Character Name: Aurora Dolphinheart
Pronouns: She/Her, sometimes They/Them (she’s bigender-fluid)
Nickname: ‘Rora
Age: 19
What is their homestable in-game? Why?
Starshine Ranch. Aurora is from the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A and grew up riding western and Quarter Horse crosses. Like the founders of Starshine Ranch, she was looking for a little bit of home on Jorvik and found it on the ranch.
Where do they actually live in Jorvik?
Starshine Ranch, her room is in the barn loft. Though she’s been hanging out more and more at the Circus of Dreams… 🤔
Who is their favorite NPC?
She’ll half-lie and tell you Lisa, as they have similar passions in western and music, Rowan for being plain awesome, and Rania for her fearless spirit. But she’s considerably drawn to Ydris though she’s frustrated people only see him for his looks or consider him evil. She never cared for him much until they brought the Cosmic Clock. There was a fear and anguish in his eyes- one that she knew too well herself- and that’s when she began to see him as more than just a circus leader or magician. After the Clock fiasco, she eventually went back to try and help repair the damage. She wants to befriend him, but deep down she wouldn’t mind if they ended up being more.
Who is their Soul Steed? What breed are they? Do they have any markings or look different in some way from the in-game appearance you could give them?
Silvermist, a dapple gray Jorvik Warmblood mare with a white mane and tail. She would have some silver in her mane, and she may have some lighter patches of dapples on her back as a nod to her concealed wings.
What is their favorite location?
‘Rora is currently in love with Wildwoods and the mystery surrounding it. She thinks it could be the key to her theory that Earth and Pandoria can in fact interact in harmony, so she continues to search for the source of the Pandoric energy in the area. She used to love exploring the marshes of Epona, but after recent events in Gaurdian’s Dale she tends to stay away from that area.
Who’s their favorite horse? Why?
‘Rora has too many horses. At least that’s what everyone tells her. Her favorite is obviously her Soul Steed, Silvermist, but the magic horses that bonded with her like Umbra (Royalfire) and Brincicle (Iceking) come close as well. She has a special place in her heart for her Dun-striped Jorvik Wild (Dawnfaith), her white/gray Morgan (Northstar), the gray Knabstrupper which her sister calls “crusty oreo”😠 (Chaosmaster), and her sorrel Quarter Horse (Summerwings) who reminds her of all the sorrel AQH lesson horses she grew up riding.
What are their powers? Are they stronger with one Circle over any of the others?
‘Rora is definitely stronger in the Lightning Circle given she has more practice in it and utilizes it more often during missions.
She has always been able to subconsciously use the Star Circle to help heal herself (she’s always been quick to heal except for residual back pain), but she hasn’t been able to use magic to heal others. She’s most powerful in the Star Circle when she’s singing, and finds it helps her heal her mental health when it plummets.
She’s tried to use the Sun Circle to create portals from one part of the island to another in hopes of being able to create one to Pandoria, but has so far failed. However, she is able to use the Sun Circle’s powers to find the naturally occuring portals.
She has little gifting in the Moon Circle, partially because of her upbringing and partially because she shut her mind off to dreams due to a past which had left her with nightmares. Her Moon Circle powers have thus manifested in empathy, she is able to feel someone’s emotions even if she isn’t near them.
She also has the ability to utilize some form of Pandorian energy after watching Ydris and attempting to copy him. So far, she can only summon fire and temporary shields, but she finds it surprisingly easier and less draining than trying to use the four circles. It has caused her to wonder about her ancestors’ lineage.
What’s their usual style? Any favorite tack sets or colors for them?
‘Rora has a few favorite outfits she’ll rotate through depending on what she’s doing that day, who she’s with, and which horse she’s riding (all her horses have their own tack sets, so she changes her clothes to match). Her current favorites include the set Rhianna gave her during training, the Hartwood jacket she found exploring Wildwoods, and the Carnival outfit Ydris gave her during Halloween 2020 (she wears a pair of black chinks with it though, the carnival pants are too uncomfortable). Clothes with shades of blue have an almost guaranteed spot in her wardrobe. She also has a disdain for skirts and dresses, but will begrudgingly wear one on occasion.
