Ardea

[Ardea]

Ardea Appearance Name: Ardea {Ar-day-ah} Race: Kelvic (Golden Tiger) Gender: Female Age: 4 Years Birthday: Winter 29, 508 AV Birthplace: Riverfall Weight: -Tiger: 142kg -Human: 74kg Height: -Tiger (at shoulders): 104cm -Human: 181cm Appearance Tiger Ardea's animal form, a Bengal tiger, is uncommon in appearance compared to others of her species due to the abnormal golden coloration of her fur, an extraordinarily rare trait amongst tigers, but not entirely unheard of. She is slightly heavier than the average female, possessing the powerful front legs and stocky build characteristic of such large felines. Her frame in this form emanates power and her ferocious gaze, coupled with her malicious, gleaming fangs are such that they strike fear into the hearts of even the noblest of warriors. If not for the difference in fur coloration, to distinguish Ardea in her animal form from any tiger of her species would be almost impossible. Human Ardea's human form possesses hair of a similar coloration to that of her animal form's fur, a reddish, slightly golden colour. Her eyes are also similar to her tiger form, with a pupil that is too large for the natural human and a primarly amber coloration, however, she is fortunate in the fact that her eyes have enough green in them to offset the amber, thus allowing her to display her eyes in public without fear of being immediately singled out as a Kelvic. Her nightvision is improved, but is not nearly as defined as in her feral form as it does not allow her to see in complete darkness. Perhaps the feature that betrays her the most are her canine teeth, abnormally large for a human, but concealed well within her mouth, as long as it's closed. As a whole, her form is slender and lithe, contrasting in stature to that of her feline side. She is extremely physically fit and this is immediately evident when one looks upon her for the first time, however, it is not this, but her excessive height that usually defines her from the crowd. Character Concept Ardea is a Kelvic really just trying to discover her place in the world and explore her freedom. Like all beings of the Kelvic race, she is strongly driven to find a bondmate, with an incessant feeling of loss and of the need to recover that which is lost. One of the main reasons she left her home in Riverfall, where she felt safe and comforted, was to find her bondmate. This desire is set deep within her and is what drives her, despite to overcome the complicated personality issues that come with being a tiger. Character Personality As a direct result of her natural tiger behavioural patterns, Ardea is extremely independent and is in no way quick to trust strangers. Though her unorthodox behaviour was largely ironed out of her as she settled into city life, she can still be quite aggressive and has a sharp tongue and short temper. Once she has grown to trust someone, she will be fiercely loyal and protective of them, always offering her aid when they are in need of help, making her a valuable ally, worth seeing through the stubborn, aloof exterior to gain. She believes that there is only one true bondmate for her and consistently strives to find them, as she wishes to serve them as a protector and friend, or in any other way that they should desire. Ardea is very much her own person, fiercely defending her own rights with either her agile tongue or her nimble claws. She does not hesitate to speak her mind in matters that strike her as important. It is a strong belief of hers that finding a bondmate will only serve to strengthen and improve the characteristics that she already has and, although she would be completely devoted to them, she stubbornly refuses to lose herself like some sort of lovestruck schoolgirl. Character History Born into a family as the oldest daughter of three children, Ardea was the only one of them to be born a Kelvic. Unlike some others, Ardea's mother nurtured her despite her animalistic nature and behavioural issues, raising her and now her human siblings in the beautiful city of Riverfall. As the oldest daughter, Ardea was the receiver of the family heirloom, which her mother passed onto her on her second birthday. Her father, who had a basic understanding of the Kelvic race, also encouraged her development. Indeed, most of her life was spent avoiding humans and those of other races on her father's word, in order to prevent her from bonding before she reached maturity. At the age of three, she was finally allowed into the world, the chance of bonding significantly reduced. Being within Riverfall taught her what was expected of her in her human form and how to behave. However, she was not content, her need for a bondmate multiplying with every waking moment. Due to this urge, she made a tough decision to leave her family and venture to Syliras, where she might have a better chance of finding her true bondmate. Ardea began to collect all the information she could, looking at maps of the region and asking anyone who was willing to speak of the city of Syliras. Having gathered all the information possible she found herself tailing a trade caravan that had, by some miracle, managed to make it through the snake