Shu

𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖙

RESERVED

𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖙

PROLOGUE

THE VIPER AND THE LION

* * *

Casna Valentin sat alone in the small foyer of Valentin Manor, legs crossed and arms folded over her chest as she looked out the large glass window that sat above the front double doors outside. The sun was nearly gone, the fading reddish orange rays that stretched across the house marking the last breaths of the ending day. As far as Casna knew she was the only one in the estate that was awake minus the servants and guards, of course. This was nothing unusual per se, she was nearly always the first of her family to stir, taking the time to enjoy the silence and solitude of the manor in the early hours of the night.

Casna reached for the small goblet that rested on the side table near her, the deep red liquid within reflecting against the faint candlelights of the crystal chandelier that hung above. The reflective glow danced within as the liquid swirled from the lifting motion. Casna brought her drink to her lips, savoring that first metallic tang as she turned back the goblet and let the fresh blood flow over her lips and tongue.

Draining her cup dry she sat it on the table and left it for the next passing servant to take away. As the last rays of light faded and blackness began to envelope the outdoors Casna could hear the howling of wolves in the distant, the melodious keening bringing a smile to her face as she wiped a trace of blood from the corner of her mouth, suckling it from her thumb.

Amid the scattered bustle of the servants through the house Casna could hear the unmistakable sound of doors opening and slamming above. It seems everyone else wakes now. she thought. Keeping her seat Casna decided to wait for the others as they tended to their “morning affairs”, or rather evening affairs. She traced her fingers absently across the table at her side as she looked out the window, her mind churning with thoughts as they had been for several nights now. Thoughts best shared with only one person, whenever he decided to rouse himself and come see her.

𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖙

+

“Life and unlife share something in common - both hold never ending struggles to be at the top.”

---

---

• Sex | Female

• Age When Turned | 26

• Current Age | 60

• Height | 177.8 cm (5’10”)

• Weight | 58.9 kg (130 lbs)

---

---

Personality

Casna Valentin is best described as cold, bloody, and scheming. Even in her youngest days as a child of the night, after being adopted into House Valentin, she was always the active plotter. Never missing a chance to gain the favor of the patron of their house even at the expense of the rest her family if need be. While not so foolish or disconnected to as kill or even maul another of her clan she is no stranger to blackmail or other intrigues. Casna is not without connections and even close friends however. Despite her elitist outlook on mortals and vampires beneath her status she has many contacts, most in other houses however and some among the commanders of the Crimson Legion. Casna knows that having the support of the men of the kingdoms’ standing army is a fine boon and is willing to overlook her sneering disdain for mortals to gather the bodies needed. She has not totally alienated herself from her own house, having a few close ties among the family while the rest she sees obstacles.

Despite her cruel and backstabbing nature Casna is loyal and devoted to those who call her a friend and offer their hand in support to her, both in large and small endeavors. She is the worst type to call a foe but the closest and most trustworthy ally to those whom have earned her trust and sworn their loyalty.

---

---

Likes

• Power
• Blood Feasts
• Sadism
• Flying
• Reading

Dislikes

• Cowardliness
• Immense Sentiment
• Disobedient Mortals
• Foreigners
• Blood Restrictions

---

---

Backstory

Casna Valentin spent her mortal life as a peasant in a foreign kingdom, begging for food and coin during the day and sleeping in barns and alleyways by night. At times when truly desperate the ragged girl would linger around taverns and inns offering her body in exchange for sustenance, more often than not being given only mocking laughter and strikes to the ground as payment after the deed was done. Her entire life was misery and frequently she considered suicide, hopping in front of a carriage or stepping off a bridge, her suffering done. Were it not for the fear and uncertainty of the afterlife she would have no doubt ended it all.

One night in her mid twenties Casna was approached by a man clad in black who saw her scraping through a trash heap for stray bits of food. Pitying the beggar girl he offered to take her to his home and in exchange for the services of a maid she would be well fed, clothed, and have a warm bed to sleep in every night. Casna did not even have to consider, the cold, starving husk of a woman agreeing to his offer. With a glittering smile the man took her aboard his carriage and the two departed together.

The ride was long and lasted well into the early morning hours. The ebony four horse carriage arrived at a towering stone estate far to the north. The beggar was taken inside and it was there that the man revealed who he was - or rather what he was. A vampire, a blood drinking fiend of the night as the tales went, forsaken by all that was holy and embraced by evil. Casna attempted to flee only to be wrested to the ground as the devil sank his teeth into her flesh, draining her of her life essence.

Casna’s breaths were slow and ragged, her heart hammered furiously and her body felt cold and numb after the creature had his fill. As she prepared to somberly embrace the blackness of death the vampire spoke, his offer simple - “Join my house, become part of my family, and everlasting life and power over the world of mortals will be yours.”

