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person:ilirith [2021/01/19 22:09] – shyriathperson:ilirith [2024/01/25 10:09] (current) – shyriath
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-<blockquote>//Ilirith had her own set of chambers in the Matriarch's Quarter, not far from the private rooms of the [[avishraa:community:alvraan:matriarch|Matriarch herself]]. That was for the latter's protection, though occasionally Ilirith wondered how much of that was keeping an ally close and how much keeping an eye on a potential threat. She, better than anyone, knew the Matriarch's mind, and knew that she trusted her in a way she trusted few beyond the more reliable of her own daughters... but [[person:ankorineth|Ankorineth]]'s trust was never, ever quite total. That seemed to happen when one was in politics.//+====== Ilirith ====== 
 +<blockquote>//Ilirith had her own set of chambers in the Matriarch's Quarter, not far from the private rooms of the [[geopolitical:alvraan:matriarch|Matriarch herself]]. That was for the latter's protection, though occasionally Ilirith wondered how much of that was keeping an ally close and how much keeping an eye on a potential threat. She, better than anyone, knew the Matriarch's mind, and knew that she trusted her in a way she trusted few beyond the more reliable of her own daughters... but [[person:Ankorineth]]'s trust was never, ever quite total. That seemed to happen when one was in politics.//
  
 //As she examined the daggers and darts and little bottles and other tools of her trade, Ilirith realized that 'in politics' applied even to herself, albeit in a much more physical application than was standard. Certainly there weren't many people she could trust - nor, indeed, would it be wise to do so.// //As she examined the daggers and darts and little bottles and other tools of her trade, Ilirith realized that 'in politics' applied even to herself, albeit in a much more physical application than was standard. Certainly there weren't many people she could trust - nor, indeed, would it be wise to do so.//
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 //Ilirith had always been, by takma standards, somewhat boyish-looking: rangy physique, narrow muzzle, weak tone to her facial markings. While she would never have been //mistaken// for a boy, she hadn't exactly been a paragon of femininity, which frankly she'd been fine with - it gave her that much more time to act when someone tried to identify what they were dealing with. And she still wasn't, but she was also still developing, and some parts of her seemed to be developing rather faster than others. She turned gently this way and that, noting that unless she were viewed exactly from the front, one hip or the other peeked out from behind a shoulder. At this rate, she thought sourly, she'd end up having to stand on her hind legs and sidle to get through doorways.// //Ilirith had always been, by takma standards, somewhat boyish-looking: rangy physique, narrow muzzle, weak tone to her facial markings. While she would never have been //mistaken// for a boy, she hadn't exactly been a paragon of femininity, which frankly she'd been fine with - it gave her that much more time to act when someone tried to identify what they were dealing with. And she still wasn't, but she was also still developing, and some parts of her seemed to be developing rather faster than others. She turned gently this way and that, noting that unless she were viewed exactly from the front, one hip or the other peeked out from behind a shoulder. At this rate, she thought sourly, she'd end up having to stand on her hind legs and sidle to get through doorways.//
  
-//The [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:siathar:siath#the_great_mother|Great Mother]] appeared to want her to carry babies. While Ilirith would not have actually minded doing so - someday - she felt that the Most Eminent might not have a grip on the realities of the situation, or at least needed to hand out some serious miracles to achieve her goals. Witches didn't get to have children. She'd already had some stern warnings about proper and restrained conduct around the opposite sex, not that most males would dare to approach her anyway.// +//The [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:siath#the_mother|Great Mother]] appeared to want her to carry babies. While Ilirith would not have actually minded doing so - someday - she felt that the Most Eminent might not have a grip on the realities of the situation, or at least needed to hand out some serious miracles to achieve her goals. Witches didn't get to have children. She'd already had some stern warnings about proper and restrained conduct around the opposite sex, not that most males would dare to approach her anyway.// 
  
 //She sighed, drew the gray cloak around her, and checked in the mirror again; between the covering and the padding of her figure by the harness and pouches underneath, the effect was much less noticeable. She turned and slunk out her door, mourning life's complications.//</blockquote> //She sighed, drew the gray cloak around her, and checked in the mirror again; between the covering and the padding of her figure by the harness and pouches underneath, the effect was much less noticeable. She turned and slunk out her door, mourning life's complications.//</blockquote>
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 ===== Basic info ===== ===== Basic info =====
   * **Common name:** Ilirith   * **Common name:** Ilirith
-  * **RP status:** RP character, played by [[user:shyriath|Shyriath]]+  * **RP status:** RP character, played by [[user:Shyriath]]
  
