantly gagged, and Loreet turned aside and spit hers out. “Now, I made those myself,” he said, letting an edge creep into his tone. “I would be very hurt if you didn’t finish them, and I thought you’d enjoy having the rest of the evening off while everyone else sits through V’mel’s lecture. If you’d rather muck out the barracks, though…”

He tilted his head and watched, taking an occasional sip of his klah and idly rolling a set of dice taken from his pocket, as the pair struggled to drink the vile concoctions. They’d made it a little more than halfway when he finally held up his hand to stop them. E’gal shoved his glass away with a nauseous little belch, and Loreet, tears in her eyes, turned to put hers out of her line of sight on the table next to theirs. Then they sat at attention, as if waiting for the next hammer to fall. And fall it did.

“Loreet, your draught was made with sour whey and the powder ground from the tooth which you knocked out. E’gal, yours was the tea steeped from boiled dishwater and the handerchief soaked in blood from the nose that you almost broke.”

He let them react as they wished, which for one of them involved stumbling away from the table making retching sounds, their dragonet curling about their leg with worried creels. As the boy and girl resettled before him at the table, he fixed them both with another long look. Then he spoke, his voice still as soft as before.

“The reason you drank those punishments is so that you will remember. The next time you think about endangering your lifepartners’ lives with fighting over inane things that do not matter, you will also think about that smell, that taste, that texture. And you will never do it again.”


It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them?

The day of first Blooding had come. The forecast had not been good, promising deadly gluts of Thread being blown about by unusually strong winds. Falls like this were not easy to deal with even for the most experienced riders. And the kids…

Astride Casreth, R’ogun looked over the senior weyrlings. He knew each one by name, food and drink preferences, flaming ability, sleeping habits, riding style, and many, many other aspects—even some details they weren’t even aware of themselves. With any luck, the personal attention and instruction each had received would be enough to get them through this alive. Casreth rumbled his agreement, letting his thoughts of encouragement roll out to all the young dragons who stood at the ready.

We were born for this, my dears. Our hearts already knew what to do, long before our minds were taught. I will not tell you to not be afraid, because even the strongest dragon feels fear at times. We must face those fears today, but take comfort in the knowledge that we are all facing them together. Trust yourselves and your wingmates! We—all of you, my dears—know what to do.

His rider rarely expressed such overt warmth as did his dragon, but today he wanted his weyrlings to know they were cared for. He was all too aware that any of them could meet an untimely end today. “Weyrlings! …Guys. I’m not going pretend there’s sunshine and clear skies when you’ve already heard the rumors. This fall will be a heavy one, and the wind is not on our side. The seasoned riders up top will be covering us with everything they’ve got, and V’mel and I’ll be alternating positions within the wing, but you’ve still got to watch each other’s backs. Those of you passing firestone—no heroics from you whatsoever. You’ll only be getting in the way of someone better equipped to handle trouble. Err on the side of caution today. I want to see all of your faces at dinner tonight.”

He didn’t tell them they could do it. Of course they could. To give the unnecessary assurance would only cause some of them to second-guess their abilities. He smiled as his gaze passed over one of those individuals. They’d be fine, and no doubt the dinner table would be full of their excited babbling later. He looked forward to listening to them all talk of their profound first-fall experiences, but right now it was time to fly.  

[demon_pachabel]

Welcome to the Weyr!

What's their Name? Danzik
Which role is that again? Candidatemaster Second (Will be stepping down from Wingsecond if chosen :V)
I forget... At Which Weyr? Western
How old are they? 46
Personality: Danzik's existing profile - I have copy-pasted most of this information over!
Danzik doesn’t really have time for your crap. A once sensitive woman who worried about not being taken seriously because she looked masculine, a hearty dragon, a son, and responsibility has rounded her out to have much more to worry about than just what people think about her. While she isn’t necessarily strict, she is very curt and straight to the point. If you want to goof off or not take things seriously, it isn’t under Danzik’s watch. You want to make sure something actually gets done, put Danzik in charge of it. She’ll make sure you start when you’re supposed to, but also make sure you don’t overwork yourself past when you should be taking a break.
Positive Trait List: Diligent, Responsible, Prompt
Negative Trait List: Curt, Impatient, Stick-in-the-mud
History: Danzik and her father came to Western Weyr to practice their Tannercraft in making riding harnesses for the dragons. Danzik was barely 13 at the time, and young enough that dragons were spectacular to the young, overly sensitive girl. She’d wait eagerly for her chance at a dragon, having barely missed a clutching she wouldn’t have been able to stand for anyways a few years prior. As she grew older, however, the desire faded with a lack of clutches laid and Danzik more or less relented that her life was going to be outfitting dragons.

Until a clutch came. While there was no gold, there was a lot of hubub about new blood and Danzik tried to not get her hopes up too high. After all - it could be several years again before another came if she didn’t impress during this single opportunity.

To her surprise, there was a small green that was just right for her - or perhaps she was just right for it. The calm, basking nature of Eosphoth didn’t seem to care about anybody who was watching and what they thought of her and her large, awkward wings or ambling way of walking, or her squeaky honk that she greeted her mother with. She was a ridiculous mess and proud of it.

Eosphoth would eventually grow into her awkward body, and after 2 years, she rose for the first time. The first rising would be a first of a few things for Danzik who, after surprisingly not miscarrying, gave birth to a son. Between a young dragon and now a young boy, Danzik got good at taking care of things and not wasting her time.

Fortunately with a father to help, Danzik’s son, Lennik, turned out fine. As he grew out of the age needed for wrangling, however, Danzik took on a new wrangling task: Candidates.

**SINCE THIS** (AKA not in original profile, added for IC happenings)

Shortly before her son impressed, Danzik was tapped to be a Wingsecond, and has absolutely thrived in the position.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Eosphoth
What's their color? Green
Dragon Personality: Eosphoth is a calm dragon that radiates certainty and self-assurance - things that Danzik once needed, but now the pair walk stride-in-stride with. She’s a dragon that can be trusted with small children (and large children, get over here little Candidates) and secrets (except from hers!), and will often be ready to try and give advice the best she can - even if she needs a go-between for translating from dragon-thought to human-speech. Do you need help with something? Eosphoth can reach anywhere you need her to or talk to whoever is giving you trouble!

She does need a certain kick to get started, however, and it was Danzik’s work ethic that drew Eosphoth to hers on the sands so long ago. Motivation is not Eosphoth’s strongest trait. But she’s good at keeping work and play separated - mostly. It isn’t unusual to hear the small green bugling out a song as she flies over the Weyr.

How long have they been Candidatemaster Second? 2 minutes. She worked with candidates for several turns before she was tapped to be a Wingsecond, however, just not as a Second.

Why were they picked for the position? Danzik has a clear knack for working with differing ranks of riders - and people. After the hullabaloo at High Reaches' most recent hatching, she was bold enough to put her name forward.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? Danzik has been doing a lot of things since Thread returned, and every inch of that is vital. Every role, every task, every small chore. She brings a wealth of experience she's more than happy to share.

How do they feel about their students? They're a mixed bag, but she respects that diversity in attitude is required - mostly. She won't and will never act like their mother, they have those of their own in some shape, after all.

What is their teaching style? Tough love 1000%. She understands picking up certain ends where help is needed, but being soft is absolutely not the way to prepare someone for a life that may very well kill them. There are no secrets what any candidate is getting into, no surprises, and if someone wants to test her patience, they'll find it a bad place to be.

One of your Candidates is missing from their bed. It's past curfew, and while the rest of the Candidates are asleep -- or at least quieted down and in their beds -- someone has given you the slip. This isn't their first offense, either. How do you search for them? What do you do when you find them? What is their punishment, if anything?

Haethel seems to think they've found a properly good place to hide this time, Eosphoth informed Danzik calmly from her ledge. It had only taken one candidate's unease of realizing someone was gone to alert Eosphoth enough to send her beloved to check - it wasn't the first impromptu bed-check caused by that young woman in particular. If she'd been frustrated, it would have simply been too much mental energy at that point. None of the obvious ones, hmm?

Being Holdborn there was no family within the Weyr for Haethel to have ventured off to visit in unwarranted hours of the night. Not the ones I can see. Eosphoth mostly reminded in case somehow Danzik had forgotten she very much was too large to go inside. She nodded knowingly as she finished checking to make sure she had no other stragglers, before summoning Eosphoth down.

The green camped obediently near the door without further instruction. Nobody else would be sneaking out with Eosphoth on guard duty - not even to offer scritches in that spot behind the top spine on her head she loved so. Danzik, however, did offer that scritch affectionately before she was off, stalking across the Weyrbowl to more...lived in areas. There was absolutely a method of Danzik's method when it came to rooting out those who wanted to hide - a quiet check in with any of the dragon's still awake to see if they'd seen anything (Eosphoth informed her nobody had noticed any suspicious activity in the bowl, at least), a quiet check with the handful of riders the girl had made obvious friends with (nothing), then a more manual look into inner halls.

Danzik at least was thankful to find the girl wasn't so daring as to sneak into areas the candidates had been specifically barred from under the guise of night.

She was less so to find the normally food motivated young woman had not stopped in to make puppy-dog eyes for a late snack of some sort....again. Danzik had been leaving the kitchens after a lot of apologies for waking one of the workers when she all but bowled the subject of her search over. It was obvious Haethel'd been doing some late night galavanting - sand in her hair and sand all over her shoes. The young woman stared at Danzik, perfectly still as though somehow she'd go unseen if she did it right.

"Who were you with?" Danzik asked firmly, watching the girl twist her hair as she avoided eye contact. "Nobody...." Haethel answered uncomfortably. Danzik frowned, saying nothing as she waited, staring the girl down. "I really mean it!" Haethel blurted out after only a few seconds of this. Danzik continued to frown, posture unchanging. "It was really just me!" the candidate defended again, almost reeking of impatience.

"Clearly I am not getting enough work out of you during the day, if you still have energy to run off in the night to...." she motioned to the girl's wet hair, "Swim?" It didn't really sound like a question, but Haethel answered it anyways. "I fell, it was just a walk...." she defended meekly. Danzik again gave the girl a severe look, "A walk when you should be in bed. Clearly, if you don't need the sleep I should find a chore for you to do."

"It was just a walk!" Haethel protested, choking on further words when Danzik lifted a hand. "A walk that you clearly were not supposed to be on, so that instead of preparing myself and my dragon for what we should be doing tomorrow, I had to come looking for you and now have to consider what to do next. You did not earn unbridled freedom by coming here, and you will not earn any more with your irresponsibility."

Danzik could feel her words falling on deaf ears. "Go to bed. I'll retrieve you before morning chores once I know what I will be having you do. The next time I come looking for you, it will be with your things and I will personally take you home." She'd take no argument, and Haethel only hesitantly did as she was told, with Eosphoth confirming when the girl had passed her by.

Haethel did not enjoy being woken far too early the next morning to help with a downed dragon's care.

A Hatching has come and went. While you are now down 30 some Candidates, there are many sad, depressed, and upset faces. Worse, there's one lad in particular who will be aged out within the sevenday. He knows this, you know this, and unless a gold get shiny reeeeal soon -unlikely-, this was probably his last shot at Impression. What do you do? What do you say to the Candidates, if anything? What do you say to that holdbred lad? Do you tell him it's time to pack up? Do you let him stay on for awhile?

There was something about seeing those she'd known for far longer than perhaps they would have liked move forward in the world - off to their own dragons, though occasionally there was a candidate who simply had lost the desire for it. It was those who remained after, however, that held all of her attention in those first days, however. Celebration would come and go, and glum faces weren't uncommon. The mute expression on Laryund's face, however, was a less common look. There had been many a hopeful comment before the hatching that perhaps he would get a dragon for his Nameday.

It hadn't come to pass.

