Saphira is slightly smaller than average for her race, standing at only 2 feet and 7 inches. She's rather skinny too, weighing around 28 lb, with not really any visible muscles. She actually has lean, wiry muscles hidden within her small body but these aren't really visible, so most automatically think that she's weak. Saf is slender and lithe, being very agile and flexible. She really quite fast and dextrous, really good at dodging blows were she's not as good at dealing them. She often has a bounce in her step and seems to dart from one place to another, being there one moment then gone the next. She is often mistaken for a young human child, a fact that she quite happily goes along with. Saf has sandy-brown hair falling in curls to her shoulders, rather unruly generally. It frames her face and can only ever be brushed when wet due to how curly it is. She often puts it up in a variety of intricate braids, allowing these to fall around her face along with any loose curls. Her skin is fair and smooth, marred by little scars that are visible. Freckles splash across the bridge of her nose, spreading out along her cheeks. A long thin scar nicks her right eyebrow, clearly visible and seemingly out of place with her cheery face. Saf's eyes are primarily a dark, chocolate brown in colour, with faint swirls of hazel around the pupils. They are rather big and doe-like, adding to the illusion of her being a human child. They seem to shine with emotions, to see what Saphira is think all you need to do is look at her eyes. A smile always seems to be held across Saf's lips, her eyes shining with mischief. She is overall quite a cute looking halfling, also looking very happy. Saphira often wears comfortable clothes, albeit in reasonably bright colours. When not wearing her armour she wears bright, saffron yellow tunic that falls just above knee length, brown breeches and a very dark blue cloak.

Saphira is warm and cheerful in general, always seeming to have a smile for everyone. She's rather down to earth, more concerned with comfort over wealth. She's not really that concerned about money actually... unlike many other halflings. Saf is very brave, willing to sacrifice her life for others and put herself on the line. She rather optimistic, almost annoyingly so. Very curious, this often gets her into trouble as she always seems to stumble upon the wrong things at the wrong time. If anyone's going to accidently set of a trap, its Saphira. She can be rather determined young woman and very stubborn at points, not backing down from her opinion or thoughts. Saf seems to always be smiling, a genuine and warm smile. She acts innocent and like a child but really isn't.... After all she lies quite a lot. Its quite hard to tell whether she's telling the truth or not, much to many peoples chargrin. This is quite a major flaw for her, and often gets her into trouble (just as much as he mischief making). This is one reason why she's not always trusted. Saf seems to talk endless in a bubbly manner, normally getting on others nerves as she blabs on about random topics. But even through this its pretty hard not to like the young, bright halfling as she just seems to infect everyone with her cheerfulness and optimism. She is very occasionally sarcastic but can be quite careless and absentminded, though she does have her moments of intelligence. Quite observative but often chooses to ignore details about other people purposefuly, another annoying thing about her. Her trust is quite easily gained, and she is a steady friend. Even though she constantly lies she will never do something to hurt a friend, well not purposefully anyway... though if she doesn't like you (which is rarely) she will quite pointedly tell you that. Its just about the only time she tells the truth... Saf is generally very mischievous, often playing tricks and pranks on other knights. She likes a good joke and can be rather funny at points, but often gets on the wrong side of her superiors. Some are unsure of exactly how she became a knight and why, because she just doesn't seem like she's the right person for the job. She can be very serious if needed... though this is a rather rare situation for Saf. Overall Saphira is quite a character.

Saphira was born on the island of Maundelay, in a small town in The Flower Hills. The town was almost completely inhabited by halflings, with a few gnomes and even fewer humans in the town. Saf was the sixth child of a halfling couple, with five older siblings and two younger ones she was often overlooked. The bright halfling grew up as a happy child, playing games with all her siblings and constantly getting into tustles with them. The Oakstacks were well known around the town, and most of the townsfolk quite liked all the children; Saf in particular. Saphira grew up friends with just about everyone, especially all the halflings her age. She was well known for her mischief making among her friends, often getting in trouble with just about everyone. No matter how serious the matter she always seemed to wheedle her way out of trouble. Not that her parents cared too much, after all they did have eight children. Her parents always seemed to focus on the eldest and youngest the most. The eldest was a sorcerer prodigy, having incredibly innate magic, whereas the youngest one was just the 'weakest' and the one that needed looking after. Most of her other siblings found their place in life by a young age; some were skilled at cooking, other as rogues and even one went on to be a cleric. But no matter how hard she tried, Saphira couldn't seem to find a skill she had that could please her parents. She only seemed to be good a mischief making and getting into trouble... which was popular with her friends but not with adults.

