RPC Library - User contributions [en]

Kail Gerrad

2015-11-19T21:18:02Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Fixed link

''"Anythin worth havin, is worth fightin fer."''
{{Infobox-character
| name = Kail Gerrad
| image = 26ead2ab-6b1f-40f1-8b86-c795ac586aca.png
| imagewidth = 433
| gender = Male
| citizenship = Limsa Lominsa
| race = Hyur
| clan = Midlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 28
| stat_2 = Marital Status
| stat_2_value = Single
| stat_3 = Occupation
| stat_3_value = Tinker, Sailor, Soldier, Spy.
| stat_4 = Height/Weight
| stat_4_value = 5'10" / 185 ponz
| stat_5 = Orientation
| stat_5_value = Straight
| stat_6 = Relatives
| stat_6_value = <ul><li>None Known</li>
}}

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Basic Info</div>===
Determined to live life by his own measure, Kail is one of the many denizens of the docks in Limsa Lominsa. A Sea Dog from every angle, he is an accomplished sailor, navigator, grifter, and even killer when the occasion has called for it. Though the life for corsairs in Limsa is fast approaching its twilight hours, Kail seems to tread the line between legitimate and criminal with nary a worry, it wouldn't be the first time he's fallen through the cracks after all. He knows from experience that when the seas become rough, the best you can do is hang onto your friends, and sail straight on til morning. Having gone from sands to the seas by way of the chain, he'll reach for the stars by his own wind, or die trying.
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<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #ECCA67;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>''LIKES''</center></div></h3>
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Sailing
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Lazing
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Drinking
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Smoking
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Wenching (not the mechanical kind...)
: <font style="color:#ECCA67;" size="3">■</font> Telling Stories.

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #DFD59E;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>''DISLIKES''</center></div></span></h3>

: <font style="color:#DFD59E;" size="3">■</font> Slavery.
: <font style="color:#DFD59E;" size="3">■</font> Prudes.
: <font style="color:#DFD59E;" size="3">■</font> Being stuck on land.
: <font style="color:#DFD59E;" size="3">■</font> Being complimented.

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<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #CACFA5;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>''OTHER''</center></div></span></h3>

: <font style="color:#CACFA5;" size="3">■</font> Alignment: Chaotic Good.
: <font style="color:#CACFA5;" size="3">■</font> Vice(s): Alchohol, Pipe Smoking, Whoring.
: <font style="color:#CACFA5;" size="3">■</font> Favorite Food: Grilled Fish with Lemon.
: <font style="color:#CACFA5;" size="3">■</font> Favorite Drink: Kraken Tears (Rum)
: <font style="color:#CACFA5;" size="3">■</font> Favorite Color: Raven Black.

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====<div style="padding:0px 15px; font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;text-decoration:none;border-bottom:1px dotted;">Hobbies and Talents</div>====
[[File:Kaaterskill_Ketch.jpg |300px|thumb|bottom|Kail's Ketch, being worked upon.]]
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;">
: <font style="color:#F77A83;" size="3">■</font> Kail has become a competent worker of leathers and metals, just recently he's begun dabbling in alchemy, he takes care not to openly perform these tasks in public though. He has a reputation to uphold after all.
: <font style="color:#F77A83;" size="3">■</font> Has a penchant for Triple Triad, loving to play on the docks in his spare time.
: <font style="color:#F77A83;" size="3">■</font> Recently purchased a nearly decrepit hull of a ship and shored it at a hidden location in Limsa, whenever Kail wishes to be alone or mull events over, he works on restoring the old relic.
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===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Appearance & Personality</div>===
'''Appearance''' - A lean muscled specimen of the Hyur midlander bloodline, grey hair kept slicked back frames a scarred and roughly shaven face, in which is set two hooded yellow eyes that seem to take in and challenge the world. He's of a tanned complexion that suggests he's seen few days without the sun, with hands as weathered and scarred as his face, leaving little doubt as to his familiarity with hard work. His body language treads a fine line between relaxed and coiled to spring, and there's rarely a day that a smirk doesn't find its way to his features. Kail tends to prefer utilitarian leathers, simple colors such as grey or brown that act as camouflage when he's out in the wild, or allow him to fade back into the crowds in the city. He looks down on extravagant shows of wealth and formal wear, avoiding most places that require him to "dress up". This doesn't stop him from bedecking his fingers in rings and his wrists in number bangles however. The side of his face bears a tattoo of black flame, trailing down to numerous tattoos on his right arm, marking accomplishments and crimes. These tattoos seem to avoid the inside of the arm however, where rests a brand of slavery, and the Crystal Brand that marks him to this day.

'''Personality''' - Kail tends to outwardly have very little faith in the sentient races of Eorzea, he's seen his share of betrayals and thus doesn't trust very easily. He arms himself with a very wry sense of humor, and holds most at arms length with sarcasm. Despite his dim view of the public ethos, Kail's endgame is for the common good, stealing from those who have an active hand in the slave trade, and giving to those affected by it or sharing his vision of ending it. Those who find themselves past his armor of quips and sarcasm, find themselves friends for life with someone of intense loyalty, and grounded character.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Biography</div>===

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Before The Seas</div>====
Kail's childhood mostly consisted of survival in the streets of Ul'dah, competing with the myriad number of criminals and Ala Mhigan refugees to eke out what life he could coax in the city of merchants. Living hand to mouth from day to day, he stole what he could, hid in what abandoned buildings he could find, and did his best to be as unseen as possible. Unfortunately being little more than a child with animal instincts and a will to live, Kail made plenty of enemies in the sandy streets, leading to his capture and sale to the underground slave trade of Lisma.

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">The Howling Sin</div>====
Kail found himself sold to crazed drunken sot of a Highlander, called Argus, for a sum total of 20 gil. Lashed to one of the many oars of Argus' ship the ''Howling Sin'' Kail found himself rowing in the hold for near a decade. Hope came for the slaves of the ''Howling Sin'' in the form of a young Doman girl whom they dubbed "Songbird". However the events surrounding the mutiny of the ship and the escape of its slaves are something which Kail has worked very hard to suppress word of. Regardless, the end result was the same, Kail and a handful of survivors managed to sail the war torn hull of the Sin into the bay of Limsa Lominsa, before scuttling it and swimming to shore.

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Present</div>====
While most of the other slaves scattered to the winds, Kail stayed behind in Limsa and made a name for himself among the Dutiful Sisters of the Edelweiss, taking back to the sea that he had come to love, and making life hell for anyone and everyone that had their fingers in the slave trade. He and a few of the other slaves from the Sin have kept in touch, and begun pooling their efforts towards the goal of a slave-free Eorzea, till the sea swallows all. Kail now makes berth with the Branded of the free company Aeon, acting to the public eye, as an enforcer and investigator.

Kail's network has grown considerably since the days of the Howling Sin, authorities believe him to have fingers in the markets of Limsa Lominsa, Uldah, and even Coerthas. They however have trouble pinning any suspected smuggling to him due to both a lack of witnesses willing to come forth, and being unable to find any of the wealth that would result from such an operation. His ties to Aeon it would seem have tempered him, with the exception of a night of uncharacteristically chaotic bar fighting (He was acquitted of any wrong doing, the Sisters of Eldweiss have claimed responsibility.) Kail's penchant for public scuffles has seemed to have been curbed. Sources have claimed recently he's begun to take an interest in the occult, trading hefty sums and favors for knowledge of old world artifacts.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Combat</div>===
While no stranger to combat, Kail tends to hold violence as a last resort, preferring to talk, bribe, or threaten his way out of pinches first. When forced into a corner however Kail will fight back though, showing an aptitude for the physical side of Ninjutsu. He seems either unwilling, or unable, to engage openly in the mystical jutsu's of the art, instead supplementing his fighting skills with gadgets, chicanery, and generally fighting dirty. His brand of the art seems to capitalize on weakness and surprise, crafting terms favorable to victory instead of wielding brute force to power through. On top of this, Kail has gone through lengths to pepper cities where he holds influence with safe houses and item caches, making engaging him on familiar ground a poor idea indeed.

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<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>''RUMORS''</center></div></span></h3>
''Some of these rumors are untrue or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC!''
<div style="border:0px solid; padding:8px;"><b>
<div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #90AB76;">◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "Oh aye, I know him. Allus at one bar or another, laughin, yellin or carousin, mostly fightin. Ye stay away from him, he's trouble."
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "Kail? Ye know strange thing, bastard plays cards all the time, ain't never heard oh him owin anyone a single gil."
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "Heh, you should hear the shit that comes outta his mouth. Can't decide if he's a damn good liar or just had a weird go of it."
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "Oh I like Kail! He has such wonderful stories...drinks a bit too much though."
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "There ain't nothin straight about that bastard, don't believe a damn word he tells ye. He's a liar, and a thief, and once he's got what he's wanted from ye, he'll throw ye to the wolves."
: <font style="color:#90AB76;" size="3">■</font> "That girl on his arm recently, wonder what madam she works fer, looks pretty damn expensive..."

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #F37E1D;">◢ Moderate Rumors (Moderately difficult to overhear)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#F37E1D;" size="3">■</font> "Heard he wasn't actually no slave, but a slaver himself. That lalafell and Roe girl with a face like a brick ye see him drinkin with all the time? He owns them!"
: <font style="color:#F37E1D;" size="3">■</font> "That ain't it, he an that Roe girl are between the sheets! He's the one what cut her throat. Did it so she wouldn't tell anyone else she loved em."
: <font style="color:#F37E1D;" size="3">■</font> "Naw, he and that weasel faced lalafell are queer fer one another, the Roe's jest there t'carry their luggage. Watch out fer her fist though, get's violent quick."
: <font style="color:#F37E1D;" size="3">■</font> "Heard he's a Maelstrom officer in disguise, those fights he picks with the officers in bars? They're just to throw off the scent."
: <font style="color:#F37E1D;" size="3">■</font> "He's in hock to the Sisters of Edelweiss last I heard, lives in fear on when they'll collect."

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #D83018;">◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#D83018;" size="3">■</font> "Heard there's a Doman royal who'll shower the man what kills Kail in gil, pirate bastard apparently was seen sneakin out her room on her weddin night! HAW!"
: <font style="color:#D83018;" size="3">■</font> "I don't go near him, saw him follow a merchant down an alleyway one night...they pulled that poor man's corpse out from under the docks a few days later."

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #aac5b4;">◢ PC Rumors (Rumors from the character's of other players)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "He's a good man, love him to death. Can't for the life of me figure out what gave him the idea he could out-bounce me, though." -- [[Striding Oak]]
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "Despite being drunk half the time, Kail is a good man, Hells he operates better when he is drunk anyway. One of the most loyal and good men I have met in Eorzea." - [[Leon Greymoon]]
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "Chocobo Sniffer. Need I say more?" - [[X'Septha Dhen]]
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "Absolutely dreadful manners. But he's wicked quick, in every sense of the word. If nothing else, one can count on him to get the job done." - [[Eliane Dufresne]]
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "He does have his moments....not many of them, but he does have them." - [[Shinorah Nightsbane]]
: <font style="color:#aac5b4;" size="3">■</font> "Ol' Eyepatch is a good guy. 'Still don't know why he calls me Curly." - [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]
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<td style="vertical-align: top;width:50%;padding-right:10px; font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>''RELATIONS''</center></div></span></h3>
: <center><font style="color:#F02311;" size="3">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#FA70BC;" size="3">♥</font> Platonic Love <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> Good Standing <font style="color:#C24640;" size="3">●</font> Poor Standing</center>

: <font style="color:#FA70BC;" size="3">♥</font> '''Noyra (NPC)''' - A gentle (most of the time) giant of a Roegadyn, Noyra haunts the docks of Limsa with Kail, and tends to follow his lead. Mute, slow to act, but steadfast, she communicates with hand motions. She and Kail share a sort of brother/sister bond.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''Laloquer Rosen (NPC)''' - A lalafell alchemist with dreams of power and station in Ul'dah, he's taken the assets of the group into trust, and works the Ul'dah market to advance their goals. Small in stature, with an ego to tower over the rest.
:<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''Syf Askerfelt (NPC)''' - A Hyur lancer who emerged from the Howling Sin's wreckage without her eyesight, her companions fear she left her wits behind as well. Of the bunch she is the most bloodthirsty and unhinged, actively hunting down any who have had anything to do with the slavery trade.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''Isral Qolquitt (NPC)'''- A miqo'te archer with a perchant for getting into trouble, particularly with woman. Playful, carefree, and completely unaware of his own shortcomings.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>'''[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]]''' - Kail respects the Highlander leader, for her perseverance in the face of everything against her people, and her willingness to assume the leadership role.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Brave_Horizon|Brave Horizon]]''' - Finding it easy to sympathize with the Roe, Kail also enjoys her as a drinking partner, and general partner in crime.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Bertrand_Irons|Bertrand Irons]]''' - Another drinking partner, Kail sees in Irons a sort of equality, a fellow Limsan and survivor, which inspires trust between the two.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Reima_Awen|Reima Awen]]''' - Seen by the pirate as almost a little sister, Kail delights in her expressions during his stories. He is however worried about how fragile her innocence is...
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Leon_Greymoon|Leon Greymoon]]''' - As little respect for Knights as he has, Kail is rather fond of Leon, forever "White Ears."
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Kyraeth_Vale|Kyraeth Vale]]''' - Filed away in his liqueur soaked head as the one with "The Answers.", Kail enjoys the Arcanist's company. Mostly because she is one of the few educated people he knows that doesn't clout others with her intelligence.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[X'Septha_Dhen|X'Septha Dhen]]''' - Not sure whether she needs a hug or a good boot to the trousers, Kail nonetheless feels protective of the flammable Miqo'te.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Striding_Oak|Striding Oak]]''' - Kail fosters a playful competition with the Roe lancer.
: <font style="color:#F02311;" size="3">♥</font> '''[[Shinorah Nightsbane]]''' - At first a tense friendship and now something more, the pirate tends to be awfully vague and coy when asked about his relationship with the Highlander Thaumaturge. Even so, whether a conversation about her starts in frustration or anger, it almost always ends with a slow smile creeping onto his features.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Arcian Martell|Arcian Martell]]''' - Kail has a strange sort of "work relationship" with Arcian. The two have shared little of their past, but when the chips are down they are often of one mind of what needs to be done.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> '''[[Eliane Dufresne|Eliane Dufresne]]''' - While Kail enjoys teasing, and sometimes goading the prim and proper Elezen, he's rather sure of her being an ally. (Tends to avoid her though where tea is involved.)
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===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Roleplaying Connections</div>===

You might know Kail if…

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;">
: <font style="color:#5c8aa4;" size="3">■</font> ...you've ever attempted to smuggle goods in or out of Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah, or Coerthas.
: <font style="color:#5c8aa4;" size="3">■</font> ...you are involved with law enforcement in any of the above cities.
: <font style="color:#5c8aa4;" size="3">■</font> ...you are a member of the disenfranchised or victim of the slave trade in any of the above cities.
: <font style="color:#5c8aa4;" size="3">■</font> ...you have stakes in Limsa's waning piracy trade.
: <font style="color:#5c8aa4;" size="3">■</font> ...you are a Doman refugee.

===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Footnotes</div>===

: Template by [[Bancroft Gairn]]
: '''Theme Song''':
: '''TV Tropes''':

Aurou Mhirata

2015-11-19T21:02:53Z

Shinorah Nightsbane:

{{Infobox-character
| name = Aurou Mhirata
| image = Ava.jpg
| imagewidth = 250
| caption = "Would you mind sharing with me?"
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Sharlayan
| race = Miqo'te
| clan = Keeper of the Moon
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 25
| stat_2 = Marital Status
| stat_2_value = Single
| stat_3 = Occupation
| stat_3_value = Journalist / Researcher
| stat_4 = Height/Weight
| stat_4_value = 4 fulms 10 ilms / 95 ponz
| stat_5 = Alignment
| stat_5_value = Chaotic Good
}}
'''Aurou Mhirata''' is a Miqo'te woman that can often be found in and around Ul'dah. She is a journalist often keeping notes as she goes about her day. While generally approachable she can be reserved, wanting to be cautious about what she shares. Unbeknownst to others, to her knowledge, she hails from the northern nation of Sharlayan, seeking to record information about present day Eorzea to seal away in history volumes. She has lived in and out of Eorzea over the past several years, even being present for the Calamity where she acted as a battlefield healer in addition to her own personal quest of preserving the memory of the encounter. She remains neutral in her standing among the Eorzean companies and is unaffiliated with any of the mercenary groups created by locals.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Appearance and Behavior''</div>===
:
Aurou is as unintimidating as they come, as far as looks are concerned. She is on the shorter side for a Miqo'te and stands at the height of a child for the taller races. Her build is thin with the soft muscle tone of a non-combatant, lending to the appearance that she has done very little heavy lifting or hard labor in her lifetime. She often is wearing towns clothing or the cloth robes and coats of a caster. Her plum colored hair is usually pulled away from her face in some manner, be it a pony tail, braid, or simply brushed aside.

Aurou has crystal blue eyes that often reflect an look of mischievousness. Her skin is pale grey with white stripes on her face, a mark of her Keeper lineage. Occasionally she wears a light colored paint design on her face, masking or drawing attention away from some of her features. She keeps the fur on her tail meticulously brushed, never to let a hair be out of place. Her ears are usually erect so as to listen to conversations around her, though they often are a give away to her mood or feelings depending on how she holds them.

She speaks in a strong accent that she believes is 'normal' for Eorzeans after spending time on the field with Adventurers. Her natural speech is clear and precise, though she rarely uses it around those she doesn't know or trust.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Personality and Demeanor''</div>===
:
Aurou is an inquisitive woman by nature. She is curious to a fault, allowing her own need to know to get the better of her. She can range from bubbly to somber on any given sun depending on what is happening around her. She can be quick to anger if she feels she is being played or isn't getting her way. The Miqo'te often comes off as flirtatious and playful, enjoying banter and a good laugh (even at her own expense). She habitually will listen to talk before entering into conversation if there is other chatter happening before she approaches.

Aurou is the kind of person to always see 'the glass half full'. She's an optimist to the fullest extent of the term, looking for the bright side of every shadow to cross her path. She's not naive to the world, knowing the pain that Eorzea has suffered through it's years of warring and strife, but believes that no one can carry on for long with such a bleak outlook. She tries to lend confidence and positivity to others, nearly always smiling and remaining cheerful. Despite her usual happy and calm front that she puts on, she does tend to worry and fear for others - given away by a habit of laying one or both ears back when such a feeling overcomes her.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Skills and Education''</div>===
:
Aurou is a trained mage with considerable Aetherical strength should she choose to apply herself. The daughter of a historian and spellmaster, she began both book and practical learning at a young age. Her formal training ended at the onset of the Calamity when she ventured out to begin life on her own. She maintains her studies as she travels, ever interested in pushing her abilities.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Biography''</div>===

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;">Early Life (1554-1572) </div>====
:
Aurou was born during a springtime storm in the nation of Sharlayan to Kohta Mhirata and Reti'a Lyrenba. To her parents' delight, the young Miqo'te showed considerable prowess in her Aether manipulation lessons beginning in her third cycle. The daughter accompanied her parents while they lived in the Idyllshire settlement during it's final two cycles, returning to the nation in 1762. Her time spent on Eorzean soil had a lasting effect, driving the girl to spend more of her studies on it's history than on her spellcasting. After her 16th Namesday Aurou began following in her mother's footsteps, focusing on the country to the south.

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;">Calamity and Aftermath (1572-1577) </div>====
:
Upon hearing news of the Red Moon descending upon Eorzea, Aurou was dispatched to the Dravanian Hinterlands to venture further south in hopes of documenting the happenings of the war between Eorzea and Garlemald where she found herself among a squadron of Maelstrom soldiers. She put both her writing and magical abilities to use as she documented the fighting and also rendered aid to fallen Eorzeans. Present during the Battle of Carteneau, she witnessed the final moments of Dalamud's decent before she was escorted to safer grounds. While fleeing from an almost certain death, Aurou's book of notes, experiences, interviews, and personal thoughts fell from her grasp forever to be lost. Feeling utterly defeated by both the turn of the war and the loss of work, she decided to remain in Eorzea to further assist in whatever way she could with the recovery before returning home to Sharlayan.<br />
<br />
Aurou spent the next three cycles within Eorzean borders, trying to piece back together her lost work and further lend her hand to the recovery efforts of the war torn nation. She continued to record her experiences and meetings with those that she met during her stay. At the conclusion of the third cycle after Dalamud's fall, she returned home to share her stories and have them archived with other documented information on Eorzean history and culture.

