This condensed version of the New Hope Character Guide gives a brief description of most of the important characters in New Hope during the first four centuries of the Fourth Millennium. This list covers elf and troll characters; there will be a separate list for human characters. The characters are listed by Household.
The New Hope Mini Character Guide is copyright 2000 by Hydra's-Head Press. Permission is hereby granted to make copies of this document in any medium for the use of current contributing members of Tower Mountain/New Hope.
Abbreviations: M = male, F = female, H = hair, E = eyes, (D) = deceased, (Ms) = missing, R = Recognized, (*) = tentative. A blank under "Clearence" means that a character is available for adoption.
All information, unless otherwise noted, is current as of the early Fourth Millennium.
Piet: (Household Elder) Elf, M, H - sandy brown, E - brown. Son of Meiron and Periel (both D), half-brother (and soulbrother) of Mikail. Blood father of Snowflower. Recognized to Alethian. Father of Methyr (with Alethian) Peritha, Cheyvah and Kyeer (with Rahirah.) Lovemate and later lifemate of Rahirah; lovemate of (at various times) Shadowbourne, Beyla, and Steelspun. Soulbrother of Longshanks, Bugdance, and Heartseeker. Wide range of sensory powers, enough so to seem prescient at times; strong sender, with most of the dependent powers, including astral projection. Herbalist, gardener; a fine natural musician; good swimmer, decent sailor. The heart and soul of New Hope, with a seemingly infinite capacity for love in all its forms and an unusual perception of oneness with the world around him. Gentle and sensitive, he shares others' pain freely, but normally takes the greatest possible joy in life. Willing to extend friendship and trust to anyone. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Rahirah : (Household Elder until NH 229) F, H - wheaten blond, E - green with gold flecks. Daughter of Reevirah and Taywar (D), younger sister of Vaynyar. Lovemate and later lifemate of Piet; Recognized to Tanyel. Lovemate (at various times) of Beyla, Steelspun, and Alethian. Mother of Frodis and Shahn (D) (with Tanyel) and Peritha, Kyeer, and Cheyvah (with Piet.) Glider. Very skilled hawkrider; has an uncanny rapport with all hawks, not just her own bondmate. (She gains concious control of her latent animal sending around NH 227.) New Hope's hawkmistress. Harnessmaker w/attendant knowlege of leather working. Herbalist, skilled in woodcraft; excellent hunter, decent warrior. Has an unbridled enthusiasm and zest for life, tempered by experience. Protective of those she loves; tries hard not to be overprotective. Physically fearless; her "demons" are all mental ones. Clearence: Unadoptable NPC
Longshanks : (Household Elder after NH 229) M, H - dark brown, E - brown. Originally of a Plainsrunner tribe. Soulbrother of Piet, Bugdance, and Heartseeker. R mate of Shalamar, father of Jublo. Lovemate of Desertbloom. Hunter, tanner, makes clothing, has general survival skills. A fast and tireless runner and a competent rider. Musician; plays the charango (a stringed instrument) and composes. Responsible, practical and levelheaded, independent though not a loner, serious with a deadpan sense of humor. Has a strong sense of fairness and a hatred of seeing anyone or anything caged. Since his Recognition to Shalamar he has divided his time between New Hope and the Rovers, not without some emotional turmoil because of his almost paternal attachment to Piet. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Alethian : (276-300) F, H - white, E - grey. Daughter of Betirai and Auiriath (in the Old Settlement); half-sister of Nez, Fiellys, and Lest (in Tower Mt.) Recognized to Piet, mother of Methyr. Very minor rock and metalshaper; strong but relatively untrained sender. Can "go out" but does so only at great need; has the ability to mind-snare but is not particularly good at it. Captured by trolls shortly before the sack of the Hidden Valley, she spent many years in captivity before being rescued. A smith and metalworker; decent sailor. Explores caves and rock-climbs as a hobby. Intelligent, imaginative, emotional, and deeply insecure. Can be sarcastic. Tends to fall madly in love with completely inappropriate people. Prefers female lovemates. Arrives in New Hope in NH 276; moves to Tower Mountain in NH 300. Clearence:
Bugdance : M, H - dark brown, E - dark brown. Originally of a jungle tribe. Former lovemate of Vallaree, father of Mijo. Recognized
to Ceyte, father of Temi. Soulbrother to Piet, Longshanks, and Heartseeker. Animal bonder. Clever with his hands (and feet!), skilled
in many different crafts. An agile climber and acrobat, more at home in trees than on the ground. Restless, hyperactive, extraverted,
witty, talkative, a quick and imaginative thinker, curious, a prankster with a quirky sense of humor. A fast talker and a bit of a showoff,
not always completely honest, who rarely shows deep feelings.
Clearence: Margaret Dean
Cheyvah : H - wheat-blonde E - brown w/green flecks. OOR daughter of Piet and Rahirah, twin sister of Kyeer. Minor levitator. Makes pottery, glazes; makes potter's tools, throwing wheels, kilns, etc. Some knowledge of dying, leatherworking, herb lore. Draws as a hobby. Sensible and even-tempered; infuriatingly calm in a crisis. A good organizer, but can be rather bossy. Sarcastic sense of humor. Likes being in control; self-confident and prone to be a little dismissive of others' problems. Not at all subtle, but more because that's the way she was brought up than because she's not capable of it. More verbally-oriented than her parents or her older sister. Not above making trenchant comments about her family, but not particularly tolerant of others who may do so. Her best friends tend to be humans; also gets along well with trolls. Thinks preservers are silly, but has learned to get around them. Clearence:
Dash : Wolf-blooded M H- Dishwater blond, E- Aqua. Son of Steelspun and Collya, twin half-brother of Treeshade. Rockshaper and Animal Bonder. He enjoys weapons training --and is at least passable with most weapons-- and water sports. A fidget. He is cocksure and brash -but not mean or cruel (at least not on purpose)-he doesn't always remember to think before he speaks. He teases his sister unmercifully, but is fiercely protective of her. Very competitive. He was sickly as a child and prone to respiratory illnesses, but he seems to have gotten past that as he grew older. Clearence: Elaine Pedee/Melissa Van Houten
Desertbloom : (Household Elder after NH 360ish) F, H - Platinum blonde, E - Green. Glider, levitator. Mother of Dream, lovemate of Longshanks. Emigrated from the Hidden Valley after the war. Mother of Dream (father unknown; could be Doreel or Peysol) daughter of Waterfinder and Birdlure, sister of Winddance. Face, body and clothing painter, clothing maker and embellisher, midwife; dancer. Outgoing and cheerful; very loyal to friends -- has strong belief in self as well, to the point of overconfidence. Is quite certain in her own mind that she's the best clothing embellisher in the tribe. Prepared to work hard and endure hardships when and as necessary to get what she wants. Popular, attractive, needs to be needed. Has quite a temper and will show it readily if crossed or slighted; takes criticism poorly and needs time to adjust to it. Has significant chutzpah and not a great deal of tact. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Dream: F, H - White-blonde E - Blue. Daughter of Desertbloom and either Doreel or Peysol (Desertbloom doesn't want to know.) Dream was born out of Recogition to her mother, Desertbloom, as a result of a one-time liaison with Doreel or with Peysol during the Hostage Crisis. If Dream has ever asked a healer for the truth, she has respected her mother's wishes and not revealed it to her. Stubborn, not one to tolerate argument. Usually diplomatic, even-tempered and impartial. Despises cruelty viciousness and vulgarity. Strongly romantic, shamelessly flirtatious and sexual almost to the point of frivolity and shallowness. An unrepentant gossip, insatiably curious about people. Dislikes coarse, dirty work; would rather spend three moons doing fine stitchery and exacting fittings than half a morning digging a ditch. Clearence: Ree Pruehs
Frodis: See Startide Household
Heartseeker: See Risingmist Household
Jublo: M, H - medium brown, E - intense green. Son of Shalamar and Longshanks, b. NH 8. Hunter/tracker; tanner; good with horses; fast runner. Plays an instrument or two. A child of two cultures, with a Rover mother; spent time at New Hope while growing up but considers himself mostly a Rover. Has a close relationship with his father. More honest than the average Rover; easygoing, good-natured and gregarious. Slow to anger, but once his temper is aroused he can get positively dangerous. Clearence:
Kyeer : M, H - Light brown, E - Gold. OOR son of Piet and Rahirah, half-brother of Frodis, Methyr, and Snowflower; twin brother of Cheyvah. Animal sender. Sends at least as often as he speaks. Usually soft-footed and very deliberate in motion, so much so that it can surprise people how fast he can move if the situation warrants it. Animal tender and vet, for everything from goats and chickens to horses and hawks. It's rare to see Kyeer anywhere without at least one accompanying animal. He has a lot harder time understanding people. Practical interactions such as with a teacher or a working partner are not a problem, but the various hide-and-seeks of social interaction leave him frustrated and bored. Kyeer has an inquisitive nature and is far from stupid; he could certainly learn the social dance if he wanted to, but has little motivation to do so. With his family members he is affectionate and an incorrigible snuggler. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Methyr : M, H - Silver-blond, E - grey. Son of Piet and Alethian. Rockshaper, some magic sense, better than average sender. Sometime lovemate of Anja (probably has had several Grand Passions.) Poet, budding scholar and social reformer (cook and general household factotum in his day job.) Intense, serious (sometimes overly so), reserved and formal on the outside; Romantic (in every sense) and passionate on the inside--to the point of melodrama when younger. Prone to Causes, and sometimes gets swept up in them to the detriment of individuals. Polite, mannerly, a diplomat; can come off as stuffy or pedantic--though it's usually not long before the poetic streak breaks through. Very intelligent, but somewhat politically naive (he learns fast, though.) Deeply moved by art and music; visits to the Tower are a guilty pleasure. Very interested in applying his rockshaping talent to architecture and large-scale projects. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Mouse: F, H - brown with red/gold highlights, E - brown. Originally from Great Water Holt. Lovemate of Heartseeker. Leathercrafter, tanner, trapper, knows woodslore. Also will help with herding and butchering. Mischievous, pert, an unconscious flirt. Tends to smile a lot, but not talk much -- she's rather shy. Good listener. Has a deep-rooted sense of justice; sticks up for herself and others, and will go out of her way to take a bully down with one of her pranks. Curious, but cautious. Not really keen on having humans and trolls around, but getting used to it. Adores Heartseeker and was shattered when he finally chose to stay with Basile; she returned to Great Water and her family thereafter (c. NH 126). Clearence: NPC
Peritha : F, H - Sandy blonde, E - Hazel (brown w/gold flecks). Daughter of Piet and Rahirah out of Recognition. Good sender; better at reception than projection. Animal bonding, probably with horses. Beekeeper, and attendant skills with wax and honey production; candlemaking. General survival skills and general fishing/boating skills, gardening, embroidery, cooking. Plays gitar and dulcimer. Sings in the chorus. Prefers sending to speaking. Very friendly, outgoing and social. Good at looking at systems and if necessary identifying what's wrong with them. Very perceptive, a good listener. Particular about lovemates; not any kind of a flirt. A peacemaker, but stubborn if her principles are roused. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Shadepool : F H - Dark brown, E - Teal. Daughter of Shadowfix and Collya, twin half-sister of Dash. Glider, weak Finder (sub-conscious; she "just has an idea" where things are) She enjoys gardening, babysitting, storytelling, needlework, flying kites (& her father's glider) Quiet and unobtrusive most of the time, though she can be outspoken when necessary, she is not one to let herself be walked on or taken advantage of. A bit of a dreamer, she is always making up stories in her head, but she rarely tells them to anyone -except the children she baby-sits. She is an incredibly lucky gambler, and usually wins when dicing. Clearence: Elaine Pedee/Melissa Van Houten
Shadowbourne : F, H - dark brown, E - dark brown. Born into a small, isolated tribe of marsh elves, found shipwrecked and brought to New Hope in NH 12. Lovemate of Piet and Rahirah until NH 26, when she lifemates with Faience/Faih and moves to Tower Mountain. Fisher, forager, does basketry and wickerwork. Sculpts in clay as a hobby. Quiet and rather serious, though not humorless; has a deep love of wild, isolated places. Very careful to observe the proprieties in relationships with others; has to be coaxed into anything frivolous. A good listener and sounding board. Usually keeps her opinions to hersbut has many definite ideas. Strongly territorial, respects others' turf and expects the same from them. Clearence:
Shadowfix : male, H- jet black, E-blue Latent glider. Lifemate of Steelspun, Recognized to Collya, father of Shadepool (Setitahn). Has tattoos of black tiger stripes that cover both eyes. Fiercely protective of Steel and a tendency to be a bit cocky. Owns a massive hang glider. Can also be a bit abrasive, but doesn't mean to be mean about it. Clearence: Elaine Pedee
Shahn: M, H - red, E - blue. Son of Rahirah and Tanyel; died at the age of two when a sea creature ("Madfluke") attacked the settlement.