But Saphira's life took a drastic turn. It began with a simple thievery, nothing much. Saphira was at a loose end, most of her friends were off doing something one day. So the young halfling did a daring thing; she stole from the local smith. Somehow she managed to get away with a shortsword without being caught, and also hid it for weeks afterwards. After this event she snuck out almost every night or day and practised with the stolen sword, honing her skills. Months later a travelling human happened to come across the young halfling practising, and watched her silently. Once she was finished he commended her on her skills, saying she had a natural talent. He offered to take her on as an apprentice and teach her the Sublime Way. He was a wandering Swordsage, travelling the world in search for those with the talent to become his apprentice. Many had tried and failed, yet there was something he saw in Saphira that caused him to choose her. What it was noone but he knows, as she is a rather questionable choice as a Swordsage. Saf accepted the apprenticeship, and took the man who introduced himself as Aron to her parents. The parents also instantly accepted and Saphira left the small town she had spent her first thirteen or so years in. So began her training as a swordsage.

Saphira travelled around with her mentor, eventually bidding her homeland farewell to travel to the larger continent of Ashra. Throughout her travels Saf was put through a reasonably strict discipline to learn the ways of a swordsage. Though throughout this training Saphira always kept her mischievous and troublesome streak, often getting herself (and her mentor) into trouble with the authorities. As Saf gradually learned more about Aron she became closer to him, he was a fatherly figure in her life. She discovered he had once been a member of The Gatekeepers, but had left them for reasons he would not tell her. But he encouraged her to go join them, saying that his past mistakes shouldn't hinder her career as a Swordsage. Having received all the training should could from him, Saf bid Aron fairwell as she headed to the Gatekeepers.

Saphira had a hard time actually getting into the Gatekeepers, but when they realised her talents they allowed her in. She wasn't best suited to the life, being compliant at best. She constantly played tricks on her fellow Gatekeepers, harmless albeit. Though they weren't always harmless. Once while playing a minor trick involving fire Saphira accidently set the whole base on fire, though luckily all within were evacuated. None the less Saphira was very nearly thrown out of the Gatekeepers and now has a rather large black mark on her record. So she was reassigned to the Watch Patrol. But even this massive, well, downfall and disaster has not changed Saphira's ways one bit.

Saphira Poppy Oakstaff
Female Neutral-good Halfling Swordsage, Level 2, Init +6, HP 13/13, Speed 20ft
AC 24, Touch 20, Flat-footed 19, Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +8, Base Attack Bonus 1
Shortsword (n/a) +5 (1d4+2, 19-20/x2)
Sling (10 bullets) +4 (1d4+2, x2)
Mithral Chainshirt (+4 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Size, +4 Misc)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 20, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 18, Cha 10
Condition None
Manouvers Known Blistering Flourish, Distracting Ember, Wind Stride, Burning Blade, Clinging Shadow Strike, Shadow Blade Technique, Stone Bones
Stances KnownChild of the Shadow, Stonefoot Stance

Currently 17.44 posts per day. Seriously...

Though a small and slender elf, Melanie is most often seen wearing a suit of armor and carrying a sword that could rival her in size. The armor covers her body well, with her arms and legs being left partially exposed until getting to her lengthy gauntlets and boots. The skin that shows is unmarked and smooth, showing her as someone who has not been working for long. A large gray cloak drapes over her shoulders and looks as if it could completely wrap around her without trouble. Her lavender hair is cut short enough to nearly look boyish. It does nothing to hide her pointed ears, and her bangs are not long enough to conceal her rose-red eyes. Though an odd color, they often sparkle and add to her cheerful smile.

