Isana Lin

[Isana Lin]

Theme Song :

Race: Human
Gender: Female
Age: Twenty Four
Birthday: 56th of Summer, 490 AV
Birthplace: Mithryn Outpost, Sylira
Posting: 4th Regiment, Green Company

Appearance :

Physically, Isana bears little to distinguish her among the ranks of the Syliran Knights. Muscle fits upon her frame as naturally as flesh, alternately forged by a lifetime under armour and arms and withered where food proved scarce - which was more often than not among the roving wings of the Green Company. Summers of training have left her fit, but less physically imposing than a knight used to the comfort of city walls and warm meals. In truth, Isana would never have passed as intimidating to begin with; of decidedly slight height at just over five foot five and with a tendency to burn instead of tan, the often red-faced Isana is no-one's mental image of a Syliran Knight. Instead, Isana wields a glare that can shoot an eagle from the sky and a wit almost as sharp as the blade hung at her hip and, knowing Isana's questionable skill with the blade, probably a good deal more dangerous.

Gray eyes rest in a face remarkably unstained by the tides of war that have battered against her body, watching the world with an air of detached disappointment. She walks with the easy confidence of someone certain the crowds will part before her - regardless of how often circumstance has conspired to teach her just the opposite. Brown hair coils in a painfully tight braid in the style of the Drykas, seemingly reluctant to part from the memory of years confined to a helmet.

Beneath the armour her limbs are a nest of long-healed scars, though her torso is comparatively unscathed - a distinction she takes quiet pride in. It is a rare occasion indeed; however, that one would ever have the opportunity to see underneath the mail Isana wears like a second skin, and it would be an unwise observer indeed who saw fit to comment on the scars they found there.

Personality :

To the outside observer Isana is a committed cynic with a sarcastic streak as wide as Suvan Sea. To the unfortunate squires assigned to her (and occasionally those assigned to others, should they be foolish enough to pass within earshot), she is a harsh teacher, bordering on cruel depending on whom you ask, – quick with punishment and frugal with praise. The truth of the matter; however, is that she is simply the most devoted variety of pragmatist. Isana views any mentor as a guardian of the knighthood's future, and her treatment of them reflects expectations that border on unattainable. As far as Isana is concerned, there are few sins greater than creating a knight who is not worthy of the name.

Isana can be, and often is, a cruel creature - ridiculing those around her as easily as she draws breath. She is intolerant of any weakness or perceived selfishness - and is more than aware that she often fails to live up to her own lofty expectations. Nonetheless, someone has to point out failings if the knights are to have a chance of improving, and Isana has shouldered that dubious burden - and the loss of potential friends - without complaint. As far as she is concerned, the knights ought to be protectors of the people, not their own egos.

She takes a particular joy in moral debate, preferring to test a prospective knight's mental fortitude over his or her strength of arms. That the guardians of peace and order walk the streets with swords at their hips is a particular favourite point of debate for the knight – a viewpoint that often brings her into conflict with the more conservative members of the order.

Ultimately; however, her biting philosophy is a façade and hides a soul as devoted to the cause of the Knights as any bearing Sylir's mark. She holds that mental fortitude is a far more valuable tool than raw strength – a dull man with a sharp blade is a greater danger to himself and his allies than his foes. A sharp man with a dull blade may yet twist a hopeless situation in his favour. Any fool can swing steel, in her opinion – a knight should distinguish when to do so. Principally a knight of the Green Company, she is only too aware that there are some foes that cannot fall to blade alone.

Outside of the order Isana is still a scribe's child, and often pays the written word a greater deference than that of her peers. A childhood spent largely bedridden has distilled in her a tremendous respect for the virtues of a healthy imagination - though after some of the things she has seen in the order, she finds herself curbing it with increasing frequency in the name of a good night's sleep.

Character History :

Pre-Creation

”It has often been said that I found Isana. That is not; however, strictly speaking true, and I should take this oppurtunity to correct the misconception – for all the good it will do to stem the tide of squires who curse me for bringing her down upon their heads. No, it would be far more accurate to say that Isana found me.

My wing had returned to Mithryn to make our report after a long, and ultimately fruitless, half-season roving the farmlands hunting rumours of wildmen attacking farmland – evidence was abundant, but the individuals responsible appeared to have long since moved on by the time we arrived. The town itself was a welcome break from nights in the open, and we were collectively looking forward to a night's sleep free of the plague of picket duty. By popular consent, and by virtue of having made the foolish claim of being the best horseman of the bunch, I rode ahead to inform the outpost of our arrival.

On the way to the garrison I passed by the market square. Syna had turned her gaze upon the outpost that day, and the merchants had strung up tarpelins to shield them from the heat. The sellers were predominantly farmers peddling excess food – despite the stories of brigands the season had been a productive one, and rows of vegetables lined hastily-assembled stalls, cooking beneath the afternoon heat. Among the stalls was one stocked only with parchment, a wiry looking man hunched over a scroll while a customer dictated. A young girl I assumed to be the scribe's daughter hovered behind the rickety desk, staring at me as though I bore seventeen fingers and almost as many arms. At the time I thought nothing of it. Plate armour had become such a symbol of our order that seeing one of us in chain and leather tended to draw more attention than we felt we merited.

In any event, the Stewart informed me that he would be ready to hear our Sergeant's report the following morning – assuming there was nothing of great urgency, which I assured him there was not – and bidded us rest. It was an offer we, our uniforms and bodies tattered from travel, were more than happy to accept and I returned to the city gates to await the rest of my wing.

