Caleb Harrison

As seen in

Whispers of Rúndiamhair Shíoraí

Caleb Harrison (a.k.a. SpitFyre, Kay)

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Caleb has a lean, athletic build with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, honed by physical work and an active lifestyle. Agile and fit, his movements reflect a natural grace and strength, though he carries a slight stiffness in his left shoulder from an old, untreated injury. He has no ongoing illnesses or abnormalities but wears his tattoos as a form of self-expression, etched across both arms, telling the story of his past and identity.

Body Features

Caleb has a lean yet strong frame with slightly above-average musculature, developed through years of manual labor and the physicality of playing guitar. His shoulders are broad, and his arms are defined, reflecting a life of activity rather than deliberate training. His hands are calloused, bearing the marks of his work and years of strumming strings.

Facial Features

Caleb's face is angular, with high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and a straight nose. His beard and mustache are short but scruffy, adding a rugged, unpolished charm to his appearance. Thick eyebrows frame his stormy gray eyes, which often seem to carry a mix of intensity and introspection.

Identifying Characteristics

His most distinctive features are his full sleeves of tattoos, remnants of his punk rock days. The designs are intricate and varied, blending personal symbols with rebellious imagery. They’re a visual representation of his past, a roadmap of his experiences and emotions, and are visible whenever he removes his work shirt.

Physical quirks

Caleb has a habit of fidgeting with the small piercings in his ears when he’s lost in thought or uncomfortable, a subtle tell of his internal tension. He also tends to avert his gaze when emotions run high, avoiding direct eye contact as a defensive mechanism.

Special abilities

While Caleb has no supernatural abilities, his talent for music is deeply personal and almost magical in its effect on those around him. His ability to convey raw emotion through melody and lyrics adds a layer of depth to his otherwise rugged persona.

Apparel & Accessories

His wardrobe leans heavily toward the practical but with a punk-inspired edge. Caleb is often seen in worn band tees, a weathered leather jacket, dark jeans, and scuffed boots that have seen their fair share of miles. He occasionally wears a beanie, especially on cooler days, and his leather cuff or bracelet adds a small but personal touch to his look.

Specialized Equipment

Caleb’s acoustic guitar is a treasured possession, carried from his punk rock days into his current life. Though he no longer performs publicly, the guitar serves as a creative outlet and a way to process his emotions. Its worn surface and customized details speak to years of use and personal connection.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Former punk rock guitarist. Now working odd jobs, searching for stability and a sense of purpose after his father died, fiancee left him,and his band disbanded, leaving him emotionally scarred.

Gender Identity

Practical and Individualistic

Caleb likely views gender through a pragmatic lens, focusing more on individual expression and identity than societal expectations. Having lived a life full of movement, rebellion, and personal discovery (e.g., his punk rocker past), he may be less tied to traditional roles or rigid constructs of masculinity.

Cultural Perspective

Coming from an American background, Caleb might have been raised with traditional notions of gender, but his travels and outsider status in Baile Síoraí could broaden his perspective. Seeing the deep-rooted traditions of the Darragh family, tied to nature and spirituality, might challenge him to think about gender in a more nuanced, interconnected way.

Emotional Connection

Caleb’s journey in the story introduces his fluid attraction to Cormac. This self-discovery could further shape his understanding of gender, pushing him to reflect on how much of identity is tied to societal labels versus personal experience and emotional connection.

How Caleb Applies This Understanding

To Himself

To Others

Caleb is likely nonjudgmental about how others express their gender. His experiences in diverse environments—from the punk scene to the Darragh manor—give him a broad perspective and a willingness to listen and adapt to new ideas.

Sexuality

Initial Orientation and Understanding

Caleb starts the story identifying as heterosexual, having had relationships and attractions that fit conventional expectations. However, this understanding of himself is not deeply examined at the outset, as his past experiences haven’t required him to question or redefine his orientation.

Journey of Self-Discovery

Caleb’s time in Baile Síoraí and his growing connection to Cormac push him to confront and reevaluate his understanding of his own sexuality.

He begins to experience an unexpected, slow-building emotional and physical attraction to Cormac, which challenges his self-perception. This shift isn’t sudden or simple—it’s marked by moments of confusion, guilt, and eventual acceptance.

Caleb’s experience reflects a broader idea of sexual fluidity, where he doesn’t reject his previous heterosexual identity but instead expands it to include a deeper understanding of himself and his capacity for attraction beyond traditional labels.

Cultural Influences

Raised in an American environment, Caleb may have internalized certain societal expectations about masculinity and sexuality, which could add to his initial reluctance to embrace his feelings for Cormac. However, his outsider status in Baile Síoraí allows him the space to explore his feelings in a more accepting and open-minded community.

The Darragh family’s environment, steeped in mystical and spiritual traditions, might further encourage Caleb to see sexuality as something deeply tied to connection, energy, and the soul, rather than rigid categories.

