(((OOC Note:
Please read
Everything written down here is true or per El's perception of things, events or people. I am well aware of the metagaming potential, but I care little for it. After all, the journal has been public and rather detailed since the very beginning. In fact, it contains more intel than the bio. Quite a few things, however, have been omitted for they are still ongoing or have not been shared with anyone. The contents of discord campaign and whatever else that happened off screen have also been redacted.
I want to underline that where I am describing El's point of view/feelings/whatnot, it is hers and not mine.
It takes nothing to join the crowd. It takes everything to stand alone.
-Hans F Hansen
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General Bio
[td2]
When Armored:
Your eyes land on a tall and armored figure. With a heavy, black and crimson-rimmed cowled cloak clinging to her frame it is almost impossible, at first glance, to discern the curvature of a female body.
Almost never can she be seen without the hood, which shadow keeps her facial features partially obscured. However, those shorter than her, forced to look up could notice a heterochromatic gaze of blue and green, stormy eyes and defined features flashing from underneath that cowl. This woman's visage remains most of the time perfectly composed with the mask of remoteness and detachment set in place. It is uncommon for her to display any emotions which make her come off as aloof and unapproachable especially in combination with her being adamant at keeping distance both physical and emotional from other people.
She seldom speaks, but whenever she does her soprano voice is level, measured and with a dominant hollow undertone to it. When angered her speech grows flat, clipped and cold. When she's amused, a somewhat lighter, and melodic note can enter it.
When it comes to her gear, armor, and attire, there are two dominant hues involved: crimson and black with a touch of silver here and there. She has the walk of a soldier, but surprisingly enough she carries no weapons.
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When without armor, hood, makeup and glyph covered, Halruaan hairpins.
Only very few people have seen her like this.
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[td2]
Alias of choice: El
Country of Origin: Western Heartlands.
Age: Appears to be in her late twenties.
Date of Birth: 19th Ches
Height: 6'1'' ft ~ 1,85m
Weight: 150 lbs ~ 68kg
Eyes: Heterochromatic - One blue, one green
Hair: Black with dark chestnut highlights.
Currently kept long, reaching past the middle of her back if not meticulously braided and stuck under the cowl. Her hair is rarely visible from underneath the hood, save for some loose strands on occasion.
Skin: Very fair, alabaster, milky-white complexion. Very few people are aware of the scars on El's face. The woman makes sure that what mars her is covered with makeup and with the help of a magical gift - a set of glyph covered hairpins - from a former associate, a Halruaan mage Vincent.
Handedness: Left-handed
Posture: Guarded and composed. She tends to be motionless, and her movements appear to be careful, and her steps are heavy. She carries herself with the air of aloofness and most of the time seems to be surrounded by silence.
Hygiene: Impeccable. Her body, attire, and gear are well-taken care off.
Scent: Only in very close proximity, and she almost never allows anyone that close, El smells like a mixture of peppermint, lemons, and sandalwood. There is also a distinctive scent one could associate with a storm lingering on her person.
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Breakdown of Visible, Hidden and Formerly owned Items:
[td2]
Visible Items:
Set of armor - A worn but well-cared for set of mithral armor. It has been coated in a dark, black hues. There are, however, several silver elements and accents clearly accentuated.
Leather tube with a shoulder strap - this container is filled with various scrolls, maps. Most of the time the tube can be seen strapped to El's backpack.
Backpack and leather, travel satchel - containing rations, first aid kits, some vials, rope, a bedroll, a makeshift tent and other gear usually needed while on the road.
═════════════✵✵✵═════════════
Hidden Items:
Halruaan made hairpins, covered in glyphs - A gift from her former associate and friend, Halruaan mage Vincent. These objects together with makeup help El hide the scars on her face and neck.
Boot knife - A short, unadorned and mundane blade she keeps hidden in her left boot. It was given to her by Mercs Captain. On occasion, the woman can be seen twirling the knife between the fingers of her right hand.
Rhiannon's Amulet - a trinket she found one day that connected her with a spirit-like entity Rhiannon, a chosen of Tyr.
[/td2]
[td2]
Formerly Owned Items:
Blade of the Traitor - An elven blade made out of alchemical silver with its origins dating back to the Crown Wars. It served as a vessel for an ancient spirit Koraxxess. The entity had a semi-telepathic, emphatic connection with the woman. She grew attached to the unobtrusive and oddly comforting presence in her head. When Koraxxess left, she buried the blade together with the Vessel and few other possessions.
Blade of Azukyl - A greatsword made out of cold iron of Netherese origin. It is an ancient, beautifully crafted and well-balanced weapon. The blade formerly belonged to a Demon Hunter, named Azukyl. It briefly served as a vessel for another ancient spirit, Ysmrilda. El had used it as her main weapon up till the point when she fell from grace. After that, she didn't feel worthy of the blade and what it represented. She gifted the sword to Alexander Marshall after the man was brought to life following his death and entrapment in ice.
