Luca / Half-elf / Thief

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[Luca the Thief]

My sincerest apologies to everybody... I was seriously due for a rewrite though. Medals to anybody who reads it all in one; familiar and history to be added in the eventual future. I also have intentions on re-evaluating her strengths and weaknesses, but any comment on balance is appreciated.

Name: Luca
Age: 41
Gender: Female
Race: Half-elf
Tribe: Rhulran and Aeolrhan
Title: Scallawag

Occupation: A deliberate odd-jobber and scrounger, Luca has little desire to work and funds her exploits with the annexed wealth of others.

With a coy smile, charming wit and a sharp tongue, Luca is without a doubt an acquaintance who's memory lingers like a bad blow to the head. Her general friendliness and charisma are perhaps the half-elf’s greatest asset, and should she go about conversation carefully and avoid mentioning some things (not to mention keep her hands to herself) Luca is quite capable of making friends quickly. Despite a natural magnetism, Luca has a tendency to judge and prejudice those around her, an enemy to wealth, conservatism and tradition. She can be very defensive and sensitive at times, though has little regard for the similar feelings of others. Decidedly independent, Luca possesses the spirit of a wild animal and through this is excited by the promise of change and rebellion.

Appearance:
   Though perhaps not the kind of woman to stop a crowd silent at her entrance, Luca is without a doubt a charming, if not pretty, young woman. Her figure curves and dips in all the right places with a persistently youthful appearance of being in her mid-twenties, with a generous bust and long legs. With toned arms, a firm stomach and a flexible spine, Luca is in good shape, as should be expected from somebody so reliant on hiding in tight spaces, and should that fail, running from a fleet footed pursuer. Both in regards to her desert-born lineage and Luca’s love for the sun, the half-elf’s skin is bronzed with a rich tan and she bears a peppering of freckles across her cheeks, nose, shoulders and chest. Her half-elven lineage is not wholly obvious, but is betrayed in her pointed ears, fey-like nose and occasionally elegant figure.

   Though it would seem that the thief has all the qualities to be dubbed beautiful by most takers, there is something about her that makes the term innapppropriate, if not downright absurd. She is not subtle nor sleek, and is without pristine features or a demure, tugging smile. Her soft pink lips are often twisted into a crooked, hinting smirk if not revealing small white teeth through rich laughter. Her nose, blended neatly to her face over the bridge and slightly upturned at the tip, is dotted playfully with freckles that spill over onto her often flushed or sunburned cheeks. The half-elf’s hair frames her face playfully, choppy strands brushing over her cheeks and falling across her eyes. Colored a deep mahogany, her hair is highlighted subtly with copper and some blonde due to her habits of staying in the sun. It is cropped at her chin, tapering around to the back in a jagged manner, due to the fact that it is more often than not cut with her own daggers. It is Luca’s eyes, however, that prounounce her character. Rimmed with thick black lashes while short, neat eyebrows twist expressively above, Luca’s dark eyes are a rich chocolate brown, flecked curiously with gold. Bold and defiant, the fiery spirit of the half-elf burns behind the depths of her orbs. Despite her ability as a fantastic actress and teller of tales, at times of great stress or emotion it is the half-elf's eyes that truly give her away.

   Comfortable in just about anything, Luca’s attire can change at will. The thief does however possess a solid set of her own clothes. A sleeveless, khaki shirt is almost always worn with a plunging square neck. Over this, the half-elf bears a heavy and heavily worn woolen gray sweater, with sleeves a tad too long and a stretched out neck. Because of her heritage, Luca stays either inside or south in cold weather and because of this can keep her clothing minimal. She bears a green skirt of no considerable length and is capable of revealing a more than generous amount of leg. For modesty’s sake (despite popular belief, the half-elf does in fact have some regard of sensibility) beneath this Luca once wore a set of black leggings, but has long since cut them off just a fore down from her hip. If the thief does find herself in colder whether, she has been known to wear men's slacks to fight off the frigid bite. She generally prefers to be barefoot, especially liking the feel of the very stones beneath her feet for a better grip and balance, but this is hardly practical in her lifestyle of travelling across countrysides or navigating bars after fights. To adjust, the half-elf wears a pair of leather boots with thick soles and whatever cord she can scrounge up to tie them. Around her waist Luca cinches a thick belt that appears to have been scavanged off a saddle or some other heavy-duty equipment that she uses to carry some personal effects such as mismatching purses, hidden daggers, her lock picks, her flask and the occasional peice of fruit.

   Tucked comfortably between her cleavage is a precious amulet hanging by a worn leather cord. The talon of jet black coloration and polished to a subtle lustre is also enscribed with fine runes and engravings. Where the talon would have fused with the rest of the bird it is instead replaced by a similarly runed bronze ring which attaches it firmly to the cord. While the half-elf knows it is magical but knows not of its meaning, she has never let anybody close enough to the precious artifact and hierloom to examine it and instead disregards its existance as a trinket.
   
