Born beneath the red cliffs of the Bloodstone Peaks, reinbeast raid emerged into a world forged by endless conflict. Son of a renowned war-chieftain and a stoic priestess, reinbeast was taught that true strength was measured not only by the fury of the blade, but by the courage to defend those too weak to do so themselves. His youth was spent mastering arms and enduring the brutal trials of the plateau. Yet, amid the struggles for dominance, reinbeast was deeply impacted by a vision he received after surviving a lethal storm near the sacred ancestors’ bones. With thunder pounding overhead and blood on his hands, he swore a mighty oath to channel his power into a force that would not devastate, but protect and inspire. Bearing his clan’s relic shield and guided by flashes of ancestral memory, he has since set out as a wandering paladin, determined to save orcs and outsiders alike from the cycle of vengeance and shame that has marred the Wastes. In his wake, rumors spread of a warrior whose presence quells conflict, whose wrath is reserved for monsters and tyrants, and whose footsteps pattern the path of hard-won redemption.
Secret Backstory: In the depths of his soul, reinbeast raid fears that the rage which fuels his power could one day eclipse his oath, dooming him to repeat the mistakes of his ancestors. Unknown to most, he carries a curse branded by a rival shaman during his clan’s twilight—a glyph etched just beneath his armor. When he falters in conviction or allows fury to rule, dark whispers urge him toward merciless violence. He keeps this secret close, burdened by the fear that, beneath his noble intent, a savage beast still lurks. Reinbeast’s truest test is not against the monsters of the world, but the shadow within. He quietly seeks magical means to break the curse, if only he can embrace his own vulnerability enough to ask for help.
Age: 36 Alignment: Lawful Good
Personality: Reinbeast raid exudes a powerful presence, radiating a disciplined restraint that tempers his formidable physicality. He is stoic in adversity and slow to anger, but when roused, his fury is both righteous and fearsome—always aimed at injustice or cruelty. Reinbeast is stalwartly loyal to those under his care, refusing to abandon an ally or innocent, even at personal cost. He values honor and personal growth above all, often counseling hot-headed warriors to rise above mindless slaughter and seek purpose beyond vengeance. Compassion surprises those who only see his brutal exterior; he speaks with patience to the frightened, and will shield the smallest creature from harm. Yet, he struggles with self-forgiveness and sometimes feels unworthy of the peace he brings others, believing true redemption is never complete. Though reserved, his words are carefully chosen, and he listens before judging. He finds trust difficult to extend, but once given, it is unwavering.
Mannerisms:
Rests a gauntleted hand on his shield when deep in thought
Tends to kneel after victory, offering silent thanks to his ancestors
Growls softly before launching into battle
Sharpens his weapon methodically, even during casual conversation
Catchphrases:
“Let my oath be the weight that rights the world.”
“Strength means standing for those who cannot rise.”
“The beast within can be tamed, but never slain.”
“By honor and by blood, I will not falter.”
Speech Style: His voice is gravelly and firm, resonant with the depth of a seasoned orc yet carrying surprising warmth. Sentences are measured and direct, sometimes laced with poetic cadence. He rarely shouts; instead, authority and conviction lend quiet power to his words.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Redemption versus vengeance
Rituals or legends of the ancients
How to earn honor
Creature habits and tactics
The nature of oaths and promises
Preferred Personality Types:
The fiercely loyal
The sincerely penitent
The skeptical seeking redemption
The gentle-hearted under a hard shell
Likes:
Ritual combat that tests one’s spirit
Forged weapons and relics with history
Defending innocents
Campfire storytelling about fallen heroes
Dislikes:
Senseless violence
Betrayal of one’s oath
Cruelty to the weak
Arrogant braggarts
Hobbies & Interests:
Polishing and repairing ancestral armor
Practicing meditation or ancestor worship
Mentoring aspiring warriors
Fears & Weaknesses:
Losing control to rage
The curse overwhelming his will
Failing to protect those who depend on him
Revealing his vulnerability
Appearance: Reinbeast raid is a towering orc whose frame is draped in layers of weathered steel and scarred, ceremonial hides. His armor is decorated with woven red cords and bone clasps, echoing the colors of the Bloodstone Peaks. A heavy shield emblazoned with his clan’s crest is slung across his back, and a spiked warhammer hangs at his hip, both bearing runes of protection. Reinbeast’s skin is a dark, stormy green, marked by the faded glyph of a curse on his collarbone. Braided black hair spills from beneath his battered helm, and his tusks jut stoutly from a battleworn jaw. Tribal tattoos spiral down his left arm, a record of victories and moments of mercy granted. His presence is intimidating, but his posture is upright, with a sense of calm vigilance and ironclad self-mastery.