Alexandra Harrington's platinum locket - It belonged to El's great grandmother. It's a subtle, elegant platinum amulet on a silver chain. El is and always has been unaware of it contents. It used to remain hidden under her undergarments or kept safe within her possessions if not worn. She gifted it to Alexander Marshall when they exchanged promises in Triel, 1352 DR. The trinket remains in Paladin's possession.
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Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act.
― Aristotle, The Nicomachean Ethics
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Detailed Profile
[td2]
Now:
Full Name: Undisclosed
Country of Origin: Wayfork Village north of Trollbark Forest in Western Heartlands. The village was overrun and destroyed by an undead horde in 1351. El organized and oversaw its evacuation.
Description without the Hood:
Skin: An intricate web of scars marks her left cheek, down the side of her neck and towards the left shoulder. The shape of the scar looks like a lightning.
A horizontal scar of rough edges mars woman's neck. Most likely a result of a brutal hanging.
If her hands are bare, the left one would be covered in similar scars as the ones visible on her cheek.
Piercings: Silver studs adorned with black pearls and rubies.
Blackgold helix in the left ear.
Tattoos: An infinity symbol behind the left ear. Lightning at the base of her skull. A snake eating its tail the nape of the neck.
Other scars, tattoos, and piercings if any are covered by clothing.
Alignment: On the neutral side with lawful tendencies.
With time, El understood that the real balance could be maintained only when one remains neutral.
Profession: An observer.
Faction Membership: None.
Having tried it all, El finally came to terms that she doesn't fit into anyone's picture but her own. Fed up with others trying to use her, control her, influence her, manipulate her or simply push her aside, she decided it's time to be on her own.
Habits and Hobbies: Reading, drinking whiskey, observation, arts, drinking whiskey, keeping a journal, planning, corresponding with family, drinking whiskey, planning, more whiskey and other substances that help with the art of not caring and the art of oblivion. [/td2]
[td2]
In the past:
Name & Nicknames: Eleanor, Elly, Ellie
Country of Origin: Wayfork Village north of Trollbark Forest in Western Heartlands.
Description without the Hood:
Skin: Without noticeable blemishes
Piercings: None
Tattoos: None
Alignment: LG->Fall from grace->NG->LN
Base Class & Proposed Development:
3 editions, while trying to find the middle ground between PvE viability and RP focus.
Rogue 3 / Black Flame Zealot 7 / Favored Soul 20
Bard 3 / Stormsinger 7 / Favored Soul 20
Favored Soul 26 / Paladin 4
Zhentarim Agent - El served approximately 2 months under Captain and Herald of Darkhold Wren Di'Corvi. The faction did not, however, fulfill the rumored promises it held. This time El wasn't so keen on repeating her mistakes, she didn't want to be stuck in another faction which wasn't what she had thought it would be. She felt like she could never fully fit in with Black Network.
Ebon Blade Lieutenant - El joined the mercs a month after her sentence ended in 1352. During her time with the Blades, she focused on the Militia Training and other efforts that would help with Soubar's development. Being unable to form a partnership with EB's leader, El grew more and more tired of with how she was being treated and how the company was being managed. After Ashan's and Dunn's departure, she lasted a while longer before deciding that she had wasted half a year on Mercs Captain and it was the high time to move on.
Everwatch Recruit - Upon the termination of her squireship, Wai Li moved El to the recruit bracket. She lasted barely four months before officially leaving the Everwatch on good terms.
Disgraced Ex-Paladin - Having lied to Administrator Lalani out of lack of trust and because she wanted to protect the efforts of her faction, El experienced the divine punishment when she lost her favor with the gods and fell as a paladin. For many reasons, she had no desire to take the path of atonement.
Squire to Head Watchknight Dame Sveta Asperan - A year long squireship came to an end while she was serving her sentence after the Tribunal. El refused to take the path of atonement and asked Sveta to release her from service.
The leader of Hunters of Hunters of Vengeance - Following the disappearance of Cromis and Talisen's absence, she took the mantle of a leader. She focused on restoring HoV's reputation, but never truly succeeded. After eight months, El resigned shortly before her Trial in front of the Everwatch Tribunal. She no longer felt that it was proper for her to lead the Hunters and she wanted to avoid destroying their reputation even more.
Student to Doombringer Tegeus Cromis - Her time under Hoarite's tutelage was what shaped El's views about justice, retribution, and vengeance. After his disappearance, El took upon herself to lead the faction to preserve what he had built.
Farmer, peasant, mother, sister- Before her arrival to the Gate, she served as main caretaker and provider of their family together with her older brother Rob.
Languages: Undisclosed
Habits and Hobbies: Keeping a journal, writing letters, reading, cooking, arts, visiting family, studying, sparing and riding horses, the faster, the better.
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Breakdown of Active, Achieved and Failed Goals:
[td=2]
Active [/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Settle scores with a certain few individuals - if that is even possible.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Get her affairs in order, before attempting to amicably settle a certain issue - in case she ends up dying as a result.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Do not get involved with any faction - because that never worked in the past, remember?
