(S:ARG) - The Merchant's Daughter (traditional fantasy)

[Azseth]

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The Merchant's Daughter...

Staylian Peninsula.

A coastal peninsula divided into 5 kingdoms. Over the past centuries, the kingdoms have had peace and had wars, but they had never dealt with an enemy like they did before the last winter. Outlanders, pouring ashore on ships. Each kingdom suffered massive defeats and finally, for the first and only time, all 5 kingdoms came together and pushed the enemy back. It was only a push however, and the only thing that saved Staylia was winter; cold and ice.

Storms froze the seas and churned up waters and Outlanders ceased coming. The last of them were killed off or scattered a few weeks after winter. It was a long winter that year, just over two years, and two years was more than long enough for the 5 kingdoms to split apart and start squabbling as if nothing had ever happened. Almost, if not all, people failed to make the connection that it was not a victory, it was just that the waters were too icy, cold and dangerous to continue to navigate.

The sun shines and people forget.

Not long after the spring thaw, the fishing village of Small Haven was pillaged, the entire population left dead or scattered.

This was 4 days ago, and a merchant in the city of Arbich has been looking for his daughter, who went with a trade caravan with his brother and his brother’s son on a trade caravan. Only one man from the caravan was found, and he died later when his wound became infected.

After the fourth day and the arrival of the wounded boy, the merchant decided to pay a group of adventurers to seek out what happened and find his daughter, who he believed to still be alive…

Races:

– Humans, are--well, human. They are the most diverse of the races, light skinned to dark skinned and in between. Humans generally live to about 70 or 80. Humans are the most resistant to magic attacks and are also very resistant to mental drain.

– Elves live to be about 250-300 years old. They are smaller framed than humans and generally slightly shorter. They do have pointed ears and there are two difference species: dark and sky. Dark elves originated underground while skyelves stayed above. Elves are just like humans in that there are evil, good and in-between. While elves live longer and thus can spend more time studying, they are more susceptible to physical drains of magic, albeit only slightly. Elves have night vision, although it takes minutes to adapt to instant changes and also leaves them disorientated if the change is extreme and immediate.

– Orks are slightly taller than humans and more broad also. They have green skin usually, but some are known to be brown or even blue. Known for the fury in battle and amazing stamina, it is a stigma that other Orks deal with daily as there are many peaceful, nomadic tribes. Their facial hair is as diverse as humans and they sometimes use jewelry. Orks live to be 150 years old, have a lesser for of nightvision (but it transitions a lot better) and are generally more resistance to physical drain but more affected by mental drain. Orks can eat almost anything, even rotten meat, but they do not do so but under the most dire of consequence.

– These are very humanlike people of just smaller stature, usually not getting taller than 5 feet (that’s an extremely TALL halfling). They generally live to be about 100 years old however and are very agile and dexterous. Halflings are immune to many poisons and also are immune to lycanthropy.

– Goblins are extremely similar to halfings in almost every way. A few differences are that they have pointed teeth, red to brown skin, have night vision similar to elves,live to be about 60-70 years old and are also extremely strong for their size (and lack the agile nature of haflings). Almost all goblin races are fanatic supporters of goblins and kill for any reason. However, goblins will not wage war with each other and will always settle clan disputes peacefully, except when it’s for territory or something like such, at which point they have one champion fight another to the death. While a single goblin may not look like much to fear, they are extremely dangerous but they can be hellish in numbers.

– Ogres are large, sometimes over 15 feet tall and live to be 50-60. They generally keep to smaller clans and are usually peaceful, but the few times that more violent ogres attacked other races has definitely painted them all as blood thirsty brutes. They are usually grey skinned, but some are slightly brown and they usually have horned or protrusions on their head, along with large fangs in their mouth. They are immune to all but the most potent poisons and also very resistant to fire damage. Ogres randomly have hardened spots of skin that is as hard as bone on their bodies and it acts as a sort of armor, but their skin is harder than any other race, almost acting as a very light armor.

– A dwarf is usually no larger than 4 feet tall but extremely broad and stocky. They usually inhabit mountains or hills, but some inhabit cities or live elsewhere. They have thermal vision in the dark (see heat signatures) and live to be about 140-170 years old. Dwarves are slightly more resistant to physical drain and are able to go longer than most races without food or drink (although you will definitely hear about it if they miss a meal!). Dwarves skin is a little more dense than other races.

Half-breeds: All racial mixes are allowed. Results are chaotic at best. You could have a human and elf produce 3 offspring, one looks human but lives 150 years, another looks more elven but lives 90 years and another looks mixed but liked 125 and but is slimmer than both, so on and so forth.
Ogre father/ork mother = Eerkro
(other half-breed names will be posted as the come along)

Classes – Classes are what would be used in most traditional fantasies: mages, warrior, priest, monk, ranger and so on and so forth. I will not hinder or make role requirements unless something just stands out to me. Classes are required just to give a broad sense of your character vice having to read through intros and IC threads to realize "Oh, he's a rogue" so that we can balance classes.

Bestiary - The beasts of this world are open to us, although again, if there is anything outlandish or ridiculous, I will adjust accordingly.

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– Magic in this world is pretty unique. All magic is triggered by a single or many spoken words. Upon casting a spell, several things happen. First, the spell is (usually) removed from the casters mind. There is also physical and mental drain on the caster.

The spell level affects many things and is affected by many things. Casting takes many things into account such as study, stress, hunger, fatigue and then there is the level of the spell. Now while most spells leave the casters memory upon casting, this can be negated by hours and hours of study and focus. The lower level the spell, the more apt one is to retain it, HOWEVER, this does not negate drain, and depending on the situation, one spell can be forgotten after many times of it being retained.

So a highly schooled mage in the middle of a battle, with screams and death and bodies moving here and there, being scared and jostled by people passing may forget a routine spell because of all the stressors going on. Meanwhile, a seasoned warrior who is a lowly caster may be able to cast off a blind spell or another low level spell because he is not as stressed.

Spellcraft, as a focus, is VERY VERY difficult and time consuming. ANY thing a character does that is not devoting time and energy to their magic is taking away their ability to create magic.

Magical literature – There are two types of magical literature: books and scrolls (and scrollbooks). Books are only for study and committing to memory. Reading a book takes an immense amount of concentration, it's not like reading a map Additionally, higher level spells require certain OTHER spells to be cast or active to LEARN the spell sought. Because of this, you cannot just read a book in combat and cast spells. You must sit down, focus and concentrate for minutes to days depending on the level of the spell. Scrolls (or scroll books) are different. The concentration and effort and magic are put in BEFORE hand. These are VERY expensive, and generally require 10 times the amount of resources than it would to LEARN the spell. But the reason is that you can unleash a devastating spell simply by reading the scroll. Immediately after casting, the scroll or page of a scroll book will crumble or burn or turn to dust. One and done.

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Deities– there are gods/deities in this world, and they are referred to as Ascended. Ascended will be classified in a few ways.

First and most vaguely they will have "nature (tendencies)." Nature is good, neutral or evil. Tendencies will be more vague, but also more defining (lawful, chaotic, neutral and indentured).
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Next, Ascended have an "essence" that they can bestow onto physical items of the world. While this is a form of ENCHANTMENT, it differs from an item that is magically instilled. This is extremely rare, extremely prized and I WILL BE THE ONLY PERSON TO APPROVE IF YOUR CHARACTER OWNS ONE. If they do, there better be one HELLUVA background story. And I want to KNOW it. Whether you post it or not, whatever, but it's not going to be "I'll come up with it later Az!"