   On her left hand Luca consitently wears a brown suade glove with the index and middle finger cut off and beneath it, binds her hand in linen. She rarely removes the glove and has never been known to undo the bandaging, though it is clear that at some point in time they must come off for retying or cleaning. Beneath the bandaging is a dark and haunting tribute to Luca's past. A beautifully crafted brand has left her palm scarred, calloused and numb with the texture of dead tree bark and a grim white coloration. The pattern is ornate and distinct, with an exotic flare in its twisting, writhing patterns. The scar itself associates itself with pain by the very look of it and it can be presumed that Luca keeps it bound not only to keep it hidden away from eyes and conversation, but tucked away in the back of her mind.

Personality:
   Luca is without a doubt a colorful character, with a whole spectrum of personalities to show off at will. She is generally cheery, with a coy sense of innocence about her and an excellent sense of humor (which, at times, seems to persist further than any one situation would normally admit). She has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, a bite of sarcasm or cynisism seemingly always on her words. As a thief and a person of the streets, Luca has a way about her that allows her to dance around the truth and twist her words to get her out of, and occasionally into, trouble. She has little to no respect for people of any standing, age or background, wherever the pointy bit of their weapon may be. As a strict value, she gives respect to those who deserve it, and must earn it through her witness alone. She takes friendship and comradery very seriously, and will never give her word without meaning to live up to it.

   The first impression of Luca is generally varied, depending on where, when and how many bottles in they find her aquaintence. She is not a shy individual, nor a humble or polite one. Without shame, reservation or regard for the feelings of others, Luca can be bold, blunt and generally outrageous. Her humor revolves around satire and the sly jabs at the faults of others and herself, though at times it can be surprisingly tight lipped and smartly sophisticated in its commentary. She is not an intelligent or civilized conversationalist, and most give up in that sense before they hurt themselves one way or another. Luca prefers the company of men to women for she finds women to be trite, petty and generally irritating in their mannerisms, though it should be noted that Luca's flirtatious tendencies makes her hardly a friend of the fairer gender and it's generally agreed upon that the half-elf is better off as 'one of the boys'. Men on the other hand are usually quite perplexed by the anomaly which is Luca. While most obviously, and quite agreeably, a woman, she carries herself in a way that makes it almost possible to forget this nugget of information. Her mannerisms, though not 'manly' in a sense, are crude and laid-back enough to allow her to be embraced by sailors, soldiers, boys of noble birth and thieves. At the same time, however, Luca is undeniably a ferocious player in the field, and flirts without regard when she can. She loves a pretty face and a strong arm, but has a strict aversion to romance and the perposterous notion of love. Luca has a strong affinity towards children as they do to her but a tentativeness, if not an antipathy, towards families as a unit or topic of discussion.

   Despite her outward appearances and bold defiances, Luca is a loyal individual with a strong set of morals. She feeds off honor, as bizarre as it may seem, and believes in doling out respect where respect is duly earned. She is fascinated by stories and legends and listens to tales by the fire with a wide-eyed wonder, as well as tells them with a livid passion. Earning Luca's friendship is not only a challenge in itself, but a journey not for the faint of heart. She is naturally untrusting and doubtful of people's motives, which has made her strong and wise in her career but weak and empty; the vastness of Luca's loneliness is a secret to all but herself and even the one soul that fills the void is oblivious to the extent of her occasional heartbreak. Sensitive to her own tragedies, Luca is usually quite closed lipped about her past, but has been known to share peices of her histories with the few she has called friends. Rarely does Luca find the opportunity or need to help anybody but herself, but it should be said that the thief can be a fine ally to have. Her reflexive maneuvers in dangerous situations and keen sense of human motive usually outweigh the thief’s amoral justification for participating in the first place. Luca's best friend and guiding spirit, Pick, is surely a savior for the troubled half-elf even when their relationship can be described as occasionally hostile. Pick watches over Luca, as well as advises, protects and listens to her. Luca, in return, has the utmost respect for her guide’s opinions (though her ability to follow directions can often cloud her interpretations) and loves her like a sister. Pick’s feelings towards Luca can be confused at times; while it could be argued that the eagle feels only an obligation to come to Luca’s aide, if not a magical demand, there are times of sensitivity that can make one question the extent of Pick’s sentimentality.

Strengths:
Luca's charisma, undeniable charm and fast wit make her a treasure to have around. She makes friends quickly and easily, though keeping them can be a matter of debate, and her humor lightens the mood of those around her. In addition to her immediate magnetism, Luca has also grown adept at the art of deception, manipulation and just downright playing dirty. Luca is excellent when it comes to persuasion and talking people in or out of things, whether through her wily charms or an undeniably sound logic. The half-elf has little in terms of scruples when it comes to lying or manipulating the truth to better suit things her way. Excellent at keeping a straight face, Luca is also capable of playing along with any story thrown at her. Her ability to roll with conversation, take up guises to keep somebody’s interest and be genuinely sound make Luca an expert as far as sentient interactions go.