To comment on the obvious herdbeast-in-the-room had not been in the plans for the lesson the day after the Hatching, and Danzik stuck to that. "There will be other chances, other clutches. That you are still in one piece means your chances aren't gone yet," were the only words of wisdom that Danzik offered. Nothing she could say would soothe the sting of broken hope, after all. All she could do was teach in the way that recouped any lost confidence. To most, it would seem Laryund's fate was straightforward - he'd go back to Southern Boll and resume life as a Weaver, perhaps.

His Nameday crept closer and closer, and while Danzik had not publicly acknowledged it, she did call him aside one morning after a lesson, waiting until the classroom was empty to speak up. "Thirty soon, hmm," it was still much older than many Weyrs would have allowed the young man and it was clear from the look on his face he knew this.

"You're familiar with Sevela?" Laryund frowned at the mention of the older woman who easily was responsible for half of the garments made inside of Western Weyr's halls for the riders to wear. "Yes..." he answered uncertainly. Danzik nodded, "She tells me, with the influx of riders, she could do with some help. Certainly, it's no Southern Boll and you'll still have to see dragons every day." The Weyr was not a charity, after all, and it did neither boy nor Candidatemasters any favors to keep him locked in a cycle of potential futility.

It clearly wasn't the most thrilling of options. Who could blame anybody for being disappointed they grew too old to even have a chance? Still, Laryund considered it. "I'll talk to her," he said after a moment, clearly able to see the compromise. He'd likely see himself gone in a turn or two after that anyways, but...

"Good," Danzik didn't try to soften the situation in the least. What silver lining was taken from it all would entirely be up to the young holdborn boy - she wasn't the one to live his life, after all.  

[BastetAmun]

Welcome to the Weyr!

What's their Name? Gr'm
Which role is that again? Candidatemaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? High Reaches
How old are they? 59
Personality: Gr'm is a man who embodies a silent sentry. Never one to talk your ear off, or even really say much of anything aside from the most important things, he can't help but cut an intimidating figure because of this.

Loyal is certainly one way many can describe the man. He has been loyal to High Reaches weyr ever since he impressed Praetoth. He would never dare think about doing anything that would sully their reputation or bring ruin to the weyr. Gr'm looks down on those who clearly do not have the same kind of loyalty to the weyr as he does, if the weyr was not there for many of them, they would not amount to anything. He is willing to lay his life down for the weyr and will stand up and follow the leadership through thick and thin.

Gr'm has always been a man who is very protective of those he cares about or those under his charge. He does little things to look out for others, without drawing too much attention to himself either. Even though he is protective, he does not allow himself to get too attached, knowing that anything could happen to those around him.

Gr'm isn't a soft and cuddly man, he is callous and gruff. While he isn't cruel as some might first think, Gr'm just doesn't let himself be bogged down by things that aren't important. He can come off as cold and even rude at times, doesn't seem to care much for sugar-coating things or making someone feel better about things that happen. Dealing with the reality, no matter how hard it is, is something you just have to do.

A man set in his ways, Gr'm isn't one to change his mind on many matters. He has certain ways that he has done things for years, ways that he has always worked. It's kept him alive, kept him safe as well as those that are around him, why would he think of changing anything now. Not allowing too much emotional attachment, Gr'm has always been a very clear-headed individual. He thinks things through, taking into account the consequences of actions, though that does not make him a slow thinker either. He just normally doesn't have many things clouding his decisions.
Positive Trait List: Protective, Loyal, Clear-Headed
Negative Trait List: Callous, Gruff, Rigid
History: Gr'm wasn't lucky enough to be born into Weyrlife. Instead he entered life to a very boring set of parents. Born in High Reaches Hold, his mother and father both worked in the fishcraft. When he was old enough, his mother and father conscripted him into joining their work, while the young man worked dutifully, it wasn't what he really wanted to do. He spent his time working, learning what he could but at the age twenty he decided to leave home and try to find his own way.

While travelling he ended up with a group of mercenaries, working for those who needed them to protect their wares or certain people. Working to protect others was great and he felt as if he found some calling. He ended up being conscripted by one minor holder to become a bodyguard for the man's teenager daughter, spending his time shadowing her.

It was during this job, while at a hatching at High Reaches, that everything changed. Standing as stiff as a statue, not really paying attention to the dragonets that were hatching, when he heard his name called. His eyes instantly went to look at his charge but she was too busy cooing over the little dragons on the sands. Gr'mmine, you do not need to stand there so. Come join your Praetoth, so that we may protect more then just a couple of people! The realization that the voice was one only he could hear hit the man as he turned his eyes upon the sands. There was a muscular bronze hatching just, staring up at him, clearly unable to truly climb into the sands.

It was the first impulsive action the man had ever taken. He jumped down onto the sands, feeling his knees and ankles protest but he moved to the hatchling, seeing those whirling rainbow eyes. He had never even heard stories of what an impression might be like, never even dreamed that one day he might get the chance and now, here it was.

The two were a formidable force, both united in their wish and urge to protect the weyr and Pern as a whole. Although Thread had not returned, they believed what High Reaches said and fell into their rolls dutifully. The strict rules and rolls fit Gr'm and reminded him of the mercenary band he had worked for, there was a certain way to how things were done, a certain hierarchy that was followed. You held yourself to a standard above others, you took care of those that you could but you did not coddle them and baby them.

Gr'm served in the wings and applied to be a candidate master assistant. He was a bit tougher on the candidates then some of the others, they were going into this and would become fighters if they impressed, they needed to know what was awaiting them. They could not shy away from death and despair, because it would be around every corner.

With Thread returned, the pair went into the fighting with vim and vigor. This is what they were made to do after all and both are prepared for the time that their life is ended. Until then, they plan on helping mold the next generation as best as they can.
What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Praetoth(34)
What's their color? Bronze(But brown works too!)
Dragon Personality: While not as gruff as his rider, Praetoth does share the man's deep drive to protect. It's probably what most of his drive comes from. Ever since he hatched the bronze has known that he was made to protect his weyr and Pern from the enemy, even while it slept. If that means also protecting it from those that would cause damage, then so be it.

A bit softer then Gr'm is, Praetoth is always willing to be a shoulder for some to come and cry or vent things too. He knows his rider is a bit closed off and not willing, or wanting, to let the candidates grieve upon him. Praetoth will always be there to offer a welcoming wing to anyone, be they an adult, a child or another dragon.

Praetoth can be very single-minded. He focuses on one thing and has a hard time shifting gears from that. Most of the time that focus is upon protecting and it can make it easier that he just has to change who he is protecting. But if you expect the dragon to have quick ideas or even act impulsively, it won't happen very often.

How long have they been Candidatemaster Second? Not long, was picked along with the new Candidatemaster

Why were they picked for the position? Being clear-headed as he is, as loyal as he is towards the weyr, Gr'm was picked for his ability to tell things like it is and not sugar-coat or hide anything from the candidates. This isn't a playground to run around in while you are waiting for your dragon, after all.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? It's their true purpose, they fight it with all the energy they have.

How do they feel about their students? They are soldiers in the making, yes many of them are still children but they entered into this and they should know exactly what they are getting into. While he is protective of them, they are his soldiers, he does not coddle them.

What is their teaching style? a mix of lecture and hands on learning. He believes that you need to know what you are getting into and especially need to know what is expected of you. He is also not afraid to have them do exercise as a punishment or even just an activity, they need to be in shape, after all.

One of your Candidates is missing from their bed. It's past curfew, and while the rest of the Candidates are asleep -- or at least quieted down and in their beds -- someone has given you the slip. This isn't their first offense, either. How do you search for them? What do you do when you find them? What is their punishment, if anything?

Walking along the candidate's rooms, checking their beds after curfew was something that Gr'm always did. A habit with a protective drive to make sure they were all where they were suppose to be, where he trusted them to be. Perhaps that was why his eyes narrowed as he noticed one of the beds was made in such a way that was clearly a hurried attempt to make it seem as if a body was there. It wasn't the lad's first time to do this, to sneak out after curfew but Gr'm had found himself hoping it would have been the last.

Praetoth...he's out again. The bronze stirred from his own perch, eyes scanning the area before he noticed a shadow sneaking through the weyrbowl, trying to make its way back. It seems he is on his way back, Gr'mmine. Do try to not to be so intimidating. A grunt was all the dragon got in reply as the man moved to the entrance.

The boy thought he was slick, slowly slinking his way in until he ran headfirst into Gr'm's chest. Dark eyes stared down at the boy who was holding an arm full of sweets. No sympathy showed in the man's face, even as he knew that the boy did this because of where he had been searched from, not being use to having food so readily, afraid that it would disappear. "Faroze...I've told you before there is no need to sneak out to steal sweets. We will not stop feeding you." The boy was looking down bashfully, clearly ashamed. "Drop what you have, come with me." There was a tension in his body but he did as he was told, following Gr'm out of the barracks.

The man stretched his arms before bending down and stretching his legs. "Since you have enough energy to get out of bed. It seems like a run is in order." Faroze stared at the man. "A-at this time...sir?" Gr'm just nodded his head and took off, with the young boy trying to follow behind. The young man wasn't a bad candidate, he did good in his lessons, his only fault was this one habit he couldn't seem to break. If that was the case, Gr'm would make the boy run before bed, make all the candidates run before bed, if it would exhaust them so much they wouldn't even think about sneaking out.

A Hatching has come and went. While you are now down 30 some Candidates, there are many sad, depressed, and upset faces. Worse, there's one lad in particular who will be aged out within the sevenday. He knows this, you know this, and unless a gold get shiny reeeeal soon -unlikely-, this was probably his last shot at Impression. What do you do? What do you say to the Candidates, if anything? What do you say to that holdbred lad? Do you tell him it's time to pack up? Do you let him stay on for awhile?

The sad and depressed faces after a hatching wasn't really what Gr'm was use to dealing with. He wasn't the cuddly type, the soft type. They all knew there was a chance they wouldn't find theirs at this hatching and many of them still at other chances at finding theirs. This was only a small setback for them and they would go back to weyr life, working towards their goal and the next hatching. While yes, there was one young man who did have the right to be a bit more depressed, he would not get the chance at another hatching, he would be aged out soon.

"You all knew there was a chance you would not find yours this day. I know it is disappointing, but you cannot let it mar you. Continue to look forward to your next chance." He dismissed the candidates, more then aware that his words weren't exactly the best comfort. He moved to the young man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Javid....Come with me."

Walking away from the other candidates, Gr'm watched the young man, seeing how his posture and everything was just so deflated. "You've done well as a candidate. That will be over in the next sevenday, but you will have a grace period of a month to get everything in order. We won't just kick you out. You may even stay at the weyr and work if you wish to." Dismissing the lad, Gr'm watched him walk away, letting out an sigh. This was not his area of expertise.  

[Sweet Symmetry]

Welcome to the Weyr!

What's their Name? Qiana
Which role is that again? Candidatemaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? Western
How old are they? 28

Personality:
Down-to-earth and sensible, Qiana is a font of positivity and goodness. She has strong nurturing instincts, coupled with a desire to see folks flourish. Gifted with a great sense of community spirit, she revels in the success of others, and enjoys a good celebration of the Weyr’s achievements. This can have its drawbacks, too, for she is firm in her adherence to the Council’s vision of how Western should be represented and run, and hard on those who do not measure up to her- or their- expectations. Expect Qiana’s mother-like disappointment and her need to set people straight to manifest at some point- especially for the more wayward candidates.

On the surface, she is a sociable, jovial woman who enjoys good conversation, light banter, and playful flirting. Though she has a temper, it is less rage and more ire and snippiness. She is the type to hold a long grudge unless the recalcitrant party makes it up to her in earnest. Jokes ought to be of the verbal kind- practical ones are not quite as appreciated, especially if she is their target. She has a good understanding of people, and a great deal of compassion and empathy for those who are a more permanent fixture in her life. She’ll never think badly of anyone- not unless she has been given a reason to do so.

