Ashfinger

[&]Name/Alias: Zack
[&]Age: 26
[&]Experience: Several years of RP experience from various sources, including Proboards. Just don't ask me to do any code editing or anything like that.
[&]How You Found Us?: Dilan and co. on the EQ site's Scroll of Colors
[&]Member Title: Weaponsmith
[&]In the event of unexplained inactivity, should we kill off or adopt out your character?: Adopt out or NPC until I return preferred but, should it be necessary to kill, make it big, spectacular, and one hell of a boom. Like Gandalf facing down the Balrog or one man about to hold the gates against an army big. With explosions and a lot of of whooping, cheering, and mad laughter.


[&]Full Name: Ashfinger
[&]Soul Name: Synhr [pronounced Sinner with a slight roll or growl on the r]
[&]Tribe: Plainsrunners, less than one third Wolfblooded.
[&]Age: Adult, 725 as of Longdays 128.
[&]Gender: Male

[&]List Of Personality:
-Usually fairly calm and levelheaded, easy to talk to and to smile about something, even when he's being vindictive.
-Can be a bit... Touchy/excitable when it comes to a few select topics, mostly depending on the topic.
-Surprisingly easily worried/paranoid/emotional but tries not to show it, leading to some pretty conflicting moods on certain things and some emotional repression. Can be rather tempermental and moody as well, particularly when it seems clear that no one understands or is willing to understand.
-Fairly convinced that everything even mildly bad throughout collective memory is directly "Because humans/trolls." Even when it isn't in any way related to humans or trolls. This leads to the occasional conspiracy theory.
-Can be quite charming and convincing, even if he doesn't mean to be. This can result in him seeming flirty, even if he is just paying a simple compliment.
-Doesn't completely open up to everyone unless the person puts in the time and effort with him, even with his possibly eccentric, introverted behavior.
-Pretty selective about lovemates under normal circumstances and expects them to be in it for the long haul if they want to share his furs. But under the right circumstances, free game and will take on all comers like its his last night in this world and he wants to go out with a bang.
-Cynical and pessimistic, particularly with regards to humans and trolls.
-Honestly believes that no one is inherently good or bad but that all sentient beings are inclined towards the worse side, whether they mean to be or not. If anyone believes otherwise, they are naive.
-If you earn his love/affection/loyalty, he will fight tooth and claw to defend you and yours until given a seriously good reason to do otherwise. Given such reason, he can turn on you faster than lightning.
-Thinks that, if given the chance and materials, Elves would be better craftsmen than humans or trolls.
-Willing to recognize and acknowledge skills and abilities when and where he sees them. He may not think it will amount to anything or that it will work out but he doesn't do so lightly.
-Not above being petty or, at the very least, willing to insult and rag on someone he believes deserves it. Regardless of what others think. If needed, he can verbally dissect someone all night and enjoy it.
-Can be pretty ruthless if needed. Especially if his life or the life/lives of people important to him [such as part of the tribe] is on the line. This includes being willing to kill humans and trolls if needed. Elves are far more conditional but he can if there's no other way.

