Eleeda Sternwiv's page

Well, I won't lie and say I'm not disappointed. I feel Eleeda was one of the more interesting characters that has come to me, and I was very much enjoying writing her and looking forward to exploring her development. I'll be very sorry for her voice to fall silent.

At the same time, I completely understand where you're coming from. I know how much of a time and creative commitmnet it can be even just as a player, so I can only imagine how much more it is for you awesome and generous DM's.

I also want to say that I very much enjoyed this game Jelani. I mean, ZOMBIES!!! ^-^

If there's space, I'd definitely be in to co-creating in your next game.

Thank you all for a fun romp!

Reddening a little in embarrassment at her outburst, Eleeda says in a much more subdued voice "You're right, I'm sorry, it's just...it was so terrible, what happened to Klaudia! And the thought of that happening to anyone else! It makes me...well, just wish there was something more we could do to make sure nothing like that happens again."

Sighing, she looks around, appearing a fair bit calmer. Even the bird on her shoulder has un-ruffled his feathers "Well, I suppose we should catch the Lord's speech?" she says to everyone in general before heading out. At the door she pauses for a moment to look back and ask "Are you coming Micha?" before making her unhurried way to the town square.

Lol true enough! ; )

"No!" the young woman nearly shouts, the emotional stresses of the past few days clearly telling on her self-control "What's the matter with all of you?? I mean, yes, I'm glad Klaudia won't...won't...you know. But that's not what I'm talking about!"

While she takes a breath to calm herself, her loyal familiar glares at all of those who have dared to upset his mistress. "Look, don't you see? Something happened to Bischa and Klaudia to make them...to do what it did to them. But what?? Maybe it was that mouse, but where's the mouse?? And what if it bit other animals?? And what happened to make the mouse that way??"

Still working to calm herself, Eleeda thought of her mentor, and how he had always said that magic was all around, but that most folk had lost the ability to see, or even the knowledge that there was something to see. Perhaps her understanding that truth was the reason she seemed to sometimes see more, and do mnore than others sould.

Frowning slightly before then looking down for a breath looking back up at the Elf she says "No, what I mean is, Klaudia got bit and had some disese that woulda made...made her come back from the dead. What are we gonna do now about that?"

She was well used to people underestemating her intelligence, it happened all the time. They took one look at her face, or her body, or both, and assumed she was some stupid serving girl. But they wouldn't keep thinking that way for long...

Somewhat surprised my Micha's suggestion Eleeda stammers "What, me?? I...I, no, I couldn't I mean I'd never..." but she is fortunatly rescuded at that moment by Griswald and Variziel coming into the room.

Glancing back at Micha she turns back tol the priest, nodding and replying "I...yes, I think so. So, um, what do we do know?" although still clearly upset at the loss of her friend, the young woman before you does seem to be holding herself together better than she had been before

Ah, my bad, I'd been thinking micha was klaudia's son. But we can just roll with it as it is.

And dang paizo post monster ate my last post!

Not having much success with her attempts to cheer Micha up, she squeezes his hand once more then let's go, using her sleeves to dry her face.

Thinking that perhaps turning his mind to more practical matters might work better she says "So, um, I'm sorry if this is too soon Micha, but, well, what do you think you'll do now? I mean, with the store and house and stuff?" she finishes somewhat lamely.

Yet her question was still a sincere one. For she knew that, were she in his position, there was no way that she herself would be able to still live in the same house that all those terrible things had happened in. And as well, Klaudia and her store had served a vital role in the community. Having her shop close would make an impact on the town.

Her sobs sudsiding somewhat but still crying steadily, Eleeda nods her head and allows herself to be led away.

In the chapel, after sitting for some time and allowing their tears to run their course, trying to be brave for her friend Micha, she tries to be brave and remember and an amusing story. Finally, smiling through the streaks on her face she says "Remember that one time Bischa had a cold and Klaudia had to..." Laughing in remembrence she does her best to help keep Micha's spirit's up and remind him, and herself, that Klaudia's spirit was now in a better place.