Steelspun : M, H - pale grey, E -ice blue. Wolfblooded. Strong rockshaper. Lovemate of Piet and Rahirah, later of Collya; later still lifemate of Shadowfix. Father of Dash OOR with Collya. Hawkrider, hunter. Driven from his home tribe due to his wolf blood, he was raised by a human tribe, and initially fears and distrusts elves. Suspicious and wary outwardly, but inwardly craves elven companionship. Clearence: Elaine Pedee
Temi, a.k.a. Floatstone: M, H - Dark auburn, E - Amber brown. Son of Bugdance and Ceyte, half-brother of Collya, Firesong, and Mijacogeo. Middling glider, good levitator. Woodworker, knows a variety of handcrafts, does everything from cabinetry to toymaking. Considers music his "art" and woodworking his "craft." A skilled climber. Singer, instrumentalist, composer. Good at aiming-and-throwing games. Likes gambling. Prone to extremes of mood: can be on a fairly even keel for some time, then suddenly be either very "up" or very "down." Quick-thinking, ingenious, good at figuring out the "trick" of something. A sharp and shrewd bargainer. A compleat polyamorist and a shameless flirt. Gets on well and easily with all races, has a special affinity for trolls. Clearence: Margaret Dean/Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Treebranch : M, H - brown, E - green. Son of Longshanks and Desertbloom out of Recognition; bother of ?, half-brother of Jublo and Dream. Scout and mapmaker; a shrewd trader. Keeps voluminous notebooks. Interested in what lives/grows where, and also what it can be used for. Sings and plays gitar or similar instrument, but does not compose. Normally confident, strong willed and calm. Hardworking, capable of persisting for as long as is necessary to accomplish a goal; a reliable worker, a major finisher of projects started by dreamers. Will fight for any cause he believes to be just, but balances loyalty with independence. Has a diverse variety of interests, and typically has both foresight and good judgement. A witty conversationalist, but not a flirt. Intuitive and often original, but better at adapting than inventing. Strong-willed and good at organizing. Outspoken. Doesn't start battles but generally ends them. Clearence: Margaret Dean/Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Treetall : (NH 96-229) M, H - blond, E - green. R. mate of Doleera (or he thinks so, anyway) father of Starling. Treeshaper. Dropped
off at New Hope by Doleera; dies in Hostage Crisis. Former elder of the Deathwater Falls tribe. Takes his responsibilities very
seriously. Despises dishonesty. Slow to anger, disliking quarrels and avoiding ill-feeling. If provoked, however, can explode into violent
outbursts. Industrious, a good crafter, not afraid of getting his hands dirty. Courageous; not typically nervous, usually very predictable
in his behavior. Needs to feel like he's in charge of the situation and of himself. Resists being pushed, but will willingly and loyally
follow a leader he trusts. Dislikes and is usually hostile to change. At his worst he can be obstinately and exasperatingly self-righteous.
Can be a determined enemy, though magnanimous in forgiveness if the opponent makes an effort to meet him halfway. To really thrive,
needs to be part of a loving, committed "partnership." Can be jealous and possessive if provoked.
Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Trinket : (NH 230-??) H - Dark brown, E - Brown. Daughter of Beliel and Rainblossom (?) Of the Hidden Valley. A low-powered
rockshaper; no demonstrated ability with gemstones or metal. Average sender. Skilled in gossiping, make-up, hair styling,
jewelry-making, tending pets and small children. Trinket loves flashy jewelry, flashy clothes, and being the center of attention. She can
whine like you wouldn't believe, but is also good at (hare-brained) scheming and sweet talk (though the sweet talk seldom works on
intelligent people since it's usually fairly transparent). She likes to be taken care of, and would like nothing better than to find a lifemate
who is influential and able to get her the finer things in life. Not an evil person but incredibly self-centered. Capable of flashes of
genuine altruism, which usually end up getting the target of her goodwill in more trouble. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Mikail : (Household Elder, until NH ??, when the household gets tired of him spending half his time at the Tower) M, H - brown/blond, E - ice blue. Son of Meiron and Natalya (both D), half brother (and soulbrother) of Piet, nephew of Tyaar (D). R. lifemate of Shadow-Wise, father of Mischa. Soulbrother of Nalkor. Healer. Superb dancer and choreographer, though the exigencies of life at New Hope don't permit him to practice those skills as intensively as he once did. (Sometime after NH 50, he makes an extended stay at Tower Mountain to practice his art once more.) Has mastered (or dusted off) a wide variety of practical skills: herbalism, tracking, foraging, riding, sailing, anything that will not require sitting still too long. A stringent perfectionist, one to set himself incredible standards. Effusive, humorous, moody, fast-witted; a quicksilver personality. A natural leader, but wary of exercising power. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs/Margaret Dean
Shadow-Wise: (Household Elder) wolfblooded; F, H - light brown, E - hazel/blue. Native of the Wolfgang. Recognized lifemate of Mikail, mother of Mischa. Astral projector, strong magic feeling. Teacher, hunter, scout, has combat skills. A wide-ranging personality embracing minxy silliness and dead seriousness. Reflective, slow to anger, explosive when battle-roused but infinitely patient with other elves; her desire for action is tempered by a firm sense of caution. Has a wise, cool head along with the ability to hear with the heart. A teacher and advisor above everything else, she takes her people's safety very seriously. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Airwolf : (Household Elder after NH ??) wolfblooded; M, H - chestnut brown, E - silver-grey. Son of Melody and Starfall of the Wolfgang, R mate of Chenir, father of Kerei (aka Dapple) and Spannie (aka Flicker). Glider, strong sender. Hunter by choice, warrior at need. Good swimmer, very good singer and musician, above average in martial arts. A proud wolf. Enjoys life and its pleasures; passionate, compassionate, loves his family deeply. Takes Chenir's kvetching about the Outside with almost herculean fortitude. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Chenir : (Household Elder after NH ??) F, H - red-gold, E - blue. Daughter of Wyn and Tyaar (D) out of Recognition. R mate of Airwolf, mother of Kerei (Dapple) and Spannie (Flicker). Strong glider. Skilled in cooking, oversees Whistleleaf's kitchens; cleaning, sewing, embroidery, some weaving. Good organizer and planner. Speaks Mraal fluently. Enjoys dancing and air-dancing, loves to make fancy dishes and elaborate presentations of food (much in demand for festivals!). Makes feather, beaded and knotwork jewelry and decorations. Clever, dexterous, witty, a useful member of the community. A very good, if overprotective, mother. Sometimes unsure of her own abilities, competence, or worthiness to be loved, and has trouble dealing with the natural world ("It's wet! It's cold! There are disasters! There are bugs!"), but despite some kvetching she does adapt. Clearence: Created by Betty Spurlock, unadoptable NPC
Coolbreath : wolfblooded, F, H - light brown, E - blue-grey. Daughter of Longsight and Gentlejest, sister of Browneyes and Honeybear. R lifemate of Nalkor, mother of Stillmorn. A native of Wolfgang, frequent visitor with blood ties to Whistleleaf Household. (becomes a permanent resident after the Hostage Crisis.) Animal bonder (wolves); has enhanced senses due to wolf blood. Hunter, fisher (hook and line), knows various useful crafts; lorewise; knows human language; hobbies are singing and human study. Rational, level- headed and open-minded; has a reputation for never losing her temper and acting as the "voice of sweet reason." Gets along well with humans but is somewhat wary of trolls. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Crow: M, H - black, E - brown. Son of Tinker and Treebow, half brother of Sunhawk. Wolfblooded. Close to and somewhat protective of his younger brother. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Crowseye: M, H - black, E - brown ? Son of Jand and Nettle of Clearwater, adoptive son of Darkwolf of Clearwater. Strong sender, glider, erratic mind stun. Skills include whittling, jewelry-making, hunting, leather tanning. Slow to learn to send, but once he found his soulname, the talent developed quickly. An accomplished flirt long before puberty set in, but after a period of experimentation settled down to being almost indifferent to such matters, though he could be as charming if he wanted something. During a particularly nasty encounter with a wild boar, he discovered a latent talent at mind stunning, but has thus far been unable to hone it to a reliable tool. Stories handed down from the few direct descendants of the Shadowed Ridge elves got Crow wondering about his father, the "evil glider" his mother had warned him about, and about the wondrous "shaped mountain" in which his people lived. Crow resolved to find this mountain, and learn the truth about his father himself. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Dusk : F, H - medium/dark brown, E - golden brown. Has a slight limp. Daughter of Redfern and Archer (both D), R mate of Fletcher. Animal bonder, bonded to Tailspin, a giant hawk; treeshaper. Hawkrider. Hunter, tracker, general survival skills, some sealore. Likes stargazing, watching the world go by, helping people. Born of wandering parents and orphaned at a young age, Dusk became practical and self-sufficient; she retains, however, traces of an almost obsessive shyness around other elves. Her Recognition to Fletcher was difficult for her due to their conflicting personalities; after their child of Recognition miscarried, they agreed to live separately as occasional lovemates, though she always hoped he'd get over it. She agrees to try again with him after she escapes from Luquentis & Co. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Emerel: See Startide
