Getting this infamous name from his natural athletic speed, Thantos is a very fit man who really can run like the wind, and loves doing so. However, this name doesn't just refer to his speed, but for his quick reflexes and his impressive escapes from all sorts of trouble. As a teenager, Thantos had been exceptional at getting out of tight places - from being cornered into an alley way to slipping out of the clutches of another.
➙ The Lucky Bad Luck:
From a specific jealous witch, Thantos had pissed off and gotten himself cursed with his ever lasting bad luck. Though he often trends onto situations of almost getting himself killed or destroying things on accident, it seems that regardless of this bad luck torment, that Thantos always seems to narrowly miss death.
➙ Soldier, Under:
Though in the past, Thantos has been known to flee battles and fights more often than he fought. However, though he is the flight type, it was more so due to the fact that Thantos had grown weary of his bad luck. If wholeheartedly engaged in battle, it will be a reassurance to find that he is quite an exceptional fighter whom uses his full potential and a great teammate. Endurance and persistence is his key.
Combat
➙ Hare:
Fast, swift, and tricky to catch. Thantos always uses his speed, agility and stamina to his advantage. From quick dodges and swift attacks when the opportunity strikes, Thantos has a sharp eye on openings to attack, distract or flee during battle. In this case, it will be quite a feat to outlast Thantos
➙ Air Artist:
Flexibility is also another advantage for Thantos, using flips and backbends as his go to motions to dodge attacks to position himself in the ideal spot. From flipping over an enemy to backbending away from a lunged sword. As a teenager, Thantos was exceptional is all sorts of parkour, and so his tricks and stunts are common practice.
➙ Dual Blade Wielder
His preferred weapons are dual daggers that he has become quite accustomed to using in battle. Almost as fluent as sword master with a sword, Thantos uses his blades just as if they are an extension of himself. However, because if his skills with dual daggers, it isn't a surprise that he is just as good in hand to hand combat. Using his blade has given him practice in swift punches - Thantos merely needs to practice on landing a hard punch.
➙ Short Sighted
Only able to see things clearly in close range, it is impossible for Thantos to be able to be a long range fighter. Let's just leave the archery to the professionals.
➙ Land Based
Though still able to swim without a problem, Thantos has a great disadvantage in water. Height are also a disadvantage as Thantos is secretly scared of heights - because he believes his curse will make him fall.
Power
➙ The Walking Battery:
Despite Thantos' bad luck. He is a trump card, a walking charger. Just activating this power can charge the powers of those around him. This intentionally gives a power boost, and can re-activate their powers even just seconds after their 'cool-timer' sets. In addition, if used at full power, Thantos can even give a greater power boost to initiate new abilities of another's power.
➙ Exploit:
Like giving a power boost, when activating this sub-power, Thantos can activate another superhuman's power against their will. This can be usefully when said superhuman might not be able to activate their powers quick enough themselves.
➙ Beacon:
A final effort sub-power. Though, there is a major risk being death if Thantos was to activate this ability. Ultimately, if he deems it necessary and all other teammate are in danger, this ability will make Thantos just like a magnet. A guardian ability that turns all enemies' attention toward him - and all other powers to be directed at him.
History
➙ Fantasy and Fortunate:
"The years when the mind was the most magic."
Thantos grew up as the eldest child of four, in a poor town just off Tassara's borders, nearing the neighbouring kingdom. And though the town was hardly protected by the ruling king, the town stood untouched by invaders from the near kingdoms. Though often a rest stop for all sorts of people, from the friendly to the fierce, all of the villagers were just getting by. With no form of currency in this town, the townspeople did business with trade or services. It was certainly rare to see a coin, but that may have driven some to the obsession and greed of money. Even as a child, Thantos knew of the value of the coin, and he too came obsessed with the air of wealth. For all the things he imagined he could do, and all the things he could see. And this obsession stuck at Thantos grew older into teenager. At thirteen, Thantos had done many trades and labour work to earn enough coins to do as he wished; leave this town and travel to the capital. Even if that meant leaving his family behind, Thantos didn't seem to hesitate in packing his bags and turning his back on everyone he knew, and everyone that cared enough to offer help. It was the obsession of wealth that drove Thantos to betray those ties that had trusted in him so much. Thantos became a boy of greed - to become a man of much worse.
* It was during this time of his life that he earned himself the infamous name of The Hare. A name Thantos was sure to carry for years, as the unstoppable thief that was truly a feat to catch
➙ The Broke:
"And now, after the time is long gone, I have found new value."