Any sane and normal person would have turned down the creature’s offer, embracing death over unlife and walking in the shadows with the accursed. But Casna was no normal person, she was a hapless beggar whose entire existence had been fraught with pain and suffering. She had always wanted more, to be happy, these feelings often twisted with embitterment and hate for those greater than her. That is when she was not hopelessly depressed. And now this immortal being of immense power offered to share his power with her, to give her a new beginning and the chance to for once be the one that others bowed down to and begged at her feet. And so Casna took the offer and joined the vampire and his house, the Valentin, and has never looked back. She embraces all that the life of a vampire has given her and she has found that she only wants more.

---

---

Personal Effects

• Shortsword
• Full Plate Armor (Pictured above.)
• House Valentin Signet Ring
• Map of Arocuria
• Silver Chalice
• Book of the Drained

𝕮𝖗𝖎𝖒𝖘𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖔𝖚𝖗𝖙

RESERVED

Shu’s Character Catalogue

+

“Life and unlife share something in common - both hold never ending struggles to be at the top.”

---

---

• Sex | Female

• Age When Turned | 26

• Current Age | 60

• Height | 177.8 cm (5’10”)

• Weight | 58.9 kg (130 lbs)

---

---

Personality

Casna Valentin is best described as cold, bloody, and scheming. Even in her youngest days as a child of the night, after being adopted into House Valentin, she was always the active plotter. Never missing a chance to gain the favor of the patron of their house even at the expense of the rest her family if need be. While not so foolish or disconnected to as kill or even maul another of her clan she is no stranger to blackmail or other intrigues. Casna is not without connections and even close friends however. Despite her elitist outlook on mortals and vampires beneath her status she has many contacts, most in other houses however and some among the commanders of the Crimson Legion. Casna knows that having the support of the men of the kingdoms’ standing army is a fine boon and is willing to overlook her sneering disdain for mortals to gather the bodies needed. She has not totally alienated herself from her own house, having a few close ties among the family while the rest she sees obstacles.

Despite her cruel and backstabbing nature Casna is loyal and devoted to those who call her a friend and offer their hand in support to her, both in large and small endeavors. She is the worst type to call a foe but the closest and most trustworthy ally to those whom have earned her trust and sworn their loyalty.

---

---

Likes

• Power
• Blood Feasts
• Sadism
• Flying
• Reading

Dislikes

• Cowardliness
• Immense Sentiment
• Disobedient Mortals
• Foreigners
• Blood Restrictions

---

---

Backstory

Casna Valentin spent her mortal life as a peasant in a foreign kingdom, begging for food and coin during the day and sleeping in barns and alleyways by night. At times when truly desperate the ragged girl would linger around taverns and inns offering her body in exchange for sustenance, more often than not being given only mocking laughter and strikes to the ground as payment after the deed was done. Her entire life was misery and frequently she considered suicide, hopping in front of a carriage or stepping off a bridge, her suffering done. Were it not for the fear and uncertainty of the afterlife she would have no doubt ended it all.

One night in her mid twenties Casna was approached by a man clad in black who saw her scraping through a trash heap for stray bits of food. Pitying the beggar girl he offered to take her to his home and in exchange for the services of a maid she would be well fed, clothed, and have a warm bed to sleep in every night. Casna did not even have to consider, the cold, starving husk of a woman agreeing to his offer. With a glittering smile the man took her aboard his carriage and the two departed together.

The ride was long and lasted well into the early morning hours. The ebony four horse carriage arrived at a towering stone estate far to the north. The beggar was taken inside and it was there that the man revealed who he was - or rather what he was. A vampire, a blood drinking fiend of the night as the tales went, forsaken by all that was holy and embraced by evil. Casna attempted to flee only to be wrested to the ground as the devil sank his teeth into her flesh, draining her of her life essence.

Casna’s breaths were slow and ragged, her heart hammered furiously and her body felt cold and numb after the creature had his fill. As she prepared to somberly embrace the blackness of death the vampire spoke, his offer simple - “Join my house, become part of my family, and everlasting life and power over the world of mortals will be yours.”

Any sane and normal person would have turned down the creature’s offer, embracing death over unlife and walking in the shadows with the accursed. But Casna was no normal person, she was a hapless beggar whose entire existence had been fraught with pain and suffering. She had always wanted more, to be happy, these feelings often twisted with embitterment and hate for those greater than her. That is when she was not hopelessly depressed. And now this immortal being of immense power offered to share his power with her, to give her a new beginning and the chance to for once be the one that others bowed down to and begged at her feet. And so Casna took the offer and joined the vampire and his house, the Valentin, and has never looked back. She embraces all that the life of a vampire has given her and she has found that she only wants more.

