Samara

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

As Lapis drew closer the group took shape. A masked woman and two men stood outside the mouth of a cave. Blood and gore dripped from them, trailing back into the tunnel. Lapis unconsciously wrinkled her nose, anticipating the stench. She heard the woman yelling at the two men briefly, but her outburst was over by the time the caravan was near enough to make out her words. A book occupied one gesticulating hand, a sword the other. Lapis eyed the book curiously and the sword warily. Perhaps approaching these people had been a bad idea.

When the caravan finally came to a stop before the group, however, what appeared to be a pirate waved at them rather cheerfully. Lapis stared at the strange man, nonplussed, as she listened to his outrageous speech. She did finally bristle and dismount when he hopped in the back, bold-as-you-please. She raced around to watch him as he tossed a book at poor Arthur and started rooting through their meager belongings. Pottery, tin and copper pans, and a single large rug toppled from their neat stack onto the floor of the caravan. His comment about Helah went unheard as she raised her voice indignantly.

Excuse me! Sir! We would be happy to assist you and your...party, but please do not disturb my wares unless you mean to buy the lot!

She jumped into the caravan after him, selecting one of the several large canteens of water from one of the interior shelves. My name is Lapis Dustwalker. My companion is Novice Arthur Travers. You may take this water to your companions and drink your fill. Please allow me to rearrange in here to fit you all.

She waited for him to jump down from the caravan before murmuring to Arthur, It seems we may have to keep an eye on that one. Rather bold, isn’t he? Before she could ask Arthur about the book the pirate gave him, she heard a nervous bleat from the front of the caravan. Grumbling under her breath, already exasperated, she hurried back around to see the taller man approaching her camel.

If you are thinking to ride my camel, you’d better offer her a tasty bribe first. She doesn’t take kindly to strangers on her back. Just ask the last street urchin she spat on. Poor boy stunk for a month.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis stared wearily at her blurry destination. The cave entrance wavered with heat shimmer; it was a bit out of their way, but her poor camel could use the shelter from the sun. The detour off the trail would be worth it for an hour or two of blessed shade for Helah.

As she made her way across the dune, the heat waves began to reveal a strange sight. A small group was gathered at the cave mouth, wearing strange garments and covered head to toe in gore. They all wielded weapons and Lapis’s first instinct was to pull back on the reins, cooing to her mare.

Whoa! Arthur, do you see those people up there? What do you make of them? She could hear her companion put down the boots he was shining and poke his head out of the wagon behind her. She leaned forward to stroke Helah’s rump as she considered the group. They definitely seemed like they could be dangerous…but as she continued to study them, her nerves settled. They looked just as weary as she was, if not more. Evidently they had just survived some terrible battle, and would be in need of respite. A single eyebrow quirked up at the thought of the kind of coin such warriors must carry. And if she could see them, they could surely see her wagon as well. She may as well meet these battered people. Goodness knows she could use the money.

She turned to Arthur, however, to get his decision first. She'd come to trust his quiet opinions in the short time he'd worked for her. He had a straightforward way about him that she admired, his religion notwithstanding. Should we offer them assistance?

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

@Sol Grim
yessir it's linked at the top right of the page 😁

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

@Spiffy@Cyrania
Are you guys on the official RPGuild discord or do you have your own?

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Lapis Dustwalker

Name: Lapis Dustwalker
Age: 30
Height: 5’6
Weight: 140
Class: Merchant, Nomad
Race: Human

Weapons & Equipment:

Money:
Roughly 100 silver stored in a leather drawstring pouch
Weapons:
Small wooden bow with a quiver of bone arrows.
Two daggers, one stored, one equipped
Covered wagon:
Tarps
Poles
Collapsible wooden stall
Crates filled with her wares
Preserved food
Dried and salted meats
Braids of various herbs
Jars of pickled and jellied food
Locked crate:
Coil of rope
Coil of wire
Rolls of parchment
Quills and inkpots
Leather-bound ledger
Copper cooking pot
Set of spices
Bone utensils and dishware
Clothing:
3 cotton shirts
3 cotton harem pants
Two head wraps/scarves

