Aoi

The Shrike

Text

Name: Aoi

Age: 18

Gender: Female (She/Her)

Culture: Irian - Born within the mountain ranges on the border of Uul'saan

Markings:
𓅨 Facial scarring, looks like an animal attacked
𓅨 Upon Aoi's right Arm is a sigil of protection runes that has been carved into her skin.𓅨 Upon her left and right palms the symbols of the twinned birds- the Phoenix and the Equinox have been carved.𓅨 A tattoo of vines that creeps up her left arm.

Physical Description: Aoi is a half-arsa who stands at 6ft tall. She has a scar on the right side of her face. It looks as if she had been attacked by an animal. Trailing up her left arm, ending at her chin, is a tattoo of leaves and vines. Other scars adorn her body, but are usually well hidden by her clothing. Occasionally, with a sleeve rolled up they can be spotted. Her hands are also disfigured, as if they had been broken and healed incorrectly.

"I should have died that day."


"Yet, I did not; it has led me here."

"The only person I can rely on is myself."


"To rely on others is endanger yourself."

Notable Features: Aoi's eyes are a piercing blue. Her expression is usually apathetic.

Nicknames:
𓅨 Bullhead (Given by Medea)
𓅨 Shrike (Given by Lewis)
𓅨 Crazy Woman (Given by Monty)
𓅨 Blue (Also given by Monty)

Gender: Female (She/Her)

Horoscope: The Masque

Beliefs: While it is loose, Aoi has a respect for the Lady of the Lake. For the one who would give her an Oath. To protect those she cares for.

Curses and Traits:
𓅨 Vampirism

Medea

A coin tossed at my feet, followed by confusion. You have given me a place to stay, people to meet. A sense of something I felt I have long been missing. Though I can’t express these. I will be there, in the shadows, watching. You said to save my knives for those who wrong me, but they will always be there for someone who wrongs you as well.

KalasNPC

You were the best and the worst of me. My loyalty was yours, I think it still is. You have left me behind, broken. Looking for a reason to get rid of me. I want to hate you, but I cannot. My mind - it hurts.





















"I feel I am alone. Yet, there always seems to be a hand reaching out for me. Why would you reach out? Don't you know? I am a monster. Eventually, I will only hurt you as well."

Helara

Our first meeting was when I wished you all dead; I thought you were all liars. Though you did not threaten me. We spoke, and you offered to teach me to read. I still wish to learn, to read the poems you wrote. Despite your roots, I think you care for this insane place. I think they are lucky to have a capable warrior such as you.

MontyBonded

You are capable. Loud. Pretty? You have come to my aid when needed; I will do the same when you require it. For when there is a burden you cannot carry, I will shoulder it; Just as I know you will shoulder mine. I now know you do not see me as an annoyance. You will always be strong in my eyes, never weak as you think you are. I know one thing is for certain - I do not want to leave your side.And I will never forget the love I hold for you.

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Hemo

You told me only I could decide if I had died that day and was reborn. Words that resounded in my soul in a way I did not know I needed. You told me to spend that chance wisely. I thought I did, I think I am. But then, that chance was snuffed out; Like a flickering candle in the sea wind. I have gained a third chance because of you. I want to do my best, I just do not think I know how.

Maggie

A teacher. Since the day we have met, I can tell you have looked out for me. Be it forcing me to say goodbye, despite my attitude, or continuing to try to speak with me. Every moment, I am thankful for each moment. I hope to learn new things from you and your guidance is appreciated.















"You will always love me? Even if I do awful things? If I become an awful person? If I am reckless. You will love me? I do not know how to care for others, I am just more trouble then I am worth."
"There is no length my body will not stretch to be with you. Please... Don't call yourself without worth. Because you are without equal, not to the gold in the earth or the seas vast expanses... I love you."

Cassie

I can tell you have my best interests at heart. Though, teasing me will come back to bite you - as you have learned. At first, it bothered me when you would break into my room without knocking. Now? I do not think I mind as much... So long as I am in a receptive mood. You are like the guiding northen star, shining bright. Never dull.


Your happiness and joy - it is infectious. I miss you.

Cuandi

I want you dead.

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Maliketh

Oathbound - A knight of the Lady.
I hold no high or low opinion of you. It seems you speak your mind when you want. It does not matter the subject. You are rather blunt, so I have been told.