---

---

Personal Effects

• Shortsword
• Full Plate Armor (Pictured above.)
• House Valentin Signet Ring
• Map of Arocuria
• Silver Chalice
• Book of the Drained

O R I F L A M M E

Interesting…

Shu’s Character Catalogue

+

---

---

Art by Mariia Bulgakova

---

---

• AGE | 30 Years Old

• SEX | Female

• SPECIES | Human

• ETHNICITY | Hispanic

• HEIGHT | 5’9” - 175.26 cm

• WEIGHT | 125 lbs - 56.699 kg

• PROFESSION | Mercenary/Gun for Hire

• KARMA | Bad Karma (3) - Opportunist

---

---

PROFILE: Necia Lacunza was born in 2251 on the outskirts of Dayglow in the New California Republic, the only child to a store owner and his wife. Necia was six when her father was killed in a robbery gone wrong, her mother unable to keep the store open had to make a living for herself and her daughter working at a cafe. As she grew into her teens Necia began to mingle with bad crowds and began drinking and taking chems, her new lifestyle and friends fraying her relationship with her mother. The woman stretched thin at her job struggled to keep a reign on her rebellious child. Life running the streets taught Necia many skills, select of which were less than noble - gunfighting, brawling, lock picking, and pickpocketing were just some of the “talents” she would learn.

When Necia was twenty-two she and three of her cohorts were arrested and implicated for illegal chem dealing, burglary, petty theft, and blackmail. The day before her trial Necia’s mother visited her and, after a tear-ridden bout, disowned her daughter. At the trial Necia was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to fifteen years of incarceration. She would only serve four of those years however, making her escape in 2277 when the prison caravan transporting her north to finish out her sentence was attacked. While not the target of the apparent breakout Necia managed to take advantage of the chaos of the attack, killing two guards and escaping into the wastes. Desperate to escape NCR territory and jurisdictions Necia fled east.

The wastelands teach their own lessons of course and the fight for survival hardens those who succeed. Since her escape from the NCR Necia has gotten by as a hunter, scavenger, and even a bandit for a short time. Recently she has taken to being a gun-for-hire, a dangerous profession but plenty of caps and cash to be made for one who can prove their worth and keep sharp.

---

---

WEAPONS & GENERAL INVENTORY:

• 12.7mm Pistol + Ammunition (Detachable silencer.)

• Frag Grenades (6)

• Pip-Boy 3000

• Med-X (6)

• Canteen

• Pack of Cigarettes & Lighter

---

---

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES:

• Necia is bilingual. (Fluent in English and Spanish.)

• “Necia” means “fiery”.

• She has a Med-X addiction.

• Necia smokes cigarettes regularly, never passing on buying or otherwise acquiring a pack when running low.

• She is a terrible Caravan player.

SANDSTRIDERS: A Lost Land

@Force and Fury

+

Mamuno smirked crossing his arms loosely over his midsection. As much as he would have liked to sharply state that he would indeed address the young Ayiralite as he pleased he decided to pass on such a petty remark. He instead continued to look upon her form as his mind wandered. “To serve the will of the gods and of Maatrho himself” the girl had said, that was the alleged reason for her to come here. While most would have taken this as an admission of loyalty to the divine realm of Tawr, Mamuno knew better than to simplistically assume the jinnkin female as a devotee to the gods and the Maatrho.

She saved a man of status, even if minor status, and now looks to use this as a bargaining piece. What she hopes for though…

The Imit saw that the jinnkin had little on her person. If he had to presume he would think she was an exile or a refugee from some place. Perhaps Esaad or Baneghora, if not a drifter from the far reaches of Dahard seeking better. Assuming she is not a spy or assassin and looks to use this as a way into my palace. Mamuno thought with a subtle, wry sneer though he doubted this for the most.

“My nature lends itself better to some pursuits than others” - her last words. It did not take Mamuno deep thought to see the suggestions in the jinnkin’s expression, she was it was fair to say wishing to offer her “services” to the man whom now owed her, even if in base courtesy considering his stature versus her own. After all even as one with the blood of a jinn she was still a commoner and the mortal man towering above her an appointed servant of the Maatrho. But Mamuno was a fair man and he rewarded those who did him a favor.
How he would reward her was to be seen. As one with command over the element of fire the Ayiralite girl could be quite useful, and the Imit had a feeling she was used to killing and battle. Of course he had trained and disciplined soldiers at his command, and he had little use for a directionless cur that could turn on he and his men in a moments’ notice. Her loyalty and motives were to be questioned - but not yet. For now she deserved something of a treatment for her saving the Imit from having to find a new scribe.

With a smile as farce as a painted coin the Imit spread his arms at his sides, “Azar, I thank you for saving the life of a worthy servant in my house. And I note your words of devotion to the divine. I would certainly not forgo rewarding you myself.”

With a sharp clap of his hands and a shout the Imit summoned forth two servant women, their heads bowed as they scurried to their masters’ side. “Take this woman to the finest guest chamber, see she is well fed, bathed, and given all the comforts she requests.”

As the two bowed and scurried down the steps, sandals tapping on the stonework, Mamuno smiled at Azar, “We will speak more tomorrow. This evening you will enjoy the full luxury of my gratitude and sleep in the finest of beds tonight.”