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/x...ortrait-23.jpg

Headstrong and reckless, Melanie acts before she thinks. Her emotions are easy to read and she does a terrible job of lying. While it means she is often getting into trouble, it does reflect on her enthusiasm for tasks she takes up. Melanie does her best to befriend anyone she is partnered with, but she is not experienced in working together. While she tries as much as she can to help her team, she does not fully understand group strategies. Though such problems exist for her, Melanie is highly loyal to those she works with and would do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Melanie usually has a cheerful front. She smiles quickly and tries to cheer up those who are depressed. She also has a fondness of talking, whether it be about something of importance or what kind of bread sounds good at the moment. She has a habit of acting more like a child than the adult that she is, which makes it easy to see why her brother thinks he is, in a way, the elder sibling of the family.

Melanie was born in Gatehold and has lived there for all of her life. Both her mother and father are Gatekeepers, as their parents and ancestors have been for several hundred years. Because of this, their expectation was that Melanie would continue this tradition once she became an adult. She grew up resenting this preplanned future. She wanted to leave Nessene's Island and see more of the world. But her parents would not hear of it. They insisted that their job was too important to sacrifice for aimless wandering.

When she was ninety-five, Melanie's family suddenly acquired a new member. Two human friends of her parents that were also Gatekeepers wound up dying in a fight. The couple had recently given birth to a boy named Christopher, and now the child had nobody to look after him. Out of a sense of obligation for their friends, Melanie's parents adopted Christopher. To Melanie, who was often bored when her parents were at work, this was the start of several years of happiness. She loved taking care of her new brother and formed a close bond with him.

Because of their different lifespans, Melanie's relationship with Christopher was an odd one. Melanie always saw herself as Christopher's big sister, and from how long they had been alive, that would be technically correct. But as Christopher grew older, he began to try taking on a big brother role to Melanie. He felt he was more mature in mindset, and that his body was ahead of hers in terms of growth. As such, he was eager to sign up for the Gatekeepers. He believed it was the best way he could keep his 'little sister' safe. This displeased Melanie greatly. She had stressed to him many times as a child that he should go exploring when he grew up. He could see the world and live freely, she urged. Leave the Gatekeeping duties to those that could live hundreds of years, she pleaded. He would only have a short chance to make something out of his life, she insisted. Christopher signed up as a Gatekeeper anyway.

For the first time, Melanie had a reason to want to become a Gatekeeper. Protecting their world was not something she disagreed with, but Melanie never had motivation to do so. It was too broad of a concept for her to feel invested in, especially when she knew so little about the world. With Christopher in the Gatekeepers, she knew he would be at risk so long as he was called to fight. Melanie embraced the idea of being a Gatekeeper so she could keep Christopher safe. It has led to much confusion between them since both feels obligated to protect the other, but they are still close siblings that love each other dearly. Neither has had much experience yet and usually they are not on the same job. Melanie is throwing herself into the job with enthusiasm so that she can become strong enough to keep Christopher, and anyone else she cares for, safe.

Melanie Songwood
Female Neutral Good Elf Warblade, Level 2, Init +4, HP 20/20, Speed 30 ft
AC 17, Touch 14, Flat-footed 13, Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +1, Base Attack Bonus +2
Masterwork Bastard Sword +7 (1d10+6, 19-20/x2)
Masterwork Studded Leather Armor (+3 Armor, +4 Dex)
Abilities Str 18, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 11
Condition None

4.15, though this is pretty slanted because I have been a MW member for a long time without actually joining any games. I tend to post a lot more than that now that I have joined some.

To be precise at the time of this writing:

Total Posts: 6,351
Posts Per Day: 4.15

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X7hixLMH4w...1600/Calla.jpg
Meara is a young female Half Elf with bronze-reddish hair, cropped short and wild and shiny amber eyes. Though not the common appearance she looks more human than elven, save for her pointy ears wich are noticeable enough. Atheltic and lean, she looks speedy and agile but her toned arms show that she can pack quite a punch if she wanted. She is a bit shorter than average, thanks to her elven ancestry and usually dresses in violet and blue colors, wich make her stand out in a crowd.

Meara is boisterous and stubborn. She truly does not care if she's the center of attention, she knows that she's pretty enoguh to get some of it, but disregards it because she'd rather be known for being a member of the Martial Order than a pretty face. She's quick to follow orders and belives with all her might in the mission and duty of the Gatekeepers. She will not stand any insult or evil meant comment about the orders, her family or the fallen members, to thep point to back up her words with a duel challenge. Althoug well meant, this has meant some trouble with her superiors, which often scolded her about her short temper.
Meara is very sociable and in her free time likes to go to shops and inns to talk with people and visitors of Nessene, which find her friendly and helpful. She has some friends in the Magical Order, thanks to her father being an elite member of the Aethers.
While Mia does not officially follow any religion, she feels pretty close to Accord and Solares, in her wish to keep the peace and the abominations away of the good and the innocent.

