She knew this drill. Stay quiet in the back, look reasonably attentive and bored as a situational staff member, and only really pay any distinct attention when called. Not too difficult to do, and it played the expectation of the individuals that they met. Perhaps they were on the right track going this way, but she was far out of her depth here at the College.
A lot of these areas were areas that she did not wander into. After all, there was not much of a reason to travel into districts like these. Most of the work that Desi had done was internal or from reference notes and journals. Not to mention that the individuals that she could find were not really the regimented type. Much like her, in fact.
Still, she did observe the barest of courtesies when her mentor showed. For the non(or barely, the difference was negligible)-mental types like her, that consisted of staying back and showing the proper deference to someone who could undoubtedly do a fair amount of harm to you with their mind.
Honestly, that was just prudent.
It was novel to see the "energetic" Ellais dim themselves to something more constrained, though.
Winded from the climb up, Desidera had remained with the stabilized individuals until they could be recovered by the healers. She had been giving them the details of their injuries, but when she sees the others heading off, she moves to join them.
Giving the individuals a thorough search was tiresome, but it got done. "They're safe", she reported back to Xonti. While there was no danger of exposure, she left their belongings neatly stacked next to them, and left them modest coverings. Stretching as she stood up, she did not like the idea of climbing up that far so soon.
A brief nod was given, acknowledging the instructions while still tending to the others. "Desidera is my name. That other reference is a novel title, though— I'll have to practically strip them to check." A shrug was given at the modesty, having long since been inured to all manner of exposure.
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Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 Heal:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
The revelation of the Adonais and the Ophiduan weakly drawing a breath set Desidera to nodding in appreciation of their hardiness as she set to treating them. "Still mind... Tough bastards."
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Heal(First Aid)@15:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Heal(First Aid)@15:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Noticing Tai taking a look at the dead, she accompanied him in the rounds, though she did wear a resigned expression, and shook her head at him. "—Was the first thing I did", she murmured. The pair of newcomers were welcome, since anything that could do this was likely something that was too big for three individuals to handle alone. In her head, she was trying not to identify the causes of death for these individuals, as they were already beyond her reach.
"I expect we'll find out if we're alone down here soon, though."
Having remained silent as the others did their looking around, Desi had her arms folded, looking around the area that they currently occupied, having not ventured far from their original point. The significance of any of this was lost on her, so she stated the obvious, leaning up against the wall.
"We found an ancient hole— inside a surprise hole..." The deadpan expression she was wearing was evident in her tone. "Not positive so far. Is there nothing else living around here besides us?"
Assisting the others in the immediate area was finished just before the interjection of the official, she sighed and looked over the side where the others were headed. It would not be something that she would say aloud, but she was appreciative of the newcomer. Her kit was back at the barracks— granted, she kept the most important things on her person, but that was not a climb that she would have wanted to make alone. That did beg the question of what was the source of this crack... Something this big should have been seen?
The comment from Tai, following the newcomer was heard, and she was pretty sure that it was said on purpose. "Oi, that'd mean that it's on me! You take that back!", she called after him.
Waiting a few seconds before starting the descent, she sighed. It beat lingering in base, anyway.
Catching up with the two humans, Xonti manages to "sheath" his Ophiduan Glaive to his back just enough so that the unwieldy-sized polearm is not in any position to obstruct his general ground movement.
The Human with the torn, patchless uniform, currently known to the Ophiduan Cryptic as Tai Leng, is presently crouched over [or near] an accessible part of the deep gash cutting through the nearby market grounds as a cacophony of disjointed voices could be heard murmuring from the nearby crowd of onlookers.
All of her attention was on treating what she could with what was available. Fortunately, none of the injuries that were in the immediate area were not severe, only bruises and a few cuts that could be easily cared for enough for them to get out of the area and to a house of mending. From time to time, she did look up to make sure that... Tai and the Ophiduan... Esk? remained in sight, though.
"Tai Leng. Formerly a member of our glorious military." he says with a somewhat sardonic tinge.
"Now, let's get going. From what this guy said, this might be ur-" he cuts off as the ground shakes and a part of the city...collapses.