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;">Present - Her story thus far... (1577-??) </div>====
:
Aurou again returned to Eorzea after the dust had completely settled and those who had vanished into the rift returned. Her fascination with the foreign country still as high as ever, she's settled into an inn room for a prolonged stay. She's allowed her focus to shift from Eorzea's conflict with it's neighbors to the citizens and their feats. Realizing that not all of the stories that she's run across are worth storing away with the dark history that she had previously covered, she began to keep a separate book to scribe these tales in.

Aurou has found herself to be at ease around the members of the Aeon Free Company based out of Ul'dah. For once in her adult life, she has found a place that might be worth staying around and people that she wouldn't mind keeping close to her.

====<div style="padding:0px 30px; font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;"> Aeon-specific History (1579)</div>====
:
''This information is only to be used by members of Aeon and would not otherwise be known''
::<spoiler>
* 9th Sun of the Fifth Umbral Moon - Aurou's presence manifested fully within the link, leaving her with a brilliant emerald green brand upon her left side just below her rib cage.
* 18th Sun of the Fifth Umbral Moon - Aurou took up residence in Cliffperch.
</spoiler>

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Basic Info''</div>===

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3>
<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #C9F0B9;font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>Likes</center></div></h3>
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Bustling cities and ports, meeting with travelers
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Conversing, gossiping, and flirting
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Collecting trinkets, particularly shiny or jeweled objects
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Fair weather and warm climates
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Fuzzy companion animals
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Sitting in front of a fire to write
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Swimming
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Competitions and challenges
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Trading information and secrets
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Learning of other cultures and traditions
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> The color blue
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Herbal tea and berries
: <font style="color:#C9F0B9;" size="3">■</font> Visiting taverns and drinking

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #C27575;font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>Dislikes</center></div></span></h3>

: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Listening to someone talk in circles
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Physical combat and unnecessary violence
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Repetitive chores and tasks
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Being taken for a fool, tricked
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Being addressed as 'Lady' or 'Miss'
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Being seen as nothing more than a pretty face
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Rain or windy weather, the cold
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Extreme heights
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Creatures that are capable of devouring her in a single bite
: <font style="color:#C27575;" size="3">■</font> Hunting or gathering her own food

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<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #3CBBBE;font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>Other</center></div></span></h3>

: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Names Day: 23rd Sun of the Second Umbral Moon, 1554
: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Birth place: Sharlayan
: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Guardian Deity: Nymeia
: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Chocobo: Sonnet
: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Alias: 'Quill' - a nickname bestowed upon her by her young bard friend Khuja'sae.
: <font style="color:#3CBBBE;" size="3">■</font> Alias: '' 'Fuschen' '' - a nickname bestowed upon her by her friend Norah, Mhigan for 'fox'.

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<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #df84bb;font-size:18px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;"><center>100 Questions</center></div></span></h3>

: <font style="color:#df84bb;" size="3">■</font>''A dark, leather bound book; penned in an uniform and delicate script''
<br />
:-- This may be used to get a better idea of who Aurou is. Written completely IC. Click for a wall'o'text!
<br />
:::<spoiler>

Part 1: The Basics
*What is your full name?
:''My name is Aurou Mhirata.''
*Where and when were you born?
:''I was born in Sharlayan on the 23rd Sun of the Second Umbral Moon, 1554.''
*Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
:''My parents are Kohta Mhirata and Reti'a Lyrenba, a historian and a spellmaster respectively. My mother is a mild-mannered woman intent on putting her work before all else. My father has always been a bit of a practical joker and is, in general, a very relaxed man.''
*Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
:''I am an only child, although I had always wished I had siblings.''
*Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
:''I have been residing in The Hourglass Inn in Ul'dah for the past two cycles. It is located within the Adventurer's Guild along with a bustling eatery known as the Quicksand.''
*What is your occupation?
:''I am a researcher, following in my mother's footsteps, working to document current events within the Eorzean borders. In my spare time I also enjoy writing about the individuals that I come across in my work.''
*Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
:''I am a Keeper Miqo'te of small stature. I stand a full four fulms and ten ilms tall, from feet to ear tip, and weigh ninty-five ponz when soaking wet. My skin color is a fair ashen grey and I have stark white stripes on my face. My eyes are bright sapphire blue and my hair is naturally a deep violet with light blue highlights during the warmer moons. I have scar on my right thigh from falling out of a tree as a child where I was unfortunate enough to impale myself with a broken protruding root. Otherwise, I am unmarked to the best of my knowledge.''
*To which social class do you belong?
:''My family is one of scholars and held in high regards.''
*Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
:''Not that I am aware of.''
*Are you right- or left-handed?
:''I am right-handed.''
*What does your voice sound like?
:''My voice has a higher pitch that can carry across a room, if need be. I generally speak at a normal level for face-to-face conversations.''
*What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
:''I will usually bid acquaintances 'Safe travels' upon departure, and affirm answers with 'It seems so' quite often.''
*What do you have in your pockets?
:''I have some spare coin, a small folding utility knife, a couple pieces of folded paper, a small writing journal, and length of twine.''
*Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
:''I often change how I speak depending upon my conversation partner. I'm told that my ears can give away my mood if I am overly emotional. I do not like to get dirty and will go out of my way to avoid such circumstances unless absolutely necessary.''
Part 2: Growing Up
*How would you describe your childhood in general?
:''My childhood was fairly happy. I knew no losses of people close to me and was relatively shielded from the war of the southern countries until the fall of Ala Mhigo when we were evacuated from the Idyllshire settlement.''
*What is your earliest memory?
:''One of my earliest memories is of a family trip to the coast that we took every cycle during the warm months. I was running from the surf and tripped, landing face first in the sand and getting washed over by the sea and foam. My fathered helped me back up and consoled me.''
*How much schooling have you had?
:''I attended school from the time I could talk until the time that I left home at the onset of the Calamity. I still self-study when time permits.''
*Did you enjoy school?
:''Very much. It was a normal part of life for me, I can't imagine what my childhood would be like without it.''
*Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
:''I learned a majority of what I know from my instructors and parents, and also from my book-learning as an adult now.''
*While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
:''My mother. As a young Keeper girl, I idolized my mother over all others. I also aspired to be like my Conjury teacher, Master Lilia. She was the smallest Lalafall woman that, to the day even, I've ever seen and the highest respected healer that I knew. She could command a crowded rooms attention with her presence, not even needing to utter a word. Sadly, she perished shortly after I left for Eorzea. I can only hope that she was proud of her student.''
*While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
:''I got along with my parents very well. We had very few spats, and the ones that we did have were usually resolved quickly.''
*As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
:''I wanted to be a historian, like my mother. That goes hand-in-hand with wanting to be exactly like her.''
*As a child, what were your favorite activities?
:''I enjoyed playing with the other children. Being so small, I was among the quickest when it came to running games. I also enjoyed music lessons while I took them, not singing but instruments. Someday I hope to take up leaning to play the piano again.''
*As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
:''I was always an inquisitive child and full of mischief. A people-pleaser, my parents always called me.''
*As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
:''I never got on well with the boys due to my size and general disinterest in most of their 'fighting' games. It took me a few years before I really fit in with the girls, around the age of nine. My best friend was another Keeper by the name of Tohra, a pretty little girl with a spitfire personality. She often tried to talk me into getting into trouble while we were running around outside. We stayed friends throughout our school age days, but we've drifted in recent years simply due to the distance.''
*When and with whom was your first kiss?
:''My first kiss was with one of my father's apprentices, an older Elezen boy that went by Emmeric. I must have been only twelve or thirteen cycles. How angry my father was!''
*Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
:''No. Em and I continued to see each other against my father's wishes for another couple cycles. Shortly before I departed for Eorzea at sixteen Em and I snuck off to the outskirts of town and spent a night together. Surely my father would have Em's head if he knew.''
*If you are a supernatural being (i.e. mage, werewolf, vampire), tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities. If you are just a normal human, describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
:''I inherited my Conjury abilities from my father's side. From a young age I've had considerable abilities with Aether manipulation. I've been taught to control and even amplify Aether utilizing the elements around me.''
Part 3: Past Influences
*What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
:''Thus far, I would say the most important event of my life has been my decision to leave Sharlayan. Crossing the Indigo Deep to come to Eorzea is something that I will not soon forget.''
*Who has had the most influence on you?
:''That would be my Conjury instructor, Master Lilia.''
*What do you consider your greatest achievement?
:''My greatest achievement would be braving the on-going battle to aid those wounded in Cartenau. Being able to help those that I did with an ability that I otherwise hadn't gotten to exercise was something that I never thought I would do.''
*What is your greatest regret?
:''Life is too short to live with regrets.''
*What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
:''I have used my womanly charms a few times to get something that I'm after. I'm not sure that would count as 'evil', though.''
*Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
:''I have no record in Eorzea, criminal or otherwise.''
*When was the time you were the most frightened?
:''My answer would again be the time that I spent in Cartenau. I thought I was going to die more than a handful of times in that short time.''
*What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
:''I once took a temporary job working as a barmaid in a tavern. I broke more mugs and plates in my first shift than the establishment had lost in an entire moon, the proprietor told me as she took my apron away. I've yet to return.''
*If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
:''Not a thing. I would not be who I am or where I am today, otherwise.''
*What is your best memory?
:''My best memory would be the first time that I stepped off of the ship and onto Eorzean soil. Seeing all of the new sights, taking in the new scents and sounds. To this day it still amazes me.''
*What is your worst memory?
:''My worst memory happened recently. I was tricked into drawing out someone that I know not who or for why, I was nothing more than bait in some plan unbeknownst to me. It was the first time since Cartenau that I truly feared for my life.''
Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions
*Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
:''I am fairly optimistic. I try to see the bright side of things as much as I can.''
*What is your greatest fear?
:''My greatest fear would be losing my ability to see or speak.''
*What are your religious views?
:''The gods have their own plans and we are but pawns in them.''
*What are your political views?
:''My view on politics are similar to my views on religion, again we are but pawns in a greater scheme. ''
*What are your views on sex?
:''It has already been established that I'm not a virgin and that I live life with no regrets.''
*Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
:''No. I am a non-violent person, for the most part. I do not do well in combat. It is not for me to decide who should live and who should die, that is the gods' game.''
*In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
:''The most evil thing that man or woman could do would be to cause unbearable pain or suffering to another living being.''
*Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
:''I do. I have yet to find mine yet, however.''
*What do you believe makes a successful life?
:''A successful life would be one that you are happy living. No amount of coin or fame can achieve that for you.''
*How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
:''I often wear my feelings on my face, I'm not one to restrain them. My thoughts are a different matter and are reserved for those that I believe I can trust fully.''
*Do you have any biases or prejudices?
:''I do not wish to be with someone that is shorter than me, which is basically only Lalafalls. I have nothing against the race, simply the height. That's about it.''
*Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
:''I dislike singing in public. I would rather do just about anything else, I can't explain why.''
*Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
:''At this time, I can't think of anyone or anything that I would give my life for.''
Part 5: Relationships With Others
*In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
:''I am a polite person, although I keep most people at a good distance. Few people know me well by mine own will.''
*Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
:''I find myself pretty important. I don't have anyone else at this time.''
*Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
:''I respect everyone equally unless they do something to the contrary. I don't believe that I hold any living person in higher regards than another.''
*Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
:''I have few friendships, and loose ones at that. People come and go so often that it is hard to maintain good contact with them. Someday I do hope to change this, but right now it simply isn't possible.''
*Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
:''No.''
*Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
:''I think I've only been in puppy love. Nothing too serious or set in stone.''
*What do you look for in a potential lover?
:''Someone that respects me and that I can respect in return. They also must be at least my height, preferably taller.''
*How close are you to your family?
:''I have began to drift from my parents, but we remain on good terms. I make a point to visit them whenever I return home.''
*Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
:''I do not have my own family. Someday I would like one and would like to settle down. I want to have children someday, as well.''
*Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
:''I would turn to whoever would listen. I've managed to not be in such a situation yet and hope that I don't have one in the near future.''
*Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
:''No. Perhaps someday. I do not know anyone in these lands well enough right now.''
*If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
:''My parents would of word ever made it to them. I doubt anyone else would take notice.''
*Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
:''I do not despise anyone. You never know if tomorrow will come, there is no point in harboring grudges.''
*Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
:''If it is something that I am passionate about I will argue. Otherwise, I will sit back and listen.''
*Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
:''It depends on the situation and those present. I have no problem taking the lead if it is needed and I am knowledgeable about the topic at hand.''
*Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
:''I enjoy social gatherings, however if I am among mainly strangers it does get a bit uncomfortable.''
*Do you care what others think of you?
:''Not at all.''
Part 6: Likes And Dislikes
*What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
:''I enjoy talking to and writing about people. I also enjoy sitting by the sea and watching the waves.''
*What is your most treasured possession?
:''My most treasure possession is a locket that Master Lilia gave to me before I left, to remind me of my roots and home.''
*What is your favorite color?
:''Blue, almost any shade.''
*What is your favorite food?
:''I love fresh forest berries.''
*What, if anything, do you like to read?
:''I enjoy reading of adventures that others have had. It gives a different look on history.''
*What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?
:''Watching a performance or viewing someone's art is always a pleasant time.''
*Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
:''I do drink for social engagements and gatherings.''
*How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
:''I tend to spend my evenings in local bars or eateries interacting with others.''
*What makes you laugh?
:''Many things make me laugh: a good joke, an attempt at being silly, conversations, bad attempts at flirting, etc.''
*What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
:''I find it offensive when I'm seen as only an object or if the only thing someone notices about me is my looks.''
*What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
:''I would go for a walk. Staying indoors while one can't sleep won't help the situation at all.''
*How do you deal with stress?
:''I write. I might talk to someone if anyone that I know well enough is around, but mostly I write.''
*Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
:''I like to have plans, but it is also nice to do something on the spur of the moment.''
*What are your pet peeves?
:''People that are constantly dirty or causing trouble, bad/drunken singing, someone trying to rearrange my things, not being taken seriously or listened too.''
Part 7: Self Images And Etc.
*Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
:''A normal day starts off around noon or one in the afternoon and mostly just consists of me working on my writing and running errands for a few bells. In the evening I usually spend some time looking for new material to write about and socializing. I'll turn in for rest around five or six in the morning. I welcome interruptions to my day, it breaks up any monotony.''
*What is your greatest strength as a person?
:''My greatest strength is probably that I am willing to listen to anyone, no matter what they need to talk about.''
*What is your greatest weakness?
:''My greatest weakness is my own curiosity. I will go to great lengths to find out something that interests me.''
*If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
:''Not a thing.''
*Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
:''I am usually extroverted. I love surrounding myself with different people.''
*Are you generally organized or messy?
:''I am a fairly organized person. Everything has a place where it belongs.''
*Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
:''I am good at writing, Conjury, and logistics. I am not very good at fighting, taking orders, or waiting tables.''
*Do you like yourself?
:''I like myself very much.''
*What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that RPG characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons…)
:''My reason for what I do is to preserve this span of time. I have no qualms telling people why I do what I do.''
*What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
:''I want to someday have a family. That would be my ultimate goal.''
*Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
:''In five years I see myself back either in Sharlayan telling my tales or still here in Eorzea writing them.''
*If you could choose, how would you want to die?
::'I would want to die a quick and not drawn out death. A clean death would also be preferable, perhaps drowning?''
*If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
:''Have a good meal, spend time with the friends that I have, and watch the sun rise one last time over the sea.''
*What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
:''My efforts put forth in my writing. Hopefully what I have cataloged can be used by our future generations to look back at this time period.''
*What three words best describe your personality?
:''Friendly, outgoing, bubbly.''
*What three words would others probably use to describe you?
:''Questioning, caring, closed-off.''
*If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice…)
::"Remember who you are and be yourself. Try to stay out of trouble, but don't be a drag."
</spoiler>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;width:50%;padding-right:10px; font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white"><center>''Rumors''</center></div></span></h3>
''Some of these rumors are untrue or are greatly exaggerated. Please feel free to add your own rumors under PC!''
<div style="border:0px solid; padding:8px;"><b>
<div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #83D295;">◢ Common Rumors (Easily overheard)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "Typical woman. Talk talk talk talk, always gabbin'." ''-Merchant''
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "I always see her sitting around the Quicksand, writing in her little book. She seems content to only keep her own company." ''-Merchant's Wife''
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "Aurou? Ha! Tha' one's a riot once th' drinks start flowin'." ''-Lominsan Fisherman''
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "Lady Aurou always looks right at home when she takes her time to speak to people in Ul'dah. She's always asking questions, she's quite inquisitive. Come to think of it, though... She never talks about herself." ''-Bookkeeper from the Thaumaturge's Guild''
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "Tha' girls always wit' a different man every time I see 'er. Sometimes she's even wit' a -woman-. She gets 'round, tha's all I'm sayin'." ''-Barkeep''
: <font style="color:#83D295;" size="3">■</font> "She shuuure knows sum *hic* good *hic* 'angover cures.. hehe." ''-Drunken Hyur''
<br />

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #E5E065;">◢ Moderate Rumors (Somewhat difficult to overhear)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#E5E065;" size="3">■</font> "She ain't much of a fighter. Heard tell that she was on th' field durin' The Battle o' Cartenau. Wonder 'ow true that is?" ''-Coliseum Fighter''
: <font style="color:#E5E065;" size="3">■</font> "She'll do just about anything to get what she's after, if ye know what I mean." ''-Barkeep''
: <font style="color:#E5E065;" size="3">■</font> "One day she's speakin' like the saltiest sailor t' ever sail Th' Indigo Deep, th' next she talks all proper an' fancy-like." ''-Traveling Lalafall''
<br />

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #DF7E79;">◢ Rare Rumors (Very difficult or rarely overheard)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#DF7E79;" size="3">■</font> "The woman is a spy, plain and simple. Why else would she want to know so much?" ''-Speculating Elezan''
: <font style="color:#DF7E79;" size="3">■</font> "Ehh, 'spy' might be pushin' it. She's definitely a foreigner. Can't even wager a guess 'ere she's from, tho'." ''-Roegadyn countering Elezan''
: <font style="color:#DF7E79;" size="3">■</font> "I heard she's from Dravania!" ''-Eavesdropping Miqo'te''
<br />

<b><div style="padding:10px 25px; background: #799ADF;">◢ PC Rumors (Written by other players, both Anonymous and Signed welcome)</div></b>
: <font style="color:#799ADF;" size="3">■</font> "Quill is smart and beautiful. I mean, I'd fight the world for her if I had to, I'd sing until I had no voice. Why she'd tolerate a country kid is beyond me. I'm thankful all the same."-[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]
: <font style="color:#799ADF;" size="3">■</font> "Aurou... let's see, she is a very smart scholar, a gentle and kind soul, nice to talk to, and quite the looker. I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in her. Oh, last thing, if you hurt her...well...better not think about it, actually." - [[Leon Greymoon]]
: <font style="color:#799ADF;" size="3">■</font>
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<td style="vertical-align: top;width:50%;padding-right:10px; font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;"><h3><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white"><center>''Inventory''</center></div></span></h3>
''Items that Aurou frequently has on her person, whether visible or stashed away''
: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3">■</font> Quills, often kept tucked beneath a hair piece
: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3">■</font> Two or three small leather bound writing books
: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3">■</font> Canvas satchel

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===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white"><center>''Relations''</center></div>===
:
<center>| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="3">♥</font> Romantic Interest | <font style="color:#000000;" size="3">♥</font> Sexual Desire | <font style="color:#FA70BC;" size="3">♥</font> Platonic Love | <font style="color:#E3A92B;" size="3">★</font> Trusted Friend | <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> Good Standing | <font style="color:#a7a7a7;" size="3">●</font> Neutral Standing | <font style="color:#C24640;" size="3">●</font> Poor Standing | <font style="color:#000000;" size="3">'''''~'''''</font> Undecided | <font style="color:#000000;" size="3">'''''!'''''</font> Recent Change |</center>

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<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #B9B9F0;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white;">'''Friends'''</div><div style="border:0px solid; padding:8px">
''People that Aurou looks forward to seeing and spending time with:''

<font style="color:#E3A92B;" size="3">★</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font>: [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]] : Aurou also met Khuja at the same time as Leon. She finds the young bard endearing and sweet. She views him in the light of a smaller sibling, wanting to offer console and aid to the younger Miqo'te. She's promised to help him with reading and writing when the two have spare time. She somehow became the young man's first kiss and heartbreak through an unrequited love. Recently Khuja has been very distant, to which she can only honor his wish to be away from her despite her concern.