Meara is the only daughter or Iris and Emirah Agnis. Emirah is an elite member of the Aether force, while Iris is a transfiguration mistress who often works in Nassene's Market. Meara has not magic in her and for a while she felt strange in her family, but that was solved when she entered the Martial Order as she promised her father after that awful attack that cost the lives of her fahter bests friends and Meara's Godparents

It was late at night, and little Meara was in deep sleep when a wail shook her awake. It was deep and full of despair and pain and the little girl shivered in fear. Sitting in her bed, she strained to hear any sounds in the quiet night and hearing none, rose form her bed and cautiously padded barefoot to the door of her room. Pressing her ear aganis the door, she could hear someone crying and from some stammered words she recognized her mother's voice.

Meara quickly opened her door and ran to the hall of the house, where she found her mother crying quielty in an Elf's chest. The girl was sure she had seen this elf's before, but she couldn't place where and just rushed to her mother's side an pulled her nightdress

"Mum? What happened?" she asked with fear, she had never seen her mother cry
"Mia, what are you doing awake?" the elf asked surprised, as her mother just knelt and hugged her daughter "Nothing my little star. Mum just got some bad news"
"At this time? Did something happen to dad?" she asked, her eyes filling with tears

The woman looked at the girl, and at the elf before nodding and hugging her daughter again "Dad was hurt... he's very sick right now"

"Did the monsters come for him? What about uncle Rick and Auntie Sara'"
"Oh honey... yes, it was the monsters from the gate. Rick and Sara... they are not coming to your birthday" the mother answered caressing the dark locks of the girl as she threw herself at her mother and cried

That night mother and daughter slept together and next morning they traveled with the Elf, who presented himself as Uncle Isaldir, to the Main Quarters of the Gatekeepers, where the hospital was.

There was her father, pale and frail in a bed, covered with bandages to hide and protect the awful bruises from the attack. Meara carefully sat on the bed and never left it, waiting for him to wake up. It took days, and in the meanwhile more men and women were brought to the room, some sick, some hurt, some completly covered and those never stayed long. The healers tried to get her out of the room, but she just returned and glared at them and they finally left her stay.

When her father finally awoke, Meara actually cried of happyness and her mother shed a lot of tears of relief

"Why did the monsters come, Dad? You never did something to them?" asked the girl
"Not all mosnters are good, Mia. And some want this place to their own" replied the Elf trying to explain to a six year old the reasons of the invasion
"They're not nice! I'll help you fight them dad!" she girl stubbornly declared, making the Elf smile
"But Mia, you don't have Magic"
"Then I'll go with the Swords, like Auntie Sara! But I don't like bullies!"

Worried, Iris looked at her husband and he nodded. Both knew how stubborn their daughter could be

"You're still young, Mia. But if still want this when you grow up, we'll help as much as we can" her father said kissing her forehead. But Meara didn't have to wait to be older. She knew her path was with the Martial Order

