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<blockquote data-quote="Ferrix" data-source="post: 2236359" data-attributes="member: 6115">[CODE][B]Name:[/B] Shakti, The Child Saint[B]Class:[/B] Monk 8[B]Race:[/B] Damaran Human Saint – Outsider (native)[B]Size:[/B] Medium[B]Gender:[/B] Female[B]Alignment:[/B] Lawful Good[B]Deity:[/B] Sune, Lliira and Ilmater[B]Str:[/B] 12 +1 (4p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Level:[/B] 10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]XP:[/B] 45,000/55,000[B]Dex:[/B] 14 +2 (6p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]BAB:[/B] +6/+1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [B]HP:[/B] 63 (8d8+24)[B]Con:[/B] 16 +3 (6p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Grapple:[/B] +7&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Dmg Red:[/B] 5/Evil[B]Int:[/B] 10 +0 (2p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Speed:[/B] 50'&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [B]Spell Res:[/B] --[B]Wis:[/B] 20 +5 (6p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Init:[/B] +2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [B]Spell Save:[/B] --[B]Cha:[/B] 18 +4 (6p.)&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]ACP:[/B] --&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Spell Fail:[/B] --%&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Base&nbsp; Armor Wis&nbsp; &nbsp; Dex&nbsp; Size&nbsp;&nbsp; Nat&nbsp; Misc&nbsp; Total[/B][B]Armor:[/B]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10&nbsp; &nbsp; +6&nbsp; &nbsp; +5&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +0&nbsp; &nbsp; +1&nbsp; &nbsp; +7&nbsp; &nbsp; 31[B]Touch:[/B] 24&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 29&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Base&nbsp;&nbsp; Mod&nbsp; Misc&nbsp; Total[/B][B]Fort:[/B]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; +3&nbsp; &nbsp; +1&nbsp; &nbsp; +10[B]Ref:[/B]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +1&nbsp; &nbsp; +9[B]Will:[/B]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; +5&nbsp; &nbsp; +1&nbsp; &nbsp; +12[B]Weapon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Attack&nbsp;&nbsp; Damage&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Critical[/B]Unarmed&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; +12&nbsp; &nbsp; 1d10+2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 20x2Sling&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; +12&nbsp; &nbsp; 1d4+1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 20x2Dagger&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; +12&nbsp; &nbsp; 1d4+2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 19-20x2[B]Languages:[/B] Common, Damaran[B]Abilities:[/B] Human: Bonus Feat, Bonus Skill Points; Monk: Unarmed Strike(1d10), Flurry of Blows (-1), Bonus Feats (1,2,6), Evasion, Still Mind, KiStrike (magic), Slow Fall (40 ft.), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, ACBonus Wis + 1; Vow of Poverty: AC Bonus +6, Deflection +1, NaturalArmor +1, Bonus Exalted Feats, Endure Elements, Sustenance,Resistance, Mind Shielding, Ability Score Bonus +2, Exalted Strike (magic)+1; Saint: Insight Bonus to AC, Holy Power, Holy Touch, Spell-LikeAbilities: At Will – Guidance, Resistance, Virtue and Bless, DamageReduction 5/evil, Fast Healing 4, Immune to Acid, Cold, Electricy andPetrification Attacks, Keen Vision (low-light &amp; darkvision 60 ft.),Protective Aura, Fire Resistance 10, +4 racial bonus on Fortitude savesagainst Poison, Tongues[B]Feats:[/B] Sacred Vow (lvl 1), Vow of Poverty (human), Stunning Fist(monk 1), Nymph’s Kiss (exalted 1), Deflect Arrows (monk 2), IntuitiveAttack (exalted 2), Nimbus of Light (lvl 3), Touch of Golden Ice(exalted 4), Ability Focus: Stunning Fist (lvl 6), Improved Trip(monk 6), Fist of the Heavens (exalted 6), Lliira’s Blessing (exalted 8)[B]Skill Points:[/B] 66&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 11/5.5[B]Skills&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Ranks&nbsp; Mod&nbsp; Misc&nbsp; Total[/B]Spot&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 8&nbsp; &nbsp; +5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; +13Listen&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 8&nbsp; &nbsp; +5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; +13Diplomacy&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 6&nbsp; &nbsp; +4&nbsp; &nbsp; +6&nbsp; &nbsp; +16Sense Motive&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 10&nbsp;&nbsp; +5&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +17Escape Artist&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 5&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +9Balance&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 