<font style="color:#E3A92B;" size="3">★</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font> <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> <font style="color:#000000;" size="3">'''''~'''''</font> : [[Leon Greymoon]] : Aurou came across Leon while looking for one of his fellow Free Company members. After thier initial meeting, the knight humored Aurou with a question and answer game to pass time on a few occasions. She's grown fond of their chatter and makes an attempt to keep up contact with him. Aurou has come to see him as a friend and trusts the knight, worrying for him as he seems to never stop to think about himself. She made a game of trying to get the man to ask questions of her in an attempt to have him speak a little more freely. She finds Leon to be a bit of a mystery due to his quieter nature and reluctance to speak of himself without being asked a direct question. The two have begun to speed some free time together, swapping questions and stories and occasionally flirting with one another - something that she's come to enjoy quite a bit.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font><font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font>: [[Shinorah Nightsbane]] : Always a gracious host when she is around, Aurou has come to see the older woman as a friend. She is pleasant company and a welcomed female presence to confer with. Norah aided her in understanding troublesome dreams, serving as someone that she felt safe to confide in and begin to trust. Aurou has come to realize that once the Mhigan has set her sights on something, she's hard to persuade otherwise - causing some concern for the woman's well being.

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<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #B9B9F0;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white;"><span class="mw-headline">'''Acquaintances'''</span></div>
''People that Aurou has met or come across on several occasions and that have been memorable to her:''

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Ja'ren A'lenthin]] : A fellow writer, Aurou has only come to know Ja'ren recently despite his seniority among the Branded. He's offered her advice in regards to their predicament and seems to be an interesting individual.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Reima Awen]] : Aurou finds the quiet Hyur woman to be a beacon of light to her friends. She notices just how much others seem to care for Reima, and is coming to see that for herself as well.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Kail Gerrad]] : Her first encounter with Kail was an eve where he was dressed (as far as she knows) as a pirate for costume party, leading her to call him a 'Captain' through banter among the group. To this day she still views him as a Captain: a salty and drunk sailor that looks out for his crew. Her respect for the sea-dog grows by the day, though she still knows little about him.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Brave Horizon]] : Brave is a blunt, level-headed Roegadyn woman that Aurou has come to know through the Aeon Free Company. Along with Norah, Aurou served as a bridesmaid for Brave's Bonding Ceremony and helped to through an interesting bachelorette party.

<font style="color:#a7a7a7;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Altani Mol]] : A new Branded. The Xaela is a bright little bundle of energy that Aurou finds endearing. However, she knows next to nothing about the woman.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Broenfarr Niunglsyn]] : While she's only met the energetic Roegadyn a few times, each has been a memorable event. His antics entertain her, making her look forward to his next appearance. Aurou's respect for the man has grown leaps and bounds as he looks out for Khuja'sae, which ultimately lead to the younger Miqo'te to land his current job.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Izanami Stormcaller|Izanami 'Mayon' Stormcaller]] : 'Mayon' is another that Aurou met through Leon. The young Au Ra causes her some concern with the trouble that the girl always seems to manage to get into. Friendly and upbeat, Aurou can't help but like her despite the worry she brings.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Shattered Sword]] : Aurou's first meeting with Sword was at the Aeon Company pie swap. His boisterous demeanor and ability to banter with her brings a smile to her face whenever she sees (or hears) the Roegadyn nearby.

<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #B9B9F0;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white;"><span class="mw-headline">'''Ways Parted'''</span></div>
''People that Aurou has lost touch with:''

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Flickering Ember]] : Ember is another interesting person to Aurou. She's spoken to the child-like woman a few times, forming a loose friendship through their interactions. She sees Ember as someone to watch over when she's around, the Roe's unquestioning trust in Aurou is something that she has yet to come across in anyone else.

<font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="3">●</font>: <font style="color:#5F5F5F;" size="3"></font> [[Sataka Tanshi]] : Aurou met the towering Au Ra man while chasing rumors in The Goblet. His innocent outlook and curiosity with the world around him captivated her. The mystery surrounding the man (even to himself) only further grabbed her attention. She finds his presence calming and somewhat comforting.

<div style="padding:10px 35px;background: #B9B9F0;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white;"><span class="mw-headline">'''Enemies & Rivals'''</span></div>
''People that have left a profoundly negative impact on Aurou:''

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===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:25px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Gallery''</div>===
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File:Aurou Mhirata 03 05 2015 18 04 38.jpg
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===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #B9B9F0;font-size:20px;font-family:Arial;color:#5F5F5F;letter-spacing:0.2em;text-shadow: 1px 1px 1px white">''Footnotes and OOC''</div>===
:
Please feel free to utilize any of the above information in RP, but make sure that it would make sense for your character to know such things. I rarely will pre-coordinate RP's and even more rarely will allow for do-overs. I like for my interactions to be as organic and free flowing as possible! It's more fun that way~ Feel free to contact me in game (on the Balmung server) or via the RPC. I play during EST evenings and nights, and also can be found online throughout the day during the weekends.

I will feed plot hooks and hints as I see fit based on the amount of interaction given. Aurou, by nature and design, is a somewhat secretive character about her own history. It may take two or three sessions before she feels that she can trust another enough to open up. She is not an open book, a relationship must be built or be in the works.

''Adaptation and inspiration of Templates by [[Bancroft Gairn]] and [[D'lyhhia Lhuil]] -- Thank you for making this easy!!''
<br />
''Anyone may use my page to serve as a template for their own.''

<small>Last information update : 11/18/2015 - Relations update, minor additions</small>

Khuja'sae Fashonti

2015-11-19T21:02:13Z

Shinorah Nightsbane:

{{Infobox-character
| name = Khuja'sae Fashonti
| image = Khujasae.jpg
| imagewidth = 300
| caption = "Life is meaningless if lived quietly in the shadows, cowering from bad decisions. We all have reasons to fear, we all have suffered pain, but I wish to ease it through what little ability I have. If you want to try and stop me, I'll show you what mine has created behind this smile I wear. Some people appreciate a musician."
| title = Minstrel
| gender = Male
| citizenship = n/a
| race = Miqo'te
| clan = Keeper of the Moon
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 17
| stat_2 = Guardian
| stat_2_value = Byregot
| stat_3 = Namesday
| stat_3_value = Fourth Sun of the Second Umbral Moon
| stat_4 =
| stat_4_value =
}}

== [[File:FCtiny.png|left|55px]] <div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''Character'''</div> ==

<div><span style="font-size:14px"><span style="color:#2C3539"><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px">
''"A good actor knows that a different hat can completely change the character the audience sees him as."

''"The songbirds in the trees are the only friends I never mistrust."''

=== '''❧ General''' ===
</span></span><hr>
<br>
A young, talented musician, sharp shooter from the Twelveswood, and occasional skirt chaser -- Khuja'sae Fashonti in a nutshell. The ginger miqo'te was banished from his tribe and currently resides in the corner behind the stage at the Aeon Free Company's house in the Goblet, Cliffperch. The musician is quick to make friends and tends to have a good heart about him. Although quick to get offended by insults, he is usually over it in a few days time. While he may not be very well educated, the minstrel is astute about the world around him, offering the occasional insightful snippet of wisdom.
<br>

Khuja'sae is the fourth son of his mother and the youngest of all his siblings. The Fashonti family had lost many members from their trade of poaching and pillaging, but most members, including Khuja'sae's older brothers were lost during the calamity. The Fashonti clan is now operated by his eldest surviving sister who affectionately called him, "wart" and disliked his want to pursue music as a profession. Khuja'sae had been the family's Redbird, or sniper in the trees, for near as long as he was able to be. If someone were to interfere in a family operation, Khuja'sae was the one who would take them out with deadly precision.

<br>Khuja'sae's most recent rebellion to his sister's leadership was an operation where they were stealing an amulet from a traveler. The pay was abnormally high, and the family paid dearly for it. Netting three deaths and an injury, the group could not stop the man until Khuja'sae tracked the traveler down and slit his throat and took the item for himself. When Khuja'sae's eldest sister asked for the item, Khuja'sae refused and was kicked out of the clan. Khuja'sae had been tracked since he took the item. Thinking it was the Wood Wailers, Khuja'sae started working on a new identity, using his love and passion for music to lead a path forward. Through his actions, he was hired by Ser Leon to be Cliffperch's resident bard. Upon being hired at Cliffperch, Khuja'sae found a life of freedom and pursuit of what he loves. However, upon learning the secret behind the quick-to-arms nature of Cliffperch's residents, the amulet he had stolen activated, rendering Khuja'sae a permanent resident of Cliffperch. Now he is hunted by those who want the item back by strangers and what is left of his family.

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<span style="font-size:14px"><font color="#2C3539" face="Arial"><span style="line-height: 16px">

=== '''❧ Appearance''' ===
</span></font></span><hr>
<br> A scent of fresh cut wood sometimes lingers on the young man. His fingers and face have scars that hint towards a life other than music and bird watching. His bemused countenance banishes any such thought, however.
<br>
<br>'''Distinctive Markings:'''
<br>He sports a scar across the middle of his face. A tattoo of a red, sparrow-like bird marks the left of his chest where the end of a large, old scar lays, seeming to be the path of flight. Appears to have an old arrow wound on the top of his right thigh.
<br>
<br>'''Build:''' Lean Muscles hidden under loose clothing
<br>'''Hair:''' Red/orange
<br>'''Eyes:''' Blue
<br>'''Skin:''' Fair
<br>'''Clothing:''' Loose and easy to move around in but slightly armored
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<span style="font-size:14px"><font color="#2C3539" face="Arial"><span style="line-height: 16px">

=== '''❧ Behaviour''' ===
</span></font></span><hr>
<br>
Khuja keeps up an attitude of politeness. Unless he feels threatened, he would like to have others believe him to be little else than a misunderstood minstrel with a heart of gold. Occasionally, he can be caught off guard and give way to his slightly less refined manner of speaking. He enjoys calm days in the shade of a tree and slight, cool breezes.
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==[[File:serpentleft.png|left|]] <div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''Combat'''</div> ==
Khuja'sae is no stranger to the bow, in his family he was given the rank Redbird and his job was to sit in the trees and attack anyone who would interfere in the family's operations. Khuja'sae specializes in multi-shot and rapid fire arrow work with deadly precision. He has studied anatomy of animals and humans to be able to pinpoint the best places to hit for desired results. To the Wood Wailers, Khuja'sae's work was known to be that of the "blood bird" that would commonly leave a casualty with an arrow in each eye, fired at the same time.

Khuja'sae is fairly good with a knife, being able to throw them with a fair amount of accuracy. He began this as an extension of his hobby crafting weapons and instruments out of wood.

== [[File:serpentleft.png|left|]]<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''♪ Recent RP events ♪'''</div> ==
[http://rune.enjin.com/forum/m/17160846/viewthread/23816077-r-september-26-when-dove-cries [R<nowiki>]</nowiki> [September 26<nowiki>]</nowiki> When the Dove Cries] - Khuja'sae's family revealed that they would rather have the item Khuja'sae stole than have a little brother. A battle for blood against all of Cliffperch.

Had a coin that created a direct mind link with Leon Greymoon. For an entire week, they lived near as each other. After the effects had worn off, he traveled with a group to the icy mountains of Coerthas where ancient magic found Khuja'sae to be one who is 'pure of heart' much to the minstrel's dismay. Litches were fought and a conversation with am undead Rogadyn occured and all Khuja'sae kept from it all was a lousy crystal coin.

Broenfarr met Khuja'sae at his house and drunkenly gave the miqo'te the nickname Tiddles. Now an ongoing joke.

Khuja'sae joined the Gilded Pony and is currently living out his dream to be a professional performer.

The bard went on his first date, awkwardly.

Khuja'sae had his first heartbreak.

== [[File:serpentright.png|left]]<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''Tendencies'''</div> ==
Khuja'sae has a tendency of letting you only see the side of him he wants you to. He speaks politely to near everyone, claiming only to be a hopeful, poor, misunderstood bard. His trust is hard won and prying too close might introduce you to a much less nice side of the young man.

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===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background: #2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><center>Likes</center></div> ===
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Playing music
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Cool breezes
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Shady trees
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Bird songs

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=== <div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><center><span class="mw-headline">Dislikes</span></center></div> ===
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Death
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Secrets
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Sour drinks
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> People without appreciation of the arts

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=== <div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><center><span class="mw-headline">Hobbies/Talents</span></center></div> ===
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Playing music
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Singing
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Marksmanship
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Wood craft
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Mimicking bird calls

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=== <div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><center><span class="mw-headline">Favorites</span></center></div> ===
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> '''Favourite Food/Drink''': Faerie apple cider
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> '''Favourite Place''': Any place with trees and bird songs

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=== <div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><center><span class="mw-headline">Fears</span></center></div> ===
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Large, imposing people
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Drunk Broenfarr
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Being too close to someone
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> The remnants of his family
:<font style="color:#2C3539" size="3">❧</font> Any threat to those he cares about
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==<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539;font-size:20px;color:#ffffff;">'''♦ Related Images'''</div>==

<gallery>
Khudoodle2sktch.jpg
Khudoodlenoshirt.jpg
Khuguitar.jpg
Addamsfamily pony.png
File:9q5weJV.png
File:JvOXSiB-1.png
File:Ffxiv 09142015 222414.png
File:Maloh.png
Khujatree.jpg
</gallery>

=== [[File:serpentleft.png|left]]<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''Relationships'''</div><center>===
<div style="text-align: center;"><font style="color:#FA70BC" size="3"> ❤ </font> Romantic interest <font style="color:#FF0033" size="3"> ♪ </font> Very good friend <font style="color:#33ff22" size="3"> ❧ </font> Would consider a good person <font style="color:#8f8377" size="3"> ❧ </font> Knows the name of <font style="color:#0000CC" size="3"> ❧ </font> Distrusts <font style="color:#990000" size="3"> ❧ </font> Might kill
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===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><span class="mw-headline">Friends </span></div><div style="border:0px solid; padding:8px"> ===

:<span style="color:#FF0033"><span style="font-size: medium"> ♪ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Leon Greymoon]]''' – Hired him to work at Cliffperch. The white-haired knight has earned deep respect from Khuja'sae since he always seems to go out of his way to help out. After recent events, Khuja'sae has found himself to be adopted into Leon's family, easing the pain of being forsaken from his own.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00" size="3">❧ </span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Aurou Mhirata]]''' – Quill, as Khuja'sae refers to her as, is a highly intelligent writer that Khuja'sae has developed strong feelings for. Aurou is his first kiss, and the lady he has declared love for and his first love lost. </span></span>
:<span style="color:#FF0033"><span style="font-size: medium"> ♪ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Shinorah Nightsbane|Shinorah Nightsbane]]''' – Khuja'sae sees Norah like a big sister. He has immense respect for the mage and any advice she has to give. In song, he refers to her as the "Lady Fair".</span></span>
:<span style="color:#FF0033"><span style="font-size: medium"> ♪ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Oyungunjin Kha]]''' – A man that has quickly become a best friend to the young Miqo'te. Though mutual confiding, Khuja'sae has grown to trust this man very much. A brother away from Cliffperch. A kind of sympathy for the others condition has grown between the two.
:<span style="color:#FF0033"><span style="font-size: medium"> ♪ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Druzic Qalli]]''' – A co-worker at the Gilded Pony and a man quickly becoming a good friend. Pretty much his go-to guy to talk to about most anything.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#FF0033"><span style="font-size: medium"> ♪ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Yurah Tsukino]]''' – A co-worker at the Gilded Pony. Adorable and always seeming to have something in her hands, Khuja has become more than a little concerned for the well-being of "Princess". </span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Kail Gerrad]]''' – Referred to in song as "the Pirate" but called Eyepatch in person. Khuja'sae knows that Kail is a great person to talk to but is sworn to not tell a soul. Although as to why Kail calls Khuja'sae "Curly" remains a mystery to the youth.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[W'aelwyn Turrel]]''' – Khuja'sae's boss at the Gilded Pony. Pretty, smart, talented, she's an excellent leader and someone that Khuja'sae looks up to. If she needs someone for any performance, Khuja'sae is there and ready.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Broenfarr Niunaglsyn]]''' – The man that calls Khuja'sae 'Tiddles'. Despite the Miqo'te's general dislike for for the Sea Wolf Roegadyn, Khuja'sae recognizes him as a good man. He is an excellent chef, co-worker, and the man that introduced him to the Gilded Pony.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Datata Data]]''' – A very talented and fashionable lady that Khuja'sae has had the pleasure of meeting. She is a fellow co-worker at the Gilded Pony.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Tal’varian Aquilo]]''' – A very talented dancer and wearer of little clothing. Khuja'sae is uneasy of the man, but has quite a bit of respect for him. He is a fellow co-worker at the Gilded Pony.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Y'aishril Behl]]''' – The beautiful Lady Bloom, Y'aishril Behl, was there to help him through a difficult turn of events. One year his senior and optimistic despite dire situations, Khuja'sae has appreciated her help. Although he does not know her well, he would consider her a freind. It's been a while since he's seen her.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Teetering Owl]]''' – Probably the oldest lady of Cliffperch, He seems to think of her much like is ol'nan and feels that he might confide in her if something were amiss.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Flickering Ember]]''' – Their first meeting was abrupt but the Roe has grown on the Miqo'te. Her blindness reminds him of his sister Maloh, his teacher in marksmanship, who was devastated when she lost most of her vision. </span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Rei'li Niraj]]''' – An adopted brother. Rei'li may be busy, but Khu knows that he's there when he needs him.
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Reima Awen]]''' – "Lady Reima of Green" was one of the songs he sang to this maiden when first they met. She kindly introduced him to Leon. "Lady Reima of Green, so it would seem, is a light and fine maiden before thee. But with just an ire stare, best you beware, even a dragon would flee." </span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Arcian Martell]]''' – Has earned the nickname 'Goldie' even though it scares the minstrel to call her it sometimes. A woman of obvious strength is seen by the miqo'te to be a generally good person. Khuja'sae is well aware that if he were to step out of line, his face would not survive Arcian's wrath.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[I'shkandar Tia]]''' – Ace is probably the coolest miqo'te at Cliffperch. Has good advice on women and makes great pies.</span></span>
<br>

:<br/>
| style="vertical-align: top;width:50%;padding-right:10px; font-size:9pt;font-family:Helvetica;" |

===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539;font-size:14px;color:#FFFFFF;"><span class="mw-headline">Acquaintances</span></div>===
<br>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Leilani Leilai]]''' – A talented musician that Khuja'sae had the privilege to preform with. </span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Brave Horizon]]''' – 'Gildie', although he hasn't had many a conversation with the Roegadyn, if she's 'Goldie's' woman, she must be alright.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#8f8377"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Brynhilde Wulf]]''' – Khuja'sae met Bryn briefly. She left the young bard with the impression that she is not the woman he would want to piss off. </span></span>
:<span style="color:#8f8377"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Dartanon Nobis|Draco Nobis]]''' – Khuja'sae has heard a lot about the man yet has never met him. Has a few assumptions about the man, but feels it wise not to voice it to his face.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#8f8377"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Devereau Beauregard]]''' – Based on what Khuja'sae's heard of him, he figures the man is insane. Although, he seems just fine in person.</span></span>
:<span style="color:#00ff00"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Eris Laurant]]''' – Combative and bullheaded but seemingly alright, Khuja'sae isn't sure what to make of his Gilded Pony co-worker. She's not too far off from the people he's met at Aeon, so she's probably alright. </span></span>
:<span style="color:#8f8377"><span style="font-size: medium">❧ </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[J'aran Tia]]''' – Figures he's a good guy with good intent despite his occasional attitude problems. Recently Khuja'sae has felt that he has misread the guy and would like the chance to make it up to him.</span></span>
<br>

===<div style="padding:10px 35px; background:#2C3539; font-size:14px; color:#FFFFFF"><span class="mw-headline">Enemies & Rivals</span></div>===
:<span style="color: #0000CC; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center">❧ </span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Sonu'a Viqqoh]]''' - A shady figure who enticed Khuja'sae's family into dark dealings that eventually left the ginger miqo'te marked to be hunted by the remnants of his family. Although Khuja'sae hates the man with a passion, it's hard for him to want to entirely kill him since he is the father of Leon and Rei'li. Since the young musician owes quite a bit to Leon, he doesn't attempt to murder the old man where he stands.
:<span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center">❧ </span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''Maloh Fashonti''' - Has repeatedly tried to get Khuja'sae to return to his family in the past. Even though Khuja'sae loves his sister and archery trainer very much, he cannot put a finger on her motives. With the recent "When the Dove Cries" event, Khuja'sae knows that Maloh would kill him on sight in the future. Khuja'sae won't hesitate to draw his bow the next time he hears her clicking in the Twelveswood.
:<span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center">❧ </span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''Mohn Fashonti''' - After sending three family members to their deaths, Khuja'sae has nothing more to say to his eldest sister. With the recent "When the Dove Cries" event, Khuja'sae knows that Mohn would kill him on sight in the future, Khuja'sae would not hesitate to return the gesture.
</span></span>
:<span style="color: #C24640; font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center">❧ </span><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: -webkit-center"><span style="font-size:small">'''[[Person Here]]''' -
</span></span>

|}

==[[File:serpentright.png|left]]<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''Rumours'''</div>==
:<font style="color:#330033" size="3">❧