Hushleaf: M, H - dark blond, E - violet. Son of Bangree and Joxer (both D), R lifemate of Tessa (D?), father of Glossy. Lovemate and traveling companion of Shelee. Rover by birth, his original name was Bartham. Mute; lost tongue to human torture. Treeshaper, animal bonder. Archer, ropemaker and woodcarver, herbalist, pony trainer, dancer (the council fire variety). Has developed a sign language to communicate (Rovers cannot send). Easygoing and happy most of the time, friendly; likes pranking and is quick to smile. Respects life and loves plants like any treeshaper. A bit of a show-off, rash in an emergency. Prefers day to night. Honest and patient with others who can't understand him, but at times it becomes very frustrating for him. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Ilayo (aka Balance, Heartjoy) : (eye lay oh) F, H - bronze blond-brown, E - light hazel green. Daughter of Servan and Sunbreath, b. TWR 1207; sister of Uko, Oshi, Shiko, Hansho, Moki, and Onay. Lovemate of Mischa (exactly when tba) and mother of Quill and Sunshadow by him. Has an exceptional empathy for others, especially her family, that may or may not be the result of a Talent. Born at Servan's Enclave; apprenticed at Greenwillow. Loves and is good with children; weaver, spinner, seamstress and clothing designer; skilled in textile arts, especially tapestry weaving. Does beadwork, pottery, ceramics, cooking, gardening and herbalism, good organizer. An initiated Silver Dagger hunter but has never hunted on a regular basis; good archer, though, and continues practice while at Greenwillow. Likes to sing. Feminine but very practical. Cheerful, charming, and social; doesn't like being alone. Hates bad feeling and misunderstandings and does her best to tone down conflicts; good mediator and fantastic listener. Believes in ritual and tradition. Tactile, sensuous. Had some problems growing up in a talented, competitive family. Clearence: Maria Manemann
Jand : M, H - black, E - dark brown. Born into the Windwalkers, more recently of Tower Mountain. Adoptive father of Sarafel (D), R mate of Nettle, father of Crowseye. Exceptional glider/levitator and strong sender, capable of astral projection. Master jeweler, hunter, tracker, hawkrider, skilled at intrigue. Also dabbles in clothing design, makeup, and court dancing. The Jand who comes to New Hope is a broken elf. The Tower society he loved is dead; the place he hoped to attain in the new social order never materialized; he felt abandoned by Tyaar, who never understood the depths of Jand's love; and both his attempts to suicide have failed. He will throw all his energies into his assigned duties, and assume a Spartan lifestyle. Dies in the Hostage Crisis, but his spirit refuses to go to the Palace, instead hanging around and trying to track down Beliel. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Kerei (aka Dapple): wolfblooded; F, H - brown w/red highlights, E - green. Daughter of Chenir and Airwolf, b. NH 0, sister of Spannie. Animal bonder, weak to middling glider. Knows all kinds of woodlore, herbs, understands humans thoroughly and speaks their language well. A good "camp cook," does some tanning and clothes-making. Likes to weave small ornaments, jewelry, etc. with rushes, grasses, and twigs. Loves her mom dearly but is temperamentally more like dad and sticks close to him; also very close to her sister. More at home alone or in a small group in the woods than in the settlement. Soft-spoken but firm; what she says you can rely on. Not casual about love, and choosy about mates. Doesn't like visiting the Tower, says it makes her claustrophobic. Clearence:
Mischa : wolfblooded; M, H - gold/brown, E - blue. Son of Shadow-Wise and Mikail. Lovemate of Ilayo. Strong sender. Lively, ebullient, a bundle of energy; enjoys (and is good at) practically any sort of physical activity. Intelligent but doesn't always think things through before charging ahead; impulsive. Sometimes impatient with those who can't keep up with him, physically or mentally, though he will apologize afterwards. Clearence: Cyndy Haywood
Nalkor: M, H - dark brown, E - dark brown. Son of Vayree and Eylar, elder brother of Vallaree; Recognized lifemate of Coolbreath, father of Stillmorn. Soulbrother of Mikail. Strong glider and levitator, animal bonder (hawks). Hawkrider; hunter, tracker, scout; does knot-weaving (macrame) as a hobby. First flight leader and primary trainer of New Hope's hawkriders; also Acting Household Elder when Mikail is absent. Quiet and good-natured, with an unobtrusive wit. A follower rather than a leader by nature, though he can lead when he has to and is an excellent teacher. Has a strong sense of right and wrong. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs/Margaret Dean
Quill : F, H- Brown, E - Hazel. Wolfblooded. Out of recognition daughter of Mischa and Ilayo, sister of Sunshadow. An extroverted, cheerful young woman, Quill is intelligent, bouncy, and affectionate. She hates discord and will do her best to make sure everyone gets along. She likes bright colors and dancing and outside physical activity. She's insatiably curious and has a strong adventurous streak. Unfortunately, she's also impatient and has to find things out NOW which often leads to the messes she gets in. She's learned both Cuendee's and the Taaiakari forms of notation and uses them both endlessly. She also draws and paints. Considers it her duty to bring smiles to those she considered too solemn. She is 'cute'; not pretty, not beautiful, just cute. She blames the freckles and the upturned nose and is occasionally heard to mutter about it. Clearence: Lynn Reeves
Shelee: F, H - dark brown, E - soft brown. Plainsrunner by origin; last known home before coming to New Hope was Timber Valley Holt. Lovemate and traveling companion of Hushleaf. Strong glider, above average sender. Paraplegic due to a severe injury in her youth, unhealable by now. Skilled in combat, tanning and leatherworking, trapping; knows Hushleaf's sign language. Learns weaving and clothes making at New Hope. One tough lady; sharp, levelheaded, and proud. Sensitive to others' actions and motives; has a dry sense of humor. Dislikes arrogance, losing control of her emotions, pity, and self-pity. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Spannie (aka Flicker): wolfblooded; F, H - soft red, E - blue. Daughter of Chenir and Airwolf, younger sister of Kerei, b. NH 97. Strong glider and birdbonder. (May one day become a hawkrider, but not currently inclined to it.) Dancer and air-dancer; pretty good cook; good at woodlore (particularly plants), line and spear fisher; very dexterous with her hands. Likes to dance and sing, though she's not very good at the latter. Plays elaborate practical jokes, sometimes fiddles with clay. Very family-oriented. She and Kerei are extremely close without being inseparable. Cheery and ebullient, gets along with just about everybody. Can be impatient to act, some tendency to panic in a truly unusual situation. Not very serious about lovemating; lots of short relationships and likes to flirt. Clearence:
Stillmorn : wolfblooded; F, H - dark brown, E - dark grey. Daughter of Coolbreath and Nalkor, b. NH 0. Soulsister of Snowflower. Strong glider, can bond with wolves or hawks. Hawkrider, hunter/ tracker, scout; weaver; does knot-weaving and beadwork, dances well. Born at Wolfgang, came to New Hope at the age of twelve. Quiet, with a reserve that often comes across as shyness; can be astonishingly stubborn in a good cause. Looks before she leaps, but tenacious once committed. Observant, a good listener. Main fault is a tendency to take things too seriously or consider them too deeply. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Sunhawk: wolfblooded; M, H - pale blond, E - gem blue. Son of Tinker and Tyaar (D), adopted son of Treebow and Seahawk (it's a long story!), b. NH 0; half-brother of Crow and Chenir. Born at Great Water Holt. Healer, though he's less than pleased by this, fearing he may become like his true father. Tracker, archer, leathercrafter; knows human medicine. Alienated from his familial father (Treebow) because of his true parentage; has a troubled adolescence. Further results forthcoming. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Sunshadow : M, H - White-blond E - Blue hazel. Wolfblooded. OOR son of Mischa and Ilayo. Healer. Relocates to Servan's Enclave to be their healer as an adult. Dead average healer. Skilled in first aid, non-magical healing (bone setting, wound dressing, etc) and herbalism; knows the theory of magically healing humans, trolls and animals, anti-healing and flesh-shaping. Suffers some self-doubt despite his occasionally overbearingly confident manner and takes the death/loss of a patient hard. Otherwise is usually sunny, upbeat, cheerful, even fierce in his joy of life and living. He can be sharp-tempered, and he's not as restless as his father. Has great compassion for all peoples and living things in the abstract; one a person-to-person basis, well... things can get more difficult. Clearence: Cyndy Haywood/Maria Manemann
Tinker: wolfblooded; F, H - black, E - brown. Daughter of Samaria and Stormcloud. R mate of Treebow, mother of Crow and
Sunhawk. Mother was a Rover and Tinker grew up in that tribe; her father came originally from Wolfgang. Healer, animal bonder.