With strong ties to her family and a natural-born ability to be a social butterfly and fit in, Qiana is devoted to most folk as long as she trusts and respects them. Very little sways her opinion: she’s quite set in her ways, despite her youthful energy. However, she has a tendency to be a little too intrusive, sometimes even overbearing. This stems from her slightly skewed perception of others: they they need her protection, and the best way she can serve them is by supervising them, and making sure they’re on the right path.

Qiana shows cleverness through her ability to adapt and her varied skill set. She has a green thumb and a good knowledge of plants; she knows how to run a domestic home, from darning to cooking to medical assistance; and possesses strong survival instincts, with a grounding in hunting and beast-tending. There is little that she couldn’t put her mind to and achieve, and Qiana is the kind of woman to do just so. She strives for self-improvement and wants to be the best that she can be, for both herself and her Weyr. She expects the same drive from others.

Beneath the surface, she is a woman who loves her creature comforts and a warm, cosy hearth. Qiana has a nostalgic love for her old life, and dreams of a day when she can retire to a lovely little residence of her own, surrounded by her loved ones. Deep down, this young woman has a bit of a materialistic streak that makes her very house-proud. She likes decorating and furnishing her own quarters with goods her hard-earned marks can acquire, and enjoys fancy clothing as well. Fine wine is a must for any event, and she enjoys the luxuries afforded to her by her hard work and rank. Sure, there are those who might disapprove… but shaffit, every day is a day to die- might as well enjoy the ones you get to live for.

Positive Trait List: Jovial - Resourceful - Devoted - Compassionate
Negative Trait List: Mama hen - Materialistic - Stubborn - Inflexible principals

History:
Born in Keroon Hold to farmer parents, Qiana’s life was mapped out for her at a very young age: become a farmer, marry well, raise a family. Follow in her parents’ footsteps, yadda yadda, the whole shebang.

And she was perfectly content with it. Life was good. Keroon was flourishing. The runners it produced were renowned all over Pern. Its fields were bountiful. Life was idyllic for young Qiana, who fit in well with her peers and friends- including a fosterling by the name of Dhawsn, who seemed as easy-going and as pleasant as she was.

Although the official Farmcraft Hall was at Nerat, Qiana stayed on at Keroon and learnt farming from her parents. She had a way with plants that brought them great pride and pleasure: a true girl after their own hearts. She also tended to the herds in nearby grazing pastures, and enjoyed the friendship of folks learned in the Beastcraft. She was disappointed when Dhawsn was sent to the Smithhall at Telgar, but she was also glad that he’d found his thing.

A thing found her, too. Well- not so much a thing as a Searchrider. She was seventeen when she accepted to go to the Weyr, much to the disappointment of her parents. Though initially Searched for Igen, she volunteered to go to Western when they were in need of candidates. At age twenty, her luck on the sands changed.

A small white dragonet sought her out without hesitation, eyes whirling rainbows. Now, see- this is why I like you! You’ve just got the biggest smile. And look at those dimples. Yes. You’re perfect, Qiana. Now, please feed your Amairrith, before she wastes away. The drawling, self-pitying whine wrapped around her mind, kindling a surge of love that would never ever be matched. Qiana was overjoyed: she had finally found her soulmate: her pesky, sassy, adorable, eccentric dragon-half.

And so began their wonderful partnership: Amairrith was both sweet and sour, a precocious, precious firecracker dragon who tolerated no one’s runner-poo. With Qiana’s easy-going, gentle nature to guide her, she found a sort of balance to her volatility that helped make her an asset to the Wings. Qiana herself thrived in training- the daily routine appealed to her Holdgirl senses. She fell more and more in love with Amai each passing day. Her dragon’s passion only enhanced her own love for life- and the two grew both more tempestuous and mature as their bond solidified.

At twenty-five, the pair were nominated for the position of Candidatemaster Second. They were delighted to accept: Qiana, in the hopes that she might help those who needed it, and guide candidates into becoming riders, and Amairrith, who harboured a desire to collect the best and brightest dragon-hopefuls out there, so that once they became important and respected dragonriders, they would remember who had taught and praised them so highly.

Thread began to fall when she was in her twenty-sixth Turn. It decimated many Holds, including Keroon, and Qiana received news that her parents had perished in that first, unexpected Fall. Though their relationship had grown frosty since she had accepted Search- and Impressed- she still grieved their passing a great deal, filled with regrets that their parting had not been on better terms, and that she hadn’t tried harder to mend the bond between them.

Amairrith carried her through her sorrow, determined to bring her rider back to life. She encouraged her to be mindful of her space, to create their own sanctuary within their weyr that catered to their sophisticated tastes. At first, Qiana did so just to placate and please her dragon; but she soon found herself enjoying the plush luxury that came of saving marks and buying new bedfurs, or commissioning a new dress or a small tapestry of her dragon. It was the sort of innocent folly that served both as distraction and passion, and Qiana found herself craving more things in her life.

Nowadays, life consists of duties and Threadfighting. Qiana is happy- as happy as she can be, really. She has Amairrith, a flower garden, her precious things, and a noble purpose in life- that’s all a person needs, right? Of course. She dares not let herself think about the possibility of having children of her own, as secretly as she might desire them. Qiana fears that it would be an inconvenience to a whole lot of people… besides which, it is not an easy thing to accomplish when riding a fighting dragon, either… Nevertheless, life is good. Qiana doesn’t complain.

With the recent delivery of Consequences, life has gotten a little more… awkward. Qiana feels very personally responsible for the failings of the Western candidates, though she believes it is a matter that can be resolved with better communication, and is determined to get to the root of the problem no matter what. Amairrith, on the other hand, is regretful that other Queens have scorned Western so- and is also infuriated that some dragons are just so rude. Oh, it would be so much easier if everybody could just get along...

Other: Medigel has pre-approved the Dhawsn mention!

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Amairrith
What's their color? White (female)

Dragon Personality:
A Queen born with a snow-white hide, Amairrith is a precious pumpkin dragon who is also somewhat temperamental and moody. According to her view of the world, she sits at the highest rung of the ladder, with a strongly hidden belief that folks venerate the ground upon which she walks. It's not that she's more special than any other dragon- no, all dragons are equal and lovely regardless of their hide… it's that she is simply the most beautiful, the most breathtaking, the most brilliant dragon ever to grace Pern; naysayers be damned to Between.

Despite her vanity, she isn't superficial, not by a long shot. She has a genuine love for friends and peers. Though she enjoys flattery, she is keen on reciprocity too, and full of compliments for those she feels deserve them. She makes a good friend and confidant for those in need of an ear.

Amairrith can be quite clever when the situation calls for it; with a creative mind and a love for games, she is inventive and brilliant in the way she manages her candidates and friends. This dragon loves play, although is less fond of competitions- there’s no need to get testy, really. And certainly no need to fight. Barbaric, really. Such a lack of civility and manners...

She does have a tendency to gossip, and her mercurial moods are often the cause for her demonising some poor soul or another; look at poor Xanarth, his hide has been so dull lately... He's probably wracked by guilt for being a lazy lump of a dragon in such trying times.. Amai holds nothing back: when she feels she’d been wronged, she becomes insidious in her plotting of the other’s downfall. Oh, she'll be sweet to your face, but Amairrith should never be underestimated. Fortunately she is easily distracted by her next vendetta, and will quickly forget her old enmity for something new.

Amairrith has a collector’s eye for all manners of things: shiny objects, pretty objects, fancy objects, people, food… People are her favourite: she can be quite proud of her ‘collection’, from the strange and eccentric, to the dashingly handsome or breathtakingly pretty, from clever to kind and the exceptionally talented as well. She is amused by humans and their odd behaviour, which she perceives as very different to herself and her rider. Qiana, after all, is a living paragon of perfection.

How long have they been Candidatemaster Second?
Three Turns!

Why were they picked for the position?
Qiana has a love of life despite its challenges, and an enduring love for people and the community as a whole. She is motherly in her own strange way- the auntie you might never have realised you needed (or wanted). She has a strong shoulder to lean or cry upon, but a firm grip on the rules and how to enforce then. Amairrith is especially fond of people- because she likes to collect them. The candidates are hers and no harm will befall them. If they mess up, she takes it very personally and will follow them around until they fix their mistake- or make sincere and frequent promises to her that they will. It's been known to be effective, if slightly… troubling.

They have a lot of selfless dedication to the Western council, and an easy-going nature that enables them to fit in well, adapting quickly to almost every situation. They are a dependable pair, and a good balance of nurturing and strict (perhaps almost obnoxiously so, in cases where a person doesn’t want help but may need it more than they realise).

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned?
To this day, Thread still has a devastating impact on Pern. Any candidate who willingly accepts to Stand must- must- understand the consequences of their actions. They must realise exactly what they have signed up to do. Now more than ever, candidatemasters, as well as their assistants and seconds, must help candidates realise and reckon with themselves: there is no place for mistakes.

Qiana is serious about this. She believes in Western’s more equalist visions, and wholeheartedly backs A’ral and the rest of the council. No candidate can be left to falter lest disgrace or worse befall the Weyr. So she is adamant that she will do whatever it takes to help them come to terms with their place on Pern- as both candidates and potential dragonriders. In her opinion, there is no higher honour than risking everything to protect others, and she will make certain that other folk see it that way.

How do they feel about their students?
Qiana and Amairrith are both extremely fond of their candidates, as well as emotionally invested. That said, they are definitely able to distinguish between being a compassionate leader and a strict teacher: Qiana knows when to set rules and boundaries for her charges, and when to enforce punishment. She also understands the pressure that falls on their shoulders, and wants them to understand that they can speak up, that it is okay to voice concerns and fears. It is okay to be afraid- as long as one doesn’t walk onto those sands and spread that fear to the hatchlings…

Having a good supply of happy, well-adjusted and high-morale candidates ensures that the future generation of dragonriders will be strong and tough enough to cope with the pressures of increasingly dangerous Threadfall.

What is their teaching style?
Qiana enjoys placing emphasis on transparent and open communication, and will often do group lessons and activities that encourages bonding and friendship between the candidates. Amairrith likes to think up games for her candidates as well- but they are sometimes overcomplicated, and more often than not involve running through obstacle courses searching for treasure. They approach teaching with a mixed style, but Qiana will encourage them to bond with others and herself. Lessons are important, but she also likes to encourage people to speak up and discuss their expectations and experiences.

One of your Candidates is missing from their bed. It's past curfew, and while the rest of the Candidates are asleep -- or at least quieted down and in their beds -- someone has given you the slip. This isn't their first offense, either. How do you search for them? What do you do when you find them? What is their punishment, if anything?

Qiana sighed in silence, dousing the glows in the basket as she left the barracks. Missing. Again.

Who? Oh, oh no. Not the fluffy haired boy. He promised. He told me no more nighttime wanderings. Ooooh, I’m so angry right now, I think I could drop him Between!

Calm yourself, sweet thing. Just tell me where I can find him, and I’ll handle it.

He’s in the kitchens. No doubt stealing, like the ruffian that he is…

Qiana filtered out her dragon’s savage displeasure, letting the white cool her heels in silence. This wasn’t the first, or even second time, that Natonan had left his cot well past curfew. She ran a hand through black hair as she strode towards the kitchens. Homesickness? Some kind of rebellious act? A dare? A way of coping with pressure? The thoughts swirled in her mind as she took another left, then hung in the doorway, watching the curly-haired youth stuff breadrolls into a small bag.

“Hungry, are we?”

He started, dropping a few, before shuffling around to face her.

“Nat, this is the third time. We went over this the first time, and then the second time. You cannot be out of bed after curfew.”

“I just- it’s...”

