Gaia Dawnrunner is wolf living as a loner alongside her family. She is a member of the Shingetsu Trading Company.
The daughter of Silvano Sadira and Shiloh Dawnbringer, she and her twin sister Serena Marino were born and raised in Cour des Miracles. Unlike her older siblings, who were born when their parents were in different packs, she was raised in a properly nuclear family unit with the aid of older siblings and half-siblings.
The Winter of Tarnished Gold marked the end of Gaia's happy childhood. Her father's usurpation and the brutal attacks on her family shocked Gaia to her core. The death of her mother in particular was a terrible loss. When talk of rebellion began to stir among loyalists, Gaia was among those to rally around Kalypso Savoy – whose true identity would not become apparent until after the conclusion of the Court's terrible winter. After the passing of their father, Gaia was left with unresolved conflict. Angry and unsure of her place in the world, Gaia departed for the Court's trading post, though she soon after left on her own.
She traveled for a time but ultimately returned to Wolfe's Neck Woods. When her elder brother Pascal Sadira departed for their old kingdom, Gaia set out to follow him. After becoming lost in Gaspesia during a patch of difficult to navigate fog, she was offered sanctuary by members of New Caledonia.
Much to her chagrin the remnants of the Court – including her siblings – were soon to be found among the pack. After coming to terms with the true end of her homeland, Gaia made the decision to swear allegiance to another crown and joined New Caledonia. She did not remain there long, choosing to depart in the summer of 2021 alongside her nephew to help found The Citadel. Glad to be closer to her family, she split her time between the Caledonian Outpost and L'Autre Cour.
In early 2023, news reached Portland that New Caledonia had fallen to old enemies. Concerned about their relatives, Isadore and Gaia left the city – and the Citadel – behind to seek them out.
... Knowing who Gaia is, and what her skillset involves.
... Seeing Gaia gathering materials, crafting, or digging in the woods.
... Seeing Gaia ride her horse around.
Plot Opportunities
Gaia will be seeking to establish herself as a trader now that she's back in the area, and on the lookout for new customers!
1. Characteristics
1.1 Appearance
Physical
Gaia strongly resembles her Mackenzie Valley heritage. She has dainty, triangular ears, a broad head, and a long muzzle. She has a sturdy frame and is strong, though not overly muscular. Her body would best be described as stocky and rectangular, with little deviation between her shoulders, waist, and hips.
She is mostly brown and gray with russet tones found throughout her fur. She has a lower face mask and gray markings above her eyes, which are a bright blue. Gray “stocking” markings run from her paws up to just short of her elbows and thighs. This same color can be found on her belly, and peppered throughout the nape of her neck and upper back.
When in Optime form, Gaia grows thick, wavy hair. This is generally kept loose, thought she often fashions braids and other accessories into it. Owing to its general unruliness, she uses a variety of hairbands to help keep her hair out of her face. As a talented seamstress, Gaia fashions much of her own clothing but tends to favor loose and layered options. Most of her items boast bold colors, tie-dye, or intricate embroidery.
It is very rare to see her not wearing her wooden totem charm: a detailed carving of a Canadian goose.
Specifics
Build, Size, and Forms:
Gaia is of average size for a wolf, with a deep barrel chest and strong neck. Though often found in her Optime form, during which time she wears clothes and accessories, Gaia is just as often roaming on all fours.
Lupus: 78 lbs(35.3 kg) ↔ 31 in(78.74 cm)
Secui: 142 lbs(64.4 kg) ↔ 42 in(106.68 cm cm)
Optime: 185 lbs(83.9) ↔ 5 ft 10 in (70 in)(177.8 cm)
Quirks, Gestures, Etc.: She's a digger; any good looking patch of dirt could distract her from another task. Gaia likes to dance, but her choreography can get a little weird.
General Posture and Body Language: Relaxed, friendly, and confident. Stiff around strangers, frigid towards enemies.
Gaia is an extrovert through and through – the word gregarious might best suit her. She belongs with people and thrives in a group, especially one where her feelings and thoughts are heard. With high energy and a warm personality, Gaia always makes attempts to charm new associates and avoid conflict when able. Though she is open to new ideas and beliefs, she is dismissive of those which don't align with her personal values. She is highly family oriented.
Though her childhood was largely stable, the abrupt end to this deeply affected Gaia. She carries a lot of grief with her, much of which comes from the violent ends of family and friends, and has not always handled it properly. Vices like drinking and drugs have shown Gaia can become very impulsive – sometimes to dangerous levels.