@POOHEAD189

+

Okan the Four-Eyed did not flinch, his expression unseen behind the bizarre mask he wore. “A fair price? A fair price is what leaves the buyer satisfied and the seller thrilled.” Okan chuckled whimsically, giving the bottle a slight shake, “For this I might pay twenty gold coins. For what use is it to me? But you - I think you would pay more. Because you can use this. Surely a man of your professions needs any edge, such as an elixir that grants heightened stamina.”

As he spoke Okan pulled the vial back slightly out of arms reach. He had been watching the eyes of the man before him, sizing up the nearby guards and eyeing over his wares. Any other vendor would have become tense upon noticing this, but not Okan. The clothes, the weapons, the observant gaze - this is what he was looking for. Now to “push” a little further.

“Of course, why pay when you can have things… free? The best deal is a free take, not so much for the seller, but ideal for the other man I think. Would you agree?” Okan tittered as he spoke. If he were wrong about the man - which was unlikely - his words would merely be taken as an odd or snide jape and be brushed off. But if the man responded otherwise, such as a low modest agreement, well that would be all Okan needed to break the stone and make an offer.

SANDSTRIDERS: A Lost Land

@Gunther@Penny@Shift

+

The guards gave the signal to enter and the three strangers proceeded inside the throne room. As they approached the Zemida his eyes passed about between them. A man and two women as stated, the man was older looking, bald, and adorned in rather colorful robes. Naakesh presumed him to be a mage or scholar perhaps, though the weapons he carried gave a little more credence to the former. The two women were far younger looking, one reminding him of the Baryakin by the way she was dressed and and how she seemed to walk in a way that, while cautious, still seemed confident and unwavering. The other woman also had the look of a drifter about her, though she seemed a little less mindful of her surroundings and focused solely on whom she approached. Her attire was more like that of an explorer than a desert dweller and the bow and quiver - and various other items she carried - hinted at a desire for light and swift traveling.

Naakesh kept a stony expression as the three drew close to his seat. He at first wondered if they were together in a group, though the noticeable space between each and occasionally curious glance among them seemed to suggest that they did not know each other but had merely arrived in unison and waited for their audience. Not to mention that the more one looked at them it seemed they would be an odd bunch.

They stopped, the Zemida eye’s swiveling between them before he sat up straight and put forth a smile, “Welcome, I am Zemida Naakesh Kaanada, head of House Kaanada. This is my estate and Kaganja is my colony, it’s people my subjects.”

Naakesh leaned forward resting his hands on knees, his advisors looking curiously at the new arrivals. “Who are you,” the nobleman asked, looking first to the bald man, “what brings you here?”

- Shu

- -

Kashvi's eyes swept the chamber, eyes twinkling with her habitual expression of pleased wonder. She pressed her hands together and bowed in the Nekhi fashion.

"Selemat mahaan," she intoned, the ancient and formal Baneghoran greeting for a person of high station. It seemed a little strange in the somewhat dillapidated room but there was never any harm in being friendly.

"I am Kashvi Prinkani Suva Singh, an explorer and cartographer," she emphasized the guesture by patting the satchel of scrolls with its attached brass compass, which jingled slightly on its chain. Explaining that you were a map maker to a local potentate had a variety of possible effects, not all of them good, but honesty was her policy and she saw no reason to change who she was to fit circumstances.

"I thought, since I arrived in your remarkable settlement, I should introduce myself and pay my respects," her teeth glimmered bright as she smiled.

"It is my hope to travel the deserts and map the many remarkable ruins here," she further explained.

- Penny

- -

An explorer, just as I suspected. Naakesh thought, his gaze now on the woman who had spoken first. Her name was Baneghoran and it was quite fair to say that she had arrived on one of the ships that come to Kaganja, be it a passenger or merchant vessel. Naakesh knew that when word of the new colony began to spread across Baneghora that even amid a war of succession people would come. If anything the war would be a contributor to people leaving the turmoiled kingdom to seek a new home or at least a place to shelter them until the bloodshed ended.

A cartographer would be quite useful indeed. the Zemida thought with a stroke of his beard. He smiled and offered a slight bow of his head in return to her polite gesture, “I thank you for your courteousness and welcome your presence here, Kashvi Prinkani Suva Singh. These lands are poorly mapped and untamed, it is true. One such as yourself will be a boon to Kaganja and the people.”!

As tempted as Naakesh was to leap at the chance to request the service of a cartographer it was best - and obviously proper - to let the man and other woman introduce themselves as well. He had a feeling that all three before him would be useful in the case of him extending a dealing hand, and to do that required the foundation of equal welcoming to each and to indicate his impression with them.

- Shu

- -

Namihra was surprised to enter the Zemida’s throne room alongside two others, particularly when one was the Arkanan monk she’d met at the docks earlier. Suspicious of the coincidence, she kept a watchful eye about her surroundings, weary not to be caught unawares should this turn into some kind of ambush.