Luca is quick and agile with reflexes like a cat. Her mind is always picking out exits and possible assets when she is in a new area. She can move with silence when needed and harbors good balance and hand-eye coordination. The thief excels at running long distances, her long legs carrying her far for long periods of time. Her ability to dodge and tack is uncanny and Luca has a fair share of skill when it comes to climbing. Her knowledge of the outdoors is untrained, but through years of practice Luca has picked up a skill in survivalism. She can hunt to a meagre extent and is capable of gritting her teeth through the grimmest of trials (despite her often hostile and verbal outrages).

Calling claim to part elven heritage, Luca’s eyesight and hearing is better than most humans, though far from that of pure elves. Luca’s eyesight is excellent for spotting small details in crowded or cluttered areas, though her long distance vision, especially in bright sunlight, is none better than the average human, if not worse. Her hearing is excellent and Luca has an innate ability to pick out distinct sounds within noise, though identifying those sounds or their source is still difficult for her.

As to be expected, Luca is quite one with her hands; especially if they happen to find themselves in another’s pocket or purse. Her skills range from exemplary sleight-of-hand and pick-pocketing skills to a head full of schemes, plots and cons to get her where she needs to be. She is proficient with a lock pick and, should things go awry, bold and practiced in her ability to remain out of sight.

Luca is very skilled with the dagger, her weapon of choice. She always has at least two on her person at any given time and is quick to retrieve them. With decades of practice, the half-elf is comfortable with most small blades both in close combat and ranged throwing. Despite this, the half-elf has a tendency to prefer to run than fight, and should things arise to blows, is more inclined to subdue than wound.

As opposed to what most would think of the happy-go-lucky half-elf, Luca is a die-hard realist. She understands that some people can be trusted, but for the most part it is wiser to keep one's guard up. This realism can aid her as the thief is wily enough not to let anybody get under her skin and can sense a lie from a mile away. She has a deep understanding and personal sympathy for the underprivileged, and knows from experience that the greatest of help and best of people can be found in the most unexpected places. Additionally, Luca is truly at home in large cities, the busier the better. She can navigate back alleys and sewer systems with uncanny ability. She relates well with people, mainly other thieves or others of the same ilk. She is canny to the slang of most sects and knows the unwritten honor and rules within the systems. As well as her ability to make friends quickly, Luca has similarly granted herself the priceless skill of having contacts and connections scattered all over the countryside, though the sincerity behind these come-and-go relationships is one to certainly be questioned.

Luca carries an enchanted amulet that allows her to summon lifelong partner and close friend, Pick. Pick is an eagle who will answer to Luca’s call and can communicate telepathically through the amulet with Luca so long she is wearing it. Pick can act as a spy or navigator for the half-elf, though Luca usually calls upon her for simple companionship or some advice she rarely listens to. The eagle has also been known to attack on Luca’s behalf, but very rarely does she exercise this option for she is far more useful as an advisor than an advisory.


Weakness':
Luca is a petite woman, short and with a slight build, as well as physically weak. She can easily be overpowered, wrestled down or knocked off her feet. The thief does not take kindly to pain and has difficulty working around injuries, no matter how small or superficial. Luca is rather clumsy if she is not paying attention, her innate gift of silence wasted when she knocks things over. She is also rather easy to spot in a crowd if she does not make an effort to be unseen and her boisterous nature can make her an easy target. Her raw beauty and seductive qualities have also been known to make her a target for men of a more unsavory nature, her flirtatious nature of no benefit.

Luca has never been properly trained with either a weapon or even basic combat skills. She is too small to wield large weapons and finds swords or other long blades cumbersome and difficult to maneuver with. Luca cannot parry or match attacks with any amount of skill, preferring to simply run away than face somebody in direct combat. She has a tendency to back herself into corners or lose her weapon at her own fault. Though much of her success is thanks to luck and a flailing array of blade wielding arms, Luca is more likely to strike an enemy down in an unmatched, chaotic melee than fighting a one on one duel. She does not fight well with allies and has tendency to drag the uninvolved into her “situations”. While she is not one to crack under pressure, Luca makes her decisions hastily and her already minimal use of foresight is all but evaporated in a tight situation.

Luca has a tendency to ramble and perhaps let things slip that she shouldn’t. The half-elf’s sharp tongue and unthinking ways tend to land her sticky messes that could have been avoided. The thief’s lies can occasionally double back on her, leading her to a situation she cannot handle or bodging up whatever story she was trying to pass. The half-elf strictly believes that nobody should get any shred of respect until they’ve personally deserved it, no matter their social stature, age or where the tip of their weapon is. Luca also possesses a general distrust of magic and the people that use it. She has no experience with magical items with the exception of her amulet, and refuses to use them. Luca is against magical healing and will decline it if she is able (usually translating to whether or not she is conscious). The thief has firm and very unusual views on the gods and religion and is quick to speak her mind, despite present company.

