Shen Caz'na ~Kasumarii ~Darkpriestess

[Shen Caz'na]

Name: Shen Caz'na

Occupation: Darkpriestess - Shadowarm  

Gender: Female

Race: Human

Tribe: Kasumarii

Age: 28

Birthday: 7th day of Questar, 1640 A.S.

Title: Shade Scion

Eye Color: Baveras’eye

Hair Color: Cyhalloi Snow

Height: 1 Ped, 1 Fore, 2 Palmspans, 8 Nailsbreadths. (5'3")

Weight: 9 Hebs, 1 Hafeb, 2 Mut. (105 Lbs.)

~:~Description~:~

Abundant lengths of Cyhalloi Snow locks pour over her lithe and muscular shoulders, substantial sleek tresses flowing down her tiny back, ending at near a palmspan above her curvaceous waistline. Shen has not altered this style of cut since she abandoned her homeland and has no intention of changing this now. It is extremely perceptible that the assassin is exceedingly vain over her appearance. Often times her white mane is tied by a crimson hairpiece, into a ponytail that comes to respite just between her supple shoulder blades. This permits the priestess a wide angle of vision when gambling, stalking prey or murdering the innocent.

 The Darkpriestess’s eyes are the hue of Baveras’eye, eloquently positioned symmetrically upon her porcelain like countenance. If stared into many have said, “there is an iciness swirling in them” and a feeling of “gloom” gathered in their depths. Shen has time and again used makeup about them, causing their chilly surface to appear almost radiant. These graceful orbs are poised on each side of the Kasumarii’s slightly upturned pudgy nose. Willowy, succulent lips are an enthralling enunciation against the priestess’s pallid visage. The entire motif accentuated by the assassin’s cheeky grin, which is readily displayed towards most anyone she meets.

 Most times Shen wears the robes of her order over any other clothing; the garment is made of an obsidian cloth with a flowing cowl that recurrently veils her eyes in unfathomable shadow. When the cowl is laid back it is obvious why it is designed in such a way. No standard sized cowl would enclose the abundance of hoary tresses that spill out when it is lowered. For those that have not seen her face before, the lowering of the cowl has caused them to be a bit shocked. The snowy hue of her locks, porcelain colored skin and frosty hued eyes are in severe contrast to the murky background of this dreary article of cloth.

 When the flowing robes are removed, strapping and wiry muscles can be seen enveloping her corpulent form in a revelation of endurance and health. For her entire existence she has traveled a nomadic lifestyle amongst the Kar’ii, coupled with a lifetime of tutelage amongst the elite group of assassins. Shen's widespread understanding of Shaitarai has educated the assassin to be graceful and refined in all that she does. No effort is exhausted beyond what is needed to accomplish any task, nor does she hesitate when action is required. Many years have been spent roaming for her brethren on errands, practicing stealth and spreading the words of Korenjah. She is quite possibly the epitome of physical vigor for a woman of her age.  

 Unmitigated slender digits extend from the Darkpriestess’s delicate hands; their movements are charming and highlighted with poise. This has been refined over a lifetime of bending the shadows to her will, their activities being reminiscent of a tree’s silhouette in a twilight zephyr.

 A vest made of soft leather is designed in a black and rose striped motif that covers the assassin from just above pale bosom to her supple waist. A tiny stud upon the left breast of the jacket is a jewel in the shape of a sapphire heart; the golden background behind the heart sets many an eye upon it. It has a large, singular, golden ring being set into the base of the front v-pattern of the taut garment. A strap of woven beads the colors sky blue, cobalt and azure stretch over each elegant shoulder. Another strand of cerulean beads are attached just below each armpit, marking the end of the stretched leather of this enlightening jacket. The end of the covering then tapers into flowing rose-colored sleeves tied firmly at the wrists with azure leather straps.

 Skintight nor’sidian hued leather breeches cover her sinuous but well-muscled legs, revealing much of her porcelain like stomach with a very low-cut front. The leathery stitches holding these breeches together are deep karikrimson in color and run down the outside of each leg. A thin leather belt is run through the cherry-red loops that circumvent the waistline of this garment. Though this item is often hidden beneath the flowing sash worn about her supple waist, a garrote is usually hung from a clip to the rear left of this belt. The assassin does enjoy the sounds of strangling victims when the opportunity presents itself.
 
 The Kar’ii is adorned with few other accessories; a pair of black low-cut leather boots is often times on her dexterous feet. A set of black leather gloves can sometimes be noticed upon nimble fingers. On her supple neck rests a golden necklace, with a single blue stone set like a tear at the base of the v-shape and a solitary mint green stone as the centerpiece of it in the front. A double filament of beads is woven into Shen's undulating white tresses just above each ear. The length of the threads ride at just above the base of the skull behind her head. This is used to keep lengthy locks from falling over her eyes when removed from a ponytail. The necklace and hair beads are always worn no matter the guise she is traveling in.
  