===<div style="padding:10px 25px; background:#2C3539"><span style="color:#ffffff">'''''Player Character Rumours'''''</span></div>===
<small>''Scoundrel or a saint? You decide! Feel free to add some rumors!''</small>
:<font style="color:#330033" size="3">❧ "That cheeky bard? He's a good lad, and good at his job. So long as he keeps up his performances, I will keep sending money his way, gotta spend it somehow right?" -[[Leon Greymoon]]</font>

:<font style="color:#330033" size="3">❧ "Khuja's a sweet little guy! Jus' don't let him hear you say tha... His heart is in th' right place, though sometimes I'm not sure if his head is or not. His talent belies his age, 'tis hard t' believe he's so young when you first listen to his music." -[[Aurou Mhirata]]</font>

:<font style="color:#330033" size="3">❧ </font>

{| style="width: 75%; position:center"
|-
|
|}

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background:#2C3539; font-size:20px; color:#ffffff">'''❧ Footnotes'''</div>===
<br>
'''Alignment: Neutral'''
<br>
<br>'''Nicknames'''
<br>"Wart" - ''<small>Called this by his eldest sister, Mohn</small>''
<br>"Little Dove" - ''<small>Only called this by very close friends, Maloh Fashonti (archery teacher) and Thata Fashonti(tactics and weapons teacher)</small>''
<br>"Redbird" - ''<small>Called this by family, or people that hired him as a part of his family. You might also call him this if you've seen his tattoo.</small>''
<br>"Sparrow" - ''<small>Called this by employers and also friends.</small>''
<br>"Blood Bird" - ''<small>Circulated by some of the Wood Wailers that saw his signature, "two arrows through the eyes" trick but didn't see him.</small>''
<br>"Tiddles" - ''<small>A nickname that Khuja'sae actively despises, used by the roegadyn Broenfarr, and now some of his friends, especially if they want to get under his fur.</small>''
<br>"Kaetzchen" - ''<small>"Little cat", in Mhigan, a term his friend Shinorah uses fondly for Khuja'sae.</small>''
<br>"Curly" - ''<small>The term that Kail uses to refer to the musician.</small>''
<br>

=== '''❧ Connections''' ===

<br>You might know the Fashonti clan if...
<br>
<br>❧ You grew up in the Black Shroud.
<br>❧ You cooperated with poachers.
<br>❧ You have needed to smuggle an item out of the shroud or needed an item that originates in the shroud but is hard to get.
<br>❧ You had been a member of the Wood Wailers or you hunt poachers.
<br>❧ You befriend shady people.
<br>
<br>You might know Khuja'sae if any of the above apply or...
<br>
<br>❧ You have heard someone playing music in the tree tops.
<br>❧ You frequent the Goblet lately.
<br>❧ You had saw a bard outside of the Carline Canopy a few moons past.
<br>❧ You've seen a young man talking to birds in Thanalan.
<br>❧ You've seen a young man in the Quicksand, singing or asking travelers questions.
<br>❧ You've seen or spoken to anyone in the Gilded Pony
<br>

'''Music:'''
<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAUoI49Ndmk What you might hear from Khuja'sae strumming on Mandolin]
<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRltMej-hSQ What you might hear from Khuja'sae's Lute playing]
<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DqSLKQ9n58 Theme song]
<br>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRPPHAaPHYw Background Music]
<br>[https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xLpfbcXTeo8 Khuja'sae's early theme, when he first came to Cliffperch]
<br>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-19T20:29:50Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: removed extra tags on OOC page

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, best friend and business partner
* Yumi Akimori, close friend
* [[Kail Gerrad]], companion
* Angharrad Brythaemr, business partner
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p>Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.</p>
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, though she is slowly trying to chip away at improving them. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes, sometimes even adopting an almost silly or whimsical manner. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list. She'll never forgive Garlemald for its invasion of Gyr Abania, and actively works to stop its expansion efforts anywhere she encounters Imperials.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nachtsieger family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an royal adviser and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive classical education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>
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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

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<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city. She changed her name from Nachtsieger to Nightsbane (the common translation of her Mhigan surname) when she registered at the Guild, due in part to the widespread discrimination against Highlanders in Ul'dah.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brythaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, Shinorah has spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. It's rare to hear her voice from her room in the mornings though, perhaps because she tends to be a very early riser and is often well on her way shortly after dawn break.</p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly. When she's alone, she's typically either got her nose buried in a book at one of the local restaurants with a glass of wine or ale beside her, or rummaging through the archives at the Arcanist's Guild.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear more rattled and skittish than usual. She'll quickly brush inquiries off and insist it's nothing though, with a smile and a polite wave of her hand.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MHIGAN AND ABANIAN HISTORY</center></div></span></h3>

This tab is a placeholder, long term goal is to populate it with information specific to Highlander lore, Ala Mhigo, and Gyr Abania as a whole (to include maps if I can!) Hoping to use it as a central repository on such things both for my own RP knowledge, as well as friends who are either RPing Highlanders or interacting with them. :) (Figure it's a lot easier than constantly trawling through tumblr, reddit, and Google searches every time it comes up.)

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
|}

{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i> (NPC)<font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
|}

{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i> (NPC)<font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>The Woman with the Golden Gun</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>[http://electricbluebutterfly.blogspot.com/2015/11/another-tangent.html Iris de la Roche] is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.</p>

<p>Iris is Shinorah's best friend and confidant, and until recently, the one person who truly knew all of Norah's secrets concerning her family, history, and anything else there really is to know about her. They've been friends for close to a decade now, united initially by the pain and heartache of having to leave your family and loved ones behind and being forced to forge a new future on their own. However, they share many complementary personality traits as well, and Norah's learned to truly trust and depend upon Iris - their present relationship is somewhere between a sister, a best friend, and a partner-in-crime.</p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well into the evening, when all three are around and at Cliffperch. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs though, either taking jobs or checking in on operations out at Haven.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>The Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>

<p>Norah is often exasperated at Yumi's penchant for trouble and landing into scrapes. She is very protective of the diminutive ninja, but often gently chides and chastises her for what Norah considers to be Yumi's irresponsible and reckless behavior. Even when she does though, there's a true warmth and affection in her eyes, and the conversations often end with a very tight hug of the small miquo'te, or a fond ruffling of the younger girl's hair.</p>

<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Kail, or "Schatzilein" (treasure) as she sometimes refers to him, is Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation, affection, or - most frequently - both. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back to Cliffperch; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs and bon mots back and forth, a rather unique flirtation that many of her friends quickly recognized for what it was in spite of Norah's firm denials. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, this seems to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection in addition to the smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that knows her, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she genuinely cares for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p>
<p>Norah's been a bit curious about Khu's recent whereabouts, as she's seen precious little of him recently, but trusts that he's in good hands with his companions and choral companions of the Gilded Pony. She's generally quite complementary about his musical talents and song-writing, though seems to get a little embarrassed and self-conscious if he plays one particular song in front of her when she's around either fidgeting a bit and not making eye contact with anyone, or politely excusing herself to go refill people's drinks or some other task.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times. They don't see each other as much now that Reima has moved back to her apartment in Ishgard in preparation of her upcoming wedding to [[Dartanon Nobis|Draco Nobis]], but Norah still periodically pens personal letters and sometimes little care packages of tea and biscuits to the young woman at her Ishgardian home.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon, or "der Wächter" (watchdog) from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. Around those in the Guard, he's friendly and approachable - Norah was quite surprised when she arrived at Cliffperch and encountered a very different view of Leon from the others there, one who was guarded and impatient, who spoke rarely of his family and one with whom many butted heads. She's seen both sides of him now - the friendly ally and guardian of new arrivals and new Branded, but also the headstrong and impatient knight who seeks no counsel other than his own most times.</P>

<p>Shinorah considers Leon a good friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him immensely, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. He's one of the few she's actually discussed personal things with - mostly because he both asks her directly about such, but also because he does so with a mix of teasing and warmth that neither makes her defensive nor overly self-conscious. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits, and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations. Whereas Shinorah prefers to approach problems strategically, first studying the situation and coming up with the best solution, Leon tends to charge in head-first with sword or axe brandished and little in the way of a long-term strategy, often putting them at cross-purposes when planning on how to respond to problems. Even so, Norah speaks fondly of the miquo'te when asked and it's clear that she values his advice, even when she disagrees with it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p>
<p>Recent events have brought Arcian and Norah into more regular contact, as they both wrestle with their past and attempts at trying to help a valued if stubborn colleague. Neither one seems to have had much insight on the problem itself, but their talks on the subject have united them a bit more as friends and allies in pursuit of a common goal.</p>
</div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>The Hammer of the Gods</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(Currently an NPC, though exists as an alt char.) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Norah is a good friend, while it takes a lot of work to get through her careful attitude, when you get there you will find a kind soul, and a loyal ally. She is a part of my family, so if you see anyone hurt her, give their family my condolences for me." <i>- [[Leon Greymoon]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women. The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations). This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>[http://rune.enjin.com Aeon Free Company]</b>



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-19T20:25:42Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Removed extra row in table

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, best friend and business partner
* Yumi Akimori, close friend
* [[Kail Gerrad]], companion
* Angharrad Brythaemr, business partner
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p>Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.</p>
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, though she is slowly trying to chip away at improving them. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes, sometimes even adopting an almost silly or whimsical manner. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list. She'll never forgive Garlemald for its invasion of Gyr Abania, and actively works to stop its expansion efforts anywhere she encounters Imperials.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
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=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nachtsieger family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an royal adviser and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive classical education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>
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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city. She changed her name from Nachtsieger to Nightsbane (the common translation of her Mhigan surname) when she registered at the Guild, due in part to the widespread discrimination against Highlanders in Ul'dah.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brythaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, Shinorah has spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. It's rare to hear her voice from her room in the mornings though, perhaps because she tends to be a very early riser and is often well on her way shortly after dawn break.</p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly. When she's alone, she's typically either got her nose buried in a book at one of the local restaurants with a glass of wine or ale beside her, or rummaging through the archives at the Arcanist's Guild.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear more rattled and skittish than usual. She'll quickly brush inquiries off and insist it's nothing though, with a smile and a polite wave of her hand.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MHIGAN AND ABANIAN HISTORY</center></div></span></h3>

This tab is a placeholder, long term goal is to populate it with information specific to Highlander lore, Ala Mhigo, and Gyr Abania as a whole (to include maps if I can!) Hoping to use it as a central repository on such things both for my own RP knowledge, as well as friends who are either RPing Highlanders or interacting with them. :) (Figure it's a lot easier than constantly trawling through tumblr, reddit, and Google searches every time it comes up.)

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i> (NPC)<font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i> (NPC)<font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>The Woman with the Golden Gun</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>[http://electricbluebutterfly.blogspot.com/2015/11/another-tangent.html Iris de la Roche] is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.</p>

<p>Iris is Shinorah's best friend and confidant, and until recently, the one person who truly knew all of Norah's secrets concerning her family, history, and anything else there really is to know about her. They've been friends for close to a decade now, united initially by the pain and heartache of having to leave your family and loved ones behind and being forced to forge a new future on their own. However, they share many complementary personality traits as well, and Norah's learned to truly trust and depend upon Iris - their present relationship is somewhere between a sister, a best friend, and a partner-in-crime.</p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well into the evening, when all three are around and at Cliffperch. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs though, either taking jobs or checking in on operations out at Haven.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>The Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>

<p>Norah is often exasperated at Yumi's penchant for trouble and landing into scrapes. She is very protective of the diminutive ninja, but often gently chides and chastises her for what Norah considers to be Yumi's irresponsible and reckless behavior. Even when she does though, there's a true warmth and affection in her eyes, and the conversations often end with a very tight hug of the small miquo'te, or a fond ruffling of the younger girl's hair.</p>

<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Kail, or "Schatzilein" (treasure) as she sometimes refers to him, is Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation, affection, or - most frequently - both. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back to Cliffperch; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs and bon mots back and forth, a rather unique flirtation that many of her friends quickly recognized for what it was in spite of Norah's firm denials. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, this seems to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection in addition to the smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that knows her, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she genuinely cares for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p>
<p>Norah's been a bit curious about Khu's recent whereabouts, as she's seen precious little of him recently, but trusts that he's in good hands with his companions and choral companions of the Gilded Pony. She's generally quite complementary about his musical talents and song-writing, though seems to get a little embarrassed and self-conscious if he plays one particular song in front of her when she's around either fidgeting a bit and not making eye contact with anyone, or politely excusing herself to go refill people's drinks or some other task.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times. They don't see each other as much now that Reima has moved back to her apartment in Ishgard in preparation of her upcoming wedding to [[Dartanon Nobis|Draco Nobis]], but Norah still periodically pens personal letters and sometimes little care packages of tea and biscuits to the young woman at her Ishgardian home.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon, or "der Wächter" (watchdog) from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. Around those in the Guard, he's friendly and approachable - Norah was quite surprised when she arrived at Cliffperch and encountered a very different view of Leon from the others there, one who was guarded and impatient, who spoke rarely of his family and one with whom many butted heads. She's seen both sides of him now - the friendly ally and guardian of new arrivals and new Branded, but also the headstrong and impatient knight who seeks no counsel other than his own most times.</P>

<p>Shinorah considers Leon a good friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him immensely, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. He's one of the few she's actually discussed personal things with - mostly because he both asks her directly about such, but also because he does so with a mix of teasing and warmth that neither makes her defensive nor overly self-conscious. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits, and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations. Whereas Shinorah prefers to approach problems strategically, first studying the situation and coming up with the best solution, Leon tends to charge in head-first with sword or axe brandished and little in the way of a long-term strategy, often putting them at cross-purposes when planning on how to respond to problems. Even so, Norah speaks fondly of the miquo'te when asked and it's clear that she values his advice, even when she disagrees with it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p>
<p>Recent events have brought Arcian and Norah into more regular contact, as they both wrestle with their past and attempts at trying to help a valued if stubborn colleague. Neither one seems to have had much insight on the problem itself, but their talks on the subject have united them a bit more as friends and allies in pursuit of a common goal.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>The Hammer of the Gods</i> (NPC) <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(Currently an NPC, though exists as an alt char.) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Norah is a good friend, while it takes a lot of work to get through her careful attitude, when you get there you will find a kind soul, and a loyal ally. She is a part of my family, so if you see anyone hurt her, give their family my condolences for me." <i>- [[Leon Greymoon]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

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=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women. The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations). This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>Aeon Free Company</b> [[[rune.enjin.com]]]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-19T19:41:50Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: more typos

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, though she is slowly trying to chip away at improving them. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes, sometimes even adopting an almost silly or whimsical manner. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list. She'll never forgive Garlemald for its invasion of Gyr Abania, and actively works to stop its expansion efforts anywhere she encounters Imperials.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
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</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nachtsieger family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an royal adviser and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive classical education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>
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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city. She changed her name from Nachtsieger to Nightsbane (the common translation of her Mhigan surname) when she registered at the Guild, due in part to the widespread discrimination against Highlanders in Ul'dah.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brythaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, Shinorah has spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. It's rare to hear her voice from her room in the mornings though, perhaps because she tends to be a very early riser and is often well on her way shortly after dawn break.</p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly. When she's alone, she's typically either got her nose buried in a book at one of the local restaurants with a glass of wine or ale beside her, or rummaging through the archives at the Arcanist's Guild.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear more rattled and skittish than usual. She'll quickly brush inquiries off and insist it's nothing though, with a smile and a polite wave of her hand.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MHIGAN AND ABANIAN HISTORY</center></div></span></h3>

This tab is a placeholder, long term goal is to populate it with information specific to Highlander lore, Ala Mhigo, and Gyr Abania as a whole (to include maps if I can!) Hoping to use it as a central repository on such things both for my own RP knowledge, as well as friends who are either RPing Highlanders or interacting with them. :) (Figure it's a lot easier than constantly trawling through tumblr, reddit, and Google searches every time it comes up.)

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>The Hammer of the Gods</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(Currently an NPC, though exists as an alt char.) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>The Woman with the Golden Gun</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>[http://electricbluebutterfly.blogspot.com/2015/11/another-tangent.html Iris de la Roche] is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.</p>

<p>Iris is Shinorah's best friend and confidant, and until recently, the one person who truly knew all of Norah's secrets concerning her family, history, and anything else there really is to know about her. They've been friends for close to a decade now, united initially by the pain and heartache of having to leave your family and loved ones behind and being forced to forge a new future on their own. However, they share many complementary personality traits as well, and Norah's learned to truly trust and depend upon Iris - their present relationship is somewhere between a sister, a best friend, and a partner-in-crime.</p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well into the evening, when all three are around and at Cliffperch. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs though, either taking jobs or checking in on operations out at Haven.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>The Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>

<p>Norah is often exasperated at Yumi's penchant for trouble and landing into scrapes. She is very protective of the diminutive ninja, but often gently chides and chastises her for what Norah considers to be Yumi's irresponsible and reckless behavior. Even when she does though, there's a true warmth and affection in her eyes, and the conversations often end with a very tight hug of the small miquo'te, or a fond ruffling of the younger girl's hair.</p>

<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Kail, or "Schatzilein" (treasure) as she sometimes refers to him, is Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation, affection, or - most frequently - both. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back to Cliffperch; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs and bon mots back and forth, a rather unique flirtation that many of her friends quickly recognized for what it was in spite of Norah's firm denials. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, this seems to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection in addition to the smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that knows her, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she genuinely cares for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p>
<p>Norah's been a bit curious about Khu's recent whereabouts, as she's seen precious little of him recently, but trusts that he's in good hands with his companions and choral companions of the Gilded Pony. She's generally quite complementary about his musical talents and song-writing, though seems to get a little embarrassed and self-conscious if he plays one particular song in front of her when she's around either fidgeting a bit and not making eye contact with anyone, or politely excusing herself to go refill people's drinks or some other task.</P>,/div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times. They don't see each other as much now that Reima has moved back to her apartment in Ishgard in preparation of her upcoming wedding to [[Dartanon Nobis|Draco Nobis]], but Norah still periodically pens personal letters and sometimes little care packages of tea and biscuits to the young woman at her Ishgardian home.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon, or "der Wächter" (watchdog) from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. Around those in the Guard, he's friendly and approachable - Norah was quite surprised when she arrived at Cliffperch and encountered a very different view of Leon from the others there, one who was guarded and impatient, who spoke rarely of his family and one with whom many butted heads. She's seen both sides of him now - the friendly ally and guardian of new arrivals and new Branded, but also the headstrong and impatient knight who seeks no counsel other than his own most times.</P>

<p>Shinorah considers Leon a good friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him immensely, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. He's one of the few she's actually discussed personal things with - mostly because he both asks her directly about such, but also because he does so with a mix of teasing and warmth that neither makes her defensive nor overly self-conscious. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits, and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations. Whereas Shinorah prefers to approach problems strategically, first studying the situation and coming up with the best solution, Leon tends to charge in head-first with sword or axe brandished and little in the way of a long-term strategy, often putting them at cross-purposes when planning on how to respond to problems. Even so, Norah speaks fondly of the miquo'te when asked and it's clear that she values his advice, even when she disagrees with it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p>
<p>Recent events have brought Arcian and Norah into more regular contact, as they both wrestle with their past and attempts at trying to help a valued if stubborn colleague. Neither one seems to have had much insight on the problem itself, but their talks on the subject have united them a bit more as friends and allies in pursuit of a common goal.</p>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Norah is a good friend, while it takes a lot of work to get through her careful attitude, when you get there you will find a kind soul, and a loyal ally. She is a part of my family, so if you see anyone hurt her, give their family my condolences for me." <i>- [[Leon Greymoon]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women. The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations). This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>Aeon Free Company</b> [[[rune.enjin.com]]]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-19T18:49:47Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: typos

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, though she is slowly trying to chip away at improving them. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes, sometimes even adopting an almost silly or whimsical manner. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list. She'll never forgive Garlemald for its invasion of Gyr Abania, and actively works to stop its expansion efforts anywhere she encounters Imperials.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
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</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nachtsieger family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an royal adviser and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive classical education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>
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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city. She changed her name from Nachtsieger to Nightsbane (the common translation of her Mhigan surname) when she registered at the Guild, due in part to the widespread discrimination against Highlanders in Ul'dah.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brythaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, Shinorah has spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. It's rare to hear her voice from her room in the mornings though, perhaps because she tends to be a very early riser and is often well on her way shortly after dawn break.</p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly. When she's alone, she's typically either got her nose buried in a book at one of the local restaurants with a glass of wine or ale beside her, or rummaging through the archives at the Arcanist's Guild.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear more rattled and skittish than usual. She'll quickly brush inquiries off and insist it's nothing though, with a smile and a polite wave of her hand.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MHIGAN AND ABANIAN HISTORY</center></div></span></h3>

This tab is a placeholder, long term goal is to populate it with information specific to Highlander lore, Ala Mhigo, and Gyr Abania as a whole (to include maps if I can!) Hoping to use it as a central repository on such things both for my own RP knowledge, as well as friends who are either RPing Highlanders or interacting with them. :) (Figure it's a lot easier than constantly trawling through tumblr, reddit, and Google searches every time it comes up.)

