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Name: Z'ri - from Zadrik
Age: 18
Nameday: 3556.13.04
Sex: Male
Sexual Orientation: ;D
Weyr: Western Weyr
Rider Rank: Wingrider
Previous Rank/Craft: Pirate/Cabin Boy
Physical Description: /gestures to all of him
5'11" of pure, wiry muscle over a svelte frame. Z'ri would claim he's 6' tall, but then again... that's probably only when he's wearing boots. His skin is olive toned, quite at contrast with his strawberry blond hair, which he wears tapered short on one side, medium on the other. His laughing silver-grey eyes hold a plenitude of secrets, and he's more than happy to share them with the right person. Usually found wearing a jacquard damask coat that he swindled off of an unwary merchant, Z'ri presents a mixed image of devil-may-care and dapper.
Personality: This assertive young man had no trouble at all convincing a ship full of pirates to take him on board. However deadly the captain's reputation, Z'ri was not afraid. Why should he be, after all? There's always room aboard a ship for a young man with big dreams and a ready hand. However, it was his ability to follow through with his claims that kept his place on the Revenge. He's very good at talking his way into and out of trouble, and excels in knowing who to befriend. Perhaps he got that quality from his Harper father, learning how to hold an audience with words and voice alone. Perhaps he simply honed his talents on his many siblings. Who can say? Z'ri knows and won't tell.
He's friendly, although one might question his motives. Does he really want to hang out, or does he want that pretty bauble he's seen you toying with? At the end of the day, however, he was raised by a healer who happened to also be a dragonrider, so impure or not, he's no monster. You can trust that, whatever his motivations might be, no one would actually get hurt by them - or Z'ri would hear it from his father immediately. And the worst part is the dragons would join in. Not that he hasn't broken plenty of hearts. He's an unabashed hedonist, and would cheerfully tumble any number of lovely boys into his bed if he thought they'd go willingly.
The trouble tends to be getting the lad to stick around. When his heart's given fully, he won't stray, but good luck getting him to settle down in the first place. The only ones who hold his heart without reservation are his dragon, Talmaith and his close knit family. With two fathers and a pack of little siblings, Z'ri has had plenty of experience sharing that love around. That background has given him confidence in spades, and a certain untried boldness that hasn't seen the heat of battle, just yet. He certainly has a courageous heart, and would willingly throw himself in harm's way if it meant that someone helpless could be saved. He has a high regard for his own skin, but not to the extent that he won't risk it.
Positive Trait List Confident, charismatic, courageous
Negative Trait List Smug, self-indulgent, swaggering
History: By the time that Zadrik came along, his parents had settled at Western Weyr for the duration. And so, although they were not weyrbred themselves, young Zadrik grew up enjoying the hospitality of the Weyr from the start. His birth was only the beginning, for they didn't seem willing to stop at one - one father, had, after all, contributed genes, surely both needed children of their own! But his parents had a hunger for a large family, and so little Zadrik found himself awash in a near horde of siblings! It is not completely clear to him whether his parents plan to slow down or stop anytime soon... and so he has learned to go out of his way to get attention.
As one of many, the boy might have become a bit resentful that his place had been usurped, but neither parent showed a jot less love to the boy than they had before. Not to mention the pair's dragons assisted in doling out parental love... and there was always the creche when it came down to it. So although there had been a worry for a moment that the boy would turn to sulks, his mischievous, sunny nature continued unabated. In fact, it was quite apparent that there was even more trouble to get up to.
By the time that he might have first been allowed to Stand as a Candidate, Zadrik had made up his mind that he was going to run away. Not because he didn't love his parents, mind, or because he wasn't happy. He just badly wanted to go out there and see the wide world, and maybe get into some scrapes - and get himself out of those very scrapes - so that he could prove himself. Why he had such an overwhelming need to do that very thing was a bit of a mystery. Maybe it was because his papa had been a bit well known before he'd dedicated himself to Weyr life, or because his father had such a stellar reputation among the weyrfolk. Maybe it was because he wanted to distinguish himself from his sibs.
