Eir-Ma (Shining Paw) Is a curious case in Skyrim. Though the natives and Nords of Skyrim are not well known for their love of magic or strangers, they can appreciate strength above all else. Much like their ancestors, even the staunchest hater of magic can appreciate the strength of an accomplished mage, or the skill in battle of an ally or foe, regardless of their place of birth.
Eir-Ma however, is even stranger than a simple mage, or outsider. Eir-Ma is Khajiit, the catfolk of Elsweyr. A noticeable oddity about the Khajiit is how the phases of the moon influence their births. Depending on said moon phases, a Khajiit, nearly irrelevant of their birth parents, can be born as any of nearly 17 furstocks. From the humble Cathay known by all, to the enormous Pahmar, the Bestial Senche Tiger and, in the case of Eir-Ma, the Alfiq.
Alfiq are a unique case even among Khajiit, as they resemble an average housecat but are capable of both speech and magic. As much their own individual as any other Khajiit, the Alfiq struggle with their appearance especially when it comes to outsiders. As such they prefer to remain in Elsweyr where they are not belittled by all they meet. Even there many do not know they can speak, as they rarely speak to outsiders and even some Khajiit. Due to these factors, Alfiq are almost completely unknown outside of Elsweyr.
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Eir-Ma's presence in Skyrim though, is largely thanks to her Mother, a former Caravan Khajiit who managed to steal the heart of a Nord Soldier when her Caravan helped him and his friends hide from a Thalmor Patrol. Eir-Ma herself was born just before her parents were together, the product of a skooma addicted father who wanted nothing to do with the girl. The Nord however, stepped up, becoming a confused if not proud father and husband.
Though worried by her natural magical talent, Eir-Ma's father was nontheless suppourtive of his step-daughter and her desire to seek schooling at The College of Winterhold. Eir-Ma now resides at the college, an Apprentice Mage and staunch objector to the dissolving of the School of Mysticism.
_______ College of Winterhold Student Information Name: Eir-Ma / Shining-Paw Race: Alfiq Khajiit Age: 18 Title: Journeyman Focus of Studies: "Mysticism" Overall Status of Studies: Destruction - Apprentice Restoration - Apprentice Conjuration - Novice Illusion - Novice Alteration - Adept Mysticism - Adept Enchanting - Apprentice Alchemy - Novice
Notes: Eir-Ma is allowed to take on duties on behalf of the College of Winterhold in situations that require a more mobile hand. Most duties should be limited to offering non-harmful services such as healing, enchanting and more, but ultimately is left up to the decision of the Apprentice. She has been provided with a mark of the college that can be provided to any of the Jarls to prove her affiliation with our organization. _______ Gonna keep this "short" and simple lol
Not limited to those familiar with the Elder Scrolls setting, listed as 18+ only due to the possible appearance of violent themes and my own preference to write opposite an adult, as I have no interest in applying "adult themes" to a character who is a literal housecat.
To make the idea more clear, Your character, anybody from a mercenary to a soldier or even some variation of The Dragonborn themselves, is in need of magical talent. Hiring an average magically talented merc is out of the question for one reason or another and they send a letter to the college to search for a more reliable Mage.
and
Eir-Ma is what arrives, a housecat wearing custom robes, capable of both magic and speech. For the vast majority of people in Skyrim, this is not only baffling but downright frightening, or hilarious, depending on who you ask.