Qiana cut him off, lifting a hand as she straightened up. “Your punishment will be extra latrine duties for two sevendays, on top of your current chores. And I’ll have to report you to A’ral.” She paused, her brows almost drawing a single line across her oval face as her frown intensified. “Why are you stealing food? We give you leave to eat as much as you need to at every meal. Something’s amiss.”

“It’s…” His voice shook here, but some kind of determination flickered through his mind, for his grip on his bag tightened. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“You haven’t even tried to explain. I’m not letting you let yourself off the hook. Try again.”

“I… my mother is starving, okay? She’s starving on the streets of Rivercrest, and here we are with bread that goes stale each night… Shaffit, Qiana-”

“Candidatemaster Second, or Ma’am, but go on.”

He faltered a little here, pierced by her unwavering dark stare. “Ma’am… It’s hard. The Weyr has so much and we… we have so little back home.”

“This is your home, Natonan. When you agreed to Search, you agreed to serve Western Weyr to the best of your ability. Is this how you choose to do your best? By stealing behind the backs of its leaders? By not sharing the plight of those you care about with those who might be able to help you? Do you think we’d let your mother starve if you told us?”

“Why would you take in my mother?” He fought back, the tremble still in his voice, although more out of remorse than fear. Her words had struck a chord, as much as he still wanted to be righteous and vindicated in his theft.

“Everybody has something they can bring to the table. Western has need of folk who can work hard. Tomorrow, after your first shift of latrine duty, you can report to myself and A’ral and we can discuss the possibility of bringing your mother on at the Weyr, depending on her skills, or ensuring her safety at Rivercrest.” Qiana knew she couldn’t outright offer a home to a woman she didn’t know, but she’d be damned if she let Nat think she wouldn’t try her hardest to do what was right by his mother. She hoped A’ral would see reason in this case... and that she hadn’t overstepped her privileges.

But Natonan was clinging to the hope she had laid in foundation, and though his face was still pale and drawn, a shadow of a smile graced his features. “Thank you, Ma’am. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“And don’t dawdle on your way to bed. Amairrith has half a mind to drop you Between, and she has a fierce temper.”

The boy paled a little more, but the sack of rolls was left behind as he trotted out of the kitchens and back to the barracks.

A Hatching has come and went. While you are now down 30 some Candidates, there are many sad, depressed, and upset faces. Worse, there's one lad in particular who will be aged out within the sevenday. He knows this, you know this, and unless a gold gets shiny reeeeal soon -unlikely-, this was probably his last shot at Impression. What do you do? What do you say to the Candidates, if anything? What do you say to that holdbred lad? Do you tell him it's time to pack up? Do you let him stay on for awhile?

As A’ral finished debriefing the remaining candidates, Qiana studied their faces. There was more than one crestfallen look amongst them, but one in particular stood out. “Varin, would you mind stopping by my office for a moment?” Voice soft, she met his gaze, her dark brown eyes gentle and kind. He gave a nod, glancing at his feet as he followed her down a corridor and into a small room.

Qiana gestured to one of the padded wooden seats, pouring two cups of tea from a recently-brewed pitcher. She pushed one towards him.

“I grow some of the herbs I used for this brew. It’s supposed to encourage calmness.” She offered, with a smile. She sipped her own cup, slipping into the opposite seat.

The young man gave a nod, and took a long draught of the drink. There was a little more than herbal tea in his cup, but it would do him good, tonight, to relax.

“It’s hard, being a candidate. You never know what will happen on those sands, and despite all of your preparation, the worst might happen anyway.” She began, her voice gentle and warm. Varin sipped his drink, silent, though the tension was leaking from his shoulders. “Over the Turns, you’ve proven yourself an asset to this Weyr, Varin. I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am now. You’ve never given up, despite the challenges and hardship.”

He looked up here, gave a slight nod as he met her gaze, then bowed his head over the tea and drank more.

“I know you’re from Western Hold, and I believe you still have family there…” She began, her words careful and measuring as she gauged his reaction. He looked up, a slight look of fear on his face. “You have choices and time, both. Western Weyr will never turn down a hard worker such as yourself, so you will always have a home here. Your skills in healing will forever be useful, no matter where you choose to go, or whatever happens…” She laced her fingers and rested her chin upon them, gazing at him. “If you wish to stay at the Weyr, then you would be more than welcome.”

He gave a nod, coughing to hide the sob that threatened to break the last of his composure.

“Well… I’m always here, and the door will always be open to you. I hear there’s a good vintage hidden in the kitchens, if that’s something that will help you get through tonight. I’m sure the others will help you celebrate as well…” Her smile quirked a little, a glint of mischief in her brown eyes. Varin still wore a look of shock, but there was a flicker of understanding.

“It was good tea. Thank you, Qiana.” He nodded in appreciation, and stood, trailing out of the room cup still in hand.  

[Sweet Symmetry]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name O’dyn, formerly Xorridyn
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? Western Weyr
How old are they? 41

Personality:
O’dyn had always imagined himself a strong man: intelligent, they had said, and outstandingly moral and brave. The kind of man whose face would be on propaganda posters, were it some old Earth war movie; the kind of man a loving partner would look to in times of need. He was a hero in his own mind. That, in turn, made him reckless in his youth. Confident and self-assured, O’dyn never felt challenged by anything or anyone. He never felt afraid. Not until he thought he’d lost almost everything that mattered.

As a boy, Xorridyn was gutsy: a lot of his natural-born curiosity is still alive today. O’dyn has a quick mind, and adapts to new situations well. The man has a fondness for humour- silly jokes, and especially dad jokes now that he is older. He’s the kind of fellow who would answer “hello hungry” when pestered for food. He’s also the kind of man who delights in leisure time, for there is never enough time, in his opinion, to appreciate the world as it is. He is filled with an endearing (and enduring) joie-de-vivre.

But he is also a man who has known loss and hardship. He has been shaped by them, his once indomitable, naive spirit now hardened by life’s cruel lessons. Strict and morally righteous, his personal code of ethics and principles guides him on a daily basis: this is part of what drives him to be a better person, to get up out of bed and face the day even if the worst has yet to come. He is rather gentlemanly and courteous, preferring to treat everyone with a great amount of respect until they have proven themselves dishonourable.

The other part of what drives him is feeling needed, which he obtains by protecting his rather extensive ‘family’. His wingmates, his children, his friends, the fosters from the creche- any lost or wandering soul is just another innocent person who needs him. Because of this, he can be quite intrusive- sticking his nose in other people’s business, offering unsolicited advice… and perhaps, worst of all, holding others to his own personal standards, and especially his moral code of honour. O’dyn has cultivated a tone that brooks no argument; he expects those under his direct care to obey him, because he believes he knows best, and that he has seen and imagined every mistake that might happen. Don’t look for trouble, don’t go picking fights… his uncompromising ways, on this subject, can cause friction.

There are those who appreciate his steadfast dedication to others, and value the weighty sacrifice he would be willing to make on their behalf. O’dyn is known to throw himself into the fray to intervene in more physical squabbles, and the reckless abandon with which he treats his life has been a notable lifelong companion. He is caring, compassionate, and good at listening to those who see past his ‘papa-bear’ facade and put up with his more controlling tendencies. After a while, it becomes a matter of simply nodding and cherry-picking which bits of his advice you might wish to follow.

He has a strong grip on his emotions, and rarely, if ever, shows them in public. Oh, he has a jovial, pleasant, joking facade, and he can be curt and final when he decides to intervene in a dispute; but no sadness. No fear. No guilt. He has no time for personal weakness- not when every day is a new challenge to do right by his family. Besides, he wants to be the rock people lean on in times of need, and rocks are usually good at not breaking. His iron will stops any cracks from showing in this permanent mask, and very few ever see the brokenhearted man beneath the warm smile.

The survivor’s guilt complex is an ever-present shadow at the back of his mind. He works tirelessly to rid himself of it, to feel equal to the gift that is his life, and at times may burn the candle at both ends to see his task complete. He can be a little bit self-destructive in that regard, and may require some intervention- from Ansheth, or others- to keep himself from burnout or exhaustion. Still, O’dyn takes a great amount of pride in his work, and the only job worth doing is a job well done. His high standards are applied to those under his care, too: through masterful use of guilt-trips and well-practiced disappointed-looks, he pushes others to excel. Harshness it not always the best teacher, in his opinion, though he has no qualms in delivering a sobering dose of reality with calculated words and a cool tone.

Positive Trait List: protective - brilliant sense of humour - brave - family-inclined
Negative Trait List: overbearing - reckless - guarded - deep-seated guilt complex

History:
Trigger warning: violence, death

Born the only child of Bluerider O’ric and Greenrider Seidy, Xorridyn grew up at Western Weyr surrounded by dragons. He was given over to the creche as an infant, but was one of the privileged whose parents made an effort to visit him. From a tender age, he was instilled with a love for large families: surrounded by weyrbrats, weyrfolk and riders, Xorridyn was never alone. Family- blood and chosen- were the most important thing in his world.

He grew into a confident young man, whose natural charisma and sense of fun drew folks to him. He wasn't necessarily a born leader: he was content in following orders if he understood the sense behind them, and his questions never came from a place of rebellion, but curiosity. He was a bright man in Harper lessons, but was drawn to a more physical life. At twelve, he apprenticed to a smith stationed at Western Weyr, despite recommendations to choose the Harper or Healercraft. His interest was not only in learning to become a blacksmith, but also learning swordsmanship- which twelve-Turn-old Xorridyn thought was the coolest. It wasn't the coolest thing on Pern- he still possessed the naive, youthful fantasies of being a dragonrider.

At fourteen, he embraced his weyrborn, rider-blood privileges and took the opportunity to Stand. It was not the first, nor the second hatching, that made Xorridyn’s dream come true, but the third. As the hot sands burned the soles of his feet, a large, whitish egg rocked back and forth before positively exploding, showering nearby neighbours with egg fragments.

I do beg your pardon. Forgive me, please, that was quite an upset. Shan’t happen again. Oh, oh O’dyn... your Ansheth hopes he wasn’t too late. Let’s hurry and eat, shall we? There's so much to do!

The bronze was an animated creature, straight from the shell, and moved as though Rukbat would never rise on tomorrow. Ansheth added a great deal of energy and purpose to O’dyn’s life, shaping his desires into something more tangible: rising through the ranks of the Weyr, becoming a man to be respected and beloved by its inhabitants…

And for five Turns, that was exactly what they strove for. They flourished in training, soaking up lessons and learning and putting in extra practice. When they graduated, they were ready and willing to take up whatever duty the council leaders assigned them.

And then, sometime in his twentieth Turn, O’dyn fell in love with a beautiful yet enigmatic woman at a Gather in Rivercrest. Ansheth was more than amenable to the idea of travelling and seeing the world. Oh, he deeply, truly loved his Weyr, but there was a great, vast Pern out there that had yet to reveal all of its secrets. His curiosity could not be satisfied with recounts from books or Harper stories.

Denyna was the daughter of a rather wealthy merchant man called Deskyn, whose caravan served part of the Western trade routes. O’dyn signed on to work with them, leaving Western with little more than a ‘I have to see about a woman,’ and a promise to someday return. Ansheth would hold him to it, if nothing else.

His courtship with Denyna was formal and slow, given that they lived under the watchful gaze of their fellow caravaners. Yet, they would steal precious moments away, soaring over the western landscape astride Ansheth, soaking up a whole new world that encompassed the three of them. Eventually, Deskyn approved their union, and at age twenty-three they had their first child together: a daughter, whom they called Orryxa. Two Turns later, Denyna gave birth to a son they named Dennox. Parenting was now a full-time adventure, although he balanced fatherhood with scout and caravan duties whilst Denyna continued her harpering and mothering their children.

It all came to an abrupt and sudden end when, one warm summer’s day in his thirty-first Turn, the caravan was ambushed. O’dyn and Ansheth had been scouting ahead, but the armed thieves had taken cover in a copse, waiting for their passage before striking. Ansheth heard the clamour of fighting, as well as Denyna’s cries for help, and returned Between to assist them.

