Brinley Gníomhaire

Pronunciation: BRIN-lee guh-NEE-ver-a

Brinley Gníomhaire

There is no fanfare, no tears as Rún signs the contract, just a suffocating weight in the air around us. He shakes Lorcan’s hand. Old Fàilnich shackles the lad’s wrists and leads him to the wagon. Brinley looks over his shoulder just once, his eyes full of fear, and his father turns away in shame as the child is ushered inside.

-- OUTSPOKEN, Book One, Chapter 2

We first meet Brinley early on in Book One of OUTSPOKEN, when Lucian "Deordhan" Cathasach unintentionally delays the arrival of Laird Sadach's Order in Ceapach to collect rents. This minor delay has disastrous consequences when the barn storing their payment is set ablaze in a freak accident, leaving them with nothing. As part of their payment, Brinley is taken as a Bond Servant until the village is able to pay back what they owe.

Brinley lived a fairly happy childhood as the Foreman's son, learning to work the land with his father and enjoying a lovely home life with his family. When he is taken, his world turns upside down, and the lad becomes a furious young man burning to take on the world.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

He is a fit young lad, built like a hardworking farmer's son.

Identifying Characteristics

Fire burning behind his eyes with such force, you fear it could break loose at any moment. A freckling of acne spots that show his youthful age. Look for the lanky lad with a calm exterior but a stormy aura that could bowl you right over, if you dare.

Physical quirks

His movements are often jerky, his inward fury disturbing the litheness that used to fill his actions. He can often be found gnawing at his lower lip, as if desperately holding back his true feelings, which has left his lips constantly raw and chapped.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

“How old is your son now, Rún? He must be coming on 16 now, by my recollection.”
“Aye, Sir. Brinley’s birthday was just last week.” Rún’s soft voice quivers, an unspoken plea nestled betwixt his words.
“Why, a strong young lad of his age and upbringing, I’m sure he’s a useful asset. It’s about time he was put to a good day’s work. Wouldn’t you agree?”

-- OUTSPOKEN, Book One, Chapter 2

Brinley grew up in the small village of Ceapach, where he was the Foreman's son. As a young child, his father Rún Gníomhaire did his best to shelter the lad from the harsh realities of life in their poor village, and he had a fairly happy and loving childhood.

However, shortly after his 16th birthday, his peaceful reality was shattered. A freak accident ended with all of Ceapach's rents going up in flames the day before Laird Sadach's Order arrived to collect them. Sir Lorcan Dorchadas gave the town until the Festival of Samhain to make up what they owed, with 50% in arrears, and took Brinley as a Bond Servant as a down payment.

There was no choice but for Rún to hand over his son, and so Brinley worked 4 months in Laird Breith Sadach's service. In his time there, he grew to be a hardened, angry young man -- a very dangerous thing to be in this era. What will become of the lad remains to be seen.

Education

Brinley has received only the minimal education available to a Tenant. He knows the ways of the field and the common folk, and has had to learn the etiquette of a servant in the presence of nobility, but has no formal training or book knowledge, and is illiterate like most of his class.

Employment

In his childhood, he helped out on his father's farm. At the age of 16, he became a temporary Bond Servant to Laird Breith Sadach, where he works in the kitchens.

“Get out of here. I don’t care how high and mighty you are, if you don’t leave right now, I will escort you myself.” His fists speak the truth of his threats, and I take a step back in assurance, knowing it’s no use to try to get through to him.

-- OUTSPOKEN, Book One, Chapter 14

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

To return to his family, and tear down anything that would ever force them into subjugation again.

Social

Family Ties

Son to Rún Gníomhaire
Son to Lách Gníomhaire
Brother to Lissa Gníomhaire

Speech

He speaks with the light brogue of his hometown, and these days, most often through gritted teeth.

Quick Facts

Current Location

Laird Sadach's Castle

Age

16

Birthplace

Ceapach

Gender

Male

Eyes

Dark brown, brimming with barely constrained anger

Hair

Short, brown, and scruffy

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

White with a touch of a tan

Height

5' 7"

Aligned Organization

The Order of the Green Cloak

See Also