Thantos had made it far on his travels, but he never reached the capital. For when he had left his fantasy world that he called home, had he came to realise that the real world was a lot harsher than he thought. But, that didn't stop him. Even when Thantos had not a single coin on had, the boy turned to a petty life of crime. He become yet another despicable thief, snatching coins, food, anything that he wanted. It wasn't until when Thantos had a close call from getting caught that he decided to leave for the next village. And there, in that village he may have just met his first and only friend for years to come. The daughter of a bounty collector with a bright smile and blooming pink hair. A girl that seemed to find the vulnerability even might Thantos' once sharp tongue, and who had shown him a friendship that he never thought existed. Even through his distant behaviour and degrading comments, she showed him patience. But, then when Thantos felt his heavy heart lift, his light was taken away from him. For, he was forced to big farewell to his beloved friend, the two of them being separated at once her father had finished business within the town. If Thantos hadn't been unsure, maybe he would have followed her, but the promise of seeing her again kept him going. For, if he they were truly friends, Thantos was sure they'd see each other again.
➙ What goes bump in the night
"It takes mercy to kill, and it takes a monster to torture."
One the road again, and almost seventeen at this point in his life, Thantos found himself travelling - not to this capital, but towards the kingdom of Svel instead. Perhaps Thantos didn't feel settled within Tassara and had decided to get away. Nonetheless, Thantos stopped to rest at another town, finding an inn to stay at (using his stolen coins as per usual). And even then, Thantos spent most of the night at the local tavern. Where he might have met one or two pretty girls and led them astray. It was shame, really, for Thantos was still just a man with no manners. For the next day when one very beautiful lady had confess, that Thantos had shut her down quickly. Such a beautiful lady with such a wickedness, a witch that was raged with her rejection that she cursed the man who had done so. A curse of bad luck, Thantos found his life twist around as all sorts of accidents happened around him, even because of him.
➙ Tales of the Infamous
"Looks are deceiving, and now the falcon behind that small guise will be seen."
Perhaps especially irritated by his sudden curse, and unsure how it came to be (( because he's oblivious )), Thantos grew more and more irritating. Coming to have a tendency to push issue to the last straw, The Hare become a know presence and a very might wanted figure; adding a hefty bounty included. But it was just 'The Hare'anymore, with Thantos' bad luck plaguing any and every town he stepped foot in, he gained yet another infamous name; being "Nightmare". Someone who people began steering far far away from in fear of his curse haunting them. But that didn't seem to bother Thantos, finding the only people to approach him during those times to be of real worth and effort.
And then, the instance he heard the news of another infamous visitor, Thantos wasted no time to begin the war between then. Canary. It didn't take much time to make Canary another victim, stealing whatever he could as discreetly and swiftly as possible and fleeing. However, perhaps Thantos had become a little too cocky about his success and decided to target Canary yet again - only this time, failing...and failing miserably. Thantos was lucky enough to escape with a few mere bruises, but the war between them had already began the second Thantos dared to try stealing from Canary again. And, since then, The Hare has fled time and time again to escape the doom that will befall him should Canary catch him. Seeming now more like a helpless mouse fleeing from its hungry falcon.
➙ The Ties and the Breaks:
"If it weren't you, maybe i wouldn't be so sad."
Discovering a fear of crossing paths with Canary again, Thantos went travelling again, and far. He rarely stopped, until he made it to the capital of Svel. Yet, The Hare was even more known here than in the other village, and so Thantos found himself hiding in the street and sleeping in alleyways. A big change from his usual cosy beds, but he was sure the inn keepers would recognise him and rat him out while he was a sleep. He couldn't risk it. And yet, he still did risk it: after he came to find someone who he not seen for years. The pink haired doll; Verona, the bounty collector's daughter. Of course, Thantos didn't hesitate in snatching her away from public eyes to be able to talk to her again. If only Thantos hadn't seen that sad look in her eyes, then he wouldn't have felt so hurt. It wasn't her father who had put the bounty on his head, it was Verona. Yet, he couldn't hate her for it, for she was and will always be a his one and only friend. So, it was Thantos' turn to promise that they would see each other yet again when he becomes a better, different person. And, then it was all goodbyes again.
➙ Gotta Keep it Up:
"I haven't changed at all, so why am I seeing you again?"
The war came too soon, when Svel had been attacked by Tassara's forces, Thantos found himself stuck in the middle of it. Stuck between the screams and blood and the sharpened blades of swords. Innocent people were dying, and all Thantos did was hide in the nearest alleyway. All his life, he had been a petty thief and now a petty coward that stood by. It wasn't what Thantos wanted to be, once he would have thought he was strong and brave, but here he was cowering. That only made him angry, so even though his shaking, Thantos climbed to his feet and did his best to just grab the nearest person's arm and run, anywhere where they could hide. Thantos must have done this numerous times, finding survivors and gathering them in a house's basement, where Thantos thought they'd be safe from harm. But, doing this and being there at that time, Thantos might have seen something that he shouldn't have. But he could see the crumbled mess of pink on the ground. Regardless how far away he was, he just knew it was Verona and he just didn't want to get any closer. He was gone before the White Knight came, Thantos having prayed that it was just a mind trick and he'd seen Verona again and she was fine. But, Thantos couldn't fool even himself. He had lost his only friend that day.
