Small but sturdy and always well put together, garbed for a combination of function and form, Tinara is a sturdy presence in any room. She has dusty brown skin, blue-grey eyes that verge towards purple in certain lighting, and dense curls of black hair cropped close to her head. Her features are strong, almost statuesque, and more than a few consider her beautiful.

First impressions of Tinara are that of a stern, practical woman. Somewhat like other founding members of the Nidus, she was an inhabitant of Star City before it was overrun by xenodragons, but instead of returning to her homeworld of Pern she opted to stay with the refugees. They are her kin now and she is intolerant of any threats to their new way of life.

She's warmer and more sensitive than she generally lets on, but her demeanor softens around those who are obviously vulnerable and suffering. She has no mothering instincts, but some have compared her to being "aunt-like" -- she may not have direct responsibility, but she'll look after you just the same.