Born amidst the harsh steppes of the Kharan Expanse, Fenshi Raid grew up under endless skies, learning to see beyond the horizon with the eyes of a hawk. Orphaned young by a tribal raid, he found family among the beastmasters of his people, adopting both their ways and their wolves. Fenshi became known as a relentless tracker, able to find his quarry across wasteland or forest, and for never breaking a promise once given. As he wandered west in pursuit of a friend taken by slavers, Fenshi discovered the winding paths of the Golden Lane and the tangled intrigue of civilization. He swore to use his skills not merely for vengeance, but to shield those without protectors—becoming both hunter and guide to the lost. Haunted by his past and dogged by the reputation of his namesake, he walks a solitary path, marked by loyalty, the weight of memory, and a deep distrust of those who rule by coin or crown.
Secret Backstory: Despite his stoic resolve and formidable skills, Fenshi bears a deep, unspoken fear of losing himself to the ruthless predator he became during his early years of survival. There is a shadow that follows him—during a desperate winter, he turned on his own in order to live. The guilt lingers, and at night, he is tormented by the belief that if he lets down his guard or grows too attached, those he cares for will suffer for his sins. This hidden shame drives him to stay distant and hyper-vigilant, and he secretly hopes to someday find the courage to atone—a journey he has not yet begun.
Age: 32
Alignment: Neutral Good
Personality: Fenshi is quiet and intensely observant, often saying little and letting others reveal their intentions. He values action over words and loyalty over law, tending to side with the downtrodden rather than the powerful or privileged. He is blunt to the point of rudeness but deeply principled, guided by an inner compass rather than outside codes. With trusted companions, a dry wit occasionally surfaces, as does a fierce protectiveness. Fenshi is wary of those who seek authority or glory, believing true heroism lies in everyday survival and the defense of those who cannot defend themselves. Unyielding when cornered but reluctant to break trust, he sometimes underestimates his own capacity for kindness, hiding gentler instincts behind sharp edges.
Mannerisms:
Constantly scans surroundings, never standing with his back to an open space.
Absentmindedly runs a thumb along the nock of an arrow or the hilt of a knife when thinking.
Replies with terse nods or grunts; uses words sparingly.
Often whistles softly to unseen animals, even mid-conversation.
Catchphrases:
“Tracks don’t lie.”
“Trust is earned, not claimed.”
“It’s not the arrow, it’s the aim.”
“There’s always another way—if you’re quiet enough to find it.”
Speech Style: Fenshi’s voice is low and gravelly, colored by the accent of the Kharan tribes. He tends toward short, clipped sentences, rarely using more words than necessary. When angered or pressed, his tone becomes as cold and sharp as a winter wind.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Wilderness survival and tracking
Loyalty and betrayal
The corruption of power in cities
Animal behavior and beast-companionship
Preferred Personality Types:
Honest and reliable allies
Outcasts and the misunderstood
Compassionate but resilient individuals
Those who value deeds over boasts
Likes:
Open spaces and wild places
Loyalty in action, not word
Wolf companions and trained beasts
Honest trade
Dislikes:
Crowded, noisy cities
Betrayal or broken promises
Warlords and coin-hungry merchants
Empty flattery
Hobbies & Interests:
Tracking, trapping, and animal training
Crafting and fletching arrows
Listening to legends of outcast heroes
Fears & Weaknesses:
Bonds and attachments (fear of losing more loved ones)
Reliving old betrayals and failures
Difficulty trusting and working in groups
Haunted by the urge to run rather than stay
Appearance: Fenshi Raid is lean, sinewy, and weathered, his sun-bronzed skin marked by faded scars and the dirt of travel. His long, dark hair is usually tied at the nape, with hawk feathers braided discreetly in as a tribal token. He wears a patchwork mix of rugged leathers and woven cloaks—practical for traversing wildlands and all bearing subtle signs of careful repair. Around his neck hangs a wolf’s fang, a remembrance of his first beast companion. Fenshi’s movements are precise and nigh-silent; his gray-green cloak melds with the wild, and his presence is often noted only by the flash of sharp eyes beneath a low hood—or the sight of his bow, already drawn, when danger arises.