"Change of plans. Is the city under attack?" without waiting for an answer, he moves toward the source of the disturbance to see what exactly happened.
It took two moments for her to comprehend the scale of what just happened, and amid the screams and pandemonium that was currently ensuing, she moved to follow Tai. It was more to keep from becoming isolated in the ongoing tumult, but better a pair or trio than solo, especially in this. Under her breath, she was running through enough invectives to almost give off a heat haze, shaken by the sudden pronouncement of the Seer.
It did not occur to her to not run towards the destruction, though her forward progress was intermittently stalled by momentary aid given to those that were in her reach that seemed like they needed it. "If that's an attack, we're going to have bigger problems pretty damn soon!"
"We all have to eat, and I need money for that. Somehow I doubt you work for free either."
Perhaps it was solidarity in a fellow human or something else, but Desi was motivated to be known after the exchange between the human and Ophiudan. She stepped up beside and just behind Tai Leng, hooking her thumbs in her belt to emphasize her calling.
"Effort has a better exchange value than a life. You get what you pay for."
It was not quite a challenge, but it was definitely a swagger in her step. She let the cocky smile stay as she tilted her head at the investigator. She could read the exchange, they were short on hands, and going to do what they had to, they would just make it easier for them to perhaps save face a little longer.
The white-robed ophiduan who has just identified himself to Tai Pao Leng as an 'Ah Kulel', steps forward from the two psionic knights flanking him to inspect the dromite, his lemon-drop eyes narrowing with an admixture of curiosity and wariness.
Upon espying the purple slug, the investigator is quickly overcome by a look of horror, and calls hoarsely to his attendants,
"Pajtal, Hemith, come quickly, this youth is possessed by a puppeteer!"
Leisure was fleeting, her time in the company had shown that— so as the human with the attire that lacked insignias where they should have been came back into view, she took further note and paid closer attention. What cemented her attention on him was the manner in which he caught and held the small insectoid.
'I know that from somewhwere.'K.(Martial):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Realizing that she had sat up and was very obviously taking notice, she sighed as she recognized the end of her leisure of watching the colors and the city flow by. A quick stretch and bounce on the balls of her feet settled the belts and bandolier, her smooth steps taking her towards the incident just as a patrol reached him before she did. Two Knights and an inspector seemed a bit much for a chase, but this was the market. They may have been headed elsewhere and got distracted.
Whatever situation this was, she gave it enough space to visibly show that she was not a part of it, but kept herself in view of both parties. Lurking behind Knights was asking for unnecessary trouble, and in case this got strange, deniablity about being an accessory was a good thing.
That was, until she caught the words "parasite" and "medical", and then realized that the plainly visible iconography of a certified healer on her buckle might just get her drawn into this.
The announcement of "Puppeteer" raised both eyebrows, and kept her interest. She looked over at the human again, giving him an appraising look. Catching something like that in a busy market is quite impressive.
On the edge of the fountain that had not been taken up by blanket vendors, she was enjoying the contrast between the warmth of the sun on her dark skin and the brief cool of the occasional breeze passing over the water on her short, dark hair. The linens they were wearing were common enough, sturdy to prevent casual damage, and not so heavy that one would boil in direct sunlight. She sympathized with those that had to wear the heavy stuff, she really did.
Enjoying the free day was the only thing that was on her agenda, since study was a regular enough thing, and practice was inevitable with the number of those that were signing on. They had to be taught the order of things in the Houndpoint Company, and after those lessons were imparted, of course she was there to teach them the other lesson of the company: Do Not Annoy The Healers.
Really, it ought to be obvious. Somehow, they still got those that thought that what privilege they had earned prior conferred some sort of station, but that was quickly and decisively corrected.
If it cost them another week in recovery, well...
A shake of her head dispelled the direction that her thoughts were going, and her eye caught the non... uniformed... soldier? That was interesting. Not many would go out in the uniform like such, though the expression on his face said that there was a story there. Definitely interesting.
She was staring, but given her attire, she did not think too much of it. The one concession to her position and role was that the quality dyed leather pair of belts that she wore crossed over her hips had more pouches and buckles than most, which accompanied the bandolier, the central buckle on the belts marked with the universal symbol and colors for a healer. The Hound-and-Pennant design of the Company was on the front pouch of the bandolier at her shoulder-front.
