Brin "Shadowstep" O'Briain
"We walk in harmony with the land. I will do the Grove and the Goddess proud."
Biography
Brin was born into a noble family in Ireland, in 1275. Technically, he was in the line of succession for the king, which gave him much freedom and protection…but far enough down that the family cared little for what he did. His father, Brandon, was the lord of a small hamlet and its surroundings. He had two brothers, Bran, who was older, and Brun, who was younger…father was not a clever man. Brin was raised in the Old Ways, loving nature and revering the forest spirits, and spent much of his time exploring. As a teenager, Brin trained with the guards and local militia. His quick fingers, sharp eyes, and forest knowledge made him a perfect scout. One of Brin’s favorite activities was sneaking up on people and startling them. This quickly earned him the nickname of “Shadowstep.”
In 1297, Scotland revolted against England after King Edward claimed Scotland as part of
England the prior year. Brandon and Bran left with troops for Scotland to join William Wallace and assist in the fighting. Brin took over as lord while they were gone. Brandon was wounded by an arrow in battle and later died from infection shortly after returning to Ireland in 1301. Two years later, Brin received word that Bran was captured by the English and executed as a traitor. After William Wallace’s death in 1305, Brin gave up his title, leaving Brun in charge, and left for Scotland to assist in the rebellion and to avenge the death of his brother. In 1306, during the Battle of Methven, Brin took a spear to the abdomen and collapsed on the field. During the night, while he was thought to be another casualty, Brin crawled off the field and into the forest. He saw a green glow coming from ahead and managed to drag himself to a set of standing stones. He thought it was fitting for him to die among the old gods, so he laid upon a ceremonial slab and prepared to die.
Instead of dying, Brin was transported to Osterra. He awoke in a strange land, still wounded but alive. An elf named Fëawen the Green was the first mortal he found, and Brin was taken to The Grove for healing. Brin immediately knew he was among family and quickly proved himself to the faction. Joining The Grove as a full member and dedicating himself to his kin and the Green Goddess. Brin was raised to defend females and protect them from harm..The Grove’s powerful women have shown him that he need worry more for himself than them.
Character Development
Since arriving in Osterra and joining The Grove, Brin has grown in power and wisdom. In 2024, he earned a title and position in The Grove, Hearthkeeper. Along with his best friend Fȅawen the Green, they are responsible for welcoming travelers, protecting the lands, and ensuring no one goes hungry.
Brin and Fȅawen are co-owners of The Green Goddess Emporium (GGE), where they continue to offer sustenance and hydration to kin and kith alike. Brin has become the foremost purveyor of gems and a wiley businessman. While honing his woodland and scouting skills, Brin has also dabbled in the arcane. Becoming one of Osterra’s first Artificers, Brin has learned to channel his power into gems and items which he sells at GGE.
After helping to restore a fishing village in Mundus Ferox, Brin was given the honor of naming it: Rainbow's End. Named in honor of his old home, it has become his new home here in Osterra.
Since joining The Grove the road has risen to meet him, the wind has been at his back, the sun has shone warm upon his face, and he has been held in the hollow of the Goddess’s hand. The road has been long, but the future still beckons. Who knows what new adventures Brin will see?
Personality
Brin is easy going and friendly, more likely to talk than fight, and ever ready with a joke. It is difficult to offend or insult him, he takes such things with a grain of salt. While calm and friendly, Brin will defend with vigor any that assault or demean his new family or allies. The quickest way to feel his blade is to attack those he cares for. Brin will also stand up for those that cannot defend themselves. One thing that does stick with Brin, is that he does not forget those that have wronged him or his or broken a pact made.
Appearance
Brin is an average Irish human. Pale skin, bald, slightly overweight. Usually clad in greens and browns, and often seen wearing his leather tunic and boots. Brin wields a sword and dagger, with his targe (shield) strapped to his left arm. Since joining The Grove, the targe is adorned with the faction’s symbol. Brin may now be seen wielding his flaming sword and/or his new axe, Leafcutter.