Unexpectedly however, her proximity to the two foreigners sparked a startling familiarity within her, though she was unable to identify what specifically might have caused the reaction. Unnerved, she kept her distance from either until she could make sense of the new sensation coursing through her.

Although she had expected an individual audience with Kaanada, she figured the additional company would ultimately make no difference. Her goal was to understand what the conqueror could offer by way of monetary payment for a service she might provide. Judging by his recent arrival and that the two others beside her seemed to be newcomers, Namihra was pleased to find she had particular insights that might be of use.

“Mastiam, Zemida,” she said, using the Baneghoran greeting and dipping her head in respect. It was one of the few terms she was familiar with and she hoped it wasn’t too casual so as to offend. Given their current surroundings, it seemed appropriate enough. “I am Namihra Ambreen al-Reza. I have come seeking employ after hearing word of your search for able bodies. It's my understanding that my familiarity with the Manudhe desert might serve as some benefit to you.” Not inclined to provide more information than necessarily, especially in the presence of the two others, Namihra hesitated momentarily before continuing, “Aside from my knowledge of the desert and surrounding territories, I am also a capable warrior.”

- Shift

- -

Naakesh gave Namihra a slight nod, concealing his interest at the second woman. Despite her appearance and his initial consideration Naakesh was confident in his new presumption that the woman was not one of the native nomadic folk. Her words about seeking work made that clear enough. The Baryakin and other folk of Dahard were not the type to wander or depart permanently from their tribes and offer themselves as blades for hire, at least as far as he knew. Even exiles would typically just find a new host or live a life of solitude.

Odds were this woman was originally a foreigner who had come to Dahard as an exile herself or perhaps she was just a vagabond. Regardless - she stood before the nobleman seeking his favor and offering her skills as a fighter and scout. And Naakesh was certain that she too could be of use. This left only the man who had accompanied the two women into the throne room, Naakesh looking to him once more.

- Shu

- -

Kichirō could feel the black braid swing at his back. Although most of his head was shaved completely bald, there remained an eighteen-inch length of braided black hair at the back of his head. A two-inch wooden hair fork held the braid in place contained by a small length of twine. The hair fork presented a small loop of hair in the fashion of a top knot, or in this case, a back knot.

Kichirō was not versed in the etiquette of this land and immediately felt ashamed. He also did not know enough of the Baneghoran language to attempt conversation with this Zemida. He watched the cartographer and the woman he met earlier in the marketplace, but felt embarrassed, unsure how to address the man. He felt compelled to resort to what he knew.

He bowed at the waist, looking at the floor to indicate his status in the man’s presence, beneath the Zemida. In his best Equarish, “Greetings, Zemida Naakesh Kaanada, head of House Kaanada. I am a humble monk traveling from the lands of Arkana across the sea. My name is Kichirō Takagi and am performing a quest for my temple.” Kichirō remained bent as he spoke, aware that he must sound foreign to these Baneghorans. He attempted to learn the language, but just not enough to survive. He committed to himself he would learn more. “I am a healer, herbalist and alchemist by profession, but am skilled in martial arts including the use of the Bō staff as well as the Tong Fa. My quest is to help as many people as I can. In pursuit of this quest, I ended up here in your throne room, Watashi no riēju.” The language of his people slipped out at the end. He did not now how to refer to him other than as my liege...but realized the Zemida may not understand that, “my Zemida.” He slipped into Equarish to correct himself and admitted to himself he felt uncomfortable, but desired to perform his quest as best he could.

- Gunther

- -

A chuckle came from one of his advisors, Naakesh sharply raising his right hand to silence whomever it was. He would not have any guests in his presence mocked or sneered at, even foreigners. With a slight grunt the Zemida stood up, the guards at his back and around the room standing at attention prepared to act on his behalf. Naakesh folded his hands across his lower stomach as he looked over the three once more, his calm state putting the guards back to some degree of ease.

“An explorer, a desert warrior, and a healer,” Naakesh said aloud, his words laced with both consideration and marvel, “well I am certain I can find a use for you if you so wish to be a part of my… efforts here in the ‘Lost Land’. And I am certain you could even find a home here in my Kaganja, so long as you mind yourself and understand that my word is law.”

The room resonated with stiff sincerity at the simple but meaningful intent of the Baneghoran noble. Satisfied with the silence of understanding Naakesh called for his ratham, a middle aged man with a beard and thinning hair of black and white, “Meesathir?” he awaited his command.

“There has still been no word from the men at the tower?”

“No, meesathir.”

Naakesh nodded and looked back to the three, “Six days ago I sent men to the Tower of Bennu that sits perched on the dunes overlooking the great desert, the ‘Manudhe Desert’ as the Esaadi call it. They were to explore the tower and send word back here, but they have not. I do not wish to assume the worst, after all any reason could fall preventing them from sending word to me. But… I need to know.”

