Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2015 23:13:44 GMT -5
Player: Eliza
Best Contact Method(s): PM
Have you read the General Rules?: Yes
Are you adopting a character from the Open for Claims List?: Ralana asked to make Charlotte's position in the family for meeeeee *precious* *precious*
If so, have you discussed the required character elements with the contact person?: Yes
Character Name: Charlotte Ann Fontaine
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Birthdate: July 16, 1408
City / Region: Vielha, Estersea
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable ]: Fontaine
Played by: Laura Fraser
Appearance:
Charlotte is a broad-shouldered woman with a powerful, muscular body and calloused hands that show her dedication to her work. Most of the time her skin is tanned and dirty from working among the forges, and she is rarely seen in women's clothing, as she prefers to wear coarse shirts, trousers, and her blacksmith's apron at all times. Dark hair cascades down her shoulders in waves that seem to fluctuate between curly and straight in a kind of haphazard way. Charlotte has sharp, angular brows set over small, dark hazel eyes. Her mouth is wide and thin, placed close to her small chin. With ears set far back, Charlotte's face seems almost pulled back from some angles, as if the force of her intense concentration makes it difficult to form any expression except "intense staring." With a strong, straight nose and a fairly firm jawline, Charlotte has enough masculine features to make her homely, though she's never been vain and hardly cares about her appearance enough to enhance it with powders and paints like other girls might. Though she is a bit short, Charlotte makes up for it in her strength, flexibility, and agility. She moves with the confidence of a soldier and goes about her work with the grace of an artist. She may seem plain to most people, but Charlotte is a unique and beautiful person in her own way.
Personality:
Charlotte is, in a sense, a simple woman to understand. Her life is about her work, and her work is something that others do not typically consider a feminine occupation. This does not bother Charlotte, unless others ridicule or chastise her for her life choices or belittle her because of her sex. When angered, Charlotte can be quite a spitfire, and she tends to be swayed easily by her emotions, despite the sharpness of her mind. Though she is not known for her book smarts, Charlotte is a clever individual. She prefers to apply her intelligence to philosophy and constant musings about the world, and for this reason she only ever reads books of information or contemplation. Novels and other fancies don't suit her, as she'd rather work than sit and read a dull book. The books that interest her don't tell to hold her attention for long, either, and few can say they have seen Charlotte get lost in her readings. Indeed, the only thing that seems to require all of Charlotte's passion and contemplation is her work at the forge. Working with her hands seems to bring out the best in her, as she is able to quiet her ever-active thoughts and applies her creative energy to creating new things. Charlotte takes a great deal of pride in her work, and she detests being undermined for her sex. Her work is what defines her, and she believes that she is no different than any man, and would dare someone to try to prove it in a battle of their choosing. Be it wit, work, or warriorhood, Charlotte will compete with anyone who challenges her based on presumptions about her sex. This is not to say she has a bias against men. Indeed, she admires the strength and vigor of those in her profession, and she finds many men to be better partners in philosophical discussions than many of her female acquaintances. But Charlotte has dealt with a lot of disappointment and prejudice at the hands of men, and this makes her as sure as ever that she is in the right, and they are in the wrong. Charlotte is very outspoken about her opinions, especially regarding these matters, and it can be difficult to reign her in. This is why she does not often attend parties or balls or other social events with her family. She prefers to work and speak plainly, two habits that are looked down upon in high society.
Specific Skills or Abilities:
Trained blacksmith
Weapons designing
Riding/Wrangling
Animal husbandry
Character History:
Charlotte is the eldest child of Joseph Fontaine and is cousin to the current Countess, Tamara. Born into an industrious family, Charlotte grew up expecting to make a living using her hands. Though she was given an adequate education, Charlotte preferred being outdoors to sitting in a study room for any amount of time. Thanks to her family's horse breeding business, Charlotte was introduced to smithing at a young age. She would watch the family's blacksmith hammering on horse shoes, fitting new saddles, and it did not take long for Charlotte to choose that as her future profession. It took some convincing on her part, but her father finally permitted her to be apprenticed to the family blacksmith, a stout man named Henry who was a close friend of her father. Charlotte found the work difficult at first, but she was determined to do her best.