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>The Hammer of the Gods</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(Currently an NPC, though exists as an alt char.) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>The Woman with the Golden Gun</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>[http://electricbluebutterfly.blogspot.com/2015/11/another-tangent.html Iris de la Roche] is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.</p>

<p>Iris is Shinorah's best friend and confidant, and until recently, the one person who truly knew all of Norah's secrets concerning her family, history, and anything else there really is to know about her. They've been friends for close to a decade now, united initially by the pain and heartache of having to leave your family and loved ones behind and being forced to forge a new future on their own. However, they share many complementary personality traits as well, and Norah's learned to truly trust and depend upon Iris - their present relationship is somewhere between a sister, a best friend, and a partner-in-crime.</p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well into the evening, when all three are around and at Cliffperch. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs though, either taking jobs or checking in on operations out at Haven.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>The Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>

<p>Norah is often exasperated at Yumi's penchant for trouble and landing into scrapes. She is very protective of the diminutive ninja, but often gently chides and chastises her for what Norah considers to be Yumi's irresponsible and reckless behavior. Even when she does though, there's a true warmth and affection in her eyes, and the conversations often end with a very tight hug of the small miquo'te, or a fond ruffling of the younger girl's hair.</p>

<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Kail, or "Schatzilein" (treasure) as she sometimes refers to him, is Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation, affection, or - most frequently - both. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back to Cliffperch; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs and bon mots back and forth, a rather unique flirtation that many of her friends quickly recognized for what it was in spite of Norah's firm denials. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, this seems to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection in addition to the smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that knows her, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she genuinely cares for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p>
<p>Norah's been a bit curious about Khu's recent whereabouts, as she's seen precious little of him recently, but trusts that he's in good hands with his companions and choral companions of the Gilded Pony. She's generally quite complementary about his musical talents and song-writing, though seems to get a little embarrassed and self-conscious if he plays one particular song in front of her when she's around either fidgeting a bit and not making eye contact with anyone, or politely excusing herself to go refill people's drinks or some other task.</P>,/div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times. They don't see each other as much now that Reima has moved back to her apartment in Ishgard in preparation of her upcoming wedding to [[Dartanon Nobis||Draco Nobis]], but Norah still periodically pens personal letters and sometimes little care packages of tea and biscuits to the young woman at her Ishgardian home.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. Around those in the Guard, he's friendly and approachable - Norah was quite surprised when she arrived at Cliffperch and encountered a very different view of Leon from the others there, one who was guarded and impatient, who spoke rarely of his family and one with whom many butted heads. She's seen both sides of him now - the friendly ally and guardian of new arrivals and new Branded, but also the headstrong and impatient knight who seeks no counsel other than his own most times.</P>

<p>Shinorah considers Leon a good friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him immensely, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. He's one of the few she's actually discussed personal things with - mostly because he both asks her directly about such, but also because he does so with a mix of teasing and warmth that neither makes her defensive nor overly self-conscious. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits, and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations. Whereas Shinorah prefers to approach problems strategically, first studying the situation and coming up with the best solution, Leon tends to charge in head-first with sword or axe brandished and little in the way of a long-term strategy, often putting them at cross-purposes when planning on how to respond to problems. Even so, Norah speaks fondly of the miquo'te when asked and it's clear that she values his advice, even when she disagrees with it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p>
<p>Recent events have brought Arcian and Norah into more regular contact, as they both wrestle with their past and attempts at trying to help a valued if stubborn colleague. Neither one seems to have had much insight on the problem itself, but their talks on the subject have united them a bit more as friends and allies in pursuit of a common goal.</p>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Norah is a good friend, while it takes a lot of work to get through her careful attitude, when you get there you will find a kind soul, and a loyal ally. She is a part of my family, so if you see anyone hurt her, give their family my condolences for me." <i>- [[Leon Greymoon]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women. The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations). This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>Aeon Free Company</b> [[[rune.enjin.com]]]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-19T18:44:33Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Updates are largely now complete! Officially live as of 11/19/2015 and replaces the old Shinorah nightsbane (lowercase n) version.

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<br>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, though she is slowly trying to chip away at improving them. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes, sometimes even adopting an almost silly or whimsical manner. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list. She'll never forgive Garlemald for its invasion of Gyr Abania, and actively works to stop its expansion efforts anywhere she encounters Imperials.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
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</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nachtsieger family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an royal adviser and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive classical education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>
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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city. She changed her name from Nachtsieger to Nightsbane (the common translation of her Mhigan surname) when she registered at the Guild, due in part to the widespread discrimination against Highlanders in Ul'dah.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brythaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, Shinorah has spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

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<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. It's rare to hear her voice from her room in the mornings though, perhaps because she tends to be a very early riser and is often well on her way shortly after dawn break.</p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly. When she's alone, she's typically either got her nose buried in a book at one of the local restaurants with a glass of wine or ale beside her, or rummaging through the archives at the Arcanist's Guild.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear more rattled and skittish than usual. She'll quickly brush inquiries off and insist it's nothing though, with a smile and a polite wave of her hand.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>Mhigan and Abanian History</center></div></span></h3>

This tab is a placeholder, long term goal is to populate it with information specific to Highlander lore, Ala Mhigo, and Gyr Abania as a whole (to include maps if I can!) Hoping to use it as a central repository on such things both for my own RP knowledge, as well as friends who are either RPing Highlanders or interacting with them. :) (Figure it's a lot easier than constantly trawling through tumblr, reddit, and Google searches every time it comes up.)

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>The Hammer of the Gods</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(Currently an NPC, though exists as an alt char.) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>The Woman with the Golden Gun</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>[http://electricbluebutterfly.blogspot.com/2015/11/another-tangent.html Iris de la Roche] is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.</p>

<p>Iris is Shinorah's best friend and confidant, and until recently, the one person who truly knew all of Norah's secrets concerning her family, history, and anything else there really is to know about her. They've been friends for close to a decade now, united initially by the pain and heartache of having to leave your family and loved ones behind and being forced to forge a new future on their own. However, they share many complementary personality traits as well, and Norah's learned to truly trust and depend upon Iris - their present relationship is somewhere between a sister, a best friend, and a partner-in-crime.</p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well into the evening, when all three are around and at Cliffperch. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs though, either taking jobs or checking in on operations out at Haven.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>The Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>

<p>Norah is often exasperated at Yumi's penchant for trouble and landing into scrapes. She is very protective of the diminutive ninja, but often gently chides and chastises her for what Norah considers to be Yumi's irresponsible and reckless behavior. Even when she does though, there's a true warmth and affection in her eyes, and the conversations often end with a very tight hug of the small miquo'te, or a fond ruffling of the younger girl's hair.</p>

<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Kail, or "Schatzilein" (treasure) as she sometimes refers to him, is Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation, affection, or - most frequently - both. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back to Cliffperch; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs and bon mots back and forth, a rather unique flirtation that many of her friends quickly recognized for what it was in spite of Norah's firm denials. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, this seems to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection in addition to the smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that knows her, it's becoming more and more obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she genuinely cares for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p>
<p>Norah's been a bit curious about Khu's recent whereabouts, as she's seen precious little of him recently, but trusts that he's in good hands with his companions and choral companions of the Gilded Pony. She's generally quite complementary about his musical talents and song-writing, though seems to get a little embarrassed and self-conscious if he plays one particular song in front of her when she's around either fidgeting a bit and not making eye contact with anyone, or politely excusing herself to go refill people's drinks or some other task.</P>,/div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times. They don't see each other as much now that Reima has moved back to her apartment in Ishgard in preparation of her upcoming wedding to [[Dartanon Nobis||Draco Nobis]], but Norah still periodically pens personal letters and sometimes little care packages of tea and biscuits to the young woman at her Ishgardian home.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. Around those in the Guard, he's friendly and approachable - Norah was quite surprised when she arrived at Cliffperch and encountered a very different view of Leon from the others there, one who was guarded and impatient, who spoke rarely of his family and one with whom many butted heads. She's seen both sides of him now - the friendly ally and guardian of new arrivals and new Branded, but also the headstrong and impatient knight who seeks no counsel other than his own most times.</P.

<p>Shinorah considers Leon a good friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him immensely, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. He's one of the few she's actually discussed personal things with - mostly because he both asks her directly about such, but also because he does so with a mix of teasing and warmth that neither makes her defensive nor overly self-conscious. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits, and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations. Whereas Shinorah prefers to approach problems strategically, first studying the situation and coming up with the best solution, Leon tends to charge in head-first with sword or axe brandished and little in the way of a long-term strategy, often putting them at cross-purposes when planning on how to respond to problems. Even so, Norah speaks fondly of the miquo'te when asked and it's clear that she values his advice, even when she disagrees with it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p>
<p>Recent events have brought Arcian and Norah into more regular contact, as they both wrestle with their past and attempts at trying to help a valued if stubborn colleague. Neither one seems to have had much insight on the problem itself, but their talks on the subject have united them a bit more as friends and allies in pursuit of a common goal.</p>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Norah is a good friend, while it takes a lot of work to get through her careful attitude, when you get there you will find a kind soul, and a loyal ally. She is a part of my family, so if you see anyone hurt her, give their family my condolences for me." <i>- [[Leon Greymoon]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women. The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations). This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

</tr></table></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>Aeon Free Company</b> [[[rune.enjin.com]]]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-18T19:05:11Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Still updating content

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>[[Andreas Nightsbane]],</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>Business manager and good friend</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(atm NPC though may someday become an alt char) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>Best Friend and Confidant</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical. </p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well until midnight or so. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs, something that Norah assists with when she can - but she generally doesn't discuss much about what they're working on with others.</P></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>
<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Schatzilein" (treasure), Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back home; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs, barbs, and bon mots back and forth. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, these seem to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection rather than smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that's spent more than ten minutes around her, it's fairly obvious that it's anything but. She seems to have a pretty good idea of the pirate's whereabouts most times when people are looking for him, and when they're both in town it's increasingly rare to find her far from him side or vice versa. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment. If pressed by those she knows well, there's a chance she might admit that it's more serious than she lets on and that she's grown to genuinely care for him. Getting anything further than that is still impossible for anyone, and additional questions about their relationship or her feelings for him (especially whether she loves him) will generally result in her either deliberately redirecting the conversation to another topic or, failing that, walking away entirely.</p>

</div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
</div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
</div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[I'shkander Tia]], <i>The Overly Curious Mage</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's a bit of a rapscallion left to his own devices, but a good sort. Fun, whimsical, almost care-free...until that Rose shows up. Then he's a whole different person entirely, and not for the better."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...</p></div>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

<div align=center><table style="position:center;" width="70%">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

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<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-17T20:03:35Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Slowly chipping away at updating relationship section. More to follow.

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Andreas Nightsbane,</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ffea00;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>Business manager and good friend</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(atm NPC though may someday become an alt char) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>Best Friend and Confidant</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical. </p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well until midnight or so. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs, something that Norah assists with when she can - but she generally doesn't discuss much about what they're working on with others.</P></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>
<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Beacon in the Darkness</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't seem to help but do well for others. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention?"</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Schatzilein" (treasure), Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They'd first spent time together almost by accident, at an anniversary party for another Free Company that a group of friends all attended. Norah took great pains to point out at the end of the evening that it most definitely, certainly, under no circumstances could be considered a date after he walked her back home; she's been seeing him ever since. For the first couple weeks they'd been talking and spending time together, their conversations largely involved trading verbal jabs, barbs, and bon mots back and forth. Over the course of the ensuing weeks and months, these seem to have evolved somewhat - to be sure, there's still plenty of witty repartee and sarcastic banter between the two, but now it's usually tempered with a sincere warmth and affection rather than smirks and eye-rolling.</p>

<p>Norah still tries very hard to pass off whatever there is between herself and the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair as something quite low-key and casual, but to anyone that's spent more than ten minutes around her, it's fairly obvious that it's anything but. At this point it's rare to find her residing in her own actual room most nights, a state of affairs she still works hard to conceal even from her other companions at Cliffperch. When asked about him, she'll usually respond with a laugh, a shrug, and some vaguely flippant comment, but if pressed by those she knows well, she might actually admit she's grown to genuinely care about him. Getting anything further about that is still impossible, and if anyone asks her more pointed or serious questions about their relationship, she'll shut them down, get defensive, and possibly even walk off.</p>

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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>The Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Curious Cate</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>The Rose Scholar</i> <font style="color:#00cd9a;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if mein Braven is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn.</p>

<p>Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[I'shkander Tia]], <i>The Overly Curious Mage</i> <font style="color:#009acd;" size="2">●</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's a bit of a rapscallion left to his own devices, but a good sort. Fun, whimsical, almost care-free...until that Rose shows up. Then he's a whole different person entirely, and not for the better."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...</p></div>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

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<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



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Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-17T19:02:42Z

Shinorah Nightsbane:

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
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=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
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| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Andreas Nightsbane,</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>Business manager and good friend</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(atm NPC though may someday become an alt char) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>Best Friend and Confidant</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical. </p>

<p>At present, Iris (and Yumi, below) share Norah's room at Cliffperch, and on weekends, if one listens you might hear the three of them laughing and talking well until midnight or so. Iris often spends a good bit of time away from Cliffperch working on her own affairs, something that Norah assists with when she can - but she generally doesn't discuss much about what they're working on with others.</P></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Eichhörnchen – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi, or "Eichhörnchen" (squirrel) as Norah sometimes calls her, is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te thief that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>
<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i></i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My ne'er do well pirate who - can't help but do well. He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention, I guess?"</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Schatzilein" (treasure), Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the irrefutable fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Wandering Scholar</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p>
<p>In the time since Aurou arrived, she and Norah have gotten to know each other a fair bit better - they were both bridesmaids for Brave's wedding, and now Norah can periodically be seen coming and going from Aurou's room from time to time, often with a few books tucked under one arm. They have different approaches to the world and how they interact with it, but increasingly Norah solicits Aurou's opinion on things, especially where research or aether is concerned.</p>

</div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah, and as a child, she'd grown up holding the Captain in awe and high regard for her heroism and exploits. Norah once felt a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person since leaving Ala Mhigo.</p>

<p>Recently, it seems like something has changed in their dynamic - where once Norah spoke of Bryn is glowing and almost reverent terms, now she all but refuses to speak about her at all. If anyone asks her questions about the woman, she quickly adopts a very neutral, guarded expression and answers almost perfunctorily. Instead, she politely but firmly changes the subject, and will not go back to it further.</p>
</div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>Die Vergoldet Teufen</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit, with even quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>Mein Braven</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if Brave is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment. Norah was a bridesmaid for Brave at her recent wedding to Arcian, and between the bachelorette party she and Aurou threw for Brave, and then standing up for her at the wedding, she's grown quite fond of the bright but socially awkward roegadyn. Unlike most of her other friends, who at least display some degree of decorum on matters both professional and personal, Brave has a habit of cutting right to the chase and asking Norah extremely direct questions, especially about her personal life. It unsettles Norah to no end, but leaves her with plenty to think about in most cases; Brave seems to serve as a helpful counter-balance to Norah's detached reason, as it forces her to consider all those personal issues the otherwise predominantly analytic and rational-minded mage would prefer to file away and promptly ignore.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[I'shkander Tia]], <i>Ace, the Wayward Mage</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's a bit of a rapscallion left to his own devices, but a good sort. Fun, whimsical, almost care-free...until that Rose shows up. Then he's a whole different person entirely, and not for the better."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...</p></div>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

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<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



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Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-17T17:40:07Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Finished adding relationship entries, need to still update

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
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=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
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| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Andreas Nightsbane,</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>Business manager and good friend</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(atm NPC and alt of Norah, may someday become a PC) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>Best Friend and Confidant</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical. </p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>Our Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Yumi – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>
<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Erstwhile Pirate</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"That man…He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention…."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Schatzilein" (treasure), Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Khuja'sae Fashonti]], <i>The Charming Bard</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mein Kaeztchen, such a charming but highstrung fellow. He's got a good heart, but he gives it away far too easily - I just have to keep reminding myself that fortune smiles on people like him, and that he'll be alright in the end."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Reima Awen]], <i>Little Dove</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"My dear, sweet summer child, Reima...how a child of the forest such as she came from a place like Ishgard, I'll never understand. If only more of them possessed her compassion and kindness, theirs would be an entirely different history indeed."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Leon Greymoon]], <i>The Not-Quite White Knight</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's his own man, through and through. In some ways he's become like a brother or cousin to me - complete with the teasing, the arguing, the eye-rolling,...and the comforting fact that you've got someone watching your back when the chips are down, no matter what."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Aurou Mhirata]], <i>The Wandering Scholar</i> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Aurou isn't at all what she lets on - she's actually a lot more fun than that! Smart, thoughtful, excellent scholar, and a wild streak you'd never see coming...she's become a real friend to me and I'm lucky to know her."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Aurou, or "Fuschen" (fox) as Norah calls her, is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]], <i>Die Blutvulf</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Ach, mein Gefallenen Kreiger...I still wonder how all this came to pass. I looked up to you so much as a child, and now...now I worry I may need to look after you instead. If you can't let go of that burden you bear, it will crush us all under its weight."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah. They both share a strong fondness for red wine and a determination to protect the weak. Norah feels a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Arcian Martell]], <i>TITLE</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Arci - she's got a quick wit and quicker fists. She can be hard to get to know, and like many Mhigans doesn't like talking about herself much. But she's a true ally and I'd trust her with my life without question. Already have, in fact."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Brave Horizon]], <i>Mein Braven</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"There are times where I can't tell if Brave is really just that direct, or she deliberately sets out to embarrass me! Possibly both. Sort of like having a really outspoken, blunt, tomboy of a sister and friend rolled into one, I think. Hate to admit it, but she's probably good for me in that."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Norah doesn't know Brave very well, but as with Arci owes a deep debt of gratitude for Brave's willingness to stand firm during a difficult period for Norah. She enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[NAME]], <i>Ace</i> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"He's a bit of a rapscallion left to his own devices, but a good sort. Fun, whimsical, almost care-free...until that Rose shows up. Then he's a whole different person entirely, and not for the better."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...</p></div>
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=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



<headertabs />

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Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-12T22:18:00Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Slowly chipping away at populating the Relationships section. New and improved!

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
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| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


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{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Andreas Nightsbane,</b> <i>Father</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>Mother</i> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Georgia;padding:10px 15px; background: #420707;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>People who Norah has formed some sort of opinion on, based on multiple interactions. They may or may not reflect the full character, as these are her impressions – and just like any other opinion, are prone to observer bias, assumptions, etc.</p></center>

{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF (MOSTLY) PLAYER CHARACTER RELATIONS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Angharrad Brythaemr]], <i>Business manager and good friend</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Angh’s a dear, a real gem. She washed up in the Cove, barely alive herself yet towing two others one in each arm. That’s why we put her in charge of Haven. "</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>(atm NPC and alt of Norah, may someday become a PC) Angharrad Brythaemr is a proud Sea Wolf warrior, with deep purple eyes and blue-green skin. She’s very boisterous and outgoing, quick with a laugh and a smile most times, but also quick to anger and with a fierce swing or axe when needed. She’d been working on a fishing vessel when the ship was wrecked in a storm, and almost gave her own life trying to save as many of those around her as she could. Since coming to Crescent Cove and getting patched up herself by Norah and her friend Iris, she’s worked managing the shelter’s day to day operations while Norah and Iris take jobs to support its financial overhead. </p></div>
|}

|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Iris Delaroche]], <i>Best Friend and Confidant</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Iris is the best friend a girl could ever ask for – the sort where if I came to her with an impossible situation, she’d just grab a shovel and ask how many holes we need to dig."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical. </p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Yumi Akimori]], <i>Our Little Squirrel Girl</i> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2"> ✤</font> </div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Yumi – half the time I want to hug her, half the time to give her a gentle thwap upside the head! She’s a dear thing, more guts and gumption than almost anyone I know, but not a lick of common sense to balance any of it out."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. </p>
<p>Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something. (Those within Cliffperch may make an educate guess that it has something to do with Yumi’s recent revelation of a Brand herself.)</p></div>
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|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;">[[Kail Gerrad]], <i>The Estwhile Pirate</i> <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"That man…He’s exactly the sort I would never have imagined myself with, and now I can’t imagine myself without. Funny what can happen when you’re not paying attention…."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>"Schatzilein" (treasure), Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.</p></div>
|}

: <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Iris Delaroche''' - Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.
:<font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Yumi Akimori''' - Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something.
: <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> '''[[Kail Gerrad|Kail Gerrad]]''' - "Schatzilein", Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Khuja'sae Fashonti|Khuja'sae Fashonti]]''' - "Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Reima_Awen|Reima Awen]]''' - Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Leon_Greymoon|Leon Greymoon]]''' - Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Aurou Mhirata|Aurou Mhirata]]''' - Aurou is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font>'''[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]]''' - Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah. They both share a strong fondness for red wine and a determination to protect the weak. Norah feels a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Arcian Martell|Arcian Martell]]''' - In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Brave Horizon|Brave Horizon]]''' - Norah doesn't know Brave very well, but as with Arci owes a deep debt of gratitude for Brave's willingness to stand firm during a difficult period for Norah. She enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[I'shkandar Tia|I'shkandar Tia]]''' - I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...



