MiddleEarthRoze

Starkissed

@Mae
Whoops, accidentally posted in the char tab! Sorry about that - I was just asking if we could post WIPs in the OOC?

Starkissed

Aürelia Ostelas / Lorena / Goddess of the Oceans and Seas, Wrath & Mercy

⍚ Aürelia Ostelas ⥥ 21 ⥥ Female ⥥ Bisexual ⍚

"Sometimes the ocean gives. Sometimes it takes away."

---

---

𝔐y 𝔐ortal ℭ𝔬𝔦𝔩

---

---

[ ⍚ ] A _{P P E A R A N C E}

---

"At first glance, one may use the term delicate to describe Aürelia, thanks to her diminutive stature and somewhat plump body. Paired with girlish features, and a cloud of shoulder-length, white-blond curls, from afar, many have underestimated her in the past. Until they got a better look at her, that is.

Upon closer inspection, her ample figure lends itself more to lean muscle than fat; although her limbs still retain a pleasant softness about them, it is clear that she is no stranger to exerting – or protecting – herself. Her 4’11” frame often appears taller than it is, due to her tendency to hold herself up in a relatively superior manner amongst others. Not in a purposefully condescending way, but it is simply the way she is.

Any more softness is lost when looking upon Aürelia’s face, which usually holds an apathetic – or haughty – expression. Her amber eyes are akin to stones, beautiful to look upon, but also cold and hard; this unfriendliness is only built upon by her angled facial features and sharp gaze. While it would be both unfair and untrue to state that she lacks any form of physical attractiveness, her shrewd stares give her a sense of distance; of icy inhospitality, and a false sense of safety despite how calm she may truly look. This has caused more than a few to steer away from her presence.

Despite all this, it is not impossible to see her smile; it is often a feeble one, if it should appear at all, but it is evidence enough that she is not without humour or happiness. During these instances, her coldness seems to disappear, and one can truly see the young woman beneath.

In terms of clothing, Aürelia tends to wear light, flowing outfits. The coast generally has decent weather and a warm climate, so thick or protective clothing isn't really necessary. More often than not she'll have either a dress or skirt of varying lengths, made of a a graceful, semi-sheer material. Pastel colours make up her entire wardrobe, but her favourites remain teal or blue. When in her home, she usually goes barefoot, or wears light-weight sandals. In less favourable climates, Aürelia also has sturdier clothing, with moccasin boots, and various furs (which she doesn't like wearing). As the daughter of the Chieftain of the tribe, she wears a delicate circlet, crafted from silver and adorned with a pearl.

Aürelia’s skin and complexion is best described as sandy; a natural tan colour that doesn’t seem to change throughout the seasons, sunlight only bringing forth golden freckles across her nose, back and shoulders. Pale, silvery scars stand out here and there, but nothing overly serious. No, the largest “blemish” to her skin would be that of her birthmark. Placed on her midriff, just in the middle of her breastbone, is a small, non-descript line. Upon using her powers, this line grows longer, becoming more crooked and asymmetrical. Eventually cracks issue from this line, and like waves constantly battering away at a cliff, the cracks will become fissures, and she will crumble away, becoming nothing more than sand on the shore. Prior to this, these cracks will shine with an ethereal light as she uses her powers, as will her eyes – the light is shimmering and distorted, like sunrays beneath the surf.”

[ ⍚ ] P _{E R S O N A L I T Y}

---

"As mentioned, Aürelia is a very apathetic person. She doesn’t concern herself with petty troubles or pointless arguing, because it’s a futile thing, in her eyes. As such, she isn’t one to complain herself, regardless of the situation she finds herself in. Sympathy will rarely be given to others, but at the same time, she demands none for herself. However, if there is one thing Aürelia does consider important, it is respect. There are many things in this world that should be respected, regardless of one’s opinion of them. The same applies to people; while respect should certainly be earned, to some degree, Aürelia retains a respectful and polite manner around most, particularly acquaintances. First impressions matter, after all – and while she isn’t one to worry over accidentally offending someone, she does like others to respect her as well. The best way to do that is to treat them as she would like to be treated.