Any item enchanted or blessed by a deity is marked with a Ascension Stamp, which will be comprised of a metal and a jewel (both will be the selected jewel and metal of that Ascended). ANY person KNOWINGLY handling a blessed item not intended for them is subject instantly opening a door for that deity to vent it's rage and fury. If the person didn't know it was intended, it will be awkward feeling (maybe heavy, or burn or itch or something to make the person get rid of it) and the deity will send a disciple to get it at some point. Just like magically enchanted items, they have "charges" or sorts and must be replenished in a way fitting the god and their personality (prayer, blood, work, are a few basic ways).

All deities also have the ability to lend aid to their champions via spells. While these spells are not normally "powerful" they are generally unique and have something to do with the nature and demeanor of the Ascended. Each deity has ONE spell to bestow and any person can only WIELD ONE ENCHANTED ITEM OR SPELL of ONE ASCENDED. Period.

ANY being on this world is mortal, as this is the

This means a few things: first, you can kill a god. Also, gods have very little power here, but they do have unparalleled influence. They cannot directly influence the world but can do so indirectly. The gods can bestow blessings, but these are very limited. They reside on the Plane of Ascension....

One advantage to worshiping gods is that certain spells are available to characters based on IF they worship a god. However, the price for that is that you must strictly adhere to whatever ideals those gods choose, and straying from that means the god can rebuke those abilities at any moment. These spells must be learned like any spell, but must also be EARNED.

Gods can also bestow blessings on weapons, but these blessings are finite (think charges) and some may be powered up, some may not. The manner of charging depends on the god and also the nature of the enchantment (stronger abilities will require a LOT more to replenish abilities).

Now with enchanted items, these are very limited because essentially gods are putting their essence into the item. So based on the power and the amount of items, a god can be killed. Think of it like a good could make one strong weapon, or 50 rings with minor abilities (very vague idea of how it works).

Miscellaneous:
Currency: Steel, gold, silver and bronze (highest to lowest).
Language: Almost ALL races and societies teach "common" but many races and society speak their own language.
Seasons: A typical seasonal cycle in this world is a 12-18 month winter, a 6-9 month spring and fall and a 8-12 month summer. However, a year is still 12 months.
Racism: All major cities may experience racism, but it is not legal and is heavily frowned upon. However, small towns and villages are not subject to laws that regulate those things, so it's not uncommon for those of a race outside certain towns to be received harshly.
Tech level: this would be medeival based in terms of tech. Some mechanical things (gears, trebuchets, water systems).
Atmosphere: The closer you get towards water, the more relaxed the areas tend to be. They also tend to shift towards trade where as the further inland you go, it is less about trading and more about work and the people tend to be less "big city" and more hard.
Most kingdoms do not trust one another, at least the governments and large cities. They are in constant disputes over trade and territory and sometimes close to war, although OPEN war is very rare.
UPA: Unified Port Authority is an organization that monitors port trade and also patrols the open waters against piracy and violation of at-sea law. To keep things fair, all of the 5 kingdoms provide the exact number of every position available. Every ships crew has the same number of all positions from each kingdom. To further the absolute neutrality, ANY time ANY person is suspected, investigating and found guilty of violating a UPA article to the favor of their country, that country will be sanctioned. At the same time, any time a person makes such accusations, if the accuser is found to be incorrect or it was a ploy, THAT country will be sanctioned.

Church of Kiros: This is a Sect of almost kult like status throughout the peninsula. While they do not represent any particular god, they focus more on themselves and pushing their own agenda. They are ran by a Grand Bishop who is rarely seen outside of the High Church. While they are not large persay, they are widespread and powerful and most members operate behind a veil of secrecy.

While The Church is not necessarily evil, they are self serving and will do whatever it takes to protect itself, it's members and it's agenda. Again, the church isn't affiliated with any god, but they DO have members who are clergy from other temples. The Church offers a great many services, spiritual and otherwise. They are allowed to marry individuals, they offer advice and counseling and help communities in need. Additionally, they offer merchants, caravans and families armed escort when moving or relocating.

[Terminal]

And there it is.

Name: Temer
Class: Mortificator - Unarmed class, similar to Monks. Mortificators usually have several magical abilities focused on the dead, usually with assistance from Divine entities. They serve as a mix between Clerics and Crusaders for the purposes of whatever deity grants them their power, enforcing that deity's will upon the mortal plane.
Race: Human
Age: 33
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 150 Pounds
Weaponry and Armor: Temer is armed merely with two long gauntlets that reach nearly up to his shoulders, with sharp spade-like protrusions jutting from the dorsar side of the hands. They serve as primitive armor and give him some cutting and stabbing power - he is not accustomed with other forms of armor and would not be able to fight effectively using anything else.
Appearance: Wears simple blue and brown robes and pants over his lower body, and is bare chested with a pair of shoulder-length plate-metal gauntlets inscribed with esoteric etchings. Has raven but greying hair, and two glass eyes (but still seems to see just fine, oddly enough).
Alignment: True Neutral with Lawful Evil Tendencies

Temer has an excellent if somewhat morbid sense of humor, and has a weakness for terrible jokes that are not actually funny. He has a cheery disposition and is quick to find the silver-lining for almost any situation. He rarely complains about anything, and enjoys working with his hands and discussing a wide variety of topics with others even if he is not familiar with them. Almost nothing is taboo with him - he will readily talk with you about anything from five kingdom politics to interspecies reproduction to types of chairs and what wood they are made of. He forgives and forgets easily and readily, and will take offense with very little. He will try to keep his word and his vows barring extreme extenuating circumstances, and is occasionally charitable (although he will pointedly withhold pity).

It is only when the dead and those who would manipulate them are brought up when he gets decidedly unpleasant. He has an unfettered hatred for necromancers, graverobbers and tomb-defilers. He would kill a person on the mere suspicion that they have a necromancer as an acquaintance. He also has zero-tolerance for Resurrection magics of any kind. He does not care whether you are a shambling zombie or an innocent child miraculously restored by the divine, holy providence of the god of benevolence, hopeful thinking and rainbows. He will turn you to dust and bury you in the ground regardless of who you are or what you were in life. There is no crime he will commit, no act he will not perform, no sacred or hallowed things he will not break, no decencies or mercies he will allow when it comes to the dead.

Temer suffers in the same way as all specialized units do. Outside of his area of specialty, he will only ever be decent at his very best.

Temer's strength lies in his magic. His spells are, for their level, powerful and efficient, and he has mastered of several of them. They are some of the most effective spells of their respective categories, and when used correctly make him utterly peerless. Any fight between him and necromancers, undead or the resurrected is simply a slaughter with a foregone conclusion. However, despite his large number of spells and their level of power, they are largely useless for anything other than countering necromancy. They will have no effect whatsoever on anything that is not and has not been dead and that does not make use of necromancy. Outside of his spells, Temer's reliance on his gauntlets makes his unarmed strikes less effective than those of a Monk, he doesn't have any effective means of circumventing heavy armor, he himself is entirely unarmored with the exception of his arms, and he has no ranged means of attack whatsoever. His biggest advantage is his agility and his ability to deflect incoming attacks as well as subduing targets with takedowns, and as such he will never excel as a frontline fighter. In a conventional fight, he is better off utilized as a support unit used to harass, flank and harry enemies. He will fare poorly if forced to directly engage multiple enemies wielding even simple weaponry. He has high damage output when facing enemies with light armor or chainmail, but they can likely return as good as he gives.

