Tallvar's page

Tallvar was born to Ashild 'Windblade' Gunnarsdottir in the city of Kalsgard in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. His birth was the result of a brief but passionate affair between his mother and a Snowcaster elf twilight walker, whose name Tallvar has never been told. At the time Ashild was betrothed to another man, and Tallvar's arrival obviously caused something of a stir. Having caused a great deal of shame and embarrassment for herself and her clan, Ashild took her baby son and left her clan, her city, and her homeland behind. As a former adventurer herself, she was able to call in a few favors and arrange transport south to Varisia. Ultimately the two of them settled in Sandpoint.

Growing up in Sandpoint, Tallvar was always a little odd. He wasn't human, which set him apart in a way; beyond that, his frost-white skin and red hair set him apart even from other half-elves most in town were familiar with. While that may have been enough on its own to make Tallvar feel out of place, it was things happening around him that seemed to bother people the most.

As long as he can remember, Tallvar has had a small red fox following him around. He would usually see it at a distance, sometimes doing something else, but often simply sitting and watching him as he went about his business. Other villagers could see it, too, and the frequent presence of this odd animal concerned some. When chased off, it would always return; when someone tried to hunt it, it would always slip away, only to appear again some time later.

Ameiko Kaijitsu had always been an exception to a lot of the bullying and teasing Tallvar found himself on the wrong end of. He was certain she knew he was "different", but she always treated him with a measure of kindness and respect regardless. He got along with her as well, and as a boy quickly developed a crush on Ameiko. He thought it would fade over time, but instead it's only gotten stronger. Tallvar always assumed, perhaps correctly, that Ameiko would never be interested in someone like him, despite her friendly behavior. He decided that just being around her, even just as a friend or acquaintance, would have to do.

When Ameiko left Sandpoint to go adventuring at 15, Tallvar wished desperately that he could follow her. Unfortunately, while tall, he lacked the physical strength to be a proper swordsman or warrior, he had little skill with the bow, and no inborn magical talent. In short, he had little that would allow him to ever be more than a woodworker, to go adventuring, or to be able to be any kind of equal to Ameiko. This frustration caused him to act rashly at times. Once it almost got him killed. Late one afternoon while walking north of Sandpoint seeking inspiration, he decided to brave going into the Nettlewood. A true adventurer might do this kind of thing, he thought. To no one's surprise but his own, Tallvar became hopelessly lost, and as the sun set and darkness fell, he found himself desperate. He could see in the dark decently, but not that well, and the forest was infested with goblins and other beasts. He found himself ducking in and out of tunnels, hiding behind trees and thickets, as he tried to avoid being discovered. Ultimately he found himself crouching in a small hole, possibly the entrance to another tunnel network, his hand clasped over his mouth. Nearby he could hear chattering goblins moving about; if he tried to leave, or made too much noise, they would certainly find him. He was stuck, surrounded by monsters, waiting to be found and killed.

It was while hiding in this hole in the ground, in the dark, alone and afraid, that the fox, which had followed him almost his entire life, came to him again. It approached him then, looking him in the eyes, and in that moment Tallvar could see an intelligence and understanding in its eyes beyond that of an animal. In that moment, though it didn't speak a word, the young man could understand what this creature, or what sent this creature, seemed to be offering. You don't have to die here weak and alone, it seemed to suggest. You can live. You can thrive in this darkness, rather than fear it. You can have power.

Tallvar knew this wasn't a free gift; he was striking a deal with something, and he didn't know what it meant. Even so, he hesitated only a moment. He knew he would agree, and as soon he knew, the fox seemed to know as well. The fox led him onward, avoiding goblins and making it out of the forest using paths he would never have found.

Since then, Ember has been Tallvar's constant companion. The young half-elf's interaction with the animal, his sudden development of magical ability where none had been apparent before, and the increase in misfortunate events around him did little to improve his reputation in town. For his part, Tallvar said almost nothing about the fox's true nature or what happened that night in the woods. His skill in his trade as well as his artistic ability prevent most hostility, though, and his willingness to perform healing for the villagers means that he gets mostly what he got before: gossip and odd looks, with the occasional comment.

Tallvar cuts an unusual figure most places he goes. He is tall and lithe like most half-elves, with sharply pointed ears. More striking is his skin, which is very pale, nearly the color of snow or frost. He has bright, icy blue eyes, red hair, and pleasant facial features, all hinting at both his elven and Ulfen heritage.

He is generally easy-going and amiable, if a bit reserved. Though friendly, he has a tendency to be guarded and somewhat defensive, particularly with those whom he does not know well. Even with those he does know well, he is hesitant to talk too much about himself, particularly about his powers and abilities. He harbors something of an inferiority complex, which causes him to be sullen and withdrawn at times. He does his best to display courage, partially as a result of his own good nature, and partially because of his poor self-esteem.

This complex is exacerbated by a gnawing sense of fear about the origin and nature of his own powers. He doesn't know exactly what it is he made a deal with or what it wants from him, but he has long since reached the point of no return.