Amongst friends, Aürelia’s cold exterior seems to relax somewhat. Her frostiness isn’t a façade of any kind, but it warms up considerably while around those she cares for. A dry wit and sarcastic sense of humour can come forth in the way of deadpan remarks and quips – usually said with a straight face, but definitely with the intention of getting some laughter out of others. Caring remarks are often said bluntly and without tact, and she will be particularly vocal if a friend of hers is planning on doing something foolish. Aürelia never promises to be there for her foolish friends, and will often scoff at whatever silly thing they are doing… but she will tend to be there to help them when things go wrong.

Amongst enemies, respect still remains. One can dislike another but still act civil with each other. However, if somebody steps over a line, Aürelia will be there immediately to correct it. Seeing her temper arise is a rare occasion, as she prefers to deal with things in a calm and collected manner… due to this, an explosion of her anger is no small thing. It can be over in seconds after much damage has been caused (Be it metaphorical or physical damage), or it can steam away for days, as she waits for the right moment to release her rage."

[ ⍚ ] B _{I O G R A P H Y}

---

"Aürelia was born as the second child and first daughter of the Vatten Tribe, along the southern coastline. Her family had been Chieftain's of the tribe for as long as anyone could remember, and so, they were treated with great respect. Being in this situation, Aürelia never wanted for anything - the food was farmed for them, the fish already caught to eat, and she didn't have to start working at a young age to provide for her family like some other girls in the village would - but that did not mean she intended to live a lazy life. Her parents encouraged work and independence, and so she often had the same lessons as her brother. They both learnt their letters, both learned how to swim, fish, boat, and even fight, to some small degree. With plenty of dangerous creatures in the sea, it was important that anyone treading in the water knew how to defend themselves.

Thanks to her upbringing, Aürelia had a very uneventful childhood. She learnt things, her parents had more children, and suddenly she was a teenager... and, of marrying age. Aürelia knows that an arranged marriage to someone outside of her tribe means she'll likely have to leave the coast, and that is the one thing she dreads the most. Secretly, of course - she's learnt not to complain in her life, especially with many of her childhood friends being lowly farmers or fishermen. The troubles of the rich and powerful were nothing to people who worked the land to live. The only thing that has prevented an arranged marriage so far was the untimely death of her father, and the subsequent troubles of a new Chieftian; her older brother, Fanari. Although things have settled down now, he seems quite interested in changing things around the village... and not for the better. Aürelia would prefer to stay and keep an eye on what he is planning on doing, but she can tell he wants rid of her. And with the gathering of Clans approaching, she silently fears of what he may do."

Memories Retained: Ignore for now

---

---

𝔐y ℑmmortal 𝔖𝔬𝔲𝔩

---

---

---

⍚ Lorena ⥥ Goddess of the Oceans & Seas, Wrath, and Mercy ⥥ Female ⥥ Bisexual ⍚

<“Don’t forget to hoist the sails!
Make sure you learn how to swim!
Don’t forget to check your hull,
Or the sea will fill to brim!

Don’t forget to row your oars!
Make sure you pay respects!
Or the ocean will make sure Lorena will know,
And then you’ll all be wrecked!

And into the briny sea you’ll sink!
Seeing monsters as you go
You’ve earned your fate, in Lorena’s eyes
In your watery grave down below.”>

Children's Nursery Rhyme

[ ⍚ ] G_{O D L Y A P P E A R A N C E}

---

"Being a Goddess, Lorena had the ability to take multiple forms, but the most common of these was when she was seen in the water. More often that not, she looked vaguely fish like, with scales upon her skin in beautiful, iridescent colours; fins that shimmered with the water and looked almost transparent; flowing black hair with hints of blues and greens, and pitch black eyes flecked with teal. When coming on shore, she adopted a more land-friendly form, with two human-like legs, less scales, and eyes better suited to dealing with the bright sunlight. Typically, she was far more carefree and joyous when in the water, but unfortunately, such free emotion brought with it negativity, leading to terrible storms and natural disasters."

[ ⍚ ] K _{N O W N F O R}

---

• The Ocean and Seas
• Water
• Mercy
• Mariners, Sailing, etc.
• Wrath
• Neutrality
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Victims of Drowning
• Simple marine life, such as fish, dolphins and sharks.
• Magic marine life, such as Merpeople, Hippocampi and sea monsters.