I could not have been waiting there for more than ten chimes when I saw the scribe's daughter from the market approaching me, a satchel clenched in her hands. She was young, no more than ten or twelve summers and, by the look of her, had never stepped outside the city walls – still a child, by any measure, and her clothing already sported pools of sweat from the short walk to the walls. She introduced herself as Isana and calmly informed me that her parents had been slain by brigands or monsters – she seemed undecided – and that she wished to become a knight. It was not until years later that she admitted to me that she had heard a rumour from a local farmhand that the order only accepted those who had no family of their own. I asked after the scribe in town, the man I presumed to be her father, and she grew sheepish. Eventually she relented and admitted that both parents as well as a brother and sister were alive and perfectly well – though she was still certain that she wished to be a knight and seemed to believe that I had the power to make it so.

I turned her away. Gently, but I admit quite freely that I did so. Had I known the full detail of her circumstances, I may not have been so hasty – but I did not. As far as I was concerned, she was a young child running away from a loving family. I had no wish to be the sculptor of such heartache. She grew quiet as we returned to the marketplace. The scribe's stall was empty – parchment and man alike seemingly swept away in a midday breeze. Eventually, I was able to locate her parents in a house near the walls. A stack of scrolls bombarded me as I opened the door, followed shortly after by the scribe. He was a tall, wiry man with a sickly look about him. The sort who looked likely to topple to the ground in a sufficiently strong breeze. Nonetheless, after a moment's surprise, he greeted me with a smile and introduced himself as Taven. I explained that his daughter had come looking for me, even as he – apparently – had been searching for her when she vanished from the stall. As we spoke, Isana retreated into the corner and attempted to vanish into it, as small children are wont to do. Taven thanked me for returning his daughter and I made my way to the garrison to rejoin my wing and thought nothing more of it.

I did not see Isana again for two summers.

We had been playing escort for Ser Vathan, a knight based in Syliras with business in Mithryn in addition to our usual duties. Dark rumours had followed us across the countryside, talk of monsters and silver-skinned spirits lurking in the night – but such rumours were common among farmers, and I saw no evidence to pique my concern. Sometimes I wonder how things would have turned out had I listened... But any life worth living will carry with it some measure of regret, and I will bear mine without complaint.

I barely recognised the girl that met me before the Mithryn gates. If anything, it was the satchel at her side – that same one she had carried years before, now somewhat worse for wear – that dragged the face of the scribe's daughter from my mind. While she was still unquestionably young, she looked older than two summers should have accounted for. Her skin was pale and sickly – she looked as though she had recently recovered from the pox – but there was a determination in her eyes that had been lacking during our previous meeting. As she had before, she reiterated her desire to join the order.

Where before she had begged with the unmatched desperation of a child's whim; now she was calm and collected. When I asked her why she had not approached the garrison within Mithryn she claimed that Syliras was, after all, the headquarters of the order and that she had thought to apply there. I directed her to Ser Vathan – so if you are looking for someone to blame for the girl's presence, I would advise you to direct your ire towards him.

I do not know what passed between the two of them, but when we mounted horses to travel to Evantide the next morning, Isana was among us. As to the journey itself and Isana's time within the order? That, I think, is a story for another time.”

The Memoirs of Simon Cawdor
Knight of the 4th Regiment, Green Company

Knowledge & Understanding

 

Skills-Physical

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
Endurance	12 XP	12	Novice
Riding: Horse	15 SP, 6 XP	21	Novice
Running	3 XP	3	Novice

 

Skills-Combat

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
Brawling	1 XP	1	Novice
Unarmed Combat	1 XP	1	Novice
Weapon: Arming Sword	5 SP, 4 XP	9	Novice
Weapon: Heater Shield	5 SP	5	Novice
Weapon: Round Shield	3 XP	3	Novice
Weapon: Shortbow	5 SP	5	Novice
Weapon: Shortspear	15 RB, 3 XP	18	Novice
Weapon: Stiletto	5 SP, 2 XP	7	Novice

 

Skills-Social

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
Interrogation	9 XP	9	Novice
Intimidation	3 XP	3	Novice
Leadership	1 XP	1	Novice
Observation	26 XP	26	Competent
Persuasion	1 XP	1	Novice
Rhetoric	5 SP, 10 XP	15	Novice
Socialisation	17 XP	17	Novice

 

Skills-Mental

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
Investigation	3 XP	3	Novice
Meditation	1 XP	1	Novice
Organisation	1 XP	1	Novice
Philosophy	3 XP	3	Novice
Planning	1 XP	1	Novice
Tactics	5 XP	5	Novice

 

Skills-Trade

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
Teaching	3 XP	3	Novice
Writing	10 SP	10	Novice

 

Skills-Magic

Skill	EXP	Total	Proficiency
NA	NA	NA	NA

 

Lore

Combat
>How an Expert Swordsman Fights
>Tactics: The merits of formation fighting
>Taverns: A Whole New Battlefield
>Consequences of Inattention
>Getting Beaten Bloody
>Attention to Pain Comes Later
>Fighting Like a Child
>Watching Your Opponent's Eyes
>Weapon: Battleaxe
>Weapon: Spear
>Weapon Shortspear: How to use a spear in tandem with a shield
>Weapon: Stiletto

Medical
>Setting a Dislocated Jaw

Mithryn Outpost
>Mithryn Outpost - Street Layout

Miscellaneous
>Matar's Task: Go To Taloba
>Killing Hosts is Rude
>Defeat at the hands of Archiailist
>Outrunning Your Fears is Excellent Motivation

People
>Archailist: Snarky, pain in the foot pycon
>Archailist: Squire under Ser Iros
>Altos: Isur Squire
>Alto's Can't Read
>Joris: A Mage Knight That Levitates Things
>Kraken: Barkeeper of The Broken Casket
>Tamson: Senior Squire
>Tamson: Scarred By The Sight Of Battle
>Varner: Knight of the First Regiment (Also: Varner: Syliran Knight)
>Varner: Patrons Should Be The One To Protect Their Squires
>Matar of the Tempered Steel: Myrian Mercenary
>Matar: Worshipper of Myri