[&]Skills other than Sending?:
Hearing: Surprisingly good, despite most of his main duties being very loud. Sneaking up on him when he's not hammering heavily at something is a long shot.
Hunting: Bit below average to not that good but still capable of catching his own food when needed. Usually best on his own.
Tracking: Has become rather good since Tusk began sending more and more out on frequent hunts. Usually about average so needs definite signs to follow if he's using his eyes alone. His sense of smell and hearing are enough under typical circumstances.
Sense of direction: About average, depending on the day. Helps if he has a map or recognizes a landmark.
Cooking: Average. Tends to make things a bit (too) spicy if he's assigned any form of cooking duty. Also makes dried fruits and has figured out a method of preserving them while retaining sweetness and a soft, chewy texture that's rather easy on the palate.
Hand to hand fighting: Pretty good. Could be better but he can hold his own in a big fight so long as he can move or hold something with an edge.
Swordsmanship: Okay to a bit over average. No formal training.
Spearmanship: Above average. Again, no formal training. Can throw a spear with the best.
Archery: Average. Quite good if he's using chakrams instead of a bow and arrow but it's hardly archery then.
Marksmanship: Above average for chakrams, spears, and hammers/stones. Arrows are about average.
Pottery and other forms of clay working: Well above average. Not the greatest expert but enough to make or repair most objects with ease. Extends to other forms of crafting, such as glassblowing [if there is such a thing among the Plainsrunners], tailoring, and weaving. Basically anything that requires finesse and a steady hand. Construction, not so much.
Metalworking: Excellent. While on the road, limited to just repairing, sharpening, and the like. When at Stoneholt, could make anything he thinks of and conversely has the materials for. He can make some pieces of armor but nothing too elaborate, such as chainmail, yet.
Mining: Plenty above average due to his needing the different metals and conversely knowing how identify the unrefined/base metal then separating it via stone/rockshaping and conventional mining methods.
Rockshaping: Above Average. Has had the most experience with it digging for metals but can be flexible, such as finding and shaping things like flint daggers.
Herbalism: Slightly above average in that he can identify and use different plants with his creations. Can make a basic poultice to encourage healing but much better with anything by the way of dyes and salves for burns.
Gardening: Below average. Doesn't have as green a thumb as others. A few things grow for him but not much.
Riding: Below average but getting a bit better as he refuses to share with anyone.
Singing: Average.
Music: Good with stringed or percussion instruments. Finds wind instruments harder to use for some reason, even with strong lungs.
Dancing: A bit above average.
Rockclimbing/mountain living/hiking: Well above average without actively using his magic. He can passively sense places for handholds and the like and is far more surefooted on stone than most elves. Snow naturally makes this more difficult but he can still get where he's going swift enough to count.

[&]Likes/Dislikes:
+ Making things, particularly with his hands.
+ Feasting.
+ Song and dance.
+ Mating. Doesn't do it that much but he enjoys when he does. And does try to satisfy his partner.
+ His tribe.
+ Most furry/feathered animals, even though the trust isn't always completely reciprocated.
+ Generally anything that's done well.
+ Making things.

+/- Something of a perfectionist. If he sets himself the goal, he will complete it as perfectly as he can within the timeframe. There is only so fast he can work so if you want it done right, give him his freaking time and space. He'll get it done so chill out and wait.
+/- Is more than willing to contest people trying to make him hurry when he needs to take his time. Particularly if they are trying to demand something of him instead of ask or similar. Such as if Tusk were to try and force him to do something with his "Chief Voice" or when Malaki asks him to do something but teases or prods at him on either side of the request. In either case, don't expect it done any time soon unless it is necessary to survival.
+/- Dislikes wasting time and resources. Even if there's a high enough chance of a major payoff. He doesn't care what you say, there's the chance they might need that particular thing and it might have been used on something else.

- Spiders and snakes.
- Being uninformed/out of the loop.
- Being drunk/hungover.
- People making assumptions without enough evidence or particularly ill-thought decisions. Dislikes it even more so when he has to do so or agrees with their assumption/choice.
- Particularly dislikes and distrusts humans and trolls, even though he admits they are good at making things.
- Similarly, dislikes it when he has to just open up or trust someone without good reason. If he wants to, he will but he sets the pace.

[&]Family: Son of Dusttongue, a halfblooded Jackwolfrider hunter, and Esyn, an immortal seamstress. No known active lovemates or lifemates and, consequently, no children.
[&]History: Ashfinger was born to Dusttongue and Esyn during a rather tumultuous part of their relationship, both the type to argue over various issues. This attitude left both distant from each other, Dusttongue often leaving to hunt and Esyn staying to attend to her cloth and their child. As such, Ashfinger was brought up to be more than a little prejudiced against his father and to appreciate fine workmanship instead of just tracking down food all day. However, as time went on and his parents disagreed, often vehemently so, he spent most of his time learning how to craft on his own and under the tutelage of others of the tribe who were willing to give him the time of day. It was during this period that Ashfinger also figured he ought to keep some mental and emotional distance so as to be able to figure out a situation without the kind of emotional reaction his parents displayed, should such a thing be possible. And why he is rather touchy about his connections to others. During this time, his primary teacher was the metalsmith of Araf's tribe, Blackwing. It was Blackwing who showed him how to make weapons, both for practical and ceremonial use.