As she has matured, Gaia has shown a capacity to be quite perfidious when needed. She is not above manipulating or lying to others when given reason to do so. While she is unlikely to betray close friends, she will rebuke and freeze out those who she believes have acted against her or her family, regardless of the reason.
Motivations: Comfort, stability, keeping her family together.
Fears: Pain, loss, violence, giant alien flowers.
Likes: Fauna of all kinds, interesting looking plants, nature, the beach, exploring
"Will betray law-breaking friends if profitable. Will not betray loyal friends."
"Respects the authority figures in his family and obeys their mandates."
"Shall not aid criminals or those who protect the weak."
Biases
Species: Most comfortable with wolves and dogs; has a slight bias against coyotes. Thinks small dogs are, as a rule, unstable.
Sexuality
Bisexual.
Still exploring her sexuality. Does not seem interested in any long-term relationships.
Spirituality
Raised on tales of the Norse paganism of the Stormbringers, Gaia is spiritual in a sense. She feels deeply connected to the earth -- plants, animals -- and has practiced animism for most of her adult life.
Substances
Gaia has done a lot of experimenting. She regularly smokes cannabis, drinks alcohol, and has been known to seek hallucinogenics.
Note: Listed skills are those that the character has some significant talent or interest in to be noteworthy. Skills that have been mastered (and are best expressed as such) are marked.
Main Focus: Pottery, Sewing, Landscaping
Sculpting (Master)
Through trial and error, as well as exchanges and lessons with others, Gaia has greatly expanded her talent for earthenware. She is able to identify various types of clay and knows how to manipulate them, though lacking a potter's wheel, her work is hand-shaped. Gaia primarily makes various terracotta sculptures, vessels, and storage containers. In addition to sgraffito techniques, she is able to make various glazes using available materials and dyes.
Dyeing (Journeyman)
When she first joined New Caledonia, the use of dye to color clothing became a fascination that Gaia was eager to obtain. She began collection various plants and other materials to experiment with, and has developed the skills necessary to apply a variety of colors to both fabric and pottery glazes. Gaia has begun to experiment with tie-dye fabrics.
Embroidery (Journeyman)
Before she was able to manipulate the colors of fabric or leather, Gaia did so by stitching elaborate designs and patterns. She has done so for many years, and is extremely capable of using embroidery to embellish clothing and other surfaces.
Sewing (Journeyman)
Making and repairing clothing have long been a part of Gaia's skill-set, though she rarely does so for trade purposes these days. She often sticks to simple patterns, as she herself favors loose, comfortable garments. Layered skirts are her most commonly crafted pieces, and she employs her ability to color fabric to help create unique looks.
Landscaping (Journeyman)
Owing in part to her love of digging and nature, Gaia has taken to beautifying areas around the spaces where she lives. She most often plants things either for looks alone or for their use as dye. In addition to this, the manipulation of landscapes as a whole appeal to Gaia, leading her to plan areas suited to her tastes.
Friendly and charismatic, Gaia is always eager to find new treasures and share her own.
Horsemanship (Journeyman)
Gaia was taught the basics of horsecare by Cassidy Dallas, a rancher from the American southwest. She has owned a horse for many years, though does not seem interested in breeding or further training, or even acquiring a second mount. If she ran into an issue beyond her basic skills, Gaia would require assistance in solving it.
4. Assets
Inventory
Note: While the character may have other personal effects, the items listed here are those that are either unique, are significant or have sentimental value to the character, or are items that are regularly referenced to.
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Spun wool thread.
Powder dyes.
Assorted furs and hides.
Cutting knife. Metal blade, wooden handle. Small, kept very sharp.
Various needles made from bone and metal.
Various pottery tools made from wood.
Probably some jewelry idk.
Gaia likes gold, and most of her jewelry will relfect this.
She also has several clay and glass pendants on various cording.
A fancy blue dress with detailed embroidery.
Well crafted, small wooden box with carved ivory inlay. This "treasure box" contains Gaia's most valuable possessions.
A scrap of paper with her father's handwriting on it.
Simple tack for Heather (padded saddle, hackamore).
One set of leather saddlebags.
Wool horse blanket.
Flint striker.
Ribbon stick. Made of cotton and dyed a golden yellow, this shows signs of wear and tear. There are several patches that have been repaired.
Trade
Gaia has been trading for a while and is a fair salesman – she will not try to rip off a customer, nor would she allow someone else to be taken advantage of. Among her acquaintances her more illicit desires might be know, but in general, Gaia will only trade with strangers for material goods.
