OC Introduction: Lorna
Under the read more is all of Lorna's information!
General Information
Full Name: Lorna Giasemi-Nebel
Pronouns: she/her
Gender: Female
Birthday: 23rd of Qeps
Age: 31
Nationality: Avoran
Species: Drow
Primary Language: Common
Religion: Follower of Besella (goddess of love and hedonism)
Place of Birth: Bouangill (a small town in Avora, which is located on the continent of Wateragron)
Current Place of Residence: Satatogo (a moderate-sized town in Avora.)
Do they rent or have they bought their home? She bought her home with her spouses.
Place of Employment: Dryad’s Grace (an apothecary in Satatogo)
Job Title: Apothecary Apprentice
Relationship Status: Widowed
Background
What was their childhood like?
She was the only child in Bouangill, so she was super lonely. She turned to books and the town’s unofficial religion to entertain her and keep her company. She would spend time in the temple, which she took upon herself to maintain, and spent a lot of time in the downstairs area of The Private Hand to watch shows and live music. Lorna taught herself how to mimic voices and read lips to generally be a mischievous individual. She enjoyed a broad array of subjects and took a liking to learning about anything she could get her hands on.
What was their teenagehood like?
Even more lonely than her childhood. She continued learning about anything and everything, taught herself different languages, and threw herself into the more appropriate aspects of Besella’s religion. Besella was the only person she could really turn to about difficult aspects of her identity and being because the rest of the town viewed her as their collective child. Lorna became closer to Tish, the proprietor of The Private Hand, and Erwell, the local apothecary. To fill her time, she would study under Erwell and learn all about how to make potions, tinctures, and the use of every ingredient.
What were their twenties like?
Lorna became a full-fledged apprentice of Erwell’s in her late teenage years. Her husband came into her life in her early twenties after suffering from an accident in the nearby jungle. She also became a fully realized cleric of Besella in her early twenties. Eventually, the most renowned apothecary in Avora saw Lorna’s potential and offered her an apprenticeship in Satatogo. She moved there in her mid-twenties with her boyfriend, turned husband. She married her husband in her mid-twenties and then shortly after met her wife. Lorna married her wife in her late twenties.
What were their thirties like?
Devastating. An attack in Satatogo killed three people, two of whom were her spouses.
Who were their role models as a child?
Her parents and Besella
What was their dream job as a child?
Anything and everything. She took an interest in her father’s work as a doctor, but ultimately decided the apothecary was the place for her.
What was their favorite place as a child?
The temple of Besella, the tavern of The Private Hand, and the local apothecary.
What kind of discipline was given at home (were the parents strict, etc.)?
Discipline wasn’t something that happened often, as Lorna didn’t get into much trouble, and when she did, she rarely got caught. Most discipline was a conversation about why she did what she did and how her needs/wants could be met in other ways.
Were their parents overprotective?
Yes and no. They weren’t worried when it came to Lorna going wherever she wanted in town because they knew there would always be at least one person looking out for her. When it came to Lorna experiencing her first love and leaving town, they suddenly became very protective.
How do they feel about their hometown?
She loves it dearly and plans to return there at least in some capacity.
Mental
Did they receive an education? If so…
Not really, Lorna mostly learned what she wanted, but had very little structure in terms of formal schooling. Her parents taught her how to read, and from there Lorna took it upon herself to expand her learning.
Do they consider themselves intelligent?
She considers herself quite knowledgeable in a few subjects, but acknowledges that there are others who know far more than she and were formally educated.
Do they have any fears?
Her biggest fear is being alone after spending her life building connections and relationships.
What are their goals for the next five years?
To finally go on the big adventure she and her spouses talked about eventually going on.
On that note, are they the type of person to plan everything in their life, or do they prefer to wing it? Or are they perhaps somewhere in between?
Her wife was more the planner; Lorna wings most of the things in her life. The only proper structures and plans she keeps pertain to rites and rituals for Besella.
Do they have any addictions, past or present?
She has had no addictions so far.
What is their memory like?
She has a fantastic memory and can recall things like no other.
Do they have any bad habits?
She is trusting to a fault. She believes everyone has something good and redeemable in them and chooses to give all her trust to someone, which leads to a few harsh betrayals.
Do they have any hobbies?
She crochets and spends her time coming up with interesting flavor combinations for drinks and baked goods.
Do they have any mental disabilities (such as ADHD)?
I like to think she probably has undiagnosed autism.
Do they have any disorders?
Depression and anxiety following the death of her spouses.
Have they ever tried therapy?
No, but her parents tried to set her up with someone in Halstone (the capital) after her spouses passed.
What is their view on religion?
Literally, she is a cleric of Besella.
Why do they feel this way?
