Biography:

Penelope the Pure 
Human Cleric
 
   STR   80             
   STA  80
   AGL  75
   DEX  75
   WIS  90
   INT  75
   CHR 100

My early childhood was a time of great adventure and excitement. Growing up on my father’s estate near Qeynos, with my elder brother ________________ and the companions of my youth. I remember fondly the old gnome tinker (he looked old) who would call regularly to fix and sharpen the blunt equipment. In the eve he would regale us with stories of adventure and far off places. Or the elven bard, or maybe he was half-elven. His visits were even more anticipated, with singing and dancing and even more stories the days were never dull.

The gods had been good to me. "I was indeed blessed." My father was a paladin of renown and virtue, a warrior of light, a slayer of evil, who was loving and compassionate, Conwan Avendar. Elanna was my mother of part elven extraction... some say she is one of the fairest women in the land, both in appearance and attitude. I wanted for nothing and by some standards would have been considered spoilt rotten. Beautiful clothes were the norm, mother always seeing that my appearance matched any occasion. Food and drink were plentiful as were the many events and festivities. Having no hatred in them, my parents promoted racial tolerance and LOVE to all.

The last time I saw my father was a clear spring day with birds chirping and flitting from branch to bloom laden branch. I was so excited... everyone was. Excitement was in the air. My father was resplendent in his silver armour, inlaid with semiprecious gems intricate patterns that seamed to draw you, while colourful pendants waved from the tips of lances towering above my small head, and great war horses stamped at the ground. Ladies were present in their finest gowns with the hint of tears on their cheeks, while flowers were strewn about the road and surrounding avenue. Merchants and children darted about in the crowd with its myriad of bright colored scarves and ribbons. I recall the shrill call of the fanfare as the Knights and their men at arms with my father trooped off towards Qeynos as the day faded and night crept across the meadows.

Days passed, then weeks. We knew that war was the reason for my father’s departure. Some of the uglies, things of nightmare and shadow, evil creatures breed of hate, were threatening to change our way of life. They had to be stopped. Father and warrior men and women would stand in their path sacrificing all, if need be. The few standing as a bulwark for the many in their complacency. Spring turned to summer then fall... winter was fast approaching. The days grew longer and colder even more so for the lack of my father’s humor and comfort. Mother was terrified with each passing day. She would stare toward the city in the hope of some news, some ray of light.

The Temple was our solace. We would travel there almost every day and mother would pray for long hours make offerings to the goddess (our families patron Erollisi Marr). On occasion we would even stay in town over the twilight hour. It was late fall, and the cock crowed and we awoke with a start. Outside, the town was in uproar, sounds of armour, tack and harness filled the air. Shouts and commands echoed through the streets. Mother rushed to the window, pulled open the shutters and sighed deeply. I scrambled to peer over the ledge. Wafting in from the streets, a strange smell assailed me. It was familiar, yet not! What was it?

Blood, death... that was it Never had it been this intense. Gone was the shining armour and pendants. Gone was the joyous laughter of the departing warriors. Instead all was chaos and disorder. Nothing was as it should be. Outside the street erupted in flame men and women screamed in panic. Mother pushed me below the sill.

"Hide child. We are under attack." I started to cry. This was the most horrible experience of my life; where was papa? The fighting grew closer it appeared as if it was almost outside. Mother screamed "Noooo!", and the door leading to the landing buckled then splintered shattering as if it were fine porcelain being dropped from a great height.

Standing in the hole that was the door was something so terrible that my child’s mind snapped. I screamed as this thing lumbered into the room. It was humanoid, a mountain of flesh decked in some body armour, advancing menacingly toward my cowering mother. Then from nowhere a blow hit this thing, then another so fast I could hardly see from whence they came. The creature screamed and ponderously turned to face its assailant. A hooded figure struck it again and yet again. The monster appeared injured. Blood gushed from its many open wounds .The room shook as it collapsed, floor boards shattering, candles toppling and a water pitcher spilled its contents.

Hands encircled me as the stranger hoisted me under one arm. "Come Elanna, hurry." Mother gasped. How could he know her name? Who was this stranger? Hastily we departed. Mother clutching up our few belongings before we disappeared into the night. Our rescuer was amazingly agile and didn’t miss a step. The darkness appeared not to hinder him. In time we stopped running, the sound of fighting being reduced by distance. "Rest," he said. "Who are you, how did you know my name?" questioned my mother. "In good time fair lady, in good time," answered the stranger as he scanned the near area for sign of enemy or pursuit.

Other Comments:

My brother's name is not in my biography as I am waiting for someone to play him.