A short fuse to say the least, Annarei has a fiery and violent temper. She acts with her firsts more than she has every used her words. Though only one to attack strangers when in rage, Annarei won't attack friends and allies, but will surely let her feelings be known - taking it out on objects instead.
➙ Rhythmic Talent
Though often like a statue in battle, Anna is like a flowing river when it comes to dancing. And, does he love dancing. At least, when it includes drinking wine and eating delicious food, she loves parties and celebrations of all sorts and will certainly get down to dancing at the earliest chance possible.
➙ Laugh at Death
Anna seems to have no fear in the face of danger, doing all sort of dangerous things on her travels and adventures. It's the thrill that brings her to laughter. And, even despite knowing full well that death is a risk, being raised in a family that greatly worshipped the gods, she believes her life is simply in Myr's hands - should they decide it's her time, Anna has unshakeable faith in the gods.
➙ The Artist:
Annarei has a keen eye for detail and beauty, in which she often captures hers sights and adventures within her sketchbook - from the places she's been to the people she's met.
➙ The Archaeologist :
A natural curiosity for the past and the world today, Annarei is always one to boldly step into adventures and mysteries of all kinds. Annarei is definitely a keen one to learn, a thirst for knowledge.
➙ Impulse:
Patience and calmness is not something Annarei has, always one to jump head first into things. She carries a strong air of confidence and a forced superiority. She rarely listened to anyone but herself, sprouting a trait of selfishness within herself as she strives for her own ambitions.
➙ The Idols:
There aren't many people that Annarei truly respects, or even idolises. But when someone does fall into this superior list, Annarei always looks up to them, follows in their footsteps and gain a small obsession over them. She gets especially irritated if someone tries to separate her from her 'senpai's.
Combat
➙ Strength:
Gifted with her power, Annarei had a physical superiority and advantage in powerful blows and heavy weight lifting. Annarei portrays this advantage in waves of anger and determination.
➙ Accuracy:
Hand Annarei a bow and arrow, and she will shoot a target with no issues. Having taking up the hobby whilst still in her hometown, Annarei has gained enough skills and experience in archery.
➙ High Pain Tolerance
Anna has an unbelievably high pain tolerance and endurance - most likely a sub effect of her power. She can withstand most attacks and injuries without so much as a flinch. However, after growing up and pretending to be "just a weak girl", Anna seems to have put this into practice to fool enemies into thinking they are winning.
➙ Lead Feet
Strength and almost unmovable like a mountain, but Anna has slow reflexes and equally as slow in speed. The more attacks landed on her, the quicker she will tire.
➙ Quickdraw?
Though having the eye of a hawk, Anna is far from a quick draw with her bow and arrow. In this case, many enemies will have plenty of time to flee and counter her arrows. It seems Anna needs a mentor to teach her the importance of timing.
Power
➙ Thousandth:
A forceful punch or kick from Annarei can prove to deal devastating injuries. This is the first and most commonly used ability of Annarei's power. It is limited to physical contact, being a punch, kick, push or bump. Anna still has to learn how to control her power to use it purely for combat purposes.
➙ Bull:
Oh, is there a wall in the way? Well, not anymore because Annarei just ran it down with a full blown run right into it. With this sub-power, Anna's body is stronger than an iron wall. However, Anna just had to master her timing and speed to be able to make her attempts more successful.
➙ Statue's Grip:
Like her strength in pushing things, Anna's strength in pulling and holding onto things is almost impossible to break free of. If she's grabbed your legs, all hope of escape has just plummeted down to 0%.
History
➙ Tales of Kings, Tales of Gods:
Born and raised in a small and quiet town within Svel. It was just Annarei and her mother, after her biological father skipped town when he found out he had a daughter.Life as a single mother was hard, and life as a single child with a mother who worked the majority of time was harder. But Annarei still loved her mother regardless and would do her best to be a good daughter.
The town Annarei was raised in was very focused on worshipping the gods, and her mother had raised her to pray regularly. And, when the superhumans began appearing, there were treated and worship just like the townspeople worshipped the gods. These superhumans were pretty much seen as gods among them, and as a child, Annarei too would have learnt to do the same thing and should she have met one, it was almost portrayed as a lowly commoner meeting the king.
➙ Love in life :
Growing up, Annarei was on her own a lot as her mother had to work hard to be able to pay for food and shelter. Annarei understood that much, and was find things to do nonetheless. Having been raised to follow and look to the gods, she frequented shrines to pray, at least the ones close to her town for she didn't want to wander too far away from home.
However, it wasn't long after that work became increasingly hard to come by, and so her mother decided it was time they moved to another town. At first, it may have started like that, travelling to the neighbouring town and staying a while, but not long after being there and they travelled again. Because of them travelling place to place, Annarei grew a fondness and like of travelling because of the small adventures she had in each town. And, while in each town, both mother and daughter visited the nearby shrines and paid their respects to the gods.