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Figure out what is next for her - yet again, because it has gone so well before...
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Dial down on substance abuse - let's be real here, it's wishful thinking at best.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Make amends - not that there is any chance it would improve anything, but for the sake of peace of mind.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[td=2]
Achieved [/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Organize and execute the martial training for Soubar's Militia - over the course of half a year, El managed to conduct successfully multiple training sessions with the The small group was quite well drilled, considering where they come from, before she left.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Find a job or profession to support herself and her family - she has had various professions over the course of the last two years which made it possible to make a half decent living.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Educate herself to appear less lowborn - after over two years of intense training and studies, she no longer seems as lowborn and uneducated as she did in the beginning, at least to an average observer.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Find a way to save her siblings - with Asperan's family - The Chrosters - help, her siblings were relocated to Waterdeep where they live a safe, happy life.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Evacuate Wayfork - she organized and oversaw a successful evacuation of her home village.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td]
[/td][/tr][/table]
[td=2]
Failed [/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Become a Triadic Knight and a Justicar - as a fallen paladin she had to forsake that goal for that path became unavailable to her.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Finalize the shape of her oaths - having experienced a fall from grace when she lied to Administrator Lalani to protect HoV's attempts to build the Vessel, she no longer could do it.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Finish her squireship - she asked Sveta to release her from the service during her sentence after the Everwatch Tribunal.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Change the way the Hunters of Vengeance were perceived by other factions - despite the work she put into this, she never managed to change HoV's reputation. In addition, her disgrace reflected poorly on the faction she tried to lead. She left HoV shortly before her Trial in a failed attempt to salvage some of its reputation.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Build alliances between HoV and other factions - none of the attempts were successful.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Belong somewhere - ultimately, having tried everything she could not find a place that would make her feel like she was a valued, trusted partner and/or member.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Improve the way Ebon Blade was managed, its structure, ranks, reputation - being unable to form partnership with Mercs Captain, gain any respect or influence within the faction after Ashan's and Dunn's departure, she was unable to fulfill this goal.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Help Soubar grow either by supporting Ebon Blade or other means - hers and Mercs Captain's vision on that particular topic couldn't have been different. Without resources and allies, she had no means of turning this idea into a reality.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Overcome the state of in-between - there is no escaping it, apparently.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Find out what happened to Cromis - even with her trip to Chessenta, she couldn't find answers she needed.
[/td][/tr]
[tr][td][/td][td][/td][/tr]
[td]
✵[/td]
[td]
Take her great grandmother's last name - Harrington - she never recognized her father's name as hers and wanted to be worthy of taking Alexandra's maiden name. However, she experienced disgrace and compromised herself quite a few times since she came to the coast. Therefore, she doesn't consider herself worthy of that name.
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[tr][td][/td][td]
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Background before arriving at Baldur's Gate:
Basic outline:
Born in a small farming community, the second oldest child in the family of 11. Eleanor received only very basic education at the local temple. Spent her whole life in Wayfork till the father kicked her out when she turned 18. Her great-grandmother, Alexandra Harrington, is the one responsible for El's fundamental beliefs and knowledge about faith.
Detailed:
Eleanor is a second oldest child in the family of 11. Her mother died when she was ten during childbirth. She has many siblings: Robbie (the oldest) and seven younger ones: Jamie, twins - Emilia and Thomas, Katherina, Martha, Adam, and Chrissie. Her family owned a small tract of land, sad remains of once quite a big farm. Since she was four years old, she started working alongside her older brother Robert. The difficulty of their duties was increased with years.
Ellie also attended all the ceremonies at the temple, helped there whenever she could and was a driven student during the teachings. It is where she learned to read, write and count.
They were rather an average family, with strict, distant and violent father and soft, loving but always tired mother. They had more bad than good days, but things started to get really bad after the death of Elly's mom. Her father, Benedict left with nine mounts to feed, where a half of them was still unable to work, didn't handle what came next well. Soon his drinking became worse, for which the kids - mostly Ellie and Robert - paid with bruises from the beating he put them through. The oldest two always tried to take the blame upon themselves to shield the rest of the kids, which not always worked. Since her mother's death, it was the girl responsibility to take care of the youngest children and the newborn little sister whom she named after her mother, Christina.
The next six years were a passage of hard work both on the farm and at home, hungry days, beatings and challenges. She lost her beloved great-grandmother at the age of 11. At some point her father sold almost all what was left of their land, leaving them barely enough to grow their food and have enough space for the animals. The girl and her siblings started searching for a way to earn some money around the village, Robert and Jamie (second oldest of the boys) even left for Daggerford to find some work and be able to support the family. When Elly turned 16 and was suppose to be engaged to some farm boy, as tradition says, she realized that her father has no money to give her hand in marriage to any of the village families or any intent to do so for that matter. The tension between Eleanor and Benedict started escalating even more. Once she turned 18, he father kicked her out of the house, stating she has to live on her own, as she is of no use to him and the household. El took the money she has been saving for a while, and left with the little possessions she had, promising her siblings she would still send them money once she can. Ellie took the first caravan that agreed to make room for her for a small price. And as it turned out, she ended up in Baldur's Gate with a high motivation to make a living.
