#apprentice balsam

[mable-stitchpunk]

A Fool's Endeavor is now $2.99!

After much deliberation, I have decided that it is time to give A Fool's Endeavor a much needed price cut. Now you can get the book for only $2.99! (Which is the cheapest Amazon will allow me to set.)

So, if you've been holding back on the book, now might be your time to snatch it up!

A Fool's Endeavor (A Fool's Fables Book 1) - Kindle edition by Amabilis, Janetje. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, ph

[neverfearforiamhere]

I tend to really just post finished works here, but I tend to love my sketches a lot. Sometimes more than the finished piece! Not sure if I’ll do more work on this, it’s mostly just a character ref/ study sheet. I’m thinking Yves might look too feminine? Maybe he needs to bulk up a bit. The rats keep eating his food!

Characters from A Fool’s Endeavor (A Fool’s Fables!!) by @mable-stitchpunk

[mable-stitchpunk]

Balsam the Apprentice: A Character Questionnaire

Since the one with Lure did so well, I decided to continue on by doing one for the secondary main character of A Fool’s Endeavor and A Fool’s Golden Cage: Balsam, the Alchemist’s apprentice.

Short Description: Name: Balsam

Pronounced: Baal-sum

Age: Very early twenties. A couple of years younger than Lure.

Extra: Nickname: None.

Occupation: Apprentice to Alchemist Coffcord, a highly regarded alchemist.

Species: Human

Gender: Male

Physical Description: Balsam is of slender build and stands taller than Lure, with tanned skin and brunette hair kept short and tussled/faint curls. His eyes are also brown and his face is youthful, though not overly young-looking. Usually seen carrying around his supply bag.

Personality: Balsam is friendly and reserved, but has a slight sarcastic streak that tends to appear in brief moments. He balances a thin line between keeping his calm in dire situations and becoming overwhelmed by the smallest of things, and usually straddles this line with the most awkward form of grace. While frequently worrying and cautious, Balsam is willing to fight past these fears if not given any choice, especially if someone he loves is put into dire circumstances. Balsam is rather intelligent and when emotions are set aside can usually get himself out of most situations with his knowledge on alchemy.  When accompanying his master, Balsam becomes much more subdued and obedient, which eventually leads to him coming to the revelation that he doesn’t feel like his own person. That being said, he is very close to his master, and willingly rejects the notion that he is ready to set out on his own.

Fandom: A Fool’s Fables (A Fool’s Endeavor, A Fool’s Golden Cage, ect.)

Sexuality: Balsam has had no sexual experience up to now.

Voice: Matured but with touches of youthfulness. Friendly and light.

Back Story: Balsam was orphaned at a young age and taken in by Coffcord to become his apprentice. For most of his youth and young adulthood he was raised and taught by his master. During this time he learned about medicines and chemical concoctions that would come to use later.

Ongoing Story: In A Fool’s Endeavor, Balsam accompanies Lure on his quest to save the princess. Though confident at first, he becomes overwhelmed with the journey, but manages to find his footing and proves to be a valuable ally.

In A Fool’s Golden Cage, Balsam accompanies Lure to the City of Mages due to him being part of the reason Lure has become cursed. 

Likes: Astronomy, reading, gardening, studying, cooking, exploring, exploring without feeling like he’s about to be jumped by something, comfort food, learning from and tending to Coffcord, travelling and seeing new lands, and animals, especially trained birds and rabbits.

Dislikes: Lure being ‘difficult’, being unable to figure out or remember a formula, chemicals getting spilled in his bag, seeing animals being injured or suffering, large and aggressive wild animals, and disappointing Coffcord.

Strengths: While mildly athletic, Balsam’s real skill comes from his knowledge of alchemy. He knows both medicinal and chemical forms of alchemy, being able to create a burn paste as easily as he’s able to create an acid that eats through metal. He also has some skill in creating explosives. Other than this, Balsam also has basic skills of surviving in the wild and enough medical know-how to give first aid on the fly. While he doesn’t like killing animals, he- in theory- knows how to make snares with limited success.

Weaknesses: Balsam has only average strength and little training in any form of weapon usage. He also can get overwhelmed and panic, though usually is able to regain composure once the situation gets too dire.

Favorite color: Greens, browns, and neutral shades.

Kind of clothing: He usually wears basic clothes in standard colors, not too concerned in how he looks and much more concerned in having comfortable clothes that he can work in.

What element would they be?: Earth. Grounded and made to grow ideas and possibilities from.

Deadly sin that best represents them: I’m not really sure. Balsam doesn’t really fit well with any of the basic sins.

Hobbies: Reading, astronomy, researching chemicals, cooking, games like chess and backgammon, gardening, drawing, and as of the second book, some dabbling in aviculture.

Special skills/talents: Other than his alchemy training, which has been the core of his teachings, and his ability to give first aid, Balsam is also a good cook and usually able to make something out of very little. He’s also good at finding food and water when in the wild, and making due with what he can finds. 