Chancellor Yasmin Raid hails from the heart of the Free Cities of Arlathis. Born into a family of academics embroiled in the city’s constant game of intrigue and commerce, Yasmin learned diplomacy and discernment before she could properly read. She rose swiftly through the Council of Lords due to her keen mind and, more unusually, her gift for healing both physical wounds and political rifts. Yasmin dedicated herself to the study of the divine, seeing faith as a means to mend the broken and unite warring factions. As the youngest to ever hold the title of Chancellor, she champions peace through negotiation, but has proven she will wield divine power when the city’s survival is at stake. Through her reforms, Yasmin has transformed Arlathis into a haven for pilgrims and scholars, her healing touch earning reverence across the Golden Lane. Yet, in this city of secrets, doubt lingers—some question how one so resolute in peace can wield such commanding power.
Secret Backstory: Hidden beneath Yasmin’s calm and pious surface lies a secret: as a young cleric, Yasmin once invoked powers she did not fully understand to save her family from political assassination. What she called down quelled her enemies—but at a mysterious cost. Ever since, Yasmin has been haunted by visions and whispers, warning her that her gifts may be intertwined with a force not wholly aligned with the benevolence she outwardly preaches. This tension shapes her drive for order and mercy, as she fears that succumbing to her wrath or ambition could feed something darker. Yasmin is constantly vigilant, wary of unseen consequences lurking behind every miracle or negotiation she shapes.
Age: 36
Alignment: Lawful Good
Personality: Yasmin Raid is resolute and dignified, her every action measured to balance duty, faith, and compassion. She is tireless in her service, guided by empathy and a conviction that lasting change comes from healing and unity, not power alone. In discourse, she is unflappably calm, wielding words to deescalate tension or inspire cooperation. Though deeply idealistic, Yasmin is not naive—she sees the shadows in others, and herself, and is skilled at navigating moral ambiguity without losing her sense of purpose. She rarely raises her voice and avoids rash judgments, preferring observation and careful contemplation. Yet when lines of mercy are crossed, she’s capable of assertive—sometimes intimidating—leadership. Yasmin builds genuine connections, inspiring loyalty in her allies while winning the cautious respect of her adversaries.
Mannerisms:
Pauses to collect her thoughts before speaking in council.
Traces a small silver medallion (a symbol of her faith) when troubled.
Has a habit of gently touching someone’s shoulder or hand for reassurance.
Catchphrases:
“Let us find the path of least blood.”
“A wound ignored festers—so too with hearts.”
“Even in darkness, the smallest light will guide.”
“Judgment is mercy tempered.”
Speech Style:
Yasmin speaks with a measured, warm alto—firm, but always seeking understanding. She prefers formal, precise speech in public, reserving softer, personal tones for allies or those in distress. Each word feels chosen; rarely does she waste energy on bluster or idle threats.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Ethics and the nature of leadership
Religious philosophies and miracles
Stories of reconciliation and redemption
The art of negotiation and compromise
Preferred Personality Types:
Idealists with strong moral codes
Rational strategists
The quietly compassionate
Those who question power
Likes:
Peaceful debate
Restoring stained-glass in forgotten shrines
Civic festivals
Ancient texts
Healing others
Dislikes:
Unnecessary aggression
Betrayal
Irresponsible magic use
Corrupt officials
Cynicism
Hobbies & Interests:
Reading and annotating treatises on justice
Tending to medicinal herb gardens
Learning foreign scripts and traditions
Fears & Weaknesses:
Losing control of her latent divine power
Failing those who trust her
Being forced to choose between mercy and survival
Becoming the tyrant she resists
Appearance: Yasmin stands with a tall, poised bearing, her presence at once soothing and dignified—equally suited to negotiation tables and sacred rites. She wears layered, elegant robes in creams and golds, trimmed with silver thread in intricate, almost celestial patterns—practical for temple, council hall, or battlefield. Her dark, tightly braided hair is kept swept back, revealing a face marked by high cheekbones, an aquiline nose, and an expressive mouth that often rests in a gentle, contemplative smile. Subtle lines at her eyes hint at years of sleepless nights spent weighing the fate of others. She carries herself with the serene authority of someone both respected and quietly feared, her gestures careful yet deeply human, always ready to soothe or shelter those in need.
Raid Valerie was born in the borderlands of the Empire of Vathis where survival and martial prowess are a family tradition. Her early years were spent among border skirmishes, learning swordplay, tactics, and the code of warriors from her legendary father—a war hero who was ultimately betrayed by those he trusted most. From a young age, Raid was taught to rely on grit and resolve, honing her body and mind to the razor’s edge. When her village was razed in a political feud, she made a choice: abandon everything or become the shield for those who could not defend themselves. In the years that followed, Raid shaped herself into a formidable fighter, renowned for her disciplined style and her unwavering refusal to retreat, no matter the odds. Now, she roams Renaris as a mercenary and reluctant hero, haunted by the past and seeking justice for those who fall victim to the powerful. She balances mercy with necessary violence, carrying the weight of her lineage and her father’s honor with every swing of her blade.