Though Luca’s realism can be a great asset, it has also fueled her pessimistic side. To a casual observer, Luca seems like one of those fanatic optimists who will never shut up about how great life is. On the contrary, Luca has seen some terrible sights, most of them from her own life, and knows how bad things can, and will, get. She is distrusting to most and very slow to get close to anybody. Luca takes friendship serious to a maddening level and can sometimes become irate with people who don’t. While her pessissim has developed out of self-preservation, her mule-like stubborness can sometimes leave her alone and without aid. Something about romantic relationships has always been a sore point for the woman, and often she scorns couples in public or even goes out of her way to break up a relationship.

Luca is not as well prepared as one who travels constantly should be. She does not carry her own tent or even a decent sleeping roll. Her clothing is barely fit to keep her warm or dry and the half-elf rarely has food stored with her and carries only a single water skin, which she sometimes neglects to fill when the chance arises (and in some cases fills it with substances that are more fun than they are nourishing). Luca is easily sidetracked and has very little self-discipline when on her own. Outside of cities and in the wilderness, Luca's sense of direction is deplorable.

Luca’s people skills are unquestionable, but her tact and ability to know when to say what are lacking. Though the thief is fun to be with, she takes almost nothing seriously and shows little outward sympathy to those she can’t relate to. The thief is an emotionally defensive woman and if she feels threatened or pressured, is known to lash out with words harsher than she intends. Having been subjected to racial discrimination for the better part of her life, she can become quite nervous or hostile if her lineage is brought to subject. Few wish to partner with the half-elf as it is obvious at first meeting that the thief could be more trouble than help. She harbors a general dislike of elves, people with money and authority figures. Additionally, her sense of humor and general mannerisms can be offensive and tiring, whether its her love for bourbon, her persistant flirtation, her occasionally offensive odor or her tendency to get everybody associated with her arrested.

Luca is a thief. She disrupts the peace and breaks the law. The half-elf frequents jails and dungeons as well as having to deal with victims who wish to take matters into their own hands. Luca shows respect to few she knows, and never to somebody she has just met. Though Luca is not a necessarily greedy person, a situation which could aid her is very appealing to the half-elf. She is quickly veered off topic and promises of a reward can cloud her good judgement. Luca, especially in areas where there is little chance of finding a victim, has next to no way of providing for herself for prolonged periods of time. When she travels, the half-elf relies purely on hunting rabbits and eating fruit, following streams and other water sources from town to town. If sidetracked or somehow handicapped on her own, the half-elf has little hope.

To put it bluntly, Luca may be sharp when she tries but is tragically uneducated and unmotivated. She lacks any formal education and knows only what she has seen, as well as suffering from illiteracy. She can be stubborn as a mule at times and closed minded to new ideas. The half-elf lacks a certain amount of common sense and is slow to understand things when put to words. She never thinks ahead or of the consequences, preferring to have a go at things on a whim than plan them out. Other people’s plans never seem to click in the half-elf’s head, and even though she may appear to be nodding excitedly, it’s more often than not going in one pointed ear and out the other. Her grasp of Tharian can also be described as remedial and she has a hard time communicating her opinions, fears and emotions even when she is so inclined to do so.

Possessions:
   Luca's possessions tend to fluctuate according to her company, but there are a few items she has on her person at all times. To carry it all, she has a moderately sized duffel bag stuffed to a point of complete disarray with seemingly miscellaneous gear and aquisitions that include crude cooking supplies, several peds of rope, a few knives meant for hunting, kindling and cooking, and various other supplies that she has deemed necessary and useful over the years. Some other trinkets of no particular regard include a fine metal flask engraved finely with initials that are not her own, a small collection of beads and marbles, a tiny reference pocket book about birds and a haggard wool knit hat.
   
   Around Luca’s neck hangs her very most precious possession, a leather thronged amulet made of a charcoal colored eagle talon. The talon itself is large, approximately six nailsbreadths in length, and hangs with a relative degree of weight. At the claw’s base, where it would have attached to its owner’s foot, it is bound by a secure bronze and permanently secured to its leather cord. Polished to a dull sheen, the amulet is finely engraved with a subtle magical script, not noticeable at even a prolonged glance. The script is fine and divinely stroked, the necessary care taken to endow it with the power it possesses clearly evident. The runes themselves are lost in meaning to the magic-wary half-elf, and even a skilled student of Ximax would be hard pressed to decipher them. A more skilled master of magic, however, would identify them as an advanced binding spell of an ancient origin. Near identical script can be found on the corresponding bronze ring that encircles the missing toe on Pick’s foot and in moments of emotional distress, have been known to glow a fine silver light.


Familiar:

History:

[Zeva Callin]

Now I know what you mean by length. Golly my just seems like a paragraph compared to yours. The things you have told me I have fixed up and thanks for the help and answering the rather stupid question.