➙ Get Right:
Having just entered another town in Svel, Annarei spent most time alone while her mother looked for work. That was fine, she wasn't bothered about being alone. In fact, she might have made a friend out of someone in this town; Cataleya. Perhaps more of a senpai to Annarei who she adored so much after meeting her in town. After running into her a few times, Annarei ultimately ended up walking around with Cateleya whilst her mothers was out working. It was also during this time that Anna came to fall victim to bullying by the kids around the neighbourhood, for she'd be quite a small kid and an easy target. After weeks upon weeks of this, Annarei taught her bullies a lesson, having her superhuman power revealed to herself for the first time. And, seeing the massive hole in the wall she had punch near the bully's head, the evidence was clear when senpai Cataleya got to the scene. All of Anna's life, she had been raised to praise and worship the superhumans like gods, but it was hard to imagine herself being the one worshipped and it wasn't something she wanted, that wasn't the sort of attention she wanted. In panic of it being revealed to anymore people, Anna would have convinced herself to run away from everyone - including her mother - if it weren't for Cataleya calming her down. Svel was the safest place for superhumans, but it would seem her senpai would have warned her of less accepting people from Tassara and Mear. Perhaps it was that day that Anna decided she'd act like she looked - a weak little girl.
➙ Don't Think Too Much:
Annarei and her mother had stayed in the same town for a few months, and during that time Anna had clung all the more to Cataleya. And when the time came again when her mother was out of work again and they had to move again, Annarei was pretty much heartbroken that she had to say goodbye for her senpai. In a fit of tears, Cateleya had once again calmed down Annarei, by giving her a small gift to say goodbye - a necklace that Annarei will carry with her for years to come. The last thing Anna said was to swear that she'd search for Cataleya when she was older.
Growing up with a superpower and trying to hide it from everyone was a difficult task. Anna was always careful going about it. But it would seem that she was prone to accidentally using it - ultimately she might have become quite a good actress because it. From trying to act like someone else did it or she had "no idea how that hole in the wall got there."
➙ Golden Age:
Pretending to be weak and defenceless was a difficult task, and Annarei was becoming frustrated with it all. After it got to the point that the townspeople often looked down on her. She had only just began her studies as an archaeologist, but not long after Anna finally snapped and stated to her mother that she was going to travel the world. A bluff, most would have thought. But when Anna came home one day with a horse and a bunch of gear for travelling, everyone knew that Annarei was being serious. And, if to be called to weak to go on her own, Annarei revealed her true face and proved just how capable she was. However, in Annarei's high views, she wants to be praised and worshipped for something she has control over, not because of a power she never asked for.
Anna left for good, saying her final goodbyes to her mother. With a journal and sketchbook to recount her adventures, Annarei travelling from town to town. Too put her power to good use, she took the odd lesson from experienced fighters and guards in order to be trained in combat. However, it was a very difficult task for her to tone down her power. Training herself in combat was also for the sake of knowing how to defend herself against bandits and other enemies.
➙ Love in Silence? Nah!:
Travelling was a common thing for Annarei, and by this point in her life, her journal and sketchbook were already full of her adventures. From the untouched beauty of the Sacred Tree of Jul to the high mountains just beyond Tassara.
It had been when Anna was walking though a small forest that she got caught in crossfire - a battle between two strangers, two other superhumans. They didn't look friendly at all, and neither of them seemed to care about Anna's appearance. If it had not been for Anna's mysterious rescuer, she would have gotten herself killed. In black armour, a man would have swooped in to save her and take her to safety. Anna was beyond grateful to her rescuer, but never had the chance to really talk to him, other than getting his name - Riyiah. And since that day, maybe Anna has been caught day dreaming about her handsome saviour.
Description: Khalida, or 'Khal', is a tall, muscular woman with short, blonde hair and brown eyes. She wears a tight, floral top, loose, black capris, and a lightweight satchel. She no longer outright wears her bright yellow coat, from which she took the name 'Canary', but sometimes ties it on for special occasions.
Likes:
Roughhousing
Birdwatching
Honesty
Women
Artistry
Dogs
Meat
Dislikes:
Being alone
Selfishness
Cold weather
Government
Pessimism
Studying
Waiting
Personality:
Khal is a hearty woman, loudly and proudly so. She puts it upon herself to keep a positive outlook and to share it with hers. To that end, she's known for her enduring warmth and gregariousness, even in difficult times. She's always been a little too rough and rowdy in expressing it, but that's just her way of showing people a good time. She can be oblivious, but if she knows she's done something wrong, she'll go to the end of the earth to make it right. She's sincere and well-meaning, and still carries a strong desire to right what she perceives to be the wrongs of the world after all this time, even if she's not quite as idealistic and headstrong about it as she used to be.