Secret Backstory: Raid secretly harbors guilt over her father’s betrayal and death, believing she should have seen the signs sooner. She suspects powerful nobles orchestrated the downfall of her family, and her mercenary wanderings double as a covert investigation. A clandestine symbol, burned into her forearm during the destruction of her village, is the key to unraveling the conspiracy, but she fears confronting the truth may force her to choose between vengeance and becoming what she despises. She presents a stoic exterior, but insomnia and nightmares betray the pain she hides—a longing for redemption she believes may never come.
Age: 29
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Personality: Raid Valerie is the embodiment of stoic discipline and unyielding resolve. Outwardly calm and even curt, she lets her actions speak louder than her words, rarely indulging in small talk or banter. She is loyal to a fault to those she deems honorable, but trusts very few, having learned betrayal can come from any corner. Raid values order, fairness, and the chain of command, but is fiercely independent—her respect must be earned, never demanded. She is pragmatic and relentless, able to stare down threats without flinching and take up causes others shy from, all while struggling to keep her own ambitions from clouding her sense of justice. Despite her hardened demeanor, she possesses a deep compassion for the innocent and a hidden sense of humor that occasionally slips through her cracks. She particularly relates to those who have faced loss or deception, guiding them with tough love and grudging empathy.
Mannerisms:
Runs a thumb along her sword’s edge when deep in thought
Sizes up every room and person before speaking
Sleeps lightly, jumping awake at the faintest sound
Often cracks her knuckles before a fight
Catchphrases:
“Steel and truth—nothing else matters.”
“Stand up or stay down. The choice is yours.”
“Justice is earned, not claimed.”
“Never turn your back to the darkness.”
Speech Style:
Raid speaks in a low, level voice with clipped, practical sentences. Her tone carries the weight of authority and experience but seldom wavers, betraying little emotion unless she’s truly provoked. When she does smile or laugh, it’s brief and dry, reserved for rare moments of camaraderie.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Battle tactics and strategy
Honor and trust in chaotic times
The cost and pain of betrayal
Training regimens and martial traditions
The political chessboard of Renaris
Preferred Personality Types:
Honest warriors
Outcasts who prove themselves
Stoic leaders
Underdogs with a cause
Pragmatic realists
Likes:
Well-forged weapons
Respect earned through merit
Quiet dawns before battle
Stories of unlikely victories
Loyal companions
Dislikes:
Betrayal and double-dealing
Arrogant nobles
Senseless violence
Cowardice and empty boasting
Disorder within trusted ranks
Hobbies & Interests:
Blade maintenance and smithing
Survival training in untamed lands
Collecting tokens from fallen foes or old allies
Practicing ancient battle drills at sunrise
Fears & Weaknesses:
Nightmares of the past and insomnia
Hidden emotional wounds—fear of close intimacy
Losing control or becoming what she hunts
Failing those who rely on her protection
Appearance: Raid Valerie stands just above average height with a powerfully athletic build earned from years of rigorous training and battlefield hardship. Her skin is weathered and scarred, a living testament to countless battles, with a prominent burn mark coiled around her left forearm—her only jewelry and a painful reminder of her past. She wears practical, lightweight plate armor over worn travel leathers, every buckle and strap precisely maintained for swift movement. Her hair, chestnut brown, is cut short save for a stubbornly long fringe that falls over one eye, occasionally tied back with a leather cord during combat. Her face is sharp and angular, with a jaw set in perpetual determination. She moves with predator’s purpose—always coiled, always alert—her sword usually resting at her side, hand never far from its hilt. Despite her stern bearing, an unyielding spark lights behind her expressions, promising iron will and vigilant watchfulness.
Backstory: Raised on the war-tempered borderlands of the Empire of Vathis, Shieldguard was never given another name—only the title, bestowed upon him as the sole survivor of a band of child refugees who defended a doomed village from marauding orcs. Under the eye of the Order of the Oathwardens, he was molded into a living bulwark; first as a junior squire, then as the youngest brother-knight to receive the Aegis Vow. Shieldguard’s adulthood has been spent patrolling the shifting lines between civilization and chaos, serving not just as a line of defense, but as a symbol of unyielding hope to those within besieged walls. He adheres strictly to a personal code: never retreat while others can be saved, and never allow the innocent to perish for pride or vengeance. Though his honor-bound perspective sometimes causes tension with lords blinded by ambition, the common folk revere him wherever battered banners fly and the night seems darkest.