Whatever the reason, Zadrik hied up to the most ferocious looking pirate captain he could find, and boldly made his case to the man! At first tempted to toss the whelp out just on principle, Captain Black decided to take Zadrik on, after assurances from the boy that he, of course, wouldn't mind just being a cabin boy. Naturally, that claim lasted all the way up to the first battle, in which Zadrik just had to take part. He didn't get away without a scratch, however, and when called upon to explain his actions, he said he couldn't help himself. It was just in his blood, and he'd wanted a piece of the action.
Since the boy hadn't done too badly, they let him carry on as he had been, with an admonition to stay out of the way if he was in over his head. It was his skin that would need saving, and him the one doing the saving. No need for heroics from a bloodthirsty boy. The next engagement proved to be profitable, and it was here that Zadrik acquired a treasured possession - a deep blue jacquard damask coat, far too large for his then-small frame. But he'd gotten it fair and square, and he treated the thing like it was made from spun starlight, refusing to allow even a tear to show on its glorious length.
It was at about that time that a matching Blue dragon informed him, under no uncertain terms, that he, Zadrik, had been found on Search, and was expected to come along with the fellow's rider to Western Weyr. Crestfallen, but no little amused by the fact that his fathers' contemporaries had not recognized him, the boy decided that he might as well give the thing a shot. After all, if he'd been Searched by the very Weyr that he'd ran away from, well, maybe he was meant for the dragonriding life after all. Not that he hadn't been sending letters home, anyway.
Both papa and father had been overjoyed upon his return, no little because he'd turned up practically unscathed from his erstwhile adventures. ... Not, of course, that that was a lesson that they very much wanted his little siblings to learn. But his reputation was sealed: the prodigal son who returned with tales of epic conquest and not a scar to be found! Well, not big ones, anyway. Zadrik settled into this new business of being a Candidate with, if not ease, then a certain amount of curiosity. Although he'd grown up at Western, this had not been a part of his day to day life.
He'd barely been gone for three months when the rider brought him back to the Weyr... and right into a heap of trouble. Needless to say, his parents did not allow him to Stand at the next Hatching or the Hatching after that. It would be Turns before he was permitted by the Weyrleader to actually Stand. Apparently it had been no coincidence that one of his father's fellow wingriders had found him, and it had not been a true Search. Well, not for a clutch, anyway.
After several Turns of toeing the line, Zadrik was finally allowed to Stand at last. When the next clutch hadn't been at Western, but at an unfamiliar island, Zadrik had taken it in stride. He hadn't expected anything to come of it. That was, however, when he was poleaxed by the sudden introduction of a little blue dragon name of Talmaith. The baby hadn't by any means been the first to hatch, but he had made quite a show of his selection - not as much as his sister, surely, but he'd been very particular on the choice. When, at last, he'd settled right in front of Zadrik, he proudly proclaimed his name to the newly-made rider, and informed him under no uncertain terms that Z'ri was his. And so it has been ever since.
Other: Clotheshorse. When Z'ri isn't peacocking his newest find in front of a mirror, he's inclined to take his meager stipend to the nearest Gather, just in case something fantastic happens to cross his path. Usually that just means saving a little longer, as his budget is by no means sky high. Alas. He enjoys, quite thoroughly, indulging in fine food and wine, and tends to throw himself into training to counteract the effects thereof. It's just as well that the young rider can hardly sit still. Also really enjoys smelling good, so frequent baths and scents are needed.
DRAGON
Name: Talmaith
Origin of Name: Talmaith originates from Talmai, from which Bartholomew ultimately stems. This name was inspired by Bartholomew Roberts, a pirate captain of considerable renown. Roberts was a Welsh man whose ship was captured by Captain Howell Davis. He quickly became an intimate of Davis, who was also a Welsh man, not only for his origin but also because he was a keen navigator. When Davis perished in a bold attempt to capture the Governor of PrÃncipe, Roberts was voted in by the crew as his replacement.