One day, while attempting to make some dyes for a fabric Esyn wanted him to create for her while also preparing some for the hilt of a new blade, he was nearly finished when Dusttongue came to force him on a hunt, thinking it would do him good instead of being a "docile fawn all his life." However, it was during the ensuing scuffle that the two came to severe enough blows that resulted in the two taking weapons to each other. Both were aiming to subdue the other but, in the heat of the moment, not really knowing what he was doing or able to stop himself, Ashfinger left a deep gash over Dusttongue's heart that started bleeding and ultimately killed him. This incident, while something he and Esyn agreed was not much of a loss, led to their estrangement and his mild obsession with creating "something that won't turn on me." When the split between Araf and Tusk came, Ashfinger left with Tusk, thinking it well past time he left the previous phase of his life and tried a few new things in the new one. Esyn and Blackwing stayed with Araf, not caring if they never met Ashfinger again.

[&]Often seen wearing: Dark brown breeches tucked into similarly boots with thick tan gloves and apron when working; a pair of dark black breeches [think Japanese hakama pants], sandals, red vest, and a basic gold chain when not working. In either situation, likely to be carrying pouches of powders, sparkstones/flint, and the like, usually tied to a belt in his more casual/traveling attire or in pockets on his apron when working. As of Longdays 128, he occasionally changes from his vest to a sleeveless coat, the same color as his vest, that hangs from his shoulders to his ankles. [see the outfit of Darken Rahl from Legend of the Seeker] Usually smiling [and consequently showing off his dimples and one of his upper canine teeth].
[&]Body: Pale and surprisingly smooth skin [he takes washing himself seriously and is working with very fine materials a lot], the occasional bruise, cut, or burn. Odd scar here and there from the odd item overheating.
[&]Height/Build: About 4'3" [more if his hair's sticking up, something that bothers him no end if he forgot to put his hair back] and fairly lithe/wiry but he has been told he has rather broad and developed shoulders/back muscles. There are a number of scars on his back that haven't fully healed yet and he doubts ever will, one being in the outline of a wolf's head and another that goes from one shoulder to the opposing hip.
[&]Hair: Waist length, usually kept in a tight braid and behind his ears with some sort of cloth bandanna when at work. Deep vermilion/burgundy sort of color, tinged/singed black at the bangs.
[&]Eyes: Green with a hint of blue at the outer edges of the irises.
[&]Picture:




[&]Bonded animal: None. Animals don't trust him enough to let him ride them alone so he usually takes a cart carrying his tent and supplies.
[&]Bond age (max is late 20s for wolves):



One type of chakram he carries, attached to his belt or a cord of some nature.



The far larger version he has/had been developing.



Originally a spear he had made as a test of his abilities and ceremonial purposes but has made more practical versions to use that he's fairly good with.

Relationships and opinions:

Father: Dusttongue, dead by my hand. Not really sure how to process that, if I even should, but won't weep over his passing.
Mother: Esyn, living with Araf's tribe. I love my mom but if she wants to stay with that warmonger over her own son, so be it. Still miss her, though.
Siblings: None and boy am I happy about that. Don't think I could handle them or trust them.
Friends: Blackash, Dusksinger, Mermiah(?), Redsand.
Furmates: If someone's willing to share my furs and isn't looking to wrong me, and provided I'm not in a committed relationship, I will show them a good time.
Lovemates: None but I'd enjoy a more long term one. Sure I'll fur with anyone if they're of a certain age and willing but still.
Lifemate: See lovemates.

Dislikes: Malaki [wavers between dislike and hate but will never truly like or forgive]. Rahim [he understands why and can even kinda accept Rahim's actions but still sees him as having failed the tribe by not curbing Araf enough and having taken Araf's side one too many times. A representation of what he dislikes instead of actually disliking Rahim personally, thus far. Forgiving him would feel like forgiving Araf as well as himself for killing his own sire].
Hates/Loathes:

Ava: Unknown at this time.

Bihon: Will have to check in with him about Honeycomb since I had been trying to get closer to him and Honey [individually] as well but that didn't work out so well.

Blackash: I like this guy but it is a bit irritating waiting on him to get the fires going some days. At least he can keep Tusk off everyone's back and helped get us out of Araf's mess. Respectable. At least he listens to and respects me. Not the biggest fan of his beard but if you have to have facial hair, it is better than most and at least it isn't a big mess of hair like some could be. Do think his shoulders and torso muscles would give mine a run for their money in a competition.