Zeva Callin

[Vesk Lyricahl]

And here it is as you requested Luca.

[Nox Echiiscuan]

>_>   I found a few spelling errors. I didn't check for grammar as I'm not very good at it myself... sooo... Don't kill me and here ya go. ^_~

Corrections will be formated gorgeous in green.

Name: Luca
Age: 41
Gender: Female
Race: Half-elf
Tribe: Rhulran and Aeolrhan
Title: Scallawag

Occupation: A deliberate odd-jobber and scrounger, Luca has little desire to work and funds her exploits with the annexed wealth of others.

With a coy smile, charming wit and a sharp tongue, Luca is without a doubt an acquaintance who's memory lingers like a bad blow to the head. Her general friendliness and charisma are perhaps the half-elf’s greatest asset, and should she go about conversation carefully and avoid mentioning some things (not to mention keep her hands to herself) Luca is quite capable of making friends quickly. Despite a natural magnetism, Luca has a tendency to judge and prejudice those around her, an enemy to wealth, conservatism and tradition. She can be very defensive and sensitive at times, though has little regard for the similar feelings of others. Decidedly independent, Luca possesses the spirit of a wild animal and through this is excited by the promise of change and rebellion.

Appearance:
Though perhaps not the kind of woman to stop a crowd silent at her entrance, Luca is without a doubt a charming, if not pretty, young woman. Her figure curves and dips in all the right places with a persistently youthful appearance of being in her mid-twenties, with a generous bust and long legs. With toned arms, a firm stomach and a flexible spine, Luca is in good shape, as should be expected from somebody so reliant on hiding in tight spaces, and should that fail, running from a fleet footed pursuer. Both in regards to her desert-born lineage and Luca’s love for the sun, the half-elf’s skin is bronzed with a rich tan and she bears a peppering of freckles across her cheeks, nose, shoulders and chest. Her half-elven lineage is not wholly obvious, but is betrayed in her pointed ears, fey-like nose and occasionally elegant figure.

Though it would seem that the thief has all the qualities to be dubbed beautiful by most takers, there is something about her that makes the term inappropriate, if not downright absurd. She is not subtle nor sleek, and is without pristine features or a demure, tugging smile. Her soft pink lips are often twisted into a crooked, hinting smirk if not revealing small white teeth through rich laughter. Her nose, blended neatly to her face over the bridge and slightly upturned at the tip, is dotted playfully with freckles that spill over onto her often flushed or sunburned cheeks. The half-elf’s hair frames her face playfully, choppy strands brushing over her cheeks and falling across her eyes. Colored a deep mahogany, her hair is highlighted subtly with copper and some blonde due to her habits of staying in the sun. It is cropped at her chin, tapering around to the back in a jagged manner, due to the fact that it is more often than not cut with her own daggers. It is Luca’s eyes, however, that prounounce her character. Rimmed with thick black lashes while short, neat eyebrows twist expressively above, Luca’s dark eyes are a rich chocolate brown, flecked curiously with gold. Bold and defiant, the fiery spirit of the half-elf burns behind the depths of her orbs. Despite her ability as a fantastic actress and teller of tales, at times of great stress or emotion it is the half-elf's eyes that truly give her away.

Comfortable in just about anything, Luca’s attire can change at will. The thief does however possess a solid set of her own clothes. A sleeveless, khaki shirt is almost always worn with a plunging square neck. Over this, the half-elf bears a heavy and heavily worn woolen gray sweater, with sleeves a tad too long and a stretched out neck. Because of her heritage, Luca stays either inside or south in cold weather and because of this can keep her clothing minimal. She bears a green skirt of no considerable length and is capable of revealing a more than generous amount of leg. For modesty’s sake (despite popular belief, the half-elf does in fact have some regard of sensibility) beneath this Luca once wore a set of black leggings, but has long since cut them off just a fore down from her hip. If the thief does find herself in colder whether, she has been known to wear men's slacks to fight off the frigid bite. She generally prefers to be barefoot, especially liking the feel of the very stones beneath her feet for a better grip and balance, but this is hardly practical in her lifestyle of traveling across countrysides or navigating bars after fights. To adjust, the half-elf wears a pair of leather boots with thick soles and whatever cord she can scrounge up to tie them. Around her waist Luca cinches a thick belt that appears to have been scavenged off a saddle or some other heavy-duty equipment that she uses to carry some personal effects such as mismatching purses, hidden daggers, her lock picks, her flask and the occasional piece of fruit.

Tucked comfortably between her cleavage is a precious amulet hanging by a worn leather cord. The talon of jet black coloration and polished to a subtle luster is also inscribed with fine runes and engravings. Where the talon would have fused with the rest of the bird it is instead replaced by a similarly runed bronze ring which attaches it firmly to the cord. While the half-elf knows it is magical but knows not of its meaning, she has never let anybody close enough to the precious artifact and heirloom to examine it and instead disregards its existence as a trinket.

