Autumn
First Post
Okay, let's see. I was going to start writing a fairly lengthy piece of background, but it's seeming like I won't have the time today or tomorrow so for now I'll shelve that and submit a concept of the type you suggested.
Ysande Zalarrhim
Human Female Bard 13
Chaotic Good
Background: Ysande was born to a courtesan in the court of a minor demon lord, the result of her dalliance with one of the many Tieflings - most of them distant descendants of the lord himself - who were part of his retinue. As a result, she's always been used to surviving and even thriving amongst the subtle webs of abyssal politics. With natural intelligence, a great musical talent, and extraordinary good looks - the taint of demon blood providing a frisson of the exotic - she was a natural at these games. As she grew up she became a great favorite in court and proved well able to spin some webs of her own.
She has moved from court to court since she came of age, always in demand as word of her voice and her beauty spread. Demons like to play with mortal toys, and she knew the right games. She also had a natural instinct for the delicate business of judging that moment where the game becomes wearisome and the toy is smashed in a fit of pique. She's no stranger to close shaves, but so far she's always managed to walk the line. In her progress up the precarious and ever-shifting ladder of influence and position in the demonic courts she has certainly made her fair share of enemies, but she's also been adept at making the right allies at the right time. So far she remains one step ahead of anybody who would see her fall.
Personality: Ysande is something of an enigma. A life spent in intrigue and deception has taught her to keep her cards close to her chest, and that's precisely what she does. The face she presents to the world is elegant, refined and alluring, self-controlled and self-willed, with no hint of weakness. She is always composed, and always courteous. When she speaks, everybody in the room is sure she is speaking particularly to them, and when she breaks into one of her radiant smiles it is a private and confidential smile meant just for them.
She seems, in short, like a ray of sunshine in a world of horror and evil. She wades as deeply through the mire as anybody, but the dirt never seems to stick to her.
This is, as far as she's concerned, the great purpose of her existence - to be a light in the darkness, to bring a flash of inspiration and beauty into lives that might otherwise be quite devoid of hope.
Combat: As a pure bard, Ysande will be a buffer, healer, and all round support. She can help everybody do their job better while also disrupting the enemy and... generally being a helper.
She'll also be a great face for the party in noncombat situations. Perhaps even good enough to turn some combat situations into noncombat situations.
Hooks: Ysande should be easy to involve in any plot line, since she is working for at least one patron at any given time as some combination of entertainer, diplomat, concubine, spy or advisor. Her allegiances are flexible, malleable, diverse and often contradictory.
As for more specific hooks in her own background, she's left a trail of enemies behind her. Allies she's slighted, lovers she's betrayed, or in many cases both. Feel free to treat them as an infinite resource of nefarious schemes and plots.
Ysande Zalarrhim
Human Female Bard 13
Chaotic Good
Background: Ysande was born to a courtesan in the court of a minor demon lord, the result of her dalliance with one of the many Tieflings - most of them distant descendants of the lord himself - who were part of his retinue. As a result, she's always been used to surviving and even thriving amongst the subtle webs of abyssal politics. With natural intelligence, a great musical talent, and extraordinary good looks - the taint of demon blood providing a frisson of the exotic - she was a natural at these games. As she grew up she became a great favorite in court and proved well able to spin some webs of her own.
She has moved from court to court since she came of age, always in demand as word of her voice and her beauty spread. Demons like to play with mortal toys, and she knew the right games. She also had a natural instinct for the delicate business of judging that moment where the game becomes wearisome and the toy is smashed in a fit of pique. She's no stranger to close shaves, but so far she's always managed to walk the line. In her progress up the precarious and ever-shifting ladder of influence and position in the demonic courts she has certainly made her fair share of enemies, but she's also been adept at making the right allies at the right time. So far she remains one step ahead of anybody who would see her fall.
Personality: Ysande is something of an enigma. A life spent in intrigue and deception has taught her to keep her cards close to her chest, and that's precisely what she does. The face she presents to the world is elegant, refined and alluring, self-controlled and self-willed, with no hint of weakness. She is always composed, and always courteous. When she speaks, everybody in the room is sure she is speaking particularly to them, and when she breaks into one of her radiant smiles it is a private and confidential smile meant just for them.
She seems, in short, like a ray of sunshine in a world of horror and evil. She wades as deeply through the mire as anybody, but the dirt never seems to stick to her.
This is, as far as she's concerned, the great purpose of her existence - to be a light in the darkness, to bring a flash of inspiration and beauty into lives that might otherwise be quite devoid of hope.
Combat: As a pure bard, Ysande will be a buffer, healer, and all round support. She can help everybody do their job better while also disrupting the enemy and... generally being a helper.
She'll also be a great face for the party in noncombat situations. Perhaps even good enough to turn some combat situations into noncombat situations.
Hooks: Ysande should be easy to involve in any plot line, since she is working for at least one patron at any given time as some combination of entertainer, diplomat, concubine, spy or advisor. Her allegiances are flexible, malleable, diverse and often contradictory.
As for more specific hooks in her own background, she's left a trail of enemies behind her. Allies she's slighted, lovers she's betrayed, or in many cases both. Feel free to treat them as an infinite resource of nefarious schemes and plots.
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