[ ⍚ ] F _{O R M A T I V E M O M E N T S I N H I S T O R Y}

---

"There are several versions of the story surrounding Lorena and the Ocean; much like the chicken and the egg question, the people can't seem to decide whether Lorena created the water of their planet, or if she herself was born from it. Even Lorena couldn't tell you the answer; one day, she simply was, as was her domain. Since then, her time as a Goddess has been fairly unremarkable. The petty squabbles of the other Gods did not concern her, as long as they didn't drag her - or her ocean - into it. As such, Lorena didn't have much in the way of mortal enemies... but at the same, she did not have any best friends, or anyone to call family.

Until her Starkissed, that is. A surprising event, finding a soulmate and falling in love; and it seemed to have an effect on her. Emotion came more freely, and her mercy was being noticed more and more. A child falling from a cliff washing up on the shore, untouched; a fishing expedition gone wrong as a storm riled the water - but the fishermen's boat did not overturn; those who worshipped Lorena rejoiced in her actions, glad to be able to trust the ocean's wildness at last. But stories began to spread of those who took advantage of this.

A medium-sized village to the south had noticed the absence of Lorena's usual wrath when it came to the treatment of her waters. The people grew greedy and lazy; over-fishing the local marine life, and polluting the waters with their litter and human waste. When Lorena finally discovered the bay the village sat upon, it was empty of life, and the water looked and smelled akin to a stagnant pond. With her emotions already running high, her temper exploded - the villagers watched on as a tidal wave rushed towards them, standing 50 feet high, and at it's head, their incandescent Goddess. The water washed away everything of the village, with no life being spared.

Unbeknown to her, the Dark Ones were watching. They were aware of her stance of neutrality between the Gods, but could not trust that she would stay out of their affairs permanently. Witnessing her great fury, they chose to use this against her; sending a message one day that they had taken her Starkissed, Lorena's temper snapped once again. With a tempest like no other accompanying her, she stormed the beach where the Dark Ones had said her beloved lay... but they were not there. Instead, her enemies, blocking her from the ocean and finalising their plan. The curse struck her in the chest like a spear of lightning, and she began to fade, cried out her soulmate's name, having no idea if they had been taken too.

After moments of darkness, she was reborn as Aürelia."

---

---

𝔐y 𝔊ifts 𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫

---

---

[ ⍚ ] S _{K I L L S E T}

---

Three General skills to start and up to two combat abilities. Due to the setting you may also have 1 Survival ability.

• Reading & Writing: Thanks to her family's importance, Aürelia learnt to read and write as a young girl.
• Sailing: A staple skill for those in her Tribe; she can steer even the most complicated boats her Tribe creates.
• Swimming: If one can't swim, they shouldn't sail. That's what her father thought,
  anyway. Aürelia can swim quite fast, and is capable of holding her breath for a good long time while doing so.

• Fishing: While more of an amusing past-time for herself and her siblings as a child, it is still an invaluable skill to learn. Even inland, there are lakes and rivers filled with fish to be eaten.
• Spears: Spear-fishing was the most favoured technique in her village, beyond using nets. One has to be quick, and be able to gauge where your prey is going. Thankfully, this skill with a spear can be used on land animals... and other, more dangerous foes.
• Speed: Blessed with a natural agility, Aürelia's speed has only helped her in terms of fishing and swimming. It is not just a physical speed either; her mind is sharp, and has often come in handy when making split-second decisions.

[ ⍚ ] A _{B I L I T I E S}

---

These will unlock as we continue.

Life Force: 0/0 (ignore for now)

Ability 1: Lorena's Mercy
The Ocean is not completely without it's gifts, and Aürelia reflects this in her powers - they aid both herself, and those she believes deserve it.

Ocean's Breath: Aürelia uses her ability to control the water to breathe beneath it; this power can also be used on others to save from drowning.
Purify: Aürelia is able to purify water of salt, poisons and general waste, making most sources (stagnant or otherwise) drinkable.
Ocean's Kiss: The water around you suddenly eases your aches and pains, with minor injuries and exhaustion being washed away, leaving you rejuvenated.

Ability 2: Beasts of the Deep
Many creatures dwell below the waves, and they are not without respect for their Goddess; when called, all manners of monsters will beckon to Aürelia's call.