Desidera's greatsword was forgotten as she pushed herself off of the ground with a groan. "Figured. Just what I didn't want to happen." It took a second as she checked herself over for injuries, then looked up to notice the woman. Well, they certainly were not where they were anymore...
Catching the gist of her motion, even if the query was not understood, she nodded, gesturing to the portal, then all of them. The expression on her face was that of uncertain, though. She had a guess as to who that portal belonged to.
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Charisma check to convey intent:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
There were two choices. Continue to fight the pull, which-- given the source-- was not very possible, or go after the source. "Dismiss the spell, uncle!" The others would hopefully give her uncle a hand, she hoped that this would work-- and not hurt too much. Her greatsword was lifted, and she roared, a sound full of a deep fury and defiance. Desidera's steps became purposeful, as she made for the exit of the cave, the portal her goal.
Once there she raised the sword, her target being not the portal itself, but the arch that defined it. Most long-term portals could not exist without a framework, and she hoped that this would end the magic.
The sword rose.
The sword fell.
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Sunder attempt on the statue/arch(?) that frames the portal. Hopefully, no anchor, no portal.
2d6+4 (max 16) Damage applied, Good-aligned.
Keeping pace with her uncle, she noticed his difficulty in retreating. Desidera wondered what the effect was that affected the apes that way, trying to identify whatever it was that the portal was doing. While she was no magical scholar, magic was something that was a hobby of hers. There were so many curious things that could be done with magic, and understanding how they worked was key to understanding how to stop them.
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K.(Arcana):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
With herself and Kayla nearby, Desidera was able to chuckle to herself, promising that she and her uncle would take lessons on hiding from Kayla as soon as they got the chance. In this situation she was heartened by the fact that if they were detected, no one would be standing alone in the melee. She withdrew with her uncle, curious about what the apes would do now that Ntanga was gone. Would they retreat through the portal? Was Ntanga what was keeping the group together?
Desidera is right behind her uncle as he moves, realizing that his aim is to recover the book, whereas her target is that collar that Ntanga was wearing. It seemed to be causing him some discomfort, and it was out of place, so she wanted to get a good look at it. If they could manage this fast enough, they might be able to get out unscathed.
If they could not, her uncle would have someone at his back. The sword was a significant weight, but she managed it fine, crouching to search for the clasp on the collar. It might not have a clasp if it was as magic as she was suspecting.
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Same boat, I suspect. Move action to move with Aodhiel, Standard action to find and unclasp the collar. I'd hate to have to decapitate a dead enemy.
This... was not going to be pleasant. With the others taking positions in order to ambush the group of apes it seemed that they were destined to fight, she took up a hiding position as best she could as well, drawing the greatsword from its sheath on her back and offering a silent prayer to any gods that were listening. She was never happy when things came to fights, much less when any killing was involved. She could tell that they would be seeking out Ntanga's master after this.
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Stealth:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Wes' yelling moved her from her slightly out-of-the-way position, into the cave, hurrying to see what was going on. Cover was not a position that she was able to take, and her place was by her Uncle's side. The sack got tossed near the campfire, hurrying to join the others. At the sight of the apes-- and hearing Kayla's exclamation-- she sighed sadly, seeing the chance for a peaceful resolution slipping further and further away.
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I take it that Aodhiel has moved past the apes to reach and check on the courier? If so, Desidera will move to join him by the courier as well.
The sack with the herbs and tubers inside it is forgotten, raising an eyebrow at the arch. "Well... I hope that is not an everyday occurrence.." Rather than be blindsided by something emerging, she moved off to the side to get a good look at the phenomenon. After a moment in thought, she shook her head to state the obvious. "Clearly it's a gateway, but where did it come from?"
"Do you think we should get into the cave, or see what comes out of this active portal?", she asked Kest.
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Is the cave entrance still accessible? K.(arcane):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Desidera could only laugh briefly at a statement that would have been flattery were there any other recipient. The idea of such a lofty being happily feeding pigs and milking cows in the dawn of morning made her smile. "'Or something' is more accurate." She was taking time to strip the herbs and clean the tubers while Kest cleaned the rabbits. "Everyone in my family has the same bloodline, it just showed up in me for some reason."