In short, have Temer take point when going into crypts, and have him just behind the meatshield at all other times. Otherwise he'll likely just get in the way.

Magic Level: None - All his magical abilities are derived from his patron deity, who only bestows such powers upon Temer when there is a need for them.

Temer was once an undertaker in a remote, rural forest community. He knew what most people didn't know at the time, that being the village had a bit of a necromancer problem. It is not known how, but Temer is thought to have either discovered his powers then, or to have reverse-engineered and then extrapolated upon the abilities of his necromantic foes. He spent the next several years of his life putting the living dead back in the ground. One day, a priest came to the village and brought a recently deceased hunter back to life using powerful magicks. Temer didn't particularly care for this and killed the priest, and would have done the same to the hunter had she not fled. Temer handed his apprentice the keys to the local barrow and the gravekeeper's official badge of office (a shovel) and then set out into the world at large to put the hunter in his place. He has yet to find the hunter, so he wanders the land in the hopes of hearing about her eventually. And in the meantime, there are plenty of abandoned tombs to keep in check and occult practitioners to keep an eye on...

And he supposed an adventure or two wouldn't hurt. Mot knows, he could use the practice.

Temer's patron deity is Mot, the entity of Sterility and the Infinite Nature of Death. Mot's alignment is thought to be Neutral Evil with Lawful Evil tendencies.

According to what Temer has been told (which means that all that follows may or may not be true), Mot's throne is a deep pit in the Earth where all the dead and refuse of the world falls, and all things that never were, are not, and cannot be lie within Mot's domain. Mot has an insatiable hunger for all things that live, and to die is to pass through it's maw and enter the world that is Mot's stomach, which is larger and darker than the largest and deepest of oceans, from which there is no escape.

Mot is typically worshiped in order to either ensure or ward off death, or to cleanse life or prevent it from arising. Mot dislikes Necroturgy of any kind, since according to it all the dead belong to it, and reanimation, communication or any other form of Necromancy is equivalent to attempting to steal from Mot. Mot is affiliated with filth and refuse, but is aligned against disease and pestilence, and while Mot is predominantly a god of Death, it prefers to prevent rot, decay and stagnation, but also prevents healing and restoration. It claims to have 'torn the heavens asunder, the corpse of the sky is the darkness between stars,' and that stillborn children on moonless nights are made to become it's servitors - which are centipedes.

Mot can grant a wide array and variety of boons to those who pray to it, although these boons are highly focused and often carry a heavy price. Common forms of 'payment' include being rendered sterile, removal of appendages or digits (and their subsequent burial), bloodletting, ritual sacrifice, prevention of natural healing, loss of sensation and need, ritual scarring, grinding plants into a fine powder, burning of various bodily fluids, rubbing preservatives into open wounds, extraction of organs, etcetera, etcetera. These afflictions ironically serve to prolong overall lifespan, although inflicting hideous pain and lifelong deformity in the process. It is not uncommon for priests of Mot to be missing several limbs or to resemble inexplicably agile mummified corpses.

Mot is a foreign god, distinct from the various deities worshiped within the boundaries of the five kingdoms.

Temer is granted a number powerful spells through worship of Mot, all of which are geared explicitly to combating necromancers and the undead, along with ensuring the newly dead remain so. It should be noted that, for the purposes of these spells, any effect that would manipulate the dead in any fashion qualifies as necromancy, up to and including miraculous and divine power.

Novice Spell: Inertia
A simple but effective spell, Inertia severs any and all arcane connections of necromantic nature between multiple entities in a wide radius around the caster. This could result in a horde of reanimated corpses simply falling to the ground, or can result in bound undead becoming unbound and rampaging, free from control. Inertia has trouble disrupting connections that are warded or otherwise protected, does not affect enchantments, and does not affect any connections that are not necromantic in nature. Inertia is a simple spell requiring little concentration, and is easily retained.
Incantation: "He feasts but is not sated, he imbibes but is not slaked."
Concentration: Low
Verbal, Divine Components Required

Novice Spell: Diminution
This spell goes hand in hand with Inertia, and it is similarly simple. It merely weakens and dispells wards and other forms of protection over arcane connections of necromantic nature in a wide radius around the caster. That's it. It does not affect wards or barriers that protect connections which are not at least partially necromantic in nature. This spell, like Inertia, requires little concentration and is easily retained.
Incantation: "The due to the dead is paid in full to he of insatiable hunger."
Concentration: Low
Verbal, Divine Components Required

Apprentice Spell: The Lamb's Exposure
Generates an aura around the caster. All incorporeal beings who enter this field are rendered tangible. The transition of state will momentarily paralyze those affected.
Incantation: "Void shall be ash, darkness shall be dust, air shall be blood, mind shall be sand, and spirit shall be dirt."
Concentration: Intermediate
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Intermediate Spell: Vital Upbraid
Causes a shift in the atmosphere of the surrounding area, equivalent to a light breeze. Undead, reanimated, or resurrected entities within range are stunned, and weaker entities are immediately reduced to dust. All necromantic entities within the area of effect become silenced and unable to cast spells.
Incantation: "Feel his presence, feel his power, feel helpless like a lamb before the slaughter, for you shall be carried away in the breech of the windpipe that is the beast of your final demise."
Concentration: Moderate
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Intermediate Spell: Stygian Rift
Releases a faint, nearly indiscernible pulse of power from the caster in a wide radius. All undead hit have a chance of being instantly vanquished. Those that resist are instead crushed from all sides by an immense pressure. Warding and various forms of similar protection can help defend against being instantly vanquished, while armor and the like can protect against being crushed.
Incantation: "Time is meaningless, space is meaningless, matter is meaningless, energy is meaningless. He pervades the boundaries and condemns the heel, and with a patience savored unleashes begotten and eternal despair."
Concentration: Moderate
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Intermediate Spell: Potentiate Redshift
A ranged, single-target spell. Exponentially increases the drain required for necromantic spells and effects for as long as the target is under the influence of the spell, but it also converts all drain into heat. Targets that make use of necromancy will (for example) literally be burnt to death as their bone marrow liquefies, boils and cooks them alive from the inside out. Contrary to common opinion, targets will rarely be set on fire, although it is not uncommon for them to be reduced to a sludge-like pile of fossil fuel. More traditional undead will typically become incapable of movement as their weakened ligaments and muscles dissolve into goo. Ghosts tend to evaporate. It's an immensely unpleasant spell to be affected by.
Incantation: "Hasten to the end, see with darkling eyes as light recedes the fate that befalls you as it shall befall all."
Concentration: Moderate
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Experienced Spell: Ontological Feedback
An advanced spell, it is specially designed to combat powerful undead or necromantic foes. It is a spell with casting comprised of two Somatic components, a hand gesture and a simple palm strike - the spell requires high levels of concentration, but the fusion of a spell with a physical attack allows for the user to circumvent this problem, since their own muscle memory and the energy put into the strike will allow them to use the spell swiftly while in the heat of battle without having to worry about the spell failing or not being retained. However, for this to work, the attack must be executed perfectly. If it is blocked or deflected, the caster's concentration will inevitably be broken and the spell likely lost, so it is vital that the user be absolutely certain they can land the attack before using this spell. Hitting magical wards, for the purposes of this spell, counts as a direct hit. When connecting with an opponent, this spell causes every necromantic enchantment within the target to almost literally implode, severing all arcane necromantic connections and wrecking immense physical damage in direct proportion to the amount and potency of necromantic enchantment present in the target, and also dispelling all such enchantments. This spell is therefore extremely useful against more powerful undead such as liches, and will vanquish most undead instantly. Necromancers will likely be gravely injured but will survive most strikes, unless they were making use of particularly powerful enchantments. Warding and protection are generally ineffective at preventing this spell's effects from occuring.
Incantation: "Feast upon your sins."
Concentration: Considerable
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Experienced Spell: Sterile Visage
An advanced spell, it forms an aura around the caster which serves as protection and warding against necromantic spells, curses and effects, and also repulses disease and pestilence (but notably, not poisons or toxins that are not part of a necromantic spell). However, all living matter within this field will be unable to heal naturally, with healing and regeneration being severely dampened or entirely negated.
Incantation: "His gaze keeps, his breath halts, his voice purifies, and his will decrees. Behold the crystalline certainty of promised oblivion."
Concentration: Considerable
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components Required