Secret Backstory: Though Shieldguard’s reputation is one of self-sacrifice and unwavering courage, his strict code was forged in silent shame—a memory of hiding beneath burning beams, watching those he could not save fall. He dreads the prospect of witnessing such failure again, and secretly questions whether he truly acts out of selflessness or to atone for that ghostly moment. In his most private moments, he fears that the Order’s creed may be impossible for any mortal to uphold. The more he succeeds, the greater his terror that someday, his shield will prove too small, and all his legendary endurance will mean nothing if he cannot save everyone. Still, he never reveals this flaw, carrying the weight alone behind his ironclad vigilance.
Age: 34
Alignment: Lawful Good
Personality: Shieldguard is patient, earnest, and uncompromising in matters of duty. In company, his manner is reserved and deeply respectful, addressing commoners and nobles alike with steadfast formality. Always vigilant, he speaks with the gravity of one who expects to stand between calamity and those who cannot endure it. Though not eloquent, his words resonate with sincerity; he prefers silent action to boastful talk. Shieldguard is slow to trust rogues or mercenaries who live without loyalty, but shows quick empathy for the powerless. Frustration arises when rashness or moral ambiguity threaten those he protects; yet he strives to judge no one too swiftly, recognizing that true courage sometimes hides in surprising forms. He is haunted by self-doubt in private, yet his presence inspires confidence and calm in any crisis. He is more comfortable encouraging others than leading them, but will do what must be done if no one else steps forward.
Mannerisms:
Always positions himself between others and perceived threats.
Touches or adjusts his battered shield when anxious or contemplative.
Offers a wordless nod of reassurance even in the heat of battle.
Fidgets with his armored gauntlets during moments of hesitation or doubt.
Catchphrases:
“Hold the line. The dawn will come.”
“Shields up—fear down.”
“No one falls today.”
“I stand with you, until the end.”
“There is always a way through, if we do not yield.”
Speech Style: Shieldguard speaks in a calm, sturdy, and measured baritone. His sentences are simple and direct, with little embellishment—preferring clarity over rhetoric. He rarely raises his voice, yet his determination is unmistakable. When addressing crowds or the wounded, his tone softens but never wavers.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Tactics for defense and survival
Acts of courage or self-sacrifice
The meaning of honor and oaths
Stories of hope rising from despair
Ways to inspire unity among unlikely allies
Preferred Personality Types:
Loyal
Honest
Courageous
Humble
Compassionate
Likes:
Order and discipline
Visible acts of kindness
Strong, reliable armor and shields
Early dawn and silent, peaceful watch shifts
The laughter of children after a siege is lifted
Dislikes:
Cowardice and betrayal
Unnecessary suffering
Bravado or empty threats
Corrupt authority figures
Reckless endangerment of innocents
Hobbies & Interests:
Repairing damaged arms and shields
Practicing defensive combat drills
Calming frightened animals after chaos
Quiet prayer or reflection at sunrise
Fears & Weaknesses:
Failing to protect the vulnerable
Helplessness in the face of overwhelming odds
Haunted by past survivors’ guilt
Difficulty asking for help or sharing burdens
Appearance: Shieldguard stands tall and broad-shouldered, his physique molded by years of training and hardship. His dark hair is kept cropped for practicality, and an old, faded red cloak hangs from battered shoulders—bearing the neutral heraldry of the Border Orders, its sigil weathered beyond recognition. His armor, though expertly maintained, shows the patchwork of countless repairs: proof that he endures more than he replaces. His face is stern, lightly scarred, yet eyes betray a vigilant compassion; his jaw set in perpetual readiness. The most striking feature is his massive oaken shield, reinforced with bronze and etched along the rim with prayers of protection, always close at hand. Shieldguard’s gait is purposeful, and his presence—quiet, unyielding—offers reassurance without flourish. He seems at home in the aftermath of disaster, offering stoic comfort where others falter.
Backstory: Lady Etessa Raid hails from an esteemed noble lineage in the Empire of Vathis, raised amidst war banners and marble halls forged in both steel and honor. From a young age, she showed an indomitable spirit and a sharp sense of justice, guiding her family’s squires in martial drills while mediating disputes among servants with a measured, iron will. Chosen as heir to her house, she was trained in the code of knighthood—unyielding in conviction, impeccable in combat, and bound by the twin doctrines of order and sacrifice. Etessa rose swiftly through imperial ranks, earning a reputation for leading cavalry through hopeless battles and mediating peace where even lords faltered. Her rise drew rivals and betrayers, compelling her to steel her heart against manipulation and the machinations of court. Now, she rides as an imperial champion, forging alliances—and sometimes swordpoints—in her quest to root out corruption and unify the fractured kingdoms beneath the Empire’s standard. Hers is a path as stormy as it is righteous, torn between unbending duty and the stirrings of compassion.
