Dublin

## Application Sheet

Dublin was a brown wolf with glacier-blue eyes. They joined Fellfang as a juvenile, after their family decided it was what was best for her. They formed a strong bond with their packmates, especially Kaiba and Bjorn. Unfortunately, as the Hive Wars progressed, Dublin fell into severe depression and isolated themselves, until they eventually leapt from the cliffs into the crashing sea at Brimstrond, swept away into the unknown. Dublin was created and RP'd by VilkasVale.

## Personality

* ***Hardworking and Hard-Playing.*** Dublin is a fiery spirit who loves hard work just as much as they do a good tussle. Always young at heart, they adore their packmates- as long as they can accept them for who they are- and is always around to help… well, at least always *around.*
* ***Animated and Headstrong.*** They are quite animated and usually full of energy, which may lead to a headache and a nuance of a wolf for some, but their soul is in the right place- undyingly loyal to Fellfang. They can be a character, personality greatly differing between the wolves they're with- one moment they're a playful pup, the next they're fearless and headstrong, ready to take any challenge thrown their way.
* ***Brave.*** Dublin is relentless and courageous, wanting to always prove anyone who stands in their way wrong. This can land them in some hot water though, from time to time- and when it comes to bringing pride to their pack and pride to their name, they are willing to take any risk… without fully grasping the concept of fatal risks or morality.
* ***Stubborn.*** It takes a lot to move and persuade them from their own strong opinions and free will, but they think with their heart and ultimately, it sits in the right *enough* place.
* ***Untrusting and Isolated.*** However... Fellfang has shaped up this wolf with change, and not all of this may come forth as good development. With environmental comes trauma, and with that... A less stable wolf than the naive and cheerful child to come forth and join the Skuld. Dublin, in their current state, finds it hard to trust and rely on others. After all, things are stressful enough- and they feel more an outsider than ever. They find it difficult to open up about their own feelings, due to the crushing impact that they feel so isolated. After all, work is never complete in Fellfang, and who are they to not step up to the challenge to help?
	+ Even in their poorer mental state, Dublin has never faltered as a hard working individual and wishes to prove themself more than ever. They know their life depends on it. Still, something deep inside makes its presence more known by the day, and there is little Dublin can do to suppress it. Something unknown, something that calls them away from the others. For many reasons, Dublin prefers to spend their time alone...But, maybe it's deeper than a choice. Maybe, it could be a calling...

## Pre-Group History

*For the sake of consistent writing, Dublin will have she/her pronouns mentioned for her backstory. They were a child and not fully in check with their androgynous identify.*

Though she was not born blood to its land, Dublin's heart rests and beats with Fellfang through and through. Wild blood runs through Dublin's heart and veins and she carries strong love and pride for her home... But her beginning was not initially in the pack.

Dublin's parents, a proud pair of wandering sages, lived tucked away and nestled deep in a cavern of mountains and hills, though it wasn't too far away from Fellfang itself.

They'd known of the pack; the wolves had accustomed their haled witch doctor practices into their own lives and followed their religion from a safe distance. Oftentimes, they'd leave supplies not found in Fellfang as peace offerings for sharing their lands so closely, yet coexisting in peace without conflict.

Born in a litter of what was once four during a blizzard no less, the small wolf's big heart and bravery made itself known when she had been the only surviving pup that awoke one morning within the safety of the cave. Her parents saw the pup as a blessing. She was their only surviving offspring… but perhaps the Gods above had been looking out for the pair who so wished to continue their lines.

Growing up, Dublin *loved* the snow. In her puphood months, she *had* to learn to love it- and quickly, because there had been so much of it all around. But being a free soul from birth, this never bothered Dublin. In fact, it kindled the adventurous spark she held so close to her soul and she began to sneak her way out of the den and into the open land.

Her parents concerned, she was brought back many a time with a scolding of how dangerous it was for a young (and only) pup to wander out in the snow… and with strongly religious and superstitious parents, forewarned the girl of **Draugr** who could whisk her away from home at their free will.

Dublin laughed to their faces at this. There was nothing to fear from her home- it was *hers.* And what of these spirits? Paying no mind, the young wolf stumbled out one day, unbeknownst to a future that would build her fate...

She was *so close* to reaching a particularly large icicle she could just ***taste*** it! A few more jumps, and she could juuuust…

Dublin never estimated the weight of the snow she so proudly stomped in- and now, here she was, tumbling down a hill after losing her footing after trying to just get to an icicle.