Fish are Friends: There are a lot of fish in the sea, and many of them have teeth. Aürelia can use her marine friends for many different tasks, including eating those who dare to face her. However, the larger and more intelligent the mind, the more free will it has against her demands; nothing larger than a tiger shark will heed to this ability.
Call for Help: Aürelia can mimic the cry of a Merperson in pain, and if close enough to water, Merpeople will rush to the aid of their supposed fallen friend. However, she cannot ensure they will help fight her foes, while leaving both her friends and herself alone.
Freshwater Fellows: While the ocean is her overall domain, sources of fresh (And salt) water inland can be used to her advantage too... and the creatures that dwell within. Amphibians such as poisonous frogs or alligators can be tempted away from their dwellings to cause troubles for her enemies; this ability also extends to more magical creatures such as Kelpies or Grindylows.

Ability 3: Wrath of the Oceans
The Ocean is not something to be taken lightly, and neither is Aürelia - these powers will cause even the most fearless of men to beg for her mercy.

Waterfall: Aürelia can blast others with potent streams of water. The stream can be high pressured enough to knock someone down or subdue them. This ability can also be used to put out fires.
Release the Kraken: The further down the monster dwells, the bigger it will be. Aürelia can summon forth a leviathan of terrifying size to give her a greater advantage in a fight.
Cataclysm: With her rage running untamed, Aürelia brings forth the true power of the ocean; a tidal wave, capable of wiping out entire towns in one fell swoop. The wave will reach up to at most ten miles inland, and when it draws back to the ocean, everything it has touched is gone. Due to her strong connection to the ocean, she can also use this power several miles inland,
regardless of how far she is from shore. It creates the same amount of destruction, but dissipates quickly after her death. When used closer to shore, certain areas could remain flooded, even long after Aürelia is gone.

[ ⍚ ] I _{N V E N T O R Y}

---

• 6-foot wooden spear
• Sea-Salt
• Cheesecloth, for keeping fish good on the road
• Filleting knife
• Twine
• Small coil of hemp rope

[ ⍚ ] O _{T H E R}

---

Colour Code:darksalmon & indianred
The Vatten Tribe: Known for it's skill in boat-making and fishing, it resides on the Coast to the south. With the recent death of their previous Chieftain, Florian, his son Fanari now rules with an iron fist. He has commissioned larger and more powerful boats to be built by their carpenters, but nobody knows why. Some fear war, while others hopes for new trade deals with the other Clans.

The clan is generally hierarchical, with the Chieftain, his family, and Warden roles assigned by the Chieftain on top. Everyone below these roles is on the same footing, with farmers, fishermen, merchants and scholars all treated with the same respect and power. Although an undemocratic society, most of the Chieftains had attempted to be as fair as possible to their people, listening to their woes and trying to ensure everyone is housed and with some kind of role to help their community. Fanari is taking a more brutal path for this, by press-ganging all non-essential workers (Or simply those who don't work) into the previously-small navy. While their training is given for free, and both food and lodging come with the job, many have started to complain about this new turn of events. Naturally, this has only fuelled rumours of potential war.

[ ⍚ ] R _{E L A T I O N S H I P S}

---

Will you participate in the Relationship Assignment?: Yes
This section will be replaced with a Relation Sheet.

Starkissed

@Mae
Great! I was just thinking of two, so hopefully I won't get overwhelmed, haha.

Starkissed

@Mae

Apologies if this is mentioned somewhere in the OP already, but are we allowed to make multiple characters?

Starkissed

Interested! Pretty original concept, looks awesome.

The Lord of the Rings: The Age of Men

@omni023

We certainly are! :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Age of Men

@BurningCold@POOHEAD189@FernStone@The Muse of Eru@Hannibal@Viciousmarrow@Melandrach@Kessir Tarkin

IC is live! I've set it up for your character's to easily come across Elennína and her NPC pals - it would be better for the group to come across the colony as a whole rather than individually. If you haven't finished - or started - your character yet, now would be a good time to get it finished. :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Age of Men

