Ekujae Warrior

Tessirda's page

140 posts. Alias of TerraNova (RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32).


Full Name

Tessirda

Race

Elf

Classes/Levels

Paladin 2

Gender

female

Size

medium

Age

129

Alignment

Lawful Good

Deity

Sarenrae

Location

Riddleport

Languages

Common, Elven

Occupation

Free Spirit

Strength 16
Dexterity 12
Constitution 10
Intelligence 9
Wisdom 14
Charisma 15

About Tessirda

Base Statistics:
HP: 18
AC: 16 (11, 15)
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +3, Will +6
BAB: +2

Traits & Feats:
Calistrian Prostitute (Sense Motive and ?Diplomacy?)
Fools for Friends

Power Attack

Skills:

Sense Motive: +8 (2 Ranks)

Equipment:

401 GP 4 SP
Elven Curveblade
Shortsword x2

~30 GP in "everyday goods" and supplies - nothing fancy, just "backpack, rope, sleeping bag, ..."

Breastplate

Abilities:

Aura of Good
Detact Evil at will
Smite Evil 1 / day
Divine Grace
Lay on Hands 3 / day

History:

Tessidra was born in a Ravirromil, a small village in one of the settlements outside of Celewynvian. An easy birth, gentle on the mother - much gentler than the child would soon be. Tessirda grew up fast, for an elf. Always trying to go places she was not meant to go, always eager to compete with her seniors. Almost a force of nature. Her parents, Serinnal and Hanidhan, were gentle and very forgiving, but there were no tears shed when she declared she was not going to stay. She was only 80 when she packed up her bundle, and began to follow her wanderlust through the wilds and towns of Varisia.

At the time, she was voracious for acquaintances, making brief connections with many of the smaller towns and hamlets dotted through the monument-dotted landscape. She met her first lover, an elven ranger by the name of Seldlon while in Magnimar. The elf was both enticed by her carefree attitude and willingness to travel, while at the same time somewhat appalled by just how unready she was. She had some weapon training, but none further than what any elven child was expected to do. He began to change that, with intense study of the bow, the blade, and anything they had handy. She followed him on some of his expeditions, but Seldlon made sure she was not even able to get into trouble.

Finally, her travels brought her to Riddleport. Seldlon tried to keep her out of the cutthroat port, knowing full well a den of sin like this city was something that would attract the young elf like a moth to the candle. She was quite the moth, however. Fully determined to burn her wings for good. She was in the city for hardly a night before it happened.

She was lucky, in many ways. For some going into Riddleport with no idea what to expect ends robbed of all their wealth, or knifed in the back, or raped, or any number of other fates the permanent residents know well to avoid, but visitors fall victim to with some regularity. What happened was a few "friendly" mugs of hard liquor, some smooth talking, and waking up with the worst headache of her life before, and since. She dimly remembered the night, but knew it had been degrading, unpleasant, and altogether something she had no stomach for. Revenge was in order.

She tried to challenge the man, but was laughed out of his face - that was when her faith shifted away from Desna to the vengeful aspect of Calistria. In many ways, this made her life easier, and had her settle down. The House of Silken Veils became her home, and source of income. She did not object too much to the work, and after a while even grew to like it, and build a rather steady clientele. Yet vengeance is a funny thing. Finish one tab, and open three more in the process. From Shaedron to an informer who had lied to her, to the thugs he had hired to break her legs. Each was more elaborate than the next, drained more time and resources from her. Months stretched into years, and eventually some of the revenges became less personal.

She wasn't quite a thug. The distinction was paper-thin sometimes, but she always knew just what the man or woman had done to deserve a visit, avoided killing whenever possible (though she slipped more frequently as time went on).

She made friends in the house. Friends with histories. One of these friends was a Tiefling named Forktongue, who had a whole list of grievances. Besides her services as a professional listener and pleasure-giver, she took on his vendettas as her own.

While spoiling drinks, revealing secrets and causing general mischief are not something she really is pained over, nearly killing her maybe truest friend is. Seldlon had avoided Riddleport for the most time, but he had trailed Forktongue for decades. The tiefling had traded with hobgoblins, profited from slaving and eluded capture numerous times.

Forktongue had gotten revenge on most the wrongs, but when he received word that Seldlon was in town, he muscled Tessirda in helping him teaching "one last lesson". She was feeling horribly conflicted about the whole issue, despite years of hardening herself.

To her credit, once the battle was on, she did not kill her old friend. Neither did she help him. She stood by, and watched... and thought. When finally Seldlon had repulsed the tiefling, she stepped out of the alleyway she had waited on.

The Elf was so disgusted with her, he did not even talk. He merely slapped her straight across the face when he saw the elaborate wasp-tattoo on her shoulder, turned and left.

This was the turning point to her. She knew she had been looking for something meaningful all along. She had tried to find the world Desna promised, or the fulfillment Calistria hinted at. But none had been able to give her what she was looking for. She had not even stuck to her own grievances, she had spread out.

Over a few days, she went through her options. Going home never once entered her mind - but Riddleport offers some hope. One of her customers sensed her distress, and in an incredible gesture, gifted her a pendant of the Dawnflower, saying "Everyone can change, we all can be what we wish to be".

Before she can fully commit on this new path, though, she has to know. Has to see if she can change. She had already bought into the "Cheat the Devil" tournament. Now it was more than a fun evening. Now it was the chance to prove to herself her change was more than skin-deep. She'd be there, and help out those who stood to lose most - and maybe give them a bit of hope.