“Namihra,” Naakesh said suddenly, eyes on the cowled woman, “you say you are a warrior and that you know the desert. Then you are the best suit to going to the tower and discovering why my men have not returned or sent a runner. If they live aid them in any way they ask and then return to me, but if they are dead or cannot be found then try and discover what happened.”

“Our Zemida often employs those such as yourself,” the ratham said assuringly to Namirah, “they will not turn their blades on you so long as they know he has sent you.”

“Kashvi,” Naakesh said having already turned to the explorer, “you could accompany Namirah to the tower if you so wish. Two heads are better than one they say. Or you could meet with the Commander here tomorrow in the morn. I am sending some of my men northward towards the Jushite lands. They could use your presence and it would grant you the opportunity to chart the lands around Kaganja.”

“And you, Kichirō,” Naakesh stumbled slightly on pronouncing the man’s name, “you might journey northwest to Jalatha. I seek to strengthen ties with the Baryakin people, and what way better than to send one of their villages a healer? If you have the mind to, go to the barracks tomorrow and request two men to escort you to Jalatha. The Commander will let them know you may come by.”

The ratham spoke up again, “I may humbly suggest staying the night at the inn. To all of you. I imagine you are weary, you can set out tomorrow.”

Naakesh seated himself again on his dais, crossing his legs and looking up with steely eyes, “I give you each the chance to prove your worth and to contribute as you seem to wish. Reward? That will come to. Do not fail in what I have given you.”

“Have you anything to ask?” the ratham asked on his masters’ behalf.

- Shu

- -

Focused on saving her coin, she’d avoided both inns and taverns for well over a month. After camping outdoors for what seemed longer, Namihra was eager for something more luxurious than her sand filled bedroll and scorpion meat. She would follow the Kannada’s suggestion to stay at Kaganja's inn and planned to set out well before sunrise. She was familiar with the tower’s location though she had yet to explore it herself.

Her eye passed over the bald monk once more in appraisal as the Zemida mentioned his assignment. She would’ve had no trouble with that task, having just come from the settlement, where she’d previously established a good relationship with its people, but she quickly came to the conclusion it would be best to keep quiet about this. Namihra assumed the payment for discovering the reason behind the communication delay and potentially reuniting the sovereign with his men would be well higher than solidifying relations with the Baryakin.

It wouldn’t be long before she would return to Jalantha in any case, and if the monk was still there, she might offer a hand. For a percentage of his earnings, of course.

“I have a question,” she spoke up, her voice steady. Inwardly, she was suspicious of the Zemida’s offer of reward when his own throne room was in such a decrepit state. She needed at least some assurance before putting her life in danger on his behalf. “The reward you speak of,” she continued, directing her gaze at Kannada, “I don’t make a habit of accepting employ without the details of payment expressed in advance.” She wondered whether the sum would be affected if the other woman decided to join her. In truth, Namihra would welcome the company even if it did. Traversing the sarin was treacherous enough, doubly so on one’s own, especially if there were other dangers involved. She doubted the cartographer would give up the opportunity to further develop her charts of the area, however. “Might you enlighten me of these particulars before I agree to this task?”

- Shift

- -

Despite the rather sharp, glinting looks from those around him Naakesh merely smiled at Namirah, keeping his composure at her question. In truth Naakesh respected the forwardness of her inquisition. “My rewards depend upon outcome. Were you to return to me with proof of my men’s deaths or that they live and still search through the tower I would pay you as appropriate for such a helpful service .

Naakesh shifted forward, an engaging look taking shape following his statement, “I deal fairly and admire and value initiative. Do as I ask and be dealt as you deserve - do more for my favor, and be dealt even better.”

Do you understand? If you do not trust me or dislike what I ask and expect - then you are free to walk away.”

- Shu

- -

Kichirō listened to the conversation between the young woman and the Zemida. He did not share her decision to place more value on the reward than on the task at hand. The conversation distracted him from his task for only a minute. Then he realized his assignment as a healer doubled as an ambassador. He felt he would be representing this man to the Baryakin people at Jalatha. With an escort of two soldiers from his retinue who undoubtedly knew the way, this quest could be a boon to his personal quest wile simultaneously gaining favor with this Zemida.

Kichirō returned to a bow, “My liege, I feel honored to be handed this mission. I will not let you down and do my best to help the people of Jalatha.” He returned to an upright pose and turned to the ratham, gave a slight bow of his head, “Thank you, sir. I will take you up on your offer to stay at the inn this evening. I must ask, what is the distance to Jalatha and how may I be traveling to meet the Baryakin people?”

“Jalatha is a half day’s ride from Kaganja,” the ratham asserted, “you will travel by camel. The men will be instructed to have three rested and prepared for you in the morn.”

- Gunther

- -

The Manudhe Desert is supposed to be most remarkable," Kashvi replied, her mental atlas searching through the stories she had picked up about the locale on the voyage to these shores. She had traveled deserts before, and found them to be very beautiful with the right frame of mind. Of course Kashvi found everything beautiful. The world was full of wonders if one had eyes to see. She bowed to the Zemida in Baneghoran fashion.