On her left hand Luca consistently wears a brown suede glove with the index and middle finger cut off and beneath it, binds her hand in linen. She rarely removes the glove and has never been known to undo the bandaging, though it is clear that at some point in time they must come off for retying or cleaning. Beneath the bandaging is a dark and haunting tribute to Luca's past. A beautifully crafted brand has left her palm scarred, calloused and numb with the texture of dead tree bark and a grim white coloration. The pattern is ornate and distinct, with an exotic flare in its twisting, writhing patterns. The scar itself associates itself with pain by the very look of it and it can be presumed that Luca keeps it bound not only to keep it hidden away from eyes and conversation, but tucked away in the back of her mind.

Personality:
Luca is without a doubt a colorful character, with a whole spectrum of personalities to show off at will. She is generally cheery, with a coy sense of innocence about her and an excellent sense of humor (which, at times, seems to persist further than any one situation would normally admit). She has a quick wit and a sharp tongue, a bite of sarcasm or cynicism seemingly always on her words. As a thief and a person of the streets, Luca has a way about her that allows her to dance around the truth and twist her words to get her out of, and occasionally into, trouble. She has little to no respect for people of any standing, age or background, wherever the pointy bit of their weapon may be. As a strict value, she gives respect to those who deserve it, and must earn it through her witness alone. She takes friendship and comradery very seriously, and will never give her word without meaning to live up to it.

The first impression of Luca is generally varied, depending on where, when and how many bottles in they find her acquaintance. She is not a shy individual, nor a humble or polite one. Without shame, reservation or regard for the feelings of others, Luca can be bold, blunt and generally outrageous. Her humor revolves around satire and the sly jabs at the faults of others and herself, though at times it can be surprisingly tight lipped and smartly sophisticated in its commentary. She is not an intelligent or civilized conversationalist, and most give up in that sense before they hurt themselves one way or another. Luca prefers the company of men to women for she finds women to be trite, petty and generally irritating in their mannerisms, though it should be noted that Luca's flirtatious tendencies makes her hardly a friend of the fairer gender and it's generally agreed upon that the half-elf is better off as 'one of the boys'. Men on the other hand are usually quite perplexed by the anomaly which is Luca. While most obviously, and quite agreeably, a woman, she carries herself in a way that makes it almost possible to forget this nugget of information. Her mannerisms, though not 'manly' in a sense, are crude and laid-back enough to allow her to be embraced by sailors, soldiers, boys of noble birth and thieves. At the same time, however, Luca is undeniably a ferocious player in the field, and flirts without regard when she can. She loves a pretty face and a strong arm, but has a strict aversion to romance and the preposterous notion of love. Luca has a strong affinity towards children as they do to her but a tentativeness, if not an antipathy, towards families as a unit or topic of discussion.

Despite her outward appearances and bold defiances, Luca is a loyal individual with a strong set of morals. She feeds off honor, as bizarre as it may seem, and believes in doling out respect where respect is duly earned. She is fascinated by stories and legends and listens to tales by the fire with a wide-eyed wonder, as well as tells them with a livid passion. Earning Luca's friendship is not only a challenge in itself, but a journey not for the faint of heart. She is naturally untrusting and doubtful of people's motives, which has made her strong and wise in her career but weak and empty; the vastness of Luca's loneliness is a secret to all but herself and even the one soul that fills the void is oblivious to the extent of her occasional heartbreak. Sensitive to her own tragedies, Luca is usually quite closed lipped about her past, but has been known to share peices of her histories with the few she has called friends. Rarely does Luca find the opportunity or need to help anybody but herself, but it should be said that the thief can be a fine ally to have. Her reflexive maneuvers in dangerous situations and keen sense of human motive usually outweigh the thief’s amoral justification for participating in the first place. Luca's best friend and guiding spirit, Pick, is surely a savior for the troubled half-elf even when their relationship can be described as occasionally hostile. Pick watches over Luca, as well as advises, protects and listens to her. Luca, in return, has the utmost respect for her guide’s opinions (though her ability to follow directions can often cloud her interpretations) and loves her like a sister. Pick’s feelings towards Luca can be confused at times; while it could be argued that the eagle feels only an obligation to come to Luca’s aide, if not a magical demand, there are times of sensitivity that can make one question the extent of Pick’s sentimentality.

Strengths:
Luca's charisma, undeniable charm and fast wit make her a treasure to have around. She makes friends quickly and easily, though keeping them can be a matter of debate, and her humor lightens the mood of those around her. In addition to her immediate magnetism, Luca has also grown adept at the art of deception, manipulation and just downright playing dirty. Luca is excellent when it comes to persuasion and talking people in or out of things, whether through her wily charms or an undeniably sound logic. The half-elf has little in terms of scruples when it comes to lying or manipulating the truth to better suit things her way. Excellent at keeping a straight face, Luca is also capable of playing along with any story thrown at her. Her ability to roll with conversation, take up guises to keep somebody’s interest and be genuinely sound make Luca an expert as far as sentient interactions go.