Skills & Abilities:

Street smarts
Hunting and gathering
Archery
Trap-setting
Some hand-to-hand combat
Some knife combat
High speed
High dexterity
High stamina
Long-distance running
Sprinting
Eye for craftsmanship and artistry
Cannot be fooled by counterfeits
Good cook
Conversational in most languages

Appearance:

Lapis is a dusky-skinned woman with a sturdy build and impassive face. She can turn on the charm for potential customers, but more often than not, she gives very little away. Her skin is scarred and weathered from years of being battered by sandstorms, hard work, and unyielding sun. Her dark brown hair is short and shaggy, a clearly practical cut. She rarely lets it reach her shoulders. Her eyes are ruddy brown and narrowed in suspicion more than she’d like. She stands proudly out of necessity; it wouldn’t do to project weakness. But her smile when she relaxes is warm and disarming.

Bio:

Lapis Dustwalker grew up in the nation of Roh, running a traveling merchant stall with her family. They rotated throughout the major cities of the desert country, withstanding the harsh, exposed terrain in between with resourcefulness and pure grit. The Dustwalkers started out a proud, numerous clan; but just recently, the last of her relatives, her uncle Kyanar, passed away in his sleep. Business was already dwindling; now, with even her elderly uncle’s meager help gone, she is struggling to make ends meet.

She’s seen enough misery and violence to last her a lifetime, but it doesn’t stop her from harboring a stubborn, yet cautious compassion for those who surround her. People are just trying to get by, and it’s hard for her to fault them when they turn to crime. She’s reformed many a would-be thief by simply putting them to work at her stall for the promise of a hot meal and a seat out of the sun. Her most precious values are common sense, fairness, and integrity. Keep a promise to Lapis, and you’ll earn her respect and loyalty. Breaking your word to her earns you her eternal disgust. However, that’s not to say she doesn’t know the value of a well-placed lie–if it’s for a good cause. Survival, righting a wrong, or pursuit of the truth: all good motivations in her book. Her temper is swift and vicious; her anger fuels her in a fight, almost like a berserker’s rage. But she’s quick to calm when the adrenaline recedes.

Lapis has heard every conceivable story about the king’s assassination. When rumors abound like that, it’s difficult to discern the truth, so she largely ignores the gossip. She prefers to make up her own mind based on what she can see with her own two eyes, and unless some wizard can magick her back in time to witness the murder herself, she’ll not pass judgment, thanks very much. It’s nothing to do with her anyway. Her focus is on her failing business–unless some strange event or terrible misfortune were to befall her…

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Does this look a little better? Let me know any tweaks you'd like me to make.

Lapis Dustwalker

Name: Lapis Dustwalker
Age: 30
Height: 5’6
Weight: 140
Class: ???, Nomad
Race: Human

Weapons & Equipment:

Money:
Roughly 100 silver stored in a leather drawstring pouch
Weapons:
Small wooden bow with a quiver of bone arrows.
Two daggers, one stored, one equipped
Covered wagon:
Tarps
Poles
Collapsible wooden stall
Crates filled with her wares
Preserved food
Dried and salted meats
Braids of various herbs
Jars of pickled and jellied food
Locked crate:
Coil of rope
Coil of wire
Rolls of parchment
Quills and inkpots
Leather-bound ledger
Copper cooking pot
Set of spices
Bone utensils and dishware
Clothing:
3 cotton shirts
3 cotton harem pants
Two head wraps/scarves

Skills & Abilities:

Street smarts
Hunting and gathering
Archery
Trap-setting
Some hand-to-hand combat
Some knife combat
High speed
High dexterity
High stamina
Long-distance running
Sprinting
Eye for craftsmanship and artistry
Cannot be fooled by counterfeits
Good cook
Conversational in most languages

Appearance:

Lapis is a dusky-skinned woman with a sturdy build and impassive face. She can turn on the charm for potential customers, but more often than not, she gives very little away. Her skin is scarred and weathered from years of being battered by sandstorms, hard work, and unyielding sun. Her dark brown hair is short and shaggy, a clearly practical cut. She rarely lets it reach her shoulders. Her eyes are ruddy brown and narrowed in suspicion more than she’d like. She stands proudly out of necessity; it wouldn’t do to project weakness. But her smile when she relaxes is warm and disarming.