Physical
>Running: Making Laps
>Running In Plate Mail

Races
>Pycon: Little clay creatures
>Pycon: Water softens clay, not required for living
>Pycon: Body structure and weak point

Religion
>Prayers to Dira
>Lore of Religion: Myri

Riding
>Horse: Kavinka Paintedmount
>Horse: Tiaden Warhorse
>Riding: The Basics

Social
>Dealing With Drunkards
>Rhetoric: Insulting Mages
>Baiting A Fight
>Interrogation: Assessing the Situation

Syliran Knights
>Protecting the People From Themselves
>Not All Squires Think Highly Of Knights

Syliras & Surrounds
>Location: Broken Casket
>Location: Kabrin Road
>Location: Syliran Fields
>Location: The Gatehouse
>Location: White Swan Inn
>Location: Windmount Stables

Writing
>Storing Parchment

 

Language

Fluent Language: Common
Basic Language: Ekeldi
Poor Language: Nader-canoch

 

Religion

Worshipped Deities

Tyveth: Tyveth is the truest representation of just why Isana became a knight. To her, being beholden to the God of Honor means adhering to a higher set of principles and beliefs - a powerful sense of accountability that undermines everything she thinks the knights stand for. Tyveth receives the lion's share of devotion among Isana's personal pantheon.

Sylir: The patron God of the Knights, Isana respected - if not outright revered - the fallen God for his sacrifice. With Sylir's return and the end of the Knight's centuries-long vigil, the God of Peace and Civilisation has reclaimed Isana's worship, though he is still a distant second to Tyveth.

Dira: All knights walk with death at their side. Isana can no more ignore Dira's influence than she can the blade she carries. In a sense, Isana's relationship with Dira is closer than that of the other two gods she works - Tyveth and Sylir represent the lofty ideals of the order, whereas Dira's realm falls far closer to the day to day reality. Isana knows that it is more than likely that the Goddess of Death will find her beneath her armour one day, and she has long since made peace with the fact. In the meantime, she pays her respects to the Lady of Black Rock and prays that when she falls it is quick and painless - a mercy she attempts to offer to the dying whenever possible.

Known Deities

Myri: Little more than a curious story to Isana, she first heard of the Goddess of War from a travelling mercenary. She knows precious little of the Goddess or the nature of her worshippers - but fully intends to discover what she may.

Qalaya: Isana was introduced to the God of Memory and Writing as part of her childhood education at her father's hands. Originally slated to become a scribe and historian Isana was a reliable, if not devout, worshipper of the field's patron deity. Now a full knight, she finds little cause to pray to Qalaya with any frequency.

Yahal: Of all the Gods of the Syliran Knights, it is Yahal that troubles Isana most. She finds the idea of faithfulness for its own sake, rather then a solid set of ideals and codes difficult to swallow. However; she does respect the God for the traits he seems to foster in those who follow him - and it is largely out of respect for them that she acknowledges the God of Purity.

 

Gnosis

None: To be filled in when required.

 

Shield Points

Positive Shield Points	Negative Shield Points	Spent Shield Points	Current Total Shield Points
+19	0	0	+19

Possessions/Inventory

 

Weapons

Owned
>Shortbow (with 40 arrows, archery glove and arm guard.)
>Stiletto* (with dagger scabbard.)

On Loan From The Syliran Knights
>Arming Sword
>Shortspear
>Heater Shield

*Loaned to Altos Ironheart Coglias in Seeds of Knowledge on the 72nd Day of Spring. Isana has retained the scabbard.

 

Clothing

Owned
>Ramie Tunic: White
>Ramie Tunic: Dark-Green
>Leather Gloves
>Leather Boots (High) : Brown with Iron Buckles
>Leather Boots (Low): Dark-Brown
>Leather Belt: Black
>Ramie Trousers: Dark-Brown
>Ramie Trousers: Charcoal
>Linen Dress: Black with Grey Trimmings
>Leather Shoes: Black with Iron Buckles
>Medium Wool Cloak: Dark-Green
>Medium Wool Scarf: Light-Green

On Loan From The Syliran Knights
>Full Set of Mail - Standard
>Full Set of Light Armour - Standard

 

Survival

>Balanced Rations (1 Week's worth)
>1 Eating Knife
>Flint & Steel

 

Mount

>None

 

Miscellaneous

>Backpack
>Comb (Wood)
>Brush (Wood)
>Soap
>Razor

>Pouch of Seeds (Refer to Search for Seeds.)

>Isana's Journal (Book, Common.)
>5 Quills
>3 Vials of Ink (1 Oz.)

 

Heirloom

Shortbow: A gift from Vathan, Isana's first mentor within the knights - though the bearish knight would be the last to admit to ever offering a gift or, Sylir forbid, being a mentor. Built of yew, and bearing scratches and dents from years of use, the bow is hardly an impressive sight - and of debatable use against anyone in armour. Nonetheless, Isana treasures it as the first tangible sign of her long journey into the order and takes careful care of it.

 

Housing

Location: Syliras

Stormhold Citadel: Isana resides in a small room on the third tier of Stormhold Citadel, of the spartan sort typically assigned to unranked knights. It contains little more than a bed - more accurately, a mattress that Isana has placed on the floor -, table, and chest for her belongings.