She's usually confident and ready to take action, but maybe to a fault. She's better about it nowadays, but she's still prone to doing what she thinks is right with little regard for the consequences. She also, unfortunately, can be rather stubborn about it; she never intentionally ignores people's wishes, but she can sometimes get her mind set firmly on a 'right way' or solution, particularly in regards to interpersonal problems. It doesn't help that she's never had much of a mind for long-term planning, either, which has notoriously led to her complicating simple situations. Overall, she's never been interested in any order achieved through authority, but she's become content over the years in making certain ideological sacrifices in the name of stability. She'll reluctantly try to salvage a status quo if it means keeping people happy and safe.
Strengths:
Strength - It's easy to see - she's a fighter. From her physique, to her attitude, to the way she lives her life, she's determined to win.
Skill - She's spent most of her life in combat, so she's got real talent. She's only a decent shot, but rest assured - if she has to run you down, you're in for a harrowing experience.
Endurance - She won't stop working toward her goals for anyone or anything. It doesn't matter how many times you knock her down; she always try to get up.
Weaknesses:
Strategy - You would think she'd be better at it than she is, considering her line of work, but she's really just making it up as she goes along. It's worked out for her so far, at least.
Impulsivity - She's so used to making quick decisions that sometimes she'll do so without needing to. She'll worry about the consequences later.
Distance - Her fighting style geared for close combat, so she has no real recourse for long-distance fighters.
Weapons and Gear:
Her weapons set consists of a sharp set of knuckledusters and two old knives - one for survivalist purposes, and the other for combat. Additionally, she keeps in her bag what she needs for travel - food, water, some material for first aid, and a decent amount of currency.
Power:
Protect - She can create an thick outer shell over a part of her body, or the body of someone else, in order to protect it from damage.
Stipulations:
The effect takes a varying amount of time to apply, depending on how much of the body is attempting to be covered. A small area, about the size of one's palm, would take minimally two seconds, and an attempt to cover a whole body would take around thirteen. Therefore, it can't really be applied during fighting defensively - only before it, as a preventative measure.
To cause the effect on someone else, Khal would need to be in contact with them for the full application period, and stay within 10ft throughout for the duration of the effect. Going any farther away would cause the effect to falter within 15ft, and fail further out.
She cannot make herself or anyone else invulnerable, as the effect will fail after sufficiently heavy or sustained force is endured, or if she is distracted from sustaining it*. If the effect fails, she would need to either need to attempt to reapply it or try a different course of action.
*Because these things would cause her effect to fail, her defenses are especially weak to loud or heavy attacks - explosions, screaming, quick and heavy melee, etc.
The effect can become mentally exhausting, especially if it's covering a large area of someone's body or she's had to reapply it. The amount of times she can try to reapply the effect varies based on her current condition, but generally, no matter how good a state she's in, three reapplications in a short period of time is her limit.
The effect will continue for as long as she has the energy to maintain it's upkeep, unless until it is broken by force or herself, intentionally or otherwise.
The effect takes a conscious effort to maintain, and a break of concentration can cause it to suddenly fail.
History:
Growing up, Khal lived with her father among a small group in Svel called ''The Flock'. The Flock's mission statement, at it's face, was simple; to support and provide for each other, and to promote the welfare of Svel as a whole. Everyone among The Flock lived together, worked in similar occupations, and shared their income; overall, it was somewhat secretive and selective, but the residents of Svel didn't think much of it, and to Khal, it was just the place and the people she called home: where her needs were met, and there was always someone for her to play with. She lived pretty easily there; she only saw her father sporadically as he was out on business, but the people there loved her like their own, and taught her a lot.
One of the things the group felt very strongly about, and imparted onto her, was the importance of individuals. They group was not formed implicitly for the purpose of spreading any sort of ideology, but many of the groups members shared a similar belief: that only people working together to uplift each other could make people happy. Many of it's members had left from Mear, and though they enjoyed the peace that Svel graciously provided, they felt that no government led by a single family could ever truly sustain a society for long. That eventually, a kingdom would always come to ruin. Their views greatly shaped her own, and though Khal never really studied any 'official works', she learned about and came to appreciate many of the things their community held dear - kindness, loyalty, consideration for others - things her father imparted on her, too, when he was home.
One thing in particular she was curious about, for that reason, was Mear. She knew her father often traveled to and from there, but most of the group's members were reluctant to talk about anything regarding their old home - at least, to someone as young as she was. As she got older, though, from scraps of what people would reluctantly tell her, she began to learn of the direness of that place; of it's strict rules and regulations, and the constant threat of safety it's subjects suspected of witchcraft were under. She also learned her father's purpose for travelling there; he apparently worked as a bodyguard, taking travelers safely between kingdoms. More than that though, she learned did not come from Mear, did not not do the same work many of The Flock did, but he was allowed into the fold for one reason. The group had been suspected of witchcraft for their habitual nonattendance of church and their tight-knit grouping, and he had helped them when they had to make their escape.