Meara Agnis
Female LG Half-Elf Crusader (2), Level 2, Init +1, HP 19/19, Speed
AC 17, Touch 11, Flat-footed 16, Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +2, Base Attack Bonus 2
Two Handed Greatsword +5 (2d6+4, 19-20x2)
Two Handed Composite Longbow [+3] (20) +3 (1d8+3, 20x3)
Banded Mail (+6 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition None
–– RACIAL ABILITIES ––
× Base land speed of 30 feet.
× Low-Light Vision
× Immunity to sleep effects
× +2 racial bonus on saving throws against Enchantment spells or effects.
× +1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks.
× +2 racial bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
× Elven Blood: can use items keyed towards elves
× Favored Class: Any
–– CLASS ABILITIES ––
× Proficient in all armor, and all shields (including tower shields)
× Proficient with all simple and martial weapons.
× Furious counterstrike(Ex): Attack bonus equal to damage pool divided by 5, rounded down (min +1, max +6 atk bonus) - Damage pool must have at least 1 point in it.
× Steely resolve(Ex): First 5 damage each encounter goes to damage pool, at end of your next turn, damage in pool is dealt as normal, and pool is reset to zero, all other attack effects are resolved normally (eg. Poision)
× Indomitable soul(Ex): Add charisma bonus (if any) to will saves - does not stack with paladin's divine grace.
–– FEATS ––
× Improved Unarmed Strike(PH 96) : Considered armed even when unarmed.
× White Raven Defense(ToB 33) : +1 bonus to AC while adjacent to ally; Adjacent allies gain +1 AC while you wield a White Raven weapon.
–– MANEUVERS ––
× Crusader - Initiator Level: 2 Known: 5 Readied: 5 Stances: 2
+ Crusader's Strike (R) (Devoted Spirit) (Strike Level 1) (Pg 58) : Successful attack allows you to heal 1d6+2.
+ Vanguard Strike (R) (Devoted Spirit) (Strike Level 1) (Pg 62) : Allies gain +4 bonus on attacks against target.
+ Stone Bones (R) (Stone Dragon) (Strike Level 1) (Pg 84) : Gain DR 5/adamantine.
+ Leading the Attack (R) (White Raven) (Strike Level 1) (Pg 91) : Allies gain +4 bonus on attacks against foe you strike.
+ Tactical Strike (R) (White Raven) (Strike Level 2) (Pg 93) : Deal +2d6 damage, adjacent allies move 5 feet.
+ Iron Guard's Glare (Devoted Spirit) (Stance Level 1) (Pg 59) : Enemies take -4 penalty on attacks against your allies.
+ Leading the Charge (White Raven) (Stance Level 1) (Pg 92) : Allies deal +2 on charge attacks.

2.05 posts per day, though it is more than that. I was out of the weave for a couple of years :(

Sketch; sheet and statblock to follow:
Netural Good Human Crusader 2
Stats: Str 15, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 15
Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting (L1), Martial Study: Burning Blade (H)

Geoffrey is of medium build of average weight. There’s really not much that’s spectacular about him. He has brown eyes that are youthful and filled with energy and excitement. His hair is light brown and is cut short yet a bit unkempt. Despite his desire to grow facial hair all he has is a little peach fuzz on underneath his chin. Unfortunately a lot of people don’t take him seriously. Luckily he has his larger than life backup buds to give him a hand.

His clothing is kept simple. He has basic brown leather boots that come up to just under his knee. His pants are made from light brown cotton that is light and breathable yet provides the protection and covering that good pants provide. He wears your basic low v-necked, baggy long-sleeved shirt that’s off white yet with a few stains. Since it’s a v-neck you can see there’s a bright coat of mail underneath. Matching dark brown studded leather bracers on his forearms and a silver chain necklace are the only accessories he wears. Hanging from his belt is a coiled chain and a crossbow is slung over his shoulder. He is grasping your basic traveling pack.

Geoff loves being in the Watch Patrol. He enjoys being part of an organized group that enforces the laws of the great island of Nessene. He honors and obeys the law above all else. He has a good work ethic and strives to receive the praise of his elders, superiors and, most importantly, his father.

His focus is disarming and/or tripping the opponent. He figures if you don’t have a weapon you can’t do as much damage much less if you’re on the floor. He aims to be part of the G.B.I. like his father before him. As he gains in levels he’ll also go the stealthy and sneaky route of the Shadow Hand discipline.

Growing up in Gatehold was a joy and pleasure for Geoffrey. Ever since he could remember he enjoyed the hustle and bustle city life offered. As a child he would run around the streets with his friends and would occasionally sneak off to Worldsview Plaza to gaze upon the merchants and travelers that looked strange to him. He would sometimes see the petty thief being caught by the Watch Patrol and, once, saw a huge raid by the G.B.I. on a small merchant shop that ended up being an underground transporter of illegal interplanar objects. He admired these groups and often daydreamed of joining them and following in his father’s footsteps.