Thoughts about Jorvik City? How do they feel about Rania’s petition for a horse-friendly Jorvik City?
‘Rora could care less about Jorvik City. Cities always gave her anxiety, even the relatively small ones where she grew up. Jorvik City is too crowded and there’s nowhere to run other than streets and alleyways. Aideen’s Plaza is pretty cool though. And she will sometimes go wreak havoc on the Pier just because she can. Having her horse with her would make her feel better, but having been a Ranch Hand and knowing how liability works (the “victim” always wins even if it was the “victim”’s own stupidity or fault they were injured) having a horse-free Jorvik City is probably safer for everyone.
Thoughts about Justin?
He needs help. ‘Rora’s been through a lot, but Justin? Just imagine what he’s feeling, finding out he’s the grandson of some ancient evil guy, being kidnapped by said guy, thrown off an oil rig, caught by a flying horse, held hostage by druids, nearly turned into a tree while using magic to find a missing foal, going against a magician who’s turned his coworkers into horses until giant tentacles erupt through the ground!? Yeah, no. He’s not okay and ‘Rora is considering how to help without setting Lorretta off.
How do they feel about the magical horse race at the circus? Did they enjoy being a horse?
‘Rora had way too much fun considering the circumstances. She honestly considered losing on purpose so she could stay a horse forever. She goes back often to race against Zee, and has thought about asking Ydris to turn her into a horse outside of the race, but so far she’s been too shy to ask save for one incident involving Pandoria.
Do they trust the Druids? Or how do they feel about them?
After recent events and unearthing Cathrine’s diary, not so much. ‘Rora will still help them, but coming from a religious background herself, she’s weary of how good intentioned groups can turn into a tyrant themselves. She hates how many secrets they keep. She feels used for her powers and is beginning to question their moral compass. There’s no doubt they mean good, but some of them are becoming blind by the cost of their war, and because of that are in danger of becoming what they seek to destroy.
‘Rora has more trust for Rhianna out of all the druids. ‘Rora wishes she knew more about Pandoria so she could have asked Fripp questions before he went down. She used to trust Evergray because he was exiled and so different from the druids’ secretive ways, but after discovering he was behind the death of Cathrine’s Soul Steed, ‘Rora’s beginning to question his motives as well.
After rescuing Fripp, ‘Rora still has a distrust towards him. She refused to tell him somethings, but was comforted when he didn’t push it. As she choose to say ‘Words are a bandaid for deeper issues’ but it seems Fripp is on the right path to solving those issues. She isn’t placing bets just yet though.
Least favorite NPC?
It honestly used to be Ydris until she began to see him more. Now it might be James. Nevermind, it’s definitely James. Why? He’s a kid with eyes on money and nothing else. Granted, he is running a tourist attraction as a teenage entrepreneur, which is an accomplishment, but it definitely isn’t without unscrupulous deeds and thankless tasks done by others. He’s an okay kid, but ‘Rora definitely isn’t friends with him. Lorreta isn’t a friend either but ‘Rora manages to roll her eyes enough to make it through their interactions.
How do they make their money?
‘Rora began to realize she didn’t have enough space or money to take care of all her horses. She had to sell a few to Starshine Ranch for trail and lesson horses, and people began to notice her gift for training horses. She started getting horses sent to her for her to gentle and train.
She used to participate vigorously in races for money prizes, but recent events left her with a need for quiet and solidarity, so she now focuses on training and exploring. She also helps around the Circus, and Ydris makes sure she’s given fair pay for her work despite her protests.
How many horses do they own?
As of February 2021, 32 horses and counting.
How many pets do they have? What kind? What are their names?
Her pets kind of come and go. Most of them are strays which some of her horses adopted and bonded to. She hasn’t given any of them names, she just calls them what they are, like Panda (ray), Yule (goat), Gull (seagull), ect. She has no idea how many there are, she just puts out food in the barn and in the morning it’s gone.
How do they feel about the Soul Riders? Do they trust them? Feel like an outsider? Are they closer to some over others?