Elite Spell: Eternal Death
By performing the rite of Eternal Death over the corpse or remains of an entity, resurrection, regeneration, rejuvenation, reincarnation, etcetera become impossible. That entity shall lie dead forevermore, with no exceptions - everything from reanimation of the corpse to divine intervention on behalf of other gods will fail. The concentration required for this spell is immense, since one literally calls down a conduit from the divine realm to serve as an extension of that otherworldly plane and momentarily allows a specific deity to work their will upon reality within the confines of the spell's boundaries. In this case, the spell is limited to the boundaries of a single dead entity's remains.
Incantation: "Once but dust from heavens far, as you were forged you shall return! As body fails and spirit wanes, you now shall join the mass of graves, the earth and worm shall have their claim. His hunger seeks and hunger finds the snuffed-out ember of your time. The woesome winds of bearing beast's fearsome visage carries on and carries off, the kidling preykind of your mind - embrace death eternal, and eternal you shall lie."
Concentration: High
Somatic, Verbal, Divine Components

[Azseth]

Name: Garfitchadrasah "Fitch" Stonecleaver.
Class: Ebon Crusader (Paladin class that use disease and dark magic in place of holy and light, more below).
Race: Half ogre, half ork (eerkro).
Heights: 7'6".
Weights: 385 lbs.
Alignment: Neutral (chaotic).
Weapons and armor: In battle, Fitch fights with a mix of mainly mail with pieces of plates (boots, shin guards, pants and gauntlets) mixed in. At almost 7 feet, Fitch is small for most ogres, but he is broader than most and less lanky. He fights with a large bastard sword (a large two handed sword to most non-ogres) a black oak and iron banded shield. Occasionally he will keep the shield on his back and use the sword and a large jagged dirk. His helmet is plate and chain, not covering much of his face.

Magic level: Intermediate. (none, unschooled, novice, apprentice, intermediate, experienced, expert, elite)

Appearance: Fitch is born of an ogre father and ork mother who were both cast out of their respective tribes when it was discovered. He’s tall and stocky. He has two small bone protrusions that almost appear to be tusks of sorts. His eyes are a deep green and his skin is grey with a tinge of green. He’s very somber, dour and quiet, he’ll almost never smile.

Between his size, his demeanor and his usual silence, he is often though to be trying to intimidate, often thought to be evil or brooding. While Fitch is not generally positive, he is not evil or malicious and any intimidation is just coincidental.

However, he is very harsh in his comments in regards to weak people and those who are not willing to fight for things that he sees worth fighting for. Fitch is very two sided sometimes in his beliefs and the things he says, but bases that on the fact that life is not as simple, and nothing at any point is absolute.

History: Surviving in the wild, alone was very tough for his parents, and most of the time his mother spent fishing for food while his father tended to the camp and occasionally took minor work to as a bodyguard or providing safe passage for people in need.

At one point, his father was wounded in a goblin raid and on his deathbed, asked his mother to turn him over to the Temple of Go’Shirik. Go’Shirik is the deity of darkness, night and merciful death. Due to his association with darkness in general, and death, Go’Shirik is generally thought to be a god of evil, but he is actually very neutral. Paladin’s trained in the name of Go’Shirik are called Ebon Crusaders.

Go’ Shirik is often misunderstood by any who do not worship him or take the time to understand him. His association with death, albeit merciful, and darkness and night are often misconstrued as evil. In reality, this deity is one who represents neutrality and rarely gets involved in good versus evil directly. Because of this, his alignment is Neutral (lawful), although his followers will a neutral and of different tendencies.

However, Crusaders have been known to involve themselves in situations where either a good or evil force needed to be kept in check, if it was getting too powerful.

Ebon Champions are the legions of Go’Shirik and most people do not realize that a Champions takes many forms (most only associate them with Crusaders) and serves many functions, from priest, to warrior to teacher. Although most Champions are dedicated to their calling only, many have other occupations or roles in society on top of it.

While Champions come in many forms, there is one that stands out to most when mentioned: the Crusader. These are paladins serve the legions. They have a unique place among Champions in that they are to go out and spread the word of Go’Shirik through feats of honor, usually in battle. A Crusader, in the name of neutrality, is free to take up whatever cause they deem fit, good, evil or indifferent so long as that cause is not in the name of another deity. Most focus on melee combat and are heavily armored, but also mix in a variety of spells at the Crusader’s discretion. Their armor is all similar: dull, relatively nondescript, but it looks blackish grey and instead of having a shine, it appear to be dull or marred in spite of the fact that they are well maintained and smooth.

There are then the Priests, whose main duties entail putting those in need of a clean, painless death down and also to spread the word of Go’Shirik in order to recruit members. They do not preach or hold masses, they approach individuals, or are approached. A Priest will almost NEVER administer death to anyone who do not ask or have a loved one ask for a death. The exceptions are individuals who may be dead soon and are suffering (i.e. a long traveler stabbed by bandits and left for dead, but is delirious) but no one is around to make a decision. They are almost always wearing dull gray robes.

Then there are Acolytes whose jobs are very wide. It may be assisting a priest, or copying books in the temple to maintaining temples in large cities. They may be dressed in robes similar to Priests or normal clothing, since they may not always be performing the duties (unlike a Priest or Crusader who are considered to be always on duty).

From that point on he was raised in an Ebon Temple and excelled under the teaching, specifically combat. Eventually, he went to find his mother and their little shack was gone. He never seen her again, had no idea where she went and he never looked for her.

Since then, he’s been out doing as he saw fit for his god, with his sword or with his prayer, on the battlefield or in isolated villages.

Crusaders have a plethora of minor spells involving diseases and illness, including cleanses and spread rots, but these spells are not listed as they are not really combat oriented or “major” spells.

Fear – (Apprentice level) Called “Grip of Death” to a Crusader, it’s similar to most fears except that it doesn’t make one flee. Unhindered and at maximum affect, it will make the victim freeze with fear, unable to move or react. Their mind also ceases to be able to process thoughts and focus. When mitigated or not fully successful, it can do anything from stun a person, make them momentarily lose all thought or make them drop what’s in their hands.
Reagents: Bone powder.
Spoken words: Ohyundar mogara.

