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Elladora's Character Survey

Started by Dray, March 14, 2006, 12:52:14 PM

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Dray

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Player (you) Name:[/color]
Dray

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's full name? Nick-names? : [/color]
Elladora Keh?Vale, family members have nicknamed her ?Elly?.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the color of the character's hair, eyes, and skin?: [/color]
Elladora has long straight black hair, light blue eyes and fair skin, her skin tans very lightly in summer, but will burn easily if over-exposed.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character?s general appearance?: [/color]
Elladora Keh?Vale is a comely woman in her early twenties and of above average height at 5?9?. She is also far stronger than the most men. Because of this, she usually covers her athletic, muscular frame in a peasants? attire that leaves nothing but her neck and ankles bare. When in town she wears a simple, long-sleeved white blouse made of cotton and a tan skirt which almost reaches her feet. A long slung, wide-banded leather belt flows with the curves of her waist. The bottoms of leather boots can be seen under the hem of the skirt. The ensemble accentuates her feminine features in an attempt to disguise a warrior?s body.

Her hair is long, straight and jet black, and hangs suspended over the inward curve of her lower back. Her almond shaped, fair skinned face is usually framed by two bangs of hair that cup under her chin. The top layer of her thick flowing hair is bound with a small leather band, over which, another layer is kept loose. (This keeps the hair out of her face and on her back where it belongs.)

Her big eyes are a mesmerizing light blue in color, under a defined brow, and over a symmetrical face giving her an pronounced beauty.  Her eyebrows are plucked and groomed to near invisibility, and underscore a high and proud forehead. Her porcelain smooth face conveys only a pool of calm. She bears no wrinkles from smiling, nor does her face show signs of witness to a frown.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's age?: [/color]
21

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Where was the character born?: [/color]
Littleton, a small remote mining and lumber community

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Describe the character's family: [/color]

Immediate Family:
Father, Richard Keh?Vale, age 41, miner

Elly?s father is a loving, compassionate man who treats all of his children fairly. A tall, but strong thin man, he is a team leader of a mining group (8-man team) within the Littleton Mines. Although he believes the woman?s place is in the home, rearing children, he is incredibly respectful of the gender. He has never taken a hand to either his daughters, or his wife. (Sons though get a hand in discipline when required).

Mother, Amatheena Shard Keh?Vale, age 39, housewife

Elly?s mother is also loving and compassionate. She is very strong-willed within the home, making her opinion known to her husband. She does however give him his due respect, keeping her tongue while within the public eye. She fully understands her second-class status within the male dominated society, even though she doesn?t agree with it. Each day she assists Richard in instilling a respect (for women) within her sons, and a sense of self-worth within her daughters. She tends the family farm and the rearing of children as a labor of love.

Brother, Elan Keh?Vale, age 23, miner

Elly?s eldest brother, is the warm heart in the family, he is quick with a quip, a smile or a hug, sometimes all three.

Twin Brother, Ryan Keh?Vale, age 21, miner

Ryan is Elly?s twin brother, and loves her very much. The two were inseparable throughout their younger childhood years.

Brother, Steph Keh?Vale, age 17, lumberer

Steph is the spitting image of his namesake uncle, a man who is married to his mother?s sister, so much so it is a running gag within the family. He is a quite young man who is found happy and whistling only when he is working with wood.

Sister, Mia Keh?Vale, age 15 barmaid

Mia is Elly?s little sister. She is petite and slight. Where Elly got her looks from her mother and her physical frame from her father, Mia is an almost duplicate of her mom. This comely young woman, with her short, chin-length black hair and big green eyes, works at the town?s only tavern.

Brother, Joseph Keh?Vale, age 12 child & family farmhand

Joseph is Elly?s baby brother, but despite his age is already passing Mia in height. He is also almost as strong as his older brothers and serves his mother well on the family farm.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Has the character begun his/her own family?: [/color]
She has not, but she does wish her own some day, along with a kind husband who will adore the herd of children she will provide for him.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What was the worst moment of the characters life? [/color]
The worst was when her Uncle Henry was killed before her eyes.

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[color=darkred:7487c4c11b]Tears streaked down her face as the bandits rough calloused hand bore down on her mouth. A metal ring he wore pressed hard on the right corner of her upper lip. She was beginning to choke on the pain as she could feel the lip starting to tear. Using the same arm that held her mouth shut, he curled her head and right shoulder at an odd angle against his chest. His left arm was wrapped around her stomach, which held her body tight against the rest of his front. Elly, at twelve years old, was taller than her peers. Despite this, the monstrous brute held her aloft.  Her feet dangling six inches off the ground. She had no leverage and had stopped kicking since it only made the back of her legs hurt when they banged into his metal armor. If it were not for the scene playing out in front of her, his enlarged anatomy pressed against her thigh, would have been the most frightening part of the attack.

Her uncle was lying on the ground, unconscious, but Warson continued to kick him repeatedly. Each blow from Warson?s metal boot was met with less and less of a response from his almost prone victim. Although her uncle was a tall and strong man from years of working on the farm, he couldn?t fend off the four men. They had quickly beaten him to the ground. Now, three of them watched as Warson seemed bent on killing him.

But as Elly watched in horror, she had one feint hope. The three men behind Warson were becoming worried. They watched the scene with growing alarm, and began to look at one another. Elly prayed that they would become fearful enough of Mageil actually killing her uncle, and intervene before it was too late.

Her vision blurred with the gushing tears. Her lip tore further and she felt her warm blood leak under her attackers hand and spread over her chin. Only a hand ago she was bored from the long ride back from BiggerTown, now her life and the life of her uncle were in great peril.

Warson reached down, pulled up his pant leg and drew a dagger from inside his boot.

Dracos, a young man between the two other men, screamed in a shrill, ?No Warson! We can?t kill him!?

Warson kneeled down next to her Uncle?s prone form, Dracos and his two thugs beside him froze. Elly screamed in her mind, ?Cowards!? as he raised the knife high over his head. Grasping the dagger with both hands, Warson pointed it down toward his victim, and for a moment that lasted an eternity, was posed in a ceremonial sacrifice.

Elladora went limp in her attacker?s grasp as all her strength was lost to the horror of what was to happen, for there was no mistaking it now. Warson was evil, and was bent on murder.

With a great thrust Warson bore the weapon into her Uncle?s chest.

Henrick Keh?Vale let out a gurgled gasp of utter shock as he awakened for this final violation. His legs and arms curled towards the fatal wound in his chest, his body almost achieving a fetal position. An attempt at breath belayed the fact that he was drowning in his own blood.

The thug who held Elly had lost all the strength in his grip. She broke free and ran to her uncle. As she reached him his body jerked and his back flexed in an arch, all of his body parts now stretching as if to escape the pain occurring at its center.

Turning to his side, a large volume of blood expelled from his lungs, and he became suddenly still.

?Uncle Henry!? Elly screamed, her knees slamming to the ground as she slid near him. She couldn?t bear to touch him, the fear of what was occurring to him keeping her at a distance.

A large volume of blood expelled from her uncle and spilled over the sides of his face, before it could even choke him, his entire body went rigid.

?UNCLE!? she screamed again, the sound drowning out the sound of the men?s heavy footfalls as they fleed.[/color]

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[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How does the character perceive government? Those who are opposed to the government?:[/color]
Elladora believes that government should be composed of citizens whose law-abiding nature is part of their very being. They should be established by a local church hierarchy that can oversee their activities. Religion and State should be therefore combined into one entity. In her mind, it is the only way to avoid corruption. Due to her own experience with the Mayor of her own hometown (See Entry below), she has no faith in a government not sanctioned by an ethical and moral church.

Those who oppose government today may have a legitimate and justifiable reason to do so. However order must be maintained and laws abided, it is the men who write and enforce those laws who need to be replaced in a civil manner. Anyone who would oppose such a government would be held in suspicion by Elladora.

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[color=darkred:7487c4c11b]?Court of Littleton is again in session this afternoon of the 3rd day of 6th month of the year,? announced Mayor Harken.

The court of the Littleton Town Hall was the largest room in an otherwise small building at the center of the small mining community.

It was known to all in town that Mayor Harken had no patience for long drawn out trials. So when she entered this room for the first time four days ago, she was little surprised at the minimal accommodations, lack of official court symbols and furnishings for anyone but the mayor himself. In Biggertown, the court there was far more intimidating as it was made of marble, with huge columns, flags of state and important looking men with white wigs walking all about.

The Mayor sat behind the middle of a simple rectangular table, facing Elly who stood before him. It was the simplest piece of furniture, combined pine wood planks from the forest nearby with simple square pine legs. It had been useless during the entire four day trial, until today. The one item it bore now was the single parchment open before him. The parchment that summarized the charges against her, the court?s ruling, and the sentence. The words that contained her ultimate fate were rolled up near him, out of her view, only two feet away.

Dracos Harken and six Littleton guards stood behind the Mayor. As they also lacked chairs and were not allowed to sit on the floor, they had fidgeted and looked uncomfortable for the duration of the trial.

Elly meanwhile had stared at Dracos often, burning her gaze into his soul.

He wouldn?t meet her eyes. She knew the coward felt guilty for framing her. Instead of facing the truth and bearing consequence to his actions, which, as a male and a politician?s son would have been minimal, he would rather her take a much larger fall.

Now, the consequences of his lies would be read, and he would bear the guilt for the rest of his days. Elly pitied the pathetic boy. More so, she also felt anxious for the people of Littleton, for all of Dracos lies would have not held disguise had it not been for his father?s deception. And if Mayor Harken would send an innocent 12 year-old girl to her death to protect his own demented son, then this town was in dire straits.

Elly, for her part, had stood in front of Mayor Harken during the sessions wearing the traveling peasant dress she had arrived in. The day, almost a week ago now, when she came to the town Hall, seeking justice for her uncle?s death.

She had no idea of the depth of Dracos cowardice, or his father?s corruption, at least, not until it was too late. She kept berating herself for coming to the Town Hall, she should have realized that Dracos would have turned all of the facts around. It wasn?t until that first lonely night in the Town Hall prison cell that the surprise of what was happening fully found purchase within her mind. Dracos had beaten her home, and had developed a story that not only exonerated him, but placed many false accusations towards her. For a witless boy, the framework of his argument was quite clever. Elly had a sinking feeling that his father was the mind behind the deception, which made her gut turn inside out. She so feared for her family and what might happen to them after she was gone. She worried to the point of tears that justice would not be served for her murdered Uncle.

As Elly stood in the dusty hardwood floor, holding the heavy chains attached to the manacles around her wrists, she continued to glare at Dracos.

Her family and friends had been allowed to gather for the reading of the verdict. Elly felt the most anguish for her father, who would lose his eldest daughter within days of losing a brother. She hoped her family could console him. Her brothers Elan and Ryan stood by him, as did the father of her arranged fianc?e, Kenneth Granger. The thought of not having a family of her own someday brought her to tears in her cell each night. She would miss Kenneth and the talks they had, and she would never meet the son she was promised too. She had said a prayer, only the previous night, for good will towards David Granger. As he finished his schooling, she prayed the distance would shelter him from the shame brought to his family by her incarceration.

Two of her father?s mining team, Hal and Frick, also stood bye. They had been good friends and treated her like a daughter of their own. She would miss their visits to the small home they had on the outskirts of town. The laughter that the two men would share with her, her family and especially her hard working father, while at the dinner table many a night.

There were many other men in attendance, most she recognized at the very least by face and profession. The shop keeper and the butcher to name a few, most she had dealings with her as she visited them on the behalf of her family?s farm.

All had come to stand by her, and to be in audience to her fate, one that could only be surmised as dire. She could only pray that this very audience would not rise in defiance against the Mayor, which would endanger them all. She would sooner fall on a knife then have anyone else in her family or the town harmed.

?Elladora Keh?Vale?, spoke the Mayor, ?the court has heard the evidence and will now deliver its verdict. You will abide by this ruling and sentencing upon a guilty ruling, or you and your family will suffer further penalty as allowed by Littleton laws. Do you understand?? the Mayor asked in the same tone he had during the entire proceeding of the past four days. One of confident arrogance, Elly thought of him as a man who considered him untouchable. ?All men die Mayor Harken? Elly thought, ?and all men face judgment at death?.

Breaking herself from her thoughts, Elly simply nodded yes at the Mayors? question. She had decided the previous night she would not cry. She would continue to hold her head high knowing she was innocent of all charges and that the villains, in the very court room, knew who they were.

?Yes or no would suffice!? the Mayor demanded. Elly and everyone else already tense as it was, jumped with a start.

Elly took a small gulp, and held back her tears. ?Yes Mayor Harken? she managed without her voice breaking.

He unrolled the parchment, but did not look down upon it, and proceeded to speak from memory each charge and verdict with slow malice.

[i:7487c4c11b]?For the charge of bearing false witness to the death of a citizen of Littleton?we find you, guilty.?[/i:7487c4c11b]

The very first charge stung Elly the most. The fact that no-one could find her Uncle?s body when she lead them back to the scene had left her in utter despair.

[i:7487c4c11b] ?For the charge of slandering the reputation of a government official and his family?we find you, guilty.? [/i:7487c4c11b]

She should never have surrendered her good judgment to her emotions. The day of her arrest had not been one she was proud of. Letting all of those angry words loose had just made her situation worse.

[i:7487c4c11b] ?For the charge of harassment of a government official and his family?we find you, guilty.? [/i:7487c4c11b]

This is where the Mayors? tangled distortion of actual events was weaved in a fashion so diabolical and clevor, that Elly almost doubted her own innocence. At one point in the trial she even had to check herself mentally, finding it difficult to keep the real memories segregated from the false stories told by the Mayors? false witnesses.

With all three charges read and final, the sighs of anguish and sounds of suppressed anger came to Elly from behind her. The men cursed under their breath, fidgeted their feet in restlessness, and some even cracking their knuckles in warning. The consequences of interference with Littleton Law, and the Mayors? soldiers, would have been dire on a massive scale. Elly held her breath and prayed, waiting for an outburst.

A small part of her, a part she didn?t want to admit existed, wanted it. Elly did not want to die. But thankfully, her logical mind thought, none had come.

Elly kept her eyes level with the Mayor, she would not give him the satisfaction of  any sign of remorse. She would here the sentence to come while glaring at him and his demented pathetic son. Burning the image of her into their guilt ridden minds, an image for hopefully the remainder of their years.

?However, the people of Littleton and this court are not without mercy.? Mayor said with a slight smile.

The tense room became still and as quiet as death. This statement surprised everyone in this room. Elly again found herself catching her breath. All of them, including Elly, thought she was headed for the noose by sunfall. ?It must be a trick?, she thought. ?He?s going to tell me that he is going to delay the execution for a day or something.?

?Elladora Keh?Vale. Your sentence shall be as follows,? the Mayor paused.

Elly?s heart dropped with sudden abandon, ?Mercy would not truly fall upon me, for you are truly evil Mayor, I see the enjoyment of this in your eyes.?

The Mayor continued. ?You will be sent to the Monastery of Twilight, where you will live the rest of your days as a servant. The moment you step into its halls you shall be an exile of Littleton, divorced from your family and your arranged marriage with David Granger dissolved. You will also be ex-communicated from the church and shall no longer be part of this community.?

Elly couldn?t believe what she was hearing. The moment was a bittersweet. She was thrilled to have the stay of execution, but there was nothing more important to her then her family, friends and the church. After a moment of true despair, she reigned in the emotion from her face. For a small smile had reached the Mayor, and she would allow him no more satisfaction.

She kept her face hard. ?This is a misstep you evil man. I do not know why you keep me alive. Perhaps you are truly afraid of an uprising from the townsfolk. Either way, you were wrong to allow me my life. I will find the justice I seek.? Elly thought and quickly had to look away from the Mayor, for she must have been staring at him too angrily. His smile had been quickly replaced with a glare of anger.

?Soldiers have been assembled to escort you to the monastery immediately. If this mercy is not acceptable to you, they can bring you to the noose!? the Mayor almost shouted.

Her father spoke in a quiet venomous tone. ?My daughter is most appreciative of your mercy, but there isn?t enough daylight left for the journey!?? Elly cringed at the question, fearing the unstated danger, Dargen Woods.

Mayor Harken stared at him, temporarily disarmed from his previous anger. ?Then she will have to camp overnight in the Woods with the soldiers won?t she??

Before any more remarks could be made, he motioned behind him to the nervous soldiers. Appearing to be eager to act, in lieu of watching the townfolk seethe, they quickly made their way around the table. Grabbing Elly?s chains, they parted the crowd and escorted her out the door. Outside, six more foot soldiers awaited with the minimal supplies they needed.

All of the men quickly followed. When Richard, her father, was clear of the court room he quickly gathered her older brother. ?Run ahead to the farm, as fast as the wind, tell your mother to prepare supplies for me,? he paused mid-sentence and looked up at Mr. Granger, who simply nodded at him, ??Mr. Granger, Jake and Targ for an overnight journey.?

Mayor Harken, who had just come outside had overheard, as her brother sprinted away to the North. He walked and stopped right behind her father.

?And where do you think your going Richard?? he said condescendingly.

Elly watched as her father turned towards the Mayor, she had never seen him in such control over his anger. For the daughter knew her father?s anger well, and this was the strongest she ever sensed it within him. This situation was very different from when she experienced it in the past. This wasn?t simply a matter of her and her brother getting caught misbehaving. This was anger towards something he could not control or punish, and her father had an entire family to protect, not just her. For all the anger he had, he was not slave to it. At that moment she had never been so proud of her father.

With controlled effort he spoke calmly to the Mayor. ?As it is an ?overnight? journey, I though it best if I came along with some friends, as I wouldn?t want the soldiers ?harmed? carrying out sentencing for my daughter.?

?That will not be necessary Richard, my men are more than capable of protecting one young woman,? the Mayor said, his tone hinting of an order.

?Yes, I am sure twelve of your men are quite capable of handling a young girl, but I would sleep better the remainder of my days seeing her safely to the monastery,? as her father spoke, he clenched one fist. The shorter heavier politician would be no match for the tall miner and his twelve men knew this. Each soldier had placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. The tension was thick as the two men squared off on one another.

Kenneth Granger broke the moment. ?Mayor Harken, your sentence was as follows, Elly will be sent to the monk Monastery of Twilight, where you will live the rest of your days as a servant. The moment you step into its halls you shall be an exile of Littleton. Elly is therefore allowed to see her family until she is in the monastery.?

?Furthermore, as no-one wants any more harm to come to this family which has suffered so much tragedy, it would be best for as large as escort as possible through Dargen Woods. Wouldn?t you agree Mayor?? Kenneth?s tone was also threatening, the moment of what violence could come was lost on no one. Even the young Elly.
 
Mayor Harken shot him a furious glare.

Kenneth Granger held his ground, but raised his hand in a motion for calm. ?The citizens are following the laws of Littleton, we will see to it that justice is done, but we should be allowed to ensure that no further ? problems, arise while the sentence is carried out.?

Mayor Harken stood there angry, but slightly disarmed. His twelve armed soldiers were so nervous that some of them had their blades half drawn.

?So be it Mr. Granger, but the soldier of Littleton shall make no effort for your own safety. They are only duty is to see that justice is carried out.?

?And so it shall, Mayor Harken,? said Kenneth Granger with a smirk.[/color]

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[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Has the character ever done anything else (besides adventuring) for a living?:[/color]
Before Elly?s exile from Littleton, she served as a farmhand for her mother. While in exile as punishment to the crime, she farmed the land and prepared quite a few meals for the ten men and three women living at the monastery.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]When or how was the character educated?: [/color]
She learned to read and write from her mother. Later at the monastery, after her calling as ?First Priest of Saint Ethan Talonfall? (See Entries below), the entire enclave of monks shared in aggressively providing her an education. At twelve she started with advanced forms Literature and by eighteen she had deep understanding of Philosophy, History, Law, Science, Religon, Political Science and other Academics. Only when she reached 21, after nine years of rigorous study, was she was recognized as a True Cleric.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Where did this character attain her religious belief structure? [/color]
Elladora is her religion. She is the living representation of the spheres she represents, the Domains of Protection and Law.
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[color=darkred:7487c4c11b]Upon reaching the archway to his Master?s study, Brother Zhunn quietly slipped into the room?s candlelight.

Beyond the lone candle posted at the edge of his desk, the Master did not look up from the new book of parchment. Scribing in long and patient strokes, Zhunn knew not to interrupt him in mid-sentence. The tomb, a man?s width and if closed with the hard leather cover, thick as a man?s forearm, spread open under the Master. As it was tilted slightly away from Zhunn, the words he scribed, were hidden from his view. A glass inkwell full to the rim stood ready next to the candle?s simple brass dish. Zhunn had wondered what project the Master started anew, for a new tomb and fresh ink indicated an original subject of noted interest to the Master. Judging by the large size of the tomb, this subject would capture the Master?s interest for some time.

Brother Zhunn waited patiently to be addressed by the Master, as was customary. The Master stroked the parchment with his favorite quill, the soft scrape the only sound during the quiet early evening.

The unfinished pine desk, more akin to a podium, stood at the center of the small circular study. Jacob, perched on the matching chair behind, ?looking like a vulture crouched over dieing  prey,? thought Zhunn. The far too high chair forcing Jacob to arch over the small desk, an awkward position, but one Zhunn always found his Master in. He never questioned or commented on the uncomfortable position, ?too each his own,? was his thought.

Waiting for recognition, Zhunn scanned the walls which were masked by tombs, rolls and stacks of parchment, neatly piled from floor to ceiling. He always wondered the secrets they may contain, what history, knowledge and thoughts brought from the meditative state of the Master. All scribed by this one Monk, it would be passed on into the Library, and therefore to the other Monks as the Master deemed it necessary.

There were only a few elements of architecture in the study not hidden from view. The stacks almost made it to the cone shaped roof above, the oak trellises almost lost in the shadow. The area before the pine door behind Jacob was clear, for it lead to Master Jacob?s common room, his bedroom being on a floor above. And the opening Brother Zhunn stood within, where he often wondered if someday he would encounter a wall of parchment. He almost expected the Master to close himself in before passing on the information to the Library. Zhunn didn?t think him reluctant, just too preoccupied to be bothered.

Twilight was stealing the remaining light of the day from the windows behind him in the main hall. Had he not been so shocked by Elladora?s blatant lack of respect for authority, he would have waited for the morn to resolve the matter.

As he thought upon her transgression for many minutes, Zhunn finally lost his resolve to wait. ?Master Jacob, disciplinary action is required for her,? he whispered from the archway.

?I take it you speak of servant Elladora?? Jacob said quietly, not startled or missing the beat of heart after Zhunn?s question.

?Yes, my Master.? he said. His anger created by the vision of the girl in the Archive, robbed him of carefully planned words of his report. After a moment, he let out a sigh of frustration and simply stated the matter, ?She now sits in the Archive surrounded in books.?

He paused a moment, waiting for a recognition of shock from his master?s eyes. He was disappointed as they instead continued the path of the follower to the scribing hand.

?Books that she is reading Master!? he blurted, not afraid to show his master his malcontent.

?What angers you more my Brother, that she is disobeying your orders, or the fact that she can read?? Jacob said plainly, still not looking up.

?You knew she could read Master? But?,? he now stammered, slightly taken aback. He had thought that the Master would have been at least angry enough to stop what he was doing. ??we are not to speak with her on such mundane issues, she is but a criminal servant of the?..? he was interrupted by Master Jacobs stare. A stare that he had expected just a moment ago for Elladora?s announced transgression. Instead had been directed at Zhunn?s own. He quickly realized he had spoken out of turn.

Jacob hadn?t shifted back in the chair, his stare from over the books? rim spoke volumes.
Although Jacob and he were both of late middle-age, the Masters? talents, skills and experience were far greater. Therefore, the Masters responsibilities, were greater still.

After the moment of warning, Jacob lowered his eyes back to his work. Brother Zhunn saw his eyes soften and with the same smooth tone in his voice he spoke. ?I am not under the same bylaws and directives as the entire enclave of monks Brother Zhunn. You know this.?

He felt heat rise to his cheeks, yet something inside him wouldn?t let go of the frustration. Before he could report further though, Master Jacob continued, ?I needed to ascertain our new servants? abilities, did I not??

He only gave a short nod in reply, knowing that Master Jacob would sense it despite his return to his scribing. He held his tongue, now not sure of how this young girl was appraised by the Master.
 
?All other women placed here have been volunteers in the last season of their lives. Set in their ways and manners of routine daily life, they were confident in the limited abilities known, and how to use those abilities for the caretaking of this monastery. They have been content to live the remainder of their days here in relative peace.? He paused a moment while returning the pen to the inkwell for refreshment.

?Elladora has been accused of a crime and is serving time here unwillingly. At a mere thirteen seasons, she has only the basics of skills. Her heart has not focused her mind. She therefore has no idea what she wants from life.? As Jacob spoke he continued to scribe, his mind devoted to both tasks.

?This servant girl is also the youngest to place foot in this monastery in centuries. I need to develop any innate talent and put it to good use. She shall then be far more compliant in her lifelong service here. I also wish her to be focused on the monastery, and not the monastery focused on her. By charging you with directing her in the Archive, I keep her secluded from the monks until her heart finds that focus.?

Master Jacob didn?t look up, but after a pause gave a sly smile and continued. ?If the girl is content to assist this House while staying out of the way,? he said as he paused and looked up, ?and out of view, then all the better, the monks will continue to honor their vow.?

Master Jacob returned his eyes to his work.

The openly stated doubt of the monks? ability to maintain their vow of chastity summoned the heat in his face to flare to new life. He felt flustered and upon seeing Master Jacob smile, ashamed that the Master may even think him capable of such a transgression.

But Zhunn quickly reprimanded himself, realizing that once again he was a student to the Master. Standing in the archway, he took a moment of introspection. Had the Master thought him wanting to join with the girl he would have been exiled from the Monastary, not charged with directing her tasks. No. Her beauty represented an unstable element within the balanced life in the House and Master Jacob had recognized this. Meanwhile, he himself had simply attempted to ignore the issue. It made him uncomfortable to encounter such emotions after many long years dedicated to his studies and to that vow in question. Therefore guided by the ignorance of an unformed opinion, he now realized that its ignorance of the indecision was guiding his emotions down the wrong path. Instead of thinking upon a way to deal with Elladora living in the House, he simply allowed himself to be angry by it.

His Master had sensed this in him before he himself had recognized it.

Ashamed that he hadn?t proceeded properly, he tried to change the subject. ?Yes, but Master, if the Mayor of Littleton realizes you have spoken with the young girl in such a manner then?.? he was once again interrupted by a stare from Jacob. The Masters? stare was far more impatient this time, and he flinched. He quickly had made yet another breach in etiquette.

?Remember your station Brother Zhunn, for my station has its own Keeper.? Jacob stated in a whispered but threatening tone.

?My apology, Master Jacob, for I do not doubt your intentions. I only wish to express concern for what the mayor in Littleton would do with any sort of perceived transgression.? he said nervously. He was desperate to hold his ground in regards to the argument, not wanting to appear to his Master a slave to his emotions.

?Let me handle the corrupt man in Littleton.? Master Jacob said in more an off-hand manner then Zhunn cared for. Jacob dipped his pen in the ink, and continued to scribe. ?What is the issue with our new servant Brother?? Jacob continued, once again in calm manner.

Zhunn was relieved to return to the subject that brought him to his Master?s study. ?She has surrounded herself in a ring of books in the center of the library. She is no longer cleaning and organizing, but reading.? he announced, trying to keep his voice even and tolerant.

Master Jacob continued to scribe. ?That is simply not acceptable. The Library was in complete chaos a week ago, how does it stand now??

?Well, admittedly it appears to be farther along then I would have expected.? he said, relieved that at least the Master found her actions displeasing as he did. ?But that doesn?t give her an excuse to avoid work.?

Master Jacob placed his pen in a vial of solution, sat up and leaned back in his chair with his hands folded in his lap. ?All too true Brother Zhunn. Shall we go speak with her??

?We, my Master?? he became nervous again, as Jacob calmly stood, smoothed his robes and walked past him.   

               *   *   *

The small entrance to the archive was in such a secluded dark spot, it could easily be missed by one not familiar with the monastery. A year ago, Master Jacob had asked that the candles no longer be lit in the small passage. With the new library finally complete in its construction, it was no longer necessary to enter the old one on a day to day basis. Since then, it had been known as the Archive, and as it had few visitors, was always dark.

So when Master Jacob turned the corner of the main hallway, with Brother Zhunn in tow, he was startled at the white light emanating from the Archive?s small passage entry.

He turned to look at Zhunn, who with a look, conveyed he had no foreknowledge of this light. Jacob hurried his step.

Beyond the corridor entry he found two of the youngest amongst the monks standing at the threshold of the open archive door. The archive being to his left, Master Jacob could only wonder what the two beheld. The light, which is what Master Jacob thought they may be staring into, washed over them and along the corridor behind. The old artwork on the walls, the faded carpet, and the two Brothers were all bathed in the pure white, pulsating light. The brothers expressions were of shocked bewilderment.

The white light was not natural and his heart skipped a beat, ?an event of importance was happening in the Archive? Master Jacob surmised. ?This would be a night like no other.?  The two younger Brothers before him did not even turn to acknowledge his arrival, they simply stared ahead and through the doorway. There mouths were agape at some spectacle Jacob was soon to discover.

As Master Jacob reached the doorway he put a cautionary hand out and caught Brother Zhunn too close behind him. Always placing patience and caution at the forefront he gently pushed Zhunn back before he too looked through the doorway.

Before looking through, he asked the two younger monks, ?What is it that you stare at Brothers??, not knowing if they would respond.

Brother Richard blinked and looked at Master Jacob as if for the first time. After a moment he regained his composure. ?Master Jacob.? He said, blinking at him. ?Sorcery. This girl has brought sorcery into our monastery!? he stated with some alarm.

?She?s a witch,? said the other matter-of-factly, not averting his eyes from the room.

?A witch you say?? asked Master Jacob, no longer concerned that the Brothers were under a spell of enchantment. Sorcery he had read about in his study, the art of arcane magic was a dieing one, he hardly believed the young girl capable. He turned into the doorway and looked within, now ready to study the matter for himself.

In all his life he had never seen an event that would compare.

In the center of the sitting area of the large room was the young Elladora, sitting on the hardwood floor. The tables and chairs of the reading area had been taken away and placed in the new Library a year ago. So it appeared she had been stacking books in organized columns and rows against the wall. A task that looked to be complete, as there was not a shred of parchment anywhere in the remainder of the room. All the floor to ceiling height shelves of the back of the room were now empty.

But it was not the organized Archive that caught immediate attention. It was what was before the young girl. She had surrounded herself in a dozen or so books, many of them open to various chapters, as if she had been researching a some subject of interest. She sat, almost facing them, her knees folded beneath her. The bottom of her white peasant dress quite filthy from a long days work in the dusty Archive. She stared at a large tomb open in front of her. A symbol on the open page glowing a brilliant white light!
 
Elladora didn?t move, she simply stared transfixed into the light.

?Stay here, all of you,? ordered Master Jacob.

He entered the Archive. It did not appear to him that Elladora was harmed in any way, but her complete attention was taken by the glowing symbol. The illumination projecting so strongly from the center of the symbol, the cone of light blurred the symbols outline. His first thought was that she was terrified at what was obviously magic, but as he entered the room, he wasn?t so sure, his first impression jaded by her cool demeanor.

As he walked around her to her left, still unnoticed, he looked more closely at the tomb. He recognized it, as he did all written material in the monastery. It was the Journal of Lord and Saint Ethan Brigonalius Talonfall who was quite the powerful individual in a time long past. The Lord, one of the last Paladins, brought justice to a Kingdom of Men where there was none. He also married well. Liianna, his queen, was a woman who had become a White Robed Wizard through sheer will. The profession was more commonplace back then, but regretfully the respect for women was the same. A peasant girl, Liianna, had trained herself in the trivial cantrips that most wizards of the day were proud of. She then went on and passed her male peers, studying and researching her art across the lands. Finding power where most wizards dared not go, as they were complacent with their lesser skills. St. Talonfall met her during his rise to power in the kingdom. When he was asked to become the Lord and Protector of the Land by the governing council, he proposed to her. Although they bore no children, they and their kingdom were prosperous for many decades. The journal ended incomplete however, with a simple mundane entry giving no indication of foul play. Master Jacob sought a second volume, but never found one. He left the journal in the archive as an interesting unfinished anomaly.

?More of an anomaly then I thought,? Jacob mused as he squinted at the open page. Now that he had made a three-quarter circle around Elladora and her circle of books, he was able to discern the glowing symbols? outline. It was the shape of an eagle.

Elladora still had not moved, so Master Jacob sat next to her, wondering upon what his next move.

He watched her and with caution gave himself a moment to marvel at her character and charisma. Ever since the day she had been brought forth to him with chains on her wrists, surrounded by the soldiers of Littleton, he had been inspired by her courage. Although only twelve at the time, she held her head high and showed no fear. Her charisma matched the strength of her character, an unusual combination for a young woman of this day and age.

As he sat bye her, leaning his face into her field of vision, he could almost here the inward gasps of shock from the Brothers watching in the passage. Whether they were shocked to see him close to the sorcery, or, close to the girl he was unsure. Nor did it matter for he truly did not concern himself with the evaluations of his actions by those lesser than him.

She still did not flinch. He leaned back in a sitting position and reached out his hand, waving it in front of her face, screening the book.

She neither flinched or blinked.

He looked up at the waiting Brothers. The three of them were huddled together in the entryway, trying to not miss any moment of this highly unusual event.

He looked back at Elladora. The white porcelain skin of her hands, face and feet were smudged with streaked dust and dirt. Her long black hair was tangled and messy behind her, abused from the long days work. The urge to brush his fingers through her hair, to make it flow straight again, was a difficult one for him to disobey.

He sat for many moments. Finally, he asked, ?Elladora? Are you alright servant??

She continued to stare, unblinking at the symbol. Jacob knew his next action would cause some sort of change, what that change would be was unknown. But the girl was spellbound and he had to break her free.

Jacob closed the book.

He watched her gaze as he did so. For the smallest fraction of a moment, he observed a dim white flash in her eyes, then she blinked and looked up at him.

?Master Jacob, good evening. I am very sorry to have delayed my task, I will get back to work,? she said as she made ready to stand.

?At ease servant.? Master Jacob ordered in a calm voice. ?What is it that just transpired here with this book??

Elladora reached down and caressed the journal?s leather cover. She watched the end of her fingers trace the symbol of the eagle in flight, drawn on its cover.

She looked up to Jacob and looked into his eyes with a penetrating gaze, one that Jacob had not expected. He instantly knew that this event had changed her. Her eyes were different to him, somehow this courageous young woman had become something more.

Elladora?s tone matched his own, her voice was one of authority, of confidence behind the wisdom of her words.

?Saint Ethan Brigonalius Talonfall has attained Godhood within the divinity, I have been called upon to be his First Priest.?[/color]
               *   *   *

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What are the character's political beliefs?: [/color]
Government is required in any civilization to maintain order for the common people. Fair and just laws when written and enforced by ethical, impartial people create a society that allows men and women a chance of a free fulfilling life.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's moral and ethical code? :[/color]
See Saint Ehtan Laws.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Does your character have any prejudices?: [/color]
Corrupt politicians, she does not trust men in authority until they have earned it.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How would your character handle an insubordinate servant?: [/color]
This question conveys guilt to insubordination, in that vain, Elladora would punish the servant within the limits of the law, the contract binding the servant and in accordance with the severity of the transgression.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What would the character die for? What would they be willing to sacrifice the lives of their friends for? : [/color]
Elladora would sacrifice herself to bring justice to a community, but only if her death were the only solution and the good created from it were substantial. For instance, if she could establish a ruling church within Littleton to replace the corrupt Mayor Harken, that would be a cause worthy of death.

She could not sacrifice the lives of her friends, it would be an evil act, regardless of the good that may benefit from it.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Who is the one person your character trusts the most?: [/color]
Her father Richard, her good friend Kenneth Granger and Master Jaccob are all the people who she trusts most (equally).

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How would your characters parents describe her?: [/color]
Prior to her exile and conversion to priesthood she was thought of as a loving girl, who was just as quick to laugh as she was to lend a helping hand. She was one who always thought of others first. The jewel in their family, her mother and father thought to her marry her ?up? in social status and gain many strong grandchildren from her. Although they have not seen her since she was twelve, Master Jaccob has been sending her parents secret letters about her every week for the past nine years. They couldn?t be more proud of her.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What flaws does the character have? Is she quick to judge people? A slob?: [/color]
Elladora has spent nine years with the monks at the Monastery of Twilight. She is adored and loved by most of the men and women there (save two spies and a stubborn old lady). Her flaw within the monastery is her beauty, while there she has tried to dull her appearance to make the lives of the monks easier.

Her flaws to those of the outside world may be as follows are her views towards the following alignments:

Neutrality: Elladora personally has a trouble with neutrality, believing all sentient beings are good or evil, lawful or chaotic, with hardly any gray in between. However, she has experienced first hand that individuals can get caught between the truth and the Law.

Chaotic: Those who cannot abide by the laws of society are still presumed innocent, but must not live within the limits of that civilization.

Evil: Those who disobey the commandments and decrees of her faith shall be punished accordingly.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What advice would you give your character?: [/color]
Lighten up girl! You are too young and attractive to be so extremely serious. Let your charisma be the first impression and your piouty be the second, not the other way around.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]List the 5 most important people in the character's life.: [/color]
Master Jacob, First Order of the Monastery of Twilight
Richard Keh?Vale, Father
Kenneth Granger, Friend
Mayor Harken, Corrupt Politician
Dracos Harken, Pathetic Peer

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's "big secret", and what will happen if it is discovered?: [/color]
Elladora is a Cleric, and not a simple peasant girl. In many towns this, in and of itself, would be considered heresy. First and foremost, true clerics are rare, secondly, they are always men. Many people in the world do not accept women as anything but a sub-servant, for her to be in such a holy profession will cause a stir wherever she goes. If anyone were to here of how she became ?called?, they would believe her insane.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]"Hey, I've got an interesting job for you..." Name 3 jobs that your character might find interesting.: [/color]
?I need you to be the judge for this township.
?could you file and organize this Library, and look for anything to do with the subject of Law??
?could you tend the sick and needy in this town this winter??

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How will the character die? What would you consider a good end to a life well lived for this character?: [/color]
Most likely this character will die at the hands of the very people she is trying to protect. A good end to this character would be in the service of her God and his principles.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What might someone seeing the character for the first time think?: [/color]
Human male perspective: ?She?s a bit tall for a girl, solid looking too, definite birthing hips there. And what a face! Like a beautiful (serious) statue.?

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Does the character have any goals?: [/color]
Sainthood, not for the gain in power, but for the exalted status it represents. This woman doesn?t worship through her religion, she aims to be the personification of it.

To attain followers who can bear the mantle of justice under Saint Talonfall?s banner.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's personality?: [/color]
Reserved and methodical, Elladora does not speak or act without thought. Although she does smile and laugh on occasion, she is not quick to do so. She is also never apart from her religion, although she does not preach to others (yet), it lives as part of her soul and emanates in her actions.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Any reoccurring mannerisms?: [/color]
She keeps her modest clothes and armor in the best shape possible. Like all material objects in her life, her care and responsibility to her armor is a daily ritual. So much so that the methodic routine she performs when field dressing can be viewed by others as quite odd.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is this character's "thing"? That is, what action, activity, saying, motion, mannerism, etc., would be considered their "trademark"?:[/color]
She whispers a prayer to her deity for each action. Whether a small prayer before the taking of a meal, or a blessed phrase of warning to her enemies, she is always quoting scripture.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is her first reaction to a situation? That is, does she run in, swords-a-swinging, or always attempt a peaceful parley, or examine every fact and mitigating circumstance in great detail before making a decision, etc.?: [/color]
Goblins firing arrows into the party must be slain, if they can be made to surrender and brought before the justice system then all the better. She will not however, sacrifice her life or allow her fellows to come to harm in attempt to make them surrender.