Ledger

[size=100][shadow=black][tabset=300]

 

Summer, 514 AV

Purchase	Cost	Total
Carryover: Spring, 514 AV	+4 GM 5 SM 4 CM	4 GM 5 SM 4 CM
Wages: Spring, 514 AV	+364 GM	368 GM 5 SM 4 CM
Living Expenses (Good - Knightly)	45 GM	323 GM 4 CM
Coffee, Common (A Storm of Signatures)	3 SM	322 GM 7 SM 4 CM

 

Spring, 514 AV

Purchase	Cost	Total
Carryover: Starting Package	+53 GM 4 CM	53 GM 4 CM
Living Expenses (Good - Knightly)	45 GM	8 GM 4 CM
Information (The Savage and the Soldier)	2 GM 5SM	5 GM 5 SM 4 CM
Given to Altos (Seeds of Knowledge)	2 GM	3 GM 5 SM 4 CM
Returned by Altos (Words of Water)	+1 GM	4 GM 5 SM 4 CM

 

Starting Package

Purchase	Cost	Total
Starting Package	+100 GM	100 GM
Shortbow Arrows (40)	2 GM	98 GM
Archery Glove	1 GM	97 GM
Arm Guard	1 GM	96 GM
Stiletto	1 GM	95 GM
Scabbard, Dagger	2 GM	93 GM
Ramie Tunic, White	1 GM, 3 SM, 2 CM	91 GM, 6 SM, 8 CM
Ramie Tunic, Dark-Green	1 GM, 3 SM, 2 CM	90 GM, 3 SM, 6 CM
Ramie Tunic, White	1 GM, 3 SM, 2 CM	89 GM, 4 CM
Leather Gloves	1 GM	88 GM, 4 CM
Leather Boots (High): Brown: Iron Buckles	6 GM, 7 SM, 5 CM	81 GM, 2 SM, 9 CM
Leather Boots (Low): Dark-Brown	1 GM, 5 CM	80 GM, 2 SM, 4 CM
Leather Belt: Black	7 SM	79 GM, 5 SM, 4 CM
Ramie Trousers: Dark-Brown	3 GM	76 GM, 5 SM, 4 CM
Ramie Trousers: Charcoal	3 GM	73 GM, 5 SM, 4 CM
Linen Dress: Black: Lace Trimming	4 GM 4 SM	69 GM, 1 SM, 4 CM
Leather Shoes: Black: Iron Buckles	4 GM 5 CM	65 GM, 9 CM
Medium Wool Cloak: Dark-Green	1 GM 5 SM	63 GM, 5 SM, 9 CM
Medium Wool Scarf: Light-Green	3 SM	63 GM, 2 SM, 9 CM
Isana's Journal: Book (Common)	7 GM	56 GM, 2 SM, 9 CM
5 Quills	2 SM 5 CM	56 GM, 4 CM
3 Vials of Ink (1 Oz.)	3 GM	53 GM 4 CM

Relationships

 

Taven Lin

Name: Taven Lin
Race: Human
DoB: 12th of Spring, 466 AV
PoB: Syliras
Skills: Summoning (26), Writing (14), Leeching (10)
Additional Info: Taven is, to outside appearances, nothing more than a quiet and dedicated, if slightly eccentric, scribe working within the fortifications of Mithryn Outpost. Appearances; however, are deceptive creatures. Born as Hern Siltar, Isana's father indulged an early interest in the sort of magic found in storybooks that bordered on obsession.

He was expelled from Zeltiva's University at a younger age than most people enrolled at. Unable to find the sort of world-altering magic he searched for within the University's corridors and with the disapproval of the University's masters dogging his heels, Hern left the port city behind and made his way to the one place he suspected held the knowledge he sought - Sahova.

There, he served briefly as an apprentice, carrying and ferrying materials for the undead mages that haunted the dead citadel's corridors. Hern was impatient; however, and pushed for more - even as his would-be patrons demanded more of him, some even demanding his departure if he would not comply. Eventually, tensions boiled over and Hern woke to a grey ceiling and pain the likes of which he had never known. The leecher assigned to intimidate the apprentice was brutally through and left the Hern comatose for a week - it was only the mercy and care of a second apprentice that allowed him to survive that long. He left Sahova shortly after, smuggling with him a handful of texts from the grand library and his part of his master's current project - a cuff-like object he hoped to sell to sustain himself in the long days ahead.

Long years of fear followed, Hern living from day to day, the fear of a Sahovan's hand upon his shoulder trailing him as surely as his own shadow. Each day he was certain they would find him, and each day he delved deeper into his stolen texts, searching for magic that would defend him. Yet, the summers passed, and he remained free.

Eventually, as the years drew on, he returned to Syliras and took on a new name. Taven the scribe became a familiar face in Mithryn's market square - as did, over time, his wife and children, all of them cheerfully ignorant of the creatures he summoned to stand vigil against the assassins he was certain would one day come.

Relationship With Isana: Taven is Isana's father and was, for the early part of her life, her tutor. Isana has a degree of respect for her father and the morals he taught her, as well as her respect for knowledge - though knows nothing about his status as a runaway mage. For his part, Taven loves his oldest daughter dearly and truly regrets the cost she has had to pay for the family's safety.

 

Altos Ironheart Coglias

More details on Altos can be found here.

Relationship With Isana: Altos is a squire within the Order, studying under Ser Logan. Isana finds the Isur's stoicism frustrating, and has resolved to chip away at it until the boy voices his views. Despite that, Altos is still a squire and Isana maintains the haughty distance that is a defining feature of her interactions with junior members of the Order.

Threads Together

Date	Thread
72nd Day of Spring, 514 AV	Seeds of Knowledge
72nd Day of Spring, 514 AV	Words of Water

 

Archailist

More details on Archailist can be found here.

Relationship With Isana: A pycon with a fondness for assuming a squirrel-like exterior with an exuberant attitude to match, Archailist is a squire within the order. Isana views the pycon's competitiveness as arrogance, his desire to prove himself as selfishness. Nonetheless, she does have a grudging respect for his impressive martial capabilities - if not his acceptance of social norms.