Bio:

Lapis Dustwalker grew up in the nation of Roh, running a traveling merchant stall with her family. They rotated throughout the major cities of the desert country, withstanding the harsh, exposed terrain in between with resourcefulness and pure grit. The Dustwalkers started out a proud, numerous clan; but just recently, the last of her relatives, her uncle Kyanar, passed away in his sleep. Business was already dwindling; now, with even her elderly uncle’s meager help gone, she is struggling to make ends meet.

She’s seen enough misery and violence to last her a lifetime, but it doesn’t stop her from harboring a stubborn, yet cautious compassion for those who surround her. People are just trying to get by, and it’s hard for her to fault them when they turn to crime. She’s reformed many a would-be thief by simply putting them to work at her stall for the promise of a hot meal and a seat out of the sun. Her most precious values are common sense, fairness, and integrity. Keep a promise to Lapis, and you’ll earn her respect and loyalty. Breaking your word to her earns you her eternal disgust. However, that’s not to say she doesn’t know the value of a well-placed lie–if it’s for a good cause. Survival, righting a wrong, or pursuit of the truth: all good motivations in her book. Her temper is swift and vicious; her anger fuels her in a fight, almost like a berserker’s rage. But she’s quick to calm when the adrenaline recedes.

Lapis has heard every conceivable story about the king’s assassination. When rumors abound like that, it’s difficult to discern the truth, so she largely ignores the gossip. She prefers to make up her own mind based on what she can see with her own two eyes, and unless some wizard can magick her back in time to witness the murder herself, she’ll not pass judgment, thanks very much. It’s nothing to do with her anyway. Her focus is on her failing business–unless some strange event or terrible misfortune were to befall her…

I did end up finding a picture I liked! Edited to add.

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

@Spiffy @Cyrania

Woohoo!! Excited to join the team!

What sorts of details would you like me to elaborate on? I'm open to suggestions: whatever you feel would fit best in your story.

I'm working into putting my cs into more of a list format for ease of reading. Fewer blocks of text! I likely won't have a picture to add to it. I spent hours trying to find something that fit who I had in mind. I hope that's okay. If not I can try again!

Anime & Manga! Oh my! (Anime/Manga Thread)

My first anime was technically either Sailor Moon or Pokemon, back when I was a kid and I had no idea what anime was. I knew them as cartoons.
The show that got me interested in anime as an older person was Avatar: The Last Airbender, though I know it's disputed whether or not it's a true anime. I don't care about the distinction, but that's what made me more aware of anime. The first true anime I watched was Soul Eater.

I don't really have an opinion on the whole no-more-Ash thing; I think I accept that the showrunners decided that Ash was done as a character and that Pokemon just isn't a show for me anymore. I think it's for the new generation of Pokemasters. Hope they enjoy it!

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

I am open to changes, suggestions, or complete rewrites. I like the idea of her being someone who comes into her power later in life, as a surprise to her, but I wanted to see what you guys thought would be a good fit. So I've left the class open. I was already drawn to Roh and it seems that's where y'all are, so that's cool. Again, super open to scrapping the character completely and starting over, too. Looking to stretch my writin' legs again.

Lapis Dustwalker

Name: Lapis Dustwalker
Age: 30
Height: 5’6
Weight: 140
Class: ???, Nomad
Race: Human
Appearance: Lapis is a dusky-skinned woman with a sturdy build and impassive face. She can turn on the charm for potential customers, but more often than not, she gives very little away. Her skin is scarred and weathered from years of being battered by sandstorms, hard work, and unyielding sun. Her dark brown hair is short and shaggy, a clearly practical cut. She rarely lets it reach her shoulders. Her eyes are ruddy brown and narrowed in suspicion more than she’d like. She stands proudly out of necessity; it wouldn’t do to project weakness. But her smile when she relaxes is warm and disarming.