Lia

You have hands that have healed me more then once. When I first awoke, I thought I was once more imprisoned. I could not be understood, no one spoke my language.
Yet, just as your hands deftly heal, they also moved with such a swiftness in sign. To explain, to let me know I was free. That this place was safe.I put my trust in you. Though, it will not be something I admit aloud.

Fukuro

In a way, you are like an older brother or cousin. A guiding force. I do not hold your morals, your ideals.Yet, I hold your secret. One that will remain and a hand will always be offered.




Roy

A kind expression will not erase what you have done. You can apologize; maybe you were there, maybe you were not. Live with this guilt and may it serve you as a reminder.

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The Reiko Clan

Within Iria- there was a minor clan, known formerly as the Reiko clan- that kept to themselves- Isolationists, except for the occasional trade which was cause for celebration. They were most notable for attempting to remain hidden and away from the war as it took place, as they did not want to be involved with conflicts. They were known to be peaceful and while their main weaponry was bows, they often did not draw them against others.


As tradition within this clan, the people would be tattooed with different sorts of flowers and vines. These were often used to represent the dead members of immediate family or close clan members. Rumors also say they were mostly comprised of gardeners and often worshiped the twin birds. Yet, no records remain to prove this to be true or not


Though, this tradition died out when the clan was sacked during the war. Traders who were there recount the night as one that started off peacefully before bloodshed broke out. Arrows rained down from the darkness, before fires blazed across the sky. By the morning, the town was burned, the only survivors were the traders who offered up their goods in exchange for their lives. Though, it is rumored some people managed to flee- but with bands loitering about the region it is difficult to say if they made it through the night and offer to safe havens.

"My Story will be one that remains unknown"

Warning: Violence, maiming, death

When winter came, it was a time of rebirth. The ground would find itself covered in snow, as if creating a blank canvas. The autumn of 1634 brought anxiety among the Reiko clan with the impending winter. For the children, the elders did their best to shield them from what may come. Autumn carried on, and winter slowly moved in; the first dusting of snow coated the ground.It was a lucky day when a caravan rolled in. Having goods for trade, some would help aid the clan through the winter. Trade was struck, and as their rules of hospitality decreed, a small celebration would be held to welcome the travelers before they carried on their way. The night was lit with a few fires dotted around, merriment, and, in small quantities, drink. Little did most of them know, it would be the last time there was a chance to celebrate.Later into the night, as everything seemed to start to die down, there was whistling. It was not the tune of someone starting a song, but rather in the night air, arrows raining down. There were not many, but their marks hit. Soon, the merriment turned to screams; those who could scrambled. Trying to prepare themselves for an upcoming assault from unknown invaders. The merchants were rushed to cover. Yet, there was little time to prepare for the assault. How would a clan, ill-suited to war, fight back? There was the galloping of hooves, moving into the smaller village. Led by a cruel-looking man, another arrow was slowly being knocked.Within the din of chaos, a mother and child ran. A tall Arsa-Sidhe stood between them and the oncoming invaders. Dark hair flowing, the man stood tall. His wrists were wrapped in bracelets of vines. His voice rising over the screams and the sounds of barking in the distance, “Go, Kaori- get yourselves out of here, I will find you both later.” That was the last thing he would say, for a sword was no match for someone who was at a distance. Shortly after the two began to run, the man was riddled with arrows, falling where he stood.A little girl was rushed by her mother. Her hands over her ears, her blue eyes welling with tears. The screams, the chaos, the sounds of people dying. It was too much. Fear, terror. Not knowing what was happening. At least, her mother was there. A hand was on her shoulder, guiding her. But soon, the warmth of that hand fell away.The dark-haired little girl was running; the treeline was close. Then, there was a thud just behind her. The fresh snow spraying upwards, she turned around for a moment. There, within the snow, Kaori was face down. An arrow lodged within her chest, final heavy, ragged breathing. The little girl tracked back, trying to stay low, “Haa.” A hand coming to the woman’s shoulder, “Haa, get up. I am scared, Haa.”A face slowly paling, breathing heavy. Pained, green eyes looked up, “Go, Aoi.” A rasp, “Haa will be right behind you.” A hand trying to reach out, before it fell into the slow. A shattering, heavy breath. The young Aoi looked on in horror, small, quick as a dart, and quiet; she ran to the bush line. Tears rolling down her face, a hand covering her mouth so she didn’t cry out loud, drawing attention to herself.
There, she remained. Eventually, the night passed. The screams started to fade, and the sounds of hooves drifted away. Then, the rolling of a wagon. She would never learn that the merchants managed to pay a price that was not blood.Winter. It was a time of rebirth. Snow coated the ground, leaving it a blank canvas. This canvas was no longer blank; it was lumpy. Mountains that should not exist. Soft footsteps took off in the opposite direction as the sounds of hooves receded. She had to run; they would follow. Surely, right? Cold feet could only run in the snow for so long before they gave out. The young girl began to cry, rasping for breath. The fear, the adrenaline – it faded out. Leaving her with just terror. In the distance, unable to be heard over the sounds of her weeping, was a low growl.Eventually, the sound reached her ears, and the girl looked up, frightened. She was sitting, frozen. Both in the cold, her feet aching. Then, like a bolt. A mass of fur, claws striking across her face. It was an animal; she was trying to free herself. Screaming, begging. Calling for help as the creature tried to snap its jaws around her. She thought no one would come, a rogue wardog would have been her end.Finally, another sound of a whistle, before an arrow found itself lodged in the animal's neck, and it stilled. The girl pinned under it, she sobbed. Her face bleeding, a hand coming up. She was scared. All of these things, something she had never experienced. The calm from her life, in a single night, was destroyed.A pale hand reached down, grabbing Aoi by the collar. Lifting her upwards, a teenager. Purple eyes looked at the girl with disgust. A woman behind him moved forward, a hand coming up to the boy’s shoulder, “Enough, Kalas. Can’t you see the girl has been through it?”She was dropped and the boy turned away, the woman moving towards the girl. Cloth coming from a bag, Aoi’s face was wrapped up, “Hush now, child. There are bands on this mountain, you do not want to drag them close to you.”The boy spoke up, his voice flat, “We should leave her for them. They will just look for us as well.”“Kalas, you are going to do great things. You are going to need allies.”“Weaklings? Like her? She couldn’t even take on a dog.”“Kalas.” The voice rang sharply, “If you are to claim what is yours, you would best listen to me.”Then, there was silence. The girl’s breathing was shallow, quickened, “Come, child. We will take you in.”She stood, her legs shaky. Her face ached; she couldn’t do anything. Their words moved over her, a language she didn’t seem to understand. But she was cold. She could feel her feet aching.Red-stained snow, a pale hand, and purple eyes. Those would be the things that changed the trajectory of the girl’s life. What could have been peaceful – there was only pain. Strive to be better, to do things. To turn off your emotions, to do the job. Maybe then, one day, revenge could be sought.Yet one day, a job would come. To leave Iria and head towards the eastern plains. To reclaim what the purple-eyed boy stated was his birthright. A blind loyalty, never to be questioned. Little did Aoi know, the moment she stepped on that ship would likely be the final time she walked upon the Irian lands. A glance over her shoulder, a vow to return. One she did not know, would so easily fall through.


