Anders Holt

by Despi

On this page... (hide)

  1.   1.  Characteristics
    1.   1.1  Appearance
    2.   1.2  Personality
    3.   1.3  Skills
  2.   2.  History
  3.   3.  NPCs

Anders Holt is a member of Salsola.

Born in Portland, Anders enjoyed an idyllic childhood on the Holt ranch, but soon grew curious about the world beyond his close-knit family and farming neighbors. Upon meeting his mysterious aunt Katinka, whose strength of character and new wealthy lifestyle intrigued him, Anders began to wonder about the community that she had joined. Between chores on the ranch and volunteering at a small clinic under an old doctor's tutelage, he visited with Tink and learned bits and pieces about the mysterious pack she was a part of -- and sought it out, catching the attention of Eden de le Ulrich, who would sponsor him when he joined the Thistle Kingdom.

He has since made a name for himself in Salsola, becoming a Sanctus pledge, a familiar face around the clinic and barn, and a sponsor to a new Associate.


Overview

Basics
  • Date of Birth: 01 July 2021
  • Gender: Male
  • Luperci: Ortus
  • Species: Wolfdog
Heritage
Affiliations
OOC Information
Assumptions

Salsola members may assume and reference the following without discussion/asking:

  • Seeing Anders…
    • …sorting and preparing herbal remedies at the Clinic.
    • …volunteering at Marrgerd, helping with the cattle and sheep.
    • …poking at wool with a needle and chatting to his cat.
  • Receiving minor treatment from Anders at the Clinic (e.g., prescribing medicine for a minor illness, tending to a small cut) -- not substantial wounds or prolonged illness, but we can discuss an assumption if you want!
Plot Opportunities
  • Anders is gaining a reputation as a doctor! Come to him for treatment? Or perhaps you have a specific ailment he isn't experienced with, and he needs a little time to research! Nobody's perfect, so maybe he makes a mistake and later fixes it (and fixes you)!
  • Have something to get off your chest? Feeling lost and in need of comfort? You might notice that not much gossip comes from Anders -- he seems safe to confide in!
  • Anders' soft spot extends to more than fellow Salsolans. Nice plot: he tries to help you take care of a sick animal you find! Mean plot: you catch him tending to an Outsider and have opinions about this!

1.  Characteristics

1.1  Appearance

Physical

A low-content hybrid, Anders is unmistakably doggish in coloration, sporting a merle tricolor coat. Most of his fur is warm grey, with darker grey streaks and flecks throughout his fur, while the creamy white of his underside is trimmed with shades of tan. His fur is shorter than his collie-heavy bloodline would suggest, but light feathering lines his limbs and fluffs his chest, and longer hair frames his face and tail. His coat is thick, too; he's a terrible shedder.

His features are more lupine, though the slope of his long muzzle is evidence of his breeding, if one looks closely. His ears are wolfish and small. The darker merle streaks unevenly accent his face, acting as eyeliner that is more thick and smudged on his right side. Soft, warm tan blushes his cheeks and dots his brows. His eyes exhibit partial heterochromia, with a chip of blue amid the brown of his left eye.

Anders keeps himself tidy, often tying his long cream-colored hair up out of his face to keep it from getting messy, with little ornamentation. While on the tall side of average, he is somewhat skinny though his thick coat fills him out. He wears little in the way of clothing, favoring vests that show off his uniquely patterned fur.

Forms

  • Lupus: 24 in (61 cm) ↔ 47 lbs (21 kg)
  • Secui: 39 in (99 cm) ↔ 136 lbs (62 kg)
  • Optime: 6ft 2in (74 in) (187 cm) ↔ 206 lbs (93 kg)
Interaction
  • Speech: Gentle tenor, soft-spoken but confident and steady; relatively expansive vocabulary.
  • Scent: Lavender, catnip, birch, fresh water, herbs, sheep, cattle, cat.
    • Disguised: Milkweed and meadowsweet.
  • Physical Expression & Quirks: Warm and soft demeanor, genuine and generous with his smiles; tries to project comfort and calm. Wrings his hands in a washing motion, or plays with his bracelets, when he fidgets.

Adornments

  • Vests :B
  • Pair of braided leather bracelets both worn on his left wrist

Palette · Lupus Color Ref

by Pabs by Despi

1.2  Personality

Summarized: Empathetic, charitable, affable, playful, passionate, modest, hard-worker, tolerant

Amiable and empathetic, Anders gets along with all sorts. Raised in a family that valued hard work, humility, and moral values, he was shaped into a kindhearted and respectful individual -- one who wouldn't turn his nose up at work, nor hesitate to help others, as evidenced by his occupation as a healer. His compassion leads him to try and assume the best of others, though he's no fool; he generally knows when someone is being underhandedly cruel or taking advantage of them, though he refuses to stoop to such a level himself.