Thoughtful, Desidera considered that her (great)uncle displayed the same traits that she did, then she did.. "It's possible that it is something that skips generations, perhaps?" Frowning slightly, she realized that they would have to take a trip back by the family farm in the next few years.. If she was right, then the cultists might come back.
"Let us make haste then, good sir." Appreciative of Kest's presence, Desidera headed out with him. With his help, they were able to bring back a fair amount of food that they would not be resorting to breakfast, either. When he got the rabbits, Desidera switched her efforts to herbs and tubers, figuring that tonight was a good night for stew, not to mention that it was one of the things that also was even better the next day.
While they foraged, Desidera made small talk where it was proper. "Have you seen many places? Most of my experience was on a farm until I traveled with my uncle." She loved stories, and this was the best way to get them, in her opinion.
For the statue: K.(Religion):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14, K.(Arcana):1d20 ⇒ 19
Desidera shook her head as she looked at the statue not recognizing any religious significance to the thing, not able remember anything like it(cave and statue size/description?). Of course, they were in a completely different part of the world, so she was not surprised at all. Her pack had been set to the side, along with her staff, and she casually pulled a sack out of the top of her admittedly stuffed pack.
"Why Uncle, will I be inadvertently teaching you more about how to gather food from the most different of places?", she teased fondly, setting the pot aside as well. "Or will you be coming along, Kayla?" She liked Kayla. Granted, she was all about her duty, but she could not blame her. If you gentlemen would be so kind as to set up camp, I'll try to see what fresh food I can find-- I wouldn't eat our rations except in an emergency. Also, do be careful. The fog is not natural, but it is entirely possible that it isn't because of us. Keep your eyes open."
Smiling at her uncle, Desidera waited at the mouth of the cave for her uncle to set his things down and everyone to get things decided before she went out to forage for edible things that were decidedly not-rations. "Uncle, if you're going to explore the cave, I do request someone with a bow or crossbow come with me.. I own neither. I have a signal whistle on me for trouble, and if no one has any signaling methods here, you could bang on the pot."
Desidera was sad at seeing the bat killed, and was dejected as they followed the path that ascended the mountain. Other places were something that had always interested her, and she tried to read as much about the subject as she could. As a child, she was always talking to the travelers, mostly interested in their stories. Some of it was coming in handy now as they traveled, and ever since taking up traveling with her uncle, the use they had for it was increased, so she kept up her pursuit of information about different lands.
The pack she carried was enough weight that she had some difficulty moving easily, but all the items that she carried would hopefully come in handy. It was a bit annoying to have to reach back to empty the water out of the pot every now and then, though.
She was not going to try to kill the bat outright.. It was not like it was actively trying to hunt them. "Try not to kill it, please?", she asked of the others. To that end, she swung with her staff, the attack a bit difficult, since she was not trying to kill it outright.
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Move: Into Melee range
Std: Attack(nonlethal):1d20 + 4 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 - 4 = 12, Nonlethal dmg:1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Feel free to roll any reflexive roll like that for me. Initiative, Save, if it requires me posting a single dice roll, I welcome that being taken out of my hands to allow a better flow. Fortitude:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
It figured that she would turn to look for nearly everyone and find them vanishing. That was the one thing that she did not figure out how to do quite well.. Doing the best she could, she tried to find cover near something that looked like it could hide her. Since fights with the local wildlife were something that they wanted to avoid if at all necessary, she was going to have to be on the lookout for other methods of driving them away.. After they avoided a fight with a huge bat.
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Stealth:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
With a grin on her face, Desidera looked down from one of the branches of the tree that she had managed to climb. The bark was a bit different from the trees that she was used to climbing, but it was not so different that it was difficult. "Uncle, did you conveniently forget who it was that kept us in food when those raccoons made away with our sack of rations two days out of Longsdale?"
