Deirbhile Nic an Bháird
Bard, Cinnire, Line Breaker
Bardic Training
Deirbhile is the firstborn child of a high family from Crag Oscionn whose wealth lies in bardic tradition, not inherited holdings. Their resources mostly come from patrons in more prosperous families who wish their stories to be told well. Some call the An Bháirds mere hangers-on, "the lowest tier of courtier." When these critics find themselves the targets of satirical songs, however, swift retractions follow.
Poet-historian Ceallach Mac an Bháird and his wife, the musician Aoibhneas, personally trained their daughter Deirbhile to carry on their role. From a young age, Deirbhile travelled the realms in their company, learning about history, music, and faith. Yet she always loved to return to Draíod, especially enjoying learning about magic from her uncle Conn, a graduate of the Arcane College.
Line Breaker
Deirbhile's family over the past few generations includes Sunspears, Clashing Swords, and Hooks. Deirbhile finally bucked the trend, manifesting the Line Breaker brand just as her grandmother Sadhbh (the old head of the family) was dying of old age.
Showing no one her face, Deirbhile fled from destiny. She found a place to hide, spending enough time alone that she could have burned her brand away - but she did not. Perhaps she chose not to become Marred. Or perhaps she hesitated so long that she lost the chance. She does not speak of the confrontation that followed when she was found, but she now seems convinced that her destiny cannot change.
No Vartach high family would wish its story to be told by a Line Breaker. The reputation of Deirbhile's family is best served with her as far away as possible. Her father is now the family head. Deirbhile was intended to be the heir, but that role now falls to her brother Fiachra. He has been told to begin bardic training, becoming Deirbhile's replacement. His actual desired path - that of a gallóglach - has instead became Deirbhile's only honourable choice. The siblings exchanged bitter words at their parting.
Cinnire and Gallóglach
Deirbhile seems to believe that Vartach society should be insulated from the danger of her destiny. Her only way forwards is to help others whose destinies are untainted, until the terrible day when she causes disaster. Towards this end, she has taken the Five Oaths and joined Cumhacht na Réig. She has also put herself at the service of the Shaper and the order of cinnirí, and focused her magical studies on the field of healing.
During the Season of Renewal, Deirbhile made special efforts to understand certain virtues as part of her cinnire initiation. A conversation on the virtue of courage with Fiainfaobhar Ó Chonlaoch played an unexpectedly helpful part in resolving the Songbook Conspiracy. Consequently, Deirbhile was made a cinnire mid-battle by Briste, who was then the cinnire-at-arms.
The Season of Graves saw Deirbhile return to Draíod with the Band. Conal Quartzbane, a member of the Council of Lavran, paid a visit in connection with her recent research. With help from Briste, Ultan, and Fionnvarr, she fielded his queries, but he left displeased by the answers he received. Deirbhile also received visits from two Vartach seeking counsel: Liadan, a marred Sunspear, and Cathal, a struggling Line Breaker poet. Liadan seems to have found hope in Deirbhile's words, as the Band met her again as a pilgrim in the Shaper's Steps. However, following a private conversation with Deirbhile, Cathal was seen leaving the Band's camp in some distress.
Following this season, research Deirbhile tried to carry out in Draíod was met with hostility. Reports later circulated that representatives of the Saoi have issued cautions about her, urging people to report her to the nearest Clashing Swords if seen. Additionally, a poem she wrote about Cathal has become linked to violence in Draíod.
During the Season of Masquerade, Deirbhile proved crucial in saving the life of a guest at an occasion hosted by House Ua Órfhaiche, of the Carmine circle. She declined the offered reward of adoption into that house, but instead accepted a marriage of esteem.
The Band's actions during the Season of Masquerade seem to have led authorities in Draíod to treat her as less of a source of danger. Deirbhile was recently able to return to Crag Oscionn for the first time in several seasons. While she was followed and watched by Clasing Swords, she was not stopped or arrested.