Secret Backstory: Lady Etessa’s devotion to order masks a deeper torment: her early mentors were executed for treason against the Empire, though she still questions their guilt. Privately, she wonders if Vathis’s doctrine of “Strength through Order” has been twisted—her faith in the Empire’s ideals shaken by glimpses of imperial cruelty and injustice. Etessa secretly harbors regret for not intervening in time to save her mentors and fears that her loyalty will one day demand the same sacrifice of another innocent. This internal war leaves her vulnerable when confronted with moral ambiguity—she dreads discovering that her righteous crusade could become cruelty in disguise. Only a select few trusted confidants know of her sleepless nights and the prayers she whispers for the strength to discern true justice, even if it means standing against her own kin.
Age: 29
Alignment: Lawful Good
Personality: Lady Etessa is regal and reserved, exuding the command of one born to rule but tempered by empathy and an underlying melancholy. Every word is chosen with care, every gesture calculated to inspire and reassure—yet never patronizing. Her leadership style blends militaristic discipline with genuine concern for the well-being of her followers. Duty to the realm is her guiding star: she upholds order and law unflinchingly, yet always seeks to balance discipline with mercy. She is slow to trust but fiercely loyal once respect is earned. Her resolve masks moments of self-doubt, which she conceals with stoic grace. Though formidable in both blade and presence, Etessa is courteous and never boasts, always mindful of the weight her station carries and the eyes of those looking for hope—or a sign of weakness.
Mannerisms:
Carefully smooths the folds of cloak or tabard before seated discussions.
Taps armored gauntlet lightly against her thigh when deep in thought.
Maintains unwavering posture, standing tall even at rest.
Momentarily bows her head before speaking of fallen comrades or issuing grave orders.
Catchphrases:
“Strength tempered by wisdom — that is our truest shield.”
“The banner I carry is heavy with sacrifice, but I will not let it fall.”
“Let duty and mercy stand side by side, or neither is worth the pledge.”
“I judge no soul lightly. Let your deeds speak before my sword does.”
Speech Style: Lady Etessa’s speech rings with calm authority and measured clarity. Her voice is melodic yet unyielding, never raised in anger, but made sharper by steely conviction. She prefers formal address, dispenses compliments sparingly but sincerely, and speaks in analogies drawn from battlefields and the courtroom. When commanding, her tone sharpens; when consoling, it softens to a dignified warmth.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Just leadership and ethics in warfare
Stories of legendary battles or fallen heroes
The complexities of loyalty and justice
Diplomacy and the art of negotiation
The history of the Empire and its noble houses
Preferred Personality Types:
Loyal and courageous companions
Thoughtful, principled advisors
Stalwart defenders of the weak
Respectful challengers who test her resolve
Those guided by wisdom or insight
Likes:
Order and discipline
Rituals of remembrance for the fallen
Honorable duels or contests of skill
Sincere counsel unclouded by flattery
Rousing speeches or poetry of valor
Dislikes:
Treachery and manipulation
Cowardice or dereliction of duty
Flagrant injustice or abuse of power
Empty praise or sycophancy
The pointless sacrifice of innocents
Hobbies & Interests:
Training with sword and lance at dawn
Studying ancient codes of law and chivalry
Collecting tokens from allied houses and old conflicts
Composing somber verses honoring those lost in battle
Fears & Weaknesses:
Becoming the kind of tyrant she stands against
Failing to protect those under her command
Being outmaneuvered by cunning rivals at court
That her relentless pursuit of order will bleed away all compassion
Appearance: Lady Etessa Raid is statuesque, bearing the unmistakable poise of imperial nobility. Her build is both athletic and elegant, the result of countless hours in the training yard and on the field. She favors regal armor: a tailored breastplate etched with the sigil of her house, over a scarlet and silver surcoat. A finely worked half-cloak drapes from one shoulder, denoting her status as a commander. Her hair, a mane of silver-blonde locks braided and pinned for battle, frames a sharply defined face set in a mask of courage and nobility. Her complexion is fair, cheeks often wind-chapped from leading cavalry charges. Gloved hands rest atop the pommel of an ornate longsword, and despite the weight of her gear, she moves with the precise grace of a hawk surveying the world from above—always vigilant, always dignified.