He is warm and friendly when meeting new people, and playful if he has a good rapport with them. He's curious and constantly seeking to improve upon his abilities in his chosen field, but also enjoys picking up new hobbies or assisting others in their own work; he likes to stay busy. He has a high tolerance for "grossness" -- farm-work and healing necessitate this -- and keeps a level head during emergency scenarios, or at least outwardly. His is the calm, reassuring mantra delivered to a dying patient, and the steady hands delivering a lamb.

In joining Salsola (against his aunt's wishes), Anders has developed a tendency to overthink some social or political situations, not wishing to upset his standing in the pack. This has lessened since he's risen in the ranks and gotten more comfortable, but it resurfaces now and again as he mulls over words and actions. Despite his attention and adherence to pack social norms, it's likely that Anders will stand up for himself or others when it comes important moral decisions, not wishing to compromise his values.

  • Motivations: Proving himself in his pack, caring for others, developing his skills
  • Fears: Banishment, violence, losing a patient
  • Likes: Medicine, herbs, cattle, sheep, cats, work, good food, needle-felting, friendly company
  • Dislikes: Cruelty, static
Biases

While extremely open-minded compared to other Salsolans (and notably willing to treat anyone in a healer's capacity), Anders shares some of their biases. He has a positive bias toward women, who make up most of his friends, and feels more comfortable with their company. Though he doesn't automatically look down on other packs, he unconsciously holds them to more rigid criticism, and would trust a Salsolan's word over an Outsider's. He doesn't care about what forms others favor (except during formal events), but he distrusts openly "feral" canines, if only around livestock.

Sexuality

Heterosexual and monogamous, with a preference toward women who are well put together, but not overly vain or afraid to work. Moral compatibility is important for him in finding a partner, though he rarely gets that far -- he's not likely to act on his crushes, preferring the girl to make the first move after he's made his availability clear. He would be doting, thoughtful, and patient to his partner, but also expect them to be equals.

Spirituality

Agnostic, Anders thinks about gods, spirituality, and magic more as they relate to his packmates, patients, and the Sanctum rather than dwell on his own beliefs. He is supportive of these beliefs and open-minded in regards to various deities and practices, though he would likely challenge gods or rituals that he believes are cruel. He's undecided on what he truly believes, though he's accepted that he simply isn't a very religious or spiritual person, preferring mundane actions and fulfilling earthly promises rather than hanging his hopes on the divine.

Substances

Anders is fond of drinking in social settings, such as Last Suppers, but favors taste over alcohol content -- and strives not to get intoxicated enough to compromise his image. Smoke makes him nauseous, and he's ignorant of harder substances, other than opiates for pain management or hallucinogenics for spiritual purposes. He's pretty straight-laced, but doesn't look down on others who use drugs recreationally as long as they aren't sloppy, loud, or violent.

1.3  Skills

Note: Listed skills are those that the character has some significant talent or interest in to be noteworthy.

Main Focus: Healing
  • Herbalism:
First apprenticed with a doctor in Portland, later expanding his knowledge under Cleric Eden de le Ulrich, Anders has a broad understanding of common native herbs and remedies and how to utilize them for treatment. He can identify most native plants with medicinal uses, though he cannot cultivate them himself. While he often refers to his own journal and other texts for best practices in preparing these herbs, he has the methods for commonplace and mundane cures memorized. His knowledge is strongest with identification and treatment of internal parasites and other stomach issues, colds and respiratory ailments, and minor pain and anxiety. More specific and uncommon issues would, of course, require more study.
  • First Aid and Wound Care:
While Anders' knowledge of wound care is notably weaker than that of treating illness, he's working on this area of knowledge. He's most confident with, and very competent at, following the instructions of a medic more experienced in this area. That said, he knows how to stop bleeding, clean and stitch wounds, and apply poultices and salves to prevent infection. He can treat strains and sprains, but he has little knowledge of dealing with broken bones or dislocated joints other than identification.
  • Bedside Manner:
Anders is empathetic and a good listener, and even in high-stress scenarios he is outwardly calm and reassuring. He is patient even with those who might be snappish and graciously overlooks faux pas and embarrassments in these stressful situations. He has a high tolerance for the "gross" side of doctoring and can be counted on for keeping a level head. His weakness is giving bad news "straight," and he is likely to overwork himself trying to treat those with a bad prognosis.
Auxiliary Skills and Hobbies
  • Animal Husbandry (Sheep, Cattle):
Raised on a ranch with sheep and dairy cows, Anders is familiar with these animals and their care. He knows their basic needs, as well as ailments common to herds, and is confident at handling them for transportation, treatment, or processes like shearing and milking.
  • Wool Processing, Felting, Crafting:
Anders is competent at the early steps of wool processing, such as scouring and carding. While he cannot spin yarn or weave fabric, he is capable of both wet felting and needle felting. Anders uses this knowledge for crafting smaller baubles and accessories, such as wool figures of animals and flat felted flowers -- which do make for cute tchotchkes or embellishments for clothing. He uses common plants to dye his own wool, though the process is imperfect and the result isn't as rich or long-lasting as an experienced dyer's. He has picked up embroidery, though he's clumsy with finer details.