Silence – (Intermediate level) Called “Go’Shirik’s Will.” Simple in terms of it’s purpose, but considerably more complex in terms of casting, this is a spell that ceases all sound in an 8’ area centered on a desired spot. This spell is meant to counter casters, but can also be used on an ally to aid stealth.
Reagents: Blood and silver (any form of silver).
Spoken words: Go’Shirik mah harik haito et mustaht.

Ward/barrier cleave – (Intermediate spell). “Charge of the Crusader.” This spell is specifically meant to counter a spell or ward that blocks PHYSICAL damage. That means that a punch, sword strike, arrow etc has a change to penetrate any physical ward cast on a person or object.
Reagents – None, but a significant amount of physical drain comes with this spell.
Spoken words – AAH AAAAH AAAAH MOOT!

Essence link – (Intermediate spell). “The Black Phoenix.” This is a dangerous spell and most casters used it ONE TIME, when they were training. This spell will instantly replenish energy, removing a massive amount of physical and mental drain. The spell is simple to cast but extremely difficult to perform. The short incantation must be said aloud and at an exact moment, the caster must pierce the heart of a living being. If too late, too early or if the heart is missed, depending on the casters current drain and health will fall down, fully drained, or possible fall into a coma or even die instantly.
Reagents – a human heart.
Spoken words – strayak oont strayak warek. Un’STRAYAK!

Decay – (Novice spell). “The kiss.” A spell not really meant for combat, but able to be utilized during a battle except the vocal means to produce it are longer than most. This spell will decay any non-living item. The longer the spell is recited, the more decay occurs. So while a tree could not be a target, a door or wooden shield could. This is more geared towards removing obstacles.
Reagents: Any form of flesh.
Spoken words. The words are more of a ballad and can be stopped at any moment. The further into the song that the caster goes, the more the drain increases, exponentially.

Armor Ward – (Apprentice spell). “Go’Shirik’s embrace.” This is a ward that protects a target from non-magical damage or force. The caster can adjust the duration or level based on the inflection of the final word, which also affects the amount of mental drain. While it does not protect from “magic,” magically created things (fire, lightening or acid for example) that are NOT magical are still repelled.
Reagent: Bloody cloth.
Spoken words: Aktuum galo GYUM!

Acidic Shield (novice spell). “The last laugh.” This spell turns the bands of his shield into a highly volatile acid that clings to whatever touches it (hopefully an enemies weapon or body). This only lasts a few seconds but the acid spreads, eating anything until it either dilutes or there is nothing more to dissolve.
Reagent: rust and a shield.
Spoken words: Yego fa fas fasto.

Earthen Behemoth (experienced spell). “To ashes.” This spell raises a giant made from whatever is available in the immediate area: dirt, rocks, metals, bodies, trees. This spell is triggered by the caster saying a spirit’s name. At this point, the caster must cease EVERYTHING and focus entirely on controlling the Behemoth. They cannot move. They see through the eyes of the Behemoth the entire time. If the caster waivers, or is killed or just decides to break the focus before saying the spirit’s name again to dismiss it, then the Behemoth becomes unchained, free to act in it’s nature. And that nature is always with violence in response to being ripped from it’s only plane. Unchained Behemoths are a devastating force of nature and can lay waste to large cities at times. Furthermore, the physical drain of this is immense. Generally, at least 3 people plus the caster need to be physically linked (skin contact) to cast. At that point, the drain continues for the duration of the Behemoth’s activity. The more people linked, the more the drain is shared and the longer one can keep the Behemoth active and chained. Once unchained, the FIRST target of the Behemoth’s rage is the caster, and then those linked.
Reagent: Glass powder and a copper coin.
Spoken words: Rise “spirit’s name.”

Contagious fever – (novice spell) – “The scourge.” This spell targets one individual and spreads quickly to anyone within minutes as an airborne virus. The fever is only mild to high, but over time, it can decimate or debilitate an entire army or city. This is rarely fatal and only kills those who are already on the verge of death. The fever spreads and is felt for about 2 hours then ceases. This spell does not discriminate, friend and foe alike will be affected.
Reagent: human hair.
Spoken words: Youfa atu afu agoo.

Magic Nova – (experienced spell) – “Nightfall.” This is a nova type spell that is unleashed at a center point and forces it’s way out, generally to about 30 feet. The further from the center, the weaker the impact. This spell’s damage is dark magic. Additionally, after the magic damage radius, a small magic wave continues on for another 30 feet, causing a quick and sudden bout of nausea and sometimes vomiting. On top of the rarity of obsidian, this spell also is accompanied by an vast amount of physical and mental drain.
Reagent: obsidian shards.
Words: Go’Shirik. HALP!

Attitude: As mentioned, Fitch is quite and not very jovial. He’s loyal to people as long as there is a common goal, and while he is not untrustworthy, he will generally part ways once whatever mission he is on is accomplished. He has no need for friends or companions, so he does not seek them, but he will travel with people who’s goals mirror his own, or if the destination is the same.

While he does not look down on people who can NOT defend themselves, he loathes those who will not even try to defend themselves. At the same time however, he protects those cannot fight for themselves vehemently.

In battle, Fitch will fit in as needed, which somewhat contradicts his fighting style. In terms of melee, he is ferocious and full of rage, swinging sword and shield and casting an occasional spell. He walks a delicate line in terms of his rage, some say it’s the violent mix of his two bloodlines, and will let rage fill him just to the point he does not lose control.

Even amongst other Crusaders and other orders and deities, and throughout the realm, Fitch’s battle prowess is talked about and known.

However, if the need arises, he is more than willing to sit back and unleash spells and support those he is fighting with. He is very focused and collected, however, regardless of the situation, Fitch is VERY difficult to control in that, while he’s not prone to be destructive or hurt his own people, he doesn’t believe most people earned the right to be considered his “leader” and while he will almost always listen to a plan out of respect, he is apt to go astray if he feels it necessary.

[1DVSguy]

Name: Nazgrul Rasgnorr
Class: Monk (Henshin Disciple)
Age: 25
Race: Half Ork
Height: 6'2"
Weights: 216 lbs.
Alignment: Lawful Good

Dieties and Beliefs: Nazgrul acknowledges the existence of Gods but does not actively worship them. He holds generally good opinions of them but despises Evil Gods like Gruumsh, the Chaotic Evil God of Slaughter and pillaging favored by the Bloodaxe tribe.


Skills and Linguistics list:

Languages spoken: Common, Orkish

-Acrobatics (Expert):
You are exceptionally adept at balancing, and performing amazing feats of acrobatics such as doing somersaults and flips.

-Athletics (Expert):
You are exceptionally strong and fit, able to perform feats of athletics such as swimming or traveling long distances as well as climbing.

-Endurance (Experienced):
You are experienced at enduring pain and extreme weather conditions such as blizzards and sandstorms.

-Insight (Intermediate):
You are learned in the ways of observation, often detecting people's emotions and thoughts in conversation and detecting their motives.

-Perception (Intermediate):
You are learned in using your senses, able to listen and hear exceptionally well when required and can find your way around in the dark quite well. You notice things that are not often seen like trip wire and traps.