The majority of the town she was raised in follows Besella (though in a very different way) so she’d always been exposed to the religion, but it was also a way to pass her time and not feel so lonely.
What is their greatest regret?
Not being able to save her spouses.
What is their most favorite place in the world?
Her childhood house when she would visit home with her spouses.
What do they want the most, regardless of money, time, etc.?
Her dream was to go on an adventure of Uzon with her spouses before settling down somewhere and opening a combination apothecary and bakery.
What would they do to get this?
Anything, ethics be damned.
To them, what is their biggest accomplishment?
Apprenticing under Wateragron’s most renowned apothecary and being Besella’s literal favorite.
What is their favorite food/cuisine?
Most baked goods, especially those made by her wife.
What is their least favorite food/cuisine?
Bitter foods
Do they like spicy food?
She doesn’t seek it out, but she has a decent spice tolerance.
What is their favorite smell?
Her wife’s banana bread.
What is their favorite taste?
Her wife’s guava-filled pastries.
What is their favorite kind of weather, and why?
Thunderstorms because she doesn’t have to worry about her light sensitivity during the day, and the sound of thunder and rain is calming to her.
What are their guilty pleasures?
She believes all pleasures should be indulged, and you should never feel guilty about what you like.
What does their home look like (is it messy? Minimalistic? Etc.)?
It is filled with trinkets and things that bring her joy. She has a reading room, an area for experimenting with potions, and plenty of room for her spouses’ hobbies as well.
What do they like to make fun of?
She tries not to make fun of anything. Don’t yuck someone’s yum.
Describe their personality (are they pragmatic? Passionate? Responsible? Immature? Etc.)
She’s passionate, friendly, and lovable. She’s very positive and optimistic.
What is their sense of humor like?
Dry or corny. No in-between; sometimes both simultaneously.
Are they self-aware (do they recognize certain traits in themselves as negative–such as procrastination, manipulative behavior, etc.)?
She knows she has some bad traits, but she rarely agrees with others on what they actually are.
Do they have any recurring nightmares?
Reliving the day she got the news her spouses died.
Any recurring good dreams?
Nope!
How are they with money?
Terrible. She grew up without needing to worry about money, and it shows.
Physical
Eyes:
Lorna has light lilac eyes and white pupils.
Skin color:
deep purple that looks nearly black.
Hair (color, length, style, type):
Medium-length white hair with waves. She keeps long bangs that she braids to frame her face and keeps the rest loose.
Face shape:
Very angular with sharp edges, pronounced cheekbones, and a sharp nose.
Height: 5’11
Weight:
Malnourished; she doesn’t eat much since her spouses died.
Are they the tallest or shortest in their family, or somewhere in between?
She’s taller than her mom, but not her dad.
Do they drink?
No, she refuses to drink alcohol. She will chug caffeine or homemade energy potions, though.
If not, why don’t they drink?
She doesn’t like the taste of alcohol.
Do they smoke?
Nope.
If not, why don’t they smoke?
It just never really struck her fancy.
Do they take drugs?
Also no.
If not, why don’t they take drugs?
She doesn’t enjoy being in altered states unless it’s through her communing with Besella.
Do they take any medication?
No, but only because I personally haven’t invented fantasy Lexapro.
Do they have any physical disabilities?
It’s not necessarily a disability, but she does have light sensitivity for which she uses aids. (such as sunglasses, an umbrella, and blackout curtains.)
Do they have any diseases?
No, her husband bought an enchanted pendant to prevent her from contracting diseases and auto-immune disorders.
Does their immune system work well?
Yes, but only because of her pendant.
Do they believe in vaccines?
Yes!
Do they have any scars?
No
Do they have any freckles or moles?
Yes, she has freckles along the bridge of her nose and some on her cheeks.
What is their skin like? Is it soft, or not so much?
Very soft and smooth.
Do they wear any perfume/cologne?
Yes, she makes her own perfume that smells like Besella’s temple in Bouangill!
Do they wear makeup?
Not really, some lipstick if she feels like it at most.
What is their fashion like?
Lavish. She likes fine fabrics that were tailored for her; that way she knows how they feel, fit, and suit her exact taste.
Why do they dress the way they do?
Sensory issues, and she likes feeling pretty.
How much would they spend on a shirt? Pants? A jacket? A pair of shoes?
Money is not an option when it comes to her clothing.
What is their favorite store/clothing line?
She has a favorite tailor in Bouangill
Do they have any tattoos?
Yes, she has an intricate, shimmering, emerald-green face tattoo that starts just above her left brow and extends down to her left cheek.
If so, how many do they have, what are they, and what do they mean to your character?
Just the one, and it’s a symbol of grief. Hers is so large because she experienced a hefty loss.
How much effort do they put into their appearance?
She used to put a lot of emphasis on her appearance, but not much anymore. She doesn’t have the energy to care anymore.
Do they have any nervous tics?
She plays with her hands and talks animatedly when she’s nervous.
What is their handwriting like?
Immaculate
Are they left- or right-handed, or perhaps ambidextrous?
Ambidextrous because she had to learn to control both hands for her apothecary work and musical instruments.
Speech
How fast or slow do they talk?
Depends. By default, she talks a little fast; it gets faster when she’s nervous, flustered, etc.
Do they curse a lot?
Yes, very much so.
Do they have an accent?
Typical accent for her region.
Do they have a speech impediment?
Not really, but she mixes words up frequently.
How much eye contact do they usually make?
She tries to avoid eye-contact because it feels too intense and intimate.
Do they gesture a lot?
Yes
If so, is there a specific time when?
It’s more when she’s nervous
What is their laugh like? Their smile?
Radiant. It always makes a space feel lighter.
What are they like when they cry? Is it ugly and full of snot and tears, or more controlled?
It is full-on ugly sobs and mournful wails.
How emotive are they?
She can’t hide an emotion to save her life. Lorna has full-body reactions to her emotions.
Have they ever broken a bone?
No.
Sex & Relationships
What is their sexuality?
She’s never really defined it; she likes anyone and everyone.
Has it always been this way, or has it changed over time?
She’s always been open and unwilling to put a label on it.
How do they view sexuality in general (is it important to them, do they tend to be more homophobic or accepting, etc.)?
She views it as important and is very open and accepting of everyone.
What do they think of sex? (Is it hush-hush and only for the bedroom, or are they more open about it?)
She’s very open about it. She was raised with it always being a part of her life that’s openly accepted and talked about.
How do they feel about polyamory?
She is polyamorous
How do they feel about monogamy?
She thinks it’s not for her, but she loves it for others for whom it suits.
When was their first kiss?
Nineteen
When/what was their first date?
Also nineteen. (They occurred on the same day.)
Who was their first partner?
Damien Giasemi
How many romantic partners have they had? Who are they, and how long were they a couple? Why did they break up?
Two—she married both.
How many sexual partners have they had?
Two.
How do they feel about one-night stands? Have they ever had any?
She’s cool with them, but has never had one.
How do they feel about public displays of affection?
She loves it; she wants to express her love whenever she feels like it.
How do they feel when others engage in PDA?
She thinks it’s cute
Do they believe in soulmates?
She thinks they’re made, not destined.
Parents
Who are they?
Arlen and Syllia Erzana
Was your character adopted?
No.
What are their relationships with your character?
Very good and close.
What is their relationship with each other, and is that different from what they show their child (i.e., are they unhappy but pretend to be happy for their child’s sake, or do they let their unhappiness show, etc.)?
They are happily in love and make sure the other knows it.
Which parent is the character’s favorite, and why?
She doesn’t have a favorite; they each provide a different kind of support.
Which parent are they most like mentally/emotionally?
Her dad.
Which parent are they most like physically?
Her mom.
Is there anything of note that was passed down from parent to child (hair color, certain attributes, illnesses, disorders, etc.)?
Physical appearance and ideals.
If your character has a significant other(s)…
Who are they?
Damien Giasemi and Clarissa Nebel
How did they meet?
Lorna met Damien after he showed up at the apothecary following an injury.
Clarissa and Lorna met when Clarissa was setting up the opening of her bakery in Satatogo.
How long have they been together?
Damien and Lorna have been together for twelve years.
Clarissa and Lorna have been together for six years.
What was their first date?
For Damien, it was a camping trip not too far from Bouangill.
For Clarissa, it was a small, private celebration of the first day open going so well.
What is their relationship like (do they fight a lot, are they dramatic or more easy-going, etc., or to get dark: is the relationship toxic or abusive)?
Their relationship is very easygoing. Damien and Clarissa dote on Lorna, and Lorna dotes on them in return.
What future does your character see with them? Does this differ from what their partner(s) see(s)?
Well, they died… But Lorna always wanted a long, fulfilling life with them.
Do their parents approve of the relationship?
They didn’t approve of Damien at first (he was stealing their baby’s heart), but after a while, they warmed up to him. They loved Clarissa right off the bat.
How much do they cuddle?
She used to cuddle with them every night before falling asleep in their arms.
Do they want children? Why or why not?
No, it’s too demanding.
Who is their best friend?
Tish Haslow
How did they meet?
Tish is the proprietor of The Private Hand, and would help Lorna come up with new nonalcoholic drinks, save room at the shows, and make sure Lorna didn’t go upstairs where business is conducted.
How long have they known each other?
Since Lorna was a baby.
Do they have any nicknames for each other?
Nope.
Thank you for reading! If you want to support me as I write my novel, check out my ko-fi!