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Offering
Pottery: These can be ornate in both shape and decoration, and glazed or unglazed depending upon the use.
Able to craft bowls, cups, and various other usable items from clay.
Also makes weird little animal sculptures.
Embroidery: Gaia is a capable seamstress but mostly focuses her skills into embroidery. She generally offers smaller pieces, such as hoop embroidery, or to customize already owned clothing.
Pre-Made Clothing: While she will use colors or embroidery to enhance the uniqueness of a piece, Gaia generally will not take custom orders.
These will often be limited to skirts, dresses, or vests.
Some of these items will be tie-dyed.
Courier Services: Gaia will deliver goods between other Luperci for a price.
Accepting
Labor: If she needs muscles or skills beyond her own, Gaia will gladly exchange goods for labor.
Firewood and Charcoal: In order to keep her kiln running, Gaia requires plenty of material to burn.
Plant Starters and Saplings: Though seeds are certainly welcome, what Gaia really likes are plants ready to go right into the ground.
Clothing and Accessories: Gaia loves to dress up. This former princess likes high quality materials and bright colors, but looks for comfort and motion above all else.
Beads: Any make or size.
Animal Supplies: Grain or other food for her horse, tack, blankets, etc.
Illicit Substances: Alcohol, cannabis, and hallucinogenics.
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Laudem aperiam vix ad. Eam an dico tota habemus. Est tale lobortis convenire at, eu nec scaevola mnesarchum, cum enim commodo ea. Ei vix quaestio indoctum mediocrem, ius vocibus adipisci repudiandae id. Cum ei harum evertitur. Viris mediocrem referrentur ad quo, eum et mundi sonet utamur, falli novum viderer ea est. Hendrerit elaboraret pro te, sed elitr copiosae pertinax et, numquam efficiantur at usu. Dicunt denique an quo, tollit tibique ex his. Accusam aliquando torquatos eum et. Alii sale accommodare mea te. Ad corpora signiferumque vix, viris labores est at, purto nusquam sit eu.
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Thread Archive
2016
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yNPC we are who we are (November) The girls meet Diane Hanzi, one of the new Courtiers, and pay her compliments.
2017
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now breathe in, now breathe out Eager to be of use in the moving process, Gaia goes to scout for a new location. She is joined by her father, and the two brainstorm ideas.
there's a rope inside me Gaia comes across Cassidy Dallas at the borders. When the woman explains that she's looking for her family in the area, Gaia suggests that she stay in the Court.
carve it out, work it, hustle While giving Cassidy a tour, the two stop by the stables so that Cassidy can get her horse settled in. Already there, a moody Willow asks for Gaia's help wrangling an unruly chicken while he gathers eggs.
frame fifty-four During a sunny day, Gaia experiments with molding clay. She is joined by Odalis, and the two share stories of their similar upbringings.
2018
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a wall against the wind Gaia and Ladybird seek shelter during a storm in the Chien Temple and overhear an argument between Linden and Gaston Trouillefou. When they are discovered by the Majordomo, he allows her to stay. Their conversation about Mistral leaves Gaia unsettled.
bet you're not so civilized A confrontation between Gaia and a member of the mercenaries escalates when Piper insults Gaia in front of her brother, Alessan. They fight, and Alessan forces Piper to apologize.
We duel with our hearts on our sleeves Recognizing a need for self-defense, Kalypso brings the Court's loyalists together to help organize their training.
how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you After oversleeping, Gaia seeks out a late breakfast. She is joined by Wilson, who helps her find something to eat. They discuss dreams and nightmares, and both seem off.
[M]Nothing to stay our vengeful hands Kalypso calls for the Court to gather, where Queen Mistral is executed and Linden is exiled along with their children. Afterwards, she names Silvano as her father and succeeds him as the new Queen of Cour des Miracles.
waterfall, nothing can harm me at all Mottle brings Gaia a collection of scrap material. Overhearing them, Alessan investigates. Gaia shows off her tapestry-in-progress, and Alessan asks her to make him a blanket.
we are stardust, we are golden Gaia and Dove discover strange flowers growing along the coast and are lured in by their alluring smell. As they wander dangerously close to the edge, a pair of strangers intervenes -- but are too late to save Dove, who falls to her apparent death.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cum nostrum assueverit repudiandae id, qui fastidii recusabo deseruisse ea. Accumsan expetenda duo no. Labore feugait intellegam ei his. Te mei audiam omittantur, eum ridens mandamus erroribus ei. Alienum tincidunt an cum, pri id choro bonorum legimus. Ut mel suas inani placerat. Vix verear animal et, libris omnium instructior nec cu. Cibo gloriatur est ad, te idque dissentias eos. Eos ex homero debitis vulputate. Pro ad salutandi moderatius. Etiam facete aliquando ut eos. Velit pertinax electram sit at.