Not fully knowing about or understanding what consecration is, Eleeda looks up at Varaziel's answer but remains silent.

As they enter the mortuary, the young woman begins weeping immediately, and moves towards the body. She is held back though by Griswald's warning and stops short of actually touching the corpse.

Unable to speak, she gropes for Micha's hand, and holds onto it as tightly as she can.

Not sure how long it would take to run from where the ceremony was to the temple, but...

At first, caught up in her worry and panic the young seems to ignore the Elf easily pacing her, but finally she slows down enough so a normal conversation can be had, while still keeping up a quick pace towards the temple.

Glancing up at te tall Elf, worry still plain on her face, she asks, " 'Deal with it'? How??"

I'm fine with us reaching the temple by this point, or however you want to roll with it

Yes! Very interested! Please do PM me any info that you have!

Frowning slightly as if she can't understand how the Elf is misunderstanding her, or unsure if he's doing it on purpose or not, she says with some frustratuon "What? No, of course not Bischa, I know she's gone, I was there. I mean...I mean what Father Griswald said about Klaudia maybe being infected with the same thing...that if she...she might...oh!"

And with a sob she cuts herself off, raises her dress a bit, and runs towards the temple as fast as she can.

Huh. Very interesting. And thank you, DM J, for your insight and candor. And I really couldn't agree with you more, I just hadn't thought of the situation in China from that angle before.

Of course, the ideal situation will be when all Do have a conscious say in how things are run. Of course, for that, we all have to Become conscious first. So, as always (even when we don't know it) the onus is on us.

Do you mind me asking what you do there? And was it easy/hard to get there, and find work, and get a place etc.?

Your comments are making my dream of visiting and living in China more possible all the time. ; )

As Variziel bluntly delivers his news, Eleeda's mouth forms a perfect 'O' of shock, as a bare whisper escapes her "Oh no...no..." So caught up is she in her emotion that she does not even seem to hear the callous remark of the Half-Elf.

As she gazes off into nowhere for a few moments while the Elf and Half-Elf have their whispered conversation, she is snapped back into reality when Variziel address her directly. Shaking her head no, she nevertheless answers I...yes, I mean I have to...I mean, yes, of course I want to say my farewells. And poor Micha!"

Then, as something seems to occur to her, she steps closer to the other two and, looking around unconsciously dramatically, she whispers the question, fear and concern clear in her expression "But...but, what about...you know, the other thing...?" her big blue eyes turning to look up at the two tall guardsmen.

Somewhat startled at the interuption, and then feeling a jolt of fear as she sees the young guard, her eyes wide and with a hitch in her voice Eleeda gasps slightly and invountarily scooches back "W...what?? I...what is it? In private? Why can't you tell me here?? Am I in..." but then she remembers the Father's reaction and she suddenly stands, the feeling of dread growing stronger in her "No! Oh no! It's not Klaudia is it?? She's ok, right?? She got better??"

Seeing Father Griswald's reaction, Eleeda quickly turns, trying to see what caused him to react so
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

With the press of people though, she cannot at all tell what disturbed him so. Unknowing, and with a feeling of dread beginning to build in her stomach, she is in no mood to eat, and sits again quietly, praying to the Gods for Klaudia's recovery.

You're posting from China?? Wow. Are you from there, or an ex-pat? Or...? But very cool, as that is one country I'd love to explore. But also very, intense, yes? Must be kinda crazy to have to live with those kinds of restrictions. Oh, and sorry about the mix-up, Derryn hadn't mentioned that he had actually caught up to Eleeda and I didn't know if she's seen him. I think we were all waiting for someone else to make the next move ; )

Even more alarming than Variziel wanting to speak with her, for some strange reason, Derryn, one of the town guards, who was not that well known to her, seems to start coming after her. "What?? Why would the guardsmen be after m...oh no! The magic!! Am I in trouble for..why did I do that! How stupid of me! After all these years of keeping my magic a secret, and I blow it all by starting that fire!! But I was just trying to help! Oh, good I think I...damn it! There he is again! Why won't he leave me alone!