 ==== Biographical data ==== ==== Biographical data ====
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   * **Nicknames or aliases:** The graycloak   * **Nicknames or aliases:** The graycloak
   * **Date of birth:** 81 Cloud 24:30   * **Date of birth:** 81 Cloud 24:30
-  * **Place of birth:** Kuhel, Domain of [[avishraa:community:alvraan|Alvraan]]+  * **Place of birth:** [[geopolitical:alvraan:Kuhel]], Domain of [[geopolitical:Alvraan:]]
  
 ==== Gender and sexuality ==== ==== Gender and sexuality ====
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 ==== Heritage and identification ==== ==== Heritage and identification ====
-  * **Species:** [[takma:|Takma]] ([[chosen:|Chosen]])+  * **Species:** [[Takma:]] ([[Chosen:]])
   * **Race:** [[takma:start#variations|Lowland mix]]   * **Race:** [[takma:start#variations|Lowland mix]]
-  * **Ethnic origin:** [[culture:ethnicity:heartlander|Heartlander]] +  * **Ethnic origin:** [[ethnicity:Heartlander]] 
-  * **Current ethnic identification:** [[culture:ethnicity:heartlander|Heartlander]] +  * **Current ethnic identification:** [[ethnicity:Heartlander]] 
-  * **Native language:** [[language:imperial#vernacular_imperial|Midvallic Imperial]] +  * **Native language:** [[language:imperial:start#vernacular_imperial|Midvallic Imperial]] 
-  * **Other languages spoken:** [[language:imperial#contemporary_imperial|Contemporary Imperial]], [[language:imperial#classical_imperial|Classical Imperial]]+  * **Other languages spoken:** [[language:imperial:start#Contemporary Imperial]], [[language:imperial:start#Classical Imperial]]
  
 ==== Other ==== ==== Other ====
-  * **Alignment:** [[chosen:srian|Srian]] +  * **Alignment:** [[chosen:#srians|Srian]] 
-  * **Magical attunement:** [[chosen:magic:mind|Mind]]+  * **Magical attunement:** [[chosen:magic:Mind]]
  
 ===== Physical ===== ===== Physical =====
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 Ilirith is a vibrant, bright green over most of her body, shading to a similarly vibrant yellow on her belly and throat and the insides of her thighs. Her muscles are well-defined, but wiry rather than bulky; she gives the appearance of being fit and in good health. Ilirith is a vibrant, bright green over most of her body, shading to a similarly vibrant yellow on her belly and throat and the insides of her thighs. Her muscles are well-defined, but wiry rather than bulky; she gives the appearance of being fit and in good health.
    
-Most Chosen are smaller than ordinary takmar in any case, but in a species where females are normally larger than males, Ilirith is unusually small, to the point of being petite, as she falls in the same size and weight class as most Chosen males; she is only barely larger than [[person:demarath|Demarath]]. As well - in a species where most females tend to have more overall muscular development and a heavier jawline - Ilirith's wiry physique and narrow muzzle stand out. She therefore gives an impression of masculinity - the word 'tomboyish' might be employed, though given the differing roles and stereotypes of human sexes, possibly not very accurately. Nonetheless, the level of [[takma:body#sexual_dimorphism|sexual_dimorphism]] among takmar is such that it is difficult to actually mistake a member of one sex for the other; Ilirith's coloration and facial markings are those of a female, as are her hips, which are impressively broad and appear to have been intended for a larger person.+Most Chosen are smaller than ordinary takmar in any case, but in a species where females are normally larger than males, Ilirith is unusually small, to the point of being petite, as she falls in the same size and weight class as most Chosen males; she is only barely larger than [[person:Demarath]]. As well - in a species where most females tend to have more overall muscular development and a heavier jawline - Ilirith's wiry physique and narrow muzzle stand out. She therefore gives an impression of masculinity - the word 'tomboyish' might be employed, though given the differing roles and stereotypes of human sexes, possibly not very accurately. Nonetheless, the level of [[takma:body#sexual_dimorphism]] among takmar is such that it is difficult to actually mistake a member of one sex for the other; Ilirith's coloration and facial markings are those of a female, as are her hips, which are impressively broad and appear to have been intended for a larger person.
  
 ==== Facial description ==== ==== Facial description ====
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 ==== Religious views ==== ==== Religious views ====
-Ilirith has a largely ambivalent attitude toward the gods, due in part to her fraught relationship with the priesthood. While she assumes they exist and play some part in the world, she views the [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:siathar:|Siathar]] as no more friendly than the famously capricious [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:lamnar:|Lamnar]]. She takes little note of them, and her hope and basis for living is that they are returning the favor; both sides have their own amusements to occupy them.+Ilirith has a largely ambivalent attitude toward the gods, due in part to her fraught relationship with the priesthood. While she assumes they exist and play some part in the world, she views the [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:]] as no more friendly than the famously capricious [[mythology:imperial_religion:lamnar:]]. She takes little note of them, and her hope and basis for living is that they are returning the favor; both sides have their own amusements to occupy them.
    
