Application - Fade Rift

PLAYER

Name: Reina
Age: 31
Contact: earthlight
Other Characters: n/a
Interests: My hope is something that I can delve into the mysteries of Thedas with while making friends and an occasional dramatic moment. Other things I am interested in are unusual circumstances that are not always serious. Merrill thrives when things are cute and adorable. Primarily, I know Merrill is intrigued by Eluvians and has been getting the assistance of demons through blood magic. She is also very interested in preserving the ways of the Dalish as they are… so these are some aspects that I am hoping to be able to explore!

CHARACTER

Name: Merrill of clan Sabrae
Canon/OC: Canon
Journal: vir_tasallan
Race: Elf
Nationality: Dalish
Occupation: Marethari’s First (formerly)
Age: 27-32

History

http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Merrill

Merrill was not romanced by the Champion of Kirkwall but during their time together they became good friends. Since many alienage elves were rendered homeless in the chaos that followed the explosion at the chantry, she has taken it upon herself to remain in Kirkwall to protect them. Their primary threat is from the incursions between mages and templars, as Kirkwall has always been a hot-bed of tension. Being Dalish, she is uniquely skilled at hiding from angry, aggressive humans and uses this to her advantage. She has not sought the assistance of her former clan and continues her efforts to learn more about her Eluvian.

The appearance of Fade Rifts concerns her greatly as they threaten not only the elves she’s protecting, but Thedas at large. Several of the alienage elves have expressed a desire to help, along with many in Thedas, who wish to join the Inquisition. Merrill also feels compelled to help, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also that it seems larger than her own troubles. Not to mention that the likelihood that Hawke is probably going to become embroiled in this issue is quite high. She wouldn’t let the Champion to fight this battle alone.

However she might want to up and leave, it is not so simple a task as it used to be. She has people to protect and not all are in favor, or capable of travelling to Ferelden to join the Inquisition. In order to ensure the safety of the elves unable to travel to Skyhold, she entrusts them to the Dalish clan Ashara. Fortune had it they were travelling nearby and agreed to take in those that wished to remain behind. It is also advantageous for Ashara to accept new elves into their clan as many of their own hunters and scouts are eager to offer their support for the Inquisition. With that settled, Merrill travels with those from the Ashara clan to join the Inquisition.

Personality

Inquisitive, kind-hearted, and fairly naive, Merrill is an intriguing contrast to the stereotypical image of a Blood Mage. Her reasons for seeking such power are based in a desire to help-- intentions well-meant, but which can also go disastrously wrong with the slightest misstep. She toes this line with confidence, assured in her magical skill-- defensive and defiant when questioned as to the wiseness of such actions. When it comes to those she cares about, Merrill will go to great, often unwise lengths to help, which is her impetus to delve into such taboo magic.

She takes great pride in her culture, history, and her magical ability. As First to their clan Keeper, Marethari, Merrill is determined to learn all she can to restore what’s been lost to her people. She’s quite stubborn in this respect, willing to be exiled from her clan with the thought she’s helping them. She perceives others as being unable to see reason and allowing their fear to keep them from restoring their lost history. It’s with this logic that she carries on with her research, heedless of the concern and fear from her clan.

Despite this, she is not thoughtless and is very soft-hearted. She is eager to make friends of her new acquaintances and makes efforts to understand human culture. Even with the awkwardness, there is a genuine sincerity in her efforts which endears people to her, even those who object to the use of blood magic. She finds positivity in nearly every situation as she is naturally cheerful, inclined to believe the best in people. Even if they outright show disregard for her or disagree with her methods, she still maintains her stance and is quick to forgive. This is not so much the case in regards to people who act menacing simply for the sake of it.

As a mage herself, Merrill sympathises with the plight of circle mages under the harsh and watchful eye of templars, especially within Kirkwall. As such, she is an advocate for mercy over justice, as many would be quick to judge her harshly for her choosing to use blood magic. To her, it is more imperative to be fair and understanding of circumstances than to blindly seek retribution. Often she is able to place herself in other’s situations and see things from their perspective while maintaining her own.

Overall, Merrill is not unkind, she is willing to sacrifice much in an effort to restore her people, and has a genuine desire to see the world in a better state than it currently is. While youth brings folly, her heart is in the right place, which causes her deep grief when her efforts result in terrible things. However, by her very nature she is resilient and will not let a broken heart keep her from doing what she thinks is right.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Bestowed with the gift of magic, Merrill has honed her skills under the watchful eye of the clan Keeper Marethari. As such, she has become very adept at spellcasting, storytelling, and keeping within the tradition of the Dalish as they know it. To further her own research, Merrill has come to use blood magic as part of her spellcasting, which enhances her magical talents even further.

While a staff may be useful in the occasional jab or strike, it is a weapon honed for magical use-- and much like her staff, Merrill is not suited for the physicality that is required of swords, bows, and daggers. She relies on her magical skill in battle.

With her efforts to understand human culture, she’s become skilled at small-talk, though never without some self-doubt. She’s very skilled in research and knowing Dalish lore, and with her inquisitive nature she will likely look into other cultures to research their peculiarities, with exposure.

Occasionally Merrill thinks out loud, so if you’re hoping for subtlety, she may not be the best person to expect to keep a secret. Not from an intent to expose, but out of an obliviousness to pointing out what’s obvious to those who aren’t Dalish. She no longer keeps in contact with her clan, but she has not abandoned her people and is always reliable when it comes right down to it.

Inventory

Vir Tasallan
A ball of yarn
Various healing poultices and recipes

Motivation

The very idea of the world in trouble would bring Merrill in to offer her services. She’s become more aware of the world around her since her exile and knows that this struggle is greater than her clan and her life, as such, she is morally compelled to join.

SAMPLES

Log style:

http://allthisshitisweird.dreamwidth.org/656.html?thread=469136#cmt469136
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Network Style:

If you wouldn’t mind-- ah, I’m lost.

Probably.

No, I’m sure I’m lost.

I had my ball of yarn, but it ran out and I thought, just roll it up, start again!

But, no, I’ve found my way back to just where I rolled it up.

Only now I’m in this room with lots of cobwebs and paintings.

Somehow I’ve gotten turned around--

I shouldn’t have wound up the yarn, come on, now…

Right-- focus.

Sorry.

Does anyone mind coming to have a look for me?

I’ve a few sovereign still, if you show me to the pub, I’ll repay you.

Humans like the pub, and repayment-- drinks are a proper way to show thanks.

I hope.

I think?

Please help.