2.  History

Salsola
Duration: 17 January 2023 – Present
Ranks: Sanctus Apprentice (Mar 2024 - Present)
  • Arbiter (Oct 2023 - Feb 2024)
  • Warden (Sept 2023)
  • Tradesman (Aug 2023)
  • Confidant (May 2023 - July 2023)
  • Family (Apr 2023)
  • Associate (Jan 2023 - Feb 2023)
Co-Ranks Curandero (Healer)
Anders was born into an extended family of cowherds in Westbrook, on the outskirts of Portland proper. The singular puppy of his litter, after a previous failed attempt by his parents to raise children, he was doted on but also watched carefully as he grew up. As a young child, of course, the ranch provided many adventures, as he chased chickens and pilfered cheese and was involved in other antics. It wasn't until he was near shifting age that the novelty wore off and he became more curious about the world beyond his close-knit family and farming neighbors.

His father finally brought him along on a trade venture into Portland, where Anders realized how diverse the world truly was. He began clamoring to go each time even a simple errand in the city needed done. One such occasion led him to meeting an aunt: Katinka.

Anders was enamored by this mysterious, wealthy relative right away; his father, Vincent, had always spoken fondly of his younger sister Tink, but since she joined a society of secretive Luperci, her visits to the family were few and far between. Tink was composed, strong of will, and yet also kind—the type of person Anders aspired to be.

The other important connection Anders made in his youth was a gruff old healer who visited the Holt ranch to tend to sick cattle; the boy latched onto him immediately, and when the interest he showed in the arts of medicine didn't seem like a fleeting, youthful whim, the healer agreed to apprentice him. Anders began to spend much of his time volunteering at a small clinic in Portland, occasionally meeting with his aunt when she traveled into the city and learning drips and drabs about the society she was a part of. Eventually, he made the decision to seek them out.


3.  NPCs

cNPCs: yNPCs:
  • Current: ---
  • Previous: ---

Usi (Hide)
Basics
picrew by tausune@instagram
Description
  • Sex: Tom
  • Species: Domestic Cat
  • Date of Birth: March 2017
  • Key Features: Long feathery tail, skinny
  • Coloration: Solid grey fur, hazel eyes
OOC Assumptions

Salsola members may reference:

  • Seeing Usi accompanying Anders, perched up in a tree, hunting small prey, and other cat things.
  • Usi is timid and has a tendency to flee from strangers, though he might politely greet other cats.
  • More Information »

Skills & Abilities:

  • Hunting, Climbing, Cat Stuff
  • Basic High Speech Comprehension

Personality:

Usi is a skittish cat, quick to flee at the first sign of danger and suspicious of strangers. He tends to be a wallflower, observing goings-on from a cautious distance (which is often draped over Anders' shoulders). He shows confidence only in his element of nighttime hunting and climbing. He has a notable fear of fire, Arabic, and jackals.

History:

Usi was born to Morcant and Laish, a pair of cats living in Inferni. During the mission to burn down the D'Neville Mansion during the Inferni-Salsola War, Khael Lykoi came across the young cat and, on a whim, decided to bring him home with her. He lived with Khael and Katinka Holt in Salsola for a few years, before the family moved to Fort Preble. Usi was eventually gifted to Anders by his aunt.

Candytuft (Hide)
Basics
by Despi
Description
  • Sex: Ram
  • Species: Domestic Sheep
  • Date of Birth: Spring 2021
  • Key Features: Large off-color horns, thicker mane, cute felt/leather collar
  • Coloration: Light grey, with white patches, and tan/black striped face
OOC Assumptions

Salsola members may reference:

  • Seeing Candytuft in Marrgerd, leading more nervous sheep around, or laying near Anders or other common caretakers.
  • Candy tolerates even strangers petting or handling him.
  • More Information »

Appearance:

Candytuft is a medium-sized sheep with large, curved horns that are symmetrical in shape but not color. He has a straight back, short tail, graceful carriage, and thin, propotionally long legs. His fleece is coarse, with a thicker mane of hair around his neck and throat. His coat is light grey overall, with patches of white, and stripes of black and tan on his face and legs.
Candy also wears a color made of leather and berry-dyed felt, with a light pink-purple needle-felted flower stitched to it.

Personality:

Candytuft has an overall very gentle temperament, with a high tolerance for being handled even by grabby youngsters. He is difficult to spook, and tends to take the lead in investigating new objects in the stall or pasture. Other, more nervous animals tend to flock to him due to this, leeching confidence from his easygoing nature. While not overly affectionate to Luperci nor very treat-motivated, he enjoys their company in an understated way, often choosing to lay and chew cud in the vicinity of a familiar handler.

History:

Born and raised at the Holt ranch near Portland. In 2023, Anders received him as a gift during a visit to his family, and brought him back to Salsola.
Categories: 2021 Births | Raze | Salsola | Wolfdog