Threads Together

Date	Thread
4th Day of Summer, 514 AV	[Antinous Training Grounds] Ankle-biter

Thread List

 

Summer, 514 AV

Thread	Date	Notes
[Fighter's Pit] Getting the Point?	2nd Day of Summer, 514 AV	In Progress.
[Antinous Training Grounds] Ankle-biter	4th Day of Summer, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Weapon: Shortspear + 3 Weapon: Round Shield + 3 Tactics + 3 Planning + 1 Socialisation + 4 Observation + 4 Lore: Tactics: The merits of formation fighting Weapon Shortspear: How to use a spear in tandem with a shield Pycon: Little clay creatures Pycon: Water softens clay, not required for living Pycon: Body structure and weak point Archailist: Squire under Ser Iros Archailist: Snarky, pain in the foot pycon Defeat at the hands of Archiailist Loot: Shield Points + 5
[Antinous Training Grounds] A Storm of Signatures	10th Day of Summer, 514 AV	In Progress.
[Bronze Woods] No Good Deed	16th Day of Summer, 514 AV	In Progress.
The Blade Itself	82nd Day of Summer, 514 AV	In Progress.
I'm a placeholder!	1st Day of Placeholder, Placeholder AV	GradedSkills: I'm a placeholder! Lore: I'm a placeholder! Loot: I'm a placeholder!

 

Spring, 514 AV

Thread	Date	Notes
[Antinous Training Grounds] On Your Feet!	61st Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Running + 3 Endurance + 3 Observation + 2 Rhetoric + 2 Meditation + 1 Tactics + 1 Lore: Joris: A Mage Knight That Levitates Things Running: Making Laps Running In Plate-Mail Outrunning Your Fears Is Excellent Motivation Rhetoric: Insulting Mages Baiting A Fight Loot: Shield Points + 3
The Night Watch	64th Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Weapon: Arming Sword + 1 Weapon: Stiletto + 2 Brawling + 1 Socialisation + 3 Observation + 5 Unarmed Combat + 1 Endurance + 4 Lore: Syliras Location: The Gatehouse Tamson: Senior Squire Varner: Knight of the First Regiment Protecting the People from Themselves Taverns: A Whole New Battlefield Consequences of Inattention Getting Beaten Bloody Prayers to Dira Attention to Pain Comes Later Setting a Dislocated Jaw Fighting Like a Child Matar of the Tempered Steel: Myrian Mercenary Killing Hosts is Rude Loot: Shield Points + 4 Injuries: Bruised Ribs: One Week to Heal Minor Concussion: One to Two Days to Heal Winded: Three Days to Heal (Minimum)
Fracture Lines	64th Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Observation + 2 Socialisation + 1 Endurance + 1 Lore: Tamson: Scarred by the Sight of Battle Varner: Patrons Should Be The One To Protect Their Squires
The Savage and the Soldier	65th Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Observation + 5 Socialisation + 4 Rhetoric + 3 Interrogation + 3 Intimidation + 2 Investigation + 3 Intelligence + 2 Endurance + 2 Riding: Horse + 4 Lore: Location: Broken Casket Kraken: Barkeeper of the Broken Casket Location: White Swan Inn Location: Windmount Stables Varner: Syliran Knight Horse: Kavinka Paintedmount Horse: Tiaden Warhorse Riding: The Basics Location: Kabrin Road Location: Syliran Fields
Question and Answer	65th Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Observation + 5 Socialisation + 3 Rhetoric + 2 Interrogation + 3 Persuasion + 1 Weapon: Arming Sword + 3 Endurance + 3 Tactics + 1 Riding: Horse + 2 Lore: Matar: Worshipper of Myri Religion: Myri Combat: How An Expert Swordsman Fights Combat: Watching Your Opponent's Eyes Matar's Task: Go To Taloba Loot: Shield Points + 5
Seeds of Knowledge	72nd Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Observation + 3 Socialisation + 3 Interrogation + 2 Philosophy + 1 Teaching + 3 Lore: Altos: Isur Squire Weapon: Battleaxe Weapon: Spear Weapon: Stiletto Loot: Shield Points + 2 Stiletto - 1
Words of Water	72nd Day of Spring, 514 AV	GradedSkills: Rhetoric + 3 Philosophy + 2 Interrogation + 1 Organisation + 1 Intimidation +1 Lore: Dealing With Drunkards Altos Can't Read Interrogation: Assessing The Situation Not All Squires Think Highly Of Knights
Seasonal Experience & Wages	91st Day of Spring, 514 AV	AwardedSkills: Leadership + 1 Loot: + 364 GM

 

Flashbacks

Thread	Date	Notes
Horses and Courses	9th Day of Spring, 509 AV	In Progress.
I'm a placeholder!	1st Day of Placeholder, Placeholder AV	GradedSkills: I'm a placeholder! Lore: I'm a placeholder! Loot: I'm a placeholder!

Thanks to the awesome Bitt for the format.

[Isana Lin]

General Information :

1. What is your name?
Isana Lin.
2. Do you go by a nickname or pet name?
Well, my little sister used to call me mittens because of my soft, loving exterior. What do you think? No, I don't have a nickname. I have a rank.
3. How old are you?
Twenty four by the summer just past.
4. What is your height?
Five foot five. However, as I doubt that you're out to buy my clothes for me, I fail to see how that's your concern. If you do intend to buy my clothes, I suggest you get to it. I'm told the bazaar can be a strange place after sundown.
5. What is your weight?
With or without plate?