And a crimson born mass of fury while the flames fan
When the black hole sorrow breaks the most austere
-Zack Hemsey
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Aspects of personality
[td2]
S I L V E R
Stands for: hopes, purity, loyalty, trust, honor, the need and ability to do the right thing, protectiveness, family values, dutifulness and the need of order in both life and tasks, the OCD tendencies, organizational skills, deep need of balance, self-control, reason, composure.
Silver is in a great decline.
El has been a no stranger to the loss, failure, shame and guilt and these forces of crimson and black keep eradicating and weakening silver.
Even if in retreat, silver is deeply embedded in her. She is loyal to the point of sacrifice. Even if right now she has no one to be loyal to. Her choices in that regard were never the right ones, according to the outside observers.
Silver is also what one could call the ashes of her once optimistic, cheerful and trusting nature. The caring and softness about her are now restricted only to the children in her family, and even that has become difficult to show.
El's keen mind and level headed nature, planning, organization skills, diligence have their source here. The lawful tendencies, the preference of order of things can be found in silver. The sense of what is right and wrong and the ability to do the right thing are also part of silver. Even if she couldn't care less about it right now, this aspect of her hasn't been entirely eradicated yet.
[/td2]
[td2]
C R I M S O N
Stands for: the temper of which existence only a few are aware, rage and anger, violence, self-loathing, disappointment, hate, guilt, shame, her insatiable need to prove something, inability to give up, hunger for more, emotions she denies, stubbornness and rebelliousness but also creativity, motivation, dedication, drive.
Crimson is second to Black.
El has been bottling up fury, rage, and hate for a very, very long time. She finally snapped at the beginning of 1353 and left the Coast without saying a word to anyone.
She was both ashamed of her fall and at the same time enraged due to feeling betrayed by the Gods. In her mind, everyone is leaving her because they are constantly disappointed in her no matter how hard she tries. The repetitive realization of being inadequate is what fuels both crimson and black.
The year 1351 was a passage of struggle that ended up with her losing everything she has worked for. Not only her delusions about what and who she is have been destroyed but also the very essence of what drove her forward was taken away.
El lost favor with the Gods when she lied, and that took away a significant amount of her gifts out of the equation. She was painfully aware of the fact that she was no longer as capable as before and that kept fueling the feelings of shame, anger, and disappointment.
She felt the fallout of 1351 in the following year 1352. When the mandatory sentence ended, El realized she could never go back to what once was. She found herself facing similar choices yet again. Having been starved for a project and an outlet for her skills, dedication and need to prove something she got involved with EB. However, the half year she spent in the North, trying to form and train the Soubar's Militia, turned out to be just another uphill battle. The never ending conflict with Mercs Captain fed crimson on a daily basis. In the end, it became her undoing more than other failures, and disappointments combined.
Crimson is the destructive, volatile side of that part of her that should be kept in check, and lately, with the decline of silver, that has become an issue.
El's resourcefulness and inventiveness are part of crimson; she can't remain idle long, and she gets bored easily if not challenged or busy with a task.
[/td2]
[td2]
B L A C K
Stands for: despair, emotional detachment, coldness, logic, ambivalence and in many cases indifference, bitterness, darker aspects of anger, disappointment, violence, hate. Control, mistrust, lack of confidence, and low self-esteem, longing, sadness, hopelessness, silence, fear.
Black has become a much stronger force than it used to be. Currently, can at times be matched only by Crimson.
Black, like Crimson, was kept at bay by silver. In the beginning, these two were the reason for her desperate need to see as much of what is good around as possible and make others see it too.
Loss of Cromis, fall, failure of all of her goals, Koraxxess' departure, trial and following disgrace, the failure at finding her place in North either among Mercs or Zhentarim fueled black's power and intensity. It is what forces her to distance herself from everyone to avoid disappointments, judgment, abandonment and so on.
She believes that her mistakes and misconceptions could have been avoided if she hadn't been so weak, trusting, stuck in the state of in-between, and wrapped up in emotionally charged relations with others. Therefore, partially by choice and partially due to the fallout of her choices and reputation, she has detached and alienated herself from others during the year 1352.
El has never been confident, much less had a good opinion of herself. Having failed so many times in 1351 and 1352 only deepened this feeling. Being questioned, judged, let down, lied to and forced aside on so many occasions is another aspect that feeds Black.
Black represents a much stronger version of self-control than silver. But it also the type of control that borderlines on tyranny. She refuses to feel and show any emotions unless it is anger. She drowns all of it in a dangerous amount of alcohol and other substances. She has finally realized that her core aspects such as the need to remain in between and loyalty are her undoing. She went to great lengths to eradicate these which in turn let the Black rule.
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Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice.
Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.