Grumpy and tossed about, Dublin sprung back up into action… but her frail little legs told another story. Down, down again she fell, and the young one gave a sharp cry from the ache she'd felt. Weary and tired, Dublin gave a huff and closed her eyes, snuggling up atop the snow bank she brought down with her in her fall…

...By the time she'd opened her eyes, Dublin found that the snow around her had grown *considerably*. Her eyes widened with fear, and the stinging in her paws growing worse and worse, Dublin was left to do nothing but call for help. Tears singed her cheeks as she cried out, hoping her parents - or *Eir -* would find her and carry her home…

…Little for the pup, she hadn't seen the flash of wings just overhead...

They'd thought her to be dead once they found her. Her parents, rushed Dublin back into the dens, sick with grief and worry. Despite her odds, Dublin fought again… and awakened with eyes full of life.

She had miraculously survived the snowfall, but with a *price.* Frostbite, as the pair of wolves would reveal, had eaten away at her heartier flesh meant for mountains and hard rock and left the wolf with sensitive paws and a nose that would take quite some time to heal... But nonetheless, tears were shed and embraces held over the emotional gathering of a small family. It didn't matter to the pair of wolves- they had their daughter back, and that was all that they needed.

Her parents thought something special of Dublin - and our story ends here as a young wolf embarks her journeys as an aspiring Vanguard to Fellfang…

Or so she believes. Strong believers in tradition, Dublin's parents wish and strive for the young female to go forth and become too, a sage as themselves… but she couldn't fight it any harder if she tried. With fear for her future and worry about her skin condition, Dublin's parents came to an agreement and settled with their daughter- to send her into the pack of Fellfang… but she *must* follow the ways of the renowned witch doctors and eventually, bring back all she had learned to her parents.

... Instead, Dublin spends her days making her face well known around Fellfang, challenging wolves of all sizes to play spars and exploring the land.

She had never felt so at home.

## Group History

Dublin was welcomed into Fellfang by 'pack mom' Tadita, and she greeted Tadi with songs of jubilation, she was so excited! Tadita escorted her to the camp where she could ask permission to join from the Jarl, Lincoln. Valera was one of the first Vanguards to meet Dublin, who vigorously assured the older she-wolf that she was ready to learn, and excited to be there.

Valera would become something of a mentor to Dublin. Dublin aspired to be a Vanguard one day, but for now, she learned about Fellfang from Valera. The winter was cold and bitter and Fellfang needed all the hunters it could get, and so, the duo went hunting in the snow. They were attacked by a mountain lion, but managed to escape with their lives.

Dublin met other packmates as well, offering her services to wolves such as Gustave. She wasn't training to be a Witch-Doctor, but Gus told her a little bit about the herbs they were collecting, as it was helpful for all wolves to be able to identify healing herbs! Cacao also taught her a bit about herbs.

Dublin *hated* the coldest days of winter, especially *this* winter, the Deep Freeze, because her nose was particularly sensitive after being frostbitten as a youngster. When the days were coldest, she'd retreat to her den to keep her nose warm. As Dublin grew from a juvenile to a young adult, she also began to question her own identity - she didn't really identify as a female, but not a male either. Perhaps she was something else? Dublin decided, over time, to start identifying as nonbinary, preferring the use of gender-neutral pronouns.

Dublin would grow extremely close to a large bear of a wolf, Kaiba. The two often huddled together for warmth in Fellfang's den, and Dublin would accompany Kaiba on his duties as part of the Hunt. He liked to play games with Dublin, too, which they *greatly* appreciated! Later, another bearish wolf, Bjorn, would complete the trio.

Not everyone was thrilled to spend time with Dublin, unfortunately. Their playful, pup-like nature made it difficult for wolves to take her seriously at times. Ian was rather grumpy when Dublin was assigned his hunting partner in the cold, and when they laughed at something that amused them, Ian snapped. Dublin yelled back, accusing Ian of not even *trying* to like her, and they ran off, leaving Ian behind.

Other wolves like Ezekiel weren't quite sure *what* to make of bubbly Dublin, but were willing to give them a chance.

Dublin tried to make a good impression on their packmates, always. They brought pretty flowers to Soulstorm when she was grievously injured by Silas (not knowing of Soulstorm's crimes at the time - it's the thought that counts!).

The Deep Freeze ended, and Dublin was relieved, and explored the blossoming, warming territory with Shiantara, and, of course, enjoyed trips to the beach with Kaiba.