 Such acts of worship as she performs, invariably in private, are simply semi-equitable exchanges; she provides worship to the gods in exchange for their services. If these in turn are provided, all well and good; if not, she will do without them, for she prefers to use divine intervention as a possible supplement to her own abilities rather than a substitute. Such acts of worship as she performs, invariably in private, are simply semi-equitable exchanges; she provides worship to the gods in exchange for their services. If these in turn are provided, all well and good; if not, she will do without them, for she prefers to use divine intervention as a possible supplement to her own abilities rather than a substitute.
  
 ==== Social aptitude ==== ==== Social aptitude ====
-Ilirith is used to being inscrutable to others. Her only confidante of any note is the [[avishraa:community:alvraan:matriarch|Matriarch]] [[person:ankorineth|Ankorineth]]; to nearly everyone else she is an unsettling, dangerous figure due to the nature of her job and her status as a witch.+Ilirith is used to being inscrutable to others. Her only confidante of any note is the [[geopolitical:alvraan:matriarch]] [[person:Ankorineth]]; to nearly everyone else she is an unsettling, dangerous figure due to the nature of her job and her status as a witch.
    
 As a result, she has a strong tendency toward introversion and a retiring nature. This is not to say that she does not sometimes desire company; she is used to doing without and to spending her unfilled hours alone, but does not mind it when it comes, provided that the setting is reasonably private. Those few who have done so have found her to be largely pleasant, modest company, with the refined but not overdone manners of a young lady with a modest rank delegated to her. As a result, she has a strong tendency toward introversion and a retiring nature. This is not to say that she does not sometimes desire company; she is used to doing without and to spending her unfilled hours alone, but does not mind it when it comes, provided that the setting is reasonably private. Those few who have done so have found her to be largely pleasant, modest company, with the refined but not overdone manners of a young lady with a modest rank delegated to her.
  
 ==== Likes, dislikes, and taboos ==== ==== Likes, dislikes, and taboos ====
-Ilirith enjoys reading books - of almost any kind, but particularly on [[history:|history]], [[culture:mythology:|mythology]], and legends. She greatly values peace and quiet. This is particularly true of peace - she greatly approves of social order and harmony, and sees crime, rebellion, and general dickishness as not merely morally wrong, but as spectacularly inefficient ways to achieve social goals.+Ilirith enjoys reading books - of almost any kind, but particularly on [[history:]], [[mythology:]], and legends. She greatly values peace and quiet. This is particularly true of peace - she greatly approves of social order and harmony, and sees crime, rebellion, and general dickishness as not merely morally wrong, but as spectacularly inefficient ways to achieve social goals.
  
 While she appreciates games, she finds few opportunities to play them against a suitable opponent; the few people willing to actually play against the Graycloak do not have the psionic discipline to prevent her from seeing into their thoughts, and she is often able to guess an opponent's moves before they can make them. While she appreciates games, she finds few opportunities to play them against a suitable opponent; the few people willing to actually play against the Graycloak do not have the psionic discipline to prevent her from seeing into their thoughts, and she is often able to guess an opponent's moves before they can make them.
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 Although her job has involved quite a lot of killing, she dislikes the necessity for it, and feels that in a properly organized and cooperative world it wouldn't be necessary. Although her job has involved quite a lot of killing, she dislikes the necessity for it, and feels that in a properly organized and cooperative world it wouldn't be necessary.
    
-She tends to avoid roasted //[[species:balviir|balviir]]// meat, which she was required to eat all the time as a child and is sick of, and which required the slaughtering of animals she watched being raised and fed. She vastly prefers fish.+She tends to avoid roasted //[[species:balviir]]// meat, which she was required to eat all the time as a child and is sick of, and which required the slaughtering of animals she watched being raised and fed. She vastly prefers fish.
  
 ==== Habits, quirks, and mannerisms ==== ==== Habits, quirks, and mannerisms ====
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 === Detection === === Detection ===
-Most takmar are able to passively detect, and determine the direction of, the presence of [[takma:behaviors#empathic_shielding|unshielded]] minds within 10 meters or so; this ability is [[concept:empathic-sense|keyed toward emotional and instinctive responses in the brain]], particularly those that are strongly felt. Ilirith has, in addition to this, the ability to actively probe the surrounding space for the presence of ongoing thought processes; by its very nature, this ability can only detect sapience, but as there are degrees of sapience this means she can detect the more intelligent animals as well as takmar, [[xtauh:|xtauh]], and other civilized species.+Most takmar are able to passively detect, and determine the direction of, the presence of [[takma:behaviors#empathic_shielding|unshielded]] minds within 10 meters or so; this ability is [[concept:empathic_sense|keyed toward emotional and instinctive responses in the brain]], particularly those that are strongly felt. Ilirith has, in addition to this, the ability to actively probe the surrounding space for the presence of ongoing thought processes; by its very nature, this ability can only detect sapience, but as there are degrees of sapience this means she can detect the more intelligent animals as well as takmar, [[xtauh:]], and other civilized species.
    