Getting more worried and frustrated by the second, Eleeda breathes a sigh of relief as the begining of the Blessing of the Bread begins to commence and the swell and press of the crowd makes it virtually impossible for the half-elf to follow her.

Finding a seat near the middle front, where she can clearly see Priestess Anna and Father Griswald

Last Night:
Eleeda was unable to respond past the lump in her throat at Sister Penitence's not very encouraging reply and merely nods her head in understanding and farewell to the departing sister.

Moving over to stand beside the worried Micha, Eleeda puts a gentle hand on his shoulder. She stays for some time, in silence, not knowing what to say and not feeling much like talking anyway. After a while, hardly able to keep her eyes open any more after the long, sad, and strange day, she squeezes Micha's shoulder, saying with a question in her voice "I'll see you tomorrow?"

Nodding at his reply, she makes her way home and, taking less than her usual care when removing and putting away her nice clothes, is asleep almost before her head hits the pillow.

Today:

Waking up with a start and a gasp from a less than fully restful sleep full of strange dreams and images of Kravor and Fire and some...thing, some dark feeling, or entity, that she did not really understand, Eleeda spends a few moments catching her breath and calming herself. Petting Keroc, who had flown to her the moment she awoke, as has been her years long habit, she talks her feelings out loud with her best friend and constant companion.

As she speaks, gentle tears roll down her face "It's not fair Keroc! It's so not fair! Why Kaudia, of all people?? She has always been so kind to me, to everyone! Why would the Gods strike her down like this?? If They are even there, or even care, in the first place. Is it not enough that they took my mother from me at birth, so that I never got to know her, at all, but they're also trying to take the one person who has been most like a mother to me?? It's NOT FAIR!! I'm so Angry! And Sister Penitence tells me to Pray, to the Father, to please spare Klaudia's life?? NO! Why should I do that when He's the one who struck her down in the first place! I have no Father! Just like I have no Mother! I'm all alone!"

Collapsing on her bed in a puddle of tears, it is only a few seconds before the distraught young girl responds to the gentle pecking and brushing of beak against cheek and the feelings which flow through the emotional bond "Oh, I'm sorry Keroc, you know I am! And you know I didn't mean you. I know you're always with me. I don't know what I would've done all these years if you hadn't been. It's just...it's just...I never had a mother, or a real father, and now Klaudia...."

As she listens to the long series of squawks and protests which come in immediate reply to her words, bird sounds only she could ever understand, the weeping young girl sniffles, rubs her face and then begins to giggle, eventually laughing full right out "Yes, yes Keroc, I know! I know there's no one smarter, or wiser or who loves me more than you! Yes, you're right, I am very lucky to have a friend as good and loyal and handsome as you. And it's very true, none of my human friends have beautiful feathers or can fly. Oh, what would I ever do without you Keroc!" and, ignoring the raucous protests, she picks up the bird in a big, yet still gentle, hug.

Sighing as she puts him down and looking in the mirror she winces "Argh! I look a mess! And Hercule said he needed some early help with the barrells! I must hurry!" and, washing her face well, knowing how upset it made her adopted father to know she had been crying, she then throws on her work clothes and hurries out of her room.

Spending the morning doing chores for the tavern is actually a blessing for the young girl, as it takes her mind off of her own problems. By the time she is finished, early as promised, she is feeling much better and much more her usual, confident self. She pays a quick visit to Klaudia and Micha, bring him some breakfast and making him promise her that he will not stay in the sick room all day, and threatening to come drag him out of there if he hasn't emerged by lunchtime.

Leaving the temple, although she had wanted to spend more time with her deathly ill friend, she has to admit to herself that she is happy to be outside, amidst all the festivities and new, happy, faces. Her mood improving step by step she speaks to winged friend again "Keroc, I had some of the strangest dreams last night. I..I can't seem to recall much of them, but Kravor was there, and the Fire...and, something else..I, does any of this sound familiar to you Keroc?"