Weapons & Equipment: She has a covered wagon with tarps, poles, a collapsible wooden stall, and crates filled with her wares, mostly utility items like cooking pots, stoneware, raw linens, and woven rugs. She stores her money in a leather drawstring pouch that hangs across her body at all times. The cord is braided to keep it from snapping. She owns a couple serviceable daggers, one stored away in a locked crate and the other strapped to her waist. Her clothes are worn, but well-made: loose, cotton-based clothing suited to desert living, complete with a couple headwraps. She has a few changes of clothes. A small bow, a quiver of bone arrows, a coil each of rope and wire, rolls of parchment, a few quills and inkpots, a leather-bound ledger, a copper cooking pot, a set of spices, and a handful of bone utensils and dishware for eating and cleaning game also occupy her locked crate. Railed shelves lining the interior of her wagon hold her preserved food: dried and salted meats, braids of various herbs, and jars of all things jellied and pickled. She is down to her last hundred silver.

Skills and Abilities: She has what would generally be considered “street smarts”; she knows the places that are unsafe to wander at night and how to avoid the city guard. She is a decent hunter with her dagger or bow and arrow, and can set a couple simple traps. She can generally defend herself in a one-on-one fight, but is by no means an expert in combat. Her greatest defense is to avoid the fight; failing that, she is an excellent runner. Her speed, dexterity, and stamina are higher than average. She has an eye for quality artisan work and cannot be fooled by counterfeit coin. Her knack for finding food in the roughest, most desolate of terrains has kept her and those in her care alive; her creativity with spices keeps them happy. Her trade has enabled her to be passably fluent in a variety of languages, though she would struggle to follow a rapid or high-brow conversation in any language not her own. She has a good mind for figures.

Bio: Lapis Dustwalker grew up in the nation of Roh, running a traveling merchant stall with her family. They rotated throughout the major cities of the desert country, withstanding the harsh, exposed terrain in between with resourcefulness and pure grit. The Dustwalkers started out a proud, numerous clan; but just recently, the last of her relatives, her uncle Kyanar, passed away in his sleep. Business was already dwindling; now, with even her elderly uncle’s meager help gone, she is struggling to make ends meet.
She’s seen enough misery and violence to last her a lifetime, but it doesn’t stop her from harboring a stubborn, yet cautious compassion for those who surround her. People are just trying to get by, and it’s hard for her to fault them when they turn to crime. She’s reformed many a would-be thief by simply putting them to work at her stall for the promise of a hot meal and a seat out of the sun. Her most precious values are common sense, fairness, and integrity. Keep a promise to Lapis, and you’ll earn her respect and loyalty. Breaking your word to her earns you her eternal disgust. However, that’s not to say she doesn’t know the value of a well-placed lie–if it’s for a good cause. Survival, righting a wrong, or pursuit of the truth: all good motivations in her book. Her temper is swift and vicious; her anger fuels her in a fight, almost like a berserker’s rage. But she’s quick to calm when the adrenaline recedes.
Lapis has heard every conceivable story about the king’s assassination. When rumors abound like that, it’s difficult to discern the truth, so she largely ignores the gossip. She prefers to make up her own mind based on what she can see with her own two eyes, and unless some wizard can magick her back in time to witness the murder herself, she’ll not pass judgment, thanks very much. It’s nothing to do with her anyway. Her focus is on her failing business–unless some strange event or terrible misfortune were to befall her…

Kings and Killers: A Classical Fantasy Adventure (Chapter 1)

Hi! I am looking for a roleplay to jump into and I like the pace and skill level of this one. Any chance I can apply? I have a character sheet basically ready to go.