-Samuel Johnson
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Present Relations
(((OOC Note:
Please read
Alphabetical order. This is El's point of view and feelings towards characters, not mine, as a player towards other players.
Quote - what El would say about or to the character.
Song - my attempt to depict the relationship El has with the character or her emotions towards the character. Usually it is not 100% accurate, hard to find tracks that would be without editing.
Journal reference - the way she addresses the character in her journal.
Empowers/Weakens - shows which aspects of El's personality are influenced by the character.
Triel, 1352 DR.
A bonus track, when I think about Marshall's PoV. The night at the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse.
Currently: To a degree the sendings she had received shortly before her return to the Coast did influence her decision about coming back. She wanted to settle a score with Marshall but instead ended up bearing witness to his death, facing accusations and judgment of his friends, and standing vigil by the ice statue Aeb'el turned him into. After the resurrection, Marshall apologized for breaking the promise he had made in Triel which defused the old conflict. Regardless of what transpired during the evening at the Radiant Heart Chapterhouse, the man left without a word which caused her to realize yet again that everything he says or does has to be taken with more than just a grain of salt. El learned about his departure from Althea.
Journal Reference: Records: Marshall. Notes: Marshall and never by name.
Empowers: Crimson, Black.
Weakens: None
Formerly: Initially she thought that at long last she found an ally and someone who understood her approach to many things. After mitigating the conflict that arose between Mercs Captain and Marshall during summer 1352, she hoped to receive support from the fallen paladin. As it turned out, Marshall was more interested in romancing Alexandra Keenan than upholding the promise he made. In the end, the man left the Coast without ever offering the help he promised.
Journal Reference: Records: Marshall. Notes: Marshall and never by name
Empowered: Silver, Crimson
Weakened: Black
None
Relation:
Currently: Their first, official encounter was unfortunate. Althea judged El harshly for witnessing Marshall's death and not interfering. Later, however, the young Knight accepted the explanation offered by both Marshall and El. Althea was instructed by her mentor to get to know the woman she was so quick to condemn. El is genuinely intrigued by the young paladin and so far she has enjoyed the few conversations she had with Marshall's pupil.
Journal Reference: Records: None yet. Notes: None yet.
Empowers: Silver
Weakens: None
Relevant since joining EB. Because of hate. Yes. All dat hate.
Shortly before leaving the coast and during the exchange after the last EB meeting.
Currently: She returned to the Coast to settle a score with Mercs Captain, say her peace and see what the recent rumors were about. However, she got sidetracked by the man's half-assed apology, something that both enraged her and took her by surprise. El knows she needs to face Mercs Captain, but so far she has been stalling while trying to figure out what her approach should be.
Journal Reference: Records: Mercs Captain/Captain or The Baby Dragon. Notes: He. Rarely you. Never by name.
Empowers: Crimson, Black
Weakens: Silver
Formerly: When El joined EB she didn't expect the volatile ambivalence to become the daily struggle. Nor was she prepared for how deeply mistaken she turned out to be about Mercs Captain. The half a year of conflict, despite attempts at reconciliation, forced her to develop all kinds of hateful and conflicted feelings towards the man she nicknamed The Baby Dragon. She never fully understood why their dynamic had changed so radically but she recognized that she was also partially responsible for the little war that followed. When Blackwolf joined the Company, El realized her replacement finally arrived. At that point, she accepted the reality of things and left without a word. The never ending conflict, following disappointments and ever present feeling of inadequacy when it came to Mercs Captain were, in the end, her undoing.
Journal Reference: Records: Mercs Captain/Captain or The Baby Dragon. Notes: He. Rarely you. Never by name.
Empowered: Crimson, Black
Weakened: Silver
In the past: Eleanor worked with Ebon Blade on numerous occasions when she was still in charge of HoV. She met Mercs Captain first time officially in early Nightal 1351 and took an interest in his Company. The cooperative efforts between HoV and EB were quite satisfying with one exception when EB failed to fulfill a contract. They didn't make an appearance during the Winter Festival.
The dynamic between these two used to be based on mutual teasing and pushing each other boundaries. El perceived him as the only person who could handle her temper and not hold it against her. Not to mention Mercs Captain was the only person that would push back without making a full blown conflict out of it. They worked well together till they didn't. The man reintroduced El to whiskey. She appreciated the odd sense of honor the man had, but because he acted as a very faint reminder of the past, El kept her guard high whenever she interacted with Mercs Captain.
Journal Reference: Records: Mercs Captain/Captain. Notes: He. Him. Rarely you.
Empowered: Crimson
Weakened: Silver, Black
Currently: She was planning on meeting with the Ranger for the old time's sake but got sidetracked, and it was him who found her at the Aurilite Temple after Marshall's death. They spoke a few days later about the trait they both share, the inability to fit in anywhere and the persistent state of in-between.
Journal Reference: Records: Serge, Dunn, Ranger. Notes: Dunn.