How He Deals With Sexuality

Internally

Caleb is introspective, and his journey involves a significant amount of self-reflection. His attraction to Cormac isn’t treated as a binary shift but as a personal growth experience. He struggles with reconciling his feelings with his self-image but eventually finds peace by prioritizing connection over labels.

Externally

Caleb doesn’t label himself beyond what feels authentic. By the end of his journey, he embraces the idea that his feelings and relationships define him more than societal expectations. He may remain private about his sexuality, sharing it only with those closest to him.

Summary of Orientation

Caleb’s orientation could be described as fluid or situationally bisexual, though he may not use specific labels himself. His journey is about understanding and accepting his feelings for Cormac without feeling the need to fit into predefined categories.

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Caleb’s desires are rooted in his need to find peace and purpose after years of drifting and unresolved conflicts. His motivations include:

Belonging

Caleb is searching for a place where he can feel connected, both emotionally and physically. The isolation and transience of his past leave him craving stability.

Self-Discovery

Protecting Others

Though he carries a rough exterior, Caleb has a deep-seated drive to protect those he cares about, stemming from past failures he refuses to repeat.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Savvies

Skilled guitarist and songwriter, with a natural ability to convey emotion through music.
Intuitive when it comes to working with animals, particularly horses, despite his limited formal experience.
Quick learner, able to adapt to physical tasks and new environments.

Ineptitudes

Struggles with long-term planning and seeing beyond immediate concerns.
Has difficulty opening up emotionally, often pushing others away when he feels vulnerable.
Limited knowledge of traditions and history, leaving him somewhat out of place in Baile Síoraí.

Likes & Dislikes

Likes

Quiet nights spent strumming his guitar.
The smell of rain and the feel of wind on his skin, reflecting his love of freedom.
Honest, straightforward people—he values authenticity above all else.

Dislikes

Confrontations about his past, which he views as a closed chapter.
Overly formal or pretentious behavior, which makes him feel alienated.
Crowds and loud, chaotic environments, a stark contrast to his punk rock days.

Virtues & Personality perks

Virtues

Loyal to a fault—once Caleb decides to care about someone, he will go to great lengths to protect them.
Hardworking and resourceful, always willing to get his hands dirty to help others.
A natural listener, able to empathize with others even if he struggles to express his own emotions.

Perks

His musical talent often soothes tense situations or bridges emotional gaps.
Physically fit and able, Caleb is dependable in labor-intensive tasks.
His quiet confidence makes him magnetic to those who sense his depth beneath the surface.

Vices & Personality flaws

Vices

Caleb has a tendency to drink when overwhelmed, though it hasn’t crossed into addiction.
He harbors a deep guilt over his past, leading him to self-isolate and sabotage relationships.

Flaws

Impulsiveness, driven by his desire to avoid emotional discomfort, often lands him in trouble.
His guarded nature can make him appear aloof or distant, even to those he cares for.

Personality Quirks

Caleb often fidgets with his ear piercings when lost in thought or feeling nervous.

He has a habit of tuning out conversations when overwhelmed, focusing instead on ambient sounds or physical objects.

When deeply focused, he hums quietly to himself, a remnant of his musical background.

Hygiene

Caleb is clean but not meticulous—he showers regularly and keeps himself presentable but rarely irons his clothes or grooms beyond the basics. His scruffy beard and slightly unkempt hair reflect his laid-back nature.

Representation & Legacy

Symbols

Caleb’s tattoos, particularly those tied to his punk rock past, serve as symbols of rebellion and resilience. His acoustic guitar, worn but beloved, symbolizes his ability to express emotion and heal through music.

Legacy

Caleb’s journey of self-discovery leaves an imprint on those around him. His willingness to confront his identity inspires others to embrace their true selves, and his connection to Cormac bridges emotional and cultural gaps, proving that love and belonging transcend labels and past mistakes.

Social

Contacts & Relations

Past Connections

Caleb’s punk rock days left him with a significant connection to Ollie, his “ride or die” best friend and former bandmate. Ollie is more than just a remnant of Caleb’s wild youth—they’re a grounding presence who knows Caleb’s story better than anyone. Despite Caleb’s attempts to move on from his band days, Ollie remains a constant, providing support, humor, and occasional chaos. Their bond is one of trust forged through years of late-night gigs, shared hardships, and unspoken understanding. While Caleb has largely distanced himself from the punk scene, Ollie’s continued presence keeps him tethered to that part of his identity. Through Ollie, Caleb retains a connection to the world he once inhabited, even as he navigates his new life. Other bandmates and road acquaintances may still resurface occasionally, though none hold the significance of Ollie, who stands as a symbol of Caleb’s past and the rare friendship that endures despite change.

Current Connections

Caleb’s developing relationships with Cormac and the Darragh family form the cornerstone of his new life. His growing bond with the townspeople of Baile Síoraí serves as an informal affiliation, one built on mutual curiosity and a budding sense of trust.