‘Rora trusts the Soul Riders just a bit more than the druids. She’s concerned that because they have more history on the island, they’d choose the druids over ‘Rora if the druids were proven to be frauds. If.
Outside that fear, she gets along well with Lisa, and has talked to Linda more after completing the Cathrine’s diary. She’s offered to befriend Alex, but they just don’t seem to be able to connect outside of missions and training. She doesn’t have enough experience with Anne, but Anne isn’t as stuck up as she thought she would be so that’s a plus.
When they’re all together, though, ‘Rora definitely feels like she’s getting left behind. It’s okay though (not really), she’s used to it. She hides her feelings by riding ahead “keeping a lookout for danger”.
Do they believe something mystical, magical, or otherwise strange really exists in Dino Valley? How did they feel about the leaving of the Kalter and the roar/scream/screech in the valley?
Dino Valley was always a place of wonder and mystery to ‘Rora. She heard legends of it and when she got the opportunity to explore it, she rarely left. After exploring every nook and cranny, discovering glowing blue energy lighting the road and the ice cave that sends chills down her spin, she’s sure there’s a reason the valley is perpetually trapped in ice- whether it be a curse or otherwise. She was sad about the Kalter leaving, yet after hearing the roar she and her horse flew out of there and back to the safety of Valedale. She’s curious about what it is out there, but is growing more cautious since that dark rider almost killed her and her horse when they were trying to make the keystone. She’s decided to wait until a team is formed to solve the mystery.
Thoughts about Jorvik Wild Horses?
If referring to the magic horses that used to be called JWH, ‘Rora was surprised when Gary Goldtooth first appeared with the Nixie and Whinfell. She adopted the blue Nixie (Echoeffect), and is always confused as to his definition of inhabited places or not.
She also bonded with an Umbra (Royalfire), a very flighty horse that turns a lot of heads, even in her disguise form. The mare is very secretive, but has chosen to trust ‘Rora, a trust that is rewarded with patience and a gentle hand.
Iceking, a Brincicle, arrived on an iceberg in Jarlaheim, was chased by the townsfolk, and taken in by Rihanna until he bonded with ‘Rora. Listening carefully to him while practicing her wild whispering, ‘Rora learned he was separated from his herd in a freak accident when the ice floe broke. He befriended a seagull- ironically one who hates cold and always wears a little hat and scarf.
If referring to the newly rediscovered JWH of Wildwoods, ‘Rora respects them as sentient beings and was deeply honored when the dun-striped mare (Dawnfaith) chose to bond with her. If there was a horse she trusted as much as Silvermist, it’s Dawnfaith. To ‘Rora, the JWH represent horses in their purest form, and their connection to Pandorian energy has captured her imagination.
Do you think they are a Wild Whisperer? Or are they just bonded with their Soul Steed?
‘Rora is definitely a Wild Whisperer and always has been. It’s only recently she’s had the words to describe her experiences and a mentor who understands. She loves all her horses almost equally, and readily bonds to new horses, even those who are not her own or hard to bond with (Zee, Tin-Can).
What’s their favorite Jorvegian holiday or celebration?
For a long time it was Christmas but she never really enjoyed Halloween. That was until Ydris decided it would be an absolutely FANTASTIC idea to lock up the legendary GALLOPER THOMPSON and expect everything to be fine. Yeah, that was pretty dumb, but it was a legit party, though ‘Rora would never admit that to Ydris. It’s not like he needs the encouragement to do more stupid things. Then again, she never did get that dance he promised...
What do they think or feel about Pandoria? Have they or do they visit outside the quests? If they have or still do, why?
Pandoria was once a place of fear and hopelessness to ‘Rora, especially after rescuing Lisa. While working towards freeing Anne, however, she was blown away by its beauty. Until ‘Rora had to run for her life. She didn’t go back for a while after the loss of Elizabeth, but after being around Ydris more, she finally got the courage to go back and try to see it from his perspective. After going once, she kept going back. It became more beautiful every time she went, and she explored further and further from the portal. She now has a pretty good idea of the area the portal usually takes her to, but she stumbled upon a new area she’s working to familiarize herself with.