Patience level: Usually very patient, but when pushed to the limit the occasional snark might slip out. It takes a lot more to get him to that point.

Regrets: During A Fool’s Endeavor he has regrets halfway through the book about going on the quest, but is able to push through these doubts and fears. Regrets are much stronger in A Fool’s Golden Cage, where Balsam is half responsible for the situation he and Lure find themselves in.

Favorite places: Balsam loves his home, even though his curiosity of the world and travelling may contrast against it. Places like Coffcord’s study and his loft bedroom are near and dear to him, and there’s little he enjoys more than reading before the fire on a winter day. Their garden is also very special to him and he has spent hours tending to both herbs and produce.

Role model: Coffcord, naturally. However, he also admires Sir Morrick, and even looks up to Lure for his confidence and determination, even if he doesn’t always agree with him. Upon meeting Archer Yves, he becomes caught up in his stories and overall mysteriousness, beginning to idolize him.

Favorite foods: Roasted potatoes with herbs, breads with currants and raisins baked in, sweet syrups on said bread, and sugared plums.

Favorite book: He enjoys reading to expand his knowledge, but he also enjoys reading of magnificent feats- as long as these legends have some amount of truth to them.

Mode of transportation: Usually walking. Balsam doesn’t know much about riding horses and requires assistance when doing so.

Weapon: Usually chemical mixing is his weapon. Other than that, he might have a knife in his bag somewhere...

Smells like: herosmellslike.com claims Lure smells like ‘rope and regret’. Strangely effective!

How do they feel about love: Balsam believes strongly in familial bonds and, by the end of the first book, begins to believe equally in the bonds between friends and fellows. Numerous times he has fought through his own doubts because of these bonds, and they are one of his main drives. As for romantic love, Balsam has had little experience in it.

Least favorite color: Doesn’t really have one. 

Home town/Where they live now: the Kingdom of Acalathoy

Makes a living by: Being the apprentice of Alchemist Coffcord.

Fears or phobias: Balsam has a distinct fear of losing control of a situation and it turning to a disaster. Minor fears of concocting the wrong chemicals and getting massive burns from it.

Race, ethnicity and nationality: Balsam was born in Acalathoy and, while tanned, is naturally Caucasian. Music they listen to: While Balsam likes most music, his favorite is lute music or other strummed string instruments.

Bad habits: The closest thing to a bad habit is that when Balsam gets anxious he chews an excessive amount of ginger and other roots to ease his nerves.

What turns them on: Balsam is both sides of the spectrum. He enjoys long conversations with exchanging ideas, but he also enjoys quiet moments where people can just be together and be content. What Balsam looks for in a partner is someone who shares interests enough that they can work together and remain fully engaged.

What turns them off: The only real turn-off Balsam would have is someone who discredits his work. Such as someone who doesn’t believe in science or medicine, or relies too much on superstition without being willing to learn.

If they transitioned from their world to ours, how would they react: It seems like, even with his anxiousness, Balsam would probably handle it a little easier. Largely because he can survive in the wild and is cautious enough to keep to himself. He might venture out more once seeing the wonders of technology.

Religious and to what extent? Any spiritual beliefs?: Balsam believes in a god but is not overly religious. He does not believe that science and religion contrast with each other.

Pet peeves: When Lure does something or refuses to do something even though it may be a detriment to his health. This particularly annoys Balsam since he is usually the voice of medical reason. He also dislikes when his cooking is criticized or when people act haughty around him, such as Yves’ occasional moments. As stated earlier, he is annoyed by people who blindly reject alchemy with little reason why.

Personal problems: The biggest one would be that even though he’s fit, he’s not exactly in perfect shape. His health is good, but he’s not not really athletic.

What ONE item would they take to an uninhabited island: His medical bag... And everything in it if he could sneak it by.

Outlook on life: An optimistic realist. Even though concerned and cautious, Balsam enjoys life and looks forward to continuing it. 

Most important person in their life: Either Coffcord or Lure. Coffcord is naturally his mentor, who has raised him and taught him everything, but Lure is the one who propelled him into his first journey outside of Acalathoy, and has become his best friend in the process.

What was your character like as a child: Balsam was a quiet and studious child. What (if they can) does your character eat: Usually Coffcord and Balsam eat together, and usually it is simple, but not poor fair. Because of Coffcord’s means, they are kept well fed. 

What is something other people assume about your character?: That he’s as mentally young as his age and title may imply. 

Do they like the name they were given: Balsam doesn’t have any qualms with his name. It just is what it is. 

Nervous habits: Grabs at his bag strap, rubs his hands together, obsessively chews pieces of ginger- he’s got a few of them.

Siblings: No.

Wears jewelry: No.

Have they ever wanted to commit suicide: No. Balsam’s had a mostly happy life.