Woodwise, metal worker. Wild, direct, forceful despite the fact that she wields very little force. Frank, honest, expects that trait in
others. Tomboyish temper; nearly irrepressible. Incredibly stubborn. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Peysol : (Household Elder) M, H - white blond, E - brilliant blue. Son of Nennali and Merek, brother of Mindar and Lorelee. Lifemate of Leravie; father of Frith, Winken, and Deahjia; adoptive father of Nineki. Weaver, clothier; sailor, fisher; diplomat. Dances as a hobby and is a member of the Choral Society. Once the master costumer of Tower Mountain, at New Hope Peysol has turned his hand to his earliest trade of weaving, as well as returning to his old love of the sea and sailing. A good teacher. Inherently courteous, gets along well with people; a frequent choice for negotiations with other tribes and peoples. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Leravie : (Household Elder) F, H - dark brown, E - brown. Daughter of Shadaln and Dekan (Fu),lifemate of Peysol, mother of Nineki and Dejia. Master leatherworker. Friendly and outgoing, engaging and amicable. Abundant in energy, always on the go. Romantic. Anger is rare, flares quickly and is just as quickly over; she dislikes conflict with other people. Has done a lot of maturing since she left Tower Mountain; has had to learn to rely on herself and on her mate, especially emotionally. Clearence:
Dove : (Household Elder) F, H - snow white, E - coral (albino). R lifemate of Raventongue, mother of Quicksilver, Snowflower and Wasp. Soulsister of Feather. Healer, strong sender; capable of astral projection. Herbalist, dancer, gardener, knows first aid and survival skills. Once known as Lake, she spent several years of her young adulthood in Tower Mountain being groomed as Tyaar's consort; the name "Dove" was given to her when her sanity was restored at Great Water Holt. Senior healer of New Hope. Outwardly gentle and soft-spoken, she is very intelligent, strong-willed and tough-minded. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Raventongue : (Household Elder) M, H - black, E - black. R lifemate of Dove, father of Quicksilver and Twilight, adoptive father of Snowflower. Soulbrother of Seahawk. Finder; better than average sense of smell. Very skilled with bow and knife, superb tracker, climber, and gymnast. Likes doing scrimshaw and macrame. Wide range of practical skills, as befits chiefs blood; he is uncle to Windrunner, chief of Great Water Holt. A native of Great Water, Dove's ties and his own with the elves of New Hope induce them and their offspring to settle there. Highly intelligent, but the mouth always tends to work faster than the brain. Acutely perceptive and curious -- the latter of which tends to land him in trouble rather often. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Beesweets : F, H - honey blond, E - sapphire blue. Daughter of Feather and Seahawk. Treeshaper. Fletcher, archer, fisher, netmaker; singer and dancer. Friendly, outgoing, effusive, fun-loving, naturally drawn to people. Extraverted and nearly as wildly theatrical as her father. Rather a chatterbox; a good storyteller, enjoys practical jokes. Radiantly attractive, warm and optimistic; lives with flair and grace. Loves excitement, generous to a fault, impulsive, strong-willed; often conceals true feelings under a "smiling winner" facade. In NH 49, goes to Tower Mountain to apprentice with Ceyte. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Dehjia : F, H - ? E - ? Daughter of Peysol and Leravie. Clearence: Cyndy Haywood/Margaret Dean
Feather : F, H - orange red, E - hazel. R lifemate of Seahawk, mother of Beesweets and Twilight. Soulsister of Dove. Latent (unmanifested) treeshaper, animal bonder. Fletcher, archer, fisher, musician (plays flute and pipes), woodworker. As fragile and as strong as her namesake. Soft-spoken, quiet and rather shy by nature; naturally attracts confidences (and protectors). Very patient, but with a strong stubborn streak and the typical "redhead" temper, though it flares only rarely. Good sense of humor. In a battle situation she is subject to a berserker fury known to her birthtribe as "the Rage," which allows her to kill without hesitation or regret; she has also in the past had no love for humans. Resettling at New Hope was not easy for her. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Mistkit : M, H - Ivory-blond E - blue-grey. Self-shaper, strong sending. Son of Snowflower and Masque. Wide variety of practical skills; scouting and veterinary skills. Forthright, open and honest. Very athletic, outdoorsy, hates being cooped up or having to sit still for very long. Innocently sensual. A quick rather than a deep thinker, resourceful both by nature and training; resilient of mind and body. Has a good deal of empathy but not a lot of tact. Theoretically able to shift into the forms of other elves, humans, and trolls, his personal preference is for animal forms. Clearence: Margaret Dean/Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Nineki: (see Startide)
Quicksilver: (see Foxlair)
Seahawk : M, H - blue black, E - sapphire blue. R lifemate of Feather, father of Beesweets and Wasp. Soulbrother of Raventongue. Farsighted, glider, bonded to Smokesong, a giant hawk. Scout, sailor, fisher, hunter; considers himself a "provider"; more recently, a hawkrider. Sings, dances, does acrobatics, skilled storyteller, leathercrafter. Strongly theatrical, somewhat of a daredevil and a showoff, with the abilities to back up his boasts. An incorrigible flirt, but devoted to his lifemate. Tends to cover up deep feelings with a flamboyant exterior. Lives by a strict personal code of honor. Never uses a one- or two-syllable word when a three- or four-syllable one is available. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Snowflower : F, H - buff-white, E - brown. B. NH 0. Daughter of Dove and Piet, spiritual daughter of Tyaar (D), adopted daughter of Raventongue, half-sister of Quicksilver and Wasp. Recognized to Masque; mother of Mistkit. Soulsister of Stillmorn. "Broad-band" healer, able to heal not only elves but sufficiently receptive humans and animals with relatively equal ease; strong sender. Wide variety of practical skills, with special aptitudes for tracking and herblore. Does symbol-making in many media; excellent dancer, competent musician. Naturally friendly and energetic, with a strong constitution. Whatever she's involved in, gets involved to the uttermost. Capable of great fellowship and devotion. Enjoys competition. Has a heavily passionate nature; seductive; always has "someone special." Intensely intuitive, but also has an elastic and analytical mind, very alert. Has a tendency, however, toward hasty action and speaking without thinking. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Twilight : F, H - black, E - hazel-green. Daughter of Raventongue and Feather. Treeshaper. Intelligent, but pretends otherwise; Tracker and scout, excellent seafarer and herbalist. Nearly as competent an archer as her mother. A born flirt with strong sexual appetites. Extremely curious, very intense; friends with just about everyone, but truly close to only a few. Very efficient; an expert at working smarter, not harder. More likely to get even than get mad. Stronger and more capable than she'll admit to -- so long as a male is present to do the heavy work. Keeps her own counsel, but her arch verbal zingers have been known to draw blood. Likes to hear gossip and enjoys figuring out what makes people tick. Self confident quite to the edge of overconfidence and quite often beyond. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Wasp : M, H - blonde, E - blue. Glider(?), very minor anti-healing (comparable to a mild shock/sting). Son of Seahawk and Dove. Takes after his father (sometimes consciously.) Chivalrous, daring, fond of flowery speech. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Winken: M, H - seal brown, E - blue. Son of Peysol and Sharai, brother of Frith. Glider. Dancer, symbol-maker. The Household
goof-off (well, that's what Terrie said), explorer, adventurer. Greatly enjoys the outdoors now that he's finally had the chance.
Clearence: Terrie Smith
Crystel : (Household Elder) F, H - tawny blond, E - golden amber. Daughter of Leesa and Ekaren (both D), sister of Lyris (D) and Doreel. Tri-bonded with Sharai and Xylene. Mother of Jiko. Moderate level glider, magic senser. Dancer, composer, herbalist; freshwater diver, small craft sailor, pearl farmer. Temperamental, though nowadays she yells more often than she throws things. Very passionate. Claustrophobic in dark, enclosed spaces. Fascinated by and protective of children. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Sharai : (Household Elder) F, H - dark honey brown, E - blue-green. Daughter of Lingali and Daemor (both D). R mate and former lifemate of Peysol, mother of Frith and Winken. Tri-bonded with Crystel and Xylene. Glider. Musician and composer, dabbler in many arts and crafts; will throw herself into just about anything. Gourmet cook; helps supervise the kitchens at Threetail. One of the instigators of the New Hope Choral Society. Exuberant, outgoing, experimental, wary of falling into a rut. Loves to meddle in others' lives for their own good, but tends to shy away from trouble and pain. Leaves New Hope to return to Tower Mountain in NH 23. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Xylene : (Household Elder) F, H - dark chestnut brown, E - amber. Daughter of Uli and Pacarr (both D), sister of Geibryl and Synf (D). R mate of Kesik, mother of Emerel and Kaethe. Tri-bonded with Crystel and Sharai. Plantshaper, formerly the Functional "Vine." Variety of other skills, including dance. Strong-willed and energetic, lively, unpredictable. Strongly temperamental, self-confident, loves finding out what makes people tick. Leaves New Hope to return to Tower Mountain in NH 23. Clearence: Kristin Fontaine
Chimreh: See Startide Household
Jiko : F, H - tawny blond, E - golden amber. Daughter of Crystel; born out of Recognition, father unknown. Very weak glider.
Rafter/small craft sailor, fisher and shellfish tender, filch (all in fun, of course). Sings, plays kitar, dances. Can ride both horse and
hawk, but much prefers the former; has a fear of flying. Has a rapport with the local dolphins. Bright, quick-witted, a sun-child of the
sea. Loves to swim. Fond of intoxicants. Confident in what she knows; has a tendency to try and BS her way out of any situation.
Can get nasty if wronged, though her temper is usually expressed vocally rather than physically. Many lovemates; likes to be
romanced, but prefers honesty in intentions. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Geibryl : (Household Elder) M, H - dark brown, E - gray-green. Son of Uli and Pacarr (both D), brother of Xylene and Synf (D). R mate of Vallaree, father of Rael and Suraya. Singer and composer; plays any and all percussion instruments he can get his hands on. Likes to create hybrids of Mraal and elvish instruments. Fieldworker during the growing season. Geibryl originally founded Springreach Household with his human friends Yusu and Shayzi; in the early years of New Hope he withdrew noticeably from his own people, needing to redefine his relationship with other elves. His Recognition to Vallaree brought him back into elvish society. His most extensive creative work during the first few decades of New Hope was a project to merge Mraal and elvish festivals and at the same time direct the devotions of the Mraal away from elves and toward a more pantheistic spirituality. After coming out of his hermit phase, Geibryl became quietly gregarious, a participant observer of the activities of others. He is only tentatively vocal in most situations. Dies in the Hostage Crisis. Clearence: Teri Gardner
Vallaree : (Household Elder) F, H - chestnut brown, E - brown. Daughter of Vayree and Eylar, younger sister of Nalkor. Former lovemate of Bugdance, R mate of Geibryl; mother of Mijo, Rael, and Suraya. Glider, animal bonder (horses). Midwife, knows herbal medicine, is a skilled equestrienne and vet. Dancer, does needlework as a hobby. Sweet-natured, artless, a bit naive, with a strong romantic and sentimental streak. Kindhearted, quick to offer sympathy. Has the capacity for singleminded devotion to a person or cause. Considers every child she delivers to be a little bit hers. Loves animals and keeps the Household overrun with pets. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Lodestar : M, H - auburn, E - Grey-green. Son of Kestrel and Starsinger of the Aerie. Soulbrother of Masque, eventual lovemate of Vallaree. Healer of moderate power; has exact sense of direction. General survival skills; excellent archer, decent herbalist, bowyer and fletcher; skilled mountaineer. Has a strong sense of right and wrong coupled with a healer's natural compassion. Insightful and occasionally intuitive, but mostly pragmatic. Protective of Lyeth/Masque. One either to speak the truth or to keep his mouth shut. He generally has enough sense to know when to do the latter. Has occasional bouts of severe homesickness. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Mijacogeo (aka Mijo): M, H - dark brown, E - dark brown. Son of Vallaree and Bugdance (out of Recognition); half brother of Rael and Suraya. Lovemate of Lorelee. Weak glider, animal bonder; usually has a parrot as a bondmate. A skilled climber and acrobat, a consummate filch; knows sailing, ropemaking, other seafaring skills; a good swimmer. Does scrimshaw and various other crafts, sings on key. Crews alternately with Calypso of the Cowrie and Merek of the Voyager, so is only at New Hope intermittently. (For that matter, his Household affiliation is shaky, but he's been put here for convenience.) Extraverted, talkative, hyperactive, and a confirmed trickster. Maintains a "tough" image but is actually sensitive and perceptive; much prefers a bloodless deception to killing or hurting anyone. Made for lovemates; he and Lorelee are really more best friends than lovers. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Rael: M, H - dark brown, E - light brown. Son of Vallaree and Geibryl, twin brother of Suraya, half brother of Mijo. Glider, animal bonder. Hawkrider, dancer, prankster. Agile, impish, takes after and emulates his half brother. Has a rapport with animals. Gets more serious about dancing and things in general as he gets older. Has a temper one wouldn't expect from such a jovial person; when it flares you don't want to get in his way. Very close telepathically with his sister. Clearence:
Suraya: F, H - dark brown, E - light green. Daughter of Vallaree and Geibryl, twin sister of Rael, half sister of Mijo. Animal bonder.