Geoff’s father was a well respected, retired G.B.I. agent. Geoff’s mother died after giving birth to his younger sister when he was seven. His father knew how much the children meant to his wife so he retired from the agency and raised the kids full time. Geoff loved his family. His told taught them much, loved them more but kept discipline. Anytime Geoff goofed off in school or got in trouble while playing with friends his dad would punish him while making sure there was no public record kept of the incident; the officials were glad to oblige out of professional courtesy. Despite not getting in trouble with the law Geoff knew his place and did not press his luck too much. He finally grew out of the immature “let’s see what I can get away with” phase, settled down and realized that laws were there to protect the populace and should be honored and obeyed.

During dinner one day, when Geoff was 14, he announced that he would like to join the Watch Patrol. His father was pleased but made sure this is what his son wanted. After some discussion, and a few tears from his sister, Geoff firmly decided to join the group. The night before he was to leave for basic training Geoff’s father called him to the study. There Geoff was told more about his mother and his father’s dealings with the G.B.I. Much advice and wise council was given that night the Geoff took to heart and still follows to this day. Geoff’s father passed along a suit of mail the he wore in his days as an agent. The mail was light and shimmering. Geoff was told to wear it under his clothes always and it will protect him. His father then, with tears in his eyes, gave him a necklace that was his mother’s mother. His dad told him how it was a gift from him on their wedding day and that she wanted her son to have it when he became of age. With great emotion Geoff accepted the necklace and gave his father a tearful hug.

The next morning Geoff said goodbye to his father and his tearful sister. He showed little emotion until her was out of sight of his home. There he shed a little tear then remembered the legacy of his father and vowed to make him proud. He headed toward the base where he was to be sent to basic training in Georgetown. Geoff went through a lot during basic training. He was careful not to use his father’s name to gain an advantage over his fellow recruits. Unknowingly to him, this pleased Geoff’s superior officers and it followed him to the force. Geoff was assigned to a unit on the other side of Gatehold. He went to visit his family when he could but his duties prevented that from happening much.

Geoffrey Morrison
Male LN Human Swordsage, Level 2, Init +4, HP 12/12, Speed
AC 20, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, Fort +1, Ref +6, Will +6, Base Attack Bonus 1
+2 disarm, trip Masterwork Spiked Chain (325 gp) (-) +6 (2d4, x2)
Light Crossbow (35 gp) (bolts x 20 (2 gp)) +4 (1d8, 19-20 x2)
mithril chain shirt (1100 gp) (+4 Armor, +3 Dex, +3 Misc)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10
Condition None

It's sitting at 3.63 times a day as of 10/24.

Nuri is short, even for a gnome. Her red hair is hacked off short, and her face bears traces of scars from the past. She is proud of being a Guardian, even if it's nothing particularly remarkable for the humans and elves with whom she normally associates, and you can see this pride in the way she holds herself. Her attitude manifests itself in arrogance, and until meeting her, most find it impossible to imagine a gnome looking down its nose at anyone. After meeting her, most can imagine it, even if it's hard to see exactly how she does it.

Nuri has a rather troubled personality. She is rather proud of being the smallest person in the Guardians and at the same time is sensitive to jibes about her height. She feels a constant need to prove herself the equal of much larger people, which leads to her taking rather stupid risks. Combined with being stubborn, and refusing to change her mind once it's made up, this can lead to rather trying situations. Pugnacious and pigheaded is rarely a good combination, and tends not to endear her to anyone she meets. On the good side, she does seem to have a nose for situations which have a chance of getting worse, and her interventions, while poorly thought out, generally seem to have been the right thing to do, when the after action analyses are done.

Nuri was born into an unusual gnomish family, one that was considerably more martial than the average for gnomes. Her uncles on one side were rangers, and her cousins took after them. Her uncles on the other side of the family were fighters (and one was a warblade), and her cousins on that side were following in the family tradition. Her own father was a swordsage, and more than anything, Nuri wanted to follow in his footsteps. He saw it otherwise, insisting that only his son should become a swordsage, and his daughter should stick to more feminine pursuits. A comment more likely to backfire could not have been found, and from that point she was determined to become a swordsage as much to spite him as much as for the discipline itself.
Her focus was surprising even to the swordsage she studied with. He disagreed with the decision of her father, and was willing to teach the talented youth, regardless of gender. The dual strain of skipping schoolwork and keeping secret what she was doing took its toll on her, and her intellectual gifts and her social development stagnated as she focused all her attention on her martial studies. When her father eventually discovered what she had been doing, he was furious, and ordered her out of his house. Whether he regretted this decision, made in temper rather than reasoned thought, Nuri never knew. She left immediately, not just the town in which they lived, but the entirety of gnome civilization itself. Intellectually she knew that gnomish society would accept her as she was, but emotionally, she conflated her father's attitude and the attitude of gnomish society as a whole, and took passage to a place where she would be accepted as she was.