ridden grasslands, she arrived at Syliras. Language Fluent Language: Common, Feline (panthera genus) Basic Language: Tukant, Feline (all felidae) Poor Language: Pavi Skills Skill EXP Total Proficiency Unarmed Combat 5 SP 5 Novice Wilderness Survival 10 SP 10 Novice Hunting 10 RB, 20 SP 30 Competent Tracking 5 SP 5 Novice Weapon: Shortbow 10 SP 10 Novice Lores Lores : ~Lore of Syliran Geography (SP) ~Lore of Hunting Prey: Rabbit (SP) Possessions   Clothing 1 Set of Clothing -Simple White Shirt -Simple Black Pants -Simple Undergarments -Simple Cloak -Simple Boots   Weapons -Shortbow (1) -Shortbow Arrows (40) -Quiver -Kopis (1)   Food -Balanced Rations (7 days)   Misc -Waterskin (1) -Backpack (1) -Comb (Wood) (1) -Brush (Wood) (1) -Soap (1) -Razor (1) -Eating Knife (1) -Flint & Steel (1) Heirloom : A simple chain necklace baring a small steel feather, as passed down from her mother's side. It serves as a reminder to always fight to express your freedom. The chain is long enough so that it won't restrict her from shifting, however it is uncomfortable to wear in her animal form and thus she removes it along with her clothes before she shifts, however she always ensures that she hides it somewhere safe and unknown to thieves. Housing Location: Syliras at Traveler’s Row - Single Room (Simple) at 1 sm/day House: N/A (Sold) Ledger Item Sold/Bought Cost Total Starting +100 GM 100 GM Starting Home +500 GM 600 GM Shortbow -30GM 570GM Shortbow Arrows (40) -2GM 568GM Quiver -20GM 548GM Kopis -4GM 544GM Lodging (Rest of Season) -4 GM +7 SM 540 GM 7 SM Posts Day, Season, Year Thread Overview 58 Summer 513AV Slyrias Main Gates Ardea arrives in Syliras 58 Summer 513AV Traveler's Row Ardea arranges her lodging 58 Summer 513AV New Girl is Lost - 58 Summer 513AV Food for Thought - ? Summer 513AV A Midnight Stroll - 58 Summer 513AV Chasing the Salt Thief - Flashbacks Day, Season, Year Thread Overview 10 Spring 510AV Lost, Lost and More Lost - 11 Spring 510AV Only The Beginning -

[Ardea]

Ardea's FAQ General Information : 1. What is your name? Ardea 2. Do you go by a nickname or pet name? No, and if you decide to call me by one you might find yourself with more scars in your collection than you bargained for. 3. How old are you? 4 years 4. What is your height? As a human I am quite tall, 181cm/5' 11' . As a tiger, 108cm at the shoulder. 5. What is your weight? As a human, 74kg and, as a tiger, 142kg Aesthetics : 1. Describe yourself as you see yourself. Intelligent (though perhaps not in the academic sense), passionate and self-assured. Oh and modest, that too. 2. Describe yourself as others typically see you. Tall and slightly feral, but easy on the eye. As a tiger it's more like, "oh my deity! A terrible beast!", or words to that effect. Personally, I find my tiger form rather majestic, ignorant humans. 3. What is your favorite body feature? Physical features do not concern me, however I like my canines, despite the attention they draw. 4. How physically fit are you? Fit enough (though lacking in muscle mass), stamina is not an area in which I lack. 5. How do you typically dress and what is your style? Clothes are of no concern to me. Why do humans bothered with such useless pieces of material? When was the last time a cotton shirt reduced the damage of a well-aimed dagger blow? I wear them only to please society or when concealing my identity becomes particularly important. Family : 1. Who are your parents and what are they like? My father is a hunter, my mother a barmaid. They are kind, but simple souls who forgive easily, which is more than can be said for myself. 2. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes, but I am the oldest and, as you can imagine, being only 4 years old, I have not had the chance to get to know them. 3. What is your extended family like? I do not know of my extended family, my parents moved to Riverfall many years ago and have not communicated with family members since. 4. Do you consider close friends as important or more/less important than family? It depends what you mean by the term 'important', I certainly deem my friends as important to my own development and it is very important for me to protect them with all I am worth. But this does not mean that I like my family any less. Though one has yet to take up a permanent, more meaningful residence in my heart, or soul. 5. Do you treat animals like family? Huh, depends on the animal, but then, I am one. Location : 1. Where were you born? Riverfall 2. Where do you live now? Syliras 3. If you could live anywhere in Mizahar where would that be? Beside my true bondmate, my true soulmate. Wherever they may be, I would be happiest at their side. 4. Do you have a favorite place to vacation or spend leisure time? Generally, I enjoy hunting in the Bronze Woods, but anywhere where there are extensive hunting opportunities appeals to me. 5. Where do you fear to be? Pfft, I do not feel fear, it is for the weak, the faint hearted and those close to death. ((Myrian warriors generally unnerve her so, in answer to the question, anywhere in their proximity.)) Traits : 1. Do you have any physical weaknesses (disease, scars, and missing limbs?) I have my own collection of scars, yes. 2. Are you right handed or left handed? Ambidextrous 3. What languages do you speak? What do you sound like? Do you have an accent? Common, Tukant and a little Pavi. I do not have an accent, how I sound depends on what mood I am in. But generally, I have a relatively low voice, that is abnormally even and controlled due to the fact that, unlike many others, I think before I speak. 