After many years as a blacksmith's apprentice, Charlotte began to work for her family designing and fashioning any equipment they might need. Her skills proved invaluable, though in time she began to seek more independence through setting up a shop in town where she spent most of her time. With her services available to a wider clientele, Charlotte was able to build a reputation in Vielha as a dependable blacksmith. Though her business grew, there were plenty in town who did not want a woman handling their business. Charlotte disliked those who judged her for her sex, but she did her best to overcome their prejudice by producing the finest goods she possibly could.
Tragedy eventually struck the family when Count Fontaine and his son were murdered. For a time, the family was in deep crisis. Tamara Fontaine took up the role of count, but Joseph Fontaine and his wife stood opposed to their niece's assumption of power. Charlotte tried to reason with them for the sake of keeping the family together, but they could not be persuaded, and Charlotte found herself at odds with both sides of her family––those looking to support Tamara and those looking to replace her. She decided to move into the small back room of her store, keeping herself at a comfortable distance with her family. However, she still keeps in contact, and is welcome by some within her family who appreciate her awkward position as a supporter of Tamara born into a family who opposed her.
Writing Sample:
Charlotte resisted the urge to punch the arrogant jerk right in the jaw. In that fragile place just above the lower bone where the teeth were. Maybe she'd knock a few molars loose. But no. No. She had to put up with his crap, since he was a customer. And customers had money. And money kept the bills paid. That was usually how these things worked, anyway. Still, Charlotte wanted nothing more than to smash the guy's face in. But it was hard to build up a good rep as a female blacksmith. Damn near impossible, really. It wouldn't help to cuss out and beat up every ill-mannered, sexist slop who came her way. She'd be throwing half her business into the street.
"I know the difference between a pony and a horse, sir," the woman said through gritted teeth. "You told me to make you a saddle, and you told me it was for a pony, and since you didn't have the measurements of the girth you used before, I had to shoot for a general size."
"This size wouldn't fit an ass!" the man barked as he dropped the girth in question onto her work table. Charlotte stepped forward and picked up the smooth leather in her hands, feeling the bend and texture and the supple weight of it. Her dark hazel eyes flicked up to the customer's face.
"The craftsmanship of this piece is excellent," she said. "If you want a bigger size made, I will make it, but I will charge you extra for it. I gave you a deal for this fine piece here, since you ordered the saddle made, as well. That discount will have to go, though, if you insist on returning my work." Charlotte scowled at him. "And next time you order, don't give vague instructions and insist I take the job regardless of your lack of specifications, unless you want to make yet another trip to the blacksmith and pay for yet another product."
Charlotte turned her back and tossed one of her clamps into the water basin. It was still hot from the forge, and the metal hissed as it cooled. Steam rose up and dampened Charlotte's face. She pushed some of her dark hair out of her eyes and ignored the swearing man behind her. It was easy to do, surrounded by her work. There were few things she enjoyed more, and few pleasures that equaled the warmth of the forge and the clanking of metal as it heated and cooled and formed itself beneath her hands. There was a subtle artistry to blacksmithing that most people did not see. Sure, an ornamental blade or ceremonial suit of armor drew the attention of any perceptive eye, but even the effort that went into a horse's saddle or workman's boot was a form of art in and of itself. The best part about smithing was that even when dealing with people you never really had to care about them personally. They were customers, and you wanted them happy and paying, of course, but ultimately you made the art to make yourself happy. At least, that's how it was for Charlotte. She was more than content to stand behind the forge all day and create, and she didn't give two pennies to anyone who criticized or downplayed her work. There were times of insecurity, as there would always be, but in the end, Charlotte created because she felt that she had to. It was her way of speaking out, of declaring her place in the universe. The whole sentiment might sound strange to someone else, but to Charlotte it made sense. Her world was about her work, and she was proud of that fact. Take that away from her, and what was left but a husk of a woman with no purpose, no talents beyond tending sheep and horses, and no particular beauty to render her position in the world tolerable to the dominating men of Archades? Well, she would see one day, most likely. The thought angered her more than anything else, and she stoked the fires passionately as she stared into their depths and felt her emotions churn inside her like the flames dancing before her eyes. She would not change. She would not give in. Her person had been forged in fire, and there was no returning to the formless clay of her youth. Smithing was her life now. And anyone trying to change that would have to pry her hammer out of her cold, dead hands.