Empowers: None
Weakens: Black
Formerly: For all instances and purposes Dunn became El's ally when she joined EB, and she moderately trusted him to have her back. She was always immune to Dunn's advances that would happen whenever he was between women, and she would always try to keep him from blindly chasing skirts. The Ranger was also the other parent of The Baby Dragon. El never fully got over the fact that Dunn left EB without her despite them deciding to do it together. They grew gradually apart after Dunn joined Candlekeep. El knew it was only fair to keep away from her former comrade now that he chose a new path. She was pleased when Dunn found Vala.
Journal Reference: Records: Serge, Dunn, Ranger. Notes: Dunn.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black
In the past: The two met when Dunn was still part of the DragonWing crew during HoV-DW coop mission. El heard mostly bad things about the man from many sources. He attended the first Everwatch Training School, and she didn't encounter him again till way into the middle of her sentence when Dunn showed up at the House of Guardian. He told her that after being banned from the Pathfinder Hall he joined EB, and they are busy training the locals against the orc threat. Once her sentence came to an end, El offered her help with training the local militia in Soubar, and they ended up working on that project together. She felt somewhat protective toward Dunn and tried to mitigate Mercs Captain's influence over the Ranger.
Journal Reference: Records: Serge, Dunn, Ranger. Notes: Dunn.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
Beginnings.
When he said he would leave, and El went to Darkhold.
Months after his disappearance.
Currently: Despite man's two-year absence, the memory of him retains its power of influence over El. After her visit to Chessenta, she finally came to terms with her mentor's disappearance. She has also sorted out all that it meant and still means to her. El is aware that she addresses him both in her mind and in writing as if he was still there, this seems to be some sort of coping mechanism for her.
Journal Reference: Records: You. Notes: You. Never by name.
Empowers: Black
Weakens: None
Formerly: Many months had to pass for El to accept the fact that he was gone and was not coming back. She kept a lid on all the memories and whatnot. She realized, after a talk with Elyssa, that ironically she had become more like him where certain aspects of her personality were concerned.
Journal Reference: Records: He. Notes: He, him. Never by name.
Empowered: Black
Weakened: None
In the past: Regardless of what everyone was telling El about him she always believed in what was good in Cromis. His darkness was what she worked tirelessly against since the day one. He became her mentor, friend, and family. She was ready to do whatever it takes to keep him away from the shadows of his past. Cromis was the only person around whom El felt safe enough to be herself. She was fiercely loyal to him. And that loyalty was the reason why she stayed with HoV and tried to keep it going.
In contrary to the rumors they weren't lovers.
His sudden disappearance, regardless of the promise El had forced him to make to her, broke and destroyed her and made her grew gradually more and more emotionally detached from others.
Journal Reference: Records: Cromis, Hoarite, Notes: He, him.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
Currently: Upon her return to the Coast, El has heard different things about Uriel in connection to her disappearance. Each of these rumors, however, has been pointing towards something she would have considered out of character for him. She is yet to confront the druid about that. Their initial encounter has been short and full of interruptions, and it brought up some questions.
Journal Reference: Records: Uriel. Notes: druid.
Empowers: None
Weakens: Black
Formerly: El met Uriel because of a debacle between HoV and the druid. From the very beginning, she opposed HoV's actions towards Uriel. She quickly became fond of the man who wouldn't dismiss her or mock her openly the way others did. El enjoyed the word games, snarky remarks, smoke and mirrors, metaphors and air of superiority that Uriel surrounds himself with. She valued his insights and advice. The druid was among very few people that never lost her respect even when she constantly felt inadequate around him. That feeling, however, in this particular case was never destructive.
Journal Reference: Records: Uriel. Notes: Uriel, druid.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black
Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.
-Norman Cousins
✵✵✵
Former Relations
Alexandra Keenan
Quote: "Your mind and your voice are the most potent weapons, use them, Alexandra. Don't let them push you into the background; you don't belong there."
Song: None
Relation:
Formerly: Eleanor meet Alex through Candlekeep. She hired the young candlekeepian as her assistant during the period of preparations for the Winter Festival. El respected Alexandra's opinions and knowledge and in the beginning tried to push the woman to voice them more often which in El's point of view caused a rift between them. She believed that Alex attended the Trial only to scribe it but was somewhat surprised to receive a letter from the seeker while serving her sentence.
Alexandra was the only one outside of the Everwatch that contacted Eleanor in the first period in the aftermath of the Trial. The fact that she didn't respond to her letter left El a little confused. Sometime after the end of El's sentence, while in EB's employ, the woman acted as a caretaker and a guard for Alex.
Journal Reference: Records: Alexandra, Keenan, Alex, CK rank
Empowered: None
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: After a heated argument in the middle of a street over Eleanor's visit in Darkhold, the relationship between the two changed from El's point of view. She noted Ameris' absence during her Trial and took it as a consequence of all that she had done. She still, on some level, respected priest's views and opinions even though she didn't agree with him on many things. After the debacle with Ameris' wife over Darkhold, El perceived the ilmateri as much more judgmental and bias than she previously had. She avoided the priest in order to evade any potential criticism or conflict.