After hearing the story, she had wanted to go with him to the neighboring kingdoms, to see for herself what Tassara and a place like Mear could really be like, but obviously, her father and The Flock still considered her to young. So, she bided her time as she grew up by helping her makeshift family do their occupational work. They were not easy jobs to do, but Khal was grateful for the strain. She wanted to help give back and support The Flock as best as she could, but even more than that, she wanted to be able to work alongside her father, to meet the people who would go to such places and to help protect them like he did. He was a little reluctant at first, but after her supernatural gift of protection showed itself, he decided to put his all into helping her do so, feeling it to be the will of the gods. She worked from Svel until she was eighteen, when he finally decided it was time to let her come on his trips.
When she finally visited Mear, it was the unpleasant place she'd imagined it to be. The laws were absolutely draconian and it's people seemed accordingly miserable. It was nothing like the free and easy streets of Svel. Seeing it all broke her heart, but it only made her want to try even harder to help keep her father's patrons safe. Her father often spent some time in the places he traveled to, to make sure his patrons could return safely, so Khal stayed in the towns they stopped at as well, and against her father's wishes, sneaked off during the night to explore. She hadn't expected to see much as she went around Mear, but she got a lot more than she bargained for when she met a girl named Desi. The two of them hit it off quick; Desi was keen on hearing about Khal's life outside of Mear, and Khal was intrigued with how such a soft, kind girl had come to thrive inside of it's walls. It quickly became such that every time Khal and her father had to travel to Mear, she would find any opportunity she could to find and see Desi.
Unfortunately, they found their relationship was to be ill-fated. When Khal was twenty-two, she learned that Desi was arranged to be married within the year. To one of the most foul, unpleasant people Khal had ever had the displeasure of working for. It came as a shock to her, but had it been the only thing she had found out about the man, Khal would have reluctantly let the issue go. She knew how much Desi's family needed the money, after all. No, the news about her suitor only got worse as time went on. The two of them didn't talk much about her planned marriage leading up to it, though. "It's better to enjoy summer instead of lamenting the coming of fall," Desi would always say, trying to quash that sort of talk. But Khal only understood why when she started to see her friend arrive to their meetings together scratched up and bruised. It wasn't the sort of thing she was taught to tolerate; seeing her friend that way just wasn't something she could stand for.
Despite that fact, she hadn't planned to kill him. The night she sneaked into his room, the night after they'd been married, it hadn't been with any real plan. Intimidation, bribery, force - whatever she was going to do, she only knew she was going to do something. She planned to wait until her husband was alone, but when Khal arrived, she found him with Desi. Yelling at her. Threatening her. Khal hid out of sight, and tried to wait until Desi had a chance to leave before she made her move, but the situation only continued to get worse and worse. Eventually, she couldn't stand to watch it anymore. She burst from her hiding spot and decked Desi's husband as hard as she possibly could. Her blind rage having consumed her, she didn't even realize at first she'd hit him with her power covering her fist. His face was badly battered, but in the moment he looked up to face his attacker, he knew he'd seen a true witch.
Khal panicked. She knew what it meant that he'd seen her use her power, what it would mean if his description of her ever got to Mear's authority. She wasn't sure what to do, but it the end, it didn't really matter; Desi did. Desi took the scissors by her bedside and plunged them right into her husband - even twisted them in for good measure. She wouldn't have dared to do it on her own, but knowing just as well what word of the incident getting out would mean for her friend, she didn't think twice. Afterwards, it was just... quiet. They knew what this situation would mean for them, too, so they came together, and held each other tight. And they knew, so strongly that they couldn't bear to say it aloud, that it would be the last time they would. Khal didn't know how she would find the strength to let go, but she ultimately did, faced with what she had to do. She took and put on Desi's new yellow coat, now stained red, and told her to scream. When she did, Khal ran.
Desi's husband's family might have been suspicious, with the murder coming so soon after the wedding, but with no sign of foul play, and the only eyewitnesses to the event agreeing they saw a yellow-cloaked stranger escaping from the house, they believed wholeheartedly Desi's theory of a witch that must have cruelly used him for some dark ritual. After all, Desi was such a sweet young lady - how could someone like her possibly do such a crime? Sadly, things didn't end up working quite as well for Khal. Her first instinct was to rush home, to tell her father what had happened, to apologize. He listened patiently to her story, and hugged her hard, too, just like Desi had, in the same knowing way. He helped her pack what they could, told her everything he could think to tell, and watched wistfully as she disappeared into the night. Before she left, though, he assured her, one last time, that everything would be alright. They would see each other again. Just like they always did.