=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

<div align=center><table style="position:center;" width="70%">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-12T21:48:44Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Filled in family relationships

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
<tr>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
{| class="wikitable" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 60%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>FAMILY</center></div></span></h3>

<center><p>(These are predominantly NPC backstory-related relationships. However, should anyone express interest in creating a family member or playing one of the above, please just let me know!)</p></center>
{| class="wikitable alphabetical" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 80%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #c3972d; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #467a9e;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>LIST OF FAMILY MEMBERS</B></center></div>


|- style="background-color: #d9dee6;"
|
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed wikitable" width="100%" border="0" style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Andreas Nightsbane,</b> <i>Father</i>. <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Vati is a good man, one of the best you’ll ever know. He seems stern on the outside, but inside he’s as kind and warm as they come."</i></div>
|-
| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane is the eldest son and heir to the Nightsbane family. He was a decorated war hero and officer in the Abanian army, before retiring for a career in politics. He served honorably until the purges, at which point he and a number of other fellows became actively involved in the Mhigan revolution against the King. Upon the Garlean invasion, he – along with the input of his wife and other senior revolutionary members – elected to “betray” Ala Mhigo and swear an oath of loyalty to Garlemad, welcoming them as liberators. In truth, he despises the Empire and actively helps lead the Mhigan resistance movement from within along with the rest of his family. This is a closely guarded secret, and very few know the actual identity of the man only known as “Graugeist” (grey ghost).</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Karinn Ossinger Nightsbane</b>, <i>father</i>. <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b> Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>"Mum was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for – she seems polite at first glance, but there’s a real steel to her spine. She’s the one that kept all of us in line, in truth."</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Shinorah’s mother Karinn fought as a sharpshooter and sniper in the Mhigan military, before turning her focus to her husband and raising four strong-willed and independent children. For the sake of both her husband and her beloved homeland, she now plays the part of a good Imperial wife, smiles and manners and just there to serve her husband and the Garlean officials that come by their house on business matters. In truth, she’s one of the driving forces behind the anti-Imperial resistance within Mhigan, meticulously balancing a complicated web of communications, arms trafficking, and smuggling of people in and out of Ala Mhigo’s tightly controlled borders. She’s bright, brave, and nobody’s fool – as anyone who underestimates her will learn sooner or later.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jossen Nightsbane,</b> <i>Older Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah’s Assessment:</b> <i>Joss has always tried so hard to be just like Vati – always do the right thing, always be there for everyone. I love him to pieces, but I worry he takes on too much and doesn’t try to be his own person enough.</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jossen (Joss) is the eldest child of Andreas and Karinn, and had been in training at the Mhigan Military Academy when the initial revolution and subsequent Garlean invasion occurred. He is deeply honorable and loyal to Ala Mhigo, as are all of his family, and when his parents made the decision to swear loyalty (for appearances’ sake) to the Empire, he also followed suit and was drafted into the Garlean Army. He was demoted to the lowest rank officer in doing so, but managed to still earn loyalty and respect from both his superiors and his squad. He used his position to both provide military intelligence to his family, and also to periodically compromise Garlean operations and target key decision-makers for assassination or “training accidents”. Unfortunately, the most recent casualty was connected to him and the Garlean military sentenced him to death by hanging. His family and their networks managed to help him escape from Ala Mhigo and flee outside the wall, where he is currently trying to seek out his sister somewhere in Ul’dah.</p></div>
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! <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Jeffron Nightsbane,</b> <i>Younger Brother</i><font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2"> ♥</font></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:14px; font-variant:small-caps;"><b>Shinorah's Assessment:</b> <i>He was always a handful, even as a boy – always getting into mischief, and always talking his way out of it. Even as a child he flirted with all the ladies, I can’t even begin to think what he’s like as a grown man!</i></div>
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| <div style="font-family:Georgia; font-size:13px;"><p>Jeffron, or Jeff, is Norah’s baby brother. She absolutely doted on both he and her younger sister Mihane when they were children, being a bit of a mothering influence even then. Jeff was only thirteen when Norah and Mihane fled Ala Mhigo, so most of her memories of him are as a precociously outspoken boy and later, an irascible adolescent. She’s pieced enough together from the rare letters from her parents to realize that he’s grown up into quite the force to be reckoned with…From what she understands, he runs a large chunk of the external smuggling and intelligence operations, and moves back and forth across the walled border with an almost preternatural ease. She knows he maintains many aliases and identities, and a part of her wonders if she’s ever crossed paths with him and had no idea – though she trusts should this ever happen, he’d at least find a way to tell her. Secretly, she always holds out the hope they’ll run into each other again, though she knows in her heart it’s highly unlikely.</p></div>
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: <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Iris Delaroche''' - Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.
:<font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Yumi Akimori''' - Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something.
: <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> '''[[Kail Gerrad|Kail Gerrad]]''' - "Schatzilein", Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Khuja'sae Fashonti|Khuja'sae Fashonti]]''' - "Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Reima_Awen|Reima Awen]]''' - Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Leon_Greymoon|Leon Greymoon]]''' - Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Aurou Mhirata|Aurou Mhirata]]''' - Aurou is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font>'''[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]]''' - Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah. They both share a strong fondness for red wine and a determination to protect the weak. Norah feels a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Arcian Martell|Arcian Martell]]''' - In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Brave Horizon|Brave Horizon]]''' - Norah doesn't know Brave very well, but as with Arci owes a deep debt of gratitude for Brave's willingness to stand firm during a difficult period for Norah. She enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[I'shkandar Tia|I'shkandar Tia]]''' - I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...



=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

<div align=center><table style="position:center;" width="70%">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

</tr></table></div>
<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



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Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-12T20:57:58Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Added table to front page - virtues, vices, motivations, preferences

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VIRTUES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>VICES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>MOTIVATIONS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>PREFERENCES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
{| class="wikitable" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 60%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

: <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Iris Delaroche''' - Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.
:<font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Yumi Akimori''' - Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something.
: <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> '''[[Kail Gerrad|Kail Gerrad]]''' - "Schatzilein", Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Khuja'sae Fashonti|Khuja'sae Fashonti]]''' - "Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Reima_Awen|Reima Awen]]''' - Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Leon_Greymoon|Leon Greymoon]]''' - Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Aurou Mhirata|Aurou Mhirata]]''' - Aurou is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font>'''[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]]''' - Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah. They both share a strong fondness for red wine and a determination to protect the weak. Norah feels a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Arcian Martell|Arcian Martell]]''' - In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Brave Horizon|Brave Horizon]]''' - Norah doesn't know Brave very well, but as with Arci owes a deep debt of gratitude for Brave's willingness to stand firm during a difficult period for Norah. She enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[I'shkandar Tia|I'shkandar Tia]]''' - I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...



=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

<div align=center><table style="position:center;" width="70%">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

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<br>
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>

* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-12T20:56:32Z

Shinorah Nightsbane:

=Basic Information=

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lady Shinorah Magarethe Nightsbane
| image = Shinorah.png
| gender = Female
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 30
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Single
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Adventurer, Elemental Magus, Cartographer
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 5 fulms, 11.5 ilms / 162 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>GENERAL INFORMATION</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">FAMILY AND NOTABLE RELATIONSHIPS</div></p>
* Father, [[Andreas Nightsbane]] (NPC, very limited contact)
* Mother, Karinn Nightsbane (very limited contact)
* Older brother, Jossen Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger brother, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* Younger sister, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
* Iris Delaroche, close friend
* Yumi Akimori, friend
<br>
<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY</div></p>
Norah abandoned any faith in deities when Ala Mhigo collapsed to the empire and then her sister passed away. She'd previously followed the deity Nymeia, the Spinner, though paid lip service to Rhalgr as well. Faith had never been a strong suit for Norah, even living in Ala Mhigo - she is a logical and rational-minded individual, always seeking for explanations and facts rather than things she cannot observe and must accept on faith alone. However, in her anger at losing first her homeland (and by proxy, most of her family) and then being unable to save the one family member who accompanied her, she turned her back on any and all deities, choosing instead to believe only in science and the rational world. When she speaks, she'll usually refer to the Fates, rather than deities - basically what she conceives of as as random luck in the universe's pattern. Her view of the world, and her general approach to understanding it, is very heavily basic on logic, rationality, and reason; any problem can be solved with enough resources, time and data, and any person's behavior can be predicted if you understand what motivates and drives them.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>APPEARANCE & PERSONALITY</center></div></span></h3>

* '''Height:''' Just under six feet
* '''Build:''' Strong but slender, with reasonably defined muscles for a mage.
* '''Hair:''' Black, with midnight blue highlights. Most of the time, she pulls it back into a very neat ponytail that hangs halfway down her back.
* '''Eyes:''' Blue-green, and arguably her best and most striking feature
* '''Skin:''' Medium and usually fairly well tanned from her years on the road and the time she spends adventuring and researching terrain.
* '''Clothing:''' Varied. She tends to dress fairly modestly and without too much flash when she can - a long, simple skirt and blouse when in the city, or traveler's pants and leather boots. She's fairly shy about exposing too much skin, and favors neutral colors - whites and ivories, blacks, greys, and sometimes darker blues and purples.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PHYSICAL APPEARANCE</div></p>
Shinorah is a pretty woman, though not especially beautiful - she has high cheekbones and striking eyes, but her jawline is too square and her nose a little bit too large to be a true beauty. She has long, dark brown hair, almost black except in very bright sunlight, which is typically dyed with brighter marine blue highlights and pulled back from her face in a neat ponytail. Her skin is fairly tanned and there are slight lines around her eyes, hinting at her age. She wears a fair bit of eyeshadow at times, outlining vivid aqua eyes, halfway between blue and green. Her right fingertips are often stained with dark ink.
[[File:Bluish black by milyknight-d4sv33u.jpg|Bluish Black, by Deviant Artist MilyKnight|thumbnail]]

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">DISTINCTIVE MARKINGS</div></p>
There's a scar below her left scapula on her back, about an inch and a half long. On her right side, just below her collarbone in the front, is an unusual and intricate blue knotwork tattoo of some sort.

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PERSONALITY TRAITS</div></p>
Norah is polite almost to a fault, gracious and courteous as much as possible. She's very slow to anger, though once she does become angry it is very difficult for her to come down from it. Her emotions run very deeply, and anything beyond her usual polite and kind demeanor is very difficult to recognize except to those who know her very, very well. She still is very protective, especially of young women or the sick and injured, those instincts that helped her try and keep her sister safe for so long, but she sometimes lacks empathy - especially for those who complain about minor inconveniences. She has a significant amount of trust issues, and is actually quite a loner at this point. She's friendly and welcoming, but getting her to really talk, especially about herself, is difficult, and she gets especially uncomfortable talking about emotions.

Her best friend has often remarked that she's polite and kind, but also rarely forms attachments or lets anyone in beyond the civil and friendly walls to get to know the real woman behind them - that she actually uses manners as a shield between her and the rest of the world. Norah's response at the time was to shut Iris out for a while, until she came around to recognizing the truth in her dear friend's words...though it's one thing to recognize something in yourself, and another thing entirely to change it. She's also very stubborn, but that stubbornness also manifests itself as absolute blind loyalty to those rare few she truly calls friends.

Once you get to know Norah, she can be a fairly warm and charming person - to those patient enough to look past the the polite aloofness of the "Queen of the Slums", as she's been derisively known in and around Ul'dah. She has a warm laugh and a ready smile for her friends, and a habit of acting like an older sister or a maternal figure to many. When she's feeling especially cheerful or in a good mood, she often hums or even sings a bit, in a rich, clear mezzo-sorprano - most often while she's cooking or making something, but also when tending to her beloved chocobo Quee'kweh, working in the garden, or otherwise in an especially happy mood. If she's really comfortable - or just trying to diffuse tense situations between other friends - she'll crack jokes and even do impressions, often making herself the butt of the jokes. It takes quite a lot to get her this at ease though, the sort of person she might have regularly been if she'd grown up in a more stable environment. Too often though, something will come up that reminds her of unpleasant things, and the wall of manners and politeness slams down all too quickly again.
<br>

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>MISCELLANEOUS</center></div></span></h3>

<br>

<div align=center><table style="position:center; table-layout:fixed">
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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VIRTUES">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>LIKES</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">

<p><b>Determination |</b> She has a determination and strength of will that is almost unbreakable.</p>
<p><b>Courage |</b> While she's not a physically strong individual, she's exceptionally brave - to the point of sometimes being foolhardy.</p>
<p><b>Loyalty |</b> She is absolutely, unswervingly loyal to her friends and family, and refuses to ever leave any of them.</p>
<p><b>Integrity |</b> She has a very high moral code, and prides herself on being honest and true to her word at all times.</p>
<p><b>Intellect |</b> She's exceptionally bright and a quick study, picking up most skills rapidly. She also speaks a number of languages, both from her upbringing in a diplomatic family as well as her own travels.</p>
<p><b>Protectiveness |</b> She is very protective of others, especially those who are least able to protect themselves, such as children and the elderly or infirm.</p>
<p><b>Diplomacy |</b> Between her early upbringing and some of her own life lessons, she's gotten very good at negotiations and avoiding conflict through dialogue or distraction. She's also learned a number of various cultural mannerisms and how to put people at ease through entertaining and hospitality, again a combination of her upbringing in a diplomatic household and ways to earn allies and people to watch over you in the camps.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="VICES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>DISLIKES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Pride |</b> She is proud to the point of arrogance, and finds it difficult to admit fault or acknowledge mistakes. She also can be very condescending when embarrassed.</p>
<p><b>Vanity |</b> See also, pride - she hates being under-dressed or caught off-guard, and carries herself like a lady even if she's dressed in rags.</p>
<p><b>Distrust |</b> She has a difficult time trusting others or asking for help, even when its clear she sorely needs it.</p>
<p><b>Stubbornness |</b> The other side of her determination - both a virtue and a vice, depending on the context.</p>
<p><b>Curiosity |</b> Norah thinks first of what can be learned through studying things, rather than any risks or implications from doing so. There's no "But maybe we shouldn't" in her mind when it comes to magical spells and artifacts, even if they're connected to the darker arts. </p>
<p><b>Alcohol |</b> Sometimes she drinks a bit too much, especially when rattled or struggling to suppress emotions. If she's having wine or ale, things are probably fine - if she's going for the whiskey, look out.</p>
<p><b>Difficulty expressing herself |</b> She has a very hard time talking about feelings, emotions, or other personal matters, bottling everything tightly within and rarely letting much out. This often manifests in her clenching her jaw, or sometimes her fists so tightly that she breaks and snaps things.</p></div>
</td>

<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="MOTIVATIONS"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>STRENGTHS</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">
<p><b>Family |</b> Freeing or reuniting with her family, who she loves deeply and misses greatly. At this point, she also includes many of her close friends and allies in a sort of extended family and always looks out for them.</p>
<p><b>Justice |</b> She is a fervent protector of those most in need, and spends almost all of her meager resources building and maintaining a shelter for those in dire situations.</p>
<p><b>Revolution |</b> Protection of any lands or societies next on the Empire's invasion list.</p>
<p><b>Knowledge |</b> Rare is the day that goes by and doesn't have her studying something or another to learn more about the world around her.</p>
</div>

</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="PREFERENCES"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>WEAKNESSES</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;">
<p><b>Alignment: |</b> Lawful Good. She adheres to a strict code of moral conduct, though like in D&D it's being true to *her* sense of moral conduct and virtues, not necessarily city laws.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Food: |</b> Coq au vin, a dish made with poultry, vegetables, and red wine, served over spaetzel.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Wine: |</b> A high quality red wine, usually on the fuller-bodied side.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Colors: |</b> Dark blues, greys, blacks, dark violets and plums.</p>
<p><b>Favorite Places: |</b> She seems drawn to the mountains of Western Coerthas, as they remind her strongly of Gyr Abania.</p>
<p><b>Hobbies: |</b> Cartography (both studying old maps and drawing new ones), sewing and embroidery, signing, dancing, and reading.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=Combat=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM1">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Thaumaturgy/Black Magic</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Shinorah began studying the basics of magic and spellcasting theory at an early age in Ala Mhigo, though more from a conceptual basis than a true practitioner. She learned basic cantrips and rudimentary healing, but due to Gyr Abania being a heavily militaristic culture, most of her understanding of magic at this point was theoretical rather than practical.</p>
<p>After a few years in the Thanalan desert, she managed to coax her way into a merchant's caravan and enter the city of Ul'dah illegally, making her way directly to the Thaumaturge's guild and offering her research and writing skills in exchange for the ability to study magic there. The guild's clerks agreed, and she began studying thaumaturgy at age eighteen. By the time she was in her mid-twenties, she had mastered most of the core spells and begin training as a black mage. Shortly after her thirtieth birthday, she completed the requirements for promotion to Archmage.</p>
<p>Norah prefers fire magic of the various elemental forms, and it is her preferred offensive spell. She's reasonably adept at defensive aetheric wards as well, and often shields friends and allies with these in addition to providing her own considerable skills as a battle mage. Her moods are strongly linked to her spells, and if she's struggling to deal with strong emotions of any sort, one can often feel the surrounding area's temperature begin to fluctuate. When she is angry, anxious or frightened, this manifests as frost magic and the temperature in the area decreases, sometimes to the point of seeing one's breath. When she is excited or elated, the area around her will often heat up slightly; in neither case does it cause harm to those around her as much as something that provides a non-verbal cue.</p>
</div>
</td>
<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM2"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px;background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Astromancy</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>After mastering more arcane and thaumaturlurgical magics, Norah began studying celestial aetheric manipulation to keep her mind sharp and to further develop her casting and research skills. She already had a strong foundation in celestial bodies and movements from her time in the desert and extensive knowledge of mapmaking, which she applied to her understanding of the constellations and spellcraft used in Sharlayan Astromancy. While she is still continuing her training, her skills has progressed rapidly from both her previous research skills as well as her strict personal discipline with respect to all things magical.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM3"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #071019;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Arcane Scholarship</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;"><p>Norah has recently been spending more time in Limsa Lominsa, and used some of that to begin research at the Arcanist's guild located there. So far, she's largely restricted herself to conducting library research at the guild itself, though may be nearing the point of beginning to dabble in that type of spellcraft as well.</p></div>
</td><td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="ITEM4"><span class="mw-headline">
<div style="padding:10px 10px; background: #190714;font-size:14px;color:#ffffff;text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;font-family:Casey;"><center>Swordfighting</center></div></span></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #eeeeee;"><p>Norah is an amateur fighter at best, adopting an extremely defensive and guarded style in any attempts to teach her swordplay. She learned a small bit of knifework and swordplay from a paladin named Valkoinen during her later years in Little Ala Mhigo, and he showed her the very basics of sword and shield fighting, as well as basic armed and unarmed defense. While she generally disdains physical fighting and prefers to rely on her minds and her spells for both offense and defense, she can swing a sword if the situation calls for it - at least enough to survive. That said, her style is very guarded and focuses heavily on defense, using either a two-handed sword or a sword and shield to maintain her safety and those around her, rather than making sweeping, dashing feints and parries as a true swordfighter would.</p></div>
</tr></table></div>

=History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>BACKSTORY</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>CHILDHOOD</center></div></p>