Feats

Softstep

To be quiet is to stay alive. To be stealthy is to make sure you are one step above your enemies. Do. Not. Waver.
You are light on your feet. When wearing light or no armour, you leave no footprints, avoid stepping on noisy terrain (branches, creaky floorboards, etc), and leave minimal to no trace of your presence. While Hidden, you can move undetected without needing a DEX: Stealth roll unless someone is keeping watch.

Bonded

For you, I would give my life. You are someone I can be vulnerable around. The ease you bring, it is rare.

Choose someone else that also has this feat, you two are bonded (the bond may be changed semi-regularly). You and your bonded benefit from the following:
You share the same initiative in combat, taking the higher of your two rolls and discarding the lower - you can act at the same time;
When one of you succeeds against a save test that includes both of you, you both succeed; and
You act with a +1 on actions that directly apply to the other (healing, aid, etc.).

Riposte

Find and opening. Strike back when their blade misses yours. Do not relent, for relentment can mean death.
With a small weapon, arming sword, or finesse blade equipped, if you successfully evade a hit (does not include grazing) you can make a free, immediate Riposte Attack with that weapon against the person who attacked you so long as they are within melee range. A Riposte Attack is a regular weapon roll made with a -2 modifier that cannot be evaded or blocked.

Combat Acrobat

Be flexible and be fast. Dodge your opponents; see if you can read their movement. Do not let them catch you.

You can make a vault action, which acts as both a dash and an evade.

Harmonized Arsenal

Your blade is your friend. It is versatile, within its balance, you find harmony. It will carry you.
Bladed small weapons now double as throwing knives/hatchets. Throwing knife attacks made with these weapons receive +1 to their aim. Cannot be used on a Lineage Weapon.

"No Mourners, No Funerals."