Once the bounty for information regarding the yellow-coated witch came out, information came forth readily. Khal was a very distinct presence, and her sudden disappearance, combined with her father's sudden leave from Mear and her semblance to the person described, pointed everyone's suspicions towards her. However, 'Khalida Daher' was never caught or brought in for suspicions regarding that crime. Instead, the yellow-coated witch's bounty continued to grow as she found new purpose. She knew she couldn't return home - at least, not for a long while - but she could use that power that her family, The Flock, had been accused of wielding for the greater good. She could ensure no woman, or any person, was ever put in the same position as Desi. So she swept from town to town, leaving a trail of scared criminals behind her, and a name: 'Canary'.
Until the war came, anyway. As wars tend to be, it was another turning point in life. She had been no stranger to cruelty or hardship before it, but it itself was a beast of a different color. Many of the friends - and enemies - she had made during her travels as the Canary perished during it, and she also became privy to the suffering of strangers who she wouldn't have met otherwise. It was a difficult time for her, and while she tried to keep a brave face during it for everyone's sake, there were many moments where the stress became too much, and she lashed out where she shouldn't have. But she, and many others pulled through, and at the end of the road came the peace she had been searching for.
At first, she didn't know what to do with herself. The war brought with it no sense of closure - she only realized, when it was over, that she had left nothing to return to. She only had only had the road to call home before, and now that she'd become notable even as 'Khalida Daher', she couldn't even return to that. So, nowhere to go and nothing to her name, she decided to start building. She settled down in a more rural part of Svel and took up work. It was uncomfortable to her at first - staying put for so long - but the people there knew and fiercely admired her for her heroism and wanted to pay it back by making her feel welcome. It is there she still stays. Bounty hunters and inquirers still come for her, on occasion, but when they do, they find themselves up against an uncooperative and fiercely protective force.
She's still eager to return home to her father and The Flock, though, and she plans on doing so soon, when her name is less recognizable and the attempts on her bounty cool off some more. Before then, what Khal wants the most is to have something to show for the time she's spent away - something to make her father and her family proud.
Related Listening:
Extra:
She thinks art is incredibly weird and would like to meet an artist one day.
She likes animals and talks to them a lot when she's alone.
She's been thinking more about getting married recently, but she's worried she's not cut out for it.
Notes:
Done! Might give her a better looking character sheet code soon, though.
Description: Jacek is a short, slight kid with scruffy hair and wide eyes. He dresses cleanly but inconspicuously, with usually a large brown coat and mostly black clothing. It's not uncommon for him to hear that he's 'cute', even though it's not what he'd prefer.
Likes:
Expensive foods
Breezy days
Creativity
Fashion
Freedom
Parties
Cats
Dislikes:
Being dirty
Pushy people
Skepticism
Responsibility
Aloofness
Routine
Time
Personality:
Jacek is a pretty mixed bag, in terms of his attitudes toward people. In general, though, he's a pretty amiable guy; he tries to be warm to everyone he meets. Even when he doesn't really like someone, he's still optmistic, and tries to show them some sort of kindness anyway. Beyond that, what you get mostly depends on who you are. If he thinks you're worth the effort of showing it to, he's earnestly a poetic, romantic soul, always ready to try and make some eloquent, elegant remark. He can see the beauty and merit in really anything, and he constantly wants to show it to everyone else. To that end, he's rather outgoing, consistently eager to speak his whatever's on his mind as long as knows his audience for it. He's careful in the way he addresses people, though, and more observant than you might assume. He pretty much constantly gauging what kind of person he's talking to, no matter how well he thinks he knows them.
However, if he doesn't see value in putting on airs for you, he's a different person. In his attitude, anyway. He deflates into a much more casual guy, flippant and sometimes thoughtless in his expression. He's still friendly and airy as a general rule, but much less restrained in how he feels, jumping to anger or annoyance or sorrow at pretty much the drop of a hat. He's fine with being selfish and stingy, and he'll let you know just the same if you're asking him for something of his. But he isn't so bad - or at least, he tries not to be. He still cares what almost everybody thinks of him, no matter how he operates, and he doesn't like getting on people's bad sides where he can help it. So, as whiny as he get, if somebody needs his time, he'll probably volunteer it. Overall, really, he's just a kid in desperate need of some real guidance.
Strengths:
Charismatic - He knows how to be charming, when he wants to be. He's good at persuading people and, in general, people usually like him.
Wily - He's quick on his feet and knows how to readjust to potentially disastrous situations. He's used to finding the upper hand even through adversity.
Independent - He knows how to take care of himself pretty well, as he's been doing it awhile. He's fine with being alone for long stretches, even if it's not preferable to him.
Weaknesses:
Foolish - He thinks he knows a lot more than he really does. He has a bad tendency to jump into danger just because he thinks he'll be able to handle it.
Dramatic - He's feels moods strongly and expresses them as they come. He tries not to be awkward or annoying about it, but his showy attitude can sometimes be inconvenient.
Dishonest - He doesn't feel great about it, but at this point, lying is second nature to him. It's hard for him to be honest even about the small things.