Teasing, she said nothing more, but started back down, having seen what she felt was enough of the area to start to get a handle on things. Still smirking at Aodhiel, she dusted her hands off and picked up her pack, the clanking of the iron pot against her sword a bit loud. "I don't think that we have to worry about raccoons this time." Given the size of the insects, she was more concerned about the things that might view them as food.
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Climb:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 I'd rather take 10 on Survival until it is actively needed to roll
Chuckling softly to herself at the debate that was going on, Desidera let them continue to debate as she gauged the nearest tree for climbing. Unless Kest recalled what the nearest settlement was, they were going to have to discover for themselves. "Kest, you're a little familiar with the area, aren't you? What are the main hazards in this place?" Whether or not they would be able to head towards Sandpoint in the future was not really relevant until they could get out of this place.
For now, she was going to try to climb this tree to see if she could see anything.
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Survival@10= 16 Climb:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 Climb retry:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Desidera had been looking around at the landscape, and more importantly, the insects. Kest's declaration of them not being where they expected to be was not a surprise, since she expected a bit more "sand" or something similar if this was Sandpoint. So while the others were debating methods, she was getting a sense of the plants. She shifted her pack a bit, removing it from her shoulders to sit on the ground while they debated. She was carrying a lot of equipment. "Whichever way we will be going, we will be heading towards the nearest settlement--"
The thought occurred to her that the nearest settlement might be a ways away, and she addressed the remainder of the statement to Kest. "--where is the nearest settlement, by the way?"
Desidera looked at her uncle, pretty certain that he was committed to this endeavor. That of course meant that she was going along. After all, if they had seen talking apes, the closer they got to the book, they could very likely see other talking animals. That thought was something that intrigued her greatly. "I wonder what we'll find in Sandpoint?", she mused aloud. Would this "king" have more lackeys?
Desidera looked back and forth as the plans continued, not entirely certain about their intention, but she could not argue anything right now. It seemed that they were looking at a trip.
With the departure of Ntanga and the other apes that were with him, Desidera sighed and frowned at the "Great" Librarian, shaking her head at the difficult situation that they found themselves in, along with the choices that they would have to make that lay ahead. She was curious about the direction they would be going, however. The words of her uncle and a Paladin were going to lead them in interesting directions.
Sheathing the sword, she folded her arms. "Well, we have our first order of business: Learning about this book and what it is related to." If everyone agreed, they were going to spend another day here, likely, before they headed out in pursuit.
Desidera glanced towards Arwen, and then back to Wes with an expression that said that she was uncertain. "It does sound like an adventure.. I am just uncertain of who we are helping." There were things about this that did not sit well with her. "Uncle, the Paladin-- Lyntier?", she said cautiously, uncertain of his name. "He has said these apes are evil. I don't discount your passion for justice, but whatever good we would be doing, we would be helping evil. I don't like that idea..." She trailed off.
She loved her uncle, but his passion for justice was strong. "I understand that the first problem is that the Librarian took the money for an item that he did not deliver. That should be returned to make amends. Ntanga and his group are something separate, and I will not get into a moral debate right now", she said meaningfully. Her hands had not left the sword, but she did not look likely to raise it yet.
Desidera looked back and forth at the discussions going on and frowned slightly as things got closer and closer to an ultimatum. Considering the options, before them, she could think of no clear way of settling things. Politely, she looked towards the paladin, and smiled. "We appear to be mediating this dispute, sir paladin. There are no deals that have been made, save for what has already occurred."
Recalling something, she asked Arwen directly. "Are either of these individuals involved in this dispute evil, sir?"
Desidera was just pretty surprised at the situation, that being one where a librarian was accosted by talking gorillas wanting a book. There were probably a few other things that she was missing, but this was probably the most interesting moment of her life, if you asked her. She was very curious about what the "great" librarian would say when he woke. "If they weren't here for just the book, the librarian would be dead by now."
So as her uncle tended the librarian, she lifted the sword onto her shoulder and took in the sight with bright eyes. This was how some of the tales that she had heard started, and the thought that she might be in something that could be told later made her giddy-- on the inside of course. For now, her expression was that of a cat that far too curious for its own good.
With the librarian unconscious on the floor, Desidera looked at the other apes before drawing her sword and heading to her Aodhiel's defense. "Uncle, there's something odd about that collar it has on, maybe?" There was something odd about this, but she could not figure what it was at the moment.
