Cairrad

Of average height for a Elf, Cairrad stands a lean 5'2, his thin frame belying the strength in his body. Long, elegantly pointed ears poke out from underneath his long, crimson hair and his eyes are a vibrant green. His face is unblemished - smooth, olive-hued skin proof of his fey heritage.

The clothes he wears are simple in their design, suited for combat and well worn. A plain white shirt drapes over trousers of royal blue fabric, tucked into heavy boots and tightened with a crimson sash around his waist. A longcoat of matching blue hangs open on his shoulders. His only other possessions aside from a small pack of survival gear is a large blade of crystal that never leaves his side, softly pulsating with an inner power all its own.

Growing up in the bustling cities of the Lodis Empire was hardly a life for a young elf. At the tender age of 48, his parents had decided to uproot themselves from their forest home along with several other families, hoping to foster the goodwill that would eventually lead to their acclimatization as full citizens of the Empire. But even as hopeful ambassadors, they were still subject to the same restrictions as the rest of their brethren. Unable to live anywhere but designated districts, unable to turn to authorities for aid… and in Cairrad’s case, unable to attend a school. Several of the other elven families had also brought young children along, so those adults who were not politically minded made an attempt to at least provide for their basic education in history, arcana and the natural world they had left behind.

And amongst the other Elves, everything was fine. But outside, it was overwhelming. Mostly insular in their forest groves, Cairrad had met the odd human before, but now he was surrounded by them everywhere he went. Humans were always in a rush to do everything and as a result, he often felt like he was standing still while things spun out of control around him. For many years, this was the world he lived in while they moved from city to city, making slow progress with what influential and sympathetic people they could find.

Though Elves were not nearly as reviled as many of the other non-human races, there were still enough xenophobes in the Empire to warrant concern for the Orlezea family and their peers - one of the reasons why they moved from city to city instead of staying put - and now, sixty years later, their hate had finally caught up. During an evening meal, what must have been dozens of vials of Alcehmist's Fire were set off around the simple wooden house that they were allowed to live in, setting it ablaze with everyone trapped inside. The world spinning out of control once more, Cairrad's mind surged in response.

He suddenly found himself possessed of a swiftness previously unknown to him and, with the adults already seeing to the other youths, he set off in chase of the would-be bomber. Catching sight of the Human disappearing down a far-off street, it took him surprisingly little time to catch up to the fanatic in a deserted alleyway. But Cairrad was no fighter. While he managed to get a good look at the attacker, a young female, she easily subdued him and disappeared off into the night.

When he eventually returned to the blazing house, he was relieved to find that everyone had made it out alright. The local guard was there to contain the blaze now, quickly subduing the fire before it could spread too far. But plead and shout as he might, they could not bring justice to the terrorist for her attack on the families - only for the destruction of public property. The captain, however, was a sympathetic man. He couldn't promise that the woman who had attacked them would be caught, but he could sponsor Cairrad's entrance into the guard so that the Elves would have one of their own to go to.

Within twelve years, he was a fully-trained member of the guard despite numerous setbacks and inquiries into whether or not he truly had the right to be amongst their ranks. It was at last decided that in order for him to serve at home, he would first have to prove himself abroad to ensure that his interests were those of the Empire's. And so, he found himself on a boat heading north...

How would your character enter an inn and order?

The subtle creak of the door opening was the only herald of Cairrad's arrival. The atmosphere inside was quiet, the few patrons inside settling into quiet conversation over warm plates, just the way he liked it. None of the noise, none of the hustle and bustle that filled the streets every day. Most importantly though, the owners were known to be on friendly terms with other Elves, so he could be assured decent service and a good meal. A bit of celebration was well deserved, even though it would be done alone, for today he had finally passed his last examination. He wouldn't be a member of the city guard until he returned from the campaign he was being sent on, but he was so close now.

"Do you know what you'll be ordering tonight?" inquires a young waiter, breaking the elf's silent musings for a moment. "Hm, not yet," Cairrad replies, looking up. "Do you have a menu available?"

Nodding as he left the customary glass of light wine on the table, the server departed, returning soon with a small placard listing of the various specialties the establishment was known for.

"The Fatuusian salad with goat cheese, please," he says after a long moment's consideration. After the charred meat that passed for food on the training grounds, something natural and green would be a welcome change.

Cairrad Orlezea
Male NG Elf Psychic Warrior, Level 4, Init +3, HP 26/26, Speed 30 (40 w/ focus)
AC 13, Touch 13, Flat-footed 10, Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4, Base Attack Bonus 3 Power Points 11/11
+1 Deep Crystal Greatsword +7 (2d6+4+1, 19-20/x2)
Abilities Str 17, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 10
Condition None