O’dyn didn’t think as he leapt down from his dragon’s back, giving the bronze his head to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible upon the attackers. He drew his own sword and jumped into the fray, the rush of blood and adrenaline clouding his vision. The caravaners eventually won- but not without great personal loss: both Deskyn and Denyna were amongst the dead, and a number of others were wounded or deceased as well. When the red tinges faded from his vision, and news of his beloved’s death being delivered to him, O’dyn inexperienced the single most horrifying moment of rage in his life.

He was consumed by it. Even Ansheth couldn’t intervene, nor drag him back from his fury. The bronze dragon merely followed as O’dyn pursued the last remaining, fleeing bandits on foot. He discovered their encampment concealed in a cave formation at the foot of a hill, and slaughtered those who opposed with no regard for honour of his personal code of conduct. Some fought back, but he had left the rational part of humanity behind and throw himself into the abyss of madness and despair. It was during this fight that he lost vision in his left eye, a glancing swing from a sword that left a long scar down his face and blinded him in the process.

Silence fell, or Ansheth dragged him out; O’dyn remembers only the anger leaking out as his body screamed in pain. He remembers fear and anxiety leaving lead weights in his stomach, freezing his blood as he scrambled to board his dragon and return to the caravan… his children, his friends… the sight of carnage that greeted him turned his stomach, but he steeled himself against his own weakness and bundled the survivors aboard his dragon, ushering them back to Western Weyr- the mental image as familiar as it was comforting.

Ansheth’s surprise and sudden appearance was met with confused bugles of greeting from the Weyr’s watchdragons, but their plight quickly became known as the bronze dragon relayed his rider’s pain to the Weyr’s leaders. Healers flocked to attend the group in the weyrbowl. Through numbed pain and a hazy mind, O’dyn begged and pleaded that his caravan-family be given sanctuary at the Weyr, offering any and all of his services until his final breath. Memories of that particular conversation are blurry and inconsistent as well- but the caravanners were given protection.

He spent a few sevendays recovering in the infirmary, adjusting physically to the loss of half of his eyesight. Ansheth did not leave his side in the meantime, and his children, 8 and 5, were cared for by Western’s creche workers. The loss of his wife was much harder for him to process, and it was only the Weyr leadership’s delivery of constant, physical work that kept him from dwelling.

Gradually, over the Turns, some of the caravanners dispersed across Western, returning to Holds, or moving back to the northern continent instead.

O’dyn grew extremely protective of both Orryxa and Dennox, though he knew the Weyr would look out for his family as well. He vacillated between overbearing and wanting to pull back, hoping they would grow to find independence and joy in their own time. To this day, he reminds them that he is always there for them if they need him, and tries to limit his interference to mild and minor unwanted advice. Gone are the days when he would have hourly checkups with the creche workers- now he just finds himself having infrequent chats with their supervisors instead…

It took Turns of rigorous training to adjust to his half-vision, but he was invited back into the Wings after a Turn and a half, having proved himself capable and competent at every basic skill. He became known, once more, for his enduring good humour and his calm level-headedness, though he hid his sorrow beneath a smile, and only barely recalls the memory of his killing. Fighting waves of guilt and shame, he nonetheless presented the facade of a well-adjusted rider, companionable, social and caring. Ansheth’s steady presence was a boon and a balm, and without his dragon O’dyn wasn't sure he would have survived. Still, it was pain for the two of them, and the two of them alone.

With the return to Thread, O’dyn and Ansheth have become even more active, and slightly more cautious and protective of their wingmates. In recent times, he was offered the position of Weyrlingmaster Second, partially given his aptitude for learning fighting skills despite the physical challenge of being blind in one eye, but also because he volunteered to mentor those who were struggling, if they so desired it. His caring nature made him popular with those who needed a pillar to lean on, but the leadership also knew that he was not a man to be trifled with: his strength came from an unbreakable spirit and a loving heart.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Ansheth
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Bronze

Dragon Personality:
If Pern had ever known the knights and knighthood of feudal Earth, Ansheth might be thought of as one of their illustrious paragons of virtue, desiring to lead the way into a greater, brighter tomorrow. Honourable and loyal, he is devoted to those who have earnt his trust, a friend until the end. He has a great respect for those who lead, regardless of their colour, and may be somewhat blind to their shortcomings due to his unwavering loyalty.

However, he is a very morally principled dragon, and will always endeavour to take the high road. He expects his leaders- and his peers- to do the same. Courteous, with manners befitting a noble Lord, he is diligent in offering his respects to the fairer folk, and honouring those who have fought well in Fall or performed well in Flights or drills. He is a conscientious comrade, and a good ally to have by one’s side, no matter the situation.

Beneath this veneer of bronze authoritarian stuffiness, is a youthful spirit yearning to see the world. Ansheth has a childlike curiosity and a great interest in nature. He marvels at sunsets, he delights in a good hunt, and shows endless fascination for how the world continues to work despite the horrors that befall it. His spirit, like O’dyn’s, cannot be broken by setbacks or obstacles: he is stubbornly, bullishly devoted to the protection of Pern and its inhabitants, and doesn’t judge any single individual for their past mistakes. Afterall, Ansheth has the wisdom to appreciate that it takes all kinds to make a world. He hopes- fervently, passionately believes- that everyone can be redeemed.

His goal is to lead those under his care through danger unscathed; though this is not always possible, and loss must be endured. He unfortunately has a good memory for names, and tends to hold on to those who have passed a little longer than normal. He doesn’t grieve as a human might, but instead becomes more steadfast and single-minded about his duties. He can be quite blunt when he gives advice to those who have erred, but it comes from a place of worry and caution. No costly mistake ought to be repeated.

He is a sociable creature, enjoying conversations and debates with his peers. He has a good sense of diplomatic tact when the situation calls for it, and will happily as mediator between parties. When it comes to Flights, Ansheth enjoys chasing, but secretly harbours the hope of meeting a dragon who would return his affections as ardently as he does. He has seen how love can change and save a person, and he wants that for himself.

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second?
O’dyn and Ansheth have only recently been offered the role.

Why were they picked for the position?
A man devoted and eternally grateful to Western Weyr, the leadership knew O’dyn’s convictions would never falter. He has proven himself resilient even in the face of great tragedy and violence, and his desire to be a good role model for others is obvious in his day-to-day activities and behaviour. O’dyn is also clever and engaging, with a good head on his shoulders. He has a natural affinity for youth, enhanced by his penchant for dad jokes and his gruff, no-nonsense approach to discipline.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned?
Now, more than ever, is the time for dragonriders to do their duty to Pern: O’dyn and Ansheth are very serious about Weyrling Training since Thread has returned, having previously offered to mentor those who were struggling, whilst juggling duties as an active wingrider. Weyrling Training may have only recently become their primary concern, but they have shown some interest in it beforehand, especially having grown up at Western. Now they have an opportunity to pass their teaching and drive to the future of Pern.

How do they feel about their students?
Weyrlings, as a whole, need as much instruction and care as they can get- from the day they Impress to graduation. O’dyn and Ansheth are invested in them not only as people, but as fighters and protectors of Pern. The bronzepair understand that they cannot be coddled, but instead require a firm hand to understand the harsh reality that is Threadfighting. This doesn’t mean O’dyn isn’t fond of them, on a more personal level: he’ll make himself available for consultation at any hour, if they have need of him- he still sees them as a large family unit. He tries not to be too overbearing, and walks a fine line between Dad and Second.

What is their teaching style?
Both O’dyn and Ansheth are more physically-inclined, although lessons will be accompanied with a dose of theory as well. They prefer to keep weyrlings active through exercise, and assigning more theoretical homework in their spare time. They approach teaching with a critical eye, watching for those who might not be so receptive to his methods. O’dyn will go out of his way to address training issues on an individual level.

Quote:

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly.

O’dyn, Kairrath and Tresseth are distressed! Ansheth warned his rider, his voice low and rumbly as per usual.

The man looked up from the paper he was writing, pushing himself out of his chair with a sort of semi-practiced haste. As he flew down the corridors, the sounds of shouts and yelling- and possibly the impact of fist against face- reached him. There was a deep, piercing creel as he burst into the room.

“Have you lost your sharding minds?” He roared, and the majority of the weyrlings, who had either gathered in a circle or were skulking in the corner of the common room, jumped to attention. Some of the weyrlings parted way as O’dyn strode forwards, revealing the sight of two panting weyrlings. Their dragons’ eyes were grey with fear and alarm, heads and tails weaving about their bonded humans.

“Sir-” The young man began, wiping blood from his nose, “he-”

“Silence.” He replied, measuring him with a cold stare. Then his attention slipped to the other figure, who was cradling their jaw as their eye slowly blackened.

“You could have seriously hurt each other- and might have killed your dragons in the process. This is not a game. Come with me.” The fury made his words shake, though they were not weakened for it. Each syllable seemed to strike the lads with their own fury, and they flinched away. Anshe, let Kairrath and Tresseth know it will be okay now. Here, he paused, glad to see that at least a little colour was returning to Kairrath’s eyes, even if Tresseth was still grey herself. “Follow me, and bring your dragons.” They were small enough they could still fit into the infirmary. Meet me outside of the infirmary, and help me soothe Tresseth. She’s very distressed.

The boys moved as one, though O’dyn wasn’t blind to the tension in their bodies, and the way they leaned away from each other in the corridors.

The infirmary provided a small, discrete room with an opening on the weyrbowl, and he drew them in as apprentices tended to their injuries in silence. “What you both did was incredibly stupid- nothing, nothing justifies risking you or your dragons.” The scar on his face itched painfully, but he ignored it, pushing away his own guilt. “Kairrath, Tresseth-” He felt Ansheth settle on the ground outside, flaring his wings and bowing his head in greeting. O’dyn bowed his head to the two young dragonets, his gaze still firm. “You have my authority to bite your riders if they misbehave again. Or call Ansheth, or Orioth- or any of the assistants’ dragons. We’ll come help you immediately.” And here he was relieved to see Tresseth appeared to relax a little, as well. The boys squirmed at these words, but said nothing.

“Your punishment will be a sevenday of extra chores: side by side, washing dishes in the kitchen under Osvren’s supervision. You know of him?” Anybody who had been at the Weyr long enough knew the grouchy, temperamental old cool; and anybody who knew him well enough knew to be afraid. They shot him looks filled with a certain fear.

“No.” Tresseth’s rider squeaked. “I’ll do it alone. I don’t mind.”

“No. The point is for you both to cooperate to not provoke Osvren’s ire. I’ll be stopping by when I find the time to ensure he’s satisfied with your work.” He paused here, glad to see them blanch at the thought. “On top of that, I would like you to write an essay about the moral codes and ethics of being a dragonrider. Consider why the Weyr forbids fighting for riders, and explain why you were wrong to do so.”

He hoped that their shared looks of hopelessness was the first step in bridging the gap between them, but he knew it would take more work. E’rac of Kairrath was hotheaded and stubborn, and I’nay of Tresseth tended to be a little more anxious, if prone to snapping suddenly. If there were behaviour problems that hadn’t been seen in candidacy, now was the time to iron them out, rather than wait until they graduated into the Wings and become uncontrollable. O’dyn knew he would have to approach each boy individually on the subject, but he hoped their time together, and the need to reflect on their actions, would give them the ability to be at least semi-introspective.

Quote:

It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them?

The group of twenty-three stood before him, in ranks and rows, faces of similar levels of drawn paleness. Even the class joker, Ireiya, didn’t have a smile for today. Everybody knew the weather conditions were harsh. There was a sense of urgency that blanketed the fighting Wings as a whole, and no weyrling was immune to the pressure that sat squarely on their shoulders.

