MasterStarSmith Obnis

Colors: Bright red and white .
Emblem: Bright red 8-point star on white background.

Main Crafthall Location: Southern Barrier Weyr.

On SouCon, the StarsmithCraft is based in the Unified Crafthall and is under the direct auspice of the Craft Wizard. To become an Apprentice, Journeyman or Master please read through NEWS CRAFT JOINING. Characters may also request a posting to any open Hold or Weyr.

The StarCraft was a recent offshoot of the SmithCraft, formed in the Ninth Pass by Wansor, a former GlassSmith. After the GlassSmith was assigned the distance viewer and a small-seer retrieved from Benden Weyr by MasterSmith Fandarel, the implications of the distance-viewer were soon discovered. Shortly thereafter the project of charting the skies around Pern was started. During this time, a distance-viewer was also trained on the Red Star. Studies of that world are ongoing, and of great interest to many including the dragonriders.

Over the last Interval, the StarSmith's grew in numbers, forming their own Crafthall in the mountains near Southern Barrier Weyr. Since then a number of SubCrafts have been formed. One of the primary specialties is that of studying the sky, stars and other planetary bodies, charting them and researching new celestial bodies. One of their prime projects is that of the Red Star, tracking it and reminding the Weyrleaders of its approach -- as if they needed reminding! They also examine Pern's two moons: Timor and Belior and are trying to find a way to study the sun safely.

Closely linked with the observational SubCraft are those Crafters who show a talent for mathematics. They use the data provided by the other Crafters to create equations and formulae, plotting the courses of the moons, sun and other visible objects in the skies. They are particularly intrigued with the Dawnsisters, which do not move in the sky, but seem to stay in synchronous orbit with the planet. The more adventurous Journeymen and Masters try to explore the theory and physics of the stars, investigating how the world was created and celestial mechanics.

Another branch studies weather patterns, attempting a means of predicting the weather of the planet, and studying its effects on the oceans and crops of the planet. Although their science is somewhat imprecise Weyrleaders are known to ask for their advice when fighting Threadfall in potentially adverse conditions. Coupled closely with this subdivision are those StarSmiths who work on Threadfall charts, developing more efficient ways of predicting where and when it'll fall. Starsmiths provide the SeaCraft with a great deal of assistance, through both farviewers and starcharts, allowing sailors to navigate using the night sky.

As Pernese astronomers they have a great interest in creating and improving distance viewers, working closely with Metalsmiths and GlassSmiths to provide the best tools available. During the Tenth Interval they improved both distance viewers and microscopes using pure quartz for their lenses.

SubCraft

CrossCrafts

Starsmithing is a very specialized craft, and those who choose to CrossCraft often cite their reason as a desire to decentralize their focus. Lenscrafters often work hand in hand with Glassmakers, or regular Smiths, for the creation of the framework and tubing required to house their lenses. Starcharters are not an unusual sight amongst the Fishers, hauling nets and line during the day, and taking notations on the stars at night.

Obnis was born at the BeastCraft Hall at Karachi, son and brother in a family of Herders of various ranks there. Obnis loves animals as much as his parents and siblings do, but he was a sickly lad from birth, and it was a long time before he was even allowed near the stables. It seemed that assisting his father there in even the lightest duties was a terrible hardship only worsened his condition, so he grew to know that he would need to find a different Craft. Actually, he had an interest in many occupations, but finally the Starcraft won out. It also had the added benefit of being more mental than physical work. When Obnis finally moved into the Apprentice barracks at StarCraft Hall, his illness nearly disappeared. Only then was it discovered that he's severely allergic to furry creatures; indeed, even the few particles that clung to his parents' clothes were enough to set off the reaction. As a form of consolation, his parents acquired a firelizard egg for him, which hatched out a tiny bronze, Nackin, that has been with him every since. In due course, Obnis grew to adulthood, moving up through the ranks, though he made sure to take plenty of time for his personal life as well. Obnis is extremely devoted to his wife Yilla and their four children.

Aside from his devotion to his family and the Starcraft, Obnis is well-known for his easy-going, gentle manner. There's something about him that tends to make the most stubborn erring Apprentice flush with embarrassment at seeing Master Obnis' eyes fill with sorrow over the young one's truant behavior.