10&nbsp;&nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +14Tumble&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 11&nbsp;&nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +15Jump&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 5&nbsp; &nbsp; +1&nbsp; &nbsp; +2&nbsp; &nbsp; +8[B]Equipment:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Cost&nbsp; Weight[/B]Dagger&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2gp&nbsp; &nbsp; 1lbSling&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 0gp&nbsp; &nbsp; 0lbMonk’s Outfit&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 0gp&nbsp; &nbsp; 2lb[B]Total Weight:[/B]3lb&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [B]Money:[/B] 0gp 0sp 0cp&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; [B]Lgt&nbsp; Med&nbsp; Hvy&nbsp; Lift&nbsp; Push[/B][B]Max Weight:[/B]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 43&nbsp;&nbsp; 86&nbsp; 130&nbsp;&nbsp; 260&nbsp;&nbsp; 640[B]Age:[/B] 18[B]Height:[/B] 5'3&quot;[B]Weight:[/B] 130lb[B]Eyes:[/B] Brown[B]Hair:[/B] Brown[B]Skin:[/B] Fair[/CODE]Appearance: Shakti’s face is soft featured and rounded, with gentle brown eyes smiling at the world.&nbsp; Her auburn hair is worn no longer than her face, bangs dipping occasionally into her face.&nbsp; Deep crimson habits of simple cloth are cut appreciatively to allow her limbs ample movement while accentuating the natural grace and beauty of her body.&nbsp; Her body is fit and slightly toned but her muscles do not stand out, leaving her form with a soft and attractive appearance.&nbsp; A simple loop of wooden beads of a crimson red wood are wrapped around her right wrist.Background: Shakti grew up as a farmer’s daughter in the harsh lands of Damara.&nbsp; A simple life for many years till she reached the age of eight, her mother and father treated her well, although most of the attention went to her three older brothers who helped her father with the farm.&nbsp; Yet that didn’t bother her in the least, she helped her mother in the house, spent time amongst the villagers enjoying the stories the elders would tell.&nbsp; It was on her way from one of Old Rigel’s storytellings that she encountered a young woman on the path, with fiery red hair wearing simple garments.&nbsp; The woman was amazingly beautiful, her stride was confident yet casual and the air that clung to her seemed to sparkle.&nbsp; The woman merely sat and watched across the cold barrens as the sun set into the night, curious Shakti approached and sat beside the woman, following her gaze to the sun.&nbsp; The normally dismal land where she lived was on the edge of day and night, the rays of the sun cast themselves onto the clouds spreading reds, golds, purples and silvers in a gorgeous palette.&nbsp; It seemed as if the very world around her sprung to life in that moment, she smallest flower which reached for those last rays of the days light at her foot shook with life and beauty.&nbsp; As the sun finally set behind the horizon, she looked to her side where the woman had sat, yet she was gone.&nbsp; Shakti darted her eyes to find the woman, but she was gone except for a simple loop of crimson red wooden beads strung together.&nbsp; Taking up the prayer beads, as she knew they were, she had to wrap them many times around her right wrist for them to stay without falling off, and she headed home.&nbsp; That sunset changed her, she told her mother that she had met this beautiful red-haired woman, that the world was alive and beautiful.&nbsp; Her mother took it as the effect of another one of Old Rigel’s stories for a long time, two more years passed and Shakti remained true to her story.&nbsp; She sat and watched the sunsets upon the barren land, tended the small flowers which would cling to life amongst the frosts.&nbsp; Every moment she beset herself with kindling this warmth and love in others, in the world around her.Those two years passed with unexpected swiftness and on her tenth year a monk of the Yellow Rose came seeking solace and a simple place to sleep at their home.&nbsp; That night Shakti sat up late and talked with the monk, he told her of Ilmater’s grace and suffering.&nbsp; She was intrigued, the pain and honesty with which the monk presented himself in touched again that spark of beauty she saw within everyone and when she rose the next morning, she had already gathered what few things she would ever call her own and told her parents with the resolution that far surpasses the wisdom of such a child, that she would be going with the monk to the monastery to see the beauty in herself.&nbsp; For six years she stayed within the monastery, learning the graceful movements of the Disciples of Saint Sollars.