 The strength of detection is partially dependent on the intensity of the target's thought patterns. A takma engaged in a normal level of thought would be relatively easily detectable, one who was concentrating hard would be especially obvious, one who was relaxed and idly daydreaming would be visible but difficult to distinguish from certain classes of animal, and one who was keeping their mind carefully blank would be, while not invisible, at least faint enough to remain in the background. The strength of detection is partially dependent on the intensity of the target's thought patterns. A takma engaged in a normal level of thought would be relatively easily detectable, one who was concentrating hard would be especially obvious, one who was relaxed and idly daydreaming would be visible but difficult to distinguish from certain classes of animal, and one who was keeping their mind carefully blank would be, while not invisible, at least faint enough to remain in the background.
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 Ilirith has been extensively trained in close combat, both armed - especially with daggers, but also with swords, spears and staves - and unarmed. She has also had some training in ranged combat, though her own telekinetic abilities largely supplement or supersede anything she might be able to accomplish with a sling, bow, or spear-thrower. She has also been given instruction in the use and handling of poisons, and in tactics, espionage, and misdirection. Ilirith has been extensively trained in close combat, both armed - especially with daggers, but also with swords, spears and staves - and unarmed. She has also had some training in ranged combat, though her own telekinetic abilities largely supplement or supersede anything she might be able to accomplish with a sling, bow, or spear-thrower. She has also been given instruction in the use and handling of poisons, and in tactics, espionage, and misdirection.
    
-Although born a commoner, she has had aspects of a privileged upbringing due to her position near the Matriarch. While her relationship with the priesthood prevented her education from being overseen by them, as is frequent with the noble class, the Matriarch nonetheless arranged for tutors to give her a decent education for her time. She can both read and write in [[language:imperial#classical_imperial|classical Imperial]], as well as the local [[[[language:imperial#vernacular_imperialeducated dialect]] and in the //lingua franca// of [[[[language:imperial#contemporary_imperial|Contemporary Imperial]], and perform basic arithmetic.+Although born a commoner, she has had aspects of a privileged upbringing due to her position near the Matriarch. While her relationship with the priesthood prevented her education from being overseen by them, as is frequent with the noble class, the Matriarch nonetheless arranged for tutors to give her a decent education for her time. She can both read and write in [[language:imperial:start#classical Imperial]], as well as the local [[language:imperial:start#vernacular_imperial|educated dialect]] and in the //lingua franca// of [[language:imperial:start#Contemporary Imperial]], and perform basic arithmetic.
    
 In the topical sense, her education has focused mainly around two major complexes of knowledge, both relevant to her training. The first surrounds politics, history, and military tactics and strategy; as a result, she has an above-average understanding of both Alvraanish domestic and Heartlander regional politics, of the history of the Imperial sphere in general and the Heartland region in particular, and of important figures and military campaigns from the past. The second, which is more narrowly focused, surrounds biology - the anatomy and functioning of the takma body, the substances that can have an effect on said body, and the plants and animals from which those substances can be procured, though the latter is restricted to species native to the Heartland region. In the topical sense, her education has focused mainly around two major complexes of knowledge, both relevant to her training. The first surrounds politics, history, and military tactics and strategy; as a result, she has an above-average understanding of both Alvraanish domestic and Heartlander regional politics, of the history of the Imperial sphere in general and the Heartland region in particular, and of important figures and military campaigns from the past. The second, which is more narrowly focused, surrounds biology - the anatomy and functioning of the takma body, the substances that can have an effect on said body, and the plants and animals from which those substances can be procured, though the latter is restricted to species native to the Heartland region.
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 ===== Personal history ===== ===== Personal history =====
-Ilirith was born to a family of peasants within the dominion of [[avishraa:community:alvraan|Alvraan]]. Her parents, a mother and two fathers, worked a //balviir// ranch along the boggy northern banks of the [[avishraa:place:shedir-river|Shedir River]]. They were not rich, being merely tenants on their land, but their landlord was generally a fair and amiable soul, and the rents she asked were moderate enough that the family was left with quite enough to maintain themselves.+Ilirith was born to a family of peasants within the dominion of [[geopolitical:Alvraan:]]. Her parents, a mother and two fathers, worked a //balviir// ranch along the boggy northern banks of the [[geography:sekhaa:river:Shedir]] River. They were not rich, being merely tenants on their land, but their landlord was generally a fair and amiable soul, and the rents she asked were moderate enough that the family was left with quite enough to maintain themselves.
    
