Desp's Phantasms — Roleplayer Guild

Despereaux
The Willow-Wind Fencer

Name ⸬ Despereaux Giselher

Age ⸬ middling
Gender ⸬ female
Height ⸬ 43 cm
Weight ⸬ 1.7 kilos
Race ⸬ dormouse

Natal ⸬ Grus Ascending in the 11th House

Tier ⸬ low

Appearance ⸬ A small mouse of proper tutelage and grooming, I am, with soft short fur that was once delicate pale brown but has, from my battle against age, patches of gray. Like most of my proportions my ears are large, but also round; my tail is large, too, twice as long as my body, so long it trails on the ground; and my whiskers extend far from my gentle pink nose. Around my shoulders I wear a cape the color of Tiger Lilies and so light it feels weightless, billowing behind me at even the least of breezes. A chain-link shirt protects me, some links are absent and broken but tell the story of how this shirt is why I still live. I carry a longsword, always; though it is a two-handed weapon, I use it with but one paw. 

About ⸬ I was born 12th of Dewfall during the third year of the reign of Terovorus under the star sign of Grus, a simple peasant mouse. I was strong and put to work in the fields farming thistledew grain. A Knight of Terovorus took notice of me, as I was dragging behind me along the road enough bales of thistledew to feed my village for a year, all tightly bound in ropes of twining bluegrass. Like a slave, he bought my services for a shilling and away I went from farm and family into the big city of Nevers-le-Mons where I became first a squire, then a soldier, then a knight and finally a knight-errant and heroine.

Abilities

Expert Fencer ⸬ Ever has swordsmanship come easily to me, particularly the Art of Fencing and penetrating my foe’s weaknesses with swift precise jabs. Three styles I have mastered: the style of the wind with its leaning and delicate subtle, movements; the style of the river, with its flowing grace and circular, spiral rhythms; and the style of the solitary tree, which stands firm against the elements.

Strength of Roots ⸬ I cannot say why, but I was born with strength unbecoming of a dormouse; within me is the strength of a human, a bear of a human, a bear of a grizzly. I have jumped onto castle walls, hung for days from the face of a cliff, and beaten a drunk badger in an arm wrestling contest.

Grace of Wind ⸬ My Knightly and Courtly training conferred on me the grace of ballrooms and dancing, of footwork and swordsmanship and of when to speak and when to hold my tongue. My footwork is adroit and I know the songs and the words to calm the hearts of those in pain or terror.

Wisdom of Water ⸬ Life has taught me many things, and well do I recall those lessons. When it is time to hold my tongue, I hold it. When it is time to fight, I fight. When it is time to run for my life against insurmountable odds, I do that too. Enough wars and battles I have witnessed to understand the changing of the bloody tide, and my role in correcting it. Some say that is the Art of Generals. I also know when the time comes to die, it is best to confront it with solemnity and respect. 

Items

Hero’s Compass ⸬ A rare artifact given to me by the Witch of Vézelay, it directs my path and opens doors to where I need to go; sometimes doors to other realms and realities. For this I have left my world behind in more ways than one. Thanks to its guidance I have saved many in need. And as with a traditional compass, it aligns to the strongest magnetitic field. I wear the plain brass bauble around my neck under my mail.

Thistledew Blade ⸬ Given to me at my ascendancy to knighthood, joining brothers and sisters as a Knight of Terovorus. Their pick of name, a joke and a careful and worthwhile reminder of my humble origins. It is a special blade that glints like platinum, never needing to be polished. I have yet to meet a battle that can break it or even put a nick in its keen edge. With it I have pierced steel armor and cut oaks with a single deft stroke, despite its length being nowhere near long enough. That is part of its magic, and part of my skill as a fencer. The handle is wrapped in orange leather, the same color as my cape. They say the Witch blesses all blades, if they be held by noble souls.