-Stealth (Intermediate):
You are learned in the ways of moving about unseen and unheard.

-Religion (Novice):
You have a basic knowledge of religion.

Weapons and armor: Nazgrul is skilled with his staff and bare hands. He fights unarmored
Fighting style: Nazgrul practices Ataru and Shien, two fighting styles of the Henshin order.

-Ataru, Way of the Shrike:
Ataru focuses on mobile, aggressive, acrobatic combat. The user channels his inner energy called "Ki" to perform amazing feats of acrobatics, seeking to subdue the enemy as quickly as possible through a short burst of furious blows. However, users risk the expenditure of too much energy through prolonged use. Because of this, practitioners are expected to be extremely fit and have a high amount of stamina as well as dexterity.

-Shien, Way of the Dragon:
Shien focuses on brutal blows made with the user's natural strength. Using their physical strength, users are able to stand toe to toe with heavily armed opponents and hold their own. Shien is not as mobile as Ataru and will focus on countering opponents blows for defense as well as counter attacking. Shien also heavily utilizes unbalancing strikes to trip up their opponents. Practitioners are expected to have a high strength to be able to use the form effectively.

Ki Ability List:

The Nature of Ki:
Ki is a unique resource similar to the mental capabilities of a spell caster's mind. Loosely translated, Ki means "energy". However, unlike spell casters who rely on only mental capabilities, Ki requires both mental AND physical capabilities. For example, it takes mental concentration to "summon" Ki, but you can not summon Ki if none exists in the first place. Thus using Ki requires a balance between body and mind.

Ki can only be used when a monk is "centered" meaning the monk is free of negative emotions and unarmored and unencumbered. If a monk has negative emotions, then his ability to use Ki is lessened. For example, an angry monk will not be able to perform abilities that require Ki.
However there are rogue monks that have mastered the use of negative emotions to empower their Ki. Negative emotions by itself is like a sledgehammer, clumsy and unwieldy. But with focus, a monk can form that "sledgehammer" of negative emotion into the point of a spear in a state of "passive aggressive". This negative Ki may give a monk more physical power, but it clouds his/ or her judgement, making the monk more likely to kill and maim. For this reason, using Negative Ki is strictly forbidden in the Henshin order and is strongly frowned upon. Users are asked to change their ways or thrown out of the order if they refuse. Monks who use Negative Ki are called "Dark Monks".


-Evasion (Passive):
While centered, monks have a higher chance to avoid area of affect spells and area of affect attacks.

-Still Mind (Passive):
While centered, monks have a serene air around them and are not as affected by harmful auras (Such as an aura of fear) that target the mind. Monks will be more resistant to spells and enhancements that target the mind but are not completely immune from them.

-Fast Movement (Novice):
With concentration and while being unarmored and unencumbered, a monk may run with more agility than what is physically possible for them.

-Ki Strike (intermediate):
A monk can empower his/ or her strike with ki, allowing them to harden their fist/feet/other body part and strike objects with immense force. Ki strike can only be for one powerful blow.

-Abundant Step (Intermediate):
A monk can, with great concentration, leap amazing heights and distances.

-Slow Fall (Intermediate):
With concentration, a monk may fall great heights with little damage to themselves. This chance of taking no damage decreases as the monk falls from greater heights. For example, a fall from 20 feet up will not harm a monk, but a fall from 10,000 feet in the air will kill a monk, ki or not. Slow fall does not actually "slow" your falls.

-Wholeness of Body (Intermediate):
With concentration, a monk can enter a meditative state and mend minor scrapes and bruises slowly over time. The monk may only do this when not in battle or in a disruptive environment. Wholeness of body only mends minor wounds and will not close a major wound like a sword cut or stab wound.

*Note: This List is only of the abilities that Nazgrul has mastered. More abilities are available but Nazgrul has not successfully learned or mastered them yet.

Magic level: None (See Ki above)

Appearance:

His skin tone is that of a human, though he has inherited physical traits from his Ork blood that include, above average strength as well as pronounced lower canines.

Personality:
Nazgrul, despite his physical appearance, is kind hearted and has an extreme dislike for killing. He will often try to seek a diplomatic approach first before fighting and even after defeating opponents, Nazgrul will try to be kind to them. Nazgrul practices meditation and rises each morning to practice his martial art forms. He has all but mastered his inner emotions and will try to keep negative emotions in check. However, if severely challenged or wronged (perhaps witnessing an ally kill innocents) Nazgrul will have a hard time to control his anger and the barbarian training of his youth will break through.

History:
A child is a precious thing. It is usually the product of it's parents love and passion for each other...

However this was not the case for Nazgrul...

His mother, Selene, was a human, the eldest daughter of a wealthy merchant. His father? Thralcrag An Orkish warrior of the Blood axe tribe. It was not on a romantic evening at the garden that Nazgrul's parents met. No, it was during a surprise raid on his mother's town, where his father stormed into Selene's mansion. After slaughtering her father, brother, and mother, Thralcrag then forced himself onto Selene, impregnating her.
Vulnerable and emotionally broken, Selene was taken as a slave back to the Blood Axe village, where nine months later, she gave birth to Nazgrul.

The world Nazgrul grew up in was a violent one. His mother was beaten regularly by his father and the other tribesman. He himself did not fare much better, the other Orks jeered and made fun of him constantly, calling him, "Half-Blood," and "Man Flesh." The only thing expected out of Nazgrul was to grow into a warrior and die. Thus, he was trained in the arts of war from an early age despite his reluctance. His own father often fought him, teaching him to use his rage, and hatred of him to give him strength. Rage, hatred, anger, this is how an Orkish warrior was supposed to fight. To use his aggressive emotions against others. Nazgrul was reluctant to do so, and as a consequence was beat even harder.
At the age of sixteen, his father finally beat his mother to death in a drunken rage. Horrified and angered, Nazgrul attacked his father, however he was defeated. Seeing the improvement in how his son fought, Thralcrag brought him along on the next raid.

Still bitter over his mother's death, Nazgrul attacked the village with a vengeance, imagining each blow of his sword as a blow against his father. Each decapitation and each kill, he imagined his father's body laying on the ground. It wasn't until his vision cleared of his rage did he realize to his horror that he had slaughtered a whole human family, down to the last child. With the sound of pillaging still outside, Nazgrul ran. He ran for three days and three nights, not caring where he went, as long as it was away from his father and the scene of the massacre.

This was how Nazgrul was found on the steps of the Henshin monastery, exhausted, starved, and half alive. The monks took him in and nurtured him back to health. It was here that Nazgrul decided, he wanted peace from the violence, solace from his deeds. The monks offered everything that he could ever want.

It was here that his training began.

The Henshin are an ancient order of monks dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment. They do not believe in killing, but practice martial arts as a non-lethal way of self defense. The Henshin order accepts people of all walks of life and race, no matter their past. In fact Nazgrul's master, Eledrin, was an Elf.
Most monks do not eat meat, however Nazgrul's Orkish ancestry makes it impossible for him to remain strictly vegan without being malnourished.

The Henshin believe in keeping themselves free of negative emotion and use a resource called "Ki" to empower abilities. They practice Seven Forms of combat (which are listed below) and only use simple weapons.