&nbsp; She grew in those six years from a child to a young woman, yet she knew that her heart did not rest with the other monks, their ascetic life they lived held beauty of its own but it was not the beauty which lay within her.When at the young age of 16 she accompanied a fellow monk, dressed in rough brown robes, away from Damara into the Dalelands.&nbsp; As they passed through the Border Forest they were attacked by a handful of Zhent raiders.&nbsp; The monk she was accompanying did his best to fend them off, but six against one hard-presses even the most skilled of men.&nbsp; He fell after defeating half of their number, but when they turned on Shakti she sat back casually on her feet and watched the three men appreciate with vicious leers upon their faces.&nbsp; She defender herself as best she could, surprising some of the men, yet it did not last long.&nbsp; Soon she was on the ground with the men surrounding her, her heart beat strongly in her chest, her breath slowed and she watched as one raised his spear to drive into her.&nbsp; But then, he was gone, then another, and then the last disappeared, and in their place was a copper-haired woman of incredible beauty.&nbsp; She sat up slowly, her gaze taking in the beauty of her rescuer.&nbsp; The woman was more beautiful than any she had seen, with pointed ears sharper than an elf’s, fine features and stunningly beautiful eyes.&nbsp; The woman was a nymph, a protector of the forest and devotee of Sune.&nbsp; Kaelie, the nymph took her in for a mere week, and she was entranced.&nbsp; Kaelie spoke the words she had felt within her for years, the beauty of the world and others.&nbsp; The relationship she built with Kaelie left a spiritual mark upon Shakti, for Kaelie was not only an embodiment of the beauty of Sune but also showed in Shakti the path which she had known all along was hers.When she returned to the outside world, she dressed no longer in the dull woolen robes of a monk of Ilmater, but in the deep crimson garb of a follower of Sune.&nbsp; She sent word to the monastery back in Damara of the death of her traveling companion and that she had now found her way.&nbsp; Turning her back upon the strict physical asceticism of Ilmater she learned to see the path she had started upon when she was eight, although she retained the asceticism of physical accumulation, seeing that in the world and in herself was all the beauty that she could ever have.&nbsp; She traveled for months amongst the Dalelands and the surrounding countries, her presence revealing the beauty of life to others, as a preacher and follower of Sune.Yet, things were not to remain at peace, as things do not in the Realms.&nbsp; Shakti and her companions, all followers of Sune at the time, were entrusted by the clergy to protect a young boy by the name of Shael.&nbsp; Shael was blessed amongst the order, the offspring of a union of a high priestess and one of Sune’s personal celestial guardians.&nbsp; He was to be guarded on a short journey through Zhentarim territory, where he was then to be taken under the wing of the celestial guardian who fathered the child.&nbsp; En route, they were attacked by a vile demon of Loviatar.&nbsp; Shakti and the others threw themselves to defend the child.&nbsp; Shakti directly next to the boy was the only one quick enough to react as the demon disappeared and then reappeared, closing the distance and avoiding the warriors who had charged the creatures previous position.&nbsp; The snap of its’ snarling lash tore through the air with resounding fury, the three tails splayed forward crackling with hellish energy and she leaped forward to take the blow and save the child.&nbsp; It would have worked, everything would have been fine, yet as she threw herself forward, the boy was already there, in front of her.&nbsp; With a slight nudge from his thin arms, he pushed her aside, “Sune has a purpose for you,” and as she toppled away she could only watch in horror as the three tails raked across the child’s face and chest tearing flesh and skin away from the boys beautiful body.&nbsp; With a shudder the boy collapsed.&nbsp; The demon grinned cruelly, and the lash reached for her.&nbsp; She wanted to be struck down, she had failed.&nbsp; They had been charged with defending Shael, but it turned out to be the other way around.&nbsp; He had saved her.&nbsp; But her reflexes were too instinctive, the lashes snapped across the ground, and she was upon the demon.&nbsp; Within moments, the others joined in and the demon was felled.&nbsp; They were worse for wear, but still alive.&nbsp; Yet their eyes fell scornfully upon Shakti, the prodigy of Sune, Shael, lay torn upon the soil, blood seeping into the soil.When they returned to the order, Shakti was branded a disgrace, stripped of any association with the church, she was cast out.&nbsp; Yet she heard Shael’s voice within her head, “Sune has a purpose for you.”