Josh Jenna
Best Contact Method(s): PM
Have you read the General Rules?: Yes
Are you adopting a character from the Open for Claims List?: Ralana asked to make Charlotte's position in the family for meeeeee *precious* *precious*
If so, have you discussed the required character elements with the contact person?: Yes
Character Name: Charlotte Ann Fontaine
Age: 19
Gender: Female
Birthdate: July 16, 1408
City / Region: Vielha, Estersea
House [ Birth, Marriage if applicable ]: Fontaine
Played by: Laura Fraser
Appearance:
Charlotte is a broad-shouldered woman with a powerful, muscular body and calloused hands that show her dedication to her work. Most of the time her skin is tanned and dirty from working among the forges, and she is rarely seen in women's clothing, as she prefers to wear coarse shirts, trousers, and her blacksmith's apron at all times. Dark hair cascades down her shoulders in waves that seem to fluctuate between curly and straight in a kind of haphazard way. Charlotte has sharp, angular brows set over small, dark hazel eyes. Her mouth is wide and thin, placed close to her small chin. With ears set far back, Charlotte's face seems almost pulled back from some angles, as if the force of her intense concentration makes it difficult to form any expression except "intense staring." With a strong, straight nose and a fairly firm jawline, Charlotte has enough masculine features to make her homely, though she's never been vain and hardly cares about her appearance enough to enhance it with powders and paints like other girls might. Though she is a bit short, Charlotte makes up for it in her strength, flexibility, and agility. She moves with the confidence of a soldier and goes about her work with the grace of an artist. She may seem plain to most people, but Charlotte is a unique and beautiful person in her own way.
Personality:
Charlotte is, in a sense, a simple woman to understand. Her life is about her work, and her work is something that others do not typically consider a feminine occupation. This does not bother Charlotte, unless others ridicule or chastise her for her life choices or belittle her because of her sex. When angered, Charlotte can be quite a spitfire, and she tends to be swayed easily by her emotions, despite the sharpness of her mind. Though she is not known for her book smarts, Charlotte is a clever individual. She prefers to apply her intelligence to philosophy and constant musings about the world, and for this reason she only ever reads books of information or contemplation. Novels and other fancies don't suit her, as she'd rather work than sit and read a dull book. The books that interest her don't tell to hold her attention for long, either, and few can say they have seen Charlotte get lost in her readings. Indeed, the only thing that seems to require all of Charlotte's passion and contemplation is her work at the forge. Working with her hands seems to bring out the best in her, as she is able to quiet her ever-active thoughts and applies her creative energy to creating new things. Charlotte takes a great deal of pride in her work, and she detests being undermined for her sex. Her work is what defines her, and she believes that she is no different than any man, and would dare someone to try to prove it in a battle of their choosing. Be it wit, work, or warriorhood, Charlotte will compete with anyone who challenges her based on presumptions about her sex. This is not to say she has a bias against men. Indeed, she admires the strength and vigor of those in her profession, and she finds many men to be better partners in philosophical discussions than many of her female acquaintances. But Charlotte has dealt with a lot of disappointment and prejudice at the hands of men, and this makes her as sure as ever that she is in the right, and they are in the wrong. Charlotte is very outspoken about her opinions, especially regarding these matters, and it can be difficult to reign her in. This is why she does not often attend parties or balls or other social events with her family. She prefers to work and speak plainly, two habits that are looked down upon in high society.
Specific Skills or Abilities:
Trained blacksmith
Weapons designing
Riding/Wrangling
Animal husbandry
Character History:
Charlotte is the eldest child of Joseph Fontaine and is cousin to the current Countess, Tamara. Born into an industrious family, Charlotte grew up expecting to make a living using her hands. Though she was given an adequate education, Charlotte preferred being outdoors to sitting in a study room for any amount of time. Thanks to her family's horse breeding business, Charlotte was introduced to smithing at a young age. She would watch the family's blacksmith hammering on horse shoes, fitting new saddles, and it did not take long for Charlotte to choose that as her future profession. It took some convincing on her part, but her father finally permitted her to be apprenticed to the family blacksmith, a stout man named Henry who was a close friend of her father. Charlotte found the work difficult at first, but she was determined to do her best.