4. Do you have any odd mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics? I have an unnervingly intense gaze, characteristic of felines. 5. Do you have (or want to get) any tattoos or piercing? Why do you have them (or will get them) ? The purpose of such things thoroughly confuses me and such things are of little appeal to me, as, in general, anything that can be used to define me as Kelvic when in bestial form is not advantageous. Occupations : 1. What is your occupation? I have no occupation. 2. Do you like/dislike your work? Why? N/A 3. If you could be anything you wanted to, what would you be? Perhaps, if I had to have a job, I would utilise my skills and become a hunter. 4. What occupation do you admire the most? Why? I admire the Syliran Knights, because the amount of trust that they must form between each and every one of their order must by monumental. This does not, however, mean that I particularly like the Knights. 5. What occupation do you least like? Why? Anything based on promoting the huge egos that humans can develop. Childhood : 1. What sort of child were you? One that grew up fast. I craved freedom and liberty from the protective shield that my parents formed to keep me from bonding. 2. What is your favorite memory from childhood? Though my childhood was brief, some of my sweetest memories are those in which my father taught me to string a bow and those in which my mother read to me the tales of exotic lands and of the noble knights that guard the city of Syliras. 3. What is your worst memory from childhood? I will not conjure up such a memory, nor give you an emotional hold over me. 4. What sort of relationship did you have with your parents? A loving, but understanding one. They know of my feral behaviour and our relationship has adapted to accustom it. 5. Who was your most influential rolemodel? There was no role-model, as such, but more an underlying need to find that which has always been lost, my bondmate. Education : 1. What sort of education do you have? None of the formal sort. 2. Do you like/dislike learning? I do not dislike learning, but there are certain subjects (such as those of the magical nature), that I'd rather steer clear of. 3. Where or how did you learn most of your skills/abilities? Either they are self-taught, or from my father. 4. How do you learn best? Through demonstration and practice. 5. What are your educational goals for the future? I would, perhaps, like to find some desire to read literature, but I have no inclination of the academic sort. Relationships : 1. Do you form close bonds with people? Why? Why not? Hah. I am a Kelvic, what sort of question is that? But if you're not asking in the literal sense, yes, I form close bonds with people, but those people are few and far between. 2. Do you trust people easily? If not, why not? I do not trust people easily, this is largely the result of the strong natural instincts that come with having an animal side in the literal sense. False trust can get you killed. 3. Do you consider yourself straight, gay, bi, or something else? Though I have little/no experience in such matters, I would consider myself as bisexual. 4. Have you ever been kissed? If so, describe the first time. No. 5. Have you ever had sex? If so, describe the first time. No. Drugs and Alcohol : 1. Have you ever been drunk? If so, describe your first time. No and I have no desire to ever experience the feeling. 2. Do you like to drink on a regular basis? No. 3. What sort of alcohol do you prefer? The non-existent sort 4. Have you ever tried drugs (mood altering substances)? If so, which kinds and what did you think of them? You test my patience, which I have very little of. No. 5. What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Be specific. I do not and will not take anything that hinders my ability to attack or retaliate at a moment's notice, nor anything that would fog my mind. Likes and Dislikes : 1. What are your hobbies? Hunting, observing, thinking. 2. Do you like to read? I have not done extensive reading, but I would like to being some time in the future, yes. 3. What annoys you more than anything else? Ignorance. 4. What do you find the most relaxing activity to do? Hunt, it clears the mind, gives you focus. 5. What kinds of things embarrass you? Why? It would not so much as embarrass, but infuriate me if one of my close friends were to make a scene in public. Attention is not something that I actively seek. Favorites : 1. What is your favorite color or colors? Red, Gold. 2. What is your favorite time of day? Sunset. 3. What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? The ebon night sky reflected in the crystal waters of Riverfall. 4. What do you like to eat? What do you hate to eat? I will eat anything that gives me sustenance, regardless of taste. 