"What does the tome look like, and who are you?" she said towards the Alpha gorilla, not wanting to start a fight with a bystander underfoot just yet.
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Draw weapon, Move to Aodhiel's side to keep him from being flanked, will Aid Another(10) to give a +2 to his ACAid Another:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Desidera blushed, her tanned skin gaining a hint of bronze. "Indeed. I've found it's better to have it and not need it, than leave it at an inn, and have to weather a difficult position without it." There was a bit of a sideways glance and she sheepishly grinned. "Well, that and keeping company with my uncle, I want to be prepared for the things that one could look back on and say 'That was the start of an adventure' when telling a story."
Desi was also glad to be talking, since the foyer of this library was leagues prettier than anyplace that she had ever been, and to be honest, she felt a little out of place. She was also holding very still so that she did not accidentally knock something over or break it. She would be beyond mortified if that happened.
There was a grin from the warrior next to the cleric, looking over at him with a familiarity that said that she knew his manner, and his explanation. A shift of her shoulder settled the greatsword that she carried on her back as she leaned on the staff in her hands. "Uncle, that's a bit of an excuse, isn't it?" An exasperated roll of her eyes followed the glance and smirk at the gnome behind him as she continued. "After all, it isn't everyday that someone earns the word 'great' before their occupation, so why not meet them? Besides, don't act like you mind reading.. I've seen you with some of the almanacs."
Despite her (voluntarily) being the less diplomatic one, she had been raised with manners, and she looked to the man that had just introduced himself. "Nice to meet you Mr. Roberts," she said with a friendly smile, turning to face him. "I'm Desidera, that's my uncle Aodhiel, and behind him is Kayla. You've come to see Jaden Hawkstorm as well, huh?"
@Desidera what events drive to look for adventure?
In that rough? Anything was better to her than being the farmer and watching your family grow old and die around you while you aged slower. It helped that her Uncle was someone she could look up to, but with his backstory, I can pick up a little more.
Adjusted Background:
Female Aasimar Bloodrager(Celestial)
Alternate Racial Trait: Halo
Traits: Orphaned, Frontier-Forged
Drawback: Family Ties
Feat: Angelic Blood
The nature of her heritage is something that she thinks about when her mind has slowed down enough, after the day is done, and she is settling down to sleep when she does not have watch. She was blessed enough to be able to manifest the heritage in her bloodline, but for the rest of her immediate family, there was no one else that was able to express it. So she got to see her parents age and depart this world, then her Gyles, herolder brother, and her younger sister Hilda was approaching that time as well.. Tough to deal with when she was just reaching adulthood.
Bittersweet, in a sense. She was everyone's favorite aunt, and from what it looked like, she was going to hold that title for another generation or two. Still, it was not like she was alone. Mom and Dad's farm had been passed to her older brother, who in turn passed it to his son, and about that time, she was getting tired of the place. Too many memories, too many partial ghosts, just too much history accumulating for her comfort.
Family passing by was a rare, but not unheard-of occurrence, which was usually near the holidays and festival time. She had met her uncle (more like great-uncle, but she did not bother with the details) several times in the span of her seventy-four years, and he was an another aasimar. Desi hoped that he would agree to take her with him, being able to understand what staying in one place for so long could mean.
To be fair, it did start out as a bit of hero-worship for her uncle. She had been a lot younger when she had been kidnapped by the cultists, and he had saved her. The farm was a safe place, something familiar after the trauma that she had experienced. Watching your family grow old and die cured her of that. As for the hero worship? Well, heroes don't drop and break your favorite cup, or tell bad stories about embarrassing things you used to do when you were smaller. You don't come back with them in the late hours of the evening, covered in hopefully just mud from chasing escaped pigs, or have to help them to bed because the family festival celebration had everyone drinking a little too much.
It was just time to go, she felt. Adventuring meant something drastically different than the bucolic farm life-- though she kept in regular touch with her family. Sure, there was the danger of dying, but if her uncle could do what he did, then why should he have to do it alone? Furthermore, when someone in her family manifested traits like she did, she could be there for them.