~:~Personality~:~

Shen likes to be in control of every aspect of her life and generally spends some time peacefully surveying her surroundings, before engaging anyone in idle chatter. There is nothing more that she hates than the world dissolving into chaos. If her comfort zone falls into pandemonium the assassin has no qualms about entering the foray with a calm tone. Should this not resolve the bedlam she could possibly resort to swift violence, not even caring about the death of onlookers. The priestess’s only goal would be to bring harmony once again to her life.

 Frequently the priestess has no issues plying her physical and witty charms. As she is neither exceptional of beauty nor lacking completely in this regard, she has become renowned for creating friendships with this unique combination. Although she is more accustomed to intimate relationships with those of her own gender, she is not above practicing such weapons against men. Generally when she utilizes these attributes on gentlemen there are ulterior motives involved. She has, after-all, been extensively trained to endure whatever it takes to reach her goals.

 For those she calls friends are in truth mere allies, she completely trusts no one. Behind Shen’s jovial grin is a being that has practiced murder, deceit and subterfuge on a daily basis. Although, not utterly heartless, she is quite capable of atrocities should the necessity arise. With her new found freedom over recent years, the priestess has garnered a few close relationships in Southern Sarvonia. Yet even these few are left at a distance when personal inquiries come to the fore.

 Summarily the priestess has a complete distain for all other clergy outside of those within her brethren. Although she may engage them in a complex debate on such matters, odds are they are merely sealing their fate, in her eyes. Sadly, this does not need to be, since the Karii can articulate her ideals very well. One might even say she could be highly persuasive should she apply herself and keep murder as a less viable option. Only time will tell if this particular aspect will remain with her as the months and years pass.

Although the assassin comes from a family known for their adamant worship of the Lord of Shadows with sometimes barbaric and cold-hearted techniques in battle. The priestess exhibits an unusual interest in politics and history of the northern lands. Like her ancestors, she finds that becoming perceived allies with other tribes a better ploy than overpowering and killing them. Regularly she absorbs information and stows it amongst her growing knowledge of these foreign lands.  

 Shen enjoys liquor and would likely drink more, but she finds she is quite vulnerable to its effects and becomes quickly impaired by it. In fact she once had a particularly nasty experience with Mil'no Fire, and can barely stand the sight of it. She rarely eats a regular meal, opting instead for many small ones throughout the day consisting amiably of Loibl bread, berries or nuts. In the last few years she has developed a taste for the Halfling’s leaf. This came about after discovering that the Silverrod variety did much to dull the residual pain of past atrocities. Since then she has become quite the connoisseur, and carries an assortment of packets with her wherever she goes, along with an exquisitely crafted pipe.

 With a voracious love for the game of 'Daggers Down', her skill and frequency with which she seeks out a match is borderline habitual. Shen also has a ravenous fondness for a good number games of chance, most notably 'Great House' (poker rules), 'Full Cottages' (rummy), 'Mother’s Rue' (strip poker) and 'Alliances' (euchre). The assassin’s calm demeanor and dexterous digits keep her semi-successful, recently, in most of these competitions. When sans are on the table one can easily observe the excitement glistening on the surface of her opaque orbs. Although her gambling exploits span a wide range of games, these are sure fire ways of drawing her in. It should be noted that any wager is not beyond the realms of her partaking an interest in.

~:~Strengths~:~

Shadowmancy: Like all Darkpriests, Shen was born with the potential to perform Shadowmancy. With decades of tutelage she has honed these skills to a remarkable level in the defense of her people on the frozen plains of Cyhalloi. Not only in the carrying out of contracts but in her tribes survival against predators and the Orcs of Dorolak. Korenjah the Lord of Shadow has bestowed many gifts upon the young assassin and resides over every aspect of the Darkpriestess’s daily existence as she wanders Sarvonia.

On and On and On!: With a lifetime of continuous migration across the expanses of Cyhalloi, Shen's body has become accustomed to forced treks over vast distances. In a frigid environment, like her homeland, she could set a rigid pace and keep it up easily for a day’s time before needing rest. The Kar’ii’s constant training in the art of Shaitarai has toned every muscle of her lithe form into a revelation of physical health. Yet it is evident that warmer climates are not so easy for her to maintain a rigorous pace and the hotter the atmosphere the more this facet of her composition seems to deteriorate.  