Weapons and Gear:
His only real weapon is his mentor's old multitool, which just happens to include a knife, should he need it. Additionally, he carries around a bag with various frivolities and some currency for the road.
Power:
TBA
Stipulations:
TBA
History:
Jacek was a boy born into a bohemian troupe of performers near the capital of Svel. His birth was... unplanned, to say the least, and his mother, Klaudia, wasn't really sure what to do with him. The woman was the group's free-spirited and flighty leader, and though she always tried to keep up with her obligation to being his mother, most of the time she never was up to the task. Somehow or another, then, the task of really raising Jacek fell to the task of one of the group's other members, a more levelheaded actor calling himself Reuben. While he wasn't terribly interested in the job either, he felt someone had to do it, so he begrudgingly took up the mantle. Klaudia, however, was still insistent, despite her obvious failings, that she still wanted to be around for him in some capacity. So it came to be that, while Jacek was in the company of his 'mentor', Reuben, most of the time, he still considered his mother his real parent, and waited patiently for the days she would come to teach him what she knew.
It was, of course, not an ideal setup. Over time Jacek only came to question these circumstances more and more, and to this day he wonders and frets why he could never make his mother stay for long. But over time, he came to accept this as the way things were. He did trust that his mentor really cared for him, as reluctant as the man was to express it in so many words, and there was rarely a dull moment among a group of actors. And even when there was, he was always happy to try and play make believe with them.
It wasn't really a surprise to any of them, then, to see Jacek slowly grow up to join the group. He was always considered a member, even in an informal capacity. But the day came when he firmly stated his intentional of joining up for real, and he asked for his mentor's help in doing it right. He started off small, doing the boring odd jobs prospective new members were often subjected to to help keep their operations running smoothly, but overtime, the group 'realized' his ability for the art, and when he was twelve, inducted him as a real performer in the group. (Really, they had always known, but they played along when Reuben insisted they had act like they didn't until he thought Jacek was ready for it.) But what people ended up liking most about Jacek was his charm, his spunk. The troupe even became a little more popular for a time specifically because of him; people found him hopelessly endearing, and wanted to see what role the bold child would fill next.
The boom for the troupe promptly came to an end a year out, when Jacek was thirteen. That marked the beginning of Svel's war with Tassara. Many had to go off to participate - including his mentor, suddenly and without warning - and those who did not suddenly did not find themselves in the mood for the frivilous entertainment the group offered. Which left them in the tight spot. Reuben had been the one of a grasp on their finaces, so without their accountant or their audience, they quickly began to fall on hard times. Jacek decided to try to his best to try and fill the role his mentor had, but it was much harder for the young and inexperienced boy. He contributed in helping the troupe stay afloat for the five years of the war, but not without a good deal of hardship along the way. He had to learn to perfect the skills his mentor had taught him - how to illicit money from his patrons, how to effectively curry favor with a more 'generous' crowd, and maybe most importantly, how to best potray himself to win people over.
However... only in the midst of doing it more vigorously than he had been did Jacek start to understand what he happening. He learned, to his surprise, that these 'tactics' were generally referred to as 'cons', and not exactly looked upon favorably by those who realized the bit. He... came to understand more about relationships after that, and why the ones he was having with people hadn't really been satisfying him. Apparently, people couldn't 'act' their way into a friendship. So, when he reached the tender age of eighteen, after the war had ended, he found himself at crossroads. His mentor still had not returned home, even though most soliders had, and his mother was very insistent that he should be out seeing the world. She claimed it would help him to better understand himself, and everyone around him. He didn't put much stock in that claim, seeing as by then he'd come to realize just how oblivious his mother really was, but the idea did sound alluring. He wanted to see his mentor again - out of attachment, out of a need for answers as to who the man really was - and the prospect of traveling did seem romantic... if wildly impractical.
But, regardless of any of that, he didn't really make the choice for himself. His mother, sensing his hesitation, promptly kicked him out, going against the rest of the group's wishes as it's leader and choosing for him. "It'll be fine, Jacek! You're good with money!" is the last thing Jacek remembers her saying as he clawed uselessly at the door of their shared home. Thankfully, some of the group managed to scrounge up some funds for him, but he only set out with just that and the clothes on his back when he left home. Freshly evicted from his home, he reluctantly decided he should just as well go on his expedition anyway. And so he went - off into the world to find fresh guidance and perspective on his life, whether it be from his former mentor or otherwise. It's been a year since then, and he's spent most of it hopelessly mulling around Svel, but he still has hopes that something will turn up. And he's fine with enjoying himself on other peoples' dimes in the meantime, if he has to.
Related Listening:
Extra:
He can come off as the playboy type, but he can actually get easily flustered.
Though he mostly just acts, he's actually a good performer in general. He loves to sing.
He has a bad habit of getting stuck in weird places.
Notes:
Not yet finished! I'll have his power added and a maybe better-looking character sheet code up soon.