 Ilirith was their first daughter, and they doted shamelessly on her; one of Ilirith's earliest and dearest memories is being given a toy [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goad|goad]] and a stuffed //balviir// by her elder father, so that she could "help" with the herding. She often accompanied her parents in the field, and as she became old enough to range around a little, she helped keep watch on the beasts, or - if they seemed disinclined to move - took the opportunity to swim in the winding waterways leading to the river banks. Her childhood was not precisely carefree, but it was nonetheless happy. Ilirith was their first daughter, and they doted shamelessly on her; one of Ilirith's earliest and dearest memories is being given a toy [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goad|goad]] and a stuffed //balviir// by her elder father, so that she could "help" with the herding. She often accompanied her parents in the field, and as she became old enough to range around a little, she helped keep watch on the beasts, or - if they seemed disinclined to move - took the opportunity to swim in the winding waterways leading to the river banks. Her childhood was not precisely carefree, but it was nonetheless happy.
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 She had always been a little small, but as she approached her first cycle, it became apparent that she was lagging well behind her siblings in growth. Her parents were inclined, with a certain amount of nervousness, to dismiss this, and continued to do so even after Ilirith began exhibiting a tendency to [[chosen:magic:mind|know what they were going to say]] before they said it - after all, they rationalized, they all knew one another's minds. One [[concept:timekeeping#vigil|vigil]], however, several turns after her first cycle, Ilirith and some of her younger siblings were playing with a ball when one of the latter accidentally hurled it at her face. Her younger father, watching over the game, was terrified to see Ilirith knock the ball out of the way several meters before it reached her. She had always been a little small, but as she approached her first cycle, it became apparent that she was lagging well behind her siblings in growth. Her parents were inclined, with a certain amount of nervousness, to dismiss this, and continued to do so even after Ilirith began exhibiting a tendency to [[chosen:magic:mind|know what they were going to say]] before they said it - after all, they rationalized, they all knew one another's minds. One [[concept:timekeeping#vigil|vigil]], however, several turns after her first cycle, Ilirith and some of her younger siblings were playing with a ball when one of the latter accidentally hurled it at her face. Her younger father, watching over the game, was terrified to see Ilirith knock the ball out of the way several meters before it reached her.
    
-Ilirith was momentarily pleased before realizing that her parents emphatically were not. Her mother and fathers argued and anguished for vigils over what to do, upsetting each other and everyone else, until at last they went to their landlord for advice; the latter, somewhat to the parents' horror, promptly contacted the priests of the [[culture:mythology:imperial-religion:siathar:siath|Sixfold Eminence]] in Alvraan town.+Ilirith was momentarily pleased before realizing that her parents emphatically were not. Her mother and fathers argued and anguished for vigils over what to do, upsetting each other and everyone else, until at last they went to their landlord for advice; the latter, somewhat to the parents' horror, promptly contacted the priests of the [[mythology:imperial_religion:siathar:siath|Sixfold Eminence]] in Alvraan town.
    
 //I'm sorry,// she'd said to them, while Ilirith watched. //There's a lot of things I can let slide. You know that. But not this.// //I'm sorry,// she'd said to them, while Ilirith watched. //There's a lot of things I can let slide. You know that. But not this.//
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 When Ilirith did eventually go before the Matriarch, she did not need to ask to know that she would not be permitted to return to her family - not now, and probably not ever. The Matriarch explained to her that witches could never be entirely free, never live like normal takmar could - but that they //could//, if they made themselves useful, have a safe space for themselves. When Ilirith did eventually go before the Matriarch, she did not need to ask to know that she would not be permitted to return to her family - not now, and probably not ever. The Matriarch explained to her that witches could never be entirely free, never live like normal takmar could - but that they //could//, if they made themselves useful, have a safe space for themselves.
    
-The Matriarch explained that, long ago, she had come to her throne, her [[history:cloud-era:alvraanian-sororicide|rightful inheritance]], after a [[history:cloud-era:battle-of-alvraan|terrible war]], and that she still had enemies. She did not know who all of them were, because they wore false smiles and said kind words. She could not tell them from her friends.+The Matriarch explained that, long ago, she had come to her throne, her [[history:cloud_era:alvraanian_sororicide|rightful inheritance]], after a [[history:cloud_era:battle_of_alvraan|terrible war]], and that she still had enemies. She did not know who all of them were, because they wore false smiles and said kind words. She could not tell them from her friends.
    