Alright, here's the rough. Feel free to offer suggestions. :
Background:
Female Aasimar Bloodrager(Celestial)
Alternate Racial Trait: Halo
Traits: Orphaned, Frontier-Forged
Drawback: Family Ties
Feat: Angelic Blood
The nature of her heritage is something that she thinks about when her mind has slowed down enough, after the day is done, and she is settling down to sleep when she does not have watch. She was blessed enough to be able to manifest the heritage in her bloodline, but for the rest of her immediate family, there was no one else that was able to express it. So she got to see her parents age and depart this world, then her Gyles, herolder brother, and her younger sister Hilda was approaching that time as well.. Tough to deal with when she was just reaching adulthood.
Bittersweet, in a sense. She was everyone's favorite aunt, and from what it looked like, she was going to hold that title for another generation or two. Still, it was not like she was alone. Mom and Dad's farm had been passed to her older brother, who in turn passed it to his son, and about that time, she was getting tired of the place. Too many memories, too many partial ghosts, just too much history accumulating for her comfort.
Family passing by was a rare, but not unheard-of occurrence, which was usually near the holidays and festival time. She had met her uncle (more like great-uncle, but she did not bother with the details) several times in the span of her seventy-four years, and he was an another aasimar. Desi hoped that he would agree to take her with him, being able to understand what staying in one place for so long could mean.
I suspect Desi will be party support in a more active and immediate sense, rather than hanging back with the spellcasters. Her aid may be less.. precise than a rogue, but her wealth of knowledge should make any situation more manageable.
Background:
Desidera (Only friends get away with calling her Desi), is a merchant child, the result of a rather shrewd trade negotiation that gained no small amount of favor, and a relationship that brought her into the world. While her father was affectionate, he still has some difficulty connecting with her. He tries, but between the demands of merchant life, and the Elven outlook on things, there is a bit of a gap between the two of them. As her father tended to linger for a year or two in a promising location, she often became more than just a traveler in any of the cities they stayed in. While her father attended to business, she would often find the nearest library or sage and learn what she could while they were there.
This of course blossomed into a love of knowledge, and encouragement from her father after a couple of remarks during their evening discussions led to an upper hand in his negotiations. She found that she enjoyed spending time with the sages more than the library, as different company was something else that was encouraged. For many of the sages, their daily routines involved a lot of exercise for her, especially once they accepted her as an apprentice. Cooking, cleaning, hauling, and errands were often accompanied by stories or lectures, and the end of the day often brought tests of her knowledge. The sages of Irori were often more creative in their tasks, and she enjoyed herself greatly.
Now, in Korvosa, the South Shore enclave was a different place, and the city itself held many surprises, she was learning. What she had been learned was apparently enough to find herself attached to one of the sages in the royal palace (a rather stiff Elven matron by the name of Lhoril), and she found herself thankful of the etiquette that had been instilled in her by aiding her father in his work. The social unrest that had been growing made travel an uncertain thing, so much to her surprise (and stress), she has been staying in the sage's quarters of the palace. All in all, it is something that she was adapting to, though the civil unrest was certainly a new thing that was testing her ability to keep calm.
Desidera puts on a brave smile and looks around at everyone, rising to her feet and hefting the spear. She had more confidence, certainly. However, she was still aware that her main function was going to make sure that no one fell while she still stood. "Ready", she said with some confidence. There was sunlight at the end of this ordeal, and she would let nothing deter her from it.
It was only a few minutes that seemed longer to Desidera, and as she ended her meditation, the smile on her face was their first indication that she was going to open her eyes. Leaning her head against Sunset, she grinned, then looked around at everyone else, more confident now that she thought herself somewhat closer to the others in combat competence now. "It is nice to meet you, Gladrisill", she said to the spear, and still looks a bit surprised at it.
[Gyldyr relates what he can recall]
Her eyes widen more and more with surprise, looking from the story that the dark elf is telling to the spear in her hands and back again. 'This weapon is indeed legendary!' While she was glad that it had chosen her, as their situation was indeed dire and important, she hoped she would remain worthy enough of it to pass it on to the next worthy wielder. "..Wow..", she said in awe.