Momentum: The principals of Shaitarai are simple, although quite effective. When faced with an armed opponent you wait for them to strike, merely stepping into the blow. Once you get within the weapons designed percussion range, your hands can easily reach your enemies body. Using the momentum of your adversary you then toss them in the direction of their force. Although this technique is not directly meant to harm an antagonist, it does grant a Shadowmancer a few benefits. Creating distance from a foe so their god's blessings can be utilized or merely creating an opening in which to escape.

 Shen has practiced this martial arts form since childhood and does so religiously to this day. With the standing of a Shadowarm amongst her clergy she would be considered highly adept at this fighting style, although not a master amongst her brethren. Every day amid the Kar’ii she acted as a teacher to the novice and a pupil to the truly accomplished. Even her daily actions have been honed by these teachings, never is movement wasted or energy expended without reason.    

Silence is a Virtue: With decades of practice in Shaitarai, Shadowmancy and stealth, the Priestess outshines most any would be rivals. Under the cover of dusk, nighttime or the glimmer of sunrise she could go relatively unnoticed at a distance of two Peds for hours. Whilst using shadows to shroud her corporal form, Shaitarai to keep her breathing soft and measured, finding her under these conditions would necessitate a bloodhound of some skill. Even in broad daylight her calculated footfalls would be no more audible than the passing of an undersized kitten.  

Literate: Shen knows how to read and write extremely well. With an acute understanding of complex vocabulary and word usage, she could be considered on a scholarly level. She also has a vast understanding of her tribal lore and religions, knowing most prayers to the Gods/Goddesses she worships.

~:~Weaknesses~:~

Should I or Shouldn't I?: Following Shen's choice to exile herself from her homeland, societal interactions have significantly diminished for the assassin. With no readily available clergy or tribal members to interact with, she has found shared relations to be tricky at best. The legends revolving about the bloodthirsty nature of her people and their somewhat mythic persona as wanton killers leave the lass with some nervousness in close relationships. Even though the priestess has endeavored to become more like those around her, she has found it hard if not impossible to shatter through her initial sense of reserve.  

It’s getting hot in here!: With the predominance of her life spent in colder climes it is easy to appreciate how Southern Sarvonia has affected the Darkpriestess in some ways. The temperature causes Shen's endurance to suffer proportionately to her location. A desert locale would be an obstacle of epic magnitude for the northern dwelling Kar’ii. The warmth would cause her to wriggle out of most any protective clothes, leaving her ashen flesh exposed to the devastation of Injera. Being accustomed to clothing that guards her from the icy surroundings in which she was born, the assassin’s pallid skin would soon exhibit painful blistering.

I'm Special: When shrouded in gloom, Shen honestly considers herself to be a being of celestial decent. The Dark Priestess feels as if she is gifted by Korenjah to be above the realm of mortal entities. Those that know of the assassin’s overzealous beliefs could manipulate this aspect of grandiose thought. Quite possibly, an intelligent adversary could lull her into a false sense of security and capitalize against the Kar’ii when least expected.

Coór Spawn: The priestess has an unusual and persistent fear of horses. The Kar'ii experiences undue anxiety even when a horse is known to be placid and well trained. Shen usually avoids horses entirely rather than risk being kicked, bitten or thrown. This uncontrollable fear extends to other hoofed animals such as ponies, donkeys and mules as well. All of this stems from her earliest expeditions to the Sarvonian continent. After being thrown from a Kor'och fey Mologh she utterly refuses to be near them, swearing to this day that all equines are out to get her.

Svranf Envy: Quite frequently stranded in desolate places with her fellow clergy, predominantly female, Shen has and still does prefer the company of her own gender. If not platonic, she would be more inclined towards a romantic interlude with a woman than a man. With her introverted personality and this atypical fondness, the priestess has remained single for much of her adult life. And will probably continue to stay that way, much to the Kar'ii's chagrin.

Bring on the bones: Only in the beginning of a severe gambling addiction, Shen uses this as a cushion to associate with others. Yet the rush and excitement of a game of chance is starting to become nigh impossible for the assassin to pass on. Although this does help her interact with others, fleetingly, she finds it more difficult to not hunt down these games of chance whenever possible. This continually leads the priestess towards avenues of addiction, not to mention luring her towards the less than savory areas of most cities.

~:~Shadowmancy~:~

As a Darkpriestess, Korenjah the Lord of Shadow, has gifted Shen with the ability to influence shadows. Akin to all Shadowmancers, the Kar’ii has no need to utter prayers to her benefactor for the manifestations to present themselves. Complex prestidigitation is all that is required for her to literally form darkness into a physical materialization, to assail her targets. It should be clearly noted that her hands must be free for the priestess to weave the most intricate of her prayers. Yet she is still quite capable of moving shadows about insubstantially without the use of her digits and could easily shroud herself in obscurity if bound.  