 //But you,// she said, //you can see their thoughts. You can tell the enemies from the friends. You're a bright girl, a good girl. So I would like your assistance - if you help protect me, I will help protect you. This will be your home now, and I will be your guardian. I will not let you be taken from me.// //But you,// she said, //you can see their thoughts. You can tell the enemies from the friends. You're a bright girl, a good girl. So I would like your assistance - if you help protect me, I will help protect you. This will be your home now, and I will be your guardian. I will not let you be taken from me.//
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 And so she began her training in the ways of combat - and, indeed, in other useful fields. This proceeded under a variety of instructors, but always under the ultimate supervision of the Matriarch's senior husband, Kurril, who had been charged with the responsibility for his wife's security for many cycles. From Kurril and others, Ilirith progressed from simple physical fitness, to unarmed self-defense, and from there to other areas - the use of daggers and knives, the handling and selection of poisons, the choosing of both hiding places for covert strikes and battlefields for open combat, the speedy selection of targets based on analysis of threat and situation. At the Matriarch's express command, she was also encouraged to experiment with her powers in relation to her studies. And so she began her training in the ways of combat - and, indeed, in other useful fields. This proceeded under a variety of instructors, but always under the ultimate supervision of the Matriarch's senior husband, Kurril, who had been charged with the responsibility for his wife's security for many cycles. From Kurril and others, Ilirith progressed from simple physical fitness, to unarmed self-defense, and from there to other areas - the use of daggers and knives, the handling and selection of poisons, the choosing of both hiding places for covert strikes and battlefields for open combat, the speedy selection of targets based on analysis of threat and situation. At the Matriarch's express command, she was also encouraged to experiment with her powers in relation to her studies.
  
-It did not take long for her experiments to bear fruit. After several turns, she was responsible for uncovering a plot by [[avishraa:community:riishen|Riishenese]] diplomats to engineer a rebellion in the southern valleys. Her interrogation of the diplomats led to a forcible disarming of certain nobles in the far south.+It did not take long for her experiments to bear fruit. After several turns, she was responsible for uncovering a plot by [[geopolitical:riishen|Riishenese]] diplomats to engineer a rebellion in the southern valleys. Her interrogation of the diplomats led to a forcible disarming of certain nobles in the far south.
    
 By the age of two cycles, still a child, she began appearing openly by the Matriarch's side when she held court, clad in a dark gray cloak. Her presence was not normally explained or referred to, nor did it need to be - rumor being what it was, there had long been talk about a tame witch bound to Ankorineth's will. Occasionally, when someone was brought in judgment before the Matriarch, Ilirith would be brought forward to wordlessly extract information, or make someone suggestible. Normally, little else was needed. Her first personal killing came at around this time, when, having detected the thought patterns of an assassin, she battled and killed him in the halls of the palace. By the age of two cycles, still a child, she began appearing openly by the Matriarch's side when she held court, clad in a dark gray cloak. Her presence was not normally explained or referred to, nor did it need to be - rumor being what it was, there had long been talk about a tame witch bound to Ankorineth's will. Occasionally, when someone was brought in judgment before the Matriarch, Ilirith would be brought forward to wordlessly extract information, or make someone suggestible. Normally, little else was needed. Her first personal killing came at around this time, when, having detected the thought patterns of an assassin, she battled and killed him in the halls of the palace.
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 Ilirith had accepted this, but obviously with mixed feelings. She'd asked whether things were to remain thus forever. //They may, was the response, but if I find one who I judge to be safe for you to interest yourself in, I will inform you. Until then, remain as patient as you can.// Ilirith had accepted this, but obviously with mixed feelings. She'd asked whether things were to remain thus forever. //They may, was the response, but if I find one who I judge to be safe for you to interest yourself in, I will inform you. Until then, remain as patient as you can.//
    