Aesthetics :

1. Describe yourself as you see yourself.
In a mirror, I imagine? In that case, usually bedraggled.
2. Describe yourself as others typically see you.
Hah. That's a good one. If by 'others', you mean the squires, than I imagine they have several choice words with which to describe me. I'm certain you can enquire with them as to the exact composition. I understand they're quite imaginative. To everyone else, I don't imagine I'm anything more than another body in armour.
3. What is your favorite body feature?
That I still have all of it. One would expect farmers to be a tame, tranquil bunch. One would be sadly disappointed.
4. How physically fit are you?
Fitter than I once was, and sloppier than I ought to be.
5. How do you typically dress and what is your style?
I trust you are aware that I serve as a knight? If not, than might I suggest you leave this room and reconsider this interview?

Family :

1. Who are your parents and what are they like?
My father, Taven, practically raised me. He's a good man. A little out of touch with things, but you won't find a kinder man in Mithryn. He spent more time fussing over me when I was sick than my mother did. Denna was the dominating presence in the household for the rest of the family, but I spent more time with father. I suspect he was just glad to have one child that didn't faint at the idea of putting quill to parchment.
2. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
One of each. Last I heard of Rika she was bound for Zeltiva to study as a navigator. I was glad to hear that. Mithryn was suffocating her. I believe Aaron took over as father's apprentice after I left for the knights - my little brother hasn't spoken to me since.
3. What is your extended family like?
Well enough, I suppose. Mother has some family among the farms, but she was predominantly a merchant before she met father and as I understand it her immediate family departed via the Kabrin shortly after their wedding. Father never mentioned any siblings. Would you prefer to interrogate him on it?
4. Do you consider close friends as important or more/less important than family?
I do not see a distinction. Both listen when you speak to them honestly. Family are the ones who are still listening when you are done.
5. Do you treat animals like family?
Of course not. Perhaps if my stew were more inclined to pull its weight in the fields I may be inclined to- No. No, I'm sorry, I cannot take the question seriously when you ask it like that. Let us move on.

Location :

1. Where were you born?
I have told you. Mithryn Outpost, and a second time when I left it behind.
2. Where do you live now?
Wherever the order requires me to. As of this moment? It seems I am stuck with you.
3. If you could live anywhere in Mizahar where would that be?
I hear there are other lands, far across the sea. I'm certain you have heard the tales. Perhaps, it would be interesting to visit them one day. In the meantime, I shall live wherever my feet take me. Then, at the end of my wandering, I expect I shall die.
4. Do you have a favourite place to vacation or spend leisure time?
Yes. It is not a place I ever intend to take a holiday, but there is a small, quiet, clearing not far from the walls. A still, dignified sort of place. I find it is a better place to remember absent friends than a tavern.
5. Where do you fear to be?
The fo- No. No, you would think me foolish. Perhaps another time.

Traits :

1. Do you have any physical weaknesses (disease, scars, and missing limbs?)
Without doubt. I would; however, be an exceptionally poor knight if I shared them all with you. Let us suffice to say that I was an ill child and have seen my share of combat.
2. Are you right handed or left handed?
Right handed.
3. What languages do you speak? What do you sound like? Do you have an accent?
I speak the common tongue well enough to conduct this interview, and the ancient tongue well enough to recognise that everything I have ever seen written in it is not something I greatly desire to read.
4. Do you have any odd mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
Tell me, who finds their own mannerisms annoying? "Oh yes, I expect I irritate myself out of my own mind. I honestly cannot fathom how I am able to tolerate living with me." Pray, tell. Have you ever had a response to that effect?

No? Curious. To answer your question, I tend to fiddle with my armour's straps when I'm asked foolish questions. Yes, exactly like that.
5. Do you have (or want to get) any tattoos or piercing? Why do you have them (or will get them)?
One. No, you may not see it.

Occupations :

1. What is your occupation?
I serve as a knight of the Green Company, Fourth Regiment. Formally speaking, our task is to ensure the security of the fields. Practically speaking, I find myself in the citadel more often as of late.
2. Do you like/dislike your work? Why?
Both, at times. I've made good friends within the order, and on occasion lost the same. It is the price we pay, and I take the good times with the bad.
3. If you could be anything you wanted to, what would you be?
Let me see. A journalist, I think. Now, go on. Tell me you would like to be a knight.
4. What occupation do you admire the most? Why?
Hm. That is a good question. The farmers of Mithryn, I think. They are hardly fine conversationalists, but without their toil the city could not exist - and they receive precious little recognition for it. To work each day from dawn to dusk, coaxing life from lifeless ground for the sake of others is a noble calling, I think. In that, they are not so different from the order.
5. What occupation do you lest like? Why?
I find it difficult to dislike an entire occupation. As long as a job is done well, it matters little what the task itself is. Unfortunately, finding someone who simply does their job well seems to a hopeless endeavour at times. Syliras tends to draw such people. I assume it has something to do with the population - the more hands you have to carry you, the easier it is to let them do so.

Childhood :

1. What sort of child were you?
Small, selfish, and often bedridden. I suspect the first two are typical of most young children. The third was, regrettably, entirely my own. It did not make me popular among my siblings, I assure you.
2. What is your favorite memory from childhood?
One of the rare occasions when I was well enough to be properly young and foolish, then? Aaron and Rika had gone out to play while I worked in the market with father, as children do. Bells passed, and by the time we began to pack up the stall the two children had not returned. I, being the noble elder sister I was, volunteered to look for them. Eventually, I found the pair just outside the walls, climbing a crumpled old oak.

Of course, I had to join them. I may have been their big sister, but I was not yet old enough that a suitable climbing tree could be easily denied. We sat atop the oak and watched Syna set over Mithryn. In retrospect, staying outside the walls after dark was a foolish decision, and we barely made it back to the outpost before the gates slammed closed. Nonetheless, it was one of a handful of times where we were able to be together without fighting over something, and I would not trade it for the world.
3. What is your worst memory from childhood?
That is a simpler matter. I believe I mentioned before that I was unwell? There was one particularly bad stint... I was unconscious for much of it, but the sensation when I woke is not one I care to recall.
4. What sort of relationship did you have with your parents?
Like most children, I expect. They outlined in great detail the things I ought not to do, and I took notes that I may do them with the greatest efficiency possible as soon as they were looking elsewhere. I grew out of it eventually.
5. Who was your most influential rolemodel?
Ser Vathan, I expect. The first one to have any inkling of faith in my chances as a knight - perhaps before I was properly confident of it myself. I recall being exceptionally disappointed when I learned that he would not my patron. It did nothing to stop him teaching me, regardless.