Family Ties

Caleb’s family background is marked by distance and loss, shaping much of his emotional and nomadic tendencies. His father, a working-class man, was a grounding but distant figure in Caleb’s life. When his father passed away, it was Caleb’s estranged sister who contacted him, pulling him back into the orbit of family responsibilities he had long avoided. Caleb’s mother has been out of the picture for as long as he can remember, leaving the family dynamic strained and incomplete. His sister, though not particularly close to him, still holds a fragment of their shared history and serves as a reminder of the life Caleb left behind. These fractured familial ties underscore Caleb’s need for belonging and help explain why the found-family dynamic at Rúndiamhair Shíoraí Manor holds such significance for him.

Religious Views

Caleb isn’t particularly religious, leaning more toward agnosticism or quiet spirituality. He’s drawn to the natural and mystical elements of Baile Síoraí, though he might initially view the Darragh family’s spiritual practices with skepticism. Over time, exposure to their deep-rooted traditions and rituals will spark a subtle but meaningful shift in his worldview, connecting him more deeply to the land and its mysteries.

Social Aptitude

Caleb has a quiet magnetism, his rugged appearance and intense demeanor often drawing people in. While not traditionally charismatic, his authenticity resonates with those who take the time to know him. He’s self-assured in his physical capabilities and survival skills but less so when it comes to emotional vulnerability or forming close relationships. Caleb is more introverted, preferring smaller, meaningful interactions over crowds or large gatherings. While Caleb lacks formal etiquette, he is naturally respectful, particularly when interacting with those who show him kindness. His mannerisms reflect his pragmatic, no-nonsense personality, though he softens over time.

Mannerisms

Fidgets with his ear piercings when lost in thought or anxious. Runs a hand through his tousled hair as a reflex, particularly when frustrated or embarrassed. Speaks with deliberate pauses, as though carefully considering his words before speaking. Has a habit of leaning against walls or furniture casually, often crossing his arms.

Hobbies & Pets

While Caleb doesn’t own any pets initially, he shows a natural affinity for animals, particularly horses, during his time at the manor. This connection could lead to him bonding with one of the manor’s animals. His hobbies include:

Playing his guitar, which serves as both a creative outlet and a way to process emotions.

Exploring nature, where he finds peace and solitude.

Sketching or journaling, though he may keep these activities private.

Speech

Tone of Voice: Deep, slightly gravelly, and measured, matching his introspective nature. Pitch: Low, with a soothing quality that becomes firmer when he’s passionate or protective. Accent: An American accent with faint traces of regional influence from his travels. Dialect: Casual, often using colloquial terms and avoiding overly formal language. Common Phrases:

We’ll figure it out.

Pragmatic reassurance

What’s done is done.

A reflection of his pragmatic outlook

You’ve got to know when to let go.

Hinting at his struggles with the past

Swearing: Caleb swears sparingly but effectively, often using it to emphasize frustration or urgency. Metaphors: His metaphors often draw from nature or music, reflecting his experiences and personal passions.

Wealth & Financial state

Caleb is not wealthy by any traditional measure. He lives modestly, often choosing practicality over luxury, with most of his belongings being functional or sentimental rather than valuable. His acoustic guitar is his most treasured possession, both emotionally and materially. While his finances are limited, he carries himself with resourcefulness, making do with what he has without complaint.

Current Location

Rúndiamhair Shíoraí Manor

Species

Human

Ethnicity

American

Age

Date of Birth

26 Oileamhain

Circumstances of Birth

Born in the backseat of a Lincoln

Birthplace

Detroit, MI

Children

Current Residence

Rúndiamhair Shíoraí Manor

Pronouns

He/Him/His

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Still retains punk influences, but now more subtle—tattoos and piercings hidden under work clothes, always looking a bit disheveled yet intentionally so.

Eyes

Grey, intense but guarded.

Hair

Light brown, thick, mid-length wavy hair—often messy, with a slight ruggedness.

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Fair with a few scars here and there, testament to a rougher lifestyle. Tattoos all over his body.

Height

5'9"

Weight

200lb

Quotes & Catchphrases

I don’t need to know where I’m going, just where I don’t want to end up. The past is just a weight you carry—so drop it or learn to lift it. Sometimes the only thing that makes sense is the noise you make to drown it out.

Belief/Deity

Agnostic, doesn't believe in any specific deity

Aligned Organization

Darragh Family

Related Plots

Overview: Cormac and Caleb

Character Prototype

Caleb is the archetype of the troubled artist turned reluctant cynic. Once a wild, rebellious spirit, his life experiences have tempered his energy, leaving him searching for peace and belonging. His journey is one of transformation, from chaos to quiet self-discovery, embodying someone who carries the scars of his past but continues to push forward.

Entry for WorldEmber 2024

Competition Homepage