They faced each other over half a year later in Triel when Marshall swore his allegiance to El and helping Soubar. El took some enjoyment from that moment and what it meant to each of them.
Journal Reference: Records: Ameris, Ilmateri, Brother
Empowered: Crimson, Black
Weakened: Silver
In the past: Eleanor deeply respected Brother Ameris, and he was in some way a role model for her even when she disagreed. Ameris and Telia were among the first people she met and till the evacuation of Wayfork El was on more or less good terms with the pair. After the conflict over her father Benedict, the young woman stopped coming to the Temple.
Journal Reference: Records: Ameris, Ilmateri, Brother
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: El was made aware of Bath's return. She kept her distance letting the other girl make the first move.
Journal Reference: Records: Bath, Bathsheba. Notes: Bath
Empowered: None
Weakened: None
In the past: In El's mind, Bath resembled her sister Kat a lot which in the beginning drove El to try to keep Bath safe. That backfired, and since then Eleanor kept her distance. Bath's disappearance hit a nerve, given that the woman vanished without a word.
Journal Reference: Records: Bath, Bathsheba. Notes: Bath
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: None
None
Relation:
Formerly: El missed Cara as it had been months since they spoke. There were days when the ex-paladin visited the spot where the jergalite used to have her shrine. In a way, her relationship to Cara was one of the very few sentiments El was holding onto.
Journal Reference: Records: Cara, jergalite. Notes: Cara
Empowered: None
Weakened: None
In the past: No matter what the Jergalite priestess thought about her, El always regarded Cara as a friend and an ally. She respected Cara's level-headed nature, keen mind and the way she viewed the world - as a palette of grays. E on many occasion turned to Cara for advice regarding various matters. Priestess' past never bothered the woman, on the contrary, it was one of the reasons she tended to trust Cara's judgment more than those that knew only one side of things. They used to share opinions, information, and sense of humor where certain issues or individuals were concerned.
Journal Reference: Records: Cara, jergalite. Notes: Cara
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: The elven woman used to be among El's the associates and allies. El kept deflecting Elyssa attempts of establishing a relationship more friendly than one limited to cooperation. Elyssa, as well as Alexandra, attended El's trial and in the later period of ex-paladin's sentence, she visited House of Guardian.
Elyssa's alleged relations with both Dreadlord Selengil Harkonis and Khazark Kahanak Habdilof have never bothered El; she believed that whatever Elyssa did she had a good reason for it, and El respected the fact that elven perspective differed significantly from human one.
Journal Reference: Records: Elyssa
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: Gatewarder Villame was one the most resourceful and intelligent people El knew. Isabella's diplomatic skills, perceptive nature, and intellect were something that the woman admired greatly. The candlekeepian was one of the very few people who El didn't feel judged by. Gatwearden offered the disgraced ex-paladin an explanation for her fall, putting it in a different light than everyone else. This simple gesture had a great impact on El.
The two met first time sometime before the Second Defence Of Candlekeep. El disagreed with the War Council's decision about excluding Isabella due to her alleged friendship with Dreadlord Harkonis. Gatwarden was one the people whose counsel and advice was actively sought by the young woman during the war time.
Journal Reference: Records: Isabella, Gatewarden.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
None
Relation:
Formerly: El first encountered Klait during the Everwatch meeting after the war. He was one of the members of the EW that conducted some of the sessions of her moral training. After one of these sessions, El started keeping her distance from Klait.
Journal Reference: Records: Klait, Goldwind.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: El continued to treat Korry as an ally even tho she had left HoV quite a while ago. When the man decided to reestablish HoV, she offered her support.
Journal Reference: Records: Kory
Empowered: None
Weakened: None
In the past: When Kory joined the HoV El was very wary about the man. He was a former member of the Phoenix Company and seemed to have some ties with Belladonna. Gradually, however, he proved to be a loyal and trustworthy addition to the bunch. Kory was the one that came up with the idea of the Winter Festival, and he made it financially possible for HoV to pull this project off the ground.
Journal Reference: Records: Kory
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
None
Relation:
Formerly: El considered Rei an ally. Paladin's military and strategical knowledge were one of the reasons why El deeply respected the Everwatch Captain. Reine's down to earth way of being also contributed to that.
Journal Reference: Records: Reine, Rei. Notes: Rei
Empowered: Silver, Black
Weakened: Crimson
In the past: In a way Rei and El grew up together for Rei started her cadetship under Sveta around the same time El became Sveta's squire. They lived together for a while. El's affiliations somewhat strained her relationship with Reine.
Journal Reference: Records: Reine, Rei. Notes: Rei
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: None
Relevant in the beginning, before El joined the Zhentarim.
