Valvira's page

Dearest Diary:
To be a Hodge in Neverwinter is to live a life of privilege, thus it behooves us to use our many advantages to better those less fortunate than ourselves. So mother and father have ingrained into me, an I do believe it. I have had opportunities few of this city will. Why I was even humored with a tutor to learn a touch of the art. Master Holbolt said I excel at divination! Though sadly, something in me struggles with transmutation and protective magics, both quite important. Oh if only I were wretched at Necromancy or Charms instead. I am sure I’ll not be using those too often. Still, the notion that I can offer more than a bit of coin and a smile, but some modest minor spells to those in need fills my heart with undue pride. It is a vanity, but I do believe I have much to give.

Dearest Diary:
Sister and I went to the poorer parts of Neverwinter, with a servant to help protect us, of course. I do so love my sister and she I. She is far more disciplined I am sure, for there are times I do wish for a bit of excitement, where as she seems the soul of contentment. The poor folk appreciated the food we brought to them, and our second hand clothes. Though the latter shouldn’t be too impressive, we were going to throw them out soon anyway. Sister stays above it all, but I can’t help but strike up a conversation or two. There are such interesting urban myths. I do wish father would increase our allowance, I would have gladly shared some more coin for the rougher cases.

Dearest Diary:
Master Holbolt left over a week ago. Having taught me the basics, he is taking up duties as a tutor in Waterdeep. It is a dream job and I wish the old dear well. I will miss him, but it was not like I sought to delve deeply in the Art myself. Valvira the Archmagus? Ha. Such is never to happen. No, as the courting with Galvin Rumbottom is most polite and promising, perhaps he and I shall wed in two years or so. He’s not the wealthiest noble, but has kind eyes.

Dearest Diary:
A most curious situation has happened. A shipment was sent to our estate addressed to Master Holbolt! Accompanying it was a request to identify some magic items that were found in some hoard by some adventurers. Adventuring? Oh I admit it might be nice to go about the Realms doing good deeds, but ever so dangerous. Intriguing though. Ah, but I digress, with Master Holbolt no longer here, I thought the least I could do would pursue them for myself. Only three objects appear to be truly magical. The first was a dagger, of elven make. The enchantment is minor, but the artistry is wondrous. I am glad this came to me, a greedier person would have kept it for herself. I mailed it back with a note three days ago. The cloak was more magical still, not elven at all, but rather one that can grow batwings? It too was returned to my old mentor’s friend. I hope it serves him well. The last item, I’ll have to study it tomorrow, is a lovely coronet of tiny pearls alternating black and white. I’ll have to resist the urge to wear it.

Dearest Diary:
I was told that even the most experienced sages and mages alike can make a mistake in identifying from time to time. I thought the coronet’s magic was illusionary allowing fancy dresses to cover your true garb. To test this, I had to try it on. I did not gain the illusion of a pretty dress. No, I gained insight.
I’ve been an absolute fool! I could have kept that lovely dagger and cloak of power for mySELF! After all, that old fart Holbolt had run off like a panting dog to Waterdeep showing no loyalty to his employer. The more I think about it, the more I realize what a push over I’ve been for the lower classes period. My family is such an embarrassment. All this wealth, influence, and property and what do we do with it? Apologize for being successful? Does cream apologize for rising to the crop?

Dearest Diary:
It has been several days until I realized what really mattered in this world. There are the weak and foolish, and the strong and cunning. I will no longer be the former. And why, why did I decide a few measly cantrips was enough in the first place? Knowledge is power. Knowledge of Arcane spells is power few will ever taste. I have nibbled at the table of power when I could have been stuffing myself.
Fortunately, this new insight has had me dedicate myself more to the arts. Divination is still my gift, but that is not weak. If I learn people’s secrets for my own, then I have power over them. People pay for knowledge, and pay dearly. I’ve learned that the object I used is now forever spent. It shares properties with something called a ‘Helm of Opposite Alignment’ but , the details are fuzzy? Will a simple dispel magic reverse me back to the saccharine parody of a woman I was before? My research indicates that that religion might yet be the answer. Divine power is power too.

I need help cementing my new self. I need secrecy so my parents and sister don't try to ‘fix me’. My research on faiths tells me I need Shar. Where to find a representative who can be discrete?

Dearest Diary:
Excuses were made to throw my family and ‘love’ off the scent. I met a curious young woman of great beauty called Isabelle… no, Isabeau. I sense the art on her. Shadows cling like a second skin to her. Fascinating really. And through her, I have made contact with the Church of Shar.

Dearest Diary:
The Paracountess Amcathra informs me that she can indeed cement my soul to the dark wisdom I have found. Further, the Church has the resources to muddle memories or cover my conversion as few can. Of course, THEY aren’t fools. So I shall be doing them a service or two. Who knows, as my power grows, perhaps I can work with them to further cement myself as the hidden head of the Hodge Household. I deserve luxury, I deserve wealth, I deserve pleasures, and by the goddess who seems to most support my goals, I deserve power.
I. Deserve. More.

[/B] Valvira Jilliana Hodge was a generous girl who had been raised to believe that there was good in everyone, and that charity was a virtue not a weakness. She gave up a lot of what she wanted for others. But there were always vices within, ambitions, and musings that were rather selfish. Thanks to her spiritual and mental transformation, those once hidden dark desires now dominate freely and happily. She is evil, but she is not some mustache twirling parody of evil, she’s merely looking out for herself first. Valvira is quite happy to help out a friend’s ambitions as long as it doesn’t hinder her own. Only a fool tries to do things alone. Indeed, she respects power and other adventurers tend to have that, even if their power is different. And the more powerful her friends, the more they can help HER. Call it enlightened self interest.

She is still an academic, indeed, she’s more focused than before. It might be noted, some part of her still cares for her family, even if it’s a bit more possessive than kind. As for her suitor? She’s beginning to find him tiring as he’s not that rich, and there are better looking men.

Valvira is a lovely young woman, not the stunning beauty some are, but some find her academic styling appealing in a ‘brainy girl’ way. She tends to keep her medium brown hair piled up a bit. She often has eyewear, but it’s not really needed. It does enhance the apparent size of her lovely green eyes. For now, her fashion is modest, for a noblewoman. She still has to blend, after all. But in time she may decide to dabble with a more classic femme fatale styling.

Balladeer CR –
Male thrush (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic)
NE Diminutive magical beast (animal)
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +5
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Defense
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AC 17, touch 16, flat-footed 15 (+2 Dex, +1 natural, +4 size)
hp 3 (1d8-2)
Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +4
Defensive Abilities improved evasion
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Offense
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Speed 10 ft., fly 40 ft. (average)
Melee bite -1 (1d2-5)
Space 1 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
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Statistics
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Str 1, Dex 15, Con 6, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 6
Base Atk +0; CMB -2; CMD 3
Feats Skill Focus (Perception)
[b]Skills Acrobatics +2 (-6 to jump), Appraise -1, Diplomacy -1, Fly +12, Perception +5, Spellcraft -1
Languages Common
SQ empathic link
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Special Abilities
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Empathic Link (Su) You have an empathic link with your master.
Fly (40 feet, Average) You can fly!
Improved Evasion (Ex) No damage on successful reflex save; half on failed save.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail.
Share Spells Spells with a target of "You" can be delivered by a familiar with a range of touch.