"I will be pleased to search for your missing men in service of seeing such a place," she continued. Kashvi didn't have a stake or even an opinion of the colonial project underway here, but she tended to find that it made her work easier if she was helpful wherever she went.

"If you have maps and charts, I would love to review them before we depart, that would be most remarkable," she gushed.

- Penny

- -

Namihra felt slightly chided by the response to her query on the matter of payment, though this was likely attributed more to the reaction of the Zemida’s men than of his own tone and choice of words. It was no matter – Kaanada himself seemed to understand she meant no insult and was merely conducting business. While she had hoped for a more direct answer, his offer was enticing enough to garner her willing participation. Baneghora was a wealthy nation despite the inner turmoil she’d recently learned it was facing. It would be foolish of her to allow the appearance of a fledgling colony still in its beginning stages to sway her decision. Coin was coin, after all.

Before she had the opportunity to confirm her cooperation with his request, the monk spoke up in compliance, followed in suit by the cartographer. Both seemed more subservient than she, and the woman was particularly effervescent. Namihra tried to refrain from letting this detail affect her judgement of the foreigner on the whole.

She held her head high as she made eye contact with the Zemida. “I too, accept your offer,” then, turning her gaze to his second, she continued, “as well as any further information you may wish to compart before we make our departure.”

- Shift

- -

“There is nothing more we have to offer,” stated the ratham, not even attempting to hide the impatience in his voice at this point, “go west and ascend the Yefsar Hills, from there you will see the tower.”

Even as the ratham gave his sharp instruction Naakesh waved for his scribe who stepped forth, handing a rolled map to Kashvi per her request.

“If you choose to go together you will both be paid properly.” the Zemida clarified. “Separately - the first to return will reap the full reward plus an extra boon of choice.”
A stiff silence filled the air, a slight smirk ran across Naakeshes mouth. If the two women wished to work together that was well and good, but Naakesh saw no harm in making things more interesting if they wished to pursue the same task alone. If nothing else it would show which between the two was more resourceful and more willing to do what was necessary. And if one were to say kill or maim the other, well that was hardly a concern for him.

“Go now,” the ratham said, splitting the silence, “you have your tasks. And we have much to do here.”

- Shu

Shu’s 1x1 Index

Unlike the specific plots above this is a more casual listing. All OC’s listed below are up for 1x1’s. Feel free to look at the others to be seen in the shared thread just know that only those here are open for RP.

All pairings listed of course are up for grabs, note that anything that is “stricken” is either taken or off the table for the time being. Pairings will be added and-or removed over time.

Feel free to pitch your own ideas based on pairings and OC’s below, if you have none but still like the foundation I have plenty of my own to share!

NOTE: While some of the fandom pairings are setting/timeline specific I am willing to alter these for more promising ideas.

---

---

• Jael Ambrose OU. A half-blood demoness of lust that delights in toying with and tormenting mortals amid her bids for power.

• Norovah T’zana Mass Effect universe. An Asari Spectre/STG operative.

• Varzael Kadrih OU. A dark elf noble house heir that lives for the rush and danger of noble politics.

• Vashti Yinro OU. A biracial human-xenos rogue for hire that specializes in field tech and hacking.

---

---

GENERAL PAIRINGS
FANTASY
- Assassin x Apprentice
- Assassin x Demoness
- Demoness x Blood Mage
- Demoness x Druid
- Demoness x Mage Apprentice
- Demoness x Noblewoman/Nobleman
- Demoness x Undead Knight
- Demoness x Undead Sorcerer
- Noblewoman/Nobleman x Bard
- Noblewoman/Nobleman x Mercenary
- Noblewoman/Nobleman x Sorcerer
- Orc Warrior x Orc Shaman
- Orc Warrior x Orc Warrior
- Sorceress (Dark Elf) x Human Slave


---


SCIENCE FICTION
- Bounty Hunter x Bounty Hunter
- Commando x Explorer
- Commando x Researcher
- Explorer x Mercenary
- Mercenary x Mercenary
- Mercenary x Smuggler
- Pirate x Pirate
- Pirate x Smuggler


---


SLICE OF LIFE
- College Student x College Student (Futuristic/Sci-Fi University)



FANDOMS
CIVILIZATION: BEYOND EARTH
- Explorer x Researcher (ARC faction upon Arrival.)
- Explorer x Soldier (Slavic Federation faction upon Arrival.)
- Soldier x Soldier (Kavithan Protectorate faction post-Arrival war.)


