Tanith Kelvaskur : Queen of the Dragonkin
âFear not going forward slowly. Fear only to stand still.â
Physicality
DescriptionAs she appears to others presently, there is hardly a more gentle countenance to be seen anywhere. Her face is soft angles and slopes, heart-shaped and youthful. A slightly upturned nose lies between almond-shaped golden eyes with dark lashes. Widest at the cheekbones and narrowest at the chin, the default upward tilt to her mouth suggests an open, easy friendliness.
She moves quietly, with near-flawless posture, though most of the time also seemingly without direction, as though she were perpetually wandering aimlessly. She dresses mostly in the manner of someone from the lower middle class (albeit a lower middle-class
man), though her fondness for glitter shows at her wrists and ankles, if one bothers to look.
Should the circumstances prove correct, however, it becomes evident that she is not what she seems. Transformation commonly begins with the appearance of thin lines of golden scales on her limbs, followed swiftly by an alteration in her eyes which makes them distinctly reptilian and luminous. Talons and wings grow as she gains size and her dentition shifts from the omnivorous human set of teeth to a purely carnivorous sort. Within thirty seconds or so, she is the size of the average artisanâs home, covered in a thick hide of resplendent scales, and in all other ways unmistakably a dragon.
AppearanceHair: Gold, with strands more the color of burnished copper throughout. Worn very long, and most often loose.
Eyes: Also gold, bright enough to seem almost luminous- a flaw in her disguise.
Build: Svelte, with the sort of muscle that calls to mind hardiness rather than strength.
Skin Tone: Tawny.
Height: 5â5â
Weight: Around 125
Voice: Breathy, mezzo-soprano, and
musical.
Handed: Right.
Body Markings: Seldom seen, there is a line of ancient script running down her spine, a seal on her power.
Scar Tissue: Curiously, none.
Unique Body Features: She has a musicianâs hands: long, tapered fingers and what appears to be a delicate bone structure.
NameTanith Oroâvena Kelvaskur
NicknameShe hasnât acquired any.
TitleYour Majesty; Queen of the Dragonkin
RaceDragon
Visual Age20-24
Factual Age529
GenderFemale
Sexual OrientationHeterosexual
Mage RankingOracle, though her magic is largely inaccessible in this form.
ClassRogue
SpecializationBard
Mentality
PersonalityDraconian culture is a curious thing compared to most mortal ones, and there has been a relatively low level of cross-pollination in recent memory due to a rigid policy of isolationism amongst dragons. Only rarely do they interact with races outside their remote island, and humans least of all. While the leaders of the elves, orcs, and the fey, for example, have most likely met the current leader of the dragons or at the very least the former one, few outside of these privileged individuals have even seen a dragon.
A dragon is a strange mix of forces. In some ways, they are almost like their bestial reptilian cousins. Capable hunters that prefer to use their instincts rather than their intellects in the hunt, they are firm believers in the laws of nature and the food chain. As such, mercy and associated âvirtuesâ only rarely figure into their way of thinking.
However, they are far from mere animals, and have highly-developed intellects. Though few can write, almost all dragons can read, though their history and teachings are kept via oral traditions with heavy musical elements to them. The importance of the elders, carriers of this information, cannot possibly be overestimated- in the memory lies the essence of what it is to be a dragon in the first place. They are philosophers, artisans, architects and scholars as each one chooses to be. The prevailing cultural philosophy of the dragonkin is based heavily on loyalty to the elders and to the crown. Formality is heavily utilized, and speech very guarded. Draconian court-speak is enigmatic at best, downright incomprehensible to outsiders (and sometimes insiders) at worst, but underneath even this lies a very rigid, formal idea of reciprocal justice and honor.
The third major component of the basic worldview of a dragon is the intuitive connection to magic that each of them shares. Where other races gain their knowledge of magical phenomena through intensive study and experimentation, dragons
are magic, and as such, their primary focus comes to be upon learning and understanding themselves and their inherent capabilities. It is no easier than the arduous task humans or elves must undergo, and the results are not inherently superior. It is simply different.
It was into this world that Tanith was born, and in it that she was raised. Until recently, she had only very basic knowledge of cultures aside from her own, and the tendency for odd mannerisms and what might be taken to be a skewed perception of justice or morality remains even now. She tries to blend with the mainstream population, but this is considerably difficult, and she has learned at least to keep her more outrageous declarations to herself. Acclimation has not been simple, however.
