The Silent

Introduction: 

  Laretha al Nymphoros, often referred to as "The Silent," is the last remnant of a forgotten tribe, forged in the shadows and raised in the wilds. Embodying serenity in the face of calamity, she places little value on wealth and manners, believing survival and cunning to be the most important attributes in life. Laretha lives by logic, eschewing emotional entanglements that cloud judgment. She prefers to let others live their lives without interference, convinced that meddling only leads to chaos. Her mission is clear: to ensure her tribe's legacy endures. Isolation has fueled her appetite for the world's pleasures, yet she struggles to trust those outside her own mind. Despite her meditations and a lifetime of solitude, a primal bloodlust lingers within her, a dark reminder of her past. In the heat of battle, she strikes unseen, her enemies falling before they even realize she is there. With every silent step, she honors her fallen kin and carves their legend into history.  

Origin: 

  Laretha was born in the secluded village of Savinentrii, the daughter of the tribal chief. Her early life was peaceful until a raid by a band of brigands forever altered her path. The raid left her village in ruins, and Laretha was forced to flee, leaving behind everything she knew. This harrowing experience marked the beginning of her life as a wanderer, as she sought refuge in the wilderness, far from the dangers of the world.  

Raid and Wandering: 

  The raid on Savinentrii was swift and brutal, a massacre that left few survivors. Laretha, just a child at the time, was lucky enough to escape the slaughter, but the horrors she witnessed left deep scars on her psyche. Alone and afraid, she wandered the wilds, honing her survival skills and learning to rely on her instincts. Her journey eventually led her to a temporary cabin near Harrow's Edge, where she now resides, living a solitary life away from the prying eyes of society.  

Memories:

  Unforgettable:  

• The Raid: The traumatic raid on her village is a memory that haunts Laretha to this day. The loss of her family and her home fuels her desire to preserve her tribe's legacy.
• Meeting Nimhra during the Bandit Road Ambush: A chance encounter with Nimhra during a bandit ambush left a lasting impression on Laretha, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
• Meeting Evelyn in the Abandoned Mine Bandit Hideout: Another significant encounter occurred when Laretha crossed paths with High Princess Evelyn in an abandoned mine, deepening her connection to others.
• Being Strangled by the Bandit Leader: A brush with death at the hands of the bandit leader  responsible for her village's annihilation, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers Laretha faces in her quest for vengeance.

  Forgettable:   (Currently none)  

Personality and Beliefs: 

  Laretha lives by a code of logic and self-preservation, shunning emotional entanglements that might cloud her judgment. She finds solace in solitude, often retreating into the wilds to meditate and reconnect with the land. However, her meditations are frequently interrupted by a primal bloodlust that threatens to consume her. Despite her cold exterior, Laretha carries the weight of her tribe's legacy on her shoulders, determined to honor their memory.   Laretha's isolation has made her wary of others, but over time, she has come to understand that the best way to preserve her culture is to pass it on to others. This realization has led her to become more welcoming of foreigners, offering them a sacred gift as a symbol of trust.  

Signature Item: 

  Bonding Bracelet: This bracelet, woven by Laretha from materials she finds in her wanderings, holds deep significance. The Tirinians, a group with whom Laretha has had contact, use a special sacred fiber to craft these tokens. However, the essence of the bracelet lies not in the material but in the intricate knot itself.   When Laretha gifts this bracelet, it is more than a mere trinket—it is a solemn promise. The Tirinians view promises and favors as sacred, and the bracelet carries that weight. To receive it is to be accepted, signifying that the recipient has earned the tribe's trust and is now part of their extended family.   Wearing the Bonding Bracelet means that one may call upon the Tirinian people for support, whether it be guidance, protection, or a safe haven. The bracelet serves as a silent vow, binding Laretha to those she deems worthy.  

Signature Story:

  "Our village, Savinentrii, has a rite of passage, of sorts. Children must prove they've grown by going out on a hunt alone into the marshlands. Technically, they are never actually left alone. A veteran hunter is tasked with shadowing them, unseen, to ensure their survival. But mine lost sight and track of me. So when I got attacked by a beast in the marsh, I had to sacrifice my bow to defend myself. I had focused on my quarry too intently, not realizing I myself had become hunted.   It took me a while to compose myself after escaping, but I eventually made a net of swamp reeds and was able to ensnare a goose in that.   When I was returning to the village, I heard the elders discussing how my tracker had managed to lose me, and how I was likely dead. Some reassured my parents that I was self-reliant and would make it. I intended to sneak up on the group, but the goose (which I thought I had successfully strangled) woke up and started screaming.   Even years later, my father would still make fun of that moment, describing how my 'tiny frame was barely containing the honking, protesting hellfiend in my arms.'"   She paused, taking a sip from her tankard. "I hate geese."  

Cultural Legacy:

  As the last of her tribe, Laretha feels a deep responsibility to preserve her people’s culture. Over time, she has realized that the best way to do this is by passing on their ways to others. She now spreads her tribe’s traditions through sacred gifts like the Bonding Bracelet, ensuring that their legacy lives on in those she trusts.   Laretha's story is one of survival, solitude, and a gradual reconnection with the world. Despite the darkness of her past, she continues to carry the light of her tribe's legacy, a beacon of hope in a world that has long forgotten her people.