Musician, horseback rider. Intense. Suffers from "Mikail Syndrome," i.e. "Why can Rael fly and I can't?!" This causes her to strive
for excellence in other activities; can become nearly obsessive. Has a mischievous streak, but subtle about it; likes a prank best when
no one ever finds out she did it. Consequently many don't realize that the outwardly serious Suraya is a prankster. Like Rael, she has
a temper, not often lost, but alarming when it is. Very close telepathically with her brother. Clearence:
Evanda : (Household Elder) F, H -gold-red, E - amber. Daughter of Ranay and Irralev (both D), sister of Liera (D) and Amleth (D), cousin of Lest and Fiellys. R mate of Midnight; mother of Aquene (by Midnight) and Ailinn (OOR by Mindar). Strong and swift glider. Dancer, tanner and dyer of leather, leatherworker; does some decorative embroidery; mechanically inclined, good at fixing things. Adventurous though not reckless, bright and resourceful, can think on her feet. Good-natured, difficult to anger. Horse breeder; spends a great deal of time working with the horses trying for fine lines, good wind, and color. Spent a brief period of time as a hawkrider, but determined after the death of her first hawk that she wasn't made for it, and prefers her mounts ground-bound. Dies during the Hostage Crisis, shortly after giving birth to Aquene. Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Iys : (Household Elder) F, H - black, E - pale grey. Daughter of Jachin (D) and Feyhr out of Recognition, half-sister of Rhesa and Chimreh. Strong glider; hawkrider, bonded to Wishes. Clothier, hairdresser and makeup artist; dancer, playwright. Quiet and cautious, with a fine, active imagination. Returns to Tower Mountain after the deaths of her friends Evanda and Geibryl in the Hostage Crisis. Clearence: Mercy Neumark
Aquene: F, H - Tawny dark blonde, E - blue. Daughter of Midnight and Evanda. Bright, active, quick-moving little girl, full of ideas and mischief. Keeps her father hopping. Wants to fly desperately (and has the inherent power, from both parents)--continually keeps the household on alert with her attempts to do just that. As a grown up...? TBA Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Firesong : F, H - Auburn, E - Green. Daughter of Ceyte and Arteurna out of Recognition. Healer. Half-sister of Dove, Feather, Ghostdancer, and Ghosthunter. Lovemate of Horsewhisper. Conceived during the Hostage Crisis. Ceyte was not up to the stress of raising a child so Firesong's sisters took Firesong and her half-brother Ghostdancer to New Hope and raised them there. An excellent cook. Creative and romantic, sentimental. Capable of either speaking out when necessary or keeping her mouth shut. A homebody that loves to be surrounded by the people and things she loves. On the rare occasions when sympathy and kindness doesn't get her what she wants, is not above using emotional manipulation -- tears or sulking -- to get it. Really dislikes being told what to do; on the other hand, doesn't order people around. Needs constant support and encouragement; wants desperately to be loved and approved of. Has a blind spot when it comes to seeing a failing in those she loves. Sometimes hits the extremes of clannishness, the narrow patriotism of "my settlement right or wrong." Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Horsewhisper : (formerly Rattlesnake) M, H - brown, E - green. Transplanted Brightcolor Desert born in the desert, former War Chief and leader of the ground troops of Hidden Valley II, former leader of the rogue bandits, father of Catsclaw, grandfather of Wildrider and Jeimi. Glider, but never learned to use it for anything (afraid of heights). Comes to New Hope for a variety of reasons, primary among them the decision that he's finally tired of pointless fighting. (NH YR ?) Doesn't plan on giving up being a warrior, just has a new home to defend and fight for. Opinionated, strong-willed, self-confident, proud (egotistical), determined, a natural leader; protective of those he considers "his"--his home, his friends, his family--and firmly enmeshed in the ways and traditions of his people, no matter where he's living. Sensual, earthy, enjoys life to the fullest he can enjoy it. Horse trainer, can ride and "talk to" any horse alive and doesn't believe any horse is "wild," just ones he hasn't met yet. Excellent dancer, always enjoys getting out on the floor. Infatuated with Vallaree. Frankly desiring of a family. Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Midnight : M, H - Tawny dark blond, E - blue. Dark skinned. Transplanted Brightcolor Desert originally from the Desert, more recently from Hidden Valley II. Recognized mate of Evanda, father of Aquene. Strong glider. Formerly a well-respected warrior/weaponsmaster in his old tribe, gave up the ways of the blade completely to be a full-time father to Aquene. After Evanda's death, took over her position in the household (although not on the council) and with the horse herd, which he is very fond of and spends a great deal of time with. Brave, resourceful, friendly, outgoing, and outspoken; strong supporter of New Hope's ideals, but is extremely wary of how they are viewed by the outside world. Excellent singer, most sought after for the choral and solos. Dedicated and loving father. Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Quicksilver : M, H - blue black, E - silver grey. Son of Dove and Raventongue, half-brother of Snowflower, Wasp, and Twilight. His Talent -- which works on a largely unconscious level -- is a mix of Dove's healer sensitivities and Raventongue's Finding; he "reads" body language and other nonverbal cues in a way no one but Piet can match. Trained from childhood in a wide variety of practical skills; his hobbies also change with the moons. Always wanted to be a healer like his mother or a herder like Dad; finally combined the two wishes by becoming a vet. Action-oriented and resourceful, fortunately has luck in equal measure to his recklessness. Incapable of going halfway in anything. Clearence:
Wolfstorm : wolfblooded; M, H - rust red, E - grey. Potential animal bonder but has never tried it. Brought up in a pureblood tribe
where his wolf blood was looked down upon. Overcompensates by rubbing others' noses in a wolfblood's advantages; cocky, confident
verging on overconfident, and an enthusiastic competitor; will do anything on a dare. Underneath it all he is resentful of pureblooded
immortality and scared of death; can't quite understand how other wolfblooded elves can take it so calmly. Likes jokes, parties, and
fun, the louder the better; likes dreamberries. Intelligent enough but with few social graces; often doesn't realize why his brashness
rubs people the wrong way. Touchy after the manner of adolescents everywhere, and badly needs some real self-confidence. Prone to
infatuations with pure- blooded females (especially tall, ethereal-looking ones.) Dies in the Battle of New Hope after the Hostage
Crisis. Clearence:
Adaarah : F, H - deep auburn, E - green/hazel. Daughter of Nyessti (D) and Nez OOR. Limited glider. Potter, glassmaker; former dancer; gamer; has interests in medicinal herbs, swimming, boating, and net fishing. New Hope to her is a longtime dream come true. Life is harder than she expected, but she has no complaints. Still tends to ramble in her speech, but no longer feels the need to keep up the "fuddleheaded" facade she used in the Tower. Relocates to Great Water early in the settlement's history. Clearence: Created by Dana Evans, unadoptable NPC
Ahrien : F, H - light auburn, E - pale gold. Daughter of Challa and Sehr (both D), sister of Argus, Byern, and Azheri; R mate of Helkar (D), mother of Valimar and Jheredd. Firemaker. Potter. Came to New Hope to make a new start after being freed from Functionality in the Tower. After Wyn's death in NH 42, lovemates with Havrin and returns to Tower Mountain. Clearence: Joyce Norton
Basile : F, H - blonde, E - grey. Daughter of Beliel and Nyessti, R. mate of Heartseeker, mother of Leelia. Rockshaper. Daughter of Nyessti out of Recognition; father uncertain but believed to be Mikail. Embroiderer, sculptor, dabbled in other textile arts. Bright, curious, gregarious and a bit of a tease. Basile followed Beliel into exile from Tower Mountain, and ended up in the Hidden Valley. She eventually Recognized Heartseeker when he infiltrated the Hidden Valley to gather information, and returns to New Hope with him. Clearence: Teri Gardner
Ciddara: F, H - honey blonde, E - brown. Daughter of Shadaln and a Brightcolor Desert elf who was part of the occupying force during the Hostage Crisis. Other information TBD. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Havrin : M, H - golden blond, E - violet/blue/grey. Son of Nyessti (D) and Serggyon, brother of Zareth; R mate of Wyn, father of Keldira (D) and Meiji. Rockshaper. Potter; establishes pottery works at Risingmist. Poet, musician, playwright, good at languages. Has a sweet and gentle nature with a tendency to melancholy. In NH 42, after the death of Wyn, he lovemates with Ahrien and returns to Tower Mountain. Clearence: April Lee
Heartseeker : M, H - dark brown, E - brown. Native of Deathwater Falls, a woodland tribe. Lovemate of Mouse, R. lifemate of Basile, father of Leelia. Soulbrother of Piet, Bugdance, and Longshanks. Hunter/tracker, good rider and horse trainer, shrewd trader. Impulsive, warmhearted, romantic, brash, with the cocky aggressiveness of a Short Person. A lover of beauty and appreciator of the arts. Uninhibited, friendly, likes a good time. Attractive to the opposite sex and likes to flirt. Recognizes Basile on a scouting mission into the Hidden Valley, and eventually lifemates with her and moves to Risingmist. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Jauren (aka Ji): Elf (High One), M, H - dark grey/silver, E - dark grey/silver. One of the original High Ones who followed Ketsal, ancestor of various Tower and New Hope elves. Healer. Left the Old Settlement to search for his father Mirjin; arrives at New Hope in NH 15. Scientist, specializing in genetics and anthropology; not cold or clinical in his studies. Hunter and explorer; enjoys spelunking (including underwater) and mountain climbing. Is at New Hope only intermittently; also spends a good deal of time at Tower Mountain, tutoring Pheylan in the use of his powers. D. NH 50. Clearence:
Leelia: F, H - Brown, E - Brown. Daughter of Heartseeker and Basile. Clearence: Teri Gardner
Looks Twice (aka Raikan ) M, H - auburn E - light blue-grey. Brightcolor born in the Hidden Valley, defected to New Hope during the occupation. Glider. Hawkrider, hunter, warrior; fishing, trapping; some herblore; swimming, race running, games of skill (with maybe a bet on the side), target archery, wood carving and wood inlay. Clearence: Maggie Fulton
Shadaln : F, H - Sandy blonde E - Brown. Mother of Leravie (in Recognition, with Dekan) and Ciddara (out of Recognition with Windstorm of the Hidden Valley). Former Seneschal and later Lord of Tower Mountain; resigned her position in TWR 1280 to move to New Hope. Gardener. Hobbies include embroidery and practicing with sword and staff. Avoids Eldership with a single-minded determination. Is very pleased to have finally had a second child, and was quite pleasantly surprised to find herself falling in love with Raikan. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Vanjir : M, H - silvery grey, E - gold. Son of Meiji and Vaynyar, b. NH 30 (at Tower Mountain). Comes to New Hope in NH 51, mates with Eden shortly thereafter. Exceptionally strong glider/levitator. Brewer, horseback rider, survival skills and hawkriding; New Hope's flight leader after Nalkor resigns. Independent and aggressive, willing to take a dare and go adventuring, but knows where to draw the line. An excellent strategist. Well schooled in social graces, but very often finds it useful to pretend he isn't; cultivates a blunt, almost crude image at times. Very intelligent, with a keen sense of humor. Very loyal to family. He finds human females sexually attractive; even in New Hope this is not exactly common or encouraged, and not all his cross-species liaisons have ended well or happily. Clearence:
Wyn : F, H - strawberry blond, E - blue. Daughter of Naveen and Chelri (both D), sister of Twillor (D) and Jinan, R mate of Havrin,
mother of Keldira (D) and Meiji; also mother of Chenir OOR by Tyaar (D). Has farsight. Midwife, scout. Tends a flower garden.