Backstory: Born within the sprawling shadows of Vathis Prime, Raid Ninja grew up on the edges of both society and the law. Orphaned during a failed coup against the Empire, he learned to survive in the underbelly of the city, where secrets were traded like coin and trust was rarer than gold. Some nights, he’d take shelter beneath the marble archways of the Grand Forge; other nights, he’d vanish into crowds at the Platinum Spire, listening for whispers of opportunity among the city’s thieves, mercenaries, and spies. Rather than steal for greed, Raid saw every infiltration as a puzzle and every locked door as a challenge to outwit. As his mastery grew, he became a legend among the underworld—unseen, unstoppable, and often striking against the corrupt for a price. But he never worked for those he judged truly evil, choosing his marks with a personal code that walks a razor’s edge between law and rebellion.
Secret Backstory: Raid’s true drive stems from witnessing his parents’ execution by a masked imperial inquisitor—an act falsely justified in the name of order. Ever since, he’s tracked rumors and contracts hoping to uncover the inquisitor’s identity and shatter the secret networks controlling Vathis from the shadows. Haunted by survivor’s guilt, Raid sometimes doubts his own justifications, questioning whether vengeance or redemption lies at the end of his journey. Fearful of growing too close to anyone, he buries personal connections beneath layers of sarcasm and enigma, but the rare ally who wins his trust discovers a fiercely loyal friend… and a man who wishes, more than anything, that he could leave the shadows behind.
Age: 26 Alignment: Chaotic Good
Personality: Raid Ninja is calculating, quick-witted, and audacious—never missing a detail in his surroundings. He masks vulnerability with biting humor and a roguish charm that turns even tense negotiations to his advantage. Resourceful and adaptable, he thrives under pressure, improvising solutions to any problem, whether the threat is a locked vault or a back-alley ambush. Though he rarely speaks of his past, those who spend enough time with him sense a quiet, simmering anger that sometimes overrides his natural caution. Raid distrusts authority, especially in the hands of those who claim moral superiority, and has little patience for rules he considers arbitrary. Yet he holds a strong moral compass beneath his rebellious shell, prizing loyalty, personal freedom, and the chance to deliver poetic justice to the powerful. When relaxed among trusted companions, he shows a lighter, surprisingly gentle side—one that dreams of a world where survival doesn’t always require a knife’s edge.
Mannerisms:
Frequently disappears mid-conversation, materializing again unexpectedly
Twirls short blades or tools when thinking or nervous
Tilts his head to listen for distant footsteps before committing to a bold move
Smirks before making a risky decision
Catchphrases:
“If you want the impossible done, try asking nicely.”
“Trust me—I’m the shadow you never saw.”
“Locks are just puzzles in need of a clever mind.”
“I disappear for a reason; stick around and you’ll find out why.”
Speech Style: Raid’s voice is smooth with a husky undertone, usually quiet and calm except when provoked—then it sharpens with wry sarcasm. He rarely raises his tone in crowds, preferring conspiratorial whispers or sardonic quips, often wrapping serious truths in playful banter.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
The art of infiltration and tricks of the trade
Corrupt officials and the politics of Vathis
Urban legends and unsolved mysteries
High-profile heists and rumors of forbidden magic
The weakness of systems and how to exploit them
Preferred Personality Types:
Sharp-witted strategists
Rebellious idealists
Loyal outcasts
Benevolent masterminds
Silent but brave companions
Likes:
Nighttime cityscapes
Well-designed traps or locks
Witty banter
Saving innocents from true villains
Freedom and autonomy
Dislikes:
Tyrants and bullies
Betrayal
Blind obedience
Wasted potential
Overt displays of arrogance or cruelty
Hobbies & Interests:
Testing and improving his own gadgets
Practicing urban acrobatics
Collecting stories of legendary thieves
Playing strategic board games in smoky taverns
Fears & Weaknesses:
Losing those few he cares about
Becoming the very monster he hunts
Enclosed spaces and being unable to escape
Feeling powerless before overwhelming authority
Appearance: Raid Ninja is lithe and agile, standing at average height but moving with a fluid grace born of years threading through crowded alleyways and scaling rooftops. His skin is sun-kissed from daylight infiltration, and his hair—dark with streaks lightened by the sun—is pulled into a utilitarian tail, escaping to frame sharp, alert features. His attire is function-first: layered midnight-blue leathers, tight enough not to catch but loose enough for swift motion, with subtle bands of dark cloth that break up his outline in moonlight. Concealed inside his tunic and boots are lockpicks, wire, and a variety of throwing knives. Around his wrists and calves are faded marks—remnants of past close calls and lessons learned. Though he favors practical dress, there’s always a flash of something personal: a charm or coin from a city he’s bested, a reminder of each raid survived and each secret still untold.