STR: 11
DEX: 16
CON: 15
INT: 9
WIS: 17
CHA: 7

HP: 18

Class: Swordsage
Level: 2

Stances:
Child of Shadows
Island of blades

Maneuvers:
Clinging shadow strike
Shadow blade technique
Counter charge
Mighty throw
Burning blade
Distracting ember
Wind stride

Feats:
Improved unarmed strike
Shadow blade
Quick to act +1
Discipline focus (Weapon focus - Shadow hand)

Skills:
Hide 5
Move silently 5
Listen 5
Sense motive 5
Knowledge: local 5

Equipment:
Masterwork chain shirt
Masterwork short sword
Backpack
Bedroll
2 sq. yards canvas
Flint & steel
8 torches
Clay tankard
Waterskin
Soap
935gp

Posts Per Day: 7.61

Description: Dendara is an olive-skinned woman of slight figure and a muscular build. Her most visible feature is a shock of oiled hair collected into a sheaf by a coil of thread and a pair of wooden pins. Her brown eyes are dull but quick-moving, sunken into a shadowy frame of decorative powders. Her lithe body is garbed in simple cloting with buckles and a heavy belt, and her sword's sheath is strapped firmly across her shoulders. Her high boots hug her calves, and the hilt of a small blade is visible just over her right boot. She is left-handed, and moves with fluid grace.

Personality: Dendara is a friendly, some would say 'amorous', individual. She treats life as she does love, falling hard and fast into challenging situations without warning. She can be reckless and foolhardily focused in her endeavors, but is also capable of being subversive and calculating to the detriment of her enemies. She cares for others above all else, and will sacrifice nobody if it can be prevented.

Expectations of Others:
- Respect me for who I am, and others for who they are. Judge not, lest ye seek Judgement.

Expectations of Dendara:
- I will always seek to save. Victims, people in peril, those abused. I value this above all else.
- I will remember a grudge. Do not scorn me, or you will find my vengeance upon you.
- I will honor my friends and family. If you earn my respect, you will have it forever.

Background: Dendara was born and raised in Westshire. Her father was a blacksmith, and her mother was a pottery vendor. Due to her father's profession, and the presence of an older brother (which she claims was an excellent influence), she spent much of her early life around weapons and armor, and sparring with her brother in the back yard of their father's shop. While it developed no true skill, she did learn quickly to be light on her feet, and how to swing a hammer. Her father chided them both that it was not a 'time of war', but he let them have their fun. Dendara's brother turned to scholarly interests. He attended a college in the Duchy of Fenwick, at a great expense that he covered by working diligently in various jobs.

Without her brother around, Dendara became listless, and looked for other things to occupy her time. While not entirely boyish, she shared her brother's dedication to tasks, but not his aspirations. She employed herself with odd jobs, listlessly filling crates with shipping goods and working in merchant shops that her father had connections with. She found her time better spent in the bars in Westshire, courting young adventuring men and having them teach her a smattering of skills that they knew. She still felt empty, however, and only found a focus when she happened upon the following of Calyssan Order. She found their belief system meshed well with her own, and began affiliating herself with their order.

Upon her brother's return from school, he announced that he would be departing for Nessene's Isle and Gatehold, having earned a prestigious offer from The Gatekeepers with regards to his studies. The news came as a shock for most of the family, but for Dendara most of all. She secretly began scrounging her own resources and getting in touch with The Gatekeepers' recruiting forums, presenting herself as a follower of the Calyssan Order. After some effort, she was accepted, and broke the news to her parents. Both of them were concerned, especially due to the fact that she was following her brother to a land they did not know, but both recognized the passion that she showed for this duty, and the love she held for her brother, so they provided her supplies and let her seek her fortune across the sea.