Turning in suspicion at the unusual silence and the emotions which leak through the bond she accuses "Keroc! You...you're keeping secrets from me! That is not like you at all! And just this morning you were telling me that you're my best friend?? You better tell me now or...oh no! There's Variziel! I still don't feel like 'discussing' anything with him yet! I don't think he's seen me. Where can I hide??"

And, doing her best to duck behind the crowd and away from the Elf, the young lady leaves her conversation with her familiar unspoken, but unforgotten, for the moment.
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Sense Motive on Variziel: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Stroking the feathers of Keroc who sits in his regular place on her shoulder, Eleeda glances at the Elf and, after a moment of peering into his eyes, glaces away again. In response to his question she avoids a direct answer "I...I don't think I'm going straight home. I'd like to go check on Klaudia as well."

If he allows her to, she accompanies Micha to the temple. Before Sister Pennitence leaves Eleeda stops her with a hand on her arm, asking quietly "Has she woken again sister? Has she said anything? Has she got any better?"

I'm here! I thought I was the last one who posted! Will check the game tab now, maybe the dots aren't working again?

Oh no! That's terrible! So sorry to hear! Poor little kitty : (

Still somewhat shy, Eleeda returns the Captain's smile but then glances at the floor. As he eyes move she catches a glimpse of Micha and her blush increases even more.

When Griswald and Micha are ready to leave, she gives as graceful a farewell as she can manage to all those still present.

So, how do we want to arrange this search? Is there a map of the outlying homes we're supposed to search? Where to we begin and what route do we take?

Works for me.

So, first Paizo was removing dots, and now notices of new posts never leave, even after you've just read them. Seems like Paizo still have some maintenance to do.

Unless that'just happening with me??

Also, I had been wondering why Griswald said that Eleeda lived with Thogar at the Sleepy Mule, until I realized that it was My fault. I could have sworn I had changed and posted her backgroud. But it seems I didn't, or at least not all of it.

Basically it's just the first 3 paragraphs that needed changing, with Herucle Sterwiv, owner of The Drunken Dragon being her adopted father and workplace, Not Thogar at the Sleepy Mule.

It's all changed on her sheet now, here it is:

Eleeda Sternwiv knew that life had more in store for her than wiping tables and mopping puke off of the tavern floors. Sure, being the adopted daughter of the owner of one of the main bars in town meant that she never had to worry about an empty belly, but it also meant that she worked her butt off day and night as well. At 15, Eleeda was a very bright and quick girl. She was also beginning to show the beauty her mother, Tatiana, had been famous for, and that quickness had many times saved her from the occasional swipe at her bottom that an over-drunk or too new customer sometimes made at her. Such worthies very rarely made such an attempt twice though. A certain look at Herucle and a point with her chin to towards the offending customer was enough to have the big ex-blacksmith at the table in a flash, where he would make it very clear what the consequences would be to anyone who laid an unwelcome hand on his adopted daughter. One such warning from the muscular bar owner was almost always enough. For despite losing the lower half of his left arm in the orc raid, which was the injury which forced his change of careers, even one-armed Herucle was still more than a match for most men he came across. On the rare times that his glare wasn't enough to forestall any inappropriate behaviour, the offending customer usually woke up the next day with several bruises, possibly broken bones, and a costly lesson learned. Eleeda thought she loved Herucle for this most of all.

It was a strange relationship that they had. Herucle could certainly be rough around the edges sometimes, but his heart was in the right place. Nothing evidenced this more than the vow he had made, and kept, to Eleeda's mother on her deathbed. A promise that he take would care of her newborn baby girl. It had been both a joyous and tragic day, the day of Eleeda's birth, for Tatiana had been universally loved. Yet despite the best efforts of Father Griswald, Tatiana passed away mere hours after giving birth to her baby girl.

Eleeda's mother had worked as a tavern maid at The Drunken Dragon for many years under Herucle's benevolent rule and the two had developed a close relationship. As close as it was though, and despite the whole town knowing how sweet on Tatiana Herucle had been, their relationship had never developed into a romantic one. Eleeda had no idea who her father was, as that was a secret Tatiana took to her grave.

oops! Speaking of mess-ups, my last post was not meant to be posted as it had been. Those were just rough notes on what I wanted to post, had to leave before it was finished and guess I submitted it by accident.