After many years as a blacksmith's apprentice, Charlotte began to work for her family designing and fashioning any equipment they might need. Her skills proved invaluable, though in time she began to seek more independence through setting up a shop in town where she spent most of her time. With her services available to a wider clientele, Charlotte was able to build a reputation in Vielha as a dependable blacksmith. Though her business grew, there were plenty in town who did not want a woman handling their business. Charlotte disliked those who judged her for her sex, but she did her best to overcome their prejudice by producing the finest goods she possibly could.
Tragedy eventually struck the family when Count Fontaine and his son were murdered. For a time, the family was in deep crisis. Tamara Fontaine took up the role of count, but Joseph Fontaine and his wife stood opposed to their niece's assumption of power. Charlotte tried to reason with them for the sake of keeping the family together, but they could not be persuaded, and Charlotte found herself at odds with both sides of her family––those looking to support Tamara and those looking to replace her. She decided to move into the small back room of her store, keeping herself at a comfortable distance with her family. However, she still keeps in contact, and is welcome by some within her family who appreciate her awkward position as a supporter of Tamara born into a family who opposed her.
Writing Sample:
Charlotte resisted the urge to punch the arrogant jerk right in the jaw. In that fragile place just above the lower bone where the teeth were. Maybe she'd knock a few molars loose. But no. No. She had to put up with his crap, since he was a customer. And customers had money. And money kept the bills paid. That was usually how these things worked, anyway. Still, Charlotte wanted nothing more than to smash the guy's face in. But it was hard to build up a good rep as a female blacksmith. Damn near impossible, really. It wouldn't help to cuss out and beat up every ill-mannered, sexist slop who came her way. She'd be throwing half her business into the street.
"I know the difference between a pony and a horse, sir," the woman said through gritted teeth. "You told me to make you a saddle, and you told me it was for a pony, and since you didn't have the measurements of the girth you used before, I had to shoot for a general size."
"This size wouldn't fit an ass!" the man barked as he dropped the girth in question onto her work table. Charlotte stepped forward and picked up the smooth leather in her hands, feeling the bend and texture and the supple weight of it. Her dark hazel eyes flicked up to the customer's face.
"The craftsmanship of this piece is excellent," she said. "If you want a bigger size made, I will make it, but I will charge you extra for it. I gave you a deal for this fine piece here, since you ordered the saddle made, as well. That discount will have to go, though, if you insist on returning my work." Charlotte scowled at him. "And next time you order, don't give vague instructions and insist I take the job regardless of your lack of specifications, unless you want to make yet another trip to the blacksmith and pay for yet another product."
Charlotte turned her back and tossed one of her clamps into the water basin. It was still hot from the forge, and the metal hissed as it cooled. Steam rose up and dampened Charlotte's face. She pushed some of her dark hair out of her eyes and ignored the swearing man behind her. It was easy to do, surrounded by her work. There were few things she enjoyed more, and few pleasures that equaled the warmth of the forge and the clanking of metal as it heated and cooled and formed itself beneath her hands. There was a subtle artistry to blacksmithing that most people did not see. Sure, an ornamental blade or ceremonial suit of armor drew the attention of any perceptive eye, but even the effort that went into a horse's saddle or workman's boot was a form of art in and of itself. The best part about smithing was that even when dealing with people you never really had to care about them personally. They were customers, and you wanted them happy and paying, of course, but ultimately you made the art to make yourself happy. At least, that's how it was for Charlotte. She was more than content to stand behind the forge all day and create, and she didn't give two pennies to anyone who criticized or downplayed her work. There were times of insecurity, as there would always be, but in the end, Charlotte created because she felt that she had to. It was her way of speaking out, of declaring her place in the universe. The whole sentiment might sound strange to someone else, but to Charlotte it made sense. Her world was about her work, and she was proud of that fact. Take that away from her, and what was left but a husk of a woman with no purpose, no talents beyond tending sheep and horses, and no particular beauty to render her position in the world tolerable to the dominating men of Archades? Well, she would see one day, most likely. The thought angered her more than anything else, and she stoked the fires passionately as she stared into their depths and felt her emotions churn inside her like the flames dancing before her eyes. She would not change. She would not give in. Her person had been forged in fire, and there was no returning to the formless clay of her youth. Smithing was her life now. And anyone trying to change that would have to pry her hammer out of her cold, dead hands.
Josh Jenna