“You have trained for this. I can’t remind you enough that you are prepared, each and every one of you.” Liat had done her her duty to them before, but his heart twinged now to see them on the brink of fear. He hoped to pull them back, and reinforce the idea that they were ready. They were riders, like or not. Inexperienced, but ready.

“You have overcome obstacles, both individually and in groups, undergone rigorous physical training, and pushed through intense mental exercises. Now is the time for these teachings to come together, and for all of your shared experience to help you as a unit.” He paused here, glancing at their mature dragons, knowing that their instincts were far more important in those first Falls than anything the poor youngsters remembered of drills.

“Trust in yourself. Trust in your dragon. Trust your fellow riders. Remember your basics- they’re vital.” He gave them a small, reassuring smile- one that fitted so easily onto his scarred face. A flicker of fatherly pride warmed his heart for a moment, and he saw a few tentative smiles returned.

“We’ll be flying in the Four Finger Squadron formation today, beneath the Low Altitude Wing, and above the Queen’s Wing. Our job is to catch stray Thread and to alert the Queens to injured dragons. No. Heroics.” He punctuated the words with a slight waggle of his bushy brows. “The other assistants and myself will be acting leaders. We’ve already approached which weyrlings will be our Seconds, and you all have your group assignments. If you have any questions, it’s now or never.” He waited, taking a deep, silent breath and feeling his own tension slowly come under his control. His smile felt bracing at this stage, and he hoped they were a little more confident, too. Ansheth gave a small rumble, glancing over the gathered dragons. Come, then. It is time for the final checks, riders.  

[Dea and #Teddy#]

Teacher's Gonna Teach!

Characters Name Edalla
Which role is that again? Weyrlingmaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? Western
How old are they? 31
Personality: Growing up with mostly brothers, Edalla had to learn that she had to make things happen. It doesn't help that she is only five feet, so she is always determined to show height does not matter. She throws herself into everything she does, whether it is being the best she can in the air or knowing all she can to bring out the best in their Weyr. This is one woman who won't let her size or anything else stand in her way. If there is something she wants, you better believe that she will make it happen. Nothing and no one will get in her way. If she finds herself in a pickle, she will not give up until she makes her way out of it. This can sometimes come across as her being pushy, since she will not take no for an answer. If someone isn't going to listen to her, then she is going to make them listen. She will keep pressing until someone takes her seriously or does things the way she wants them to be done.

To that end, her determination has led to her being very resourceful, knowing how to think on her feet. She is always looking for new and better ways to do something, whether it is dealing with Thread or organizing her weyr. She loves being able to come up with ways to accomplish things with the materials she has on hand. It has come in handy plenty of times during Threadfall, such as when she has had to plug up a hole in her firestone bag or adjust her straps in mid flight. She always has more than one plan in mind, in case her original one fails. It also helps that she makes sure to be as knowledgeable about her environment and those who make up the world around her. She makes it a point to acquire information about everyone from their leaders down to the drudges. She also works on learning everything about every creature, plant, and craft that she comes in contact with. This woman believes that people never stop learning and you never know when it might come in handy. She will watch like a hawk when the healers are working on a fellow rider or as her wingleader is giving instructions on how they will handle thread that day. Then she takes all she learns and puts it into practice, when the need arises.

Having been looked down on for various reasons, Edalla tends to put on a very frigid front. She will stare someone down with just a look, until she gets them to back off. She isn't very open with her feelings in public, preferring to keep them hidden. It makes her seem very stiff and rigid, like she forgot how to have a good time. Her eyes tend to bore into people, making them feel like they are always being watched. She is someone who is very strict, she will not tolerate people not doing what they are supposed to. This is a woman who takes things very seriously, you better not be screwing around in her presence when you should be working. There are lives at stake and she isn't going to let anyone get away with not pulling their weight. She doesn't care what excuses you may give, when she says something should be done, you better do it. If someone has time to be running their mouth, then they have time to be oiling their dragon. Or someone just tried to pull a bone headed aerial move that could have killed another person, then they better be prepared to be be cleaning up dung.

Edalla is not a woman you want to cross, anger being an emotion she has no trouble expressing anywhere (though she does know when to curb it around her superiors). She has a temper that will knock you flat on your backside, so be wary about getting her upset. They say big things come in small packages and so it is with her in the case of her anger. This is a storm that will not relent until she has made you pay or you have seen the error in your ways. If someone so much as talks about her size or about her dragon, you better believe she is going to give them an earful. No one disrespects her and even less get away with doing so to Moilath. She will make life a living nightmare for anyone who even looks at her the wrong way. Though she may not resort to violence except when absolutely necessary, it doesn't mean that her temper is any less cutting. A person may find it better to be hit than whatever she comes up with for making someone sorry for ticking her off.

Those who can get through her walls and storms, will find that she really is a caring person. She wants the best for everyone, so that is part of the reason she is so hard on others. If someone isn't paying attention to what they are doing, they could wind up hurt or killed, she doesn't want that. She may have to fight for things she wants or needs, but she will do the same for those she cares about too. As much as her brothers may bug her sometimes, she loves them with everything she has. So some may see her as a drill sergeant or vicious person, she is alright with it, if it keeps people safe. And around those she cares about, she can be light hearted, you just have to earn her softer side. She knows how to tease and laugh with those close to her, if people are willing to find a way into her heart. No where will you find that softness more than when she is with her dragon. Moilath is her heart and she would do just about anything for that gentle green of her's.
Positive Trait List: Determined, Resourceful, Knowledgeable, Caring, playful
Negative Trait List: Frigid, explosive temper, strict, pushy
History: Edalla is the second youngest child to a kitchen worker mother and a bronze rider father in Western Weyr. Since her parents have always been hard workers, Edalla was determined to make them proud. Even though she is the shortest of her family and gets teased by her older brothers, she knows her family is always there for her. She started out as any young child, trying to not be in the shadow of her older siblings, full of a playful spirit. Then when she was eight and decided that she wanted to be a trainer of runners, people laughed at her. Some joked that the runner would be training her, instead of the other way around. The little girl was hurt and with tears streaming down her face, headed home. She was even teased about that too, saying how she was a typical girl.

When she got home, she told her family what happened and they told her everything would be alright. Edalla still couldn't understand why people thought it was so funny about what she wanted to do. It was one thing for her brothers to tease her, she knew they wouldn't do it maliciously, that it was always with love. These others, they didn't know her and that made her tears finally turn into anger. She vowed to make those who laughed at her about what she wanted to do eat those words. If that is how people were going to be, then she would just learn to hide her emotions. With her family, she would be like the girl they knew, but others..she would make them work for it.

With determination lighting her way and her parents' blessings, young Edalla went to Keroon to become a runner trainer. Despite the teasing of others, she put everything she could into learning how to help make sure runners could be used for all sorts of tasks or for racing. It was something she enjoyed doing, it gave her a sense of purpose and it was wonderful for her. For her, it was something she could show she was good at, despite being on the shorter side. She continued her studies until she was fourteen and returned to Western Weyr to become a candidate. Like with her training runners, she found some people poking fun at her size, telling her to make sure a dragon doesn't step on her. She didn't let it show that it bothered her, but she knew she would have the last laugh.

It took two turns of her standing, but soon came the day that would change her life. There on the sands was a beautiful green, who looked so delicate and graceful. She felt the green would get a very special rider, she just knew it. However, she didn't have time to see where the green chose to go first, because she soon found a very angry dragon barreling towards where she was standing with some of the other candidates. She wasn't sure which candidate thought something wrong, but she soon found herself on the ground, having to protect her vital organs. That was when suddenly a gentle voice filled her head, asking her brother to please let go with his teeth and claws. With some help from their mother, the bronze finally relented and the green rushed to the young woman's side and nuzzled her, making sure she was still alive. As Edalla looked at the green, she saw the most gorgeous rainbow eyes she could imagine. She had seen impressions before, but she was not prepared for the sweet mind that soon connected to her own. It took healers coming to get her to remind her she had been hurt. Joined by her new green, she waited to be stitched up, refusing to pass out. No, she would not worry her precious green, not for anything.

The next few weeks were spent in the infirmary, on the mend from the hatchling attack. Thankfully, Moilath gave her company and a few people did bring her the homework from classes. The young woman still bears the scars from that day, but it was worth it in finding her dragon and making a few friends. The next turn found her pouring herself in her studies, she wouldn't let anyone laugh at her for being such easy prey for one of the babies dragons. She would learn everything she could to be the best rider she could and maybe make sure she was never caught unaware again. When they finally graduated, she gave all that determination to the wing she was assigned to. For the next five turns, she was fine with just being part of a wing. When she turned twenty one, she decided she wanted to help other Weyrlings become the best they could be. So she applied for Weyrlingmaster Second and has been there ever since, helping to keep those future riders in line.


What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Moilath
What's their Dragon's Color Again? Green
Dragon Personality: Moilath is a gentle green, who will always have a kind word for anyone who crosses her path. If you ever need a spot to cry on, please feel free to use her soft hide. She will let anyone come to her who needs help, willing to give any advice she can. She doesn't care who you are, if you have troubles, she wants to aid you. However, she is usually hesitant on what she sees as interfering. So it is usually best to approach her if you need her, instead of the other way around. She tends to worry to her rider when she sees someone upset, until the woman relents and tells the person to come over to talk. Her uncertainty can also be seen in fighting thread, though she does so want to help everyone stay safe. It takes Edalla's assurance that she is doing a wonderful job, for the green to feel a little better about everything.

Moilath is an optimist, believing there is always a silver lining to every situation. She loves sharing her sunshine with others, showing them that the world isn't as bleak as it can seem. She also is very loyal and devoted, which is shown the most with her rider. She is always there to let her rider know that she is amazing, not to let anyone tell her differently. Anything the woman wants, the green is more than willing to do. She may be scared sometimes, but if her rider needs her, she will do what she can for her.

However, it also makes the green very lonely when her rider has to be away from her, even if for just a short bit. She will bombard Edalla's mind with questions, making sure she is alright and to see how long she will be. If she can, she will always bring a dragon she is close to along or call them to her, just so she has someone to lean against. It can get a little grating, but those who know her, know to be ready for such things.

How long have they been Weyrlingmaster Second? For about ten years now.

Why were they picked for the position? Edalla was picked to become Weyrlingmaster Second because the leaders of Western Weyr knew she wouldn't let any bad behavior slide in the Weyrlings. It didn't matter what color the dragon was that they rode, they would be all treated the same. She would do everything she could to make sure they worked hard and showed that Western was just as good as any other Weyr. Plus, her knowledge of the workings of the weyr and of its people would be important to share with the students. Her resourcefulness would be put to use in getting through to even the hardest heads and to make sure they were ready for any situation.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? Edalla feels her role is even more important now that Thread has returned. Since they will be up there dealing with the silver menace, she feels it is their jobs to make sure they can handle what they will be facing. If they don't guide them, then there will be more casualties, something they cannot afford if they are going to protect Pern. She will not tolerate sloppiness or carelessness, not when all of their lives are at stake. So she may get even more on their case, but she feels it could very well save their lives one day.

How do they feel about their students? Despite how rough Edalla is, she does truly care about the students in their care. She believes each of them have the potential to be great dragon riders, as long as they put the effort into it. After all, the dragons picked them and she knows what it is like to have that happen. She is always there for the Weyrlings, ready to offer advice..even if it may come out in a stern way. She is determined to make sure that as many of them get to graduation as she can, which is why she works them so hard. She is proud of those who manage to survive their training and likes to keep tabs on what they are up to after they are full riders. She may not show it, but she is invested in each life put in her charge and she will be darned to see those lives wasted.