Apologies. But I guess the gist of it got across?

Or if not I can repost it properly?

As Captain Simoneit turns his attention on her and then introduces himself, Eleeda's blush gets, if possible, even deeper,

when gris talks about mom, first sad, then looks to griswald, changes angry? like shared knowledge of guilt and pain.

then to captain, still somewhat nervous, but with a core inner strentgh, perhaps as yet untested, but there was great strength in this young woman.

Nervous to be so close to the Lord and Lady, let alone in conversation with them, Eleeda is quiet throughout most of the proceedings, letting her elders carry the conversation. When Griswald mentions so casually that Klaudia is not likely to recover she gasps slightly and grabs and holds on tight to Micha's hand as two silent tears course down her cheeks.

As things seem to be wrapping up and just before Variziel and Derryn leave though she does speak up, displaying the active intelligence which dances behind her eyes "Ah..my Lord? And Lady? Perhaps it might also be wise to have a guard patrol all the outlying houses, like Klaudia's? Especially those near her? To make sure there have been no other infections? And, um, perhaps also some might casually inquire around as to if anyone else has not been seen for some time?"

Surprised at her own boldness, she then bows her head and stares at her feet, her face blushing a bright crimson.

Would any of the PCs have been in here before? Or met the Lord and Lady in person?

Sorry, the board didn't notify me of the last posts for some reason?

Quiet and subdued, Eleeda participates in the prayer and the clearing away of the fence and brush. She makes her way back to the church with the others, holding Klaudia's hand the entire time.

Feeling emotional drained and overwhelmed, she heads back home to change and returns a while later looking cleaned and as presentable as she can be, but still looking quite tired.

At Anna's reply Eleeda jerks, her face turning ashen "Wait! A bite? You mean like Klaudia has on her leg? That she said she got from a rat? You mean...you mean what happened to Bishca is going to happen to her??"

Finally pulled away from her rapt gaze on the fire by the Priestess' command to follow, Eleeda moves silently into the house and up the stairs. She remains quiet and solemly nods her agreement when directly addressed by Anna.

The greatest sign of interest she shows since leaving the fire is when Micha asks his question. Looking up from the floor for the first time, she turns curious, but strangely unfearful, eyes towards the Priestess while waiting for the reply.

Have fun!

Eleeda remains stock still, staing at the fire and the barn and the burning cow within

Lol

And, ah, FG, your last comment confuses me a bit. One because Griswald's apparently off out earshot with the Priestess right now, and second, Griswald already reacted to Eleeda's burning hands spell.

Seeming to hardly react at all to the arrival of Haldorf and the Priestess, she continues to stare into the flames as she answers the young man, her voice now monotonous and dull "Mischa and I went to check on Bischa and she attacked us, she was dead, but not dead. We managed to get the barn door closed just in time. Then I set the barn on fire with my magic."

Staring straight into the barn and catching a glimpse of the horrid and unnatural state the gentle creature Micha had been was now it, Eleeda new found confidence began to waver slightly as she answered, still not looking at him "Y...yes. I see her. I do not know what that is that affliction is."

And obviously neither of them would now it, Yet.

Her concerns about Klaudia seemingly forgotten for the moment, Eleeda stays and watches the fire, the same, strange small smile remaining on the corner of her mouth.

All the best to ya Haldorf!

DM J, are you gonna open up recruitment? Or do you want us to ask people we know who are regular, committed posters to send in a recruitment app?

Nodding, an eager look still in her eyes, Eleeda puts her shoulder to the cart to help jam it in. Looking up at the priest she says "Father, don't you think you'd better get down from there?"

And hmmm, on reconsideration, those DCs were perhaps a little high for first levelers. Let's say that Variziel made it but Griswald wasn't even close.