Luca is quick and agile with reflexes like a cat. Her mind is always picking out exits and possible assets when she is in a new area. She can move with silence when needed and harbors good balance and hand-eye coordination. The thief excels at running long distances, her long legs carrying her far for long periods of time. Her ability to dodge and tack is uncanny and Luca has a fair share of skill when it comes to climbing. Her knowledge of the outdoors is untrained, but through years of practice Luca has picked up a skill in survivalism. She can hunt to a meager extent and is capable of gritting her teeth through the grimmest of trials (despite her often hostile and verbal outrages).

Calling claim to part elven heritage, Luca’s eyesight and hearing is better than most humans, though far from that of pure elves. Luca’s eyesight is excellent for spotting small details in crowded or cluttered areas, though her long distance vision, especially in bright sunlight, is none better than the average human, if not worse. Her hearing is excellent and Luca has an innate ability to pick out distinct sounds within noise, though identifying those sounds or their source is still difficult for her.

As to be expected, Luca is quite one with her hands; especially if they happen to find themselves in another’s pocket or purse. Her skills range from exemplary sleight-of-hand and pick-pocketing skills to a head full of schemes, plots and cons to get her where she needs to be. She is proficient with a lock pick and, should things go awry, bold and practiced in her ability to remain out of sight.

Luca is very skilled with the dagger, her weapon of choice. She always has at least two on her person at any given time and is quick to retrieve them. With decades of practice, the half-elf is comfortable with most small blades both in close combat and ranged throwing. Despite this, the half-elf has a tendency to prefer to run than fight, and should things arise to blows, is more inclined to subdue than wound.

As opposed to what most would think of the happy-go-lucky half-elf, Luca is a die-hard realist. She understands that some people can be trusted, but for the most part it is wiser to keep one's guard up. This realism can aid her as the thief is wily enough not to let anybody get under her skin and can sense a lie from a mile away. She has a deep understanding and personal sympathy for the underprivileged, and knows from experience that the greatest of help and best of people can be found in the most unexpected places. Additionally, Luca is truly at home in large cities, the busier the better. She can navigate back alleys and sewer systems with uncanny ability. She relates well with people, mainly other thieves or others of the same ilk. She is canny to the slang of most sects and knows the unwritten honor and rules within the systems. As well as her ability to make friends quickly, Luca has similarly granted herself the priceless skill of having contacts and connections scattered all over the countryside, though the sincerity behind these come-and-go relationships is one to certainly be questioned.

Luca carries an enchanted amulet that allows her to summon lifelong partner and close friend, Pick. Pick is an eagle who will answer to Luca’s call and can communicate telepathically through the amulet with Luca so long she is wearing it. Pick can act as a spy or navigator for the half-elf, though Luca usually calls upon her for simple companionship or some advice she rarely listens to. The eagle has also been known to attack on Luca’s behalf, but very rarely does she exercise this option for she is far more useful as an advisor than an advisory.


Weakness':
Luca is a petite woman, short and with a slight build, as well as physically weak. She can easily be overpowered, wrestled down or knocked off her feet. The thief does not take kindly to pain and has difficulty working around injuries, no matter how small or superficial. Luca is rather clumsy if she is not paying attention, her innate gift of silence wasted when she knocks things over. She is also rather easy to spot in a crowd if she does not make an effort to be unseen and her boisterous nature can make her an easy target. Her raw beauty and seductive qualities have also been known to make her a target for men of a more unsavory nature, her flirtatious nature of no benefit.

Luca has never been properly trained with either a weapon or even basic combat skills. She is too small to wield large weapons and finds swords or other long blades cumbersome and difficult to maneuver with. Luca cannot parry or match attacks with any amount of skill, preferring to simply run away than face somebody in direct combat. She has a tendency to back herself into corners or lose her weapon at her own fault. Though much of her success is thanks to luck and a flailing array of blade wielding arms, Luca is more likely to strike an enemy down in an unmatched, chaotic melee than fighting a one on one duel. She does not fight well with allies and has tendency to drag the uninvolved into her “situations”. While she is not one to crack under pressure, Luca makes her decisions hastily and her already minimal use of foresight is all but evaporated in a tight situation.

Luca has a tendency to ramble and perhaps let things slip that she shouldn’t. The half-elf’s sharp tongue and unthinking ways tend to land her sticky messes that could have been avoided. The thief’s lies can occasionally double back on her, leading her to a situation she cannot handle or bodging up whatever story she was trying to pass. The half-elf strictly believes that nobody should get any shred of respect until they’ve personally deserved it, no matter their social stature, age or where the tip of their weapon is. Luca also possesses a general distrust of magic and the people that use it. She has no experience with magical items with the exception of her amulet, and refuses to use them. Luca is against magical healing and will decline it if she is able (usually translating to whether or not she is conscious). The thief has firm and very unusual views on the gods and religion and is quick to speak her mind, despite present company.