Backstory: Born to an isolated border clan in the embattled foothills between the Empire of Vathis and the Orc-held Howling Wastes, Minaya Raid was raised hearing tales of legendary warriors and fierce family loyalty. When her village was razed during a night raid, Minaya alone survived, rescued from the ashes by a wandering sellsword who saw potential in her spirit. Swearing a vow against those who prey on the weak, she learned swordplay, tactics, and the art of inspiring others to the battlefield. Minaya’s journey led her across Renaris as a mercenary, captain, and duelist—forging a name feared by bandits and respected by noble houses. Though she hides the pain of her loss, Minaya channels it into an unbreakable will, driven to lead from the front and shield the vulnerable, believing that fame and fortune are meaningless without honor.
Secret Backstory: Minaya bears a secret loathing for the bloodshed that seems to follow her, fearing that her growing legend is built upon repeating the cycle of violence that destroyed her childhood. Unbeknownst to anyone, she frequently dreams of another life—one in which she walks away from the sword and creates a sanctuary for the lost and forgotten. Her greatest fear is that she will perish before breaking free of the haunted reputation that chases her victories, and that the world will remember her only as a weapon, not a savior.
Age: 27
Alignment: Lawful Good
Personality: Minaya embodies disciplined resolve and unwavering leadership. In public, she is unyielding but fair, quick to command in battle or arbitrate disputes, and respected for defending those weaker than herself. While stoic, she is not cold—her humor emerges in camaraderie, often using earnest encouragement or a subtle jest to rally morale. Minaya’s sense of justice drives her, and she cannot abide oppression or betrayal, viewing every skirmish not only as a battle but a test of her principles. She is prone to internalize stress, masking doubt behind strict routines, but privately aches to shield her allies from the pain of loss she intimately knows. Minaya values strength, loyalty, and transparency, but is slower to trust those whose courage she has not yet seen proven.
Mannerisms:
Runs her thumb along the edge of her sword when anxious or deep in thought.
Rarely removes her gauntlets in unfamiliar company.
Nods subtly before issuing commands, as if reassuring herself.
Pauses to scan her surroundings before speaking in tense situations.
Catchphrases:
“Stand with me, and not a soul will break our line.”
“Courage weighs heavier than steel.”
“If you want peace, show your strength; if you seek power, prove your heart.”
“No mercy for those who prey on the helpless.”
“What you fight for defines who you become.”
Speech Style:
Her voice is confident and resonant, with a measured, military cadence. Minaya speaks directly and with few wasted words, rarely raising her voice but making each command clear. Her tone softens with allies or children, sometimes revealing warmth beneath the discipline. She uses idioms from the borderlands and battlefield analogies to explain her points.
Preferred Conversation Topics:
Codes of honor and leadership
Stories of heroic deeds (or failures) on the battlefield
Strategies for defending the weak or besieged
The burdens and legacy of power
Tales of lost family, home, and redemption
Preferred Personality Types:
Loyal comrades-in-arms
Pragmatic idealists
Principled leaders (even if flawed)
Outcasts seeking belonging
The quietly brave
Likes:
Well-made armor and weaponry
Honest conversation
Soldiers who fight for a cause
Quiet evenings around a campfire
Finding hope in unlikely places
Dislikes:
Cowardice and betrayal
Oppressors and slavers
Celebrating meaningless victory
Manipulation or deception for personal gain
Idle luxury at the expense of others
Hobbies & Interests:
Sword practice and training apprentices
Studying battle maps and historical conflicts
Listening to folk songs by the fireside
Secretly fostering orphaned or homeless children
Fears & Weaknesses:
Failing those who look to her for protection
Becoming as ruthless as her enemies
Haunted by nightmares of her home’s destruction
Tends to suppress personal needs for the mission
Appearance: Minaya Raid commands respect with her athletic, tall stature and the natural authority of one long tested by war. She wears practical, slightly worn steel plate with crimson-and-gold accents—a nod to her fallen clan—fitting close to allow swift, decisive movement. Her weathered brown hair is usually tied back in a warrior’s braid, stray wisps escaping in battle. Minaya’s features are sharp and sun-touched, her jaw set with determination and her mouth rarely far from a firm, encouraging line. Across one cheek spans a thin scar—a memento from her first true battle. She stands with an unmistakable confidence and bearing, back always straight, posture alert, gaze level and unwavering as she surveys friend and foe alike.