Overall, she comes across as a well-meaning if naĂŻve sort, the kind of person you might take to be a good deal more merciful and gentle than she actually is. She certainly has her moments of both, but she firmly believes in paying her debts, is completely against the unjust imprisonment of anyone, and with a background somewhere between Hammurabiâs Code and bushido, she can be absolutely ruthless if the occasion calls for it. Still, there is an underlying honor to the system that means her preference is always towards fairness and loyalty towards those who have somehow proven themselves worthy of it.
QuirksTends to hum to herself even in situations where this would be considered rude or impolite, has a fondness for human games of chance. Also tends to treat people with overblown amounts of formality by default, though she can be persuaded to do otherwise. Has a very absolute sense of justice, though not necessarily of right and wrong per se.
Moral AlignmentTrue Neutral
MotivationHer people are depending on her to save them from the folly of her predecessors, and to restore them to what they once were. It is a heavy burden to bear, but at the same time, it drives her feet ever forward- one step after another.
FearsThat the dragons should ever be wiped permanently from the face of the world is the fear that sits deep in the pit of her stomach, content to be put aside mostly but never truly out of her awareness. She also fears that her guise will be discovered for what it is, and her task made all the more difficult for that. She does not fear those who would come after her for her hide, teeth, etc, but she is aware that this would happen and wary of it also.
GoalDragonkind was once a mighty force to be reckoned with, despite their small numbers. Not always were they myths or legends meant to scare children into obedience. Not always were what scarce fragments remain of their population cursed into an existence at a fraction of their might. It is Tanithâs only goal to make this the way of things again, to rid her kind of the plagues upon them, no matter what it takes.
Likes*Music and dance
*Games of wit and chance
*A challenge
*Shiny things
Dislikes*Being disrespected
*Anything that interferes with her independence
*Unjust acts
Strengths*Powerful spellsong
*Highly intelligent (it really does come with age)
*Cunning
*Ability to transform into, well, a dragon
Weaknesses*Lacks understanding of human society, having only entered it herself a few years ago
*Cannot navigate to save her life; it was never necessary when you could see everything from the sky
*Her human form carries with it a host of physical limitations that she would not otherwise have, including most horrendously soft skin and the lack of an ability to fly or fight in ways she is most accustomed to.
*Additionally, her disguise is not perfect, and she sometimes has difficulties passing as one. Dragons in Cam Lire tend to speak in obscurities and using vague, indirect language, something that frustrates many of the people she runs across, for example. She will also sometimes come across things she has never seen before and does not understand. She was almost arrested for stealing her first day in human civilization because she did not comprehend the concept of money.
Armament
HeadOccasionally something to keep her hair clear of her face.
NeckAn ordinary thin silver chain, with an onyx partially wrapped in worked silver hanging from it. Worn under her clothes rather than over them.
ChestLoose-sleeved white shirt. Itâs actually supposed to be a manâs garment, but she didnât know that when she acquired it. Also wears a leather vest.
BackSmall bag holding what few things she has determined necessary to carry.
Arm/ShoulderSleeves; she also has an assortment of bracelets on her left forearm.
Right HandNothing
Left HandNothing
Right AccessoryNothing
Left AccessoryNothing
WaistLeather belt, quite plain.
LegsPants; also menâs.
FeetDepending on the season, sandals or leather boots. Assuming the former, thereâs also bound to be jangling ankle bracelets present.
Combat ProwessRating System
[Perfect] - [Excellent] - [Good] - [Above Average] - [Average] - [Below Average] - [Poor] - [Very Poor]
CombativenessHand-to-Hand Combat:[Poor]- This isnât her actual body, and nowhere does it show quite as badly as those situations in which Tanith is required to do skilled tasks (with a few exceptions) with her hands. Her handwriting is absolutely abysmal, and she is far from used enough to her humanoid body to fight with her hands alone.
Melee Combat:[Average]- Sheâs more suited to support abilities, but does have some capabilities in this area if she absolutely needs to fight at close-range.
