Just Common

This will be myself, just Dram12 or Tim as most of you know my real name. We've all messaged each other in some way. I hate to interrupt Common, as you know, he will have a lot to say about that.

While working on Sarna The Shield Warrior, my first draft of her making it to the first Tower. The character she met, was intended to be much older than just a couple of years. That person would of been Common not Ben Stanson, the son of the Cut Throat, from Orleans, and the daughter of Maggie  Commons second love.

Common was to be the mentor and guide for Sarna. Common by that time would of been close to 70 years old. The Station Master at the second Tower. Just outside the Wasteland. As I plotted out that story line, Common just didn't seem to fit. For one I thought Common to be more a loner. Sarna didn't need a guide or mentor. She needed an equal as her travel companion. That's where Ben stepped in, and I developed Common into his own stand alone character.

Common was part of Sarna, her and Ben's entertainment, those were stories much like the ones you are reading now, and from the Book of Common. Ben read these to Sarna while they traveled together. Although very short snappy stories, only a few paragraphs in length. It gave me the honing in of Common, his speech the way he acted, and mind set. Rangers were a main part of Sarna. Common became what I thought a Ranger should be, stuck with the burden of being Judge jury and executioner.

Common is much like Arthur Hunnicut, with his story telling some of his speech, and mannerisms.
I hear him when Common talks and tells his story. Sometimes I see, Sam Elliot as Common, or Kirk Douglas. I know a big difference between those three.

Common had to poke fun at himself, with a name like Common. I thought he had to have humor, he had to come off just a little dim-witted at times, and not be afraid to admit he wasn't the smartest person in the world. Yet be smarter than he acts.

He had to talk to you, like you are sitting with him. The stories told around the campfire, after a days work. No conversation just Common, telling his story, or his thoughts on something. He needed to lose track, or start on something different, like most good storytellers do on occasion. Yet find his way back to the original story, managing to blend it into the original story.

Common had to repeat himself some, even ask a question. Like what ya think I did Folks, or what happens next? Like most stories told around a campfire, you have interruptions. Common had to get flustered lose track, or even start over.

Above all he needed a mentor not his Pa but someone close enough to be like a brother. As Common would say, my good friend and mentor Norm Parson Carolina way. Norm may come up, as a story or just something that Common remembers Norm doing or saying. Norm the father of Jacob, Common took him on his second ride.

Above all Common had to have fears, compassion, and do what is right, no matter what, even if the Law was wrong. Abnormal fear, heights, snakes deep water. Yet be able to overcome those fears when needed. Be a lady chaser at times, but not a real ladies' man.

Even in the Book of Common, I was still developing Common. He is now a mix of both the other worlds he has been in. Yet he is still the same Common, he has fear, compassion, love, and dedication. He still tries to do what is best, with the Law. He'll laugh along with you, if you laugh at his name.

I am Common, don't laugh at it, that is my name. Oh hell laugh folks, it is a bit strange. Grab a coffee or an ale, maybe even glass corn licker don't laugh that's the way it spelled folks.

I hope I've managed to do what I wanted with Common. Made him someone that takes you to his world, that you find interesting and fun. You feel as though he speaking to you. His stories are easy to follow, yet you can understand what he saying about us as a race. If I've done that then Common is who I wanted him to be. A normal person making his way through life, the best he can.

Myself and Common thank you for your time. Leave some comments and vote please.