-This was among the reasons that the Matriarch began sending Ilirith on missions outside the palace - to give her an outlet for her energies, to allow her more breathing space, and, perhaps just as importantly, to separate her from the Matriarch's youngest daughter and heir, [[person:aveshinoth|Aveshinoth]], who was half a cycle older than Ilirith and with whom the latter did not get along. These missions tended to have a more proactive tone than those Ilirith had undertaken in the past: gauging public opinion, spying on the politically powerful, the occasional assassination. Ilirith learned to be exceptionally good at causing "mysterious deaths"; during a period of unrest among the southern nobles, three feudatories died within as many vigils, the rest abandoning any plans against the Matriarch. Nevertheless, Ilirith never did become comfortable with the business of assassination; while she, at the Matriarch's encouragement, rationalized them as a form of preemptive defense, she found it impossible to internalize this feeling.+This was among the reasons that the Matriarch began sending Ilirith on missions outside the palace - to give her an outlet for her energies, to allow her more breathing space, and, perhaps just as importantly, to separate her from the Matriarch's youngest daughter and heir, [[person:Aveshinoth]], who was half a cycle older than Ilirith and with whom the latter did not get along. These missions tended to have a more proactive tone than those Ilirith had undertaken in the past: gauging public opinion, spying on the politically powerful, the occasional assassination. Ilirith learned to be exceptionally good at causing "mysterious deaths"; during a period of unrest among the southern nobles, three feudatories died within as many vigils, the rest abandoning any plans against the Matriarch. Nevertheless, Ilirith never did become comfortable with the business of assassination; while she, at the Matriarch's encouragement, rationalized them as a form of preemptive defense, she found it impossible to internalize this feeling.
    
-In 84 Cloud 23, the Matriarch added another duty to her schedule that she found much more promising. She told her that the Matriarch's cousin [[person:vashareth|Vashareth]], the warden of [[avishraa:community:alvraan:shedir-port|Shedir Port]] and a loyal supporter, had come to her with a dilemma: that one of her sons, [[person:demarath|Demarath]], was a witch. Vashareth, knowing of Ilirith's presence, had hoped that the Matriarch could likewise find a way to spare Demarath from judgment by the priesthood, and the Matriarch had agreed to employ him in the palace.+In 84 Cloud 23, the Matriarch added another duty to her schedule that she found much more promising. She told her that the Matriarch's cousin [[person:Vashareth]], the warden of [[geopolitical:alvraan:Shedir Port]] and a loyal supporter, had come to her with a dilemma: that one of her sons, [[person:Demarath]], was a witch. Vashareth, knowing of Ilirith's presence, had hoped that the Matriarch could likewise find a way to spare Demarath from judgment by the priesthood, and the Matriarch had agreed to employ him in the palace.
    
 Demarath was an unknown, the Matriarch told her. Vashareth had successfully hidden his existence from everyone, including the Matriarch herself, for nearly three cycles. He gave the impression of servility, but was at an awkward age, less than two turns younger than Ilirith herself - boys were rarely reliable or predictable at that time of life. //I owe Vashareth this, and more - a thousand times over. She has never called in that debt, except for this, the life of her son. I am obliged to do this for her, though the risk is enormous,// the Matriarch had said. Demarath was an unknown, the Matriarch told her. Vashareth had successfully hidden his existence from everyone, including the Matriarch herself, for nearly three cycles. He gave the impression of servility, but was at an awkward age, less than two turns younger than Ilirith herself - boys were rarely reliable or predictable at that time of life. //I owe Vashareth this, and more - a thousand times over. She has never called in that debt, except for this, the life of her son. I am obliged to do this for her, though the risk is enormous,// the Matriarch had said.
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 ==== Other individuals ==== ==== Other individuals ====
-Ilirith knows a lot of people much better than they would like or intend, if they were ever aware of it, but this is largely for professional reasons - it's her job to know what they're doing in case they make trouble. She has only a few actual contacts, mostly members of the royal family of [[avishraa:community:alvraan|Alvraan]] and their more trusted servants.+Ilirith knows a lot of people much better than they would like or intend, if they were ever aware of it, but this is largely for professional reasons - it's her job to know what they're doing in case they make trouble. She has only a few actual contacts, mostly members of the royal family of [[geopolitical:Alvraan:]] and their more trusted servants.
    
-Of all of them, she is closest to the [[avishraa:community:alvraan:matriarch|Matriarch]] herself, [[person:ankorineth|Ankorineth]], who is her primary employer. Since being taken from her original family, the Matriarch has been the closest thing Ilirith has had to a mother, and her loyalty to her goes rather beyond simple fealty. While neither Ilirith or Ankorineth exhibit much open affection toward each other even in private, there is a sort of unspoken, low-key familial bond between them.+Of all of them, she is closest to the [[geopolitical:alvraan:matriarch]] herself, [[person:Ankorineth]], who is her primary employer. Since being taken from her original family, the Matriarch has been the closest thing Ilirith has had to a mother, and her loyalty to her goes rather beyond simple fealty. While neither Ilirith or Ankorineth exhibit much open affection toward each other even in private, there is a sort of unspoken, low-key familial bond between them.
    