What is their teaching style? Edalla has a very straightforward teaching style, expecting a lot from those under her care. However, she doesn't expect them to come out of the gate knowing everything, so she will make sure to give detailed instructions on how they are to do what they need to do. Not only that, but she will always show them, feeling that sometimes people learn better with their eyes than they do with their ears. Once she feels they should know what to do, she has them practice until she feels they have it down pat. Despite being gruff, she will be with them every step of the way to help them make it through. For those who she finds messing around and not taking their work seriously, she will make sure they have extra chores to do, so they can use that extra energy wisely. She has even gone so far as to take those who do not get it to the healing wing, so they can see what happens when people are not prepared for Threadfall.

Two Weyrlings have been caught fighting in the Barracks. One of them has a bloody nose (possibly broken) and the other a blackeye and missing tooth. Both of their weyrlings are terribly upset. How do you handle this? Please answer ICly. Edalla was doing some paperwork in her Weyr, having just finished some remedial lessons for some of the slower Weyrlings a little bit ago. She expected the Weyrlings should be working on some reading in their barracks, so it gave her time to look over lessons for the next day. She was debating how best to start ground drills, when she felt the gentle nudging against her mind. Looking up, she pushed herself up from her desk and walked out to the ledge, where her dragon's currently yellow eyes met her.

EdallaMine, I am sorry for interrupting your work in there. However, I am really worried, I am sensing something is wrong in the barracks. Hopefully no one got seriously hurt, could you please go check?Moilath pleaded her rider.

Yeah, yeah, I am going, Moilath. I am hoping it isn't that someone tripped over their own two feet or something,Edalla replied back, a sigh of annoyance escaping her lips. However, she walked over to the barracks, knowing her green would be behind her. Once close enough, she heard the distinct sound of fighting, which made her quicken her steps to almost a run. Ducking inside, there she found two of the boys in the middle of a fight, ones she was not surprised at seeing as the source of the trouble.

"V'mon and S'crl, you two better break it up this instant! I expect better from both of you, what has gotten into your heads?"she snapped, her grey eyes flicking between the two. She walked between them and her gaze bore into them like a tunnelsnake through the ground. Despite her being shorter than they were, she was not afraid of being right there, to keep them from throwing anymore punches. Her eyes looked them both over, assessing them for any damage that they might have inflicted on each other. Blood leaking out of the nostril of V'mon and the black ring around S'crl's right eye told her what she needed to know in that department.

"S'crl called me weak, Master Edalla. I was just tryin to show him I wasn't,"V'mon protested.

"Well, he was bothering me when I was trying to read,"S'crl interjected, showing he had also lost a tooth in the tussle. It was clear both of the boys were upset and her green was checking to see if they were alright.

Don't be too hard on them, you know what it is like to be called names, Mine,Moilath interjected, hoping the boys hadn't been injured too badly.

"While I understand it is not fun to be made fun of, V'mon, there is better ways to do things than to resort to violence. Both of you are dragon riders, you need to learn how to work together. And S'crl, if he was bothering you, then you ask him to stop. If he doesn't, then you walk away, you do not punch someone. Since your nose could be broken, I am taking you to the healers, so they can put it back in place. In fact, S'crl since you were responsible, you will be coming with us and getting looked at. Once you are cleared, you will be brought right back to the barracks. And I do hope you two have enjoyed your fun, because I will be making you two work together for the next month. I am sure the healers could use some help, so you will be kindly offering your assistance for the month..do we understand each other?"she asked pointedly.

"Yes Master Edalla,"the boys replied in unison, before they found themselves being dragged to the infirmary to be bandaged up. Moilath was assuring them that it would be wonderful to have a work buddy, that their new chore would go beautifully. Edalla would keep her eye on these two, she was determined to make them learn a very valuable lesson about teamwork.



It is time for your senior weyrlings to fly their first Threadfall. What role do you give them? Will you keep them together or send them off in smaller groups? What are your directions and orders? Do you encourage them? Do you keep a stiff upper lip? This Threadfall is already reported to be nasty with heavy wind conditions and thick clumps. What do you say to your group? Will you by flying with them or will you assign one of your assistants to guide them? Edalla didn't look it, but she was excited and nervous for the very first Threadfall of their Senior Weyrling class. She had gotten the reports that the wind was going to be nasty and thread was falling in huge clumps. This was not going to be an easy task, but she knew that it was time for this group to get their feet wet. They had trained them on what they would need to know, but actually facing it was always a different story.

They will do fine, Mine. All of you have trained them so well, they are prepared. They will work like a team and you will make sure they have each other's backs. Plus, it isn't like you aren't going to be helping where you can,Moilath reminded into her rider's head, sensing her worries, even if they were not visible to the naked eye. She had already been put into her gear and though thread always made her nervous, she wouldn't have felt right if they didn't go up there with the Weyrlings.

Thank you, my dearest hearts. You are right, we have drilled them and made sure that they know what they are doing. This isn't our first time and we will make sure as many of them will survive this as we can,Edalla thought back to her dragon. She then walked over to where the Sr. Weyrlings waited, feeling their eyes instantly snap to her figure. She knew they were waiting for their orders and any words she would give them, before they headed up. She cleared her throat and her sharp eyes looked each of them over.

"Today you are going to be involved in your very first Threadfall. Everything we have been practicing and perfecting over the last several months are going to come into play up there. We are going to break into two groups, half of you are going to stay on the ground and provide aid to any of our team that needs it. I am going to leave my assistant, Valnar here to make sure everything runs smoothly. The other group will be coming with me as we fly between the gold wing and the lower altitude groups. We will be handling any thread that gets past the riders above us, keeping the golds safe. If any of the riders ask for fire stone, then we will be delivering their bags for them. Make sure you have a few bags attached to your dragons right now, if you are in the group in the air. If you run out, come down to your team members on the ground and they will toss you more. Half way through, we are going to switch who is on the ground and who is in the air. This makes sure you all get a chance at seeing what both sides of Thread are like.

Now I am not going to lie to you, this is going to be dangerous. The wind is strong and the thread is coming in thick clumps. You know the risks and that not all of us could survive this. I will, however, make sure to keep as many of you alive up there as I can. Use your heads and remember your training, I know all of you can do that. And look out for one another, because we are a team and you will feel like crap if you stand by when one of your fellow Weyrlings are in danger. Follow my lead and listen to my directions, that could save your lives. And for those down here, you will be kept busy, so do not slack off. Are we ready?"Edalla asked, surveying the faces before her once more. The group nodded their heads, before she divided them into the two groups they would be using for this. Once ready, she gave a curt nod to her assistant, who began giving orders to the group on the ground, such as to start bagging the firestone or check their medical supplies. She wanted to make sure they were well rested, so that there were no undue injuries, so that is why she decided to leave part of the Weyrling class on the ground and would have them rotate. Plus, she wanted them to see all sides of it, so they understood how everyone worked together during Threadfall.

After she made sure group A was situated, she made sure all of group B got on their dragons. She did the same, stroking Moliath gently, to let her know everything would be alright. Then with a hand signal that the Weyrlings knew, they pushed off for the ground and took to the skies. Then making sure they all knew the coordinates, she blinked between. She arrived at their location, before making sure everyone of her group had succeeded in getting there. Then she had them get into wedge formation, before beginning their turn at fighting the silver menace. She knew it would be a long day, but she kept to the front of the formation as an example of what they should be doing. She would make sure that as many of them survived this as she could, if not all of them. Her eyes turned ahead and she got right to work, giving commands when she needed to.  

[houllow]

Welcome to the Weyr!

What's their Name? T'nus
Which role is that again? Candidatemaster Second
I forget... At Which Weyr? High Reaches
How old are they? 42

Personality: T’nus is not a wallflower, make no mistake. A man who would be just as comfortable leading as he would be following, T’nus makes a powerful ally to have in any corner when push comes to shove. Gifted with an air (and flair) that draws people to him no matter the reason, he can inspire all sorts of emotions with just a few words and actions, provided he does a few things to back up what he says. A man more of action that just empty conversation, T’nus finds it’s so much easier to gain when you get your hands dirty and lead by example, and it’s so much easier to cut your losses in the same manner.

A sort of large herdbeast in the room is the fact that T’nus is rather self-serving. This in no way means he cannot be relied on or depended on to complete a task, as he is exceptionally competent in whatever is assigned to him, but it also means he can’t always be trusted to have the affairs of others at heart. The pros and cons of what are asked of him are always weighed against their potential outcomes and is relationship with the person involved; T’nus is more inclined to do things for people he likes and respects.

Positive Trait List: Intelligent, charismatic, empathetic
Negative Trait List: Hidebound, ill-tempered, self-serving

History: Born to a family in the Minecraft, T'nus (then Titetanus) found his heartbeat in the strike of a pick against walls of stone. It was safe to say his family weren’t miners because they wanted to be, but rather due to the nature of circumstance, and the lad fell in among his father and two older brothers when he was old enough to gather stone. When he was old enough to swing he did that too, all the while growing unhappy with the nature of what he was doing - the lad understood that mining was important and so many depended on him, but why was his family being treated poorly? Why was he forced to accept this fate when others would gather and speak in whispered tones of changing their luck? Such thoughts fade over time, either filled away as the busy days worked him to exhaustion or just forgotten as he aged.

As an older youth he had dreams of being a healer, having grown to admire those who would rush in and help after collapses in the mine, or those who simply were there in times of pain and need. Subtle attempts to bring up leaving the “family tradition” were shot down rapidly - a miner would always be a miner until the day they died (or the mine killed them), and a sore spot of distaste bloomed. It seemed as though the seed he’d nurtured as a child still existed, and the roots ran deep within his subconscious.

Turn after turn of being a miner turned him bitter against his family, against the whole tradition, and against himself for being unable to escape. When a cave in claimed the lives of his father and an older brother he mourned, as did his entire family, but he took it as a chance to escape. Without the main source of restraint there to keep him tied down he could escape, despite the fact his mother would need him and he knew nothing else; he would find a way to be free, even if it wasn't the dream of being a healer that he wanted calling to him. He would wait now, until her protests grew weaker, and he would wait until the right sign came.

The sign, of course, was a dragon on search, visiting for a massive clutch that was cooling on the sands. Boys and girls were needed, the searcher had said, and he moved without looking back. The sounds of picks on stone would no longer haunt his dreams, the feeling of burning in his lungs with dust and dirt would no longer coat his tongue. He would die beneath an open sky, were Thread to claim him now, and not under cold hard stone.

T'nus did not Impress at that magical first clutch, nor did he at the many that came after. It would be at his last standing before he aged out that found him with a lifemate, a tiny and dark dragonet so small he could carry the beast from the sands. Minimuth, the bronze had called himself. T'nus, the young man had replied. High Reaches, their new home had said. Dragonriders, their newest title.

And to that title T'nus took, thriving in his lessons and thriving in his ranks. High Reaches suited his temperament, suited his drive, and with Minimuth at his side he soon found himself in a position of command he never once dreamed he have. A chance to teach candidates to think for themselves, to put themselves in a position where they could chose their own fates and follow in his steps. A position he relished and would never give up.

What's Their Dragon's Name Again?: Minimuth
What's their color? Bronze ( 35’ )

Dragon Personality: Inferiority, thy name is Minimuth. Exceptionally tiny for a bronze, to the point where he could be considered a medium sized brown, his attitude comes from the fact he is nothing like what a perceived High Reaches bronze should be in terms of appearance.

Minimuth is also, to his shame, bitterly in love with his rider. There is a passion there for T'nus that he has long learned goes beyond that of a simple lifemate, and that bitterness stems from the fact he will likely never be loved the same way in return, nor will he ever be able to be held as a man would be. This extends into a smoldering hatred for anyone his rider dare call a lover (specifically the men), and while he is tactful in withholding his disgust the opposite party is at least faintly aware the dragon does not like them at all. Still he is contented to carry the small spark within his hearts until the day they both die - for surely Minimuth would never dare leave ahead of his rider in anything.