But something felt...off. Dublin found themselves wondering if *they* were responsible for the misfortunes befalling the pack. The arrival of strange, feral white wolves at the edge of the territory, stealing prey and even attacking Fellfangir, caused Lincoln to order his packmates to remain solidly *within* Fellfang lands and never travel alone. Dublin, despite the amount of space Fellfang offered, felt cramped by their packmates' constant presence and growing stress and fear.

Dublin thought they were strong and capable enough to take care of themselves.

Until they came face-to-face with a Hive wolf. Dublin was horrified, and *ran.* They were fortunate to escape unscathed. It was after this that Dublin decided to officially take on the task of a Vanguard. They brought down a buck for the pack, and offered it to Lincoln, who officially granted Dublin the title of Skuldcarl Vanguard. They didn't get to enjoy their new title long before tragedy struck - their friend, Bjorn, was killed by the Hive.

Dublin grieved. They lashed out at Valera, from a place of shattered emotions, asking how *the pack's best Vanguard* - the highest-ranking *Thane* of Fellfang - had allowed Bjorn to die. Valera was level-headed, though, her grief not coming out as rage, as Dublin's did, but as quiet sorrow. Dublin attacked Valera, drawing blood, and Valera permitted it for a *moment,* before the instinct of self-preservation kicked in, and Valera kicked Dublin away, warning them of the consequence for attacking a packmate. Valera promised to keep it quiet unless someone approached her asking about what happened.

The Hive encroached more and more on Fellfang lands, and Dublin spent more time working with Kaiba to clean up the carcasses left behind. It was hard for Dublin to see their best friend so distraught, so unlike himself, and it made Dublin feel less like *themselves* as well. They were so, *so* scared of losing Kaiba, too. Dublin didn't think they could handle the loss of *another* friend. The two wolves had never felt further apart - Kaiba could no longer stand Dublin's constant moodiness and negativity. Besides...he'd *seen* the aftermath of Dublin's attack on Valera, and couldn't bring himself to get involved.

Dublin felt like everything was getting worse. *They* brought this misfortune to Fellfang - that *had* to be true. They didn't know how to make amends. Tadita tried to help Dublin cope, and for a little while, it helped. They were able to squash their growing depression down, and focus on their duties - *new* duties, assigned by Lincoln after learning what happened to Valera. Lincoln assigned Dublin to help the Witch-Doctors - to help heal their packmates instead of harming them. Dublin was gracious for the mild nature of the punishment, and Lincoln tried to assure them that there was still *hope* in this world.

But winter dragged on, and Dublin's dark thoughts swelled as the Hive swarmed around Fellfang. The Skuld was supposed to protect one another, but Dublin felt like they'd failed at this. Were they even *part* of the Skuld? Dublin began to question it.

They had to do better. They went to make amends with Kaiba, apologizing for the way they'd acted towards him, and they quietly pushed the past behind them, to move forward as friends once again. Dublin continued to feel isolated, even with Kaiba, though.

Dublin had joined Valera and Ian on a patrol when they were attacked by a Hive wolf. They were about to kill it when Valera realized it had *spoken*, real *words.* It managed to escape, much to Dublin's frustration, but the trio were fortunate to survive the encounter, and went to report to Lincoln.

But Dublin was done. They couldn't handle the stress of dealing with the Hive anymore, they couldn't handle the feeling of horrible isolation from their packmates, feeling like they weren't *really* part of the Skuld. They felt...*called* to Brimstrond, where the waves beat against the cliffs. And they leapt into the waves, to find a place they could truly *belong.*

Dublin was swept away at Brimstrond and has never been seen again.

## Trivia

* Due to their coastal environment and extremely active lifestyle as an aspiring Vanguard, Dublin carries many rich and earthy smells. There is that distinct, salty scent of the shores of Fellfang that clings to their pelt- but, also pine and richer fauna like moss and wild ferns. It's common to catch a trace of blood on Dublin's pelt, too, due to hunting on the side!
* After their nose was frostbitten as a pup, Dublin's nose was extremely sensitive to the cold, and they would seek shelter from the cold on the most freezing days.

## Quotes

* "I couldn't be more happy to meet yeh! I've spent my whole life wanting this- wanting to be what *yeh* are! A *Vanguard*!" (to Valera, *Welcome Home*)
* “Of course I believe in you, Dublin. I’ve been nothing but proud of your achievements. You earned yourself a place among the Vanguard, among *Fellfang*.” (Valera to Dublin, *Too Far*)

## External Links

* Official Application Sheet
* VilkasVale's deviantART Gallery