 The gifts granted to each Shadowmancer can vary significantly from individual to individual; even those of similar strength of faith and willpower rarely exhibit identical characteristics. Shen is no different in this regard, being able to call forth shadows to her bidding with simple body postures, the priestess can effortlessly bring into the world a shroud of darkness to veil her movements under the cover of night. With only the ability to wiggle her fingers she could encase an opponent in a mantle of gloom that would seemingly follow the target, leaving them blinded. Or the Kar’ii could manifest an intricate stage show of shadowy figures to draw the attention of would be guardsmen.

 Leaving the priestess’s hands liberated from all obstructions opens her to an innovative world of prayers, which most would not like to consider exists. Shen's most dramatic manifestation is the gift of being able to make a person’s own shadow into a physical entity. Using this shade to bind the owner is a frightening experience for those that have suffered the situation. The darkness has a powerful tangible strength that no orc or human has broken free from. It requires the Shadowmancer only a few blinks to fully envelope a target in this way and she has been known to bring this fate down upon a trio of opponents, given enough time.

 Strangely, Shen is unable to persuade shadows cast by inanimate objects to assail living targets. Although she can cause them to take a corporal form and move them about, they do not beseech a target with the lifelike properties of the shadows created by a sentient being. Still, the Kar’ii has some unique prayers tailoring to this distinctive aspect of her gifts. One prominent blessing is her ability to manifest tangible hand-holds over most any plane, allowing the assassin to climb every surface with relative ease. More than once pursuers have had her cornered, only for the priestess to utilize this ability and disappear from the inescapable.

 With the constant struggle for survival in Cyhalloi against the orcs of Dorolak, the priestess has learned to manipulate shadows in defense of her people and herself. Shen can erect corporeal walls of darkness, although these are small, approximately four peds, and not completely tangible. They have been known to slow the velocity of arrow fire and are likened to a crowd of petite children holding you back by those attempting to pass through. There are downfalls to this particular use of Shadowmancy as well, as these properties of the wall are equally expressed on either side. True your enemies being unable to view your activities can be a windfall, your inability to scrutinize them can be a pitfall.

 She has found some exceptional uses for her own shadow, as it is an invariable companion. Most markedly, Shen can blanket herself in its depths, wrapping it about her physical form. This gives the priestess ample cover under the veil of night, permitting her to move amongst the shadows with minute chances of being noticed. This is not an easy prayer for her to weave and it takes time for the suit to take a corporeal existence. Once fully coalesced this shroud of darkness takes on the consistency of substantially desiccated mud. Although moderately protective, it is a far cry from proper armor for defensive purposes. A fall from a reasonable distance might still break bones, but would leave her flesh without abrasions from the contact.

 Another unique gift granted to the priestess from Korenjah is the ability to use her own shadow for retrieval purposes. By manipulating her silhouette into a bodily existence she can then send it into hazardous areas to fetch small objects. The range at which this entity can wander from the assassin's position is approximately thirty peds, beyond this point it simply dissipates and becomes her shadow once again. Although the shade could alter its shape immensely to fit into most areas with an opening, once it takes possession of an item its escape route is then limited by the size of the acquired article. Normally anything of ten od or less can be effortlessly stolen away, but the dictates of this seem to be directly relative to the intensity of Shen's shadow at the time of casting.

 She is quite capable of manipulating most any shadow into a rod of darkness, Shen's preferred weapon. This incantation is a favorite of hers when she has opponents shackled within their own silhouette. The initial magnitude of the shadow being transformed relates directly to the form of this weapon. Anything from a small baton to the size of a substantial staff is within the priestess’s array of management. As she carries no other armaments, these shade weapons are used to pound constrained victims to death. In essence this prayer grants the Darkpriestess the ability to be armed within a few blinks.

 Although considered by some to be a powerful Shadowmancer, there are those far more effective than Shen. It may be true that her faith is unwavering and her devotion to the craft is immeasurable. She is like all of her priesthood, defined by the specific gifts granted to her by Korenjah, she excels in some areas yet seems devoid in others. Evidently the Lord of Shadows has gifted the Kar’ii enormously in the physical manipulations of her craft, yet not blessed the priestess with more subtle gifts. Like all of her brethren she is thankful for these endowments and utilizes each to further the goals of the tribe as a whole.

~:~Fighting Style~:~

The Darkpriestess prefers to strike from the darkness, if not using these silhouettes as the weapon of choice. Most frequently, she uses the gloom to bind her enemies before confronting them. Once bound, Shen will coalesce shadows into a rod and bludgeon her victims to death. Under the swathe of night the assassin is a terrifying opponent for those unaccustomed to her tricks. If given time to toy with a foe, she takes pleasure in the leisurely demise and gurgling sounds rendered by the garrote upon her hip.