&nbsp; She left, traveling alone amongst the Dalelands, and she soon reached the Zhentarim border.&nbsp; She crossed it, nothing to return to, but she found herself following the path they had taken the day they were to escort Shael.&nbsp; As she reached the valley where the demon had ambushed them, tears swept her face and she plopped herself down upon the ground, only to see the dark stains in the soil.She stayed upon that spot for nearly a month, at first she cried, but soon that fell silent to the hush of the forest night and she fell into a deep trance.&nbsp; Shael stood before her, beckoning her to walk with him.&nbsp; They walked together along that quiet path for quite some time.&nbsp; They came upon a small stream of clear water and Shael knelt low and washed his face, and then stared upon the surface.&nbsp; And then, she saw from his eyes, his angelic face stared back at her from the water.&nbsp; His voice came clearly to her then, “your purpose is here,” he pointed to the reflection and at once it was both his and hers merged into a single face.&nbsp; “The beauty that they proclaim is merely a reflection of the most magnificent within, yet that beauty shines from within you far brighter than gold or any piece of art.&nbsp; It is your light that reveals to others the beauty that is already there in themselves and within the world.&nbsp; Do not despair my child, Sune has a purpose for you.”&nbsp; The reflection shimmered into the night sky.&nbsp; She lay upon her back, looking into the stars and felt changed.&nbsp; Thus, the Shakti, the Child Saint was given new life.Since that day, Shael remains within her heart, beside her mentor Kaelie, both voices stirring within her the light she effused naturally from her childhood.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Ferrix, post: 2236359, member: 6115"] [CODE][B]Name:[/B] Shakti, The Child Saint [B]Class:[/B] Monk 8 [B]Race:[/B] Damaran Human Saint – Outsider (native) [B]Size:[/B] Medium [B]Gender:[/B] Female [B]Alignment:[/B] Lawful Good [B]Deity:[/B] Sune, Lliira and Ilmater [B]Str:[/B] 12 +1 (4p.) [B]Level:[/B] 10 [B]XP:[/B] 45,000/55,000 [B]Dex:[/B] 14 +2 (6p.) [B]BAB:[/B] +6/+1 [B]HP:[/B] 63 (8d8+24) [B]Con:[/B] 16 +3 (6p.) [B]Grapple:[/B] +7 [B]Dmg Red:[/B] 5/Evil [B]Int:[/B] 10 +0 (2p.) [B]Speed:[/B] 50' [B]Spell Res:[/B] -- [B]Wis:[/B] 20 +5 (6p.) [B]Init:[/B] +2 [B]Spell Save:[/B] -- [B]Cha:[/B] 18 +4 (6p.) [B]ACP:[/B] -- [B]Spell Fail:[/B] --% [B]Base Armor Wis Dex Size Nat Misc Total[/B] [B]Armor:[/B] 10 +6 +5 +2 +0 +1 +7 31 [B]Touch:[/B] 24 [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 29 [B]Base Mod Misc Total[/B] [B]Fort:[/B] 6 +3 +1 +10 [B]Ref:[/B] 6 +2 +1 +9 [B]Will:[/B] 6 +5 +1 +12 [B]Weapon Attack Damage Critical[/B] Unarmed +12 1d10+2 20x2 Sling +12 1d4+1 20x2 Dagger +12 1d4+2 19-20x2 [B]Languages:[/B] Common, Damaran [B]Abilities:[/B] Human: Bonus Feat, Bonus Skill Points; Monk: Unarmed Strike (1d10), Flurry of Blows (-1), Bonus Feats (1,2,6), Evasion, Still Mind, Ki Strike (magic), Slow Fall (40 ft.), Purity of Body, Wholeness of Body, AC Bonus Wis + 1; Vow of Poverty: AC Bonus +6, Deflection +1, Natural Armor +1, Bonus Exalted Feats, Endure Elements, Sustenance, Resistance, Mind Shielding, Ability Score Bonus +2, Exalted Strike (magic) +1; Saint: Insight Bonus to AC, Holy Power, Holy Touch, Spell-Like Abilities: At Will – Guidance, Resistance, Virtue and Bless, Damage Reduction 5/evil, Fast Healing 4, Immune to Acid, Cold, Electricy and Petrification Attacks, Keen Vision (low-light & darkvision 60 ft.), Protective Aura, Fire Resistance 10, +4 racial bonus on Fortitude saves against Poison, Tongues [B]Feats:[/B] Sacred Vow (lvl 1), Vow of Poverty (human), Stunning Fist (monk 1), Nymph’s Kiss (exalted 1), Deflect Arrows (monk 2), Intuitive Attack (exalted 2), Nimbus of Light (lvl 3), Touch of Golden Ice (exalted 4), Ability Focus: Stunning Fist (lvl 6), Improved Trip (monk 6), Fist of the Heavens (exalted 6), Lliira’s Blessing (exalted 8) [B]Skill Points:[/B] 66 [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 11/5.5 [B]Skills Ranks Mod Misc Total[/B] Spot 8 +5 +13 Listen 8 +5 +13 Diplomacy 6 +4 +6 +16 Sense Motive 10 +5 +2 +17 Escape Artist 5 +2 +2 +9 Balance 10 +2 +2 +14 Tumble 11 +2 +2 +15 Jump 5 +1 +2 +8 [B]Equipment: Cost Weight[/B] Dagger 2gp 1lb Sling 0gp 0lb Monk’s Outfit 0gp 2lb [B]Total Weight:[/B]3lb [B]Money:[/B] 0gp 0sp 0cp [B]Lgt Med Hvy Lift Push[/B] [B]Max Weight:[/B] 43 86 130 260 640 [B]Age:[/B] 18 [B]Height:[/B] 5'3" [B]Weight:[/B] 130lb [B]Eyes:[/B] Brown [B]Hair:[/B] Brown [B]Skin:[/B] Fair[/CODE] [B]Appearance:[/B] Shakti’s face is soft featured and rounded, with gentle brown eyes smiling at the world. Her auburn hair is worn no longer than her face, bangs dipping occasionally into her face. Deep crimson habits of simple cloth are cut appreciatively to allow her limbs ample