Southern Mirkwood
_{3rd December, FA 219}

Although it had been many years since the fall of Sauron, it was clear to anyone that the forest of Mirkwood would forever be tainted by his evil touch. Thranduil himself would not spare anyone to truly reclaim the remainder of the once green forest, allowing simply for a sparsely-manned watchtower at Dol Guldur, and the allowance for any other fools to do as they wished in those haunted, sick trees. The darkness and the creatures that often dwelt within had ruined the beauty of much of the forest; and with the rings of power gone, there was no Elf on Middle-Earth or Arda that could cleanse Mirkwood. However, that did not stop the quest of a few brave settlers - a handful of Elves, hoping to reclaim their lost land, and to found the most independent and inclusive colony in all of Middle-Earth. Things only seemed to improve at the discovery of a mithril mine, and suddenly their small hamlet of about 13 families tripled in size, with folks of all walks of life and species coming to settle down. It was a place to start anew; if you wanted to work, and had some sort of good in your heart, then all were welcomed to the reclusive colony... provided people could find their way, that is.

In more recent months, the inclusiveness of the colony began to dwindle. Folk found it harder and harder to find the once well-trodden paths through Mirkwood to find the place, and even if they did, they were often turned aside unless they had something to offer. The mithril in the mines was being exported to many different kingdoms in the land, but it was beginning to turn those in Dôr-min-Taur greedy. While a common trait found in Dwarves when it came to the treasures of the earth, it began to seep through all of the miners, regardless of race. Deeper and deeper they dug into the earth, ghosts of the past being ignored as they forgot what had once happened in Moria. The mithril brought them wealth, and wealth meant their small, unimportant colony could be built into one of the greatest kingdoms of the fourth age. All would know about Dôr-min-Taur, and their wealth would make Erebor itself look small. The people would flock to their great gates, their lowly citizens would become lords and ladies of great stature. People dwelling there sent out excited letters to their loved ones and friends outside the borders, promising great riches and power. "Come!" They would say. "Come to the great forest city and share in our wealth!"

But all of a sudden... the letters stopped. The birds and messengers did not come from the forest anymore. Nobody really noticed until the shipments of mithril, jewels and other rich ores dried up. Those few merchants who believed they were being robbed ventured into the forest in anger, but none of them ever returned. Some blamed the forest, for even Elves could go lost in those mind-boggling trees and enchanted rivers. Others blamed orcs and spiders, saying the few that were left in Southern Mirkwood could easily pick off a few lonely travellers. But after several months, mild concern grew into a great worry. Dôr-min-Taur had been silent for far too long.

---

---

"I yrn mi taur na íd dîn... ah raeg..." Although murmured softly, the voice of the tall Elvish ranger cut through the thick silence of the forest jarringly. The three others with him shuddered lightly, but couldn't help agreeing in their own heads. At the head of the group was a female; just as tall as her companions, but with hair a deep red that contrasted sharply against the other's silvery-blonde locks. Her face was stern as she crouched low to the ground, fingers lightly running over the underbrush of the forest before coming to a sudden stop - something laid there that did not belong with the fallen leaves. It was a small wooden doll - minute, but beautifully carved. Picking it up gently, the elf let it lay in her hand for a moment, gazing at the discarded toy in an almost melancholy manner. No child would throw such a beauty away on purpose. She could only wish that this doll had fallen from a merchant's shipment, and when she and the others were to arrive at the colony, she could reunite it with many other dolls, being happily played with by children.

"Elennína." Her companion spoke again, and she snapped out of her reverie, straightening up and gazing back into the gloom of the forest. Elennína was no naive fool - she could not say what would await them at Dôr-min-Taur, but it would not be frolicking children being watched by adoring parents. The silence brought with it a sense of impending doom, and terrible danger. She could not fathom why someone would settle down here in the first place, let alone bring children with them... but it had been better before. Now, things seemed to be changing for the worst. "Boe ammen al-dar."

Raising one hand to quieten him, Elennína swiftly and silently drew out her bow, the doll falling to the floor. Her keen ears had picked up movement in the darkness - too loud to be a spider, but too quiet to be goblins. Hopefully they were more travellers seeking the same as she and her group... but it was better safe than sorry. With all four Elves now having drawn their bows and pointing them into the darkness, Elennína stepped forward cautiously.

"Come forth! We wish you no harm, if it is not wished upon us."

The Lord of the Rings: The Age of Men

@The Muse of Eru

Great, she's awesome! Accepted, and you can move her over to the CS tab. :)

The Lord of the Rings: The Age of Men

@The Muse of Eru
You still haven't filled out her reason for investigating the colony?