 Open confrontations are most assuredly not the Kasumarii’s ideal method of meeting her enemies. One might say she appears almost relaxed under these conditions, but in reality she is merely poised awaiting her opponent’s strike. Shen is simply prepared to use her adversary’s momentum against them for a throw. The last thing an enemy would like to give the Priestess is time and opportunity. Barehanded blows from the martial artist are excruciating if not debilitating; yet against an armored foe their effectiveness is vastly diminished.

~:~History~:~

Born on 7th day of Questar, 1640 A.S., Shen was the only child of Quek Caz’na, father, a Greendeath and Gravelyn, a low ranking priestess of Queprur. Much like the frozen tundra she was born upon, the child’s life was cold and harsh in the constant struggle for survival. Her earliest memories are of long treks across the frozen wasteland in search of food, shelter and sporadic interludes with their fellow wanderers. Though cared for well, the priestess does not recall many loving moments amongst the family. The lack of recollection does not mean there were no such times, merely a resonating void of remembrance. The only festive flashes she has are of the stories told by her father while sitting about the fire in their carryhome over evening meals.

 By the age of eight, Shen was already becoming adept in the ways of survival on the tundra and the constant religious tutelage of her mother. She knew the hierarchy of all the religious figures in her people’s pantheon and the names of all the prominent figureheads. Much of the young lass's free time, what little there was, spent in prayer with her mother and a physical regime with her father. Although infrequently, both of her parents seemed to be gone on and off for months at a time as she grew up. Inquiries from the youngster were often met with a simple ‘mommy/daddy’ are at work, don’t you worry none.

 Around the age of nine, Shen’s shadowy talents began to manifest about the family’s campfire. During her fathers story telling the shades about the carryhome started to wander about, seemingly reenacting the story with more accuracy as the child’s enjoyment rose. This strange behavior grew more noticeable as the youngster could be seen, at times, conversing with her own silhouette as they wandered across the frozen plains. This brought a steadfast resolution in the mind of her mother that Shen had been blessed with the gifts of Korenjah.
 
 Upon the wishes of her mother Shen was brought to the city of Carabrand and entered into the coven of Korenjah, starting her teachings in the worship of the Lord of Shadows. Her family left her at the age of ten to be taught by the clergy. Rare were her interactions with them after these times, the assassin’s life spent in prayer and other covert education to better serve the shadows. Throughout her early teenage years she was taught to use the darkness as her friend for concealment and stealth. Shen became a mistress of the night during these times, becoming a feared opponent amongst the Dorolak orcs by her earliest teens. Manifesting many of the blessings of Korenjah that the priestess exhibits to this day. Fine tuning them to a masterful level, which quickly brought the assassin to a prominent level amongst her brethren.

 Throughout her teens she was employed as support for her people in raids against the Dorolak Orcs on their northern most boundaries. Shen made quite the name for herself as a lethal and elusive opponent, her presence becoming a welcome addition to most any marauding parties. These activities continued on until her late teens, where she then began to be employed in Northern Sarvonia. She was frequently sent to the shores of Remusiat as the Remusian’s began to open their ports for foreign trade. On one of these occasions the assassin was thrown from horseback, inflicting the priestess with an ongoing fear of all equines.

 By the age of twenty the assassin was well versed in the politics of Northern Saronia and her homeland. Her ears became a central hub for a large network of information gathered amongst the Kar’ii for these areas and slightly beyond. Spying, infiltration and murder became a commonplace activity for the Darkpriestess as her position solidified amongst them. Surprisingly, Shen’s continued contact with the world outside her homeland brought the assassin’s curiosity to be perked. How easily some of these cultures survived without the constant struggles her people faced? A yearning began to grow within her for a simpler life, an existence without looking over her shoulder.

 At the age of twenty-five Shen was once again brought to the shores of Remusiat, seeking the demise of a merchant selling weapons to the Remusians. Murder was not an act she was unaccustomed to and the chance at mingling amongst them was always a welcome respite for the assassin. The northern people were far more festive and straightforward than Shen’s own tribe, allowing the priestess some revelry from her daily life. At last the time came for her work to be finished, which she carried out under the cover of darkness. All went well, until the act was uncovered prematurely and the manhunt began.  

 With few options open to the assassin she took the only route left open to her. Shen stowed away on a merchant vessel as it set sail in the early morning light. Being discovered shortly into the journey required the priestess to lighten her pocketbook for a continued flight with the crew, which she gladly paid. Little did she know that this expedition would bring about a life changing episode. A few months at sea brought her to a port city in Nothern Sarvonia, where she swiftly wandered into the populace. Hastily she found accompaniment amongst the rabble of the cities with drink and gambling.