Though Luca’s realism can be a great asset, it has also fueled her pessimistic side. To a casual observer, Luca seems like one of those fanatic optimists who will never shut up about how great life is. On the contrary, Luca has seen some terrible sights, most of them from her own life, and knows how bad things can, and will, get. She is distrusting to most and very slow to get close to anybody. Luca takes friendship serious to a maddening level and can sometimes become irate with people who don’t. While her pessimism has developed out of self-preservation, her mule-like stubbornness can sometimes leave her alone and without aid. Something about romantic relationships has always been a sore point for the woman, and often she scorns couples in public or even goes out of her way to break up a relationship.

Luca is not as well prepared as one who travels constantly should be. She does not carry her own tent or even a decent sleeping roll. Her clothing is barely fit to keep her warm or dry and the half-elf rarely has food stored with her and carries only a single water skin, which she sometimes neglects to fill when the chance arises (and in some cases fills it with substances that are more fun than they are nourishing). Luca is easily sidetracked and has very little self-discipline when on her own. Outside of cities and in the wilderness, Luca's sense of direction is deplorable.

Luca’s people skills are unquestionable, but her tact and ability to know when to say what are lacking. Though the thief is fun to be with, she takes almost nothing seriously and shows little outward sympathy to those she can’t relate to. The thief is an emotionally defensive woman and if she feels threatened or pressured, is known to lash out with words harsher than she intends. Having been subjected to racial discrimination for the better part of her life, she can become quite nervous or hostile if her lineage is brought to subject. Few wish to partner with the half-elf as it is obvious at first meeting that the thief could be more trouble than help. She harbors a general dislike of elves, people with money and authority figures. Additionally, her sense of humor and general mannerisms can be offensive and tiring, whether its her love for bourbon, her persistent flirtation, her occasionally offensive odor or her tendency to get everybody associated with her arrested.

Luca is a thief. She disrupts the peace and breaks the law. The half-elf frequents jails and dungeons as well as having to deal with victims who wish to take matters into their own hands. Luca shows respect to few she knows, and never to somebody she has just met. Though Luca is not a necessarily greedy person, a situation which could aid her is very appealing to the half-elf. She is quickly veered off topic and promises of a reward can cloud her good judgement. Luca, especially in areas where there is little chance of finding a victim, has next to no way of providing for herself for prolonged periods of time. When she travels, the half-elf relies purely on hunting rabbits and eating fruit, following streams and other water sources from town to town. If sidetracked or somehow handicapped on her own, the half-elf has little hope.

To put it bluntly, Luca may be sharp when she tries but is tragically uneducated and unmotivated. She lacks any formal education and knows only what she has seen, as well as suffering from illiteracy. She can be stubborn as a mule at times and closed minded to new ideas. The half-elf lacks a certain amount of common sense and is slow to understand things when put to words. She never thinks ahead or of the consequences, preferring to have a go at things on a whim than plan them out. Other people’s plans never seem to click in the half-elf’s head, and even though she may appear to be nodding excitedly, it’s more often than not going in one pointed ear and out the other. Her grasp of Tharian can also be described as remedial and she has a hard time communicating her opinions, fears and emotions even when she is so inclined to do so.

Possessions:
Luca's possessions tend to fluctuate according to her company, but there are a few items she has on her person at all times. To carry it all, she has a moderately sized duffel bag stuffed to a point of complete disarray with seemingly miscellaneous gear and acquisitions that include crude cooking supplies, several peds of rope, a few knives meant for hunting, kindling and cooking, and various other supplies that she has deemed necessary and useful over the years. Some other trinkets of no particular regard include a fine metal flask engraved finely with initials that are not her own, a small collection of beads and marbles, a tiny reference pocket book about birds and a haggard wool-knit  (was missing modifier, that's all) hat.

Around Luca’s neck hangs her very most precious possession, a leather thronged amulet made of a charcoal colored eagle talon. The talon itself is large, approximately six nailsbreadths in length, and hangs with a relative degree of weight. At the claw’s base, where it would have attached to its owner’s foot, it is bound by a secure bronze and permanently secured to its leather cord. Polished to a dull sheen, the amulet is finely engraved with a subtle magical script, not noticeable at even a prolonged glance. The script is fine and divinely stroked, the necessary care taken to endow it with the power it possesses clearly evident. The runes themselves are lost in meaning to the magic-wary half-elf, and even a skilled student of Ximax would be hard pressed to decipher them. A more skilled master of magic, however, would identify them as an advanced binding spell of an ancient origin. Near identical script(s)? can be found on the corresponding bronze ring that encircles the missing toe on Pick’s foot and in moments of emotional distress, have been known to glow a fine silver light.

[Luca the Thief]

Thanks Nox!

I couldn't remember if I had run a spellcheck or not yet since I usually do that at the end of a project >>

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