Favored Weapons:

• Unarmed
• Staff
• Nunchaku
• Three Section Staff
• Tambo (Short Club like Sticks, Often used in the same way as swords)

The Seven Forms of Combat:

-Shii-Cho, Way of the Phoenix:
Focus: Striking, Ki use
Shii-Cho is the most basic form of Martial Arts combat in the Henshin order. It was the first form of combat ever developed and as such is one of the first forms learned by monks. It is a traditional form and is viewed as obsolete by many monks. However monk disciples are still required to learn it and usually only Masters and Grandmasters master it or learn it in depth. Shii-Cho has a heavy focus on Ki and consists mainly of slow, precise strikes powered by Ki. Practicing Shii-Cho in the morning is a common way for monks to meditate and center themselves.

-Makashi, Way of the Crane:
Focus: Joint locks, pushing, submission holds, disarmament
Makashi is a form often admired for it's elegance. It emphasizes simple footwork, light contact, and using the opponents strength against them. Makashi is a favorite among monks with minimal physical strength due to it's nature. It does not require a lot of energy to use and is, according to practitioners, quite relaxing. Makashi is the favored form of Nazgrul's Master, Eledrin.

-Soresu, Way of the Tortoise:
Focus: Grappling, throwing, heavy defense, disarmament
Soresu is a form that has a heavy focus in defense, practitioners are often able to parry arrows right out of the air with their bare hands. Soresu is a highly immobile form and practitioners are often taught to "imitate stone". Practitioners are highly resistant to physical harm due to continuous practice, and are also very patient as to subdue an opponent requires waiting for them to make the first blow.

-Ataru, Way of the Shrike:
Focus: Acrobatics, striking
Ataru focuses on mobile, aggressive, acrobatic combat. The user channels his inner energy called "Ki" to perform amazing feats of acrobatics, seeking to subdue the enemy as quickly as possible through a short burst of furious blows. However, users risk the expenditure of too much energy through prolonged use. Because of this, practitioners are expected to be extremely fit and have a high amount of stamina as well as dexterity.

-Shien, Way of the Dragon:
Focus: Striking, counter attacks, trips
Shien focuses on brutal blows made with the user's natural strength. Using their physical strength, users are able to stand toe to toe with heavily armed opponents and hold their own. Shien is not as mobile as Ataru and will focus on countering opponents blows for defense as well as counter attacking. Shien also heavily utilizes unbalancing strikes to trip up their opponents. Practitioners are expected to have a high strength to be able to use the form effectively.

-Niman, Way of the Monkey:
Focus: Pressure points, acrobatics
Niman is similar to Ataru in the way of agility and acrobatic combat. However, unlike Ataru which focuses on strikes, Niman focuses on hitting pressure points in the body. Practitioners can usually paralyze an opponent into submission or render their limbs numb and inoperable. None of the damage is permanent however, and opponents will recover in time, but even so, masters of Niman are a force to be reckoned with.

-Vaapad, Way of the Dire Wolf:
Focus: Heavy focus on striking
Vaapad is a form that puts heavy focus on striking. Practitioners often utilize strikes not often used by other forms such as the knees, shins, forearms, wrists, and even the head. Practitioners often have extremely hard bones and are required to have a high strength to be able to use it effectively. Due to it's highly aggressive nature and the fact that it was developed by a monk gone rogue, The Henshin Council frowns upon it's practice and disciples must obtain special permission to practice and learn it. Vaapad has a high probability to maim or kill it's opponents.

[Irell Starling]

Name: Epi (Epimeliad) Malus
Class: Ranger
Race: Elf (Sky)
Age: 50 years
Height: 5’3’’
Weight: 120 lbs.
Weapons/ Armor: Light Armor mostly consisting of animal hide and metal clamps to hold the pieces together. She has a bow, arrows, and also carries around healing salve for minor scratches and wounds. For close combat she has a small dagger.
Magic Level: Novice

Spells

Vasanta (Apprentice) (see description in Patron Deity- Spells) Mastering this spell is expected of everyone who lived in Epi’s village.

Varsha (Novice) (see description in Patron Deity- Spells)

Hermanta (Apprentice) (see description in Patron Deity- Spells)

(Shishira is not known)

Aura of Righteousness(Untrained) The uncanny ability to continue battle even when hope is lost.

Taking Aim(Novice) Through practice and concentration, Epi is mastering the bow. When this spell is active she shoots faster and further than most with decent accuracy.

Skills

Tracking and Trapping (from her job description)
Plant Lore (from her village training)

Alignment: Neutral Good

The patron deity of Epi, and a few of her surrounding villages is Aphelion. He is in charge of changing the seasons. His siblings include the twin goddesses of time and fate, Clepsydra and Fari. Like them, he is known to be impartial to the everyday affairs of mortals. Aphelion’s alignment is neutral.

Followers associate him with gold and moonstone which represent the celestial bodies that also change with time and seasons. His patron colors are green and brown.

(The level of the spell is affected by its difficulty to cast and the amount of words for the incantation. The focus of these spells is to promote harvests / food production or minor protection.)

Vasanta (spring)
Novice: The caster can speed the healing of minor cuts/ wounds on themselves.
Apprentice: The caster can speed the healing of minor cuts/ wounds on others; The caster can speed the growth up of a herbaceous plant.
Intermediate: The caster can heal major wounds / cuts on themselves; The caster can speed the growth up of a few herbaceous plants or a single woody plant.
Experienced: The caster can heal major wounds/ cuts on others; The caster can speed can sped up the growth of several herbaceous plants or a few woody plants.

Varsha (rain/monsoon/summer season)
Novice: A cup of water can be pulled from the air
Apprentice: The caster can create mist in a 20 foot wide area or pull a pint of water from the air.
Intermediate: The caster can create a small storm in a 20 foot wide area or pull a gallon of water from the air.
Experienced: The caster can create a large storm in a 50 foot wide area or pull several buckets of water from the air.

Hermanta (hibernation/fall)
Novice: The subject becomes sleepy or less aggressive for a limited amount of time.
Apprentice-: The subject become sleepy or less aggressive for a longer amount of time.
Intermediate: The subject falls asleep but can be awoken by touch or a loud noise.
Experienced: The subject falls asleep and is unlikely to awake for a longer period of time.

Shishira (winter)
Novice: The palm of the caster becomes cold and rock hard.
Apprentice: An object touching the caster becomes cold and rock hard (weapons, shields, ect- size limited)
Intermediate: The caster can encase parts of themselves or another in ice.
Experienced: The caster can entirely encase themselves or another in ice.

Appearance:
Previous Occupation: Village Hunter
History:
“So what are you going to do?” Xerus asked, his beady eyes focusing on her.

“I’m not sure,” Epi replied as she gazed out over the forest. She reached up and picked a ripe walnut from the tree branches above and handed it to the Ratatosk, perched on her shoulder.

Xerus took the nut with his tiny claws but held off eating it. “The others, they’re too tame. I suspect it comes from generations of living out in the middle of nowhere, being secluded from the rest of the world. Not you though, you’ve got that sparkle.” Xerus skillfully stripped of the shell of his treat, allowing the nymph time to think. “My point is that you have two choices, Epi. These aren’t mere rumors anymore. A war is coming. The world is going to burn- your world, Epi.”

“I know,” she said again, letting out a long sigh, “but how can I bear to leave this place? I’m not like you, Xerus, the only place I’ve ever lived is this village. I don’t even know what’s out there. Besides, is it really a good idea to leave my village behind? Unprotected?”