Close friends: Lure and Balsam are very close, as explained earlier and in the Lure questionnaire. He also forms a friendship with Morrick once he’s able to get past the fact that he is a knight, eventually learning to treat him like a person instead of a nobleman. He forms a bond with Yves, whose personality conflicts with his own. He originally idolizes him, but as he sees more flaws he eventually begins to see him as a person, like with Morrick. First kiss? (when and with whom): None yet. I’ll keep you posted.

Views on gambling, lying, killing, etc…: Balsam doesn’t believe in doing so normally, but has shown that he is capable of committing petty crimes when desperate, even if the guilt then eats at him afterwards.

How much do they value money: Balsam is very frugal when it comes to managing funds that will need to last an entire trip. He is willing to let non-essential supplies stretch and finds ways to replace them without spending too many shillings.

Wants to get married: Yes, but it is not currently important to him.

Wants to have kids, raise a family: Yes, but specifically to take in an orphan as an apprentice like Coffcord did with him. 

Sworn enemy: None.

Is their name a pun of anything: ‘Balsam’ is a resinous substance made by trees and plants and used to make medicines and oils. Which goes along with his frequent use of oils, powders, and herbs in his alchemy. 

Anyone they really hate: Not really. He doesn’t hate easily.

Most traumatic experience: In A Fool’s Golden Cage, but I would rather not spoil.

Favorite holiday: New Years, though it is celebrated differently than our typical modern day holiday. Usually it involves baked sweets, lighting candles, and prayers at the crest of Midnight. Balsam has many fond memories of it.

Another character down! Hope you enjoyed!

[mable-stitchpunk]

What led to Coffcord taking in Balsam?

Coffcord himself had left home at a young age to be mentored in alchemy, so the idea of taking on an apprentice was never too foreign to him. So, when a young boy was left orphaned and it came to his attention, he took action and brought him into his home.

It wasn't too terribly long after his partner had left, so his plans of starting a family were to be on hold anyway- Balsam really came right in time. Especially since he wasn't nearly as blunt then as he is now. XD

[mable-stitchpunk]

What does Coffcord honestly think of Lure?

Balsam's reckless little friend. Don't get me wrong, he respects Lure and admires how much devotion he has for his princess... but he can't help but see his youth and compare it to Balsam's, even when he has a couple of years on Balsam.

Coffcord worries about Lure. He has every right to- he knows that he has undertaken a massive responsibility. It's more than taking care of the heir to the throne, it's the fact that he is putting himself at the forefront of major issues for the throne.

But for now, Coffcord will offer his support and assistance when he can, and only pounce on Lure if he really, really messes something up.

[mable-stitchpunk]

But of an odd question but i gotta ask. You kinda talked about what their voices sound like but does anyone in A Fool's Fables actually have an accent? I myself read them in my head as the generic medieval British but do you have any ones particular in mind?

Generic medieval may actually fit well. XD At least for our main cast.

The accent Lure, Balsam, and Morrick would all share would be Acalathian in nature, which in and of itself is a sort of blending of Old English with French and German undertones. That being said, the degrees of their accents vary.

Lure tries to exaggerate his accent and speaks in a very rhythmic and melodic way during most of his jesting, but when he is speaking flat- with no emphasis- he actually doesn't have much of an accent.

Balsam has a very diluted accent. This seems to be a trait shared amongst the younger and more humble generations. Basically, those who aren't growing up in a household with a strong pull of accent or those in the castle.

In contrast, Princess Vivianne is encouraged to accentuate her accent, due to her being part of the royal family.

Morrick's accent is a little stronger than Balsam's, but is natural and not accentuated like Lure's. Though since his voice can be rather gravelly at times, it's not always easy to notice it.

Yves does not have an Acalathian accent. He has an Ashenloft-based accent... Which, due to its location, doesn't sound incredibly different. Those who live there notice it, those who don't may not.

Coffcord has a slight Acalathian accent that he has picked up from living in the kingdom as long as he has.

Captain Filomena, a side character in the first book and part of the main cast in the second, has an accent that would perhaps resemble Greek. (Greek sounds the closest to what I imagine.)

In the second book, we are introduced to the city of Perlosophes. While a melting pot of various cultures, due to the draw of being the "City of Mages", there are plenty of accents to go around. Though the native one somewhat resembles a middle eastern dialect in nature. Two characters that will be introduced, Sol and Astalair, share this accent.

Now what you might find neat is that the Fair Folk have their own accent and speaking patterns. Unlike traditional accents, when the Fair speak their accent is said to almost sound 'hollow', soothing and breathy, usually kept quiet and wistful. No doubt assisting their image of being a race of magical beings.

A voice like that may talk one into anything...

Coffcord may have tried purposefully covered up his accent. Just like he has so willingly overwritten his Fair heritage.

[mable-stitchpunk]

Balsam 💕

send 💕 for a love headcanon

Up until now, Balsam hasn't had much interest in romance. In fact, he has never even really been attracted to anyone, though this could be due to how fixated he has been on his studies.

That being said, he has recently gotten some feelings, but they're mixed and muddled.