Dawnbringer: Unknown.

Dusksinger: Unknown.

Feisal: Unknown.

Frost: Unknown.

Honeycomb: He kept the bees and brings the honey. I can respect that. Plus, I think his hair was rather nice. Bit shy and introverted, even by my standards. Which is saying something. Perhaps I could have helped with that...? Well, me, some dreamberries, and my fruit. He did ask me at one point about combining my fruit and his honey. Assumed he meant literally. Losing him was... Difficult. He was one of the few I enjoyed the company of in more than one sense. But I'll get over it. Just hope Bihon and Mermiah do too. Haven't checked in with them in some time. Should do so but it's awkward.

Jesra: Once a curious cub, always a curious cub. Have to be careful, else she'll mess something up. And I don't want to deal with her parents getting on my case, just 'cause of her curiosity and not knowing.

Kata: She makes the tastiest bread and I could fall in love with her each day for that alone. Too bad she seems rather... Stoneheaded about her idiot brother, far too willing to defend him some days. Thought she knew how little I thought of him as a person but how I was willing to look past that when he actually contributed instead of making everyone upset. Still haven't talked to her about that since then but if she expects an apology, I would sooner chop of my hands and feed them to the wolves. Which isn't gonna happen.

Kithrian: Her ponies don't trust me as well as I'd like. And her prejudice is a bit unsettling some days. At least I haven't done anything to wrong her. Not as far as I know or remember, anyway. Can only hope that's how it stays.

Leyna: Unknown but I have the feeling Blackash likes her. A lot. I should get them some of my fruit, dreamberry wine, and a private space if this is true.

Malaki: Trickster. Bit jealous of him and his metalshaping. Lucky son of a troll with that. He has his times where he's not as irritating and he can be helpful with the mining and smithing so I can put up with him. But I still want to steal his hat and give it back to who he took it from. I also want to do something to his ears and teeth, just to be sure. He'll be left for food if he's not careful and not by me. Maybe with my work but not by my hand. Why? He left me to die once. Took my poultices. He is doompit lucky I managed to get back to the tribe in time.

Mermiah: Nice, bit anxious and nervous energy. Very interesting projects but... Well, she was also quite focused so didn't have much time to devote to other things. But at least she's appreciative of my work, made some nice things for me. Just hope she's feeling better after the whole crevice thing... I want to show some affection/concern over that but that would be weird, right?

Namid: I haven't been interacting with her since Zaski's death. Too emotionally painful, too many reminders of him.

Nivali: Unknown.

Nyota: Unknown.

Redsand: Jeweler. I like his stuff but I wonder if he's going to aim to be a more rounded smith one day too. If he does, we can work something out as he seems the reasonable sort and we've held our roles for long enough.

Saleen: Can be a bit highnosed about those of wolfblood. Natural, I suppose, but I just hope she can work past it or see around it. Otherwise, unknown.

Talon: Unknown.

Tusk: So long as he doesn't try to force me to make things or boss me around, I'll make stuff for him. Better than Araf, though, as he let me practice more than just weapons and do my own thing for the time being. Better not take that "I'm in charge and my word is final so you better listen to me!" attitude with me, though. Even I don't know what I'd do. Probably just leave until people get on his case about it. Which might be a long time.

Ursa: Unknown.

Zaski: He was my disciple, only student I ever took... He was my friend. And now... Thinking about him is still sad. He could have used more control of himself but even so. Kind of envied his willingness to be free with his emotions, to not let them be held back.

Edit: Removed explosives, changed to more of a weaponsmith/armorer.
Edit2: Added Rockshaping and some explanation of how he became a smith. Changed his history slightly to make Dusttongue's death be more of an accident.
Edit3: Added relationships.
Edit4: Added images of weapons.
Edit5: Expanded personality and likes/dislikes.
Edit6: Added pictures courtesy of Kithrian.
Edit7: Expanded relationships somewhat.
Edit8: Updated weapon skills to include spear and sword, along with example pic of the kind of spear he uses.
Edit9: Updating relationships/opinions for timeskip.