movement while accentuating the natural grace and beauty of her body. Her body is fit and slightly toned but her muscles do not stand out, leaving her form with a soft and attractive appearance. A simple loop of wooden beads of a crimson red wood are wrapped around her right wrist. [B]Background:[/B] Shakti grew up as a farmer’s daughter in the harsh lands of Damara. A simple life for many years till she reached the age of eight, her mother and father treated her well, although most of the attention went to her three older brothers who helped her father with the farm. Yet that didn’t bother her in the least, she helped her mother in the house, spent time amongst the villagers enjoying the stories the elders would tell. It was on her way from one of Old Rigel’s storytellings that she encountered a young woman on the path, with fiery red hair wearing simple garments. The woman was amazingly beautiful, her stride was confident yet casual and the air that clung to her seemed to sparkle. The woman merely sat and watched across the cold barrens as the sun set into the night, curious Shakti approached and sat beside the woman, following her gaze to the sun. The normally dismal land where she lived was on the edge of day and night, the rays of the sun cast themselves onto the clouds spreading reds, golds, purples and silvers in a gorgeous palette. It seemed as if the very world around her sprung to life in that moment, she smallest flower which reached for those last rays of the days light at her foot shook with life and beauty. As the sun finally set behind the horizon, she looked to her side where the woman had sat, yet she was gone. Shakti darted her eyes to find the woman, but she was gone except for a simple loop of crimson red wooden beads strung together. Taking up the prayer beads, as she knew they were, she had to wrap them many times around her right wrist for them to stay without falling off, and she headed home. That sunset changed her, she told her mother that she had met this beautiful red-haired woman, that the world was alive and beautiful. Her mother took it as the effect of another one of Old Rigel’s stories for a long time, two more years passed and Shakti remained true to her story. She sat and watched the sunsets upon the barren land, tended the small flowers which would cling to life amongst the frosts. Every moment she beset herself with kindling this warmth and love in others, in the world around her. Those two years passed with unexpected swiftness and on her tenth year a monk of the Yellow Rose came seeking solace and a simple place to sleep at their home. That night Shakti sat up late and talked with the monk, he told her of Ilmater’s grace and suffering. She was intrigued, the pain and honesty with which the monk presented himself in touched again that spark of beauty she saw within everyone and when she rose the next morning, she had already gathered what few things she would ever call her own and told her parents with the resolution that far surpasses the wisdom of such a child, that she would be going with the monk to the monastery to see the beauty in herself. For six years she stayed within the monastery, learning the graceful movements of the Disciples of Saint Sollars. She grew in those six years from a child to a young woman, yet she knew that her heart did not rest with the other monks, their ascetic life they lived held beauty of its own but it was not the beauty which lay within her. When at the young age of 16 she accompanied a fellow monk, dressed in rough brown robes, away from Damara into the Dalelands. As they passed through the Border Forest they were attacked by a handful of Zhent raiders. The monk she was accompanying did his best to fend them off, but six against one hard-presses even the most skilled of men. He fell after defeating half of their number, but when they turned on Shakti she sat back casually on her feet and watched the three men appreciate with vicious leers upon their faces. She defender herself as best she could, surprising some of the men, yet it did not last long. Soon she was on the ground with the men surrounding her, her heart beat strongly in her chest, her breath slowed and she watched as one raised his spear to drive into her. But then, he was gone, then another, and then the last disappeared, and in their place was a copper-haired woman of incredible beauty. She sat up slowly, her gaze taking in the beauty of her rescuer. The woman was more beautiful than any she had seen, with pointed ears sharper than an elf’s, fine features and stunningly beautiful eyes. The woman was a nymph, a protector of the forest and devotee of Sune. Kaelie, the nymph took her in for a mere week, and she was entranced. Kaelie spoke the words she had felt within her for years, the beauty of the world and others. The