 Over the last three years she continues to ponder returning to the stringent life she left behind or the freedom she has found. Her meanderings have brought the assassin to many obscure cities in Southern Sarvonia and continues to this day, as she emotionally struggles with the weight of duty and the desire for freedom.

~:~Belongings~:~

~ One change of clothing identical to the ones listed in her description section.
 ~ A formal outfit that includes trousers, tunic and jacket all snowy white with lace and intricate embroidery.
 ~ A small leather pouch containing a median sum of currency.
 ~ A weeks rations of jerky and bread.
 ~ A leather wineskin filled with fresh water.
 ~ A small wooden box containing flint, tinder and a pack of Four House Playing Cards.
 ~ A bar of Icemilk soap.
 ~ A small pouch full of Tooth Cabbage
 ~ A small eating knife.
 ~ A garrote used for strangulation hung on her belt.
 ~ A large rucksack used to carry her possessions.
 ~ Two small pouches on her belt containing Silverrod and an intricate pipe.

[Azhira Styralias]

First Approval.

I see nothing to complain about here. 

[Valan Nonesuch]

A note, a lot of the comments that Twigga made here seemed to have wormed their way back into being issues.

My two sans.

[Adyá Skó'n]

Not really, they were not all incorporated the first time ... There's nothing different here, other than personality that was not archived previously. ~Shrugs~

Just because someone points out their writing preferences does not make them correct. It makes them 'their' preferences. Hence why I said this:

Alot of your issues have been addressed, especially your suggestions. Thanks for helping me clean this up.

[Valan Nonesuch]

Right back at you I'm afraid.

Thou shalt not use bad grammar in the CD or within any sections of worthwhile comments.

This CD wasn't archived before, as the mess roughly four pages down should attest to.  The same rules apply to everyone.

[Adyá Skó'n]

All I can say ... mini-mod. I'll go with the Moderators ok at this point and wait for someone else with proper authority to make comments.

   
Re: Shen Caz'na - Kasumarii - Darkpriestess
« Reply #14 on: July 27, 2009, 08:29:28 PM »
   Reply with quote
Titled and Archived

[Valan Nonesuch]

See for further reference. A deleted CD and an CD for re-archiving are by no means the same thing.

[Adyá Skó'n]

(II) Thou shalt not post in a CD without including helpful comments.

And that is why it is up for comments and re-approval. How about your job being done instead of referencing back to posts that no longer apply? Except of course when you want to reference them. You say past points are not relevant to my side of the issue, yet you bring up past comments to try and make your points. One sided train of thought Valan?

[Azhira Styralias]

So, was this is a CD deleted but coming back for re-approval? If so, it follows the proper guideline as if it were a new CD. What's the issue here? What are you trying to prove, Valan?

[Sylvia Palinor]

Twen, I have no quarrel with you. However, Valan is a respected commenter, and you should listen to what he says instead of brushing him off by pulling this clause here, and that subsection there. As someone with "proper authority", I suggest that you listen to what he is saying. I will look over this CD when this whole mess has been resolved.

Sylv

[Twén Aråerwén]

It is resolved ... he has brought up an issue that no longer exists. If it does it has been approved by no less than 6 people at this point ... in my favor. If you would like a list I shall share them with you. Also, you are not one of the Moderators he threatened in the past, to the point he was nearly banned. So respect him if you like.

[Sylvia Palinor]

Six people may have approved it thus far in the past, but you are re-posting it after you deleted it. You must adhere to the same rules as all others who come into this forum. You have said that you integrated 'a lot' of Twigga's comments, not all. If there are certain issues that he feels are worth bringing up, I encourage you to ask him to clarify which of these issues that he would like to see integrated.

[Twén Aråerwén]

Then I encourage you do as you said, and leave this be.

[Shen Caz'na]

All edits mentioned from this thread have been integrated.

I did not colour them, as they were all minor grammatical errors.

Ready for comments!

[Ridgen Sú'ufanán]

Name: Shen Caz'na

Occupation: Darkpriestess - Shadowarm  

Gender: Female

Race: Human

Tribe: Kasumarii

Age: 28

Birthday: 7th day of Questar, 1640 A.S.

Title: Shade Scion

I skipped this part, since I found nothing to comment on...

