About Kikiri ShadowscaleCrunch:
Kikiri Shadowscale
Male Kobold Rogue 2/Summoner 2 NG Small Humanoid (Reptilian) Deity: Irori Init +3; Senses Perception +11, Darkvision 60'
Spells
Rogue Talents Assault Leader
Kolung:
Male Eidolon NG Medium Outsider (Elemental) Deity: Irori Init +3; Senses Perception , Darkvision 60'
History:
Long ago, when the Amatatsu family still ruled in Minkai, they were served by a very special tribe of kobolds known as the Shadowscales. Experts at security, magic and stealthy combat, they served the royal family loyally, their eyes always watching and protecting the family dutifully. But that all ended with the coup from the Jade Regent, with the Amatatsu family forced to flee over the Crown of the World and seek refuge in the west. The Shadowscales went with them, ever vigilant for their true rulers. If not for them, the royal family may not have escaped to their new home, fending off attacks from the shadows at every turn... but at a great cost. By the time the Amatatsu family became the Kaijitsu family, the Shadowscales were a mere fraction of what they once were, due in large part to a titanic oni who had tracked them well across the frozen northern lands, the oni warlord Oobashi the Furious. Many Shadowscales died in one final stand to repel the pursuer, and while successful, it left the tribe utterly crippled. To ensure their arts were not lost, they mingled with local tribes in Varisia so that they could teach others how to practice their craft, carrying on their duty even though they themselves were slowly being forgotten.
Years later, the Shadowscales had been all, but lost, though their practices were still being taught. The local kobold tribe of Sandpoint, the Swampstriders, were the last to really practice what the first Shadowscales had taught them, though it had been diluted due to mistranslation, poor technique and "resourceful" students. But among them was hatched a very special kobold, a direct descendant of the original tribe. Kikiri had always had a fascination with the tales of the Shadowscales, getting his hands on as much authentic equipment as he could from what little they'd brought over. But the biggest reward was a large scroll, so big it had to be worn on his back, that showed him his true destiny. On touching the scroll, a massive burst of smoke blinded him, and once the air was clear, hovering before him was a massive green serpent, adorned with goat horns, iridescent green scales, and a familiar smile. "Greetings, brother... I have been waiting for you to call me." The serpent explained that he was named Kolung, and that he and Kikiri were "brothers", destined to accomplish great things together. He claimed that Kikiri was the latest (and last!) of a special number of Shadowscales, called Dragon Callers, who were bound to an imperial dragon family that resided in the Elemental Plane of Earth. When Kikiri told Kolung that the Shadowscales were no more, the dragon turned serious, and asked where the Amatatsu family was. When Kikiri said that he had no clue who they were, the dragon demanded that they seek them out, for it was the duty of the Dragon Callers to serve the royal family personally. Nervous, but excited at the prospect of becoming a real Shadowscale, Kikiri gathered his equipment and together, the duo set out in search of the last of the Amatastus. Guided by the magical tether that bound them together to the royal blood, Kolung managed to lead the pair straight to Ameiko and her caravan. Ameiko explained that she had plans to return to Minkai and her royal heritage, the duo promised to see her their safely. Now, Kikiri and Kolung travel with Ameiko and see her safely to her birthright. Both know that they will have their work cut out for them, as Kikiri is not just the last Dragon Caller, but the last Shadowscale. Personality:
Kikiri is considerably different from most kobolds, personality-wise. While sneaky and quiet when he needs to be, he is remarkably outgoing and curious about the world at large, eager to see as much of it as possible. If he gets the chance to talk to others about local customs and practices, he does with gusto, eating up every detail. If he gets the chance, he'll collect souvenirs from the various places he visits, hoping to keep a tangible catalog of all the places he's been. This isn't to say Kikiri is naive... mostly. While he can sometimes be blinded by the sight of something new and interesting, he is more than aware of his current mission - protect Ameiko and restore the Shadowscale tribe to their former glory. Mostly thanks to Kolung never letting him forget it. Duty bound and driven to succeed, Kikiri is relentless when he puts his mind to something.
Kikiri is never far from his "brother", Kolung. The family ties between the two are tenuous, but according to the serpentine dragon, they both descend from the same imperial dragon. Long ago, a powerful and influential imperial dragon helped to found the Dragon Empires (hence why they are called such) and assisted in putting the first emperor of Minkai on the throne. But he feared passing on his power to a single offspring lest the temptation to misuse it get the better of them, and he feared that dividing such might would make the children quarrel and bicker. So he devised a work-around - he would have two children, but give one most of the power. However, that child could not enter this plane without the aid of their frailer sibling, forcing the two to work as a team to do things. While not perfect, it ensured that both would be driven to stick by one another, with the stronger sibling using their power to protect the weaker, and the weaker needing the stronger to survive. Supposedly, this is how the first kobolds were created, according to Kolung's story. Regardless of whether Kolung is telling the truth or not, the pair of nigh inseparable, ever working together to strive for greater heights on and off the field of battle. Kolung is very protective of his "little brother", and Kikiri considers them close friends, being a source of stability when things are dangerous. That isn't to say that alone, they are helpless, but they constantly strive to stick together and boost each other in tough times. While Kolung is the more studied of the two, helping Kikiri to master the forgotten arts of his ancestors, he lets the kobold do the talking when needed, as he is more practiced with social norms (the fact he can't speak Common also limits his ability). |