Education :

1. What sort of education do you have?
Better than most, I expect. Father was a scribe, and I spent most of my childhood assisting him. I can read and write fluently in common, and recognise the ancient tongue. On top of that there is the obvious training within the order, but I expect there a dozen people you could ask for details in that regard.
2. Do you like/dislike learning?
That, is a trick question. Learning is like taking a long run. It is better appreciated after the fact.
3. Where or how did you learn most of your skills/abilities?
Did we not just go through this?
4. How do you learn best?
Father was fond of painstaking detail and patience. Vathan preferred to continue bruising me until I, and I quote, 'got my petching guard up.' Both eventually worked. Make of that what you will.
5. What are your educational goals for the future?
As of this point? To do what I can to train others. Individual skill is next to useless if you cannot fight as a unit outside the Wall.

Relationships :

1. Do you form close bonds with people? Why? Why not?
I suspect you would struggle to find someone that did not, given enough time. Struggle forges people, drives them together, and the order certainly receive our share of adversity.
2. Do you trust people easily? If not, why not?
I trust people once they have shown they are deserving of it. Courtesy is simple, but only a fool or a priest trusts blindly. I'll not have someone stand at my back until I am certain they are not inclined to drive a dagger into it.
3. Do you consider yourself straight, gay, bi, or something else?
That's a very personal question.
4. Have you ever been kissed? If so, describe the first time.
Pardon me? Was I insufficiently clear?
5. Have you ever had sex? If so, describe the first time.
I was not aware that I had walked into a brothel. If I have, please inform me and I will take my leave. If not I suggest you abandon this line of questioning.

Drugs and Alcohol :

1. Have you ever been drunk? If so, describe your first time.
No. Alcohol impedes the mind. Forgive me, but I fail to see the appeal in being unable to walk straight, let alone think coherently. Drunkenness is something for a decrepit farmhand wandering back through the gates a few ticks before sundown. Let him keep it.
2. Do you like to drink on a regular basis?
I find that consuming water does appear to rather vital, yes.
3. What sort of alcohol do you prefer?
The sort I need not drink.
4. Have you ever tried drugs (mood altering substances)? If so, which kinds and what did you think of them?
No.
5. What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Be specific.
As I said, I do not see the point. Drugs and alcohol are the symbols of a mind unwilling to deal with reality. Unfortunately, I am yet to see reality twist to suit the delusions of the mind. I have spent too many nights carrying those too immature to make sensible use of one or the other to the tank to have the slightest affection for them.

Likes and Dislikes :

1. What are your hobbies?
Reading. Training. Beating irritating journalists over the head. On a more serious note, I find my time for hobbies has been sadly limited as of late.
2. Do you like to read?
That's a vague question. You may as well ask, 'Do you like to walk?' It depends on what I am reading. Generally, yes.
3. What annoys you more than anything else?
Arrogance and ego, simply put. Particularly among the order. Particularly among squires. Confidence is one thing. Foolishness is another altogether.
4. What do you find the most relaxing activity to do?
There is a place atop the wall near the docks where one can sit and watch the ships come and go. The ocean does wonderful things for perspective.
5. What kinds of things embarrass you? Why?
Largely the sort of individual I mentioned earlier. It is embarrassing to wear the same colours as someone who does nothing to pay them the proper respect.

Favorites :

1. What is your favourite colour or colours?
Green, I expect.
2. What is your favourite time of day?
The early morning, before the sun burn away the dew. Within Syliras, it is one of the few times I can walk through the citadel without having to barge my way through.
3. What is the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?
I travelled by ship from Riverfall once. The dolphins trailed us for a half day, twisting and turning in the spray without a care in the world. At times I wonder what Syliras would like like, where we that carefree.
4. What do you like to eat? What do you hate to eat?
Very good. I had preferences as a squire, once. If it's edible, I am not inclined to complain, seafood excluded. I've seen enough fish to last a lifetime.
5. What is your favourite type of weather? Does any kind scare you?
After the damage a few years ago only a fool would claim to be unfazed by a storm. I am partial toward the cold, though that may be purely an effect of having spent too many days beneath the sun in armour./spoiler]

[spoiler=Outlook]1. Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
Optimism and pessimism both imply some degree of blindness. The world is not black and white like that, you cannot simply draw a line and claim that everything on one side will be fine and all else is doomed. If anything, I am a realist.
2. What are your religious views?
I follow Tyveth, Sylir and Dira, as I expect most of the knights do. That; however, is their own business, as my faith is mine.
3. Would you be able to kill?
No. I carry this spear simply because it matches my eyes.
4. What are your views on sex?
Next.
5. What, in your opinion, makes a successful life?
That is relatively simple. To have made the world a better place by your presence than it would have been by your absence. Whether the world is inclined to thank you afterwards is another matter altogether.

Actions :

1. What is the worst and best thing you've ever done?
That is not a question I feel I can answer with any degree of honesty or completeness, I'm afraid. Joining the order would be close to the top on both lists, but more than that I cannot say.
2. What is your greatest regret?
I think that falls under the same category as your last question. I certainly regret not being able to be a better sister to my siblings, but the rest of my regrets are my own.
3. What is your best/worst memory?
My knighting, and the long days preceding it, respectively.
4. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be and why?
Only one? In that case, I would leave it untouched. My past has forged me into who I am. Iron may loath the forge's heat, but without it, it will never become a blade.
5. What are you the most proud of doing in your life?
I have a reminder of that each day I pull my uniform on.