<p>Shinorah is the eldest daughter and second eldest child of the Nightsbane family, a prominent military and political family in Ala Mhigo. Her father served in the military many years, and upon retirement turned to a career in politics, serving as an advisor and a diplomat. Her mother also served as well, though left the military once her children were born and split her time between raising them and advising the government on social and diplomatic affairs. Growing up in a fairly upper-class home, she was schooled from an early age in the finer points of both politics and social graces herself, and has an extensive education in the liberal arts, including economics, literature, music, languages, and history. Though her family was well to do and of minor nobility, they were very close-knit and had strong bonds of genuine love and familial affection for each other. While some of their peers used governesses to care for their children, Norah's mother insisted on raising all of her children herself; her father was also a very prominent figure in her early life, always putting time aside to listen to his children when they had questions or stories to tell and taking an active role in their education.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>TEENAGE YEARS/EARLY 20s</center></div></p>

<p>When Ala Mhigo fell to the Empire, most of Norah's family stayed behind - officially and as far as anyone outside of the immediate family knows, the Nightsbanes pledged service to the conquering Empire, becoming traitors in many Mhigans eyes. The real truth of the matter (for OOC use only, as you would have to know Norah INCREDIBLY well for her to ever breathe a word of this) is that her entire family is heavily involved in the Mhigan resistance, and the only reason her family stayed behind was to run spy networks and supply lines from the inside of the city, using their political connections and knowledge of the surrounding lands to work towards undermining the Empire. Her father judged that he would have better access and more leeway if he formally affiliated with Garlemald, thus the family openly "betrayed" Ala Mhigo when the city fell. Their true work is a closely guarded secret, as it would mean the death of the entire family if anyone knew. Both brothers are also heavily involved in the resistance, her older brother taking a position in the Garlemald Army but using it to help send messages to like-minded individuals in conquered lands and target senior key figures in the Garlean Army for assassination, and her younger brother helping to run a black-market supply line and information network to keep vital supplies and arms channeling into the city.</p>

[[File:GatetoNowhere.jpg|Wandering in the Black Shroud (picture from Inga Nielsen, "The Bridge", Gate to Nowhere)|left]] <p>Norah and her younger sister were sent away along with some other family friends when Ala Mhigo fell, to get the girls to safety at least while the others stayed behind in the underground resistance. A group of about twenty or so people set off together, composed of two other families, long-time allies and friends to the Nightsbanes who also fought in the civil war, along with their children. They made it to the Shroud safely enough, but there, things became difficult. The underbrush grew thick and heavy, making passage impossible, and the canopy seemed so heavy that even the adults couldn't get their bearings. It's like the forest itself did not want them there, and slowly but surely, the group became separated. They took measures, left marks on trees and tried using signals, but nothing worked - and eventually by the time they made it to the edge of the Shroud, it was only Norah and Mihane left of their group, the others all having gone missing or becoming lost in the dense and dark forest.</p>

<p>Life on the road was hard for Mihane, and unfortunately within six months of leaving, shortly after the girls emerged on the Uldahn side of the Shroud, a group of borderline bandits robbed the two girls of most of their possession and all of Mihane's medication to sell on the black market. Though Mihane was a skilled healer, her condition made casting spells difficult when she had one of her breathing attacks, and the dry heat and the dust of the Uldanian desert only worsened the frequently and severity of her attacks. Eventually, the dust and hardship of life on the run proved too much, and she had an attack from which she could not recover, suffocating as she couldn't get enough air into her lungs. ((OOC note, basically asthma - something easily treated and barely an inconvenience in an urban environment with medicine and doctors, but can be fatal left untreated or in primitive conditions.)) Norah railed against the gods for this final loss, the enormity of losing everyone she loved within a year crashing upon her and hardening her heart both to strangers and the gods.</P>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ADULTHOOD</center></div></p>
<p>Norah spent her early adult years moving from camp to camp, trying to pick up useful trade skills and learn to survive on her own. Norah became a master of survival, learning basic skills in just about anything and everything she could - swordplay, defense, gathering skills such as fishing, collecting edible plants and herbs, weaving, leatherworking, and rudimentary smithing. She'd by this point learned to neither trust nor rely on anyone - because people can leave you, either through death or war, so she pretty much taught herself to do anything she could for herself. It's left her a Jack (well, Jill) of all trades, though a master only of the arcane arts. Times were hard and her plight grew increasingly desperate, as her upper-class education left her with few to no practical skills for surviving in a trade-based economy in the middle of the Thanalan desert. She was bright and resourceful, but wits only allowed her to get by so long - and she came uncomfortably close to making some very difficult choices for her path when luck finally turned in her favor and she overheard a group of brigands plotting to rob a merchant caravan heading into the city of Ul'dah. Seizing the opportunity before her, Norah snuck out from that camp during the dead of night, taking up a position earlier on the caravan's route and making a bargain with the merchant - she warned him of the attack and could lay out an alternate route into the city, but only if he agreed to take her with and smuggle her through the Gates. The merchant, Brennan, agreed, and once inside Ul'dah she made her way to the Thaumaturge's Guild. There, her aptitude for both theoretical spellcraft as well as practical ability earned her a place on the guild's roster, and thus free passage in and out of the city.</P>

<p>Still lacking a true home, Norah did settle for a time in Little Ala Mhigo once it was established. There, Norah was taken under wing by a blacksmith named Valkoinan and his wife Shandrilarr. They had lost their own daughter in the years after Mhigo fell, and saw in the headstrong woman reminders of their own beloved girl. For about five years, they and their son formed a sort of family unit in Little Ala Mhigo, Norah taking odd jobs to help support them as she could while she studied spellcraft on the side. Eventually her studies in Ul'dah required too much time for her to travel back and forth between Little Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah each week, so she stayed in the student dormitories at the Guild until she could begin affording a room of her own at the Quicksand Inn.</p>

<p>When she was around 24, she met a fellow former noble-turned-adventurer named Iris Delaroche out on a job near Crescent Cove. They became fast friends, both identifying with each other's backgrounds and losses of family at the hands of the Garlean Empire - Norah of her parents and siblings, Iris of her daughter's. They both also shared a desire to improve the plights of those who couldn't, and pooled their very meager resources to buy a ramshackle and decrepit abandoned building. This, they turned through hard work, their own labor, and sheer determination into a sort of safe house for anyone truly in need - runaways, escaped slaves, abused and beaten women and children, or anyone else who seemed to have fallen through society's cracks and appeared in danger of winding up on the streets without any options. Some stayed only for a few nights and moved on, others for longer periods - some even eventually staying on to help Iris and Norah run the place, providing cooking, helping with cleaning and upkeep, or providing security as needed. Yumi Akimori was one of the young women they found in an alley one day, badly beaten and in rough shape - they took her back and managed to fix her up, and she became a loyal and devoted friend to both women. Due to her studies in the Thaumaturge's Guild and other demands on her time, Norah no longer spends as much time directly involved in the halfway house's affairs on site, but she contributes the lion's share of any of her salary and wealth to its continued upkeep and operation. The shelter itself is currently administered by a no-nonsense Roegadyn Sea Wolf named Angharrad Brytehaemer, a navigator and boatswain who gave up her life on the seas to take over the shelter in Norah and Iris's absence.</p>

<p>At this point in her life, she's spent as long on the road or in refugee camps as she did in Ala Mhigo - fifteen years as a citizen, fifteen as a refugee. She's had her fair share of tough knocks and scrapes, but each one has taught her more self-discipline and survival - skills she prides herself on. She keeps a careful journal that she uses to express herself, all those thoughts and dreams and emotions she has trouble expressing to people, and also tends to enjoy drawing or embroidery to calm her thoughts after a long day's work. In private when nobody is watching, she also often sings, dances, or both - another outlet to allow some of those bottled up emotions to express themselves - but does not perform in public nor let others see this. The closest one might find to getting her to sing is that she'll sometimes quietly sing or hum to herself when doing something enjoyable - cooking, gardening, caring for Quee'kweh, or embroidery.</p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>PRESENT</center></div></p>

<p>Norah recently set up a workspace out in La Noscea, in an abandoned building attached to an old lighthouse. The site has been refurbished with a fully functioning stove, multiple shelves, a number of tables and work benches, and she's been steadily stocking the shelves with any number of compounds, reagents and glassware for experimentation. The bookshelves are filled with any number of an odd assortment of books - there are a number on aetheric studies, elemental arcanometry, and a few on astronomy. Many others are on subjects such as alchemy, poisons and antidotes, a couple on various types of bladed weapons, a few on anatomy and biology, and one on various types of ships. A few people seem to know what she is working on, and periodically others may come and go from the workshop, but otherwise the door is kept tightly locked and warded when Norah herself is not in residence. When she is in residence, periodically strange noises and explosions can be heard if one is especially close by, but the long expanse of seaward-facing cliffs to the lighthouse's northern shore, the steady sea breezes, and the sound of the surf pounding on the rocks seem to muffle the worst of the noises or acrid smells from any neighbors or wandering persons.</p>

=Recent Events=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RECENT EVENTS AND BEHAVIORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Shinorah joined an adventuring company called "[http://rune.enjin.com/ Aeon]" in August, and spends much of her time at their house Cliffperch. After a month or so assisting in odd jobs and keeping a room at the Quicksand, Norah finally settled into the house at Cliffperch herself, claiming room 13 as her own and hanging a neat placard on the door. She's saved up whatever resources she has left after paying for the operations of the Crescent Cove house, and has managed to furnish her room with an assortment of second-hand furniture or pieces she made herself. It's nothing remotely as elegant as what she herself was raised in, but it has a cozy and warm charm nevertheless. At present, both Iris and Yumi stay with her, the three of them coming and going at various points throughout the day. Some evenings if one listens, you'll hear laughter and talking well into the wee hours of the night. </p>

<p>She's kept regular company with her companions in Aeon at Cliffperch, and is also often seen traveling throughout Coerthas astride Quee'kweh, both of them bundled in furs. Unlike most, she loves roaming about in the cold, mountainous regions and will do so for hours or even days at a time. She finds the cold air invigorating, and the snow-covered peaks remind her of her former home in Gyr Abania. She seems to be more at ease as of late than she has been in some time, perhaps a combination of finally putting down roots and starting to feel like less of a nomad, along with starting to make a few friends in her travels.</p>

<p>She's spotted more and more in the coastal city-state of Limsa Lominsa over the last couple weeks, sometimes on her own and sometimes in the company of a corsair dressed mostly in greys and blacks. Often, she'll be found in the Arcanist's Guild library if she's there on her own, though she sometimes wanders the streets aimlessly, almost like trying to learn them. She generally avoids the market area and the docks level, keeping to the upper levels near the Culinarian's guild or by the Arcanist's Guild. If she's with the pirate-looking fellow, odds are they'll just be walking around or spending time leaning against the ropes out on the walkway by the lighthouse, looking out at the sea and the horizon and talking quietly.</P>

<p>Over the last week or so, she's not been looking her best - her hair is still neatly brushed and pulled into its usual ponytail, but she has noticeable dark circles under her eyes and her clothes seem a bit less polished than one would generally see. She's been wearing more travel clothes as well, a long olive-green overcoat with worn leather walking boots and a split walking/riding skirt, rather than her more customary mage's robes or lace blouse and skirt. She definitely seems quieter, and while she still has a ready smile for friends and strangers alike, it's not quite as warm nor does it quite reach her eyes as much as it had before. If you catch her off-guard, from behind or otherwise surprise her, she seems much more jumpy than normal and may appear rattled, possibly even a little scared.</P>

=Mhigan History=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>COMBAT & WEAPONRY</center></div></span></h3>

=Relationships=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RELATIONSHIPS</center></div></span></h3>
<br>
{| class="wikitable" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 60%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"
|- style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ffffff;"
| <div style="font-family:Casey; background: #071019;font-size:12px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center><B>KEY</B></center></div>
|- style="background-color: #ffffff;"
| <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> Romantic Interest <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#ED9121;" size="2">♥</font> Family <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> Close Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> Friend <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font> <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> Colleague/Good Standing <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="1">–</font>
|}

: <font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Iris Delaroche''' - Iris is an Elezen women that Norah has known for years, and frequently adventures with. Iris shares Norah's determination but also sense of humor, along with a strong sense of curiosity about the world around them. They banded together in a rough port town in Thanalan after fighting off some unwanted advances, forming a small group called Veritas to help protect and provide shelter to runaways, refugees, escaped slaves and any others of society's forgotten and in need. To pay for this, they take whatever side jobs they can, provided they're not inherently unethical.
:<font style="color:#9900CC;" size="2">✤</font> '''Yumi Akimori''' - Yumi is a sweet, though painfully shy miquo'te ninja that Iris and Norah rescued from an alley in Horizon. She's become a fast friend and loyal companion to the other women since, though she still struggles in crowds and gets very nervous and anxious in social settings. Yumi moved into Norah's room about a week ago, and when Yumi's around Cliffperch they're often found talking or laughing. Lately, Norah's been spending time with Yumi either in the library at Cliffperch or in their shared room, talking in hushed tones about something.
: <font style="color:#F02311;" size="2">♥</font> '''[[Kail Gerrad|Kail Gerrad]]''' - "Schatzilein", Norah's frequent companion and ongoing source of vexation. They initially spent their first couple weeks since meeting trading verbal jabs and barbs with each other, though over the course of the ensuing month this seems to have evolved into a genuine affection for the rather rough-around-the-edges corsair. While she mostly keeps her own counsel where he is concerned, it's increasingly rare to see her in Cliffperch these days very far from his side when he's not out at sea.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Khuja'sae Fashonti|Khuja'sae Fashonti]]''' - "Kaetzchen" (kitten), as Norah refers to Khuja'sae, has become another friend of Norah's. She finds the young bard sweet and charming, and extends a fond protectiveness over him similar to that which she once showed her younger brother. She also seems to tease Khuja a fair bit as well, especially about girls - but the teasing is always moderated by a genuine concern, and she quickly stops and switches to gentle humor if it seems the sensitive miquo'te is becoming too upset.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Reima_Awen|Reima Awen]]''' - Norah is oddly protective of Reima, or "Taube" (little dove) as she calls her. If asked, Norah may mention that Reima reminds her a great deal of her sister. She'll regularly comment that Reima's too naive for her own good....yet she seems to go to great lengths to preserve that innocence, too. She's taken to trying to console or cheer the young woman out of a recent dark spell with pots of tea, biscuits and evenings spend by the fire sharing happy memories and better times.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Leon_Greymoon|Leon Greymoon]]''' - Norah came across Leon from their shared service in the Order of the Stormguard, and he since introduced her to his friends in Aeon. She considers him a friend, though they have very different approaches to the world around them. She seems to enjoy teasing him, and shares a friendly banter with the miquo'te. That said, she often gets fairly exasperated with him for his quickness to resolve of his problem with a blade instead of his wits and at times they'll have clear disagreements about how to handle situations.
: <font style="color:#9EC60B;" size="2">♦</font> '''[[Aurou Mhirata|Aurou Mhirata]]''' - Aurou is a recent arrival to Cliffperch, and a fellow scholar that Norah has sought to take under wing. She is quiet and introspective, but bright and a quick study, and Norah often spends evenings either on the front lawn or in the library with Aurou discussing various research ideas and other scholarly topics.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font>'''[[Brynhilde_Wulf|Brynhilde Wulf]]''' - Bryn and Norah knew each other from the wars in Ala Mhigo and the Resistance there, and Norah took it as quite the shock to run across her again in Ul'dah. She represents a strong link to home for Norah. They both share a strong fondness for red wine and a determination to protect the weak. Norah feels a kindred spirit in Bryn, though they don't often see each other in person.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Arcian Martell|Arcian Martell]]''' - In the time she has been with Aeon at Cliffpech, Norah has become friends with Arcian, and appreciates her directness. When Norah struggled with some recent changes she'd faced, Arcian (or Arci, as Norah calls her) was steadfast in weathering Norah's reactions and remained with her to try and help her adjust to her new situation. Norah has been absolutely, unswervingly loyal to Arcian ever since, though Arci herself may not know it.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[Brave Horizon|Brave Horizon]]''' - Norah doesn't know Brave very well, but as with Arci owes a deep debt of gratitude for Brave's willingness to stand firm during a difficult period for Norah. She enjoys the roegadyn's company, though Brave's blunt directness, especially about personal matters, often leave Norah blushing and stammering awkwardly with embarrassment.
: <font style="color:#6b6e72;" size="2">●</font> '''[[I'shkandar Tia|I'shkandar Tia]]''' - I'shkandar Tia, or Ace as he's known, is a relative newcomer to Cliffperch. Norah finds his whimsy refreshing and a welcome change of pace from the harsh life of refugee camps, and seems to appreciate having a fellow black mage around to bounce ideas and spellcraft theories. Since seeing her at Cliffperch with her hair down instead of its usual ponytail, he's been acting oddly around her, sneaking glances and seeming to see shadows, almost like he thinks she's someone else...



=Rumors=
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>RUMORS</center></div></span></h3>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">COMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The mage? Seems nice enough, always tips well."<i>- Server in Horizon</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Ah right, the Queen of the Slums. All prim and proper, even when she's dressed in rags. Who the heck she thinks she is, puttin' on those airs like that?" <i>- Washerwoman in Pearl Lane</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"She and a band of women ran a shelter of sorts out in Crescent Cove for a while - said it was to help the ones what couldn't help themselves. Some of the rougher dock sorts called them all kinds of names, but most of the townsfolk seemed to think right highly of them. Veritas, think they called themselves? Norah there, she was the one who set it all up." <i>- Bartender in Crescent Cove</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard she's taken up wit' some ne'er do well pirate sort. Shoulda figured, prolly just after his money, or him hers or what-not....things like that don't e'er happen if money ain't involved." <i>- Merchant on the Sapphire Avenue Exchange</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "She's always here in the library, looking through old books and things. White magic, black magic, red, blue - doesn't seem to matter, it's like she wants to learn it all." <i>- Librarian in Ul'dah</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Miss Norah? Oh, she's a sweetheart. Comes in here regularly and sits in that chair on the corner, over yonder. Always orders a bottle of del Sol red and either reads or plays with her card deck. Folks even go over to her to have her read their fortunes, sometimes...she read one for me once, and darn if it wasn't spot on!" <i>- Waitress at the Quicksand</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Bitch told me my wife ought to leave me, said I don't treat her no good. What the feck's she know about it? Shoulda slugged here one right there, show her her place....but I dunno, something in her eyes went all cold and I decided to walk it off instead. Next time, though..." <i>- Dockhand at Crescent Cove</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">UNCOMMON RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"They say her family turned colors when Ala Mhigo fell, and were among the first to swear loyalty to Garlemald." <i>- Wood Wailer in Gridania</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Heard her brother Jossen's on the lamb now. Word is he's been tied to too many suspicious deaths in the Garlean Army, and they were getting ready to hang him for treason." <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Think she may have found herself in some sort of trouble - doesn't look like much of a fighter herself, but she's been in here snapping up every book on poisons and antidotes we had. Wonder who she ran afoul of, poor thing..." <i>- Receptionist at Alchemist's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"There's something a little unsettling about that one....all polite manners and grace, but there's a fire burning in her eyes at times that makes my hair stand on end." <i>- Member of Conjurer's Guild</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"That one? Huh. Woman's got to learn there's some magic folks shouldn't be meddlin' in....stare too long at the Void, and sooner or later the Void's gonna stare back." <i>- Instructor at Thaumaturge's Guild</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">RARE RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"The Nightsbanes? This is a hard rumor to come by, but a few people whisper that her family's all with the Resistance, running intelligence operations and smuggling in weapons. Pretty high up, from what I hear." <i>- Trainer at the Sisters of the Edelweiss</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px"> "Rhalgr, did you hear about what happened to that man out in the desert? Hells, she was barely sixteen then, was a long time ago. Didn't even know a girl that age could channel aether like that...I don't know what he did to her, there are rumors of course, but....I was there and I saw it. She looked like a Demon from the Seventh hell, fire swirling around her as she burned him alive with her magicks. It's not just that I don't want to be on her bad side, I want to be as far away from her as I can!" <i>- Mhigan refugee, Little Ala Mhigo</i></div></p>

<p><div style="font-family:Casey;font-size:16px;color:#071019; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;">PLAYER RUMORS</div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"Tea Lady Norah? She's a whole world of smart. She could teach a book a thing or two. Did I mention she makes good tea?" <i>- [[Khuja'sae Fashonti]]</i></div></p>
* <p><div style="font-family:Casey; font-size:12px">"World needs more like Shin, but thats the rub ent it? There'll only ever be one Norah out there." <i>- [[Kail Gerrad]]</i></div></p>

=Visuals=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Artwork"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>ARTWORK</center></div></span></h3>

<br>


=OOC Notes=

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OOC NOTES</center></div></span></h3>

<p>Sources for character inspiration:</p>

In terms of inspirations for Norah's personality and interactions with the world around her, I like to draw on both real world knowledge and experience, along with other characters from other fictional sources.