Allowing herself to be pulled back to Elf, Eleeda seems to be in a mild state of shock as she looks at her own hands, fascinated and amazed at the same time "It worked. It really worked. All those years, all that study and practice. I can't believe..." just then there is a loud squawk as Keroc lands on her shoulder. Turning her head, the bird and girl stare at each other, as they have so many times before, communicating silently and wordlessly. The small head nods first, subtly, and the larger one follows suit, and something seems to click in the young girl.

Standing up straight, pulling herself away slightly from the protective grip of Variziel, she stands taller and stronger than she ever has before in her young life. Somehow Eleeda suddenly seems much less the young girl she was moments ago. There is an intangible yet clearly noticeable difference about her and those observing intuitively know that they now are looking at a young woman, instead.

Looking to both the older men before she speaks, her voice somewhat hesitant at first but quickly gaining confidence "That...that was me. That was a spell. I...I have been studying, in secret, to be a mage. Just like Kavor was. That was the first time I have ever actually used magic of such power though. It was always only little things I had tried, for I was afraid of what might happen. But now..."

And as she trails off, her eyes wandering to the fire as it quickly leaps and spreads along the dry wood of the barn, there is a certain...look in her eye. A certain...hunger. And as well a certain pride, a pride that pulls back her shoulders and swells her chest. 'I did that.' she thinks to herself. 'I, Eleeda, the simple tavern maid, just created Fire from my own two hands! I am Eleeda, the simple tavern maid no longer! I am...something more...something much more'

And as a feeling she has never yet known before this moment begins to fill and race along her veins just as the fire races along the wood, warming her, intoxicating her, as this new found feeling of Power begins to flood her being; the young woman watching the fire she has birthed consume and grow, ever so slightly, ever so subtly, smiles...

Eleeda leans gratefully into the comforting arm of the Elf, her sobs gradually quieting. Only a few seconds later though, chaos erupts again as Bicha finally breaks through the door, her horrid dead yet living self apparent to all.

With a scream of fear, confusion and primal rage, Eleeda steps forward and, reacting by instinct, for the first time in public takes her years of study to more than the theoretical level.

Thrusting her hands out before she yells in a strange and ancient tongue "Nieratymy yw Wunhui!" and immediately her hands alight in flame! And a cone of fire blasts from her outstretched palms, barely missing the priest and bathing Bicha and part of the barn in flaming heat.

Cast: Burning Hands, Ref DC14, Damage 1d4 ⇒ 3

Well, before we do, might be wise to make sure there isn't anyone, or anything, else alive or of value in there, no?

PS indeed, great line Father G!

Still very shaky and afraid, but calmed down considerably, Eleeda approaches the barn and the others slowly, embarrassment flushing her cheeks a bright crimson.

"Is...is everything OK? I mean, I know Bischa's still in there but..I'm so sorry I ran! I wasn't leaving you! I was just suddenly so concerned about Klaudia, that something sim...well, because she was bit by the same rat, right? I just...oh, what is happening??" and putting her hands to her face, the young tavern maid begins to sob softly.

Her fears calmed considerably by seeing Klaudia appearing to rest peacefully, Eleeda moves over to her friend to place a comforting hand on the merchant's forehead. Her hand hesitates just a moment before touching the fevered skin, remembering the warnings of Father Griswald, but then she also recalls Klaudia having said she was bitten.

Wanting to offer her friend the comfort of a loving touch, she lays her hand gently down and bends over to whisper "I'm so glad you're alright. After seeing Bischa I had thought...well, no matter, I know you'll be fine now. I...I must go though, I think, and try and help the others."

And, reluctantly, not wanting to leave, she stands up straight again as she turns to head back downstairs and outside once more. The fear in her belly at the thought of seeing the thing that Bischa had become making her steps slow and sluggish.

Is there any window Eleeda can look out that shows a view of the road Haldorf would be riding down to get here?

Barely hearing Griswald in her panic and worry about Klaudia, Eleeda keeps running up the stairs towards the merchants room.

oops! Klaudia. And Eleeda is in the house now

I'll be away for the weekend, don't know if I'll have net access, so if there's the need to DMPC my PC, please do. See ya!

And sorry! HP fixed! I copied the template from another of my PC's and i clearly missed some things. If you notice anything else please let me know!