Emotions :

1. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings with others?
Exceptionally. Some would say to the point of rudeness.
2. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
Only toward those who fail to think before they speak. Perhaps towards the knights themselves, in a sense. I expect far more of them than I would of anyone else. Then again, if they are even half-worthy of the name than they do too.
3. What makes you happy?
To see someone I trained succeed, not through lowered expectations, or weakened tests, but through the strength of their own will and discipline. That, I think, is what it means to serve.
4. Who or what, if anything, would you die for?
I would prefer not to. However; it may be that Dira decides I am to meet my death at the point of a drunk's shattered bottle tomorrow. In the end, it is not for me to choose.
5. What makes you angry?
Take my answer to your earlier question on happiness and flip it. Wonderful, is it not? Imagine how many breaths you could save.

Relationships :

1. In general, how do you treat others?
In general, as they show they deserve to be treated. Specifically, as they need to be treated to become the person they ought to be.
2. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
I suspect there are too many participants in that race for me to give a fair answer.
3. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
That is a two-way tie between Ser Cawdor and Ser Vathan. One kept me alive throughout the most terrifying night of my life and one was the most terrifying knight of my life.
4. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If not, describe an ideal lover.
Merciful Dira, are you honestly that slow? Have we not established that I have no desire to answer that sort of question? I just begin to believe that we are free of them, possibly even approaching something resembling an intelligent conversation, and you feel the need to pry into my love life again.
5. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
I would love nothing more than to say that I trust each of the knights to stand beside me. Unfortunately, that would not be entirely true. Let us suffice to say that I would and have trusted my Wing with my life, and I hope that they would return the favour.

Group Situations :

1. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
The sword I carry has a remarkable tendency to prevent too many arguments. Within the order, the rank system works rather well to prevent personality conflicts.
2. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
Yes. Oh, come now. There’s no point in being ashamed of it. If people need direction, someone has to provide it. I’m not going to sit around waiting for someone else to get their thoughts in order long enough to put together a coherent sentence.
3. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
I cannot help but interact with a tremendous number of people every day. It is part of living in the citadel. Whether or not I like it is irrelevant - it's a requirement. That being said, I did not choose the Green Company for the uniform..
4. Do you care what others think of you?
I doubt any sane person does not. The trick is not letting them know you care.
5. What do you think of others, in general?
As I said, whatever it is they give me reason to think. If you act like a fool, I expect I shall treat you as one. Ambush me in my quarters and interview me, and I will attempt to remove you as soon as humanly possible.

Self Image :

1. What is your greatest strength as a person?
That... I cannot answer that question. I do not know. Resilience, perhaps? Perhaps my charming personality?
2. What is your greatest weakness?
That much, I can answer. My physical state, certainly. I am not unfit but considering what I was like as a child, I do worry. I have no desire to be a bedridden weight again.
3. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Not a thing. Not because there is nothing I wish to improve but because changing suddenly, without the effort or growth to get there would be a greater curse than any boon granted by the change itself.
4. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
As extroverted as it is possible to be while acting as an instructor. I'll act as the situation demands - if it demands silence, than I will be silent, and the same can be said for the reverse. Given a choice, I will keep my own counsel.
5. Are you generally organized or messy?
Organised. Rusted chainmail is an exceptionally heavy price to pay for a moment's nap.

Beliefs :

1. What God or Goddess do you find most appealing, if any?
If I must choose one, it would be Tyveth. He binds women and men to be more than they believe they can be, holds us to a higher standard than we hold ourselves. Dira is a close second. It may not be pleasant, but death is a natural part of what we train for - and it will visit all of us just the same. I will not begrudge the Goddess whatever dignity in it she sees fit to afford me.
2. Which God or Goddess do you fear, if any?
None by name. There are rumours of creatures lurking in the dark - but it is a fool who jumps at shadows. No, there are enough things to be afraid of in the order already without fearing the deities driving them. In any event, fear is the precursor to action, and what action can we take against a God?
3. Do you have any Gnosis Marks? If so, how did you receive them?
I think that should be self-explanatory.
4. What lengths would you go to to please your deity?
I trust Tyveth, Sylir, and Dira, just as I trust my superiors in the order. Most of the time, at any rate. Should they ask a task of me, I will do what I must to accomplish it.
5. Where do you draw the line at pleasing your deity? What is too much?
The phrase 'too much' seems remarkably petty when comparing the deeds of which I am capable to those of a God. Ultimately, I trust that the decisions of my superiors - divine and otherwise - are justified, even if they cannot share the full details with me. I gave an oath to the order and its Gods, and I fully to intend to adhere to it to the greatest extent to which I am capable - not merely when it suits me.

Life & Death :

1. What do you absolutely live for?
The Order. Without it, I would still be a sickly little girl bent over a roll of parchment in Mithryn.
2. What is the best part of life?
To see others reach their potential, and know that you helped them along the way. In a sense, I think that is the purpose of the knights, albeit on the scale of civilisation, rather than an individual.
3. What is the best part of death?
Speaking as someone who has not yet died - and hopes not to for some time -, the peace. I can see a beauty in dying knowing that your duty is finally complete.
4. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
In a way, I have already chosen. Every time I strap on my armour, I feel I reinforce it.
5. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
I would hope that I am remembered for my deeds, but failing that we live on in the memories of those we train and serve alongside. Allow me to give an example. I learned to shoot from Ser Cawdor. He may fall in battle tomorrow, but he would live on in some small way in the way I hold a bow, the way I care for it. In that way, training others secures a small portion of our selves against eternity. I think it is the closest thing to immortality anyone could hope for.