Much of her background post-Ala Mhigo, especially the first five years of her life as a wealthy upper-class girl without a lot of martial skills stuck in refugee camps are based on tragic real-world cases such as those that occurred in the collapse of the former Yugoslavia and what some of the refugees in that area faced during the civil/international wars that spread throughout the Balkans. While her experiences in various camps are not modeled off a single camp or a single episode, they are heavily inspired by real refugee stories, including the sorts of unpleasant things that likely would befall a young teenager in her situation - even in a modern, reasonably developed and civilized region of the world. Tragically, the real world situations are *much* worse than I would ever subject either my character, or others who RP with her, to - for example, there was a large scandal in the region with [http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jan/15/bosnia-sex-trafficking-whistleblower UN Peacekeepers running prostitution rings] with refugee women, you can read here for more info.) The Yugoslav wars and ensuing refugee situation works additionally well since due northwest are Austria and Germany, which in my own personal head cannon is pretty much how I view Gyr Abania anyway (though in earlier periods of history, not in their present incarnations. This seems a good template to base much of her experiences both as a young girl and the terrain where she grew up, the collapse of the state through initial revolution and then external invasion, and the types of plights and issues she would have faced as a sixteen to eighteen year old refugee until some sort of stability was established. (I'm sure there are historic examples that will work better, but due to my day job working with modern day humanitarian situations, I draw my inspiration from cases I'm familiar with, what can I say?)

Her early life in Ala Mhigo, along with her family, are based on accounts of 19th Century Prussia and upper class families during the time period. She would have learned a classic liberal arts education, including extensive history, geography, and economics, and given that Germany was a bit more progressive than some other countries at the time, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism_in_Germany been able to even study] more "masculine" pursuits should she wish, such as chemistry, astronomy, and anatomy. I use much of her conduct and conceptions of "nobility" from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Bavaria this time period] as well, playing her as upper class but far more human and boisterous than an Ishgardian. In my head cannon, she's 100% [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bavaria Bavarian] - her family is proud, sometimes a little loud (especially if drinking), and devoted to each other. They also probably brag a little more than they should and look a little down on everyone else, too. I also strongly suspect at weddings, regional festivals, or family reunions after prodigious amounts of drinking and feats of strength, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_Dance this happens] - because, Bavarian, that's why!

As far as character influences on her personality, behavior, interactions with others, dress, and other things, I rely on both my own imagination for the character and what drives and motivates her, along with some inspiration from popular media culture - movies, books, etc.

There are definite influences from [http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Leia_Organa_Solo Princess Leia Organa] in Star Wars (original movie content only, don't know enough of the EU to draw on any of that)- someone who is a little bitchy and uppity at times, but is also a true revolutionary who's willing to risk life, limb, family, home, and everything else for a greater good. Much of Norah's interactions with others, her periodic snootiness and sarcasm, condescension of those without causes, and her opposition to the Garlean Empire and desire for a free Gyr Abania come from this. Of all of the influences on Shinorah, I think this is by far the most dominant - in her banter with others, in her protectiveness, her at times condescension (due to noble upbringing), and her driving idealism behind almost everything she does.

She also has a fair bit of [http://mummy.wikia.com/wiki/Evelyn_O%27Connell Evelyn Carnahan], the librarian from the Mummy movies. Her insatiable curiosity on the world around her as well as her predilection for landing herself into trouble because she first thought of what could be learned and not of the dangers inherent in the knowledge come from this. She's very curious and devoted to studying all forms of magic, and this sometimes interferes with either her sense of self-preservation and placing boundaries on types of magic that shouldn't be studied. (Note - she's not evil by any stretch, any more than Evie - both good people, just sometimes too inquisitive for their own good.)

Another influence on Norah, especially in terms of her use of magic as well as her protectiveness of those around her, is [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Lulu Lulu] from Final Fantasy X. Much like Lulu in the games, Norah is very emotionally reserved and guarded around people, especially those she does not know well. She also relies heavily on logic and reason rather than religion to understand the world around her. This also heavily influences her clothing style and choices in game - dark colors and a vague witchiness to her, but again not so much evil (and like Lulu, actually a very good person at heart), just a little unsettling.

The final influence for her personality - and also a large part of how I envision her mannerisms, [http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/1867/451949-9968_4_019.jpg dress], and [https://40.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ma3eeoOWj41qet6pno1_500.jpg costuming] - is the character Emma Bishop, from the sadly short-lived comic series [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruse_%28comics%29 Ruse]. (The series was written by Mark Waid back when he was with CrossGen, but CG went out of business. Marvel did a 4-run print of the series a couple years ago with Waid which was still solid, but the original is IMO better.) She has both a prim-and-proper lady-like quality, but is also still very human and brings a lot of humanity to those around her, rather than just a stuck-up stuffed shirt.

Music-wise, I've settled on Amy Lee for her voice, the lead singer for Evanescence. I'd debated a number of others to imagine how she takls/sings, but trying to find the right fit of melodic and beautiful, yet also haunting and a little eerie unsettling with flashes of anger and resentment - this is pretty much spot on. So much anger and lashing out, but also so much beauty, like a really pissed off angel that's just done taking crap and has decided to take matters into her own hands.

<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>EXTENDED FAMILY INSPIRATIONS</center></div></span></h3>

Andreas, her father, is a long-term military man who for most of his life was unswervingly loyal to his kin and country. The family is of a very minor house (think of the level of the Reeds or the Westerlings in ASOIAF/GoT if it helps) - they were upper class, but very, very minor in the grand scheme of things, which is the only reason they were able to survive King Theodoric's purges of the nobility; he just hadn't gotten around to them and others at that level yet before he himself was overthrown. Andreas is a shrewd tactician and a strong warrior, but also honorable and someone who tries to do the right thing. He can sometimes seem a little judgmental or aloof, but had a genuine affection for his family and children and always made time for them. His personality, demeanor, and fighting skills would very much be in line with Eddard (Ned) Stark, in terms of popular culture and media references. He is warm to those who know him very well, otherwise quietly responsible and diligent to the outside world. (Their father is where both Jossen and Norah come by their personalities.)

Norah's mother, Karinn, would be a bit more like Zoe from Firefly - she's no longer a front-line fighter herself as she left the military once pregnant with their first child, Norah's older brother Jossen. She may have chosen to become a mother first and a politician second, but make no mistake - she's neither a wilting violet nor anyone's "kept woman", and anyone who dared suggest otherwise would likely meet the business end of her pistols. She may have ended her military career a bit prematurely, but she is a fully realized partner of her husband, a strong role model and protector of her family, and has a definite sense of agency and independence in her own right rather than "wife of Andreas". In political circles, she has to "pretend" to be the good, quiet wife supporting her husband and she absolutely loathes it, not because she does not support him but because she rebels at the idea of being the "plus one". On the other hand, in their new life involved with the Resistance covertly, she plays her "helplessness" and "dumb female" schtick up to the hilt, feigning dumb and often flirting with Garlean officials in order to gather as much information as she can to spread throughout their network, while secretly fantasizing about shooting each and every one of them square between the eyes. (Yes, she's definitely more feisty than her husband and with more of a temper, and where both Mihane and Jeffron inherited their personalities.)

Jossen is being played by a friend, so I don't want to fill out too much here as she develops his personality. My original conception for him is something like Cap in Captain America: First Avenger (not so much subsequent movies). In the original, while he's obviously a very good guy and someone who tries to always do the right thing, stand up to bullies, etc - there's a genuine warmth and humanity to the character that doesn't always come through in stereotypical "Lawful Stupid" paladin portrayals. This guy is a more approachable version of his father - still honorable and duty-bound, but friendlier and the sort of Officer who would stand by his troops, lead by example rather than asking them to do things in his place, and completely buy them drinks and rub elbows in the enlisted mess-hall at the end of the day.

Jeffron is the younger brother and the third child of the Nightsbanes. He's fun, brilliant, cocky and a little too quick to look for adventures and scrapes - Norah always says his charm outweighs his common sense. My current source of inspiration for him is Napoleon Solo, as played by Henry Cavill in Guy Ritchie's remake of the Man from UNCLE....way too good looking, charming and debonaire when it suits him, knowledgeable in the finer things in life but pretty savvy with the rougher sides too. He's a definite adrenaline junkie and a terrible womanizer, though this doesn't mean he's not very, very competent at his endeavors - he just does his utmost to make sure most people never realize that (unless they're also involved in arms trafficking and smuggling, of course). It's hard to say how he might have ended up had Mhigo not fallen, it's entirely possible he would have wound up as the spoiled playboy fop he pretends to be....except it did, and its collapse forced him to grow up in a hurry and to make decisions about what was really important in life. He stayed behind with his family initially, adopting the "playboy" persona, but secretly trained in combat with both of his parents and began taking over the smuggling operations of the family. He's learned anything and everything he can about any and all weapons he can, and can use most of them with deadly accuracy - daggers, pistols, swords, brass knuckles, and anything else he can get his hands on (including a particular episode involving a Garlean patrol, a cat, a mechanized suit of armor, 5 gallons of brandy and a torch. Don't ask....) At present, he moves back and forth across the Garlean wall and across Eorzea with ease, usually in one of his many cover identities.

Mihane was the family's Great Beauty and the baby of the family, and her loss is a pain that unites them all in grief. She was growing into a rare and true beauty, with golden hair and blue eyes like her mother, and talented at nearly everything she tried. She sang like an angel, was quick with guns and daggers as she learned them, and had a personality and charm bigger than the room. She was the sort who not only inevitably found mischief, but between her charm and her beauty, could talk herself out of any consequences. Unfortunately, she had a minor medical condition in an urban environment that led to her dying at the age of thirteen in the Thanalan desert. (This is not comics death, she's dead....Norah was there with her when she breathed her last, though was unable to bury the body very well.)

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<td style="vertical-align: top;font-size:9pt;font-family:Casey;"><h3><span class="mw-headline" id="I WILL NOT">
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #071019;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>'''THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND...'''</center></div></span></h3>
<div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px 10px; background: #e0e2e5;">'''THING''' | WHY YOU SHOULD KEEP IT IN MIND</div>
</td>

</tr></table></div>
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<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="General"><div style="font-family:Casey;padding:10px 15px; background: #190714;font-size:16px;color:#ffffff; text-shadow: 1px 1px 3px silver;letter-spacing:0.2em;"><center>OTHER LINKS</center></div></span></h3>
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* <b>GUILD SITE</b> [rune.enjin.com]



<headertabs />

<small><center>This template was created by [[Deirdre Ta'ea]], then modified/mixed from [[Franz Renatus]], [[Leanne Delphium]], [[Bancroft Gairn]], and [[Jaliqai Qulaan]].</center>
<center>Feel free to use and edit this template to better fit your needs. However, please be sure to leave all credits in place. Thank you!</center>
<center>For a blank copy of this template, complete with ease of color scheme customization, [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bZg1LSI0Y7fM33_grhU8mRyV8iEYaRjAGwfvd0ny7ws/edit?usp=sharing click here].</center></small>

Andreas Nightsbane

2015-11-05T20:35:00Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Created page with "{{Infobox-character | name =Lord Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane | gender = Male | citizenship = Gyr Abania | race = Hyur | clan = Highlander | stat_1 = Age | stat_1_value = 58 | s..."

{{Infobox-character
| name =Lord Andreas Niklaus Nightsbane
| gender = Male
| citizenship = Gyr Abania
| race = Hyur
| clan = Highlander
| stat_1 = Age
| stat_1_value = 58
| stat_2 = Place of Birth
| stat_2_value = Ala Mhigo, Gyr Abania
| stat_3 = Marital Status
| stat_3_value = Married
| stat_4 = Occupation
| stat_4_value = Senior Advisor, Military Readiness, Gyr Abania, Garlean Empire
| stat_5 = Height/Weight
| stat_5_value = 6 fulms, 7 ilms / 264 ponz
| stat_6 = Orientation
| stat_6_value = Straight
}}

'''Family / Notable Relationships:'''
* - Father, Nicklaus Nightsbane (deceased)
* - Wife, Karinn Nightsbane
* - Son, Jossen Nightsbane
* - Daughter, [[Shinorah Nightsbane]]
* - Son, Jeffron Nightsbane (status unknown)
* - Daughter, Mihane Nightsbane (deceased)
<br>

'''Religion/Philosophy:'''
Andreas follows both Rhalgr and Nymeia fairly equally, Rhalgr as the patron deity of Ala Mhigo and Nymeia as his own personal conduct and values align best. While he is not a deeply religious man, he does pray from time to time and tries to attend services at least semi-regularly.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Appearance & Personality</div>===

'''Appearance:''' - Andreas is a tall and fairly imposing man, standing over six and a half feet tall and with broad shoulders and a square-set jaw. His once-black hair is now heavily peppered with grey, though his green-blue eyes are still very sharp and shrewd. His eyes are deeply lined at this point, and he wears a neatly trimmed beard that covers most of his lower face. A prominent scar cuts across his forehead and left cheek, and his hands also have a fair share of scars, including a round mark on his right hand that resembles a gunshot wound.

'''Personality:''' - He is quiet and thoughtful, and mostly known for being steadfast and sincere in his conduct with others. He has a clear, deep voice when he speaks - and though he rarely raises it, it's the sort people listen to when he does speak. He is not a warm man exactly, save for with his family, but he had been widely respected and is known for being patient but firm with those around him. It is said he has a very deep stubborn streak, though this is rarely on display to see.

===<div style="padding:10px 15px; background: #BEC3BC;font-size:14px;color:#5F5F5F;">Personal History:</div>===
<p>Andreas Niklaus Nachtsieger (Nightsbane) is the eldest son and current patriarch of the Nachtsieger family of Gyr Abania, a minor noble family dating back hundreds of years. His father, Niklaus Nachtsieger, was a decorated war hero who died in battle, leaving Andreas the heir to the family estates and their management at the age of only sixteen. Andreas had been groomed to someday take over the family since childhood, and did so to the best of his ability even at his younger age.</p>

<p>Upon his twenty-first year, he was engaged to Karinn Bertram in an arranged marriage with a slightly higher placed family. In spite of being an arranged marriage, Andreas fell very hard for his spirited, if sometimes head-strong, new wife Karinn; he had never encountered such a fiercely independent or outspoken woman, and was completely smitten. Karinn took a bit longer to come around – Andreas could be a bit insecure and shy, especially around women, and she initially thought him to be dull and a bit too uptight. Within the first two years though, she realized there was far more to this oft-serious gentleman soldier than she had expected, and begun to find his calm, measured mannerisms to be much more the mark of a bright and observant strategist rather than a slack-witted dullard. They served as balancing influences on each other, he to temper some of her more impetuous notions, and her to shake him out of his predictable ways.</p>

<p>They both continued to serve in the Abanian military, each rising through the ranks of officers easily. Andreas ended his career higher than his wife, less due to gender issues and more due to her impatience with incompetence and politics, especially at the higher ranks of military service. Andreas was shrewd enough to play the politics game where his wife did not. She retired as a colonel in rank, focusing exclusively on raising their four children and managing the family’s estates, investments and affairs, while he continued to serve and retired as a General from military service.</p>

<p>Upon retirement, Andreas switched to a career in politics – initially reluctantly, part of him wanting to spend more time with his family and the other still being powerfully motivated by a desire to serve his people and his homeland. As Ala Mhigo and Gyr Abania became increasingly under Mad King Theodoran’s sway, and its resources badly abused and depleted, he first continued to try and talk reason to the King’s council and officials, struggling to try and maintain his beloved home’s integrity while avoiding outright treason. Ultimately, the impact on the kingdom was too severe even for his own stubborn loyalty; when Theodoran first began plans to systematically dismantle the monk’s guild and then summarily execute any nobles who opposed him, Andreas and many of his peers banded together along with other like-minded individuals in the nascent resistance movement to the king.</p>

<p>Like many, Andreas initially welcomed the covert assistance from the Garlean Empire, finding the supplies and information of great value from what was hoped would be a future ally. Instead, like so many other Mhigans, he found himself played a fool when as soon as the King was toppled, the Garleans moved in and occupied what they’d believed to be a newly-independent and liberated Gyr Abania. Angry, bitter, and wracked with guilt for his role in accepting the Garlean aid initially, Andrea made two of the most difficult choices in is life – one, to send his wife and daughters into exile with other trusted family friends for safer lands outside of Ala Mhigo. The other was to further deepen his connections to Garlemald in hopes of fostering an insurgency from within the Kingdom and unbeknownst to its new masters. While it meant the majority of his compatriots and his homeland would see him as a turn-coat, a traitor, and a spineless lackey, he and a few of his closest associates knew it was also one of the only ways in which they could get close enough to senior level Garlean officials to have any strategic knowledge of their plans and operations. He accepted this burden with great pain and disgust, openly declaring service to the Garlean Empire and playing the toadie in public, all the while leveraging every bit of his Imperial position and information to funnel critical information to the various intelligence and military networks of the Mhigan resistance in the capitol.</p>

<p>Karinn refused to leave her beloved husband, and instead chose to remain behind with him and their younger son Jeffron, who was just thirteen when the Kingdom fell. She plays an instrumental role at her husband’s side, adopting the position of a demure and supportive Imperial noble wife, all the while actively serving in the resistance with her husband.
At present, Andreas commands a position of reasonable trust within the Abanian territories of the Garlean Empire. His countrymen by and large despise him, calling him mocking names to his face and often spitting at his feet now. The Garlean officials regularly use him as an example of a “Smart and Loyal Mhigan” who can see the future, and have given him prestige and decorations for his Imperial service. He still holds no true command authority in terms of Garlemald himself, of course – after all, he’s still a conquered Mhigan and there are far too many Garlean families to occupy any position of real power and authority. However, he currently holds a post as a regional representative of the military’s acquisitions authority in Ala Mhigo, working with other Imperial facilities to determine what levels of arms and equipment is required to maintain troop readiness within Gyr Abania and also provides him a solid understanding of troop placement, capabilities, and readiness throughout the land.
His having access to this much information of military and strategic importance is so valuable, he continues to withstand the slurs and disdain of his countrymen, knowing it is all for a far greater good than the vast majority will ever know…</p>

<p>Andreas and Karinn had fairly regular contact with their eldest child Jossen Andreas, as his position within the Garlean Army allowed for Andreas to generally know his whereabouts and to use the chain of command to convey messages to Joss. When Joss secured leave and returned home, the family would reunite and catch up as best as they could, both on general welfare and also the growing network of arms and intelligence being run by this side of the Mhigan resistance. They did their best to provide for their younger son Jeffron, who had always been a bit wild and after the invasion, became outright insolent. With a few years’ determination and hard work, they managed to channel his brash, anti-establishment anger into more useful pursuits, and as soon as he was old enough to set out on his own, he became heavily involved in many of the field operations and smuggling networks. Due to his extensive use of clandestine contacts, cover identities, and outright illegal activities (where arms smuggling in the Empire is concerned), they formally have no contact with Jeffron at all any longer. Every year, at both Yule and for each of their birthdays, they will receive a large, unmarked package filled with presents. Otherwise, all of the arms smuggled in are sent to other contacts for discretion and the maintenance of appearances….though these often include a personal note to one or both of the parents, which are always burned upon reading as soon as received.</p>

<p>They try to maintain contact with their surviving daughter Shinorah, though the building of the wall between Gyr Abania and Gridania by the Empire has made this increasingly difficult. Prior to the establishment of the wall but after she had settled in Little Ala Mhigo, they tried to send her at least one letter a month; many of these did not get through, and since the erection of the wall, communication has slowed to a trickle. They can no longer write to her directly, and rely on the kindness and sympathy of fellow sympathizers to relay either coded messages or verbal missives to Shinorah through the complicated network of anti-Imperial Mhigans scattered throughout Eorzea.</p>

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-03T19:16:55Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Added Emma Bishop from Rune to OOC influences

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-03T19:00:00Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: spellink!

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-11-03T18:58:54Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Added Recent Events tab separate from history, added fallout from BW episode.

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-30T21:41:21Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Added family members

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-30T20:57:45Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Tab for Ala Mhigo!

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-30T20:55:32Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: tab testing

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-29T20:11:04Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: grammar, yo!

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-29T20:05:08Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Recent events

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-29T20:00:02Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: More OOC with links!

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-29T19:49:51Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: Adding OOC inspirations

Shinorah Nightsbane

2015-10-29T19:14:40Z

Shinorah Nightsbane: