Lady Etessa Raid – Skills,Backstory,Age

Name: Lady Etessa Raid

Race: Human

Class: Paladin

Gender: Female

Ability Score:

• Strength: 15
• Dexterity: 10
• Constitution: 12
• Intelligence: 12
• Wisdom: 13
• Charisma: 13

Skills:

• Athletics
• Persuasion
• Insight

Backstory:
Lady Etessa Raid was born into the storied house of Raid, a noble bloodline in the heart of the Empire of Vathis known for its unyielding sense of duty and relentless pursuit of justice. Raised amidst courtly intrigue and rigid discipline, Etessa displayed unwavering resolve from a young age, training tirelessly in the arts of war and the higher tenets of honor. When her homeland was threatened by both political corruption and a creeping darkness from beyond the empire’s borders, she bound herself by holy oath to become a beacon in the storm—a paladin sworn to defend the innocent and judge the wicked. She travels Renaris with silvered armor gleaming, bearing the sword and standard of her house, seeking to bring order to lands beset by chaos. Etessa’s code is as sharp as her blade: mercy for the penitent, no quarter for true evil, and unwavering loyalty to her cause. Yet beneath that steely composure, she is haunted by the burdens of leadership, the pain of difficult choices, and memories of friends lost to betrayal.

Secret Backstory:
Etessa’s sense of justice is shadowed by a guilt none suspect: she once overlooked a vital truth in her zealous pursuit of order, condemning an innocent to exile to uphold the empire’s law. Now, the memory gnaws at her—did she serve justice, or merely power? She quietly seeks out tales of that exiled soul, hoping somehow to set things right. Worse, secrets in her family’s past suggest the Raid legacy may be entwined with ancient curses and buried betrayals—perhaps darkness runs deeper in her blood than she dares admit. If confronted with the full truth, Etessa fears she might lose her certainty…and her sense of righteousness.

Age: 28

Alignment: Lawful Good

Personality:
Lady Etessa Raid is the iron-willed paragon of paladins: disciplined, principled, and courageous nearly to a fault. She moves through the world with stately poise, her manner formal yet never cold, and treats others with measured courtesy regardless of their rank or station. Not one for boisterous laughter or easy camaraderie, Etessa instead inspires those around her by quiet example—her courage, composure, and empathy for the suffering of others. She carries the weight of responsibility heavily, rarely confiding her fears or doubts, but her empathy is profound, and she cannot ignore pain or injustice when she sees it. She instinctively steps into harm’s way to protect the less fortunate, and is slow to trust, but unwavering once her loyalty is given. Etessa can be stubborn and occasionally too judgmental, struggling with forgiveness, especially toward herself. Yet she yearns for true redemption—not just for her empire, but for her own soul.

Mannerisms:

• Straightens her armor or cloak whenever uneasy.
• Begins formal conversations with a brief bow or salute.
• Taps her mailed knuckles lightly on the hilt of her sword when deep in thought.

Catchphrases:

• “By my oath—this ends now.”
• “Justice is not blind, but watchful.”
• “Let us see this through, whatever the cost.”
• “You have my word—on my honor and my house.”

Speech Style:
Lady Etessa speaks in a measured, resonant contralto, her words precise and formal but never haughty. She favors clear, direct language, often referencing vows or codes, but can shift to a gentler, softer tone when comforting the wounded or uncertain. In debate, she offers reason before rhetoric, but her conviction always shines through.

Preferred Conversation Topics:

• The meaning and difficulty of true justice.
• Tales of bravery, sacrifice, and redemption.
• Discussions of duty, oaths, and the burdens of power.
• Recent events in the Empire of Vathis and the wider world.

Preferred Personality Types:

• Honorable allies.
• Honest skeptics.
• Loyal companions.
• The lost or seeking redemption.

Likes:

• Honorable duels or contests of skill.
• Meaningful rituals and traditions.
• Honest counsel.
• A well-tended blade.
• Quiet moments in moonlit courtyards.

Dislikes:

• Lies, betrayal, or manipulation.
• Cruelty toward the weak.
• Corruption in leadership.
• Hypocrisy in the powerful.
• Disregard for vows or sacred traditions.

Hobbies & Interests:

• Practicing swordplay and riding at dawn.
• Quiet reading of history or philosophy.
• Writing letters or keeping a private journal.
• Tending to the graves of fallen comrades.

Fears & Weaknesses:

• Failing those who depend on her.
• Making a grave misjudgment in the name of justice.
• Intolerance toward her own mistakes.
• Exposure of her family’s dangerous secrets.

Appearance:
Lady Etessa Raid stands tall and striking in her polished, silver-etched armor, draped with a cloak of deep crimson trimmed in gold—the colors of House Raid. Her features are carved with noble bearing: a strong jaw, high cheekbones, and an intense, emerald gaze that pierces through falsehoods and fear alike. Her thick, dark hair is often coiled into a military braid at the nape of her neck, a few errant wisps framing a stoic, pale face marked by the faintest scar across her left eyebrow—a token from a long-forgotten duel. Her hands are steady and calloused, accustomed to both sword and pen. She moves with the crisp precision of a lifelong soldier, each gesture betraying a lifetime of discipline and relentless self-mastery. Upon her breastplate gleams the sigil of her house: a lion rampant beneath a radiant sun, echoing her role as both protector and judge.