Tries to see that New Hope retains some of the niceties of civilization. Trains midwives both at New Hope and Tower Mountain. D.
NH 42. Clearence:
Cragbelly: (Household Elder) Troll, M, H - red-brown, E - blue. Mate of Mushrump, father of Bauble, Shovelpaw and Truffle. Excellent stoneworker and miner, also does forge work. Enormously strong and tough, revels in hard physical work. Wouldn't be averse to fighting, either, and likes wrestling whenever he can find a worthy partner. Good head on his shoulders, good organizer and leader. Respected by the other trolls for his age, strength, and wits. Among the first to volunteer to go to New Hope, the most adventurous of the older Tower trolls. Clearence:
Mushrump: (Household Elder) Troll, F, H - none, E - gray-green. Mate of Cragbelly, mother of Bauble, Shovelpaw, and Truffle; cousin of Mouldiwarp. Trolldelving's best cook. Up on herblore, mostly culinary but some medicinal too, and tunnel/mushroom gardening. Loves eating, especially sweets. Has a thing about manners; she has a one-troll campaign going to improve her Household's social skills (at table and otherwise). She can be very obstinate about this. Clearence:
Ashputtle: F, E - blue, H - blonde. Mate of Ingot, mother of Bittermint and Bait. A trollish beauty. Originally from Leafrot's Kingdom. Eloped with Ingot, whom she met while he was on the caravan run. Clever, resourceful, independant. Her family may cause trouble at some point; they were very annoyed at her 'marrying down'. Clearence:
Bait: M, E - blue, H - light brown. Son of Ingot and Ashputtle, younger brother of Bittermint. Devastatingly handsome, reasonably bright, kind and mannerly (as trolls go) and has a golden touch for finding ore. Would have assorted females panting over him, and he is enamored of Truffle, but his parents have strongly suggested that he not marry until they can settle his older sister down, and Bait is too dutiful to go against their wishes.
Bauble: Troll, F, H - blond, E - murky blue. Daughter of Mushrump and Cragbelly. Some domestic skills, learning cooking, herbs, and tunnel gardening from her mother. Also enjoys daydreaming and mooning over Bilge. The most recent birth to the trolls of New Hope, rather indulged by her parents (especially her mother). A closet romantic, whose daydreaming tends to get in the way of her work. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Bittermint: F, E - green, H - light brown. Daughter of Ingot and Ashputtle, older sister of Bait. Not the beauty her mother is, to her mother's everlasting dismay. Very intelligent, prefers scholarly pursuits. Has her grandfather Ironshackle's mordant wit, and is not even slightly interested in marrying and having babies. Has so far driven off every potential suitor with well-placed barbs (mostly figurative, but one of them left with a fish spear in his butt.) Clearence:
Cobnoddle: Troll, M, H - cobweb white, E - brown. Very intelligent and inventive, with an engineering/ mechanical bent. Enjoys inventing complicated devices to perform simple tasks, a la Rube Goldberg. A kind of eccentric inventor/absentminded professor type. Has a nervous, fidgety manner unless he has suddenly drifted off into a reverie about a new invention, when he stares into space and ignores all attempts to get his attention. Enjoys non-trollish company more than most other trolls. Clearence:
Flathead: M, E - ? H - ? Son of Tugbarge and Flittermouse. A comedian. (More personality to come) Clearance: Kathy Coleman
Flittermouse: F, E - brown H - silver-grey. Daughter of Shovelpaw and Mungle, mate of Tugbarge, mother of Flathead.
Goldfingers: Troll, M, H - black, E - pale blue. Son of Blacklock (at Tower Mountain), father of Tumblesides. Excellent jeweler, good at fine and delicate work of any kind. A lucky gambler; member of the Choral Society. Sociable for a troll, especially when he can find gambling partners among the humans and elves. Also genuinely enjoys singing with the Choral Society. Has a strong degree of paternal affection for Tumblesides, and can't understand why Tumblesides isn't as lucky as he is at gambling. Clearence:
Ingot: M, E - grey, H - black. Son of Ironshackle and Webby, mate of Ashputtle, father of Bittermint and Bait.
Ironshackle: Troll, M, H - bald, dark brown beard, E - muddy gray. Mate of Webby, father of Ingot and Tugbarge. A friend of Byern/Forge at the Tower, specializing in ironwork, metallurgy, etc. Spends much of his time in the forge. Enjoys foretelling disasters, gallows humor. Pessimist, but of the blackly humorous rather than the grouchy variety. Stoic, proud of his ability to endure whatever disasters life chooses to hand out. Clearence:
Mouldiwarp: Troll, F, H - muddy brown, E - gray-green. Mother of Tumblesides. Considered the most desirable female troll in the caverns. Weaver, good at handcrafts; enjoys flirting, gossip, and creating minor earthquakes (ahem!) at every opportunity. Clearence:
Mungle: F, E - hazel, H - dishwater blonde. Mate of Shovelpaw, mother of Flittermouse. Originally from the Bitter Springs Kingdom. Considerably older than her mate; emigrated to New Hope upon hearing how desperate the New Hope trolls were for wives and was not disappointed. Weaver, dyer. A compulsive organizer and re-arranger: fancies herself an efficiency expert, always has a better way to do something, and can be rather bossy. Has been known to clash with her mother-in-law Mushrump.
Shovelpaw: M, E - brown, H - brown. Son of Cragbelly and Mushrump, brother of Bauble and Truffle, mate of Flittermouse, father of Flathead. Loud, boisterous, hail-fellow-well-met type. Excellent miner. Married Mungle with an eye towards adding her skills to the household; their mating is more a business partnership than a love affair.
Truffle: F, E - dark brown, H - dark brown. Daughter of Cragbelly and Mushrump. Sister of Bauble and Shovelpaw, aunt of Flathead. Light-hearted, good-humored, curious and sociable. Likes sweets. Unaware of Bait's infatuation with her; has a hopeless crush on the mysterious, handsome, (married and safely unavailable) Bilge.
Tugbarge: M, E - brown, H - black. Son of Ironshackle and Webby, brother of Ingot, uncle of Bittermint and Bait, mate of Flittermouse, father of Flathead. Trader, maintains the barges which travel from New Hope to Servan's Enclave along the Bluesnake River.
Tumblesides (aka Squinny): Troll, M, H - muddy brown, E - watery blue. Son of Mouldiwarp and Goldfingers. The first (?) troll child born to the trolls of New Hope. Still figuring out what he wants to do or is good at; is learning the basics of mining, stonework, metalwork, etc. Likes gambling but has more enthusiasm than skill. Clearence: Cyndy Haywood
Webby: F, E - grey, h - brown. Mate of Ironshackle, mother of Ingot and Tugbarge. Originally from the Bitter Springs Kingdom;
became Ironshackle's mate through a sort of mail-order bride arrangement. Considered rather plain and gawky for a troll. Industrious,
sweet-tempered, rather shy, easily embarassed. Originally intimidated by Ironshackle but eventually the two of them become quite close.