~:~Personality~:~

Shen likes to be in control of every aspect of her life and generally spends some time peacefully surveying her surroundings, before engaging anyone in idle chatter. There is nothing more that she hates than the world dissolving into chaos. If her comfort zone falls into pandemonium the assassin has no qualms about entering the foray with a calm tone. Should this not resolve the bedlam she could possibly resort to swift violence, not even caring about the death of onlookers. The priestess’s only goal would be to bring harmony once again to her life. But wouldn't this bring more chaos instead of restoring harmony? I know what you mean, but I do suggest rewording to make it... more understandable

 Frequently the priestess has no issues plying her physical and witty charms. As she is neither exceptional of beauty nor lacking completely in this regard, she has become renowned for creating friendships with this unique combination. Although she is more accustomed to intimate relationships with those of her own gender, she is not above practicing such weapons against men. Generally when she utilizes these attributes on gentlemen there are ulterior motives involved. She has, after-all, been extensively trained to endure whatever it takes to reach her goals.

 For those she calls friends are in truth mere allies, she completely trusts no one. Behind Shen’s jovial grin is a being that has practiced murder, deceit and subterfuge on a daily basis. Although, not utterly heartless, she is quite capable of atrocities should the necessity arise. With her new found freedom over recent years, the priestess has garnered a few close relationships in Southern Sarvonia. Yet even these few are left at a distance when personal inquiries come to the fore.

 Summarily the priestess has a complete distain for all other clergy outside of those within her brethren. Although she may engage them in a complex debate on such matters, odds are they are merely sealing their fate, in her eyes. Sadly, this does not need to be, since the Karii can articulate her ideals very well. One might even say she could be highly persuasive should she apply herself and keep murder as a less viable option. Only time will tell if this particular aspect will remain with her as the months and years pass.

Although the assassin comes from a family known for their adamant worship of the Lord of Shadows with sometimes barbaric and cold-hearted techniques in battle. The priestess exhibits an unusual interest in politics and history of the northern lands. Like her ancestors, she finds that becoming perceived allies with other tribes a better ploy than overpowering and killing them. Regularly she absorbs information and stows it amongst her growing knowledge of these foreign lands.  

 Shen enjoys liquor and would likely drink more, but she finds she is quite vulnerable to its effects and becomes quickly impaired by it. In fact she once had a particularly nasty experience with Mil'no Fire, and can barely stand the sight of it. She rarely eats a regular meal, opting instead for many small ones throughout the day consisting amiably of Loibl bread, berries or nuts. In the last few years she has developed a taste for the Halfling’s leaf. This came about after discovering that the Silverrod variety did much to dull the residual pain of past atrocities. Since then she has become quite the connoisseur, and carries an assortment of packets with her wherever she goes, along with an exquisitely crafted pipe.

 With a voracious love for the game of 'Daggers Down', her skill and frequency with which she seeks out a match is borderline habitual. Shen also has a ravenous fondness for a good number games of chance, most notably 'Great House' (poker rules), 'Full Cottages' (rummy), 'Mother’s Rue' (strip poker) and 'Alliances' (euchre). The assassin’s calm demeanor and dexterous digits keep her semi-successful, recently, in most of these competitions. When sans are on the table one can easily observe the excitement glistening on the surface of her opaque orbs. Although her gambling exploits span a wide range of games, these are sure fire ways of drawing her in. It should be noted that any wager is not beyond the realms of her partaking an interest in.

Your character is well-balanced, and I don't really see much to comment on in this section...

~:~Shadowmancy~:~

As a Darkpriestess, Korenjah the Lord of Shadow, has gifted Shen with the ability to influence shadows. Akin to all Shadowmancers, the Kar’ii has no need to utter prayers to her benefactor for the manifestations to present themselves. Complex prestidigitation is all that is required for her to literally form darkness into a physical materialization, to assail her targets. It should be clearly noted that her hands must be free for the priestess to weave the most intricate of her prayers. Yet she is still quite capable of moving shadows about insubstantially without the use of her digits and could easily shroud herself in obscurity if bound.  

 The gifts granted to each Shadowmancer can vary significantly from individual to individual; even those of similar strength of faith and willpower rarely exhibit identical characteristics. Shen is no different in this regard, being able to call forth shadows to her bidding with simple body postures, the priestess can effortlessly bring into the world a shroud of darkness to veil her movements under the cover of night. With only the ability to wiggle her fingers she could encase an opponent in a mantle of gloom that would seemingly follow the target, leaving them blinded. Or the Kar’ii could manifest an intricate stage show of shadowy figures to draw the attention of would be guardsmen.

 Leaving the priestess’s hands liberated from all obstructions opens her to an innovative world of prayers, which most would not like to consider exists. Shen's most dramatic manifestation is the gift of being able to make a person’s own shadow into a physical entity. Using this shade to bind the owner is a frightening experience for those that have suffered the situation. The darkness has a powerful tangible strength that no orc or human has broken free from. It requires the Shadowmancer only a few blinks to fully envelope a target in this way and she has been known to bring this fate down upon a trio of opponents, given enough time.