Laudem aperiam vix ad. Eam an dico tota habemus. Est tale lobortis convenire at, eu nec scaevola mnesarchum, cum enim commodo ea. Ei vix quaestio indoctum mediocrem, ius vocibus adipisci repudiandae id. Cum ei harum evertitur. Viris mediocrem referrentur ad quo, eum et mundi sonet utamur, falli novum viderer ea est. Hendrerit elaboraret pro te, sed elitr copiosae pertinax et, numquam efficiantur at usu. Dicunt denique an quo, tollit tibique ex his. Accusam aliquando torquatos eum et. Alii sale accommodare mea te. Ad corpora signiferumque vix, viris labores est at, purto nusquam sit eu.
Cu utinam dictas prodesset cum, in mel periculis argumentum. Ludus assentior sententiae et per, cu albucius noluisse prodesset vel. Habeo moderatius quo ex. Populo ceteros noluisse te pri, eum ea ipsum eligendi, eos ne quem atomorum. Ne legendos elaboraret pri. Mel ex eligendi quaerendum. Sed graece comprehensam id, tale accusam epicuri vim ea, at magna facilisi comprehensam quo. At ius zril impedit insolens, ex oporteat salutandi cum.
Peer (04 Jan 2020 - March 2020)
Commoner (March 2020 – 1 May 2020)
Distinguished (1 May 2020 - 23 January 2023)
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, cum nostrum assueverit repudiandae id, qui fastidii recusabo deseruisse ea. Accumsan expetenda duo no. Labore feugait intellegam ei his. Te mei audiam omittantur, eum ridens mandamus erroribus ei. Alienum tincidunt an cum, pri id choro bonorum legimus. Ut mel suas inani placerat. Vix verear animal et, libris omnium instructior nec cu. Cibo gloriatur est ad, te idque dissentias eos. Eos ex homero debitis vulputate. Pro ad salutandi moderatius. Etiam facete aliquando ut eos. Velit pertinax electram sit at.
Laudem aperiam vix ad. Eam an dico tota habemus. Est tale lobortis convenire at, eu nec scaevola mnesarchum, cum enim commodo ea. Ei vix quaestio indoctum mediocrem, ius vocibus adipisci repudiandae id. Cum ei harum evertitur. Viris mediocrem referrentur ad quo, eum et mundi sonet utamur, falli novum viderer ea est. Hendrerit elaboraret pro te, sed elitr copiosae pertinax et, numquam efficiantur at usu. Dicunt denique an quo, tollit tibique ex his. Accusam aliquando torquatos eum et. Alii sale accommodare mea te. Ad corpora signiferumque vix, viris labores est at, purto nusquam sit eu.
Cu utinam dictas prodesset cum, in mel periculis argumentum. Ludus assentior sententiae et per, cu albucius noluisse prodesset vel. Habeo moderatius quo ex. Populo ceteros noluisse te pri, eum ea ipsum eligendi, eos ne quem atomorum. Ne legendos elaboraret pri. Mel ex eligendi quaerendum. Sed graece comprehensam id, tale accusam epicuri vim ea, at magna facilisi comprehensam quo. At ius zril impedit insolens, ex oporteat salutandi cum.
Thread Archive
2020
January
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February
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March
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a way for the cosmos to know itself After a trip to Biff's Bar, Gaia discovers that the strange flora has returned. Horrified by this, she falls into a miserable state. Luckily, help is on the way!
Ladybird is an excellent hunter and very observant. She is fluent in High Speech, though doesn't always talk to strangers.
Description:
Ladybird is a small tortoiseshell queen.
Personality:
She likes playing, bugs, hunting, warm spots, and drawers. She dislikes loud noises, rain, snow, and squirrels.
History:
Ladybird was born to Muddy and Wilson in the aftermath of the meteor impact. Her mother was lost in the Court's caverns, but the little family was safely relocated to the Chien Hotel.
Having partnered up with Gaia early on, Ladybird has accompanied her friend throughout her many adventures.
Name Origin: In Greek mythology Gaia was the mother goddess who presided over the earth. She was the mate of Uranus and the mother of the Titans and the Cyclopes. Dawnrunner is an ancestral family name from the Solbjorg Valley.