-If Ankorineth is Ilirith's surrogate mother, [person:kurril|Kurril]] was her surrogate father. The Matriarch's eldest husband and former head of the household guard, most of Ilirith's training was completed under Kurril's supervision, and he was largely responsible for seeing to her physical and mental wellbeing as she grew up; he was never easy on her, but demonstrated a gruff sort of fondness for her. He passed away in early 84 Cloud.+If Ankorineth is Ilirith's surrogate mother, [[person:Kurril]] was her surrogate father. The Matriarch's eldest husband and former head of the household guard, most of Ilirith's training was completed under Kurril's supervision, and he was largely responsible for seeing to her physical and mental wellbeing as she grew up; he was never easy on her, but demonstrated a gruff sort of fondness for her. He passed away in early 84 Cloud.
    
-The Matriarch's youngest daughter and heir, [[person:aveshinoth|Aveshinoth]], is anything but a surrogate sister. Ilirith has hardly ever spoken directly with her, but has been watching her long enough to form some very definite opinions. As far as she is concerned, Aveshinoth is a spoiled brat, selfish, entitled, and impatient, jealous of her privileges and personal influence to an irrational degree, and thoroughly unworthy of her mother's throne.+The Matriarch's youngest daughter and heir, [[person:\Aveshinoth]], is anything but a surrogate sister. Ilirith has hardly ever spoken directly with her, but has been watching her long enough to form some very definite opinions. As far as she is concerned, Aveshinoth is a spoiled brat, selfish, entitled, and impatient, jealous of her privileges and personal influence to an irrational degree, and thoroughly unworthy of her mother's throne.
    
 Ilirith also feels personally threatened by Aveshinoth, and gets the very definite sense that the feeling is mutual: the latter is hostile to her both as an independent possessor of power and as a competitor for her mother's attention, and likely intends to have Ilirith, and any other perceived threats, neutralized upon coming to the throne, supposedly doing away with both bodyguard and the reason for a bodyguard in one stroke. Ilirith intends not to be around when it happens, though she doesn't know where she would go. Ilirith also feels personally threatened by Aveshinoth, and gets the very definite sense that the feeling is mutual: the latter is hostile to her both as an independent possessor of power and as a competitor for her mother's attention, and likely intends to have Ilirith, and any other perceived threats, neutralized upon coming to the throne, supposedly doing away with both bodyguard and the reason for a bodyguard in one stroke. Ilirith intends not to be around when it happens, though she doesn't know where she would go.
    
-Ilirith was, as the Matriarch's eyes and ears, well aware of [[person:demarath|Demarath]] long before they formally met. Having been ordered by the Matriarch to keep herself apprised of the nature and abilities of the only other witch she personally knew to exist - of the opposite sex, at that - it was, perhaps, only natural that she developed a certain amount of satisfaction of carrying out her task, though possibly not of the professional flavor that the Matriarch might have preferred.+Ilirith was, as the Matriarch's eyes and ears, well aware of [[person:Demarath]] long before they formally met. Having been ordered by the Matriarch to keep herself apprised of the nature and abilities of the only other witch she personally knew to exist - of the opposite sex, at that - it was, perhaps, only natural that she developed a certain amount of satisfaction of carrying out her task, though possibly not of the professional flavor that the Matriarch might have preferred.
    
 Although she hoped to be able to speak to the target of her observations one day, she was caught by surprise by the manner in which it happened, with Demarath being placed under her guard [[sessions:worldbuilding:2014-04-22|after zapping the Matriarch's daughter]]. Her initial impressions of him are largely favorable; she considers him timid and possibly slightly dim, but thoroughly decent, and not precisely handsome but not actually bad-looking. Although she hoped to be able to speak to the target of her observations one day, she was caught by surprise by the manner in which it happened, with Demarath being placed under her guard [[sessions:worldbuilding:2014-04-22|after zapping the Matriarch's daughter]]. Her initial impressions of him are largely favorable; she considers him timid and possibly slightly dim, but thoroughly decent, and not precisely handsome but not actually bad-looking.
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 ===== Inspirations ===== ===== Inspirations =====
   * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuer0snNOrE|The Mancer's Dilemma]]", //Bastion Soundtrack OST//   * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuer0snNOrE|The Mancer's Dilemma]]", //Bastion Soundtrack OST//
-  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EvcItjITGk|Right Behind You]]", //Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack// +  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ2bRG3tY_8|Right Behind You]]", //Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack// 
-  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBtEKKKaw6s|Dreams of Cruelty]]", //Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack// +  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdXzlV-t8dw|Dreams of Cruelty]]", //Team Fortress 2 Soundtrack// 
-  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OPc7MRm4Y8|The Pink Panther Theme Song]]", //The Pink Panther// +  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyZiIuMufTA|The Pink Panther Theme Song]]", //The Pink Panther// 
-  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQYaPQmqSbY|Viper Manor Theme]]", //Chrono Cross OST//+  * "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRy_exCrUVk|Viper Manor Theme]]", //Chrono Cross OST//
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