“The choice is yours, Epi. Go and meet the battle head-on or wait here for it to come to you…but if you choose to wait, I am certain your village is guaranteed to be destroyed.”

That was three years ago and no one from their village has seen them since. They are believed to be dead.

-----

Name: Xerus
Race: Ratatoskr
Age: (Unknown- Appears to be adult squirrel sized)
Height: Body 20’’, Tail 8’’
Weight: 1.37 lbs
Weapons/Armor: None, but he does have the uncanny ability to ‘disappear’ in the heat of battle.
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Patron Deity: None
Magic Level: Expert (Although you could never tell from looking at him)

Spells

Whispers of the Word (Expert level) Through time and place Xerus can pick up on the events of the world. The more people affected by the event or the closer the location, the easier it is for him to find. Even with all his power and concentration however some things remain vague. This is a very hard spell to cast and takes him time, energy, and immense concentration.

Disappearing Act (Expert level) This spell allows Xerus to disappear (literally) into a different dimension for a short periods of time. While it is very useful, he must anchor himself to some object to help him find his way back. He disappears and reappears in the same state. (So if he is bound and disappears, he will reappears bound).

Aura of the Blessed (Intermediate)Those very close to him seem to experience a decent amount of luck.

Skills
Xerus has the senses of a normal squirrel. He has a wide range of vision, powerful teeth, acute hearing, and a highly developed sense of smell.

Appearance:
Occupation: Gossip mongerer, Advisor
Biography: Xerus is a gather of information. He has spent his life traveling from town to town delivering news and messages. Recently, he has been seen in the company of an elf. No one knows why he has decided to adopt her as his traveling companion but he is often found perched on her shoulder, spouting off information and advice.

[1DVSguy]

Talking squirrels...
I still can't wrap my mind around it

[Azseth]

Fitch likes roast squirrel...

Az

[Hymusia]

Title: None.
Name: Vel'anthi Degrassi.
Nicknames: Vel, poison, darky, oh holy shit!
Class: Specialist Rogue.

Age: 145 (appearance late 20's).
Species: Dark Elf.
Gender: Female.

Appearance: No one would particularly call her imposing, she stands at about five foot two inches and seems to have the build of a willow twig. While her muscles are defined and her slate grey skin tight across them she still has a hint of femininity about her that even her pout can not truly get rid of. Perhaps it is the expanse of snow white hair that falls down her back unless tied upwards in a high tail, or the fact her eyes are the kind of blue even a sky elf would envy after, a kind of blue that belongs to the sky itself rather than contained in such deep expressive eyes. She has a sharp jaw line which belies to her sharp tongue beneath.

Usually, when not in armour, she can be seen in tight fitting leggings, white with black snaking patterns like spider webs weaved through out the fabric. Her top being usually a black adventurers top cinched in place by a white boned corset, likewise covered in the black spider webbing designs of one of the Under Dark deities.

Within armour she is decked head to foot with what could almost be considered scorpion or armadillo style plates that a fix to a leather shirt beneath, the pauldrons rise like crow feathers while the gauntlets are donned near there top with the symbol of the moon. The suit of armour while seemingly unyielding was surprisingly flexible, made from the Under Dark's answer to leather and thus strong yet yielding for the discerning sneak thief.

Weapons: Two curved bladed daggers, five throwing daggers.
Abilities:
Shadow Run: Deceptive title seeing as she can not actually run! Her natural affinity for the dark has culminated in the ability to 'meld' into shadows. To the naked eye she can not be seen as long as she moves at half her usual walking speed. This ability can be destroyed with magical aid (revelation spells, true sight spells etc) or by her moving too quickly while amongst the shadows.

Dull senses: More or less an extension of the previous. She can choose one of several senses to dull to those who would try to spot her/find her. Even without shadows she is good at hiding and thus has adapted an ability to dampen her own 'vital signs' as it were, though only one at a time. This means she could reduce her scent so she could not be scented out. Or her heartbeat, footsteps so she could not be heard, or even sight (should shadows be lacking) to reduce the possibility of being seen. This 'trick' however works differently on different species and thus has varied results.

Trackless: With a conscious effort she can make it so even the best elf rangers really struggle to follow her trail. While she isn't the best at tracking she does understand -how- a person tracks and is tracked and thus with a mix of heritage and skill she can erase her presence as she passes through somewhere. Frustrating people to no end.

Bitter Kiss: Poison, one she brews up herself, it's a contact venom that she can apply very carefully to her lips (as long as she doesn't lick them) or her weapons and has a very nasty effect. While it physically seems to do little to nothing the poison quickly effects the body by beginning to heat it up as if from the throes of a passionate encounter, putting strain on the heart and body until, if not caught, the heart simply stops from all the stress. On the plus side it does come with the euphoric feeling that is usually associated with sex.

Psychological Profile: Specialists would call her a callous capricious woman with paranoia and adjustment issues. Sociphobia, agoraphobia and Schizofrenia a high possibility.
Personality: She will come off as snide, cruel, careless, without tact and with as much loyalty as a rat. She has a warped sense of humour and forever loves to torment half breeds and sky elves as any of her race usually would do. However despite coming off as a bitch she is not as bad as she makes out. She adheres to her own moral code which is surprisingly strict, she is not the type to leave a person she considers her friend in peril and she can hold a grudge for longer than most humans live. Holding people at arms length has been how she deals with people until she gets to the point that she can trust them, whether or not she garners their trust or friendship she really doesn't care.

Background: She didn't really remember the cold, perhaps it was the years in the dark winding corridors of her home, or perhaps she simply wasn't as much of a mewling child as the humans above ground. Either way her childhood in the Winter caverns beneath the mountains was a typical one. She was born to a large family, she was taught and trained in a profession that her family had for centuries and she was bloody good at it! In what was her 'childhood' wars were fought, alliances made and broken and new people came to power. Her 'house' had constantly shifted this way and that and were now sitting pretty as one of the top ten in the Under dark community.

Still their family were not just meant for roaming beneath the caverns like some of the other rats here who had never seen the light, no, hers were the ones who ventured into theupper world and completes tasks that the humans could not quite manage alone. They were stealthy brats and while they had to deal with the taunts of the sky elves they could still do one thing most of those light loving ego's with legs couldn't. They could be quiet.

So it wasn't really a surprise when the human's of a certain capital made a request which would usually get a human killed in a very subtle way. They asked for a half dozen of the best children for the city in return for a nice big sack of, well anything they wanted. If there was one weakness to a Dark Elf it was money, or at least, it was for whichever family was on top at the time -she really couldn't remember-.

Vel was of course probably the only one still alive, it was hard to tell half the time but since she was the only one of her house to be sent up it wouldn't be a surprise, she did have a very specific skill set after all. So here she is, the light still hurts her eyes, she still prefers the dark and the cold but she is a useful asset to anyone who needs certain jobs done and for the right coin she is willing to try, well almost anything.

Origin: Mid-Winter Underdark Capital city under the Northern Mountains.

Strengths: Stealth, Secret keeping, subterfuge, subtlety.
Weaknesses: Brawn, loyalty, greed.

[Irell Starling]

Talking squirrels...
I still can't wrap my mind around it

He's not a squirrel, he's a Ratatoskr.

[1DVSguy]

Hmm looks like a squirrel to me!
Doesn't matter if they live in the world tree or not, it's still a squirrel! lol