Bilge (Household Elder): Troll, M, H - silver grey, E - ice blue. Son of Ironfist (D) and Mossfern, brother of Stonechipper (all of the Island Trolls). Sailor/fisher, metalsmith, miner and engineer, starmapper and navigator, has basic survival skills. Enjoys storytelling, singing, and taking care of the ship's cat. One of the Island Trolls' "expendable" males who jumped ship during an exploratory mission and set up on his own, he was discovered by Sea Runner Household when they were laying out the floor plan for their new home. He eventually formed a tentative friendship with Calypso and signed on as his apprentice after falling in love with the new Cowrie. A typical troll, though once someone earns his respect, he's loyal to the end. Has a soft spot for both children and animals. Devoted to his wife Bauble, though he feels she's still too young to be a mother. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Calypso (Household Elder): M, H - sandy brown, E - grey-violet. Originally of Silver Sands Holt. R mate of Nightdancer (D), lovemate of Surf (M), father of Pearl. Captain of the Cowrie; sailor, fisher, whaler, shipbuilder, other sea- and survival-related skills; weaves, sews; storyteller, plays reed pipes, does scrimshaw. A basically cheerful elf who enjoys wine, women and song -- your typical sea captain/pirate type. Aboard the Cowrie his word is law. A stern taskmaster, he accepts nothing but the strictest obedience from his crew, though he still manages to make it a pleasant voyage. Speaks with a strong brogue (Scottish analog). Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Catspaw : catblooded; M, H - medium brown, E - blue-green. Son of Nightowl and Crystalmoth, brother of Piper. Minor rockshaper. Has maritime skills, knows weaving and embroidery, macrame, and tatting; sings, dances. Arachnophile. Soft-spoken, but not to the extreme that his father is, Catspaw is perfectly capable of losing his temper. Currently at Tower Mountain, apprenticing to Doreel as a clothing designer. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Crystalmoth : catblooded; M, H - platinum blond, E - jade green. Wanderer, originally from Crystal Falls Holt. R mate of Nightowl, father of Catspaw and Piper. Rockshaper, prefers to work with gems and crystals. Exceptionally sharp hearing, good night vision. Wide variety of skills as befits one who must create his own comforts and luxuries as well as entertaining and amusing those he meets. All done with the ultimate in grace, dignity and finesse. Cool, but polite and generally friendly, with a dignity that may look like arrogance at first. Rarely shows strong emotion, refuses to be rushed. Has an eye for beauty and a love for things that please the senses. Patient, good with children. In private, willing to give all to those he cares about. Dies in the Battle of New Hope after the Hostage Crisis. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Fletcher : M, H - light brown, E - ice blue. R mate of Dusk; formerly lifemated to Brightleaf (D). Has farsight. Warrior, scout, hunter, fisher, boatmaker, leatherworker, has basic survival skills. Enjoys archery, wrestling, drinking, wallowing in self-pity, confusing people, and having fun. Playful at first look, a little bit crazy; fun to be around unless you get too close; then you find out he's a lot crazy, but generally harmless. Never got over his lifemate's death and occasionally gets very reckless in an unconscious attempt to join her, though these occurrences are tapering off as time passes. Holds grudges. If anybody tries to hurt a friend he will feel morally obligated to retaliate. His Recognition with Dusk fell afoul of his wish for her to be just like Brightleaf; after her miscarriage they decided to live separately as occasional lovemates. But he realized after her brush with Luquentis and Co how close he came to losing her forever and is determined to make their relationship work. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Flotsam (aka Mayrah): F, H - white gold, E - sea-colored. Daughter of Sea-Eyes and Petrel (both D), foster daughter of Byrah and Tawno (humans, also D), foster sister and soulsister of Mawna (aka Jetsam I). Skilled at underwater spearfishing, line and net fishing. An excellent swimmer and diver and a fair sailor; knows the rudiments of navigation. Picked up spinning at Greenwillow Household and still does it in spare moments. Plays a small drum and sings well. Currently apprenticed to Calypso to better her seafaring skills and as a way to take her mind off the death of her human soulsister, Mawna. Open and friendly personality, finds it difficult to believe evil of anyone. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Nightdancer : F, H - auburn-gold, E - aqua green. Originally of a seafaring tribe known as the Sea Runners (Calypso named the Household in their memory). R mate of Calypso, mother of Pearl. Limited heat generating magic. Bonded to Waveskipper, a porpoise. Fisher/whaler, netmaker, shipbuilder, sailor, good swimmer. Generally outgoing, though somewhat reserved due to the deaths of her original family and lovemate in a shipwreck. Enjoys anything connected with the sea, loves to swim and "dance" (her name for an emotionally cleansing ritual performed in the ocean or any large body of water). Likes dreamberries. She is killed by sharks during one of the Cowrie's voyages. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Nightowl : F, H - reddish brown, E - green. Originally from Snowhaven. R mate of Crystalmoth, mother of Catspaw and Piper. Healer, can heal animals, and specializes as the New Hope veterinarian. Hunter, tracker, fisher, has basic forestry skills, can cook, tan, do gardening. Swimming, seamanship. Can cuss a blue streak. Known for her nasty temper, has a tendency to keep to hersbut over time has mellowed out and become more sociable so that the surliness is now mostly a playful act. Nocturnal in habits, likes her privacy. Takes her healer's duties seriously but doesn't like to be called on for every little scratch. Suffers from internal conflicts due to her dual natures of hunter and healer. Dies in the Battle of New Hope after the Hostage Crisis. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Pearl : F, H - sandy brown, E - grey-green. Daughter of Nightdancer and Calypso, b. NH 10. Skilled in sealore, fishing, netmaking, sailing, whaling, basic survival skills, kelp farming, shipbuilding, sewing, cooking, woodcarving, swimming, star navigation, smattering of other skills. Enjoys surfing, macrame, and teasing Zigan. A rambunctious child ("daddy's wee darlin' "), with a very sunny, outgoing personality. Energetic; works hard, plays hard. Mated to Zigan, a human apprentice of Bilge, until his death in NH 40. Her time with him teaches her to be a reasonable, responsible adult. Clearence: Melissa Van Houten
Piper : M, H - fox-red, E - green. Son of Nightowl and Crystalmoth, younger brother of Catspaw, b. NH 33. Has healer's sense, but no
healing powers. Has the usual Sea Runner plethora of nautical skills, some weaving, cooking, whittling, climbing. Plays reed pipes
(though never in public). Painfully shy, but generally a good lad; always willing to walk in Catspaw's or Pearl's shadow. A perpetual
"supporting player." Good-natured, friendly, and helpful, but occasionally needs to get away from it all (generally high in the rigging
of the Cowrie). At fifteen, develops a tremendous crush on Mayrah (Flotsam), though he'd be mortified if she ever found out about it.
She figures it out though, and they finally get together when she comforts him after learning of his parents' deaths. Clearence: Melissa
Van Houten
Chimreh : (Household Elder) F, H - dark blond, E - golden-brown. Daughter of Jachin out of Recognition, father unknown (possibly Kela?), half- sister of Rhesa and Iys. Lovemate of Twill, mother of Fever. Glider. Hawkrider, has dabbled in crafts in the past but never applied herself to any. Games well. Offered a place at New Hope after she and Jand unsuccessfully tried to assassinate Lords Erik and Shadaln, she eventually accepted. Has since become a New Hope champion, fiercely proud and protective of her home and its people. Vigilantly into physical health and fitness, and keeps herself in rigorous, muscular good shape with vigorous, regular exercise. Very active, outspoken, opinionated, brash; a vicious watchdog on a short chain. Clearence: Kathy R. Coleman
Nineki : (Household Elder) F, H - sable brown, E - chocolate brown. Daughter of Leravie and Starblade (a wanderer), adoptive daughter of Peysol. R. mate of Emerel, mother of Sylvan. Moderate level rockshaper. Gardener, pearl farmer, sea harvesting, knows sailing and swimming. Makes jewelry as a hobby, likes gaming, beachcombing. An easygoing sort and a soft touch for favors up to a point. During her youth in Greenwillow felt like an outsider among a Household of strong personalities; had trouble asserting herself. Quietly pushed the limits of her Talent but was frustrated by the lack of a teacher. Bothered at times by New Hope's "tyranny of total acceptance"; sometimes she felt no one wanted her to better herself. Went to Tower Mountain to seek training in her talent from the rockshapers there and returned a more mature and confident person. Clearence: Cyndy Haywood
Catsclaw : F, H - auburn, E - blue. Recognized to Nez, mother of Jeimi (Tower) and Wildrider. Hunter, warrior; relocates to New Hope after the Hostage Crisis. Deceptively quiet-seeming, with a soft "die-away" voice, hiding a will of steel and iron spine of a Brightcolor warrior. Determined, strong-willed, possessed of a native intelligence but, on the whole, generally average. Sets her sights on something and determines she's going to do it, and gets it done. Friendly, protective of friends and family, and dedicated to the ways of New Hope since she adopted it as her home. Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Emerel : M, H - black, E - black. R. lifemate of Nineki, father of Sylvan. Son of Xylene and Kesik, elder brother of Kaethe. (All of Tower Mountain.) Musician (voice and pipes). Has excellent hearing. Egotistical and vain. Impulsive. Generally lazy unless his interest is engaged; an all-or-nothing sort. A totally devoted lover. Usual motivations are self-preservation and self-gratification; generally not hard to get along with, but unpredictable and dangerous when angry. Relocates to New Hope in TWR 1200 and eventually lovemates with Nineki after a bumpy courtship; they Recognize shortly after the Hostage Crisis. Clearence:
Fever : M, H - Brown, E - blue. OOR son of Chimreh and Twill. Loud, vigorous, restless, energetic, bouncy, gregarious, outgoing, friendly, genuine; loves everyone and hasn't an ounce of guile. Will drop anything he's doing to help someone out--other folks always come first. Loves his mom and dad, adores everyone in the household. Pleasant singing voice, loves the sea and sailing; heavy-set and inclined to a pudgy appearance, but pretty much as solid as his mother. Clearence: Kathy Coleman
Frodis : F, H - golden blond, E - right sapphire, left green-gold. Daughter of Rahirah and Tanyel, b. NH 1; elder sister of Shahn. Has hypnosis power (not always under control). Hunter/trapper/fisher, some herblore. Gamer, likes dancing, plays drums, does a little woodcarving for fun. Extremely outgoing and gregarious, with a gift for making herself at ease with new people and new situations. Curious, assertive, direct, blithely oblivious to innuendo. Especially curious about life in other places; would like to go out and have adventures someday, but is aware that real adventures are not as romantic as in stories. Has a definite daredevil streak, but is easygoing about life in general and, in essence, hasn't yet decided what she wants to do when she grows up. Becomes an angrier and more bitter person after the Hostage Crisis, though she hides this fairly well; has lost a lot of her faith in humanity (elfity?). Moves to Startide Household as one of the founders in NH 236. Clearence:
Sylvan : M, H - brown, E - grey. Son of Nineki and Emerel. Treeshaper. Knows sailing, dye-making, mariculture. Songwriter, drawn to the very bawdy and satirical. Enjoys surfing, windsurfing, anything physical. Introspective and mischievous by turns, but not a prankster; prefers verbal jokes. Comfortable with his masculinity; finds macho posturing annoying and amusing. Easygoing and laid-back. Likes to consider all sides of a serious problem or issue. Grows sea plants for both food and dyes. In all honesty, doesn't take his powers very seriously; not interested in pushing his limits for the sake of pushing limits. Can pretty much take or leave sex; if he's interested, he can find someone. More interested in females these days than males. Has had many crushes, but never fallen in love. Clearence:
Twill : M, H - Cinnamon, E - green. Lovemate of Chimreh, father of Fever. Very mild magic sense. Relocated to New Hope from the Hidden Valley after the Hostage Crisis. He loves to weave, to work on things for a long time and have something well-made and pretty when he's done. A bit of an idealist and romantic. Shy, though he likes to talk once he has become comfortable with someone. An artistic temperment. Adept at many aspects of weaving, spinning, and related arts. Pays little attention to politics. He is familiar with the old stories of the Brightcolor Desert, but he has little identification with them. Clearence: Gene Breshears
Wildrider : M, H - brown-blond, E - blue. Son of Catsclaw and Nez. Very strong sending Talent, along with deep sense, going 'out,'
etc. Horse trainer, musician, cook. Breeds dogs. Somewhat worried about letting his Brightcolor ancestors down by not being a
warrior. Honestly does want to, and tries to be, a little of all the people he's a part of; a little Tower, a little Brightcolor, a little New
Hope. Occasionally percieved as arrogant and standoffish, Wildrider is actually simply shy, and in his shyness is extremely observant.