---


DRAGON AGE
- Ben-Hassrath x Ben-Hassrath (Amid the events of DA: Inquisition.)
- Ben-Hassrath x City Elf (Amid the events of DA: 2.)
- Ben-Hassrath x Mercenary (Amid the events of DA: Inquisition.)
- Ben-Hassarath x Templar Knight (Amid the events of DA: 2.)
- Circle Mage x Circle Mage (During the Mage Rebellion.)
- Circle Mage x Templar (During the Mage Rebellion.)
- Dalish Elf x Dalish Elf (Amid the events of DA: Origins.)
- Dalish Elf x Tal-Vashoth (Amid the events of DA: 2..)
- Grey Warden x Grey Warden (Prior to the events of DA: Origins.)
- Tevinter Mage x Apprentice (Amid the events of DA : Inquisition.)
- Tal-Vashoth x Mercenary (Post DA: 2.)
- Tal-Vashoth x Tal-Vashoth (Post DA: 2.)


---


FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS
- Frumentarius x Frumentarius (Prior to game events.)
- Frumentarius x Mercenary (Prior to game events.)
- Jackal Member x Jackal Member (Post-Game, Yes Man ending.)
- Mercenary x Mercenary (Post-Game, Yes Man ending.)
- NCR Ranger x NCR First Recon Scout (Prior to/Building up to the First Battle of Hoover Damn.)
- NCR Ranger x NCR Ranger (Prior to/Building up to the First Battle of Hoover Damn.)
- White Glove Society Member x White Glove Society Member (Prior to game events.)


---


METAL GEAR SOLID
- Diamond Dog Soldier x Diamond Dog Soldier (Post Phantom Pain.)
- MSF Soldier x MSF Soldier (Between the events of Peace Walker and Ground Zeroes.)


---


MASS EFFECT
- Alliance Soldier x Alliance Soldier (During the Reaper War.)
- Alliance Soldier x Batarian Soldier (During the Reaper War.)
- Asari Spectre x Alliance Operative (Between the events of ME and ME2.)
- Asari Spectre x Turian Spectre (Between the events of ME and ME2.)
- Cerberus Operative x Cerberus Operative (Prior to the events of ME.)
- Mercenary x Mercenary (Between the events of ME and ME2.)
- Turian Soldier x Krogan Warrior (During the Reaper War.)
- Turian Soldier x Quarian Soldier (During the Reaper War.)


---


PILLARS OF ETERNITY
- Bleak Walker x Bleak Walker (Prior to the events of POE 1.)
- Cleric of Skaen x Beggar (Prior to the events of POE 1.)
- Cleric of Skaen x Paladin of Skaen (Prior to the events of POE 1.)
- Cleric of Skaen x Prostitute (Prior to the events of POE 1.)
- Kindly Wayfarer x Druid (Amid the events of POE1.)
- Leaden Key Agent x Huana Warrior (After the events of POE 1.)
- Leaden Key Agent x Leaden Key Agent (After the events of POE 1.)
- Leaden Key Agent x Paladin of Skaen (Amid the events of POE1.)
- Leaden Key Agent x Rogue (Amid the events of POE 1.)
- Priest/Priestess of Woedica x Leaden Key Agent (After the events of POE 1.)


---


STAR WARS
- Bounty Hunter x Bounty Hunter (The early days of the Empire.)
- Clone Trooper x Clone Trooper (During the Clone Wars.)
- Jedi Knight x Jedi Knight (During the Clone Wars.)
- Jedi Knight x Jedi Padawan (During the Clones Wars.)
- Jedi Knight x Jedi Padawan (Amid and after Order 66.)
- Sith Lord x Sith Apprentice (Sith Civil War period.)
- Sith Warrior x Sith Warrior (Sith Civil War period.)


---


STELLAR TACTICS
- Mercenary x Mercenary
- Smuggler x Smuggler


---


THE ELDER SCROLLS
- Crusader of Stendarr x Crusader of Stendarr (Prior to the Oblivion Crisis.)
- Cultist of Boethiah x Cultist of Boethiah
- Cultist of Boethiah x Mercenary
- Cultist of Boethiah x Cultist of Namira
- Cultist of Molag Bal x Cultist of Molag Bal
- Cultist of Sanguine x Cultist of Sanguine
- Cultist of Sanguine x Servant
- Dark Brotherhood Initiate x Dark Brotherhood Initiate (Post DB storyline - Skyrim.)
- Forsworn x Cultist of Molag Bal
- Forsworn x Forsworn (Amid the Markarth Incident.)
- Forsworn x Orc Warrior (Amid the Markarth Incident.)
- Forsworn x Witch (Reachwoman) (After the Markarth Incident.)
- Necromancer x Apprentice
- Orc Warrior x Orc Shaman
- Orc Warrior x Orc Warrior
- Skooma Dealer x Smuggler
- Thalmor Agent x Bosmer Agent (During the Great War.)
- Thalmor Agent x Khajit Agent (During the Great War.)
- Vigilant of Stendarr x Vigilant of Stendarr


---


THE LAST OF US
- Brother x Sister (Early days of the outbreak.)
- Paramedic x Paramedic (Early days of the outbreak.)
- Police Officer x Police Officer (Early days of the outbreak.)
- Survivor x Survivor (Four years after the outbreak.)