 Strangely, Shen is unable to persuade shadows cast by inanimate objects to assail living targets. Although she can cause them to take a corporal form and move them about, they do not beseech a target with the lifelike properties of the shadows created by a sentient being. Still, the Kar’ii has some unique prayers tailoring to this distinctive aspect of her gifts. One prominent blessing is her ability to manifest tangible hand-holds over most any plane, allowing the assassin to climb every surface with relative ease. More than once pursuers have had her cornered, only for the priestess to utilize this ability and disappear from the inescapable.

 With the constant struggle for survival in Cyhalloi against the orcs of Dorolak, the priestess has learned to manipulate shadows in defense of her people and herself. Shen can erect corporeal walls of darkness, although these are small, approximately four peds, and not completely tangible. They have been known to slow the velocity of arrow fire and are likened to a crowd of petite children holding you back by those attempting to pass through. There are downfalls to this particular use of Shadowmancy as well, as these properties of the wall are equally expressed on either side. True your enemies being unable to view your activities can be a windfall, your inability to scrutinize them can be a pitfall.

 She has found some exceptional uses for her own shadow, as it is an invariable companion. Most markedly, Shen can blanket herself in its depths, wrapping it about her physical form. This gives the priestess ample cover under the veil of night, permitting her to move amongst the shadows with minute chances of being noticed. This is not an easy prayer for her to weave and it takes time for the suit to take a corporeal existence. Once fully coalesced this shroud of darkness takes on the consistency of substantially desiccated mud. Although moderately protective, it is a far cry from proper armor for defensive purposes. A fall from a reasonable distance might still break bones, but would leave her flesh without abrasions from the contact.

 Another unique gift granted to the priestess from Korenjah is the ability to use her own shadow for retrieval purposes. By manipulating her silhouette into a bodily existence she can then send it into hazardous areas to fetch small objects. The range at which this entity can wander from the assassin's position is approximately thirty peds, beyond this point it simply dissipates and becomes her shadow once again. Although the shade could alter its shape immensely to fit into most areas with an opening, once it takes possession of an item its escape route is then limited by the size of the acquired article. Normally anything of ten od or less can be effortlessly stolen away, but the dictates of this seem to be directly relative to the intensity of Shen's shadow at the time of casting.

 She is quite capable of manipulating most any shadow into a rod of darkness, Shen's preferred weapon. This incantation is a favorite of hers when she has opponents shackled within their own silhouette. The initial magnitude of the shadow being transformed relates directly to the form of this weapon. Anything from a small baton to the size of a substantial staff is within the priestess’s array of management. As she carries no other armaments, these shade weapons are used to pound constrained victims to death. In essence this prayer grants the Darkpriestess the ability to be armed within a few blinks.

 Although considered by some to be a powerful Shadowmancer, there are those far more effective than Shen. It may be true that her faith is unwavering and her devotion to the craft is immeasurable. She is like all of her priesthood, defined by the specific gifts granted to her by Korenjah, she excels in some areas yet seems devoid in others. Evidently the Lord of Shadows has gifted the Kar’ii enormously in the physical manipulations of her craft, yet not blessed the priestess with more subtle gifts. Like all of her brethren she is thankful for these endowments and utilizes each to further the goals of the tribe as a whole.

This shadowmancy proves very... interesting. This might be a bit nit-picky but... shouldn't you describe how it actually works? Because in ordinary Ximaxian magic sections, they do explain these things, albeit vaguely. how does she manipulate these shadows? I'm a bit curious

~:~Fighting Style~:~

The Darkpriestess prefers to strike from the darkness, if not using these silhouettes as the weapon of choice. Most frequently, she uses the gloom to bind her enemies before confronting them. Once bound, Shen will coalesce shadows into a rod and bludgeon her victims to death. Under the swathe of night the assassin is a terrifying opponent for those unaccustomed to her tricks. If given time to toy with a foe, she takes pleasure in the leisurely demise and gurgling sounds rendered by the garrote upon her hip.

 Open confrontations are most assuredly not the Kasumarii’s ideal method of meeting her enemies. One might say she appears almost relaxed under these conditions, but in reality she is merely poised awaiting her opponent’s strike. Shen is simply prepared to use her adversary’s momentum against them for a throw. The last thing an enemy would like to give the Priestess is time and opportunity. Barehanded blows from the martial artist are excruciating if not debilitating; yet against an armored foe their effectiveness is vastly diminished.

Wouldn't too much darkness be a bad thing? Shadows don't form in total darkness. You'll need a light source. Just pointing it out...

That's all from me. Only tiny comments though. The mods would have to do the rest, although I say that you're more than ready for your second approval...

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