Ranged Combat:[Very Poor]- She knows how to use not bow, crossbow, nor sling. Though she could throw a knife and hit whatever she was aiming at, it might not hit pointy-end-first.
Magic Combat:Not applicable in her human state.
Mounted Combat:[Poor]- She wouldnât know where to start.
Racial AbilitiesDragonkin: [Perfect]- An inherent skill of dragon nobility, she can compel lesser dragonkin to do her bidding, though its usefulness is highly limited since she does not often encounter them.
Telepathy: [Average]- In human form, she is capable of weak telepathic communication with animals, more based on images and feelings than proper communication. As a dragon, itâs her primary method of speech to others, as the vocal apparatus of her species is not well suited to human language. She cannot hear a thought unless it is meant for her or particularly âloud.â
Natural TalentThe Ancient Pull: [Excellent]- Tanith can feel magic in people and objects, as well as get a general idea of how strong a mage is, even in her human form.
Entrancing Voice: [Perfect]- The melodies themselves, and the skill with which Tanith handles almost any instrument (including and especially her voice) is impressive. Additionally, her speechcraft carries some of the same quality; she can be very convincing if she puts her mind to it.
Class SkillsBardic Music/Spellsong: [Perfect]- The natural magic imbued in her species lends strength to her song, and there are few more compelling or skilled bards out there.
Speechcraft: [Above Average]: Though sheâs quite compelling magically if she has to be, her overall proficiency is hindered by the fact that dragons and humans/elves/orcs/what-have-you think very differently. Her logic and concept of justice and so forth is often at odds with the prevailing one, and this can reduce the effectiveness of her persuasion.
Spells/PowersFortification: [Perfect]- Imbues allies with quicker reflexes, increased strength, and damage resistance.
Fog Enveloping: [Perfect]- A song that lulls the target(s) into a false sense of security, making them complacent, slower, and all around less proficient at whatever they happened to be doing. Tends to send them into daydreams.
Phantasm: [Excellent]- Causes illusions; flickers at the corners of vision, a rustling of leaves, none of which are actually present. A good distraction technique, one that Tanith is still developing.
Equipment
ItemsIn her bag, she carries useful travel items like flint, fresh water, and a few spare items of clothing. She also carries both a lute and a wooden, elf-made flute.
MemorabiliaThe necklace mentioned above qualifies.
AccessoriesNothing not mentioned above.
WeaponWeapon Name: Dragonâs Tail
Weapon Type: Whip
Material: Steel
Ammo: None
Length: Nine sections of four inches each, plus a handle.
Weight: 7 lbs
Weapon Description/Info: The Dragonâs Tail is divided into nine sections, all tempered steel, and the most common method of use involves wrapping it around some part of oneâs own body and, with timing and skill, unwinding it to increase momentum, at which point it may be used to damage, disable, or entrap foes. There is a pointed dart on the far end which can also slice when applied correctly. Tanith likes it because it sort of reminds her of her own tail.
Weapon Name: None
Weapon Type: Lute
Material: Sandalwood
Ammo: None
Length: About three feet
Weight: 5 lbs
Weapon Description/Info: A finely crafted musical instrument, and aside from her voice, Tanithâs most frequent choice in weapon.
Weapon Name: None
Weapon Type: Flute
Material: Redwood, chased in silver.
Ammo: Air
Length: A foot and a half
Weight: .5 lbs
Weapon Description/Info: Tanithâs flute is a beautiful instrument, though itâs unknown how she came across such a thing.
Background
Group AffiliationTanithâs primary affiliation is with her own kind. She is not so aloof as to not form attachments, she just has not had occasion to do so yet. She has no reason to love the Godking or Abaddon, quite the opposite. This does not mean, however, that she is best thought of as belonging to any particular rebellion. Her first thought is always for her people, and what is best for them.
FactionGrand Union of You
Marital StatusSingle, formerly affianced.
Relatives*Father and Mother, elders of their race.
*Betrothed, deceased (slain by Abaddon in the name of Azrael)
*Grandfather, currently leading the dragons while Tanith is away, oldest living dragon.
OriginFormerly Cinder Island, and most of her kind still lingers there.
Social RankQueen, the undisputed leader of her people. The title came to her by complete accident, as it was her betrothed that was the Prince, but since he was slain, she was the highest-ranked noble left (Cam Lire dragons have a notoriously-low fertility rate), so the title went to her.