She feels Pandoria is misunderstood, it’s dangerous for sure, and scary but only because it’s so different. Kind of like Wildwoods. She feels an injustice has been done in sending Garnok to Pandoria, and has vowed to herself to do whatever she can to save Earth, and Pandoria.
She’s not quite sure why she keeps going back. She hasn’t told the other Soul Riders, pretty sure their reactions wouldn’t be pleasant. She mentioned her visits to Ydris, and at first he didn’t say much though she had a strong sense of a mixture of pain and hope radiating from him. He told her to be careful and the conversation ended.
Later on it came up again, and ‘Rora asked if he’d be a guide on her next visit. He finally agreed, and with ‘Rora offering to carry him if she could be the golden horse again, the two set off to find the portal. Their visit to Pandoria was relatively peaceful, Ydris gently guiding her through the ever changing caves until they reached a plateau where they found a large purplish tree like the sentinel trees of Jorvik...
How has their visit(s) to Pandoria affected them? Do they have any scars? Has it affected any of their life views?
During the first visit to Pandoria, after finding Anne’s prison and Darko sending Garnok after ‘Rora and Silvermist, ‘Rora was struck by one of Garnok’s tentacles and knocked from the saddle. Silvermist saved her life, but ‘Rora now has a blue scar over her left eye from the incident.
On the visit with Ydris, when they found the tree ‘Rora asked to be changed back to her human form. She stared at the tree, feeling herself drawn towards it. Apparently Ydris was calling her, but she couldn’t hear him. She reached out a hand and rested it on the trunk. Light filled her sight, and she has fragmented memories of nightmares or visions. She doesn’t remember anything after that except waking up back at the Circus, sore as heck. Apparently Ydris had gotten them back when Garnok became alerted to such a strong energy spike.
‘Rora’s brown curls had become Pandorian-purple with hints of blue and pink, and it didn’t seem like the color was fading. She panicked and told the Soul Riders she dyed her hair so they wouldn’t find out what she’s been up to, but she’s worried Linda already knows. Her hair doesn’t seem to have any special tricks, but Ydris has noticed it’s tendency to shimmer or glow when ‘Rora is practicing on her powers.
Would they ever consider working for Dark Core or believing their side?
‘Rora would consider trying to get to know Mr. Sands and understand why he believes what he does- despite how much he scares her. It seems like he has some amount of heart given he didn’t want his grandson killed for his lack of powers, but as for believing their side? That would depend on if what the druids have told her is accurate. If Dark Core is truly after power and world domination, she certainly isn't going to side with them. But, if there’s something more to their side, she’s at least willing to hear them out.
What or who is Garnok to them? A dark presence? A squid-like monster? A child with a ridiculously complicated jumping course (####in @ Lizzy)?
To ‘Rora- still rooted in her religious upbringing- Garnok isn't the ultimate evil but another evil being in the grand scheme of the universe. That doesn’t make him any less dangerous though, as proven by their interactions so far.
‘Rora is also very confused how a tiny child like Lizzy is able to set up something like that course. It’s almost scary.
Do they ever go to the disco? If they don’t would they ever consider going? What would it take to make them go?
‘Rora used to go more when she hung around Moorland in the early days, but recently she’s been elsewhere on the island. She does enjoy going once in a while though.
Disco or Moorland Beach party?
Disco, ‘Rora enjoys being able to feel the music in her chest. The beach party is cool too, but it’s weather dependent.
Are they interested in helping with archeology or fishing?
‘Rora loved casual fishing back home, but competitive fishing on Jorvik is the bane of her existence. Occasionally, she’ll do some archeology if she stumbles across a promising spot, but she’s not actively hunting for them.
How do they feel about Igor, the waiter/manager of the Dino Valley cafe, and whom seemed very interested in your horse for… “culinary reasons”?
‘Rora stays as far away as possible from Igor and keeps her horses out of sight.
Do they like the perpetual winter of Dino Valley or the perpetual autumn/fall of Goldenhills Valley, or is it strange to them? Do they prefer one over the other or neither?
‘Rora used to enjoy Dino Valley more than Goldenhills, but strange events in Dino have made her favor Goldenhills a little more as a relaxing destination. She does find both beautiful, though strange.