Formerly: Surprisingly enough for quite a while Sel was the only person that would claim El could achieve more. It took her a while to even consider what the leader of the Zhentarim was saying. The Dreadlord was slowly undoing the damage done by others. She respected the man and his views in a similar way she valued Cara's. She preferred the way their exchange had functioned before she joined the Zhentarim. At that point, El was aware she had troubles fitting in with any faction. However, convinced by Harkonis she could make something of herself she relinquished her neutrality and decided to give it a try. Ultimately she didn't feel it was a right fit. Additionally, she didn't appreciate the lesson in bowing and obedience, finding it uncalled for. El left the faction without a word of notice just like she did with EB.
Journal Reference: Records: Dreadlord Harkonis. Notes: Sel
Empowered: Black
Weakened: None
In the past: Dreadlord Harkonis was the last of the public members of the Zhentarim El came in contact with. Their first actual conversation took place during El's visit in Darkhold after being brought there by Xavier to discuss the Doll Face killers. Sel in contrary to Xavier understood her decision regarding the Everwatch Tribunal and in a way supported her choice to the point of showing up at her Trial. El recognized Selengil's position and treated the man with respect, caution but also a certain amount of curiosity. She enjoyed their conversations for he didn't belittle her the way Xavier used to. Eleanor didn't care what kind of impact on her already bad reputation the affiliation with Sel had.
Journal Reference: Records: Dreadlord Harkonis. Notes: Sel
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Crimson, Black
None
Relation:
Formerly: El tried to repair her relationship with Sveta even as she asked the Dame to release her from the squireship oath. Before El's departure to Calimshan, the two shared breakfast. The topic of their discussion made it obvious for the younger woman that they were back at the square one. Sveta voiced her disapproval about El's affiliation with EB and pointed out the pattern in her former student's choices. The similarities between the two men she chose to follow. They disagreed the same way the had done before. Eleanor doubted if there was a chance that she and Sveta could ever move past all that lays between them.
Journal Reference: Records: Sveta/Lysander, Watchknight. Notes: Sveta
Empowered: Black, Crimson
Weakened: Silver
In the past: El carried a lot of respect for Sveta regarding her mentor's leadership capabilities, martial skills, morals. She didn't, however, understand Sveta's preferences of women when it came to romance as well as her weakness for fickle, whimsical and unstable bardesses. Their relationship was never a simple one - squire must respect and obey the knight - which left little room to build a real friendship. El always felt like she was constantly disappointing the Watchknight and that her mentor lacked trust in her pupil. Things got even more complicated when despite Sveta's efforts Eleanor got involved with Cromis and, in the end, became his student. After his disappearance, El and Sveta grew apart, even more, partially to the choices the young woman made when it came to an alliance with Velika and Koraxxes.
Journal Reference: Records: Sveta, Headwatchknight. Notes: Sveta
Empowered: Black, Silver
Weakened: Crimson
None
Relation:
Currently: El experienced, on many occasions, what sorceress' temper could be like. The last time they interacted was after El came back from Darkhold. She perceived Telia as emotionally unstable, judgemental and hypocritical. El tried to treat Ameris' wife politely and remained cordial because of whatever respect she had left for the priest, but it also meant that she kept the interaction to a minimum. El recognized the power Telia had and her vast knowledge, but it only made her more wary of the emotional sorceress.
Journal Reference: Records: Telia. Notes: Telia.
Empowered: Crimson
Weakened: Silver
Formerly: El respected Ameris' wife and was in a way fascinated by that peculiar, beautiful woman. She was in a way an exotic thing to see for the girl that grew up on a farm. Their previously cordial relationship changed after El's first fight with Sveta. Telia accused the young squire of being manipulative, and from there it only went south. Telia confronted El after the evacuation of Wayfork when the girl wanted to deal with her father once and for all. After that, El didn't show up in the Temple for months.
Journal Reference: Records: Telia. Notes: Telia.
Empowered: None
Weakened: Silver
Because of what the two went through.
Formerly: Vincent was a fellow member of HoV, a friend, and an ally. He and El worked tirelessly on the Vessel, and he was the one to create the false Gem of Ice. His quirks, arcane knowledge, and loyalty were invaluable. Vincent was always a source of motivation for El when she needed it to keep HoV going. The Halruaan mage shared his mind and body with Ysmrilda which combined with all that HoV faced during the war drove the man mad. For many months El tried to ease his suffering, but ultimately she failed. The two keep in sporadic contact over sendings and letters.
Journal Reference: Records: Vincent, Vinny. Notes: Vincent.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
None
Relation:
Formerly: El respected Wai Li not only because of her position within the Everwatch or the stories she heard from Sveta but for the way Wai carried herself. The young woman didn't understand the take on the world that the Head watchknight possessed, but she respected the idea behind it. In a way, El was aware that her refusal to take oaths was a disappointment for Wai, but she also knew that the paladin would eventually respect that decision.
Journal Reference: Records: Wai, Headwatchknight.
Empowered: Silver
Weakened: Black, Crimson
Tables: Nyssis, Miasmata
Artwork: S. Briddle
Artwork edit: Arakes
Silver/Crimson/Black concept: Based on Z. Hemsey's lyrics.
Addition of songs to relations: Mercator's idea with pictures inspired that.