relationship she built with Kaelie left a spiritual mark upon Shakti, for Kaelie was not only an embodiment of the beauty of Sune but also showed in Shakti the path which she had known all along was hers. When she returned to the outside world, she dressed no longer in the dull woolen robes of a monk of Ilmater, but in the deep crimson garb of a follower of Sune. She sent word to the monastery back in Damara of the death of her traveling companion and that she had now found her way. Turning her back upon the strict physical asceticism of Ilmater she learned to see the path she had started upon when she was eight, although she retained the asceticism of physical accumulation, seeing that in the world and in herself was all the beauty that she could ever have. She traveled for months amongst the Dalelands and the surrounding countries, her presence revealing the beauty of life to others, as a preacher and follower of Sune. Yet, things were not to remain at peace, as things do not in the Realms. Shakti and her companions, all followers of Sune at the time, were entrusted by the clergy to protect a young boy by the name of Shael. Shael was blessed amongst the order, the offspring of a union of a high priestess and one of Sune’s personal celestial guardians. He was to be guarded on a short journey through Zhentarim territory, where he was then to be taken under the wing of the celestial guardian who fathered the child. En route, they were attacked by a vile demon of Loviatar. Shakti and the others threw themselves to defend the child. Shakti directly next to the boy was the only one quick enough to react as the demon disappeared and then reappeared, closing the distance and avoiding the warriors who had charged the creatures previous position. The snap of its’ snarling lash tore through the air with resounding fury, the three tails splayed forward crackling with hellish energy and she leaped forward to take the blow and save the child. It would have worked, everything would have been fine, yet as she threw herself forward, the boy was already there, in front of her. With a slight nudge from his thin arms, he pushed her aside, “Sune has a purpose for you,” and as she toppled away she could only watch in horror as the three tails raked across the child’s face and chest tearing flesh and skin away from the boys beautiful body. With a shudder the boy collapsed. The demon grinned cruelly, and the lash reached for her. She wanted to be struck down, she had failed. They had been charged with defending Shael, but it turned out to be the other way around. He had saved her. But her reflexes were too instinctive, the lashes snapped across the ground, and she was upon the demon. Within moments, the others joined in and the demon was felled. They were worse for wear, but still alive. Yet their eyes fell scornfully upon Shakti, the prodigy of Sune, Shael, lay torn upon the soil, blood seeping into the soil. When they returned to the order, Shakti was branded a disgrace, stripped of any association with the church, she was cast out. Yet she heard Shael’s voice within her head, “Sune has a purpose for you.” She left, traveling alone amongst the Dalelands, and she soon reached the Zhentarim border. She crossed it, nothing to return to, but she found herself following the path they had taken the day they were to escort Shael. As she reached the valley where the demon had ambushed them, tears swept her face and she plopped herself down upon the ground, only to see the dark stains in the soil. She stayed upon that spot for nearly a month, at first she cried, but soon that fell silent to the hush of the forest night and she fell into a deep trance. Shael stood before her, beckoning her to walk with him. They walked together along that quiet path for quite some time. They came upon a small stream of clear water and Shael knelt low and washed his face, and then stared upon the surface. And then, she saw from his eyes, his angelic face stared back at her from the water. His voice came clearly to her then, “your purpose is here,” he pointed to the reflection and at once it was both his and hers merged into a single face. “The beauty that they proclaim is merely a reflection of the most magnificent within, yet that beauty shines from within you far brighter than gold or any piece of art. It is your light that reveals to others the beauty that is already there in themselves and within the world. Do not despair my child, Sune has a purpose for you.” The reflection shimmered into the night sky. She lay upon her back, looking into the stars and felt changed. Thus, the Shakti, the Child Saint was given new life. Since that day, Shael remains within her heart, beside her mentor Kaelie, both voices stirring within her the light she effused naturally from her childhood. [/QUOTE]

Verification