[spoiler="Ten Minute Background"]Step 1: Five Concepts Important to Jilani
1) Jilani Safiro (JUH-lahn-EE SUH-feer-OH) willingly left her home in Qadira, far to the south, to join the crusade against the Worldwound three years ago. Her arrival actually marked the second time she set foot in that part of the world, as her true parents had served the crusade as Rift Wardens working against the planar rift from the Abyss.
2) Unfortunately, both her mother and father disappeared somewhere in the Demon Lands during their efforts to close the massive gate. But, before leaving on their mission, they entrusted their closest friends—a caravan master and his wife—with Jilani's care. It took many years for her to draw enough information from them to learn the truth about her real parents. And that discovery coincided with the manifestation of her innate sorcery—a magic bloodline derived from the celestial servitors of the Sarenrae herself. Jilani took this development as a sign, journeying north to take her place next to those risking their lives in the same manner as her mother and father.
3) For the past three years, Jilani has quietly made a name for herself, both as a skilled healer and a researcher into the mysteries of the Demon Lands. She's developed quite an obsession for the latter, hoping to learn enough about the region to retrace her parents' mission. Though she holds no illusions as to their fate, she firmly believes it is her calling to finish what they started. And she also intends to undertake the role of a Rift Warden, traveling the multiverse
while guarding against future rifts and incursions.
4) Unlike most sorcerers, Jilani actually wears armor—though her silken ceremonial armor doesn't interfere with her spellcasting . It's actually designed to be part of her kaftan, which she's reinforced with leather padding at the shoulders, chest and forearms. She also wields an ornate spear, carries a curved dagger, and keeps a small quiver of foot-long darts at her waist. Physically, Jilani has an exotic look to her, wearing her raven-dark hair in a long cascade cinched three times with ornamental cuffs designed to weight it down and keep it from flying free. Her skin is a dusky hue in color and ritual tattoos resembling magical glyphs lie just beneath her eyes. Jilani stands about 5-feet, 5-inches high and weighs around 135 lbs., appearing thin and fit.
5) Jilani has a welcoming demeanor, always willing to see the best in people, but also wise enough to guard against disappointment in the event they let her down. Her experience traveling the wider world gives her a greater appreciation for the diversity of life, enabling her to make friends easily. This also led to an insatiable curiosity for learning, whether by immersing herself in the ancient scrolls of recorded history, or by sampling the varied culture and customs of foreign lands. Despite her open nature, Jilani remains steadfast in her faith, an ardent follower of the Sarenrae. She enjoys openly debating with priests and laypersons of any religion, but avoids heated arguments and confrontations, preferring to let her actions and deeds speak for her rather than create any rifts between her and crusaders of different faiths.
Step 2: Three Goals for Jilani to Achieve
1) Because of her native homeland’s war-filled past with many of the nations represented among the crusaders, Jilani may feel unwanted or even persecuted by some of the less tolerant souls within the army’s ranks. Jilani desires for all to put aside their differences and focus on the true enemy.
2) Jilani understands the role her parents played in keeping the lands around the Worldwound safe. She strongly desires to continue their work by becoming a Rift Guardian in her own right and putting her talents towards closing the portal to the Abyss.
3) As Jilani grows in power, her celestial bloodline should manifest even more strongly, creating a potent bond with any celestial allies among the crusade, while making her a more frequently recognized threat by demons on the battlefield.
Step 3: Three People Jilani Knows
1) Khalil Mahmoud al-Katheeri, her adopted father: Khalil, a Qadiran caravan master, was a close friend of Jilani's birth parents. After being entrusted with her care, Khalil and his wife raised Jilani as their own daughter. Khalil's profession let Jilani to experience much of the Inner Sea region as a child and develop an appreciation for many cultures.
2) Badra Mahmoud, her adopted mother: Badra was also a close friend of Jilani's parents. A devout Sarenite, Badra's guidance helped to mold Jilani into the righteous young woman she is today. She also helped greatly in Jilani coming to terms with her sorcerous powers.
3) Sir Baldwin of Zimar: Sir Baldwin is as righteous and loyal a warrior as any that have stood against the implacable demon tide of the Worldwound. He has distinguished himself time and again, and yet, he has a blindspot: a hatred for Qadirans. Born and raised in the Taldoran city of Zimar, Baldwin distrusts Qadirans as treacherous and works to undermine any in the crusade, despite their good intentions.
Step 4: 2 Secrets Jilani Has, One She Knows and One She Doesn't
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2) Jilani has always assumed that her parents are dead. To the best of anyone's knowledge, they disappeared into the Worldwound, never to return. That is not the case. They are still alive, trapped somewhere in the Abyss.