If possible, Elladora will most likely hang back a moment or two when battle commences. She will ascertain the strategic situation and help as required. Whether it be a protective spell on a comrade or the crushing swing of her mace.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What would be the ultimate magic item for this character?: [/color]
The complete journal of Saint Ethan Talonfall, for within it contains all of his philosophy.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What would be the worst curse this character could ever receive?: [/color]
One that would strip her of her piety, her religion, and her connection to her holy abilities.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What special qualities does the character possess? NOT your PHB-skills, but what else can the character can do well? Does he get along well with other people? Is he skilled at taking care of business? Prioritizing tasks? Planning ahead?: [/color]
Elladora was a homemaker and caretaker of her family before she became a Cleric. As such, she has no qualms of preparing meals, gardening, tending to chores or other household tasks. They come quite naturally to her, she will often just start to perform non-intrusive assistance to a host without being asked.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Are there certain things the character just cannot do? What do people who know this character well, criticize him for?: [/color]
This character cannot just be a peasant girl. She has a lot of difficulty in allowing herself to relax. Her duty to her clerical profession is part of her, she is therefore perceived as far too serious all the time.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What does your character hate?: [/color]
Those sentients that commit crimes upon law-abiding civilizations are despised by Elladora. Whether it be a group of male punks who rape and murder an indentured servant, or a group of farmers who kill a village of orcs who did not provoke them. All must be brought to justice before the Law.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What does your character love?: [/color]
Family. While growing up in Littleton, she never took for granted how lucky she was to be in such a loving and compassionate environment. Today, each memory of her childhood is cherished. She is quite anxious to return to them one last time before embarking into the outside world on her grand adventure.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How did the character gain his abilities?: [/color]
Master Jaccob believes she was chosen by Saint Ethan because of her inheritant ability and compassion. Elladora believes (knows) her ability was blessed upon her by Saint Ethan. In the moment of her calling, she communed with him for a far greater period of time that elapsed in the real world (prime material world - OOC term, not hers). She has only shared this with Master Jacob, knowing full well what others would think of the story.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What motivates her to act as a hero now?: [/color]
Elladora is not niave of the unique quality of her ability and how it will be perceived in the outside world. She acts as a hero now to promote the principles of her religion.

Although Elladora doesn?t consider herself a ?hero? she does act the part, even if it is not welcomed. (Following example under copyright protection by Johan, and used here with no permission granted whatsoever):

[color=red:7487c4c11b]?Oh, my husband was just killed in front of me by a band of orcs!"[/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b]"There is nothing we can do for him now, let us flee for we cannot take a band of orcs on our own." [/color]
[color=red:7487c4c11b]"Where will we go?!" [/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b]"I suggest we should make our way quickly over that hill and to the other side of the lake. There we will find the road that will lead us to Farville." [/color]
[color=red:7487c4c11b]"Will you take me there?" [/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b] ?Of course, it is out of my current path, but you can?t simply wander about these dangerous lands. Once we are in Farville you will be safe.? [/color]
[color=red:7487c4c11b] ?How long will it take us to get there?!? [/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b]"About four weeks." [/color]
[color=red:7487c4c11b]"I'm not going all that way, that?s too far." [/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b]"You are living in the Wildlands, without your husband to protect you, you and your little ones need return to civilization." [/color]
[color=red:7487c4c11b] ?I won?t do it.? [/color]
[color=blue:7487c4c11b] ?I?m afraid it?s no longer your choice, I cannot allow you to bring your children to harm, which this decision would invoke.? [/color]

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]How did his peers treat the character as a child? Elders?: [/color]
Elladora was treated fairly by her peers, although she was teased a bit (by some) for being tall. Dracos Harken tormented her as she approached puberty, wanting to conquer her spirit by forcing a kiss from her. This was a game he played with all of ?his? girls in ?his? town. When she refused him in public, he began a campaign of vengeance towards her, leading to the event that caused her Uncle?s death and her insurrection.

Elladora was treated by her Elders in typical fashion of Shadowlands. Outside of her atypical compassionate and loving family, she was a simple peasant girl in Littleton. Like most girls, she needed to take great caution to avoid the pitfalls girls, as third class citizens, commonly fell victim too. Whether it be conspicuous molestation, forced servitude or simple slander. She managed to keep fairly safe in an otherwise unkind society. At least until Dracos visited the aforementioned atrocity upon her.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What does your character hope to accomplish by adventuring?: [/color]
To gain in experience the world has to offer, take that experience and use it to reshape it for the benefit of others. To establish a justice system, legislated by disciples of Saint Talonfall, in all civilized lands.
 
[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Why is this goal more important than her safety? : [/color]
Because the safety of all innocents is far greater in importance than her own.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the character's kryptonite? What is their weakness or what will paralyze her with fear?:[/color]
She had read and researched many transcriptions and records of crimes committed by men and women. It has become a hobby of sorts to identify and try to understand the criminal mind. So the extent the human mind can turn towards evil doesn?t shake her. However, something inhuman, something beyond the mere twisted passion of a mortal may shake her greatly. (ie. A demon or devil would throw her off her game.)

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What does the character do to relax? : [/color]
She doesn?t, that is one of her flaws, she hasn?t relaxed since she was twelve. If she ever gets a few days to spend with her family, this could change.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]Describe the characters ideal mate.: [/color]
Tough one, as she doesn?t even consider this an important issue at the moment. As hinted at earlier, he would have to be kind and compassionate, like her father. But be able to challenge her intellectually and debate her upon philosophy in order to keep her beliefs sharp. He would have to be at least pious in his heart, respecting innocents and be willing to make personal sacrifices to help others.

Physically, she has many a bad encounter with shorter men, all whom have had some form envy towards her. So a taller man would be preferred. Other than that, she has not thought upon the charismatic traits of a mate, more on the emotional ones.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is in your character's pockets, right now?: [/color]
In the pocket of her peasant dress is usually a few copper and a silver or two. She also keeps her fingers around a small wooden holy symbol of Saint Ethan while her hand is in her pocket. For luck, and for passing to people who may be interested in learning more of her Lord. She has many of the symbols in her backpack, all carved in loving detail by a monk friend.

[color=blue:7487c4c11b]What is the silliest thing your character has ever done?: [/color]
When training with Brother Sheku at the monastery when she was 17, she was losing a bet in front of all of the monks that she could best him with the quarterstaff.

?Your problem Elly is that you never expect the unexpected.? He said after he whacked the back of her knees with move she had never seen before. She lay flat on her back as he crouched over her, blocking the view of the sun. Knowing she was beat, she quickly turned the table by flashing him a sensual lick of the sweat on her upper lip. In his utter shock she was able to throw her staff between his legs and with a twist had him on the ground in her place.

Griznuq

Oh for the love of pete... /me prints some reading material for when Himo gives us prunes...
=]V[=