Very friendly with people he knows and is comfortable with. He is a fast and effortless runner/sprinter, and enjoys footraces. Composes
quick, bright tunes, even though many of them appear to be about lost love or heartbreak or the loss of happy times. Is mostly a gitar
player, but enjoys the mandolin, as well. Would like a lifemate and children, and keeps looking for the "girl of his dreams". His elvin
friends and family have to remind him he does, really, have plenty of time. Clearence: Kathy R. Coleman
Argus: M, H - white, E - sea green. R mate of Charise. He and his mate are now the sole residents of the Old Settlement, which they refused to leave; occasional visitor to New Hope, where old friends and descendants now live. Treeshaper, far-sighted. Skilled at star navigation, shipbuilding and all attendant skills required, sailing. Enjoys carving, shaping wooden art objects, deep diving, and leatherworking. Was shipmaster of the Old Settlement. A jolly old rogue with more common sense than any three beings put together; almost unflappable. His pride is his work; trades with elves, humans, and trolls for his shipbuilding skills, but makes sure that the location of his home is known only to elves. Has a tri-bond of sorts with his lifemate and the sea. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Charise: F, H - coal black w/gray & silver streaks, E - medium grey. R mate of Argus. Originally of the same people as the Tower elves, dating back to the Old Settlement (where she and her mate now reside despite the fact that it's mostly underwater); occasional visitor to New Hope on the strength of this and because of her friendship with Merek and Nennali. Healer, weather- senser. Skilled at weaving, sailing, underwater farming, spearfishing and dyemaking; also enjoys clothesmaking, artistic designing, singing, and swimming. Has three preservers, Flickerfoam, Starshell, and Bluesplash, whose silk she uses in her weaving. Devoted to Argus, she keeps the zest in their lifemating; teases him constantly (and lovingly). Glories in the wild storms that batter her home; known as a "crazed storm-making demon" by some of the local humans. Very empathic; a life of joys and sorrows has taught her much. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Cuendee (aka "Vauryimre'em"): F, H - light red-brown, E - hazel. R mate of Amleth (D), mother of Doji, Jaizarik, and Dis. Periodic visitor; her current home is with a nomadic human group, the Shigyeveth band of the !Nekwethir tribe. Weak and erratic sender. Linguist; the languages of both elves and humans have been her lifelong study. Has a good ear and an excellent memory for sounds; has also developed a sound-notation (i.e., writing) system. Competent rider, tanner, leatherworker; loves poetry and word games. Acts as loremistress/historian for her adopted tribe; her Shigyeveth name means "Rememberer" or "Memory Woman." Clearence: Margaret Dean
Flare : M, H - Strawberry blonde, E - Blue. Brother of Seahawk, from Great Water Holt. Sailor, trader/thief as occsion permits. A swaggerer, a bounder and randy as several tomcats. Bold, aggressive, energetic, and courageous; brash, rude, and inconsiderate; impulsive, very competitive, and often seems arrogant, domineering, and intolerant. Self-reliant but also self centered and concerned with his own personal advancement and physical satisfaction to the point of greed. Can't abide anyone he thinks is too uptight and straightarrow, and capable of evolving elaborate plots to take the starch out of 'em. ("They'll thank me later.") Will cheerfully screw just about anything that moves. Seldom defeated because he simply does not recognize defeat. Lives in an eternal present, where tomorrow is a long time away, next year is almost impossible to believe, and yesterday doesn't matter any more. Clearence: Ree Moorhead Pruehs
Flint: M, H - ?, E - ? Wolfblooded. Shadow-wise's son from a previous Recognition; lives in Wolfgang and visits New Hope occasionally. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Gibbee: F, H - silver-white, E - frost-blue. Daughter of Dankah and Vakayroh (both D), sister of Shalamar. Rover, periodic visitor to New Hope. Huntress, warrior, councillor, tracker, arrow maker, teacher; an accomplished cook. No compunctions about killing. Impulsive in her actions and dealings. Loves to spy on the more dangerous human tribes and listen to their primitive music; in love with drums. Suspicious of strangers, but can get silly and mischievous with her own people. Takes protection of the Rovers very seriously; conscientious about her arrow-making craft. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Kanwar : M, H - Black, E - Black. Originally from Godlings' Reach, Kanwar and his friends Tyvek and Sudu stay in New Hope for several years while their friend Sudu is studying astral projection with Piet. Brooding. Byronic. A brilliant military strategist who finds no real outlet for his talents in the formalized dueling structures of the Reach, though he first began studying both weaponry and strategy as a way of making a place for himself and earning his fellow Reachers' respect despite his lack of shaping powers. Has no particular desire for power as such, but finds something compelling in the art of war. Can be sneaky, but won't be treacherous; considers that cheating and therefore beneath him. Has a touchy pride and an uncertain temper. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Lorelee: F, H - light golden blond, E - dark sapphire blue. Daughter of Nennali and Merek, younger sister of Peysol and Mindar. Lovemate of Mijo, "bosom enemy" of Jiko. Frequent visitor to New Hope along with her parents; has blood ties with Greenwillow Household. Keen eyesight, weather-wise. Sailor, fisher, weaver and seamstress; singer; has various other practical skills. Lively, active, often tomboyish; saucy, not always respectful of authority; prefers to trust her own abilities. Good actress in a variety of "roles"; also a fine storyteller and mimic. A child of the sea. Strongly romantic, will matchmake if she suspects unhappiness in another. Does not trust humans, but lacks the hatred her parents feel. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Masque : M, H - Light brown, E - blue/grey/violet. Recognized mate(?) of Sowflower, father of Mistkit, soulbrother of Lodestar. Father of Foxtail (OOR with Mink; he doesn't know he's the child's father.) Limited self-shaper who can take on the semblance of other elves. Strong sending with some Deep-sense General survival skills, a skilled mountaineer. Moody, temperamental, and prone to dramatics and power-tripping. His apprenticeship to Arteuran (especially the monastic regimen) gives him a certain amount of self-discipline and self-confidence, but his is still a nature prone to strong emotion, either "up" or "down" with very little in between, and with a distinct tendency to dramatize. A born actor; tends to change his use-name often. Switches 'roles' with such ease that it's hard to tell who's the 'real' Masque (or if there IS a 'real' Masque.) Clearence: Margaret Dean
Rain : M, H - black, E - dark brown. Son of Springstep and Sunmane (both D), nephew of Longshanks. Plainsrunner by birth, adopted by the Rovers; periodic visitor to New Hope, blood ties with Trailingstar Household. Hunter, tracker, has general survival skills; does tanning, rides well, good with horses. One of the few survivors of a prairie fire that wiped out his birth- tribe, Rain travels with his great-aunt, Tentmaker. Quiet and rather serious, methodical; likes to look before he leaps. Has no particular aversion to other races. He and Longshanks were close before the fire. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Shalamar: F, H - dark blond, E - blue-green. Daughter of Dankah and Vakayroh (both D), sister of Gibbee. R mate of Longshanks, mother of Jublo. Rover; periodic visitor to New Hope, ties with Trailingstar by virtue of Recognition. Tracker, flutist. Rather high-strung, needs to be busy; loves to arrange things and people. Since the Separation that left her isolated from her tribe for a time, she has become almost neurotic in her desire not to be separated from them again. Shy and wary, but learning to trust strangers. Has never been comfortable as a solitary creature. Clearence: Terrie Smith
Silvercloud : M, H - light brown, E - brown. Involuntary (and very unwilling) soulbrother to Wolfstorm. Minor glider, birdrider and messenger; his bird, Yelloweyes, is of a different species than the Tower/New Hope hawks since he is a native of the distant Blood River Valley. Arrived at New Hope in NH 19 during a deathstorm. Good survival and weapons skills, some sealore and navigations, sings, dances. Has a distinct "male rivalry" aspect to his personality that sometimes results in conflict with other males. In daily life he is polite, reasonable if a little stiffnecked, civil, pleasant and helpful. Does play very hard and never pulls punches in combat or weapons practice. Clearence: Ann Stratton
Starblade: M, H - russet, E - slate-grey. R mate of Leravie, biological father of Nineki. A wanderer from the Brightcolor Desert; friend of Sunbreath. Lives at Servan's Enclave; Recognized Leravie in NH 1 prior to the Enclave's founding. Agile, fleet-footed, physically strong and tough. Knows herding, hunting, general survival. Very skilled at courtship, seduction dances. The Compleat Romantic Barbarian, used to not only competing for females, but winning such contests a decent percentage of the time. Gallant, coolly confident, attentive, good with little touches and exudes sincerity. Proud and a little reckless. However, courtship to him is an end in itself; has no real understanding of what's involved in a mature relationship. Also, in his tribe the female has final say in any relationship, so once he is rejected, he leaves without fuss. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Starling : F, H - red-blonde, E - green. Daughter of Doleera and Treetall, sister of Brightwood. Glider, minor levitation skills, minor treeshaper. Superb archer. Competent hawkrider. Wood and plant sculptures, has a knack for carving. As adept at the techniques of joining as her mother, if not as driven. A wicked player of board games. Loves her mother; will defend her against any perceived slights. A bit spoiled and willful; a narcissist, crafty, manipulative: a friend is a friend; an enemy is toast. Will stir things up just to see if she can. Imperious with those she views as underlings--human slaves are a given, she enjoys playing with them. Always has at least one pet, leaning towards things like squirrels and ferrets. Very adult in matters of fighting and survival, but she lacks in emotional maturity. Starling has two emotional modes; one where everything is a game, and she cares little for the results, and the personal, where she cares a bit too much. Clearence: Dale Beaver
Sudu : M, H - brown, E - dark grey. Strong sender, astral projector. Beekeeper, baker. Studying with Piet. Like Tyvek and Kanwar, an emigrant from Godling's Reach who didn't feel he fit in there. On the practical level, he wants training his astral projection; on the philosophical level, he feels constrained by the rather rigid Reach outlook and wants to find out more about how other people see the world. Deeply interested in ethics; ready to questionany assumption and see how far he can push it. Quiet and soft-spoken, with a very understated sense of humor that you can miss if you blink. Even-tempered and cheerful for the most part; on the rare occasions he gets angry, it's a cold, silent anger. When he's hot on the trail of an idea, he becomes. . . intense. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Tentmaker : F, H - light red-brown, E - gray-green. Aunt of Longshanks, great-aunt of Rain. Former Plainsrunner, currently traveling with the Rovers; periodic visitor to New Hope, blood ties with Trailingstar Household. Tanner, leatherworker, dyer, seamstress; has various craft and survival skills and a wide variety of practical knowledge. Good storyteller. Slightly lame due to an old injury; usually wears a face-veil to cover burn scars from the fire that wiped out most of her tribe. A survivor: tough, pragmatic, generally unsentimental. She has not come through life unscathed, but it hasn't whipped her yet. Living with the Rovers has brought her sense of humor back to the surface. Gets along well with younger elves, and bears no particular ill will to any other race. Clearence: Margaret Dean
Tyvek: M, H - light brown, E - Blue-green. Rockshaper. Eventual R. mate of Keshir. Tyvek and his two close friends, Sudu and Kanwar, are young elves of Godlings' Reach who've become dissatisfied with Reach society and, after Ionell brought back tales of his journey north, decided to leave the Reach and seek their fortune (and scope for their talents) elsewhere. Tyvek is the extrovert of the three and usually seen as the "leader." Wants to learn to use his magic, but what the Reach elves customarily use rockshaping for -- dueling -- bores him silly. Tyvek's customary light patter conceals considerable intelligence. Interested in t things like geometry, stress analysis, things that would have to do with architecture and building. While not malicious, he's rather self-centered; well-mannered more because it oils the wheels of social intercourse than because of a sincere regard for others' feelings. Delicately sensual, sensitive to textures; also to tastes and smells. A sincere lover of beauty. Clearence: Margaret Dean