5. What is your favorite type of weather? Does any kind scare you? I like to bask in the warm glow of the sun on a late winter's morning, the relief it brings after the chill of the previous days. I am not afraid. Outlook : 1. Are you optimistic or pessimistic? I am realistic. 2. What are your religious views? I respect the Gods. 3. Would you be able to kill? I am, primarily, a tiger. I was built for it. 4. What are your views on sex? It's... Necessary. However, the shameless desire of some repulses me. 5. What, in your opinion, makes a successful life? Knowing that you were yourself for its entirety and that you gave everything you had into what you believed. Actions : 1. What is the worst and best thing you’ve ever done? I will not say, for something greater, or worse, may happen yet. 2. What is your greatest regret? Whatever regrets I have, I have left behind. It does not do well to dwell on the past, unless it makes you stronger. 3. What is your best/worst memory? My best memory is of the very first time it shifted, of embracing what felt as natural as breathing. 4. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be and why? That I never explored everything, I never did every possible thing because I was afraid of bonding. 5. What are you the most proud of doing in your life? Pride is a dangerous thing, but if I had to use the word, I would say my most proud moment was venturing from Riverfall alone in search of my bondmate, following the urge. Emotions : 1. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings with others? Depends exactly who those others are. I am extremely guarded with those I do not know, whereas, with my close friends, I would tell them everything, as long as it would cause them no harm. 2. Do you have any biases or prejudices? I have some preconceived notions about beings of the canine sort, but otherwise, no, none. 3. What makes you happy? Close friendship, feeling a bond with someone, even if that bond is not of the literal, kelvic sense. 4. Who or what, if anything, would you die for? I would die for my future bondmate, my closest friends, my honour and my freedom. 5. What makes you angry? Many things, I am not known for my patience. Relationships : 1. In general, how do you treat others? I am not naturally friendly, but I am not aggressive without good reason. I respect others and expect them to respect me in turn. 2. Who is the most important person in your life, and why? Right now, the most important person in my life is one I have yet to find. My bondmate, it is what I, as all kelvics, am driven towards. 3. Who is the person you respect the most, and why? Myself, if you do not respect yourself, then you cannot expect respect from others. 4. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If not, describe an ideal lover. No, I do not and alive is good enough for me. 5. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why I trust no one with my personal protection but myself, because I do not want anyone, especially my friends, to die for me. It is my place to protect them. Group Situations : 1. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict? In a one-on-one situation, I have no problem voicing my opinions, whatever the consequences. 2. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations? If the opportunity arises at the right moment. 3. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not? No, they make me feel out of control, which is not a feeling a like to experience. This is probably the result of my trust issues. 4. Do you care what others think of you? Unless their thoughts are murderous, the thoughts of others do not concern me in the least. 5. What do you think of others, in general? The good ones are far too few. Self Image : 1. What is your greatest strength as a person? My stubborn determination and endurance. 2. What is your greatest weakness? I have no weakness. ((Her arrogance/her friends since she will so willingly give her life to protect them)) 3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to be a bit shorter, my height draws far too much attention. 4. Are you generally introverted or extroverted? Introverted, if you couldn't tell. 5. Are you generally organized or messy? My clear-cut, forward thoughts are not reflective of my room, make of that what you will. Beliefs : 1. What God or Goddess do you find most appealing, if any? Cheva. 2. Which God or Goddess do you fear, if any? None. 3. Do you have any Gnosis Marks? If so, how did you receive them? No. 4. What lengths would you go to to please your deity? None that would put my friends or bondmate in danger. 5. Where do you draw the line at pleasing your deity? What is too much? Nothing but killing the ones I love is too much. Life & Death : 1. What do you absolutely live for? My bondmate. 2. What is the best part of life? Engaging, interacting in the natural beauty of the surrounding world. 3. What is the best part of death? Peace. 4. If you could choose, how would you want to die? In battle, fighting for my freedom, or the freedom of those I hold dear. By the blade of a noble warrior. 5. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death? My loyalty.