After a grueling journey by ship, tossed about on the waves like a matchstick, Dendara arrived in Veyranstown. Basic training took several years, during which she honed the art of battle that she had practiced with her brother many years below. She sought out any news for her brother she could find, but his role left very little word associated with it, and she had very little time to seek him out, but her first posting served as a goal for her to reach, and even being posted to a Watch location in Veyranstown was a step closer to the resources she needed to find her brother, and just as importantly, bring peace and justice to the borderland of their very plane of existence.

Dendara
Female CG Human Swordsage, Level 2, Init +5, HP 14 [14]/14, DR -, Speed 30'
AC 18, Touch 16, Flat-footed 14, Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +5, Base Attack Bonus 1
[Shadow Hand Stance] Masterwork Bastard Sword (2H) +5 (1d10+3[+4], 19-20/x2)
[Shadow Hand Stance] Masterwork Bastard Sword (1H) +5 (1d10+2[+4], 19-20/x2)
[Shadow Hand Stance] Kukri +4 (1d4+2[+4], 18-20/x2)
Leather Armor (+2 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Misc)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 18, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 13
Condition None

Surprisingly, I've used nothing outside of the DMG, PHB, and ToB. I respect DM choices with allowed books, though. :)

Posting Rate: My current posting rate is 5.99 posts per day. Given that I have 5 active games, this equates to just over 1 post per day for each game. Each of these games are at different activity levels, some of them almost dormant and others extremely active, so it may be closer to 2 or 3 posts per day for active games. There are occassions (typically work-related) that I'm unavailable for a few days, but I tend to be able to give advanced notice about these, and it usually does not affect my ability to post.

Ryan is a rather dapper dressing young man, seldom seen without his meticulously tied lavender cravat around his neck. Even whilst in his breastplate it is snugly fit into the collar of his shirt beneath. His white shirt is long sleeved and extends to his wrists. His long raven hair drawn back in a low sitting pony-tail with a tie the same lavender color as his cravat. He also prides himself on owning an actual set of formal clothes which consists of a white suit and fedora hat made by the best tailor in Korleen. He sometimes wears the hat when not on duty or official business even without the suit.

When asked why he always dresses so lavishly he replies "No reason to not look your best."

Ryan is a boisterous and outgoing man who enjoys the company of his fellow Gatekeepers. He actually knows how to casually dance and quite enjoys it. He will even try to get his companions to join in his revelry.

Often the attention of women because he is well spoken he seems to be quite cool in his reactions to the charms of beautiful women. Often he finds himself at the end of inquiry as to why he does not take advantage of women taking a fancy to him and he replies "Plenty of time for that later."

He is very protective of the underdogs, often jumping in to end conflict in a moment whether it be by words or fist.

Ryan is a man from the bustling city of Korleen. It was here that he learned a great love for the mingling of many cultures (excluding the Istusian culture). He learned a bit of dance from everyone he knew at festivals and found it to be his favorite part of any festival. This caused him to draw attention from his peers, and not in a particularly good way.

He often found himself on the wrong end of a beating but he learned how to defend himself and his peers found others to torment. He caught their attention again when he started to interfere with their other harassment.

A few years ago there was a man who was recruiting for the Gatekeepers who was looking for strong willed young men to join up. The burly man told each of the men that they would have a turn with their bare hands to show him what they had. He tossed man after man into the ropes of the fisticuffs ring in a dark tavern. Finally the slender young Ryan stepped forward, "Me next." he said with confidence.

The room shook with laughter but he was waved forward. Ryan cant remember ever having been hit that hard before in his life. He stayed in the ring as long as he could and even when he was told that he was done he pulled himself up to his feet and he was hit one last time. He woke up a few hours later on a table beside the ring as another man faced the punishment of the recruiter.

He was invited to join the men. With his father's permission he was ready to leave when the men came back a few months later as they had other stops to make. This was when his father presented him with a much nicer cravat than the filthy tattered one he had been wearing for quite some time and his suit so that if there was a formal event he could wear it, or if he got married he wouldnt need to send back for formal-wear.

He was joined by very few others he saw joined them on the return trip including another young man from the college in the Duchy of Fenwick. There were several times that Ryan became quite ill on the journey to the island itself and has all but vowed that he will likely die on Nessene's Island rather than make a return trip to the greater continent of Ashra.

He's now made it through the basic training after several years and found his niche in the Gatekeepers.