FINAL Eisenhorn [Final]

[Pony_Sage]

Roleplay Type:

World of Equestria

Name:

Eisenhorn

Sex:

Male

Age:

Middle aged

Species:

Mule

Eye colour:

A striking amethyst; always showing fierce determination.

Coat:

Bay Dun. Gradated black socks to a tarnished tan colour on the majority of the body. A dark line runs down the spine.

Mane/Tail:

As per the Bay Dun colouration, his mane and tail are satin black. He likes to keep his mane short so it tends to stick up similarly to a zebras, however not as drastically. Usually it is not styled into a particular pattern owing to the wind onboard his home.

Physique:

Strong and sturdy from years of physical labor and hard work. He is differently proportioned than the normal pony, however he is similar in stature to a draught pony.

Residence:

His home is on his airship The Aurora. All that he owns is on board and he would think of living nowhere else.

Occupation:

Captain of the civilian freighter and transport vessel the Aurora. His primary means of income is through large quantity shipping orders or government supplies, usually between Aquellian cities and Stalliongrad or Canterlot and other large cities respectively. However he also enjoys making smaller runs for parcel deliveries along with taking passengers for rides where they need to go.

Cutie Mark:

N/A

History:

Eisenhorn was born to a donkey father and a pony mother in the quaint little village of Fet Loch. He spent his formative years working on their farm and helping out around the house. While they didn’t live in the grandeur of some other ponies, he loved the neighborly nature of their village and how everyone was there to lend a helping hoof when needed. Being raised on a farm in such a small village there hadn’t been much excitement to stimulate his imagination. However every night his father would read to him out of old storybooks. He would weave stories about sky pirates and sky marshals, adventure and mystery, exotic lands and even more exotic individuals. Eisenhorn would always imagine himself as the protagonist in these stories, experiencing the wild blue yonder. Of course it saddened him a little that he would never experience the world of the sky as pegasus could, but he didn’t let it get him down. When he told his parents about his fantasies of being an airship captain, they would softly chuckle, as parents do, and tell him that he could be anything that he put his mind to. While they believed that he had the determination to be an airship captain, they didn’t want him to get hurt if he couldn’t live up to his own lofty expectations, and often steered him towards a more agrarian lifestyle, similar to their own. Eisenhorn understood why they did this, and appreciated it in his own way, but he was determined to be an airship captain.

Being the adventurous type, Eisenhorn was always exploring the surrounding woods and forests; sometimes even going where he shouldn't. It was on one of these excursion that Eisenhorn found his first love. One of his colt friends had heard a story about an airship graveyard. A place where companies would park their airships when they were no longer in service and either scavenge them for parts, or just let them rust into shale. Of course there were also ghosts of ponies past and haunted airships in the story, but Eisenhorn didn’t care; he wanted to see the airships. So in the middle of the night, more towards morning, he snuck out of the house to meet up with a group of his friends at the edge of the forest. One of them had pilfered a map from the local rangers post and plotted out the course that they were going to take to find the graveyard. After a rather tiring hike through thick undergrowth, swamps, and even some rather spooky dense forest, the group came upon the edge of the graveyard. They snuck under the fence and began to explore. It was beyond spooky to see these rusted and derelict ships laying about all broken and bent. More than a few times a collective shiver ran up the group’s spine when they thought that they had seen something move out of the corner of their eyes. The group was having a grand old time, scaring each other, and just generally being silly foals. So much so that they had lost track of time and the sun began to rise. Upon realising what time it was the group decided that it would be best to get back home. Unfortunately for Eisenhorn he became turned around and lost in the maze of old ships. Having lost his group he became more than a little worried and began to retrace his steps. Upon doing so he came to an opening that he hadn't noticed before. He looked up and around to see if he could find a place to climb and get his bearings, and then he saw it. Just as the sunlight started to peek around its smoke stacks his eyes fell upon the most beautiful airship in all of Equestria, at least to Eisenhorn it was anyway. The shape, the lean, the bow, the bridge, the smokestacks; He instantly fell in love with this ship. To the objective eye it was just an old airliner that was rusted out and past its prime, but Eisenhorn could see past that. He could see what its potential. Upon finding the hatch and piling more than a few scraps to get to it, he began to explore. The more he saw of this ship the more he knew that one day it would be his. Once he finally reached the bridge, the view was even more impressive. From this vantage point he could clearly see all of the graveyard and a path out. He quickly mentally noted the location of the ship and promised it that he would return. Running all the way home, he informed his very worried parents about his new discovery. From that day forward he would make his way out there to play on “his” ship as often as he could.

Time marched on and in what felt like the blink of an eye Eisenhorn was on the brink of colthood. He felt a little left out with all his friends were getting their cutie marks left and right whereas he would never have one. Despite this he never let it get him down, he was determined to find his place in the world. When he spoke with his parents about his quandary he did understand why they suggested him becoming a farmer like they were, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling that he was destined to do something else. Luckily for him his village school had a very good program where colts and fillies could try out jobs and professions so see if they were to their liking, almost an internship. It was a hard decision for Eisenhorn but he eventually decided to try out the local mail service. He remembered how excited that he always was as a foal when new equipment arrived for the farm, and how much fun it was to unwrap it and be surprised by the contents. It was like getting a birthday present on any day of the year! Needless to say he really enjoyed himself while learning about the parcel service, but the best part came when the mailpony allowed him to deliver a small package to a local foal. Upon delivering the package he felt that same warm rush that he used to feel when he received a package, except this time it was even bigger. He found out that giving was better than receiving that day and it sculpted him for years to come. After a few weeks of working with the parcel service, he went out to “his” airship to have a long hard think. He spent the entire day wandering the halls and holds of that ship, just thinking to himself about his future. Was it the right thing to do? Would he be happy? What would happen to this ship? The night was slowly approaching as he was still pondering these questions and sleep was sneaking up on him. He decided to spend the night on the bridge of the old girl, maybe a good night’s rest would clear his mind and make deciding easier.

In the early throes of morning he awoke with a start but couldn’t figure out why. Maybe it was a bad dream, maybe it was a loud creak of the hull settling into the ground, but whatever had awoken him had done so just in time for the sunrise. As he watched Celestia’s sun peak over the bow it finally hit him. He didn’t have to choose between the two! He could run his own delivery service and use this old ship as the cargo hauler! Yet again Eisenhorn was overjoyed and knew what he must do. Over the ensuing months and years he took any jobs that he could get his hooves on, hard and dirty, long and tiring, he didn’t care; so long as there were bits at the end. He delivered packages part time, worked in the fields part time, and did many other things during his later colthood and early stallionhood. All the while his parents helped him along the way, overjoyed at their son’s determination and stubbornness at achieving his goals.

Then came the day that he had waited for ever since he had seen that ship. He hopped on a train to Stalliongrad so that he might purchase her. After a few long and sleepless days of travel he arrived at the Royal Equestrian Airlines Stalliongrad headquarters. After being questioned and chuckled at, as to his reasons for wanting to buy a derelict ship, by a few secretaries he managed to get a meeting with the CEO. The meeting seemed to drag on, he was in that office for hours just talking with the business stallion about what he planned to do with the ship. He was told that a scrap company had offered twice the amount of bits that he was offering. Disheartening as it was, he didn’t let it dissuade him from his goal. Over the next few hours the CEO began to see an unwavering determination in this young stallion, something that reminded the aging business mogul of himself in his younger years. A deal was struck, and Eisenhorn walked out of that office a very happy stallion with an old and decrepit ship and a hefty sum less bits to his name. As he exited the office the CEO called after him asking what he would name her. Eisenhorn simply replied, “Aurora.” The name had struck him as he watched the sun break over the bow of his ship on that fateful day.

Once he got home, Eisenhorn moved all his belongings into the ship, it was his new home now. He kept on working double even triple shifts, getting his name out there to potential clients. He would endlessly talk about how he was fixing the ship up and what he planned to do with it, regardless of the ponies interest. On one of his many delivery runs to Hoofington he met with a rather unusual zebra names Monty that would cement a lifelong friendship. Monty became his go to stallion for refurbished and cheap parts, where as Monty tried to use Eisenhorn for domestic shipping needs as much as he could. Eventually through resourcefulness, the help of many a transient worker, and a few good friends; Eisenhorn was ready to launch The Aurora. All the systems checked out, the envelopes were half charged, the engine was idling as best it could and the lever was thrown. The hulking mass shuttered, creaked, moaned, and put up and awful din but it was airborne. This was the happiest day of Eisenhorn’s life. He was an airship captain and a delivery stallion, his two favourite things in the world. All through his determination and force of will he managed to snag a piece of the pie.

From that day forward his network of friends and business associates expanded exponentially. He was known as one of the most reliable delivery stallions out there. While it might take a while for your package to arrive, it was well worth the wait. Eventually he started taking on Imperial contracts for hauling bureaucratic supplies and raw building materials. While it is an ongoing battle to keep the old ship in the sky, most of the time requiring more bits than are available to Eisenhorn, he wouldn’t trade it for the world. He loves the expression on the little colts’ and fillies’ faces when his ship arrives in town and he delivers their long awaited packages. He loves feeling the breeze in his mane and watching the rolling landscape below. He loves soaring through the clouds and feeling the condensation on his skin. The exotic ports, the new individuals, the fun places he has gone and people that he has met; he wouldn’t give any of it up.

Character Summary:

Eisenhorn is a very easy to get along with mule, who loves to travel and make new friends. His determination and headstrong nature allowed for him to achieve his lofty goals that he set for himself. Not only did he manage to resurrect a derelict airship from the scrap heap, but he also owns and operates said airship allowing him to make a business out of his second passion, delivering packages. Eisenhorn loves the freedom that he feels when standing on the deck of his airship, and the smiles that he brings to ponies near and far whenever it swings into town. The running of an airship is a very time consuming business, especially one as old as his, so he occasionally hires local ponies who are looking for a way to make some extra bits. While they are usually not long term jobs, mostly a singular trip, he manages to form lifelong friendships with these ponies. Amiable and easy to get along with, albeit hard to understand on occasion, Eisenhorn hasn’t met anypony yet that he hasn’t liked. With his cheery fiddle playing and often incomprehensible but none the less affable manner of speech, he is one of the most fun engaging mules that you will ever meet.

While his determination and headstrong nature has served him well in the past, sometimes it can put him in situations that can be difficult to find his way out of. Once he takes on a contract or job, no matter how large, he feels more than obligated to finish it despite the hardships, sometimes at the cost of considerable time and bits. While Eisenhorn may be a resourceful individual, he isn’t the brightest when it comes to technical thinking, nor would he be considered extremely book smart. He makes up for this by being a little more street smart, however again, he isn’t the smartest in that field either. He was born and raised on a farm in a rather small village, this has left an indelible mark upon his personality and being.

-- Heritage --

Owing to his heritage Eisenhorn is very even tempered, tolerant, courageous, and strong. He claims that he only received the good traits from his mother (Pony) and father (Donkey). Eisenhorn is incredibly sure footed, he can walk places where normal ponies wouldn’t dare tread. This is especially helpful when making midair repairs to the superstructure of his airship. Despite his outward appearance, namely due to the rather long ears, he is very cunning and resourceful. He may not be the sharpest tack when it comes to engineering or mechanical know how, but he is resourceful; especially when it comes to keeping his ship in the air.

-- Fet Loch Accent --

Due to growing up and spending most of his formative years in Fet Loch, he has a rather interesting accent. While he does speak the imperial tongue, it sounds very different from your everyday pony. Some ponies would call it almost unintelligible, others it just takes a little while to figure out what he is saying. When he gets adamant about something, or excited, the effect is multiplied.

-- Fiddle --

Through his travels he has picked up many talents, one of which is his ability to play the fiddle. While he is not the most skilled fiddle player, he does enjoy it. He knows more than a few classic roving tunes from his home village of Fet Loch, but he is always interested in learning more. Playing the fiddle helps pass the time on some of the longer trips and helps to take his mind off of things. His voice may not be the most pure or clear, owing mainly to his accent, it has an interesting melodic quality. For the songs that he tends to sing and play, his voice fits perfectly. however if he were to sing more proper or classical songs, it would sound wholly out of place. His fiddle is rather a rather old classic Fet Loch pattern with beautiful craftstallionship. While often out of tune, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about the sound that it produces, almost always bringing a smile to anypony who is in earshot.

-- The Aurora --

He is the sole owner and operator of the airship the Aurora. Even though she is rust covered and probably a little unsafe at times, Eisenhorn loves her all the same. The Aurora is a reclaimed Stalliongrad luxury liner. In her heyday she was one of the largest and most comfortable. However as the relentless march of time wore on she was replaced by newer, faster, and more elegant models. So as it goes, she was placed in the airship graveyard to rust into shale. After numerous long years of neglect and erosion by the elements, Eisenhorn found her and fell in love. After a good long while he purchased the old girl and began to fix her up. This was a lengthy process however with a little help he did manage to get her up and airborne again. Of course modifications had to be made for her new job. While the upper decks are still passenger, “Friendly”, the lower decks have been converted into a rather large cargo hold. As it stands, she is one of, if not the largest cargo ships in operation. That being said, there are rather lucrative contracts to be had with the governments of the land, transporting either large quantities of raw material, provisions, supplies, or even other smaller airships. The envelope is another oddity. Rather than a singular envelope, as the ship was designed, Eisenhorn opted to retrofit the Aurora with dual rigid envelopes of Aether Reactive gas. When at maximum capacity just one of these envelopes would be sufficient to lift the ship and cargo, however getting the bits to run them at full capacity can be a hard task. Also the redundancy offers greater stability when cruising, and a drastically increased lift capacity; meaning bigger loads which in turn bring in more money. As previously stated, there are still some passenger decks, along with a self serve galley, observation decks, and sparsely furnished rooms. What needs to be taken into consideration is that this is not a luxury liner any more. The majority of the interior is still rusted, the decking is usually bare with throw rugs here and there, the furnishings are few and far between, all in all it isn’t the moving five star hotel that it used to be. Now it is a working cargo ship that can take passengers if it needs to.

The Aurora by far is not the most agile of airships. She needs a few tug pegasus to get into dock in most stations. Nor is she the fastest cargo ship out there. She uses large deployable starboard and port sails for most of her cruising, with smaller static fore and aft sails for maneuvering. There is also a canopy sail strung between the two envelopes. This can be used to either shelter the main deck from the elements, or as an extra sail when a little more speed is required. However when the winds are not in her favour, there is a very large and slow engine that moves a larger still propeller at the aft end of the ship. Water maneuvers are another story entirely. When on the rare occasion that she does splash down, she is not very efficient. Her design was crafted for predominantly airborne use. When in the water she is slower and less agile than most sailing ships and tends to list to the port side. In strong winds, the airframe creaks and moans, when splashing down every rivet protests the strain, when going above half throttle the engine starts to knock and belch smoke; despite all this Eisenhorn loves her more than anything. The Aurora is his home and he would never think of living anywhere else in Equestria.

For those of you interested in the technical specification of the ship, they are as follows.

Name: HMS Splendor of Equestria when in service, The Aurora presently

Tonnage: ~55,000 Gross Tonnes

Displacement: 45,300 tonnes at design, 50,435 tonnes at max (dependent upon envelope charge)

Length: 300m overall, 290m at waterline

Beam: 31m

Draft: 9.5m

Depth: 75m

Decks: 12 at conception, 4 passenger 1 engineering 7 cargo decks as of present

Speed: 54 knots (air) 32 knots (water) when in service, 10 knots (air) 5 knots (water) presently

Capacity: 1,800 at design, 40 presently

The specs and design are based upon the SS United States. Looks, rust, useage, general disrepair, and general feel of the ship are likened to the SS United States.

[QuickLime]

Could you do us a favor and put WIP or final in the topic of the post instead of in the tags? So we can see it easier?

[QuickLime]

Also for the record you used the CC Application not the WOE one

[Bellosh]

Indeed; for WoE, just put all the stuff you have in the Unique Traits field into your Character Summary instead. Once you do that, and get rid of the reference to human years in the Age field, this OC will be good to go!

[Pony_Sage]

There is a tag in the front that states it to be a final draft, I shall append one in the topic however. I will comply with removing human years, although I would like to at least state the reason for using them. They are a rather solid metric of describing in a succinct way how an individual will act in general. Think of this, an adult is a very broad age range. Within this range there are arguably eighteen year olds all the way up to, let us say, seventy year olds. Now that is a drastic range of different life experiences. There are no seventy year olds that act like twenty year olds, that I personally know at least. The human years are and analogue, meaning that he is not thirty, since we don't know how long ponies live for or how they age; instead it means that he acts similarly to how the average thirty year old would act. He shares the similar life experiences (relationships, responsibilities, trials, and tribulations) to an average human thirty year old. While I understand why there is a need to not say how old the ponies are in the chronological year sense, for the aforementioned reasons, I feel that the age metric still holds true for personality. I will indulge this rule however and rearrange the application as you have suggested, but I just wanted to explain why it was there in the first place.

~Sage

[Armony]