Captain Roberts was legendary among the pirates of his time, known for his daring personality as well as his exceptional seamanship. Unlike many pirates, Roberts preferred tea above alcoholic beverages and was noted for his preference. Further, he is said to have abhorred drunkenness, which is only ironic as his death was very likely caused by his crew's drunken state. He also had the custom of donning his best clothes when going into battle, and cut quite a figure during engagements - indeed, when he perished he was dressed to the nines.
Captain Roberts was the inspiration for a number of fictional pirates, including the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride, as well as playing the part of villain in the Assassin's Creed: Black Flag game. As one of the most celebrated pirates of his time, it is said that his contemporaries and those who opposed him viewed his death to be the end of the Golden Age of piracy. For indeed, who could outmatch Captain Bartholomew Roberts? He holds the distinction for being featured in Treasure Island, one of four pirate captains to share the honor.
Inspiration: Bohea, or more properly, Wuyi tea. The word bohea was used by the East India Trading Company to refer to all types of black tea, although the bohea tea from the Wuyi Mountains was a particular variety of black tea characterized by a bold, rich flavor. The region is also known for Lapsang Souchong and Da Hong Pao teas, the former also being traded by the East India Company. It was bohea that was dumped into the Atlantic Ocean by American Colonists, as well as bohea that was enjoyed by the pirate Bartholomew Roberts.
Personality: Smart as a whip, Talmaith came out of the egg with a self-possession rare among those so recently hatched. He knew precisely what and who he wanted, and had little compunction over taking what was his. He still doesn't hold back when he's got something in his sights, relentless until the end. A bold creature, his daring do and bravado are only balanced by his ability to think ahead. He'll turn on a dime, if he has to, changing his tactics as swiftly as the wind itself. If possible, he would prefer to be several winglengths ahead of the problem before it presents itself, but realistically he knows that's impossible. Most plans, as they say, do not survive the heat of battle. So he's found it to be true in the case of their ancient foe.
Although he's got many stellar qualities, Talmaith is also a colossal pain in the a**! With a tendency to be arrogant combined with a certain expectation of adoration, the Blue dragon can be infernally irritating. His every word, surely, is a shining example to dragonkind. Granted, he doesn't tend to outright say as much, but it's not difficult to read between the lines. He can be confounding in an argument, for he'll tend to turn another's words against them. Rather than seeming to be the aggressor, he'll try to find a way to make the other appear to be a fool... all on their own.
In other words, he's a brat! He combines wit with looks... although he's a bit lacking in charm. What he lacks in that department, he more than makes up for with a clever tongue, although some might say that that that is by no means a virtue. Some might even be right. Constantly looking for opportunities to turn losses into gains, Talmaith has the potential to be a more than passable leader... if he could only learn to hold his tongue! A more assiduous use of his intellect would lead him down paths that would benefit not only himself and his rider, but also his wingmates as well. If only one could convince him that wasting time on such individuals was worthwhile.
Size: 27'
Physical Attributes: More long than he is large, Talmaith presents the picture of a handsome blue dragon. Now, if only he had the manners to go with it! He has a broad wingspan for his size, as well as a long, sturdy tail, which renders his ability to swiftly correct course rather notable indeed.
Additional Notes: Almost certainly interested in other male dragons, Talmaith might make note of the occasional lady. His flame length is medium, neither especially long nor particularly short. He also enjoys thoroughly being spoiled beyond belief, and will expect that of his rider where possible.
Why Me: Talmaith saw in Z'ri the perfect solution to his interpersonal problems. Where Talmaith tends to be biting and full of snappy rejoinders, Z'ri is charming enough to smooth ruffled feathers. Also, Talmaith has no intention of remaining in his lowly position, and needed a rider who would play the part of figurehead, at least. Z'ri suits that need admirably, for he certainly looks and acts with confidence. What Talmaith gives him back is a partner in crime who has no judgment for his rider, understanding his need for creature comforts. And, most important of all, Talmaith can love Z'ri without reservation, seeing the good man beneath his facade, and seeking to be worthy of him.
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