OccupationPresently, she watches and waits. Since the lifespan of a dragon can extend into millennia, she has the time and patience to do this. If she has need of coin, she plays music or gambles.
Bio/HistoryThe Dragons of Cam Lire are a mysterious, secluded race, more often the stuff of legends than anything that anyone believes in anymore. âTwas not always so; once, they were numerous and strong enough that they ruled the world. But that was eons ago, much too long for recorded history to remember. Now, the species is a shadow of its former glory, but they still recall. Dragons are beings of pure arcane force, and though they do not use magic in the same sense that other races have learned to utilize it, it does not impede their mastery. Rather than using words and systems to get at the result they want, dragons are born with an intuitive understanding of magic itself, and need only will it to act in the way they desire.
They are not gods, but they were once worshipped like them. Like it does to everything else, though, the magic took its toll on the race. Though most remained sound of mind and body, fertility dropped so much that the species was drastically culled. They withdrew from the world at large and to the isolation of Cinder Island, fading from memory until they were nothing but bedtime stories for children.
It was into this isolation that Tanith was born. The species as a whole chooses to remain remote, though individual members are all free to choose whether or not to do so. Unfortunately, they are sighted by other races just often enough that sometimes they are hunted like beasts for their diamond-hard scales and claws, not to mention the magical properties of their bones, hearts, and teeth.
Most dragons learn to control their magic in the same stages that humanoid races do, the difference being that Ascension is very common, even expected, once the young ones reach the necessary level of expertise. This usually occurs at around 700-1000 years of age, though it can happen sooner. Though they tend to remain neutral in mortal affairs, Tanith's betrothed, Sigmund, was one of a few that believed that Azrael's summoning of Abaddon could only lead to ruin, and actively took a stance against him. Dragons are formidable foes, and Azrael saw to it that every member of Sigmund's family was slain individually for opposing him. When they came for Sigmund himself, Tanith fought beside him out of loyalty, but since she had no real identification with his cause, she was punished not with her death, but with a curse: her people were forced into the weakened forms of mortal creatures, free to transform only with restrictions on their original might, to ensure that they would no longer be such a large threat to Azrael.
Tanith now actively searches for a way to break the spell branded into her flesh, and to free her people once more. She does not hate the Godking nor Abaddon for defending themselves, but she will do whatever it takes to free her race, including slaying either of them if presented with the opportunity, should that be what it requires.
Transformation
AppearanceScales: Golden
Eyes: Golden
Build: About the size of a house
Body Markings: None
Scar Tissue: None
AbilitiesTransformation: Tanith can revert to her original form at will, but because it is impeded by the curse, it has to happen in stages. She will gain the form and a good deal of her magical power immediately, but a full transformation, power and all, will take about an hour to complete. Additionally, if she should attempt to change back before the transformation is completed one way, she will likely pass out for a few hours, since it requires a good deal of magic to be expended. Even done properly, she can only maintain her form for a few hours at a time before she is forced to spend a corresponding interval as a human again.
Resonant: A dragonâs magic is instinctual where a mageâs is learned. It is not superior in terms of power, necessarily; dragons have to learn much before they can use âdeeperâ levels of it, just as an apprentice would. It also otherwise abides by the same system: dragons specialize, too. Tanith is an Arcane Warrior.
SpellsElement Breath: [Perfect]- The inherent skill of most dragons is the ability to breathe fire, but Tanithâs knowledge of the arcane allows her to swap to ice or electricity or simply gusty wind.
Fissure: [Excellent]- A manipulation of energy sunders the earth, swallowing the unwary in their premature graves.
Aura of Might: [Excellent]- There are few things more intimidating-looking than a dragon, and warriors of any less than outstanding courage and resolve will find themselves cowering in fear, if not outright running away.
Heal: [Above Average]- Your pretty basic, straightforward healing spell. It requires a passive, peaceful frame of mind to access and thus cannot be used in the heat of combat.
Tanith's curse prevents her from accessing any of her other spells.
Mage Level:Adept upon initial transformation, though once she has been back in her native skin for about half an hour, she moves up to about master. After an hour, she's back at Oracle, which was where she was before she was cursed, though without some of her higher-level spells even so.