How long have they been Candidatemaster Second? T'nus has been Candidatemaster Second for nearly a decade proper, though with the deadly flu that ran through High Reaches in the winter he has been in recovery and thus has been more or less "quiet". Now that he is recovered and completely cleared to work, he is going to be rather….loud.

Why were they picked for the position? T’nus gets things done in a way that only be described as “wow”. With a dragon who is so by the book he basically bleeds rules rather than ichor, and with a personal drive that doesn’t accept anything less than obtainable perfection, his results are nothing to be argued about. When he rode in a wing he inspired others, when he strived as a candidate, as a Weyrling, he made himself an example to be followed to the best of his ability. Putting it mildly, T’nus takes what is given to him and returns back something far better - if whatever he was given is allowed to be handed over at all.

How do they feel about their role since Thread returned? Now more than ever it’s important to ensure that people know what they’re getting themselves in to, and T’nus finds himself in a position (or that of a second, really) to make sure candidates really are aware. Gone are the days of allowing children and adults to have ‘we are heroes’ mindsets; everyone is a soldier in a fight they cannot hope to win without proper education and proper training. Candidates themselves might not be on dragonback and out there fighting directly, but it is what they learn on the ground and what they see above them in the skies that really matters.

How do they feel about their students? T'nus is mortified by the behavior of some of the Candidates at this most recent hatching and he is not above letting them know. Being a candidate is something many of them chose to do and with it come specific rules and obligations; those who flaunt themselves and ignore the rules will find a cold reception that can lead up to seeing the door. Those who put in the time and effort, who truly wish to excel and become riders that will support not only High Reaches, but all of Pern, will find a teacher in T’nus that is supportive and, at very rare times, compassionate.

What is their teaching style? T’nus is very lead by example, even if it’s been many, many turns since he could ever call himself a Candidate. If Candidates are mucking stalls, expect him to be beside them; if they’re bagging firestone he’s out telling them which pieces would be best for different sized dragons. He partners well with Minimuth, who is not above talking to candidates directly, and together they function like a well-oiled machine. Any complaints about their teaching style would be that they tend to have little room for error and poor tolerance of repeated failure, though just how T’nus expresses such disappoints varies depending on the severity of the issue and just who is causing it.

One of your Candidates is missing from their bed. It's past curfew, and while the rest of the Candidates are asleep -- or at least quieted down and in their beds -- someone has given you the slip. This isn't their first offense, either. How do you search for them? What do you do when you find them? What is their punishment, if anything?

Things like homesickness after initial arrival at the Weyr were not uncommon, T'nus could understand that, but he expected such things to fade with time. Small allowances were given to the younger ones brought in, those he'd believed knew nothing of Pern outside of what they could see behind their mother's skirts, but those too would grow smart and advance forward. A sweep of the Candidate barracks before he went to deal with his records found a bed empty and cold; this allowance had been abused far too often.

Little love. A call to his dragon roused the beast, though he knew that his lifemate was already awake and looking; Minimuth would never dare sleep before T’nus rested, never dare wake before he did. It was adorable but best of all? Useful. Find him. The bronze rumbled and T’nus could feel him start to ask about the area, inquiring of dragons out and about with the image of the wayward Candidate. Minimuth was nothing but efficient, and as the Second walked about he knew the dragon would have an answer long before he reached his final destination. Children were nothing if predictable after all, and the smooth voice of his lifemate confirmed it.

The bronze directed him towards the weyrlake, and then from there mentioned the path the wayward child had taken. Perhaps calling a twenty-turn man a child was humiliating, but it would be the moniker he deserved for such ridiculous behaviors. He has attempted to make it back to the barracks. Apparently he thinks in your quest to find him you’ll forget he was gone to begin with. Minimuth sounded amused, or as much as the generally humorless dragon could be. Hurry on then, T’nus, and end this adventure. We have a long day ahead of us on schedule. There was a weariness in the dragon’s voice that couldn’t be ignored and it tugged down deep into T’nus’s bones. He wanted to join the beast in a rare affectionate moment, and he would once everything was settled.

And settled soon enough it was, for he managed to take a shortcut that caught him standing in front of the specific candidate’s bunk, arms crossed and a sickly smile on his face. He need not say anything to feel the dread that oozed from the young man, to see a cocky expression shatter in a way that T’nus never got tired of watching. Moments like this were what he lived for on a base level. “Have a good walk then? The night air does wonders, doesn’t it?” The candidate didn’t reply and, to his credit, didn’t try and take a step in either direction. “I’m personally fond of walks at dawn.” T’nus rose from where he’d been leaning against the bunk, arms still crossed though he drummed a finger against his forearm, and he approached the man who was all but shaking where he stood. “Dawn comes rather early though, so if I’m going to make it I’ll need to sleep now. I’d recommend you do the same, and we’ll catch up tomorrow. I’d love to hear all about your evening stroll during lessons.” There was a purr on his words as he walked past the candidate, a delicate brush of his elbow against a frame that all but threatened to collapse at his touch. “Sleep tight. Tomorrow is a new day.”

Inside his head he could feel disappointment from Minimuth, who had hoped for a stronger enforcement of the rules a’la actual punishment. There were reasons things were set in stone, T’nus, but the bronze made no effort to enforce or press. His rider knew what he was doing, and so the dragon simply waited in their shared weyr for his return. The candidate would see the face of his Second in the morning, for better or worse, and for what came next only time would tell.

A Hatching has come and went. While you are now down 30 some Candidates, there are many sad, depressed, and upset faces. Worse, there's one lad in particular who will be aged out within the sevenday. He knows this, you know this, and unless a gold get shiny reeeeal soon -unlikely-, this was probably his last shot at Impression. What do you do? What do you say to the Candidates, if anything? What do you say to that holdbred lad? Do you tell him it's time to pack up? Do you let him stay on for awhile?

Alas, another one gone. The time after hatchings was always interesting to T’nus, in more ways than one, due to the facts of who left and who was left behind. Those who were off to better pastures as many though, and those who were just...off. Aged out by the Weyr’s standards, the wants of dragonets non-withstanding, and to his internal delight just such an event was happening. He’d never been particularly fond of this lad to begin with, finding him too soft by a unique measure of standards. Sure the boy was kind and gentle and whatever other excuses people seemed to think made a good dragonrider, but he was also a lot of other things. Weak, a follower. Someone easier to push around than have them pull back.

Don’t go off on your own. Minimuth had said, referred to the manner in which T’nus wanted to handle it versus how the Weyr would dictate he handled it. The rules and regulations were there for a reason, the bronze reminded again and again, but T’nus had only smiled and placed a kiss against his beast’s muzzle before departing. This task, he assumed, would be something most people found difficult to do and would rather do anything else; after all, who would want to tell someone their specific dreams were now over and they needed to find a new route in life? T’nus would which is why he volunteered to do so. There was no need for someone else to do such a sorrowful thing, really. Mine, please. Focus.

And focus he did as he found the candidate in question inside the barracks, already sulking and packing as though his entire world had collapsed. There was still a sevenday left as far as T’nus was concerned, so why was he throwing in the towel so early? Whatever eagerness he may have had to tell the boy of his impending doom vanished the mili-mark he’d witnessed him having accepted his fate. “Care to explain what you’re doing?” He couldn’t very well ask why the young man wasn’t at lessons, it was obvious, but this defeatist behavior? Maybe this was why a dragon hadn’t even bothered to glance in his direction.

When the young man started spouting off something about his age, daring to get even a bit of tone towards T’nus, the Second raised an eyebrow. “And you didn’t even think to try and find a way to stay? To, the entire time you were here, think of a backup plan?” He was calm enough even with the angry youth before him, arms moving to their familiar crossed pattern. This was an issue he’d noticed among the Candidates and it would be something he addressed. This blind belief everyone got a dragon like they were some sort of party favors and there was no need to think of a different future. Did no one here even think of not settling for the status quo?

The soon to no longer be a candidate stopped whatever it was he was saying at T’nus’s question, his eyes cast down at the bag he was packing. Was he hoping the Second would say something to boost his spirits, to make him feel as though he hadn’t wasted his time? Because to T’nus the boy had if he didn’t dare to dream beyond a game of chance and luck. There was no reason to try and comfort him now, not when he so clearly wasn’t willing to do whatever it took to survive in this world. Holdbreds, so coddled and so in need of a wake-up call. “Just make sure you don’t forget anything while packing, I’d hate to find something you left behind and have to throw it away.” There was a gasp now, followed by a noise best described as a lip being bitten to hold back either tears or yelling. “However.” His words broke the silence, the sniffling and whatever other noises. “If you find yourself wanting to stay, wanting to make something of yourself while here or somewhere else - if you don’t want to accept what’s coming, find me. You still have a use.”

With that he turned, not waiting for anything else and leaving the man to his thoughts. Few jumped at his offer whenever he gave it and he didn’t believe this child would be an exception. Candidates were weak and he needed to make them strong again. Pern needed it.  

[Uta]

Thank you all for entering! Unfortunately, we could only pick a four winners. If you didn't win, please don't get too discouraged. We'll have more opportunities for ranking positions sooner than you think, and you can always quest for these characters as a wingrider or a possible assistants!

Western Weyr
Danzik of green Eosphoth -- Candidatmaster Second -- demon_pachabel
O'dyn of bronze Ansheth-- Weyrlingmaster Second -- Sweety Symmetry

High Reaches Weyr
T'nus of bronze Minimuth -- Candidatmaster Second -- houllow
L'shir of bronze Macleith -- Weyrlingmaster Second -- Medigel

P.S. I did grab premade dragons from our stockpile. <3 So some of these colorists are no longer with us.

medigel

Bronze colored by Andranis!

demon_pachabel

No derg cause you've made a premade, sorry! But welcome to your new role, Danzik! A new Wingsecond position will open up soon!

Sweet Symmetry

Bronze colored by Smolderingskies

houllow

Bronze colored by demon_pachabel

Congratulations winners!

Please make sure you fill out actual profiles in the Approval Thread. Some things might still need to be adjusted or changed, so please be a little flexible/open to some tweaks!

Also, you're going to want to log their activity in the Activity Thread. We'll be checking for activity in about a year to see whether or not we need to open up the position or if you can keep it for another year. :3 <3 The only exception is if you have your character do something that ICly would result in termination or you do something like have them terribly maimed by Thread so they can't continue to teach, etc. But we don't really see that being an issue.

As soon as the characters are approved, you can jump in and work with Cheri/Uta/Shinos to get some lessons and RP rolling! You'll likely be running this show a little bit more, but just make sure you keep your lessons and activities to match canon. If you have any questions, let Cheri or Uta know and we'll be sure to help! If we see any issues, we'll let you know. :3

In particular, for High Reaches Weyr, the new Candidatemaster F'dral and his bronze Sinrunth are a complete change from Gr'del and Siriath. They will be taking firmer stances, and won't be particularly forgiving with Candidates who break rules or aren't dedicated to their role. He won't hesitate to kick out Candidates, so players beware. F'dral has a heavier hand... While he's not cruel, he's not exactly forgiving, or merciful. Ship up, or shape out. This Tillekbred man isn't here to be your friend but to prepare you for your possible destiny.

Lastly, when instilling punishments or rewards or promises, please run them past Cheri/Uta so we know that you guys know what the Weyr's protocol would be. Obviously, verbal warnings, or ICly jumping in at spur of the moment during Touchings/Hatchings is part of the job, but before you dole things out just let one of us know just so we can make sure you know the Weyr's stance.

Colorists will PM/drop your dragons.

P.S. Again: One thing to note is that whne you run these roles, please make sure you include the assistant weyrlingmaster/candidatemasters! Assistants should communicate with you if they want to be active/participate/help out with lessons and things.

Assistants, let folks know if you want to be involved! These folks kind of are your middle managers! Nothing's really changed, but we don't want one group to feel left out or to suddenly have your power stripped. This is a group effort! PM Uta or Cheri if you need help, have questions, or need clarification! :3