Neill Brannigan (Bran)
- Physical attributes
- 14
- Quirk
- Friend of the forest
Creation questions
When you need to be alone, where do you go?
Outside, especially walking. The woods if it’s not too dark out.
When do you cry, and where?
When animals are hurt anywhere, anytime. When too hungry. When losing a match or game. When frustrated at maths. Try and cry in the bathroom or outside. More teary-eyed than full on crying.
What’s your favorite food in the cafeteria?
Potatoes.
Which teacher do you like/hate and why?
I like Ms Venkatesh because language is quickly becoming my favorite indoor class. Any class outside is still trump. I dislike Prof. Berwyn, they are demanding and their class seems pointless.
Who are your parents and why did they send you here?
My parents are farmers in a low valley across the ferry. Mum had another baby and I was sent here to be fed and learn the world. I am the youngest boy who is not a baby, and less good at family care than my two sisters. I liked working on the family farm and was sad to be sent away. I often wish I was the eldest and not the youngest so I could have more responsibilities at home.
Who used to be your best friend and why aren’t they anymore?
Guffrie, the farm dog from home. I worry he won’t remember me when I return. We were close when he was a puppy but now he is more focused on sheep and work. More seriously, I connected with another lad on the Ferry over games and food, Camden, but when he kicked at one of the barn cats outside the cafeteria my feelings for him soured.
What are you picked on for that really gets to you?
Crying at Maths or Theatre
What are you picked on for that you shrug off?
Crying at hurt animals
What are you praised for that makes you proud?
Proud, but also slightly confused, I seem to have a knack for language class, and even though I have never been exposed to French before I quite enjoy learning French.
What are you praised for that makes you upset / embarrassed?
Anything about my physical appearance. Strong arms, nice hair, kind smile.
Quirk
1. Friend of the forest
One of the first things every newcomer to Russel Hall learns is to be wary around The Oak. Only takes a couple dive bombings or acorns-to-the-head from the local raven population to get the message. Except, for you, this doesn’t happen. Other students double-take in surprise seeing you taking a nap in the crook of the roots, or chasing a ball deep into the shade. Not only do they put up with you, they seem to actually like you. After your first disastrous math quiz, you’re out in the fields crying when the rustle of wings distracts you. One of the smaller juvenile ravens lands nearby, something dark and shiny suspended in its beak. It watches you for a moment, then hops forward and drops a beautiful acorn nearby, then croaks briefly and flies off.
As an active ability: you may exchange gifts with the ravens. Tell me what you give them, and I’ll tell you what they gift in return.
As a passive ability: you are less likely to be injured by nature broadly. Near the forest, you’re less likely to get snagged on briars, or trip on roots.
2. An honorary raven
After induction by the elder raven Dominic, you can speak with